PORTUGAL

Portugal has a warm Mediterranean climate, making it an excellent destination year-round:

• March–May (Spring): Best for mild temperatures, blooming landscapes, and fewer crowds.
• June–August (Summer & Peak Season): Ideal for beach vacations, festivals, and lively nightlife.
• September–November (Fall): Great for wine harvests, warm weather, and fewer tourists.
• December–February (Winter & Off-Season): Best for holiday markets, surfing, and mild winter getaways.

• Lisbon & Belém Tower – The vibrant capital, known for its historic trams, tiled streets, and riverfront monuments.
• Sintra & Pena Palace – A fairy-tale town with colorful palaces and breathtaking views.
• Douro Valley – Portugal’s renowned wine region, home to Port wine and stunning vineyard landscapes.
• Algarve Coastline – A paradise of golden cliffs, hidden caves, and crystal-clear waters.
• Porto & Ribeira District – A UNESCO-listed city with picturesque riverfront views and world-famous wine cellars.
• Madeira & Pico do Arieiro – A lush Atlantic island perfect for hiking, whale watching, and relaxation.
• Óbidos – A charming medieval town surrounded by castle walls.
• Aveiro & Its Canals – Often called the “Venice of Portugal” for its colorful boats and waterways.
• Fátima – One of the most important Catholic pilgrimage sites in the world.
• Azores Islands – A natural paradise filled with volcanic landscapes, hot springs, and whale watching.

• Pastéis de Nata – Delicious custard tarts with a crispy, caramelized top.
• Bacalhau à Brás – A traditional salted codfish dish mixed with eggs and potatoes.
• Francesinha – A Porto specialty sandwich layered with meat, melted cheese, and beer sauce.
• Caldo Verde – A hearty soup made with kale, potatoes, and chorizo.
• Sardinhas Assadas – Grilled sardines, a popular dish during summer festivals.
• Cataplana de Marisco – A seafood stew cooked in a traditional copper pan.
• Piri Piri Chicken – Spicy grilled chicken, influenced by Portugal’s colonial past.
• Queijo da Serra – A creamy sheep’s milk cheese from the mountains of Serra da Estrela.
• Arroz de Marisco – A rich, flavorful seafood rice dish.
• Port Wine & Vinho Verde – Portugal is famous for its sweet Port wine and refreshing “green wine” (vinho verde).

• Flights: Arrive at Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS), Porto (OPO), or Faro (FAO) for Algarve.
• Trains: Portugal has an efficient rail network connecting major cities and regions.
• Buses: Affordable and great for traveling to smaller towns and villages.
• Car Rentals: Recommended for exploring the Algarve, Douro Valley, and hidden coastal gems.
• Taxis & Ride-Hailing Apps: Uber and Bolt are widely available and affordable.
• Trams & Funiculars: A fun way to explore Lisbon’s steep streets.
• Ferries: Ideal for traveling to the islands or crossing the Tagus River in Lisbon.

• For U.S. travelers: No visa required for stays up to 90 days, but a valid passport is necessary.
• For international travelers: Check Portugal’s Schengen visa requirements based on nationality.
• EU Travelers: Can enter freely with a valid national ID or passport.

• Currency: Euro (€ EUR).
• Credit cards are widely accepted, but some smaller businesses prefer cash.
• ATMs are available throughout the country, offering good exchange rates.
• Currency exchange is available at airports, banks, and exchange offices.

• Portuguese is the official language.
• English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants.
• Learning basic Portuguese phrases like “Obrigado” (Thank you) is appreciated.

• Greet with a handshake or a kiss on both cheeks – A common greeting among locals.
• Dining etiquette: Meals are social and can last for hours—don’t rush.
• Tipping is appreciated but not required – 5–10% is common in restaurants.
• Respect historical sites and churches – Cover shoulders when visiting religious landmarks.
• Dress casually but stylishly – Portuguese people take pride in looking presentable in public.
• Punctuality is flexible – Life moves at a relaxed Mediterranean pace.

• Restaurants: 5–10% tip is standard if a service charge isn’t included.
• Bars & Cafés: Rounding up the bill is common.
• Hotels: €1–2 per bag for bellhops, €2–5 per night for housekeeping.
• Taxis: Tipping is not required, but rounding up is polite.
• Tour Guides & Excursions: €5–10 per person for excellent service.

• For peak season (June–September): Book 6–12 months in advance for hotels and flights.
• For shoulder season (March–May & October): Booking a few weeks ahead is usually fine.
• For major attractions like Pena Palace & Douro Valley wine tours: Book tickets online at least a few weeks in advance.

• No COVID-19 test is required for entry, but check for updates before traveling.
• Driving in Lisbon can be difficult—consider public transport or taxis.
• Some attractions require timed-entry tickets—book online in advance.

Contact us at 281-229-0862 or admin@pointmetoparadise.com