Meet Portugal Portugal weather reportGetting into PortugalFrom the Portuguese kitchenFrom the Portuguese bar Currency in PortugalMajor airports in PortugalExamples of food and drink spendThings to have at hand in PortugalDid you know?

 

Meet Portugal

 

Portugal is a nation of old worlds and new, where pristine historical buildings stand proudly, flaunting their majesty alongside the futuristic charm of their modern counterparts.  Hailed as one of Europe’s most ancient countries, it combines the allure of sunny shorelines contrasted by quaint hillside towns, dramatic cliffs, medieval castles, and urban cities.  The result is positively enchanting.

 

Its picture perfect capital, Lisbon, is one of the world’s most well preserved cities decorated with visions from the past such as monasteries, museums, and cathedrals that have remained virtually untouched from the time they were built.  The city’s eastern side is resplendent in Moorish architecture while the downtown area of Baixa represents the triumphs acquired during the time of the Reconquest.

 

Of the more popular districts in Lisbon is Bairro Alto, where a vibrant night life of bars, restaurants, night clubs, and live music invite tourists to dance, sing, eat, and celebrate until the early morning hours.

 

The country’s landscape as a whole is easily navigable as per the six main regions into which it is divided.  These include Costa Verde (the Green Coast), Montanhas (Mountains), Planicies (Plains), Costa de Lisboa (Lisbon Coast), Costa de Prata (Silver Coast), and the Algarve.  The names given to the first four are representative of the imagery and nature pertaining to each one.  The silver coast on the other hand is named as such due to its historical sites and fishing towns while the sandy beaches of the Algarve promise warm weather almost year round.

 

Meanwhile, travellers in search of the island life can head to the renowned isles of Madeira and Azores.  The former is the peak of an underwater mountain whose appeal lies not in its beaches, as it has none, but its botanical wonders and thrillingly high cliffs.  The latter meanwhile is a collection of nine islands surrounded by volcanoes and hot springs, suffering the occasional volcanic eruption due to its location, but remaining peaceful and inviting to all who enjoy visiting.

 

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Portugal weather report

 

Portugal enjoys warmth and sunshine most of the year, experiencing mild, rainy winters that run from November through March with temperatures of about 14 degrees centigrade.

 

Peak season runs from June to September when temperatures can hit highs in the 40’s in some places, while others hover around the 30 degree mark, fluctuating a degree or two throughout the days and nights.

 

July and August in particular constitute the peak of the peak season when the beaches are flowing with tourists and the sun is at its hottest.  A visit at the end of September or start of October guarantees cooler, more bearable temperatures, affordable flight and hotel prices, and with most of the tourists gone, you can have the beach almost all to yourself.

 

The Algarve has some of the best year round temperatures, averaging at about 14 degrees even in winter.  Meanwhile, the islands of Madeira and Azores enjoy a more humid climate due to their location with temperatures rarely fluctuating below 19 degrees or above 24 degrees no matter what the season.

 

Snowfall can be found in the Serra de Estrela mountains during the winter time where many of the country’s most popular ski resorts are located.  

 

For the latest weather info use the Pampo weather forecast tool.

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Getting into Portugal

 

As a member of the European Union, Portugal permits entry without visa to all EU member states along with citizens of the USA, Canada, and Australia as long as they hold a valid passport from the specified countries.

 

Citizens of the EU may also enter Portugal with a valid national ID card in place of a passport.

 

All other countries not mentioned above should refer to the Portuguese Consulate or Embassy in their country of residence or citizenship in order to find out whether they are required to apply for a visa and what the process is for doing so.

 

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From the Portuguese kitchen

 

Portugal’s former empire extended not only over to several countries, but also to several continents including destinations as exotic to the country as India and Africa among others.  Thus, its cuisine fuses a global influence from its various conquests, the flavours of which are particularly prevalent within its diverse range of spices, including the ever famous piri piri chillies – the tiny peppers that pack a flaming hot punch.

 

As the food is also comparable to Mediterranean cuisine, it incorporates the use of olive oil, garlic, parsley, and coriander in much of its dishes.  Adding to that is seafood, seafood, and more seafood – quite possibly the most common ingredient for most typical dishes along with a few other items.

 

The following is just a sampling of some of the delectable samplings from around the country:

• Fresh fish & shellfish: Particularly popular are sardines, horse mackerel, lobster, shrimp, and crab

• Bacalhau: Dried, salted cod also typical of Spanish cuisine

• Caldeirada: Portuguese fish stew

• Arroz de Marisco: Portuguese seafood rice dish comprising various types of shellfish

• Caldo verde: A soup comprising shredded cabbage, sausage, and potato

• Chorizo: A type of cured sausage meat that has the same name in Spain

• Jamon: Cured, dried ham that has the same name in Spain

• Cozido a Portuguesa: A stew comprised of vegetables and meat, most commonly using pork meat

• Acorda: A thick, dry soup comprising bread and either vegetables or seafood

• Flan: A caramel custard dessert

• Pastel de nata: Mini custard tart with a dusting of cinnamon on top

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From the Portuguese bar

• Vinho maduro: This type of wine, the translation for which is ‘green wine’, is unique to Portugal and is available in a variety of white or red, characterised by either a light fizz or distinct carbonation

• Sangria blanco: The Portuguese version of sangria, the alcoholic fruit cocktail also famous in Spain, made with white wine instead of red along with apple juice, orange juice, a bit of sparkling water, white wine, and various fruits – refreshing and delicious!

• Portuguese daisy cocktail: A drink comprising lemon juice, ruby port, brandy, sugar, and grenadine

• Vinho de Madeira: A sherry like wine produced in the island of Madeira

• Liqueurs: Licor Beirao and Ginjinha are some of the more popular Portuguese liqueurs

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Currency in Portugal

 

As a member of the European Union, Portugal’s currency is the Euro, which is represented by the € symbol.

 

Within the currency, there are eight different coins including €1 and €2 as well as one, two, five, ten, 20, and 50 cent classifications.  One euro coin is made up of 100 cents.

 

Notes within the currency include €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200 and €500 classifications. For the lastest info on your rates, please use the Pampo exchange rates calculator.

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Major airports in Portugal

 

Passengers boarding cheap flights to Portugal can look forward to an arrival at any of its main international airports, including:

• Braganca Airport (BGC)

• Faro International Airport (FAO)

• Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS)

• Francisco Ca Carneiro Airport (OPO)

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Examples of food and drink spend

• Average price of a full meal in a local coffee shop from around €5

• Average price of a beer between €0.50 and €4

• Average price of a meal in a restaurant between €20-30

• Average price of a coffee €1

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Things to have at hand in Portugal

• Sunglasses

• Valid photo ID

• International or European driver’s license

• Citizens of the EU will need their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)

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Did you know?

• Vasco da Gama, the man who discovered the sea route to India, was Portuguese

• Portuguese is the official language of 9 countries

• Since the eighteenth century it has been illegal for the bull to be killed in Portuguese bullfighting

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