Overview

'Europe’s last best-kept secret'


Portugal is a country of astonishing beauty and diversity, not to mention clear blue skies and friendly, courteous people. Pick any destination and the view from your window might be a rugged stretch of windswept coastline (Cabo do São Vicente, Castelejo, Cabo Espichel), a pristine beach where fishermen mend their nets beside brightly painted sardine boats (Albufeira, Bordeira, Praia do Camilo) or a cobbled street overlooked by dazzling whitewashed houses with wooden balconies and red-tiled roofs.

Portugal is a land of infinite options. You can mingle with the crowds in one of the more sophisticated beach resorts or wander through the medieval quarters of historic cities like Lisbon, Porto, Braga or Coimbra. To explore the more remote beauty spots (car hire is relatively cheap, driving a delight) stay overnight in a romantic pousada – a converted farm, monastery or manor house enjoying a wonderful setting – an amazing bargain. If it’s an activity holiday you’re looking for, Portugal is one of Europe’s premier golfing destinations while the tennis schools are second-to-none. You could try your hand at big game fishing or horse riding, learn how to windsurf or water ski. Other unmissable experiences include Fado (Portugal’s answer to soul music), country fairs where centuries old folk traditions are lovingly reenacted, Port wine tastings and mouthwatering fish suppers. Portugal is a country ripe for discovery.
Christopher Rice

  General Info for Lisbon, Mafra, etc

General

Area: 92,345 sq km (35,655 sq miles).
Population: 9,979,450 (1998).
Population Density: 108.2 per sq km.
Capital: Lisbon. Population: 3,319,900 (1997).

Geography: Portugal occupies the southwest part of the Iberian Peninsula and shares borders in the north and the east with Spain, while to the south and west lies the Atlantic Ocean. The country is divided into various provinces, including the Atlantic islands of Madeira and the Azores; the latter lying some 1220km (760 miles) due west of Lisbon. The Douro, Tagus and Guadiana rivers flow across the border from Spain. North Portugal is mountainous, the highest part being the Serra da Estrela, a popular area for skiing. South of Lisbon stretch the vast plains of the Alentejo region. A range of mountains divides the Alentejo from the Algarve, which runs along the south coast, and is one of the most popular resort areas with wide sandy beaches and attractive bays.

Government: Republic since 1910. Head of State: President Jorge Fernando Branco de Sampaio since 1996. Head of Government: Prime Minister António Manuel de Oliveira Guterres since 1995.

Language: Portuguese. English is widely spoken within the business community.

Religion: Roman Catholic.

Time: GMT (GMT + 1 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October).

Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50Hz. 110 volts in some areas and 220 DC in parts of the south. Continental 2-pin plugs are in use.

Communications:  

Telephone: IDD is available. Country code: 351. Outgoing international code: 00. There are call boxes in most villages and all towns; there are also public telephones in many cafés and bars, from which international calls may be made.

Mobile telephone: GSM 900/1800 networks. Operators include Optimus (web site: http://www.optimus.pt), Telcel (web site: http://www.telcel.pt) and TMN (web site: http://www.tmn.pt). Coverage exists across the whole country.

Fax: Available at fax bureaux and large hotels in major cities.

Internet/E-mail: ISPs include Esoterica, who operate an Internet Access Center, and Telepac, Comnexo and Sonet. Cybercafés exist in all urban areas, and some post offices offer Internet facilities.

Telegram: There are telegram facilities at most major hotels. The public office at Praça dos Restauradores, Lisbon is open daily 0900-1800.

Post: Post offices (correios) are usually open 0900-1800 Monday to Friday. Central post offices and those at airports are open Saturday. Airmail to European destinations from continental Portugal and the Azores takes three days; from Madeira, up to five days. There are poste restante facilities at post offices throughout the country.

Press: The English-language newspapers published in Portugal are: Anglo Portuguese News (Lisbon), and The News (Algarve).

 

Passport/Visa

Note: Portugal is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement. For further details about passport and visa regulations in the Schengen area see the introductory section How to Use This Guide.

PASSPORTS: Passport valid for up to 6 months (depending on nationality) required by all except 1. EU nationals and nationals of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Malta, Norway and Switzerland holding valid national ID cards.

Note: (a) Passport validity depends on nationality; for nationals of UK, the passport must be valid for the duration of the stay in Portugal. (b) 2. It is advisable to have a return ticket, but not obligatory. If a visitor is not in possession of a return ticket, proof of sufficient means of support may be required.

VISAS: Required by all except the following for stays of up to 90 days:
(a) nationals referred to in the chart and under passport exemptions above;
(b) nationals of Andorra, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Chile, Columbia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Estonia, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, Israel, Korea (Rep. of), Lithuania, Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, San Marino, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Switzerland, Uruguay, Vatican City and Venezuela;
(c) transit passengers continuing their journey by the same or first connecting aircraft, provided holding onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport. However, nationals of certain countries always require a transit visa, even when not leaving the airport transit area; contact the Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy) for details.

