Portugal

Portugal, bordered by Spain to the North and East and the Atlantic Ocean to the west and south, has diverse attractions. From the Atlantic archipelagos of the Azores and Madeira to the mainland’s excellent climate and wonderful beaches, it offers a variety of experiences. Whether you’re a cultural guru or a total foodie, a hiker, a surfer or a golfer, Portugal has something for everyone.

Lisbon draws the second highest number of tourists out of all European cities, behind Spain’s Barcelona. UK passport holders are granted 90 days free as standard for entering Europe. 

Portugal’s landscape is varied, including the high plateaus and white sandy beaches of the Algarve, the volcanic lakes of Sete Cidades, and the vast rolling plains of the Alentejo. Get the most out of your Portugal travels and explore a range of landscapes in a relatively small area—green mountains, near deserts, and glamorous beach resorts. The Algarve is one of the more illustrious areas in Portugal and is renowned for its excellent golf courses. 

The Algarve has a climate similar to that of the southern coastal areas of Spain or Southern California. Utterly dreamy. In some places, such as the Guadiana basin, annual average temperatures can be as high as 20C and summer highs can reach over 45C. In contrast, there is regular snowfall in the interior North and centre of the country, and winter temperatures can drop as low as -10 degrees. The archipelagos of the Azores and Madeira have a subtropical climate, although variations between islands make general weather predictions difficult.

So, packing for a trip to Portugal depends on which region you are staying in and the season you are travelling in. Also, it is sensible to dress conservatively and respectfully when visiting a church or religious monument as a token of respect for local values.

Portugal’s cuisine uses various spices, including piri piri and saffron. Other common ingredients include olive oil, garlic, parsley, and coriander. Portugal is a sea-faring nation, reflected in the popularity of fish and seafood. Compared to European averages, Portugal consumes the most fish per person. Cod is the main catch. It is usually provided dried or salted and needs to be soaked before being cooked.

Dessert is special in Portugal, dominated by the rich, egg-based variety, including crème caramel and rice pudding. No trip is complete without a pastel de nata. The traditional alcoholic drinks are wine or brandy. Wine is produced in white, red, and, more unusually, “green” varieties (specific to a particular region and drunk “young”).

The SNS (the Portuguese equivalent of the National Health Service) looks after Portugal’s citizens. They operate health centres and public hospitals in the country. Residents pay a small charge for each appointment or treatment. British visitors should apply for a GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) before travelling, which entitles them to comparable treatment conditions.

In Portugal, bottled water is always advised. Tap water is not consistently good and does not comply with the parameters laid down in the EU drinking water directive.