Portugal has a public health system (SNS) accessible to EU citizens with the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). The quality of medical care is good to very good in cities — Lisbon and Porto have excellent hospitals. In rural areas, however, the nearest emergency room may be far away. Points of

Portugal is part of the Eurozone — the currency is the Euro (€), as in Germany, Austria, and most EU countries. No currency exchange needed. Cash & Cards Card payment is widespread in Portugal. Even in small cafes, markets, and taxis, you can pay by card (Visa and Mastercard are accepted everywhere

Portugal offers excellent shopping opportunities — from traditional handicrafts to modern shopping centers. Typical Souvenirs Azulejos — hand-painted ceramic tiles, from approx. €15 per piece. Caution: Only buy new tiles! Buying antique azulejos (stolen from facades) is illegal Cork Products — bag

On holidays, banks, authorities, and many shops are closed. Supermarkets have reduced opening hours. Restaurants and tourist facilities usually remain open. DateHolidayNote January 1Ano Novo (New Year)Everything closed VariableCarnaval (Carnival Tuesday)Not an official holiday, but many have time

Women Traveling Alone

Portugal is one of the safest countries in Europe for women traveling alone. The Portuguese society is respectful, the crime rate low, and as a woman, you can move freely day and night. As everywhere, the usual precautions apply: In Lisbon's nightlife districts (Bairro Alto, Cais do Sodré), be aware

Since June 2017, the EU has implemented "Roam like at Home" — you can use your German, Austrian, or Swiss mobile tariff in Portugal without additional costs (calls, SMS, data). This applies to all EU/EEC tariffs. Note: Swiss tariffs often have a separate roaming package — check beforehand! WLAN Fre

Climate & Best Travel Time

Portugal has a Mediterranean to Atlantic climate — summers are warm and dry, winters mild and rainy. However, there are significant regional differences. Lisbon & Central Portugal MonthTemp. (°C)Rainy DaysSun HoursRating Jan8–15105Low season, mild Feb9–1696Algarve almond blossom Mar10–1877Spring

Portugal is one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly countries in the world. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2010 (as the fourth country worldwide and the first Catholic country). Since 2016, same-sex couples can adopt children, and since 2018, trans people can change their gender entry without medica

Basics & Pronunciation

Portuguese sounds unfamiliar to German ears at first — almost Slavic, some say. This is due to the many sibilants, nasal vowels, and swallowed syllables. European Portuguese (in Portugal) sounds quite different from Brazilian Portuguese — the Brazilian variant is more open, melodic, and easier to un

Greetings & Politeness

Politeness is highly valued in Portugal. People greet when entering a shop, thank profusely, and often use "se faz favor" (please). Here are the most important expressions. Greeting PortuguesePronunciationEnglish Bom diabong DI-aGood morning (until about 12 PM) Boa tardeboa TARDGood afternoon (12

Dining in Portugal is a social event — and a few words in Portuguese make the experience even more authentic. Ordering & Inquiring PortuguesePronunciationEnglish Uma mesa para dois, por favoruma ME-sa para doischA table for two, please A ementa / O menua e-MEN-taThe menu O prato do diau PRA-tu du

Shopping & Bargaining

At markets and in small shops, a few words in Portuguese make a big difference. Bargaining is uncommon in Portugal — except at flea markets (Feira da Ladra in Lisbon, Vandoma in Porto) and for larger purchases. In the Shop PortuguesePronunciationEnglish Quanto custa?KWAN-tu KUSCH-taHow much does

Navigation and transport in Portugal — the most important phrases for bus, train, taxi, and when you get lost. Orientation PortuguesePronunciationEnglish Onde é...?OND äWhere is...? Onde fica a estação?OND FI-ka a öschta-SSAUNGWhere is the station? Esquerda / Direitaösch-KER-da / di-RAY-taLeft /

Even though English usually works in emergencies — these phrases can help in stressful situations. PortuguesePronunciationEnglish Socorro!so-KO-chuHelp! Chame uma ambulância!SCHAM uma am-bu-LAN-ssiaCall an ambulance! Chame a polícia!SCHAM a po-LI-ssiaCall the police! Preciso de um médicoprö-SSI-s

Useful Phrases & Comparison

Finally, a collection of particularly useful everyday phrases and a comparison between European and Brazilian Portuguese that travelers should know. Everyday Phrases SituationPortugueseEnglish IntroducingChamo-me... / O meu nome é...My name is... OriginSou da Alemanha / Áustria / SuíçaI'm from Ge

