Portugal Information
F.
Totalarea
92,082 Sq. kms. including
the Azores (2,355 sq. kms.)
and Madeira (796 sq.kms.)
Principal cities
Lisbon (pop. 815.000), Oporto
(pop. 329.000) and Faro
(pop.212.000).
Language
Portuguese. English and
French are widely spoken.
Population
Including The Azores and
Madeira lslands is 10,372.000
Religion
90% Roman Catholic.
Entry requirements
Valid Passport. Visa not
required for Canadian and
Si
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x,.";
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U.S. citizens.
Money
European Union EURO
Electricity
220 Volts, 50 Cycles.
Tourist offices
Toronto, Canada and New
York, U.S.A.
INTRODUCTION AND GEOGRAPHY
Portugal, partof western lberian Peninsula, shares its borderswith Spain in north and east, while
to the south and west lies the Atlantic Ocean.
The most westerly part of Europe, an area of ancient history and modern life, offers surprising
contrasts.
The Atlantic coast, with its beaches of fine sand, high rolling waves in the north and calm seas in
the south, are a paradise for the practise of surfing and nautical sports.
Its great historicalwealth is reflect in the romantic village of Sintra with its exuberant vegetation
and sumptuous palaces, in the palace of Queluz, inspired by Versailles, in the walls of the fortified
village of Obidos, in the monasteries of Batalha and Alcobaga, and in the Convent of Mafra.
Its gastronomy is straight from the sea - the lobsters and spiders-crabs for which it is famous, the
fresh fish with their unique taste, grilled sardines and the inimitable fish stews. Good wine is also
produced here: Set0bal, Moscatel, Bucelas, Colares and wines from Almeirim are the best
examples.
And the restaurants. What a variety!
They are to be found in large numbers in the picturesque fishermen's villages, on the
sophisticated Estoril coast or hidden away in quiet country corners. And as regards quality and
prices, they are a pleasant surprise.
On the coast or just a short distance away are 7 golf courses. Tennis and Squash courts,
numerous swimming pools, horse-riding centres and a motor racing circuit complete the offer.
Allthis as well as an excellent range of hotels, the famous Estoril Casino and nearby Lisbon with
its Fado music and bull fights (no killing of the bull as it has been against the law since the late
1800's), makes this an ideal area to hold any congress.
GETTING THERE
BY PLANE
There are international airports at Lisboan, Oporto, Faro, Funchal (Madeira lsland), Ponta
Delgada (S5o Miguel lsland in Azores), and Lages (Terceira lsland in Azores).
BY TRAIN
Daily international trains run between Paris-Lisbon (Sud Express), crossing the frontier at Vilar
Formoso; between Lisbon-Madrid, crossing the frontier at MarvSo; and between Oporto-Vigo,
crossing the frontier at Valenga.
BY COACH
There are three companies running services between many European cities and Oporto (lnterNorte), Lisbon (lnter-Centro) and Faro (lnter-Sul).
GETTING AROUND
BUS/TRAMS
In cities, you pay the driver a flat fare. In Lisbon and Oporto there are special tourist tickets at
Carris (Lisbon) and the Lisbon Underground or STCP (Oporto) information Kiosks, open from
8a.m. to 8p.m.
TAXI
Plentiful and cheap, they are usually painted beige. They have illuminated taxi sign at the top. In
the city they charge a standard meter fare, outside the city limit's they charge per Kilometre and
are entitled to charge for the return fare. The usual amount to tip is 10% of the fare.
TRAIN
There are Express trains from Lisbon through Coimbra to Oporto (Alfa trains) and regionaltrains
(lnter-cidades and Inter-regionais) connecting the different areas of Portugal. First and second
class are available except for local and suburban trains. Special tickets include tourist tickets
(valid for 7 ,14 or 2'1days). There are special rates on "Blue Days" offering return tickets with
discount for trips over 100Km. People over 65 are entitled to have special discounts.
For international, long and medium distance express services, it's advisable to make reservations.
Train timetables are available from information desks at stations and tourism offices.
BY COACH
Services are run in express or ordinary coaches, linking the country's main cities and towns.
CAR HIRE
Companies can be found in all major towns, and at the international airport. You must show proof
of identity (ldentity card for E C citizens and passport for other nationals) and a valid driving
license. A green card ls essential and it's wise to take out insurance coverage and collision
insurance. Car cannot be hired out to anvone under 21.
DRIVING
All motor vehicles drive on the right. Unless otherwise indicated, vehicles approaching from the
right have priority at junctions. Seatbelts are obligatory. The law is strict regarding drinking and
driving. The maximum speed in towns is 50Km p/h and on main roads and highways is 90 and
120Km p/h respectively. Petrol (Gas) Stations are open from 7a.m.to 8p.m. On highways service
stations are open 24 hours a day.