Types of visa and cost: A uniform type of visa, the Schengen visa, is issued for touristic, private or business visits. There are 3 types of Schengen visa: Short-stay, Transit and Airport Transit. Visas cost between £9.39 and £24.54.

Note: A Schengen visa will be issued free of charge to the spouse and children of an EU national, upon presentation of the original marriage certificate and a valid EU passport. For children, original full birth certificates are required.

Validity: Transit visas are valid for single or two entries of maximum 5 days, including the day of arrival. Visas cannot be extended; a new application must be made each time.

Application to: Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy); see address section. Travellers visiting just one Schengen country should apply to the Consulate of that country; travellers visiting more than one Schengen country should apply to the Consulate of the country chosen as the main destination or the country they will enter first (if they have no main destination).

Application requirements: Tourism: (a) Passport or official travel documents accepted by Schengen countries, valid for at least 3 months longer than the validity of the visa, with blank page for attachment of visa sticker. (b) Application form. (c) 1 passport-size photo. (d) Proof of purpose of visit in the form of an official letter of invitation from host or business partner, provisional ticket booking and hotel booking where appropriate. (e) Proof of sufficient funds and medical insurance may also be required. (f) Fee (payable in cash, by postal order). (g) For postal applications, a large self-addressed envelope stamped for registered or recorded delivery. (h) For applicants driving to Portugal, registration document, proof of legal ownership of the vehicle, driving licence and insurance papers. Applicants entering Portugal by land must register with the Police within 3 days of arrival.
Business: (a)-(g), and (h) Letter from employer or, if self-employed, from solicitor, accountant, bank manager or local Chamber of Commerce stating purpose and duration of the visit. This should be faxed to the Consulate in London (fax: 020 7581 3085) at least 48 hours before submitting an application. References may also be required.
Working days required: From a few days to a few weeks.

Temporary residence: Contact the Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy) for further details.


Money

Currency: EURO

Single European currency (Euro): The Euro is now the official currency of 12 EU member states (including Portugal), although it is currently only used as ‘written money’ (cheques, bank transactions, credit cards, etc). The first Euro coins and notes will be introduced in January 2002; the Portuguese Escudo will still be in circulation until February 28 2002, when it will be completely replaced by the Euro. 1 Euro = Esc 200.482

Currency exchange: Many banks offer differing exchange rates depending on the denominations of Portuguese currency being bought or sold. It is common practice for banks to charge 0.5% commission with a minimum charge of Esc2000 (approximately £9). However, some banks do not charge any commission on transactions of less than Esc5000. Check with banks for details and current rates.

Credit & debit cards: MasterCard, American Express and Visa are widely accepted, as well as Eurocheque cards. Check with your credit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services that may be available.

Travellers cheques: These are readily exchanged. Eurocheques may be used at some banks in conjunction with the appropriate cheque-guarantee card. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take travellers cheques in Euros, Pounds Sterling or US Dollars.

Currency restrictions: The import of local or foreign currency in cash or travellers cheques is unlimited. However, there is an obligation to inform the customs authorities if the values exceed Esc2.5 million (approximately US$13,000,00). The personal export allowance is Esc100,000 cash or (local) travellers cheques, or the equivalent of Esc1,000,000 in foreign currency. This limit may be exceeded on presentation of proof that the same or a larger amount was imported. There is no limit on the movement of credit cards, cheques or travellers cheques issued outside Portugal in the name of the visitor. The export of gold, silver, jewellery and other valuables is limited to a value of Esc30,000 and subject to special conditions. For details, contact the Embassy.

Banking hours: Generally, Mon-Fri 0830-1500 (certain banks in Lisbon are open until 1800). In the Algarve, the bank in the Vilamoura Marina Shopping Centre is open daily from 0900-2100.


Duty Free

Visitors 18 years and older arriving from countries outside the EU may import the following duty-free goods:
200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco; 1 litre of spirits over 22% or 2 litres of spirits up to 22%; 2 litres of wine; 50g of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette; 500g of coffee or 200g of coffee extract; 100g of tea or 40g of tea extract; further goods up to Esc7500.

Abolition of duty-free goods within the EU: On June 30 1999, the sale of duty-free alcohol and tobacco at airports and at sea was abolished in all 15 EU member states. Although there are now no limits imposed on importing tobacco and alcohol products from one EU country to another (with the exceptions of Denmark, Finland and Sweden, where limits are imposed), travellers should note that they may be required to prove at customs that the goods purchased are for personal use only.


Health

1.: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over one year of age arriving in (or destined for) the Azores or Madeira, if coming from infected areas. However, no certificate is required from transit passengers at Funchal, Porto Santo and Santa Maria.

