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Introduction to Portugal

Portugal is a small country in located on the western portion of the Iberian peninsula which it shares with Spain. A maritime superpower in the 16th century, Portugal saw its fortune wane over the centuries, and by the middle of the 20th century, it was one of the poorest countries in western Europe. The end of dictatorship and the introduction of democracy has seen significant enhancement in the quality of life in Portugal.

Portugal is small enough to be covered in a day. While many from Britain crosses over to Portugal for golfing holidays, there is much more that Portugal offers.

Table of Contents

Fast Facts about Portugal
  • Official Name: Republic of Portugal
  • Capital: Lisbon (2,600,000)
  • Population of Portugal: 10,366,000
  • Languages: Portuguese
  • Currency: Euro
  • Religions: Roman Catholic, others
  • Size: 91,950 sq km (35,502 sq miles)
  • Continent: Europe


  • When to visit Portugal

    For the most agreeable weather, go between mid-June to September, but expect it to be the most crowded time. The summers, especially in the south, tend to be warm with little rain.

    What to wear in Portugal

    Light to medium weight clothing is advised.

    Getting into Portugal

    By Plane
    There are three major international airports in Portugal, in Lisbon, Porto and Faro. In addition, some airlines also fly to Madeira and the Azores islands.

    By Train
    One can also go to Portugal by train. There are services between Lisbon and Madrid. For details, visit the Portuguese Railways website.

    By Road
    Roads are generally good, although highways are almost always tolled.

    Portugal Entry Requirements

    No visas are required for nationals of Australia, Britain, Canada, the United States and EU countries. You need a passport with at least 3 months validity.

    Where to stay in Portugal

    Click on the name of the towns listed below to view hostels and budget accommodation available for booking there.

    Click here for Budget Hostel Listing with Price and Room Availability
  • Agua de Moura
  • Albufeira
  • Alcanena
  • Alenquer
  • Apulia
  • Assumar
  • Bemposta
  • Braga
  • Bussaco
  • Caldas da Rainha
  • Carvoeiro
  • Cascais
  • Castelo de Vide
  • Coimbra
  • Costa da Caparica
  • Esposende
  • Faro
  • Fatima
  • Figueira da Foz
  • Funchal
  • Fundao
  • Guarda
  • Lagos
  • Leiria
  • Lisbon
  • Lisbon-Alenquer
  • Lisbon-Queluz
  • Miranda do Douro
  • Monchique
  • Nazare
  • Obidos
  • Peniche
  • Peso da Regua
  • Pinhao
  • Ponta Delgada
  • Porches-Algarbe
  • Portimao
  • Porto
  • Porto-Villa do Conde
  • Quarteira
  • Santa Clara a Velha
  • Santa Clara-a-Velha
  • Sao Pedro do Sul
  • Serra D'el Rei-Peniche
  • Setubal
  • Sintra
  • St Antonio da Caparica
  • Tabua
  • Tavira
  • Torres Vedras
  • Viana do Castelo
  • Vila de Prado
  • Vilamoura-Loule
  • Viseu

    Looking for a hotel room in Portugal?
    Click here to look for one, powered by TripAdvisor!

    User Feedback on Accommodation
    We compile the accommodation listing above with the good faith that it will be useful to you. If you have used any of the accommodation listed above, please write to us with your feedback, whether you enjoyed your stay there or not, and we will share it with others. Your feedback will benefit others when they choose their accommodation. We will not de-list any of the accommodation just because of a negative feedback from anybody, but will let you decide for yourself based on the feedback you read. User feedback is listed in http://www.earthdocumentary.com/hostel_feedback.htm

    Getting around in Portugal

    Domestic flights are provided by TAP Air Portugal and Portugália Airlines.

    Where to go in Portugal

    The following are the main travel destinations in Portugal:
  • Lisbon
  • Porto
  • Porto Santo
  • Madeira
  • Faro
  • The Azores

    Things to see and do in Portugal


    Sightseeing Tours of Portugal

    The following are local tours that are available for you to book:
  • ALBUFEIRA Sightseeing Tours Events & Attractions from Viator
  • ALGARVE Sightseeing Tours Events & Attractions from Viator
  • FAIAL ISLAND Sightseeing Tours Events & Attractions from Viator
  • FARO Sightseeing Tours Events & Attractions from Viator
  • FLORES ISLAND Sightseeing Tours Events & Attractions from Viator
  • FUNCHAL Sightseeing Tours Events & Attractions from Viator
  • GRACIOSA ISLAND Sightseeing Tours Events & Attractions from Viator
  • LISBON Sightseeing Tours Events & Attractions from Viator
  • PICO ISLAND Sightseeing Tours Events & Attractions from Viator
  • PONTA DELGADA Sightseeing Tours Events & Attractions from Viator
  • PORTO Sightseeing Tours Events & Attractions from Viator
  • SAO JORGE ISLAND Sightseeing Tours Events & Attractions from Viator
  • TERCEIRA ISLAND Sightseeing Tours Events & Attractions from Viator
  • VILAMOURA Sightseeing Tours Events & Attractions from Viator

    Money matters in Portugal

    Portugal uses the Euro, €. Banknotes are in denominations of €500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5 while coins are in denominations of €2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents. Banks are open Mon-Fri, 0830-1500.






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