CLIMATE
The climate ranges from temperate in the North to sub-tropical in the South. The Northeast has
temperate maritime climate with hot summers and long cold winters. The Northwest has maritime
climate with short summers mild moderate winters with relatively high rainfall. The south has
Mediterranean climate with hot long summers, mild winters with little rain.
The Azores lslands - Subtropical climate. Summers are hot and slightly humid; winters are a bit
damp but mild.
The Madeira lsland - Subtropical climate with warm but slightly humid summers and extremely
mild winters.
CLOTHING
Summer - lightweight with some warmer clothes for cool evenings.
Winter - light to medium weight. Rainwear is advisable throughout the year.
Casual clothing is widely accepted but swimwear should not be worn in towns. Lightweight suits
should be worn for business meetings.
ACCOMODATION
Hotels range from luxury to 5,4,3 and 2*. There is a wide range of choice between boarding
houses, Inns, Hostels, Motels and Apart hotels. The Pousadas are very comfortable, special
hotels generally located in historical sites and in many cases they are totally restored monuments,
Castles or Palaces. There are three distinct categories: Regional Pousadas, Pousadas in
historical areas and Pousadas in national monuments. Advanced booking is highly recommended'
"Turismo no espago rural"(TER) offers privately owned homes ranging from wonderfulfarmhouses
to manor houses. There are many camping areas throughout the country that allow for an
inexpensive holiday and the opportunity for a close contact with nature. Also available, 1B youth
hostels spread around the country.
HOT SPRINGS
Portugal is famous for its medical waters. Thermal springs offering excellent accommodation can
be found almost everywhere, providing for many different treatments.
BEACHES
Portuguese beaches are very inviting offering white sand all over. Be careful not to swim in areas
where are flags warning. Red flags mean total prohibition to swim and yellow flags mean you
should be careful. Green flags mean there is no danger at all.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
Almosteverything is closed on: January 1, April25, Good Friday, May 1, Corpus Christi, June 10,
August 15, October 5, November 1, December 1,8 and 25.
Check for local holidavs too.
TIME
portugal is one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time, except for, Madeira and Azores which are
one and two hours behind Portugal respectively.
OPENING HOURS
Banks: Are open from 8.30a.m. To 3.00p.m.Monday to Friday, closing on public holidays.
Shops: from 9.00a.m.to 1.00p.m.and 3.00p.m. to 7.00p.m.(working days).On Saturdays most
shops close at '1.00p.m., even though there are some open in the afternoon.
Shopping Centres are open from 1Qam to 1 1pm or midnight, every day of the week
Museum!: From 10.00am to 12.30pm and from 2.00pm to 5.00pm Closed on Mondays.
ARTS AND CRAFTS
Portugal's crafts continue the tradition of centuries, and many of the products make good
souvenirs. Fine glassware is made round Marinha Grande, while Aveiro and Caldas da Rainha
are noted for their pottery. Portuguese porcelain is of a very high standard, and gold silver filigree
is beautifully worked.
TIPS
Most hotels and restaurants add 10% per service charge. Waiters normally expected an additional
tip of 5/10%. For bellboys, doormen and taxidrivers it is at your own discretion.
CURRENCY
The unit of currency is the Euro. The sign € is written before amount. Example: € 200.50.Most
banks have automatic exchange machines. Reception in most hotels will change money and they
are entitled to charge a small extra amount. To cover fluctuating exchange rates.
Traveller cheques and Euro cheques are accepted by all Portuguese banks and exchange
bureaus.
Visa, Amex, Euro card, Diner Club and Master Card are the most useful credit cards.
HEALTH
Medical facilities: Medical assistance is available in hospitals providing 24 hours a day emergency
service. There are also many clinics open from B.00am to B.00pm.ln case of emergency dial the
number 1 15 or 112.1n cases of road accident use the nearest SOS phone (Orange). For further
information see Phone directory.
CHEMISTS
Are open 9.00am-1.00pm/3.00pm-7.00pm-Monday to Friday and Saturday mornings. In every
area, you can always find one that one that is open all night or on Sunday. See the sign on the
door (white cross on green background) to find your nearest chemist.
The Portuguese word for chemist is "FARMACIA".
ELECTRICITY
The current is 220voltsAC, with a continental round pin plug.
TELEPHONE
All over Portugal, there are crediphones where phone cards can be used. These can be bought in
post offices and newsagents. At post offices, calls can be paid for at the end of the conversation.
To phone abroad, dial 00 then the country code and city/local code.
POSTAL SERVICES
Post offices are open Monday to Friday from 08.30am to 06.00pm.1n main cities there are one
post office station open on Saturdays. Stamps are sold here and also on shops bearing the sign of
the red horse. The Portuguese word for post office is "CORREIOS" and for stamp is "SELO".
CONFERENCE HALLS AND FACILITIES
There are many hotels and auditoriums, which offer first class facilities for congresses,
conferences and business meetings. In the major cities there are organizations that provide
services and assistance in congresses and meetings.
GUIDES AND INTERPRETERS
Portugal has excellent guides who will help you to discover the country.