Portugal Guide

The River Tagus runs through Lisbon and is the longest river in the Iberian Peninsula. It spans 1,007 km long with 716 km in Spain, 47 km along the border between Spain and Portugal with 275 km in Portugal. At Lisbon Portugal one of Europe’s best-loved cities it flows into the Atlantic Ocean. This country is home to seventeen unesco world heritage site, add to your Portugal travel sightseeing tour for the best time possible to see this delightful country.

History of Portugal

It’s maybe no surprise that it was once a very powerful maritime empire during the 1500s–1800s due to its enviable position on the Atlantic coast. Today, it is one of the leading tourist destinations in Europe with a population of around 10.26 million full-time residents living in the city, a town and villages.

Lisbon Portugal is also famous for its traditional music called Fado music, which in Portuguese, Fado translates to fate or destiny. The music is woeful and tells fateful romantic stories of daily life, Fado music dates back from the 1820’s but is thought to go back much further than this, it’s known in every Portuguese village, beach resort and town in the country.

What is Portugal famous for?

Portugal travel ticks all the boxes on everyone’s wish list, beautiful beaches and historic culture especially in the capital Lisbon. If you are a sports fan it provides the best surfing in Europe due to the Atlantic Ocean and if you are an avid golfer you can take your pick of any of the world-class golf courses there. Relaxing, sightseeing, and sport it’s all here and you must add this to your tour and the beaches of Algarve plus Porto to your Portugal travel guide without delay.

There are some amazing restaurants for those who love their food in town where you can dine on local dishes and international cuisine. National dishes include grilled sardines and salt cod obviously influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, amongst a whole host of other local food and delicious cuisines. Let’s not forget a visit to unesco world heritage on your Portugal travel tours as well as Quinta da Regaleira.

What can you do in Portugal?

The capital is Lisbon and this cosmopolitan city is a delight to stroll around even though parts can be hilly. There is the impressive Sao Jorge Castle one of Portugal’s which is an important landmark of the city and is majestic both day and night. It was built in the 5th century and over time has been transformed, the modifications and restoration were finally completed in 1938. Every trip here needs to go to the beaches on the coast.
One of Portugal’s must-visits is to Quinta da Regaleira which is classed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During your Portugal travel, to a national park, there are some beautiful locations in which to stay in Portugal. Check out our Portugal travel guide for places of interest to visit during your stay. Douro River is the third-longest river on the Iberian Peninsular another must-see. The Algarve is a favourite beach destination and Porto a great city trip.

The Ponte 25 de Abril is a suspension bridge over the Tagus which connects Lisbon to Almada. Keen history enthusiasts will visit the National Azulejo Museum, or if you simply want to relax then head to one of the many beaches along the coastline from Estoril to Cascais. Lisbon is the place to head to for a summer holiday or a weekend break. Its upmarket and cosmopolitan way of life is attractive and alluring and tourists visit time and time again. Lisbon is also one of the best cities in Europe to buy an apartment for sale. Owning your own apartment in the hub of Lisbon gives you everything on your own doorstep, cafes, bars and restaurants plus great shopping, with art galleries and umpteen museums. Just on the outskirts of Lisbon you will find national parks which are a must-see when you travel to Portugal with your travel guide ready. If you head down towards the border of Portugal and Spain you can see the Douro River on your travels and head to the beaches.

Golfing in Portugal

This is one of the most popular tourist destinations, not only because of its many attractions but also because of its championship golf courses. Golfers from all over the world travel here all year to play on world-class courses in perfect weather. The climate here is temperate, with hot, dry summers and wet winters. Obviously, the Atlantic Ocean, as well as the Mediterranean Sea, has a significant impact on its atmosphere. The regular temperature seldom falls below 16°C during the year, allowing avid golfers to play year-round in pleasant weather. The Algarve is the place to visit for golf.

Why is Portugal so popular?

There are many reasons as to why expats opt to move on a full time basis to this lovely country, the weather is one of them. Its close proximity to the rest of Europe also helps being just a 2 hours and 45 minutes flight away from the UK. Beautiful locations are to be had, close to Lisbon offering up a city lifestyle along with Porto, a life with amazing sea views or indeed a countryside feel. It offers an idyllic lifestyle one can fully immerse themselves in. Delightful apartments and villas in the best locations are a privilege to own and live in. If you are looking for a location that’s positively brimming with local culture, where you can use your travel guide choose exciting Lisbon in Portugal.

Transport in Portugal

There are many ways of getting around apart from walking or driving yourself. You can hop on the tram, train, bus, metro, ferry, or funicular. Of course, there is the option of cycling especially in the odd small town or two on a day trip which is a perfect way of seeing the sites. The good old taxi is ideal especially after a night out on the town. You can easily plan your Portugal travel guide via transport routes.

How do you reach Portugal?

The majority of international airlines fly here many times a day, making it very available. It is a fantastic second home destination since it is just a 2.5-hour flight from the UK and much less for most other European countries. Lisbon (LIS), Faro (FAO), and Porto (POA) are the three international airports where you can reach easily and use your travel guide often.

Why should you buy your dream home in Portugal?