Home Travel GuidesPortugal

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Travel Guide Portugal

Your complete travel guide for the country on the Atlantic

Capital:Lisbon

Language:Portuguese

Currency:Euro (€) since 2002

Entry:EU Identity Card

Best Travel Time:April – October

Flight Time:2.5 – 3.5 hours

Last updated: 10 March 2026 · 15 Chapters · 112 Sections

RECOMMENDED

Route Suggestions

Portugal Highlights

14 days

The grand tour through Portugal's most beautiful corners — from the capital to the dream beaches of the Algarve to the port wine on the Douro. Perfect for first-time visitors who want to see it all.

LissabonSintraÉvoraAlgarveAlentejo-KüstePortoDouro-Tal

Algarve Coastal Tour

7 days

Along the spectacular rocky coast from east to west — golden sandy beaches, hidden grottos, dramatic cliffs, and the end of the world in Sagres.

FaroTaviraAlbufeiraBenagilLagosSagresAljezur

Porto & Douro Valley

5 days

Port wine and culture — from the UNESCO old town of Porto through the breathtaking Douro Valley with its vineyard terraces to the cradle of the Portuguese nation.

PortoVila Nova de GaiaPinhãoLamegoGuimarães

Madeira Hiking Paradise

7 days

Along the legendary Levadas and over the highest peaks of the flower island — from tropical laurel forests through dramatic volcanic landscapes to natural sea water pools.

FunchalPico do ArieiroPico RuivoRabaçalPorto MonizSão VicenteCâmara de Lobos

Family Portugal

10 days

Portugal for the whole family — child-friendly beaches in the Algarve, fairy-tale castles in Sintra, the Oceanarium in Lisbon, and interactive museums in Porto. Short driving distances, lots of variety.

LissabonSintraCascaisÉvoraAlgarvePorto

All Chapters

Planning· 2 Chapters

Chapter 1

Welcome to Portugal

4 Sections

Chapter 2

Arrival & Transport

5 Sections

Regions· 6 Chapters

Chapter 3

Lisbon

10 Sections · 1 Walking Tour

Chapter 4

Algarve

8 Sections

Chapter 5

Porto & Northern Portugal

10 Sections · 1 Walking Tour

Chapter 6

Madeira

9 Sections

Chapter 7

Alentejo

8 Sections

Chapter 8

Sintra & Surroundings

7 Sections

Understanding· 5 Chapters

Chapter 9

History of Portugal

6 Sections

Chapter 10

Society & Saudade

5 Sections

Chapter 11

Food & Drink

7 Sections

Chapter 12

Nature & Landscape

5 Sections

Chapter 13

Art & Azulejos

5 Sections

Practical· 2 Chapters

Chapter 14

Practical Info A–Z

16 Sections

Chapter 15

Portuguese Phrasebook

7 Sections

Discover More Travel Guides

Regions at a Glance

Lisbon

The city of seven hills — Fado sounds in Alfama, historic trams, world-famous Pastéis de Nata, and a vibrant nightlife on the Tagus.

AlfamaBelémBairro AltoTram 28+1

Lissabon

Algarve

Portugal's sunroom — dramatic rocky coasts, golden sandy beaches, hidden grottos, and over 300 sunny days a year.

Benagil CavePonta da PiedadePraia da MarinhaLagos+1

Algarve Lagos Faro+1 mehr

Porto & Northern Portugal

The charming port city on the Douro — port wine cellars, azulejo-adorned churches, the wild Douro Valley, and the original Minho region.

RibeiraLivraria LelloDouro ValleyBraga+1

Porto

Madeira

The flower island in the Atlantic — spectacular Levada hikes, lush laurel forests, dramatic steep coasts, and eternal spring.

Levada hikesPico do ArieiroFunchalCabo Girão+1

Madeira Funchal

Alentejo

Portugal's undiscovered heart — endless cork oak forests, medieval towns, award-winning wines, and deserted Atlantic beaches.

ÉvoraMonsarazRota VicentinaMarvão+1

Evora

Sintra & Surroundings

Fairy-tale castles in the mist — the colorful Palácio da Pena, mystical gardens of Quinta da Regaleira, and Europe's westernmost point at Cabo da Roca.

Palácio da PenaQuinta da RegaleiraCabo da RocaCascais+1

Sintra

Interaktiv