Portugal shares the Iberian Peninsula with Spain, and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west and south. Its long, varied coastline, sunny climate, and the relaxed lifestyle of the inhabitants of its charming towns and villages have made it a sought after holiday destination. The delight of Portugal is that, although it is undeniably part of modern Europe, it retains some rural enclaves where time has stood still and traditions flourish. In the southern province of the Algarve, modern high-rise resorts line the coast and buzz with all the trappings of a package tour destination; the capital city, Lisbon, on the west coast, is a bright, busy, crowded metropolis surrounded by bustling tourist resorts. Travel a few miles north or east, however, and discover a largely undeveloped picturesque countryside full of medieval villages and towns where life has changed little over several centuries.

The Portuguese have a close affinity to the sea; for centuries their famed mariners led the way in the exploration of Africa and the Americas, and opened trade routes to the East. The country became a strong colonial power, and remained so until the mid-20th century, resulting in distinctive foreign influences on the local culture and architecture. From Africa, for example, was imported the now traditional, sentimental fado music, which is one of the country’s unique experiences for visitors, particularly in the cafés of Lisbon.

In recent years Portugal, long overlooked on the list of the world’s top vacation stations, has been investing time, money and effort into ensuring it is discovered by the world’s travellers, just as once it was the Portuguese who discovered the world. This new age of discovery is paying off, as increasing numbers of visitors arrive each year and hotel and resort construction has exploded. From the visitor's point of view the compactness of the country makes it easy to take in all the best elements: sandy beaches, scenery, history, wonderful cuisine, lively entertainment, charming handcrafts, thrilling nightlife, country fairs, excellent sporting facilities and warm, friendly people.

From the cobbled winding streets of Lisbon’s medieval citadel to the cork forests in Alentejo, and from fishermen mending their nets on remote beaches to the shopping malls and sophisticated glitzy resorts, Portugal is a country well worth discovering.

LISBON:
The capital of Portugal has experienced a renaissance in recent years and has reclaimed its rightful place as the 'golden city' of southern Europe. After slumbering for decades, the city's modern, vibrant and cosmopolitan identity is today much similar to that which it enjoyed in the 15th and 16th centuries during the age of the great discoverers, when Lisbon was the centre of trade with the East and the starting point for maritime exploration of the globe.

The city fathers of Lisbon elected to invest in some rejuvenation in the 1990s, and this ongoing focus on the future has made the most of the city's attributes and attractions, both old and new. Infrastructure has also been improved, with additions like the impressive Vasco da Gama Bridge across the River Tagus, which links the city's airport to a network of national motorways and has facilitated access to other parts of Portugal. There is also a new showcase railway hub, the Gare de Oriente, which is the pride of a new modern suburb on the east bank of the Tagus, called Santiago Calatrava, linking Lisbon to the rest of Europe.

OPORTO:

Bridges and port wine are what characterises Oporto, Portugal's gracious northern capital and second largest city after Lisbon. Oporto sits astride a great gorge at the point where the River Douro enters the Atlantic, and although it is mainly industrial, the city centre has plenty of charm with some art treasures, medieval cathedrals and museums, along narrow streets sporting wrought-iron balconies and bright splashes of potted geraniums.

The main reason tourists visit Oporto is to sample its legendary port wine, processed, blended and aged in the various lodges of the Vila Nova da Gaia district across the river from the city, via the spectacular two-tiered Dom Luis bridge. Visitors can tour the lodges and finish up with a tasting session. The city also has an historic riverside district called Ribeira, which is undergoing restoration and has been classified as a Unesco World Heritage Site.

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


Electricity:
Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Round two-pin plugs are used.


Language:
Portuguese is the official language, but English is widely spoken and understood.

Health:
There are no health risks attached to travel to Portugal. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is necessary for entry for anyone travelling from an infected area and destined for the Azores or Madeira. Health facilities are good and reciprocal health agreements exist with most European countries, including the UK, whose citizens receive free emergency care at state hospitals on production of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Dental care and repatriation costs are not covered under this agreement. Medical insurance is therefore advised.


Tipping:
Service charges are usually added to hotel and restaurant bills, but it is customary to leave an additional 10%. Bar staff and taxi drivers also expect tips, which are usually the rounding up of the bill to the nearest Euro.

Safety:
Travel to Portugal should be trouble-free, but there is a rising incidence of petty theft and pick-pocketing in tourist areas, so reasonable care should be taken.


Communications:
The international access code for Portugal is +351. There are no area or city codes required. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). Portugal is well covered by three GSM mobile phone networks. Internet cafes are available in most towns and resorts.

Airports: Lisbon Airport (LIS)
Location:The airport is five miles (7km) north of Lisbon. Time: GMT (GMT +1 between the last Sunday in March and the Saturday before the last Sunday in October). Contacts: Tel: +351 (0)218 413 500. Arrivals information: (0)218 413 700. Transfer to the city: The Carris Aerobus no 91 runs every day between 7.45am and 8.45pm, connecting Lisbon Airport to the city centre. Tickets at €2.85 giving a day's use of the bus and tram network can be purchased on the bus. A shuttle bus service also operates between the airport and the resorts of Estoril and Cascais. The fare is €7.50 and the service operates between 7am and 10.30pm. Taxi stands are situated outside departures and arrivals. The meter should read €1.95 and the commencement of the ride. Fares are 20% higher on weekends, holidays and at night.

Facilities: There are a range of passenger services at Lisbon Airport including ATMs, bureaux de change, showers, a post office, left luggage, baby care facilities, meeting rooms and a help desk in both Arrivals and Departures. There are a wide variety of restaurants and shops, including a duty-free. Disabled facilities are good; passengers requiring wheelchairs should contact their airline. Website: www.ana-aeroportos.pt/ANAIngles/Lisboa/HomePage.htm

Faro Airport (FAO)
Location: The airport is two miles (4km) west of Faro. Time: GMT (GMT +1 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October). Contacts: Tel: +351 (0)289 800 800. Transfer to the city: Buses and taxis are available outside the terminal building to take passengers to all areas of the Algarve.

Facilities: The airport has several restaurants, bars and shops, including duty free. ATMs and currency exchange services are also available. Website: www.ana-aeroportos.pt/ANAIngles/Faro/HomePage.htm

Currency:
Money: Portugal is a member of the European Union and its official currency is the Euro (€), which is divided into 100 cents. There are numerous banks, bureaux de change and ATMs available in main cities and tourist destinations. Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change and automatic currency exchange machines. Banking hours are generally 8.30am to 3pm Monday to Friday. Major credit cards are widely accepted, as are travellers cheques.

Visa & Passport Requirements:
Entry requirements for Americans: No visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days.

Entry requirements for UK nationals: British citizens do not require a visa for a stay of up to 180 days.

Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadians do not require a visa for a stay of up to 90 days.

Entry requirements for Australians: No visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days.

Entry requirements for South Africans: South African nationals require a valid passport and a Schengen visa.

Entry requirements for New Zealanders: New Zealand nationals do not require a visa for a stay of up to 90 days.

Entry requirements for Irish nationals: Irish nationals do not require a visa for stays of up to 180 days.

Passport/Visa Note: All visitors must hold tickets and/or documents for their return or onward journey, and at least EUR 74.82 plus EUR 39.90 per day of stay, unless holding proof of paid accommodation. (Equivalent in convertible currency accepted.). Portugal is a signatory to the Schengen agreement and is incorporated in the 'borderless' region of Europe that issues a standard Schengen visa.

Note: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travellers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.

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