It’s a smart decision to buy a property in Portugal as a vacation home, a savings, with the intention of renting it out short or long term, or as a potential retirement home. It is a lovely country that has maintained its laid-back and traditional way of life while still providing an upmarket lifestyle with amazing food that will enrich your days and evenings all year. It doesn’t get too hot to be uncomfortable, so you can spend your afternoons sightseeing and learning about the history and culture using your travel guide of this incredible country. The Algarve is a hot spot for investment.

What the professional investor sees for your future investment:

The World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Report for 2019 ranks Portugal 34th.
The European Union accounts for the vast majority of foreign trade.
Each year, 16 million international tourists visit Portugal.
The value of exports is €84.316 billion.
The economy’s expansion has been followed by a steady decline in unemployment.
In addition, the government’s budget deficit was lowered from 11.2% to 0.5%.

Portugal property – stability on property prices and EU protection

Portugal belongs to the European Union. It is one of the most attractive and financially successful EU countries to invest in thanks to its residency rule.
Schengen countries do not need a visa.
Residency in one of Europe’s most desirable countries.
Investors and their families are free to live, work, and study. Education and health-care services are also available.
Other EU citizens are not required to obtain a work permit in order to work. They do not need a visa, but they must apply for a residency card within six months of arriving for work.

Where to buy your property in Portugal?
Bairro Alto

– is the place to head to once its dark as the whole area comes alive with music and dancing. By day it’s a lovely location to stroll around although there isn’t much going on, however you can marvel at the baroque houses and historic monuments. Nearby are Baixa and Chiado which offer lots of things to do.

Baixa – is bustling and lively as one would expect as it’s the commercial centre. However there is plenty to do here with pedestrianised squares filled with shops, cafes, bars and restaurants that specialise in tasty food including seafood. There are museums galore and a must see is The National Museum of Contemporary Art which exhibits Portuguese art from the mid-1800s.

Chiado – if you love books this is where you need to spend a couple of days devouring the superb selection of book shops. Some are old and magical whilst others are brand spanking new. Traditional Lisbon it is, however it’s fast becoming modernised but don’t despair, it will always retain its authentic charm. Shoppers will adore this lovely district, whatever it is they want to buy, they will find it here.

Estrela – the Portuguese Parliament is located in Estrela, a charming residential neighbourhood. The tree-lined streets of Estrela are lined with boutique shops, restaurants, and cafes, and are popular with both expats and locals. Jardim da Estrela, a 4.6-hectare park modelled after London’s Hyde Park, is another of Lisbon’s most spectacular open spaces.

Liberdade – offers everyone an upmarket lifestyle. Akin to the Champs Elysees, Lisbon’s own Avenida da Liberdade is a dead ringer for the equivalent in Paris. Here the wealthy strut their stuff and go shopping in style at the numerous designer shops. Enjoy a glass of wine at one of the many cafes in the squares, decorated by stylish fountains and opulent statues. If you are looking for elegant surroundings in every sense of the word, you will find it in abundance in Liberdade.

Lapa – with its tree-lined streets, impressive mansions, and palaces, Lapa is a truly privileged place. Its home to embassies and beautiful gardens, and it’s close to the Alcantara and Santos neighbourhoods. The Tagus River, the Jardim 9 de Abril, and the National Museum of Antique Art are all within walking distance of these charming apartments in Lapa.

Marvila – at the moment, Marvila is one of Lisbon’s most exciting neighbourhoods, with a lot of promise and steady development. With contemporary art galleries, trendy restaurants, and thriving co-working spaces, Marvila and Beato are considered Lisbon’s latest “Brooklyn.”

Principe Real – located north of Bairro Alto and within walking distance of Praca das Flores and Sao Bento, Principe Real is one of Lisbon’s most erudite and fashionable neighbourhoods. The neighbourhood was named after Queen D. Maria II’s son, D. Pedro V, and is known for its beautiful ornamental buildings.

What is the climate like in Portugal?

Portugal has a temperate maritime climate with hot summers and rainy winters. The Atlantic Ocean on the west coast and the Mediterranean Sea decide the winters. The spring and summer months are sunny and humid, with temperatures can range from 35°C to 40°C (86°F to 95°F) in July and August, and 12 hours of sunshine a day in August. The coldest month is January, which averages 12°C (54°F), and the wettest month is December.

Average temperature °C

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Lisbon	11	12	14	15	18	21	24	23	23	19	14	12
Algarve	12	13	15	16	18	21	24	24	23	19	16	14

Average sunny days

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Lisbon	5	7	7	8	9	10	11	10	8	6	5	4
Algarve	5	6	7	9	12	12	12	12	9	7	6	5

Facts about Portugal:
The population in 2021 is 10,171,514.
The official title of Portugal is Portuguese Republic.
Lisbon is the capital of Portugal and the largest city.
The second-largest city is Porto, known as Oporto in English.
Portuguese is the sole official language.
Portugal’s highest mountain is the Torre at 1,933 m.
Portugal has 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Today, thanks to Portugal, we can all enjoy Port Wine.
In Portugal, Fado music is a tradition in the country.
In Portugal, locals have lunch between 12 and 2 pm and dinner between 8 and 9 pm.
16 million tourists go to Portugal every year.
Portugal is a popular weekend city break destination.
There are 75 golf courses.
Portugal is the world’s leading producer and exporter of cork.
Portugal is famous for its production of port wine. Only port wine produced in Porto can be called Port.

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