Health care: There are full state-provided health facilities, but private practices are allowed to coexist. There are approximately 28,769 doctors and 38,654 hospital beds. There are reciprocal health agreements with most European countries. The agreement with the UK allows free in-patient treatment in general wards of official hospitals to those presenting UK passports (other EU nationals must present form E111). Secondary examinations, X-rays and laboratory tests may have to be paid for. A nominal charge will be made for medical treatment at health centres (Centro de Saúde). There may be a charge for prescribed medicines. All dental treatment must be paid for. This agreement is also effective in Madeira and the Azores (although in Madeira a fee must be paid for a GP consultation, which can then be refunded by an appointed bank). Those wishing to take advantage of it should inform the doctor prior to treatment that they wish to be treated under EU social security arrangements. Private treatment must be paid for in full. Medical fees paid whilst in Portugal cannot be reimbursed by the British NHS.

 

Travel - International

AIR: Portugal’s national airline, TAP Air Portugal (TP), operates direct flights to Lisbon, Porto and Faro from a number of countries, including the UK, USA, Canada, France and Spain. Portugália Airlines (NI) operates flights from Europe. Other airlines flying to Portugal from the UK are British Airways, Go and GB Airways.

Approximate flight times: From Lisbon to London is 2 hours 30 minutes and to New York is 8 hours.

International airports: Lisbon (LIS) (Portela de Sacavem) (web site: http://www.ana-aeroportos.pt/eng/aeroportos/lisboa/lisboa.htm) is 7km (4.5 miles) north of the city (travel time – 35 minutes). Greenline Bus, nos. 44, 45 and 83, runs every 15 minutes from 0530-0100 to the city centre and main railway station. A special ‘Airbus’ departs to the city centre every 20 minutes. Taxi services to the city are available, with a surcharge after 2200. Airport facilities include 24-hour bureau de change, tourist information (0600-0200), duty-free shops (0700-0130) and car hire (Avis, Eurodollar, Inter-Rent and Hertz).
Faro (FAO) (web site: http://www.ana-aeroportos.pt/aeroportos/faro/faro.htm) is 4km (3 miles) west of the city (travel time – 30 minutes). Bus nos. 17 and 18 go to the city; taxis are available.
Oporto (OPO) (Oporto Sá Carneiro) (web site: http://www.ana-aeroportos.pt/aerportos/porto/porto.htm) is 11km (about 7 miles) from the city. Taxis to the city are available.
Faro and Oporto airports both have the following airport facilities: outgoing duty-free shop; bank/bureau de change (open normal banking hours); car hire and a restaurant/bar.

Departure tax: None.

SEA: The principal ports for international passengers are Lisbon, Leixões (Oporto), Funchal (Madeira) and Portimão (Algarve), served by P&O, Union Castle, Olympia, Linea C, Cunard and Italia. For details, contact shipping lines.

RAIL: Travelling from the UK, the quickest way is to travel by Eurostar through the Channel Tunnel to Paris (travel time – 3 hours) and, from there, to Portugal. The ‘Sud-Express’ runs between Paris and Lisbon, offering first- and second-class seats, sleepers and a restaurant car. For further information and reservations contact Eurostar (tel: (01233) 617 599 (travel agents) or (08705 186 186 (public; within the UK) or (01233) 617 575 (public; outside the UK only); website: www.eurostar.com); or Rail Europe (tel: (08705) 848 848). Travel agents can obtain refunds for unused tickets from Eurostar Trade Refunds, 2nd Floor, Kent House, 81 Station Road, Ashford, Kent TN23 1PD. Complaints and comments may be sent to Eurostar Customer Relations, Eurostar House, Waterloo Station, London SE1 8SE (tel: (020) 7928 5163). General enquiries and information requests must be made by telephone. Rail travellers from the UK not using the Channel Tunnel link need to cross the channel via some form of sea crossing, usually by ferry or catamaran; for details on sea crossings see also under Sea above. The cost of the crossing is usually included in the price of the rail ticket. There is a daily service between London, Paris and Lisbon, taking approximately 26 hours.

ROAD: The only land border is shared with Spain, and there are seven frontier posts in the north and six on the western and southern border. Border posts are usually open 0700-midnight, but close earlier in winter. From the UK, the quickest routes are via the ferry links from Plymouth to Santander and from Portsmouth to Bilbao in northern Spain (which obviates the need to drive through France). Cars can be imported for up to six months. For information on documentation and regulations, see the Travel - Internal section. Travelling from the UK, all road vehicles are carried through the channel tunnel in Le Shuttle trains (journey time – 35 minutes through the tunnel). For further details, see also Travel International in the France section. For information and reservations contact Eurotunnel Customer Services in the UK (tel: (0990) 353 535). For information on required documentation and traffic regulations see Travel - Internal section. Coach: Eurolines operates an extensive network of coach services to many destinations throughout Europe, including Coimbra, Faro, Lisbon, Lagos and Oporto. For information on timetables and fares, call Eurolines in the UK (tel: (08705) 143219; web site: http://www.eurolines.co.uk).


