Travel Portugal • Europe | She is Wanderlust Travel Blog

Located in southwestern Europe, Portugal has been stepping into the bucket lists of millions of travelers. The country is gorgeous., and has interesting history and culture, with impressive architecture, tasting food, excellent wine and friendly locals.

Why Visit Portugal

HISTORY & ARCHITECTURE

Portugal is one of the oldest countries in Europe, it emerged as a country in 1143. However, the history of the country dates back to the Old Stone Age. Further on, the area was settled and invaded by many groups including Romans and Muslims. Lisbon is actually older than Rome and Paris. Thanks to these influences, the country features different architecture styles creating and unique and interesting mix.

LANDSCAPES

For such a small country, Portugal has a very diverse and incredible landscape. It boasts breathtaking mediterranean beaches, rivers, peaks, beautiful trails, vast plains, mountain chains and an extensive coastline. A little bit of everything.

CUISINE

Portugal is the perfect destination for foodies (the food is also very cheap). With more of 500 miles of coastline, their cuisine is characterized by fresh seafood, however, each region has its own dish. You must try the “Bacalhau” (codfish) and their “pastel de nata”!. The country is also one of the top producers of Wine in the world, with award winning wines being one of their most ancient traditions.

LOCALS

Portuguese are damn friendly! They are warm, easy-going, hospitable and always have a reason to get together and drink some wine and have a good chat. They will also try to make you eat like your grandmother would

PRICE

Portugal is very cheap in comparison with other european countries. Basically, it offers the whole European getaway for half the price.

Why Visit Portugal

HISTORY & ARCHITECTURE

LANDSCAPES

CUISINE

LOCALS

PRICE

Portugal is very cheap in comparison with other european countries. Basically, it offers the whole European getaway for half the price.

Name: Portuguese Republic
Capital: Lisbon
Official Languages: Portuguese
Currency: Euro
Time Zone: UTC

Name: Portuguese Republic
Capital: Lisbon
Official Languages: Portuguese
Currency: Euro
Time Zone: UTC

Bucket List

What to expect

LANGUAGE

Portuguese is the official language. As both of them are closely related Romance languages, you could more or less get by if you speak spanish. English is also widely spoken in the country, mostly in larger cities and touristic attractions.

ELECTRICITY

In Portugal the standard voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. That’s the standard voltage in the UK, Europe, Australia and most of Asia and Africa; If you are traveling from the US you will need an adaptor.

CURRENCY

Euro is the official currency in Portugal. Other foreign currencies, like dollars, might be accepted at tourist attractions and hotels, but they won’t be accepted at other establishments, you could exchange the currency at any bank or withdraw it directly from the ATM. Credit cards are widely accepted.

SAFETY

Portugal is considered to be one of the safest countries in Europe in 2020. Is ranked as the 3rd safest country in the world by the Global Peace Index. However, crime rate is not non-existent, so watch out for perry crime.

How to get around Portugal

By plane

Portugal has a couple airports and you could take domestic flights if you are short of time, however, the country is small and I would recommend to rent a car or hop on the train if you have time.

By Car

Driving in Portugal is a total delight. However, tt would only be worth it if you are leaving the city or if your are planning a road trip, as the main cities all have a really good Public Transportation network and a car wouldn’t be necessary there. All the major rental agencies serve Portugal, but local agencies are usually cheaper. Check the best Road trips in Portugal

By Bus

Buses are an alternative if you want to save some money or if you are going to remote areas. A combination of train + bus is usually the best option in this case. They are widely used for short-distance travel, especially in rural areas with relatively few train lines.

By Train

The train allows you to take a look to the picturesque towns and beautiful scenery while going to your destination. It is quite efficient in Portugal, with a mix of both old and modern wagons. Fares are affordable.

Visa Policy

Nationals of the following countries do not need a visa to enter Portugal for a maximum period of 90 days in any 180-day period:

Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominica, El Salvador, Georgia, Grenada, Guatemala, Holy See, Honduras, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Macao, Macedonia, Malaysia, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Palau, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Taiwan, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, USA, Uruguay and Vanuatu.

Citizens from all other countries (except, of course, european citizens) need to request a visa in advance through the embassy.