Travel - Internal

AIR: TAP Air Portugal and Portugália run services between Lisbon, Faro, Madeira, Porto Santo, Oporto and the Azores. Charter flights are also available. The airline for the Azores is SATA (Sociedade Acoriana de Transportes Aereos), which operates its service Air Açores, between the various islands.

SEA/RIVER: Transport is available from all coastal ports and along the major rivers. For details, contact local ports.

RAIL: Caminhos de Ferro Portugueses (Portuguese Railways) provides a rail service to every town. The tourist areas of Cascais and Sintra are connected to Lisbon by frequent express trains.

Cheap fares: On ‘Blue Days’, usually Monday afternoon to Thursday, special rates are available. There are also special fares (with 20-30% reductions) for groups of ten or more (Bilhetes de Grupo), travelling for a minimum distance of 75km/47 miles (single journey) or 150km/94 miles (return journey). Application should be made four days in advance by the group leader. Tourist Tickets (Bilhetes Turisticos) for 7, 14 or 21 days of unlimited travel are also available. The Rail Cheque (Cheque Trem), obtainable in four different values, can be in one name or a company’s name and has no time limit; it gives a reduction of 15% and can be used both for purchasing tickets and many other railway services.
An International Youth Ticket (BIJ) entitles those aged 12-26 to a discount (subject to certain conditions) in 25 countries, including Portugal.
Senior citizens are entitled to 50% reduction on production of proof of age. Children under 4 travel free. Children aged 4-11 pay half fare.
Family Card, Inter-Rail Card, Rail Inclusive Tours, Euro Domino and Special Tourist Trips are amongst other offers from the Portuguese Railways (Caminhos de Ferro Portugueses), Calçada do Duque 20, 1294 Lisbon Codex (tel: (21) 346 3181; fax: (21) 347 6524; web site: http://www.cp.pt). Rail information is also available from ICEP (Portuguese Trade and Tourism Office); see address section.

ROAD: Traffic drives on the right. Every town and village can be reached by an adequate system of roads. Petrol stations generally stay open 0700-2000, although some are open 24 hours. Travel by motorway is subject to a toll according to distance covered and type of vehicle. A small tax may be added to petrol bought with a credit card. Taxi: Charges are according to distance and taxis are all metered. Taxis are usually painted beige (although some taxis painted in the old colours of green and black still exist). In the city they charge a standard meter fare; outside the city limits they charge per kilometre and are entitled to charge for the return fare. There is a surcharge for carrying luggage in the cities. Car hire: Available from main towns and airports, with or without driver. Regulations: Minimum age for driving is 21. Cars may be imported for up to six months. Traffic signs are international. Headlights should be dipped in built-up areas and side lights used when parking in badly-lit areas. Children should not travel in the front seat. Seat belts should be worn. Warning triangles are compulsory. It is forbidden to carry cans of petrol in vehicles. Speed limits are 50kph (30mph) in built-up areas, 90kph (56mph) outside built-up areas and 120kph (70mph) on motorways. Visitors who passed their driving test less than one year previously must display a yellow disc with ‘90’ on it on the rear of their vehicle and must not go faster than 90kph (56mph) (or lower where appropriate). Permitted speeds will vary if trailers are being used. Documentation: International Driving Permits or foreign driving licences are accepted. Third Party insurance is compulsory and a Green Card must be obtained. Under the requirements of the Portuguese Road Code, those wishing to drive a car must possess a valid national/international driving licence, other official documentation with photograph, log book or rental contract and adequate car insurance. Failure to produce, on request to the authorities, any of the above will result in an on-the-spot cash fine. A Carnet de Passage is needed for a van.

URBAN: Lisbon has an underground (Metropolitano), which is currently being expanded. Trams also operate in major Portuguese cities. A tram ride in Lisbon also provides a good opportunity to see the city. Cheap fares: In Lisbon, a Tourist Pass is available for either 4- or 7-days travel on trams, buses and the underground. The Lisboa Card (for sightseeing) is valid for 24 or 72 hours and offers unlimited bus, tram and underground travel as well as entry to 26 museums and 50% discounts to other cultural attractions.

JOURNEY TIMES: The following chart gives approximate journey times (in hours and minutes) from Lisbon to other major cities/towns in the Portuguese Republic.

 

Climate

The northwest has mild winters with high levels of rainfall and fairly short summers. The northeast has longer winters and hot summers. In the south, summers (March to October) are warm with very little rain except in early spring and autumn. High temperatures are moderated by a permanent breeze in Estoril (July to August).