Porto
Bridges and port wine are what characterises Porto, Portugal’s gracious northern capital and second largest city after Lisbon. Porto sits astride a great gorge at the point where the River Douro enters the Atlantic. Although it’s mainly industrial, the city centre has plenty of charm with art treasures, medieval cathedrals and museums. The narrow streets sport wrought-iron balconies decorated with splashes of potted geraniums.
The main reason tourists visit Porto is to sample its legendary port wine, processed, blended and aged in the various lodges of the Vila Nova da Gaia district across the river from the city, reached via the spectacular two-tiered Dom Luis bridge. Visitors can tour the lodges and finish up with a tasting session. The city also has a historic riverside district called Ribeira, which is undergoing restoration and has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Within easy reach of Porto are numerous coastal resorts and fishing villages along the Atlantic coastline, well-known for their seafood restaurants. It’s the perfect end to a day spent cruising down the River Douro, ideal for taking in the scenic splendour.
Climate for Porto
Porto has a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summer weather and mild, wet winters. The average summer temperature is 68°F (20°C) but can rise as high as 104°F (40°C). Winter temperatures typically average at about 50°F (10°C) but occasionally drop below 32°F (0°C) at night. Weather-wise, best time to travel to Porto is probably between June and September, when temperatures are comfortable and rainfall is low.
Health Notes when travelling to Portugal
There are no health risks when travelling to Portugal. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is necessary for entry for anyone travelling from an infected area and destined for the Azores or Madeira. Health facilities are good and reciprocal health agreements exist with most European countries. It’s advisable that travellers obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before travel. Dental care and repatriation costs are not covered under this agreement, and travel insurance is therefore advised.
After Brexit, the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) replaced the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for UK citizens. The GHIC allows UK citizens access to state healthcare during visits to the EU.
Safety Notes when travelling to Portugal
Generally, safety is not a problem for travel in Portugal but reasonable care should be taken. Road maintenance is fairly poor so exercise caution and drive defensively when driving.
Customs in Portugal
Family is an important pillar of Portuguese society, with familial loyalty overriding everything, even in the corporate environment. Thus it’s not uncommon for employers to hire family members as they feel comfortable around those they trust. Self-respect through appearance is also of high importance, with dressing smart for all occasions not a rare occurence. In terms of cuisine, the Portuguese love seafood as well as sweet treats like honey cakes and pasteis. As a nation which is predominately Roman Catholic and conservative, overly exuberant foreigners are frowned upon while lateness and informal etiquette is also considered rude.
Duty Free in Portugal
Travellers over 17 years arriving from non-EU countries do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarrilos, 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco; 4 litres of wine, 16 litres of beer and 1 litre of spirits over 22% or 2 litres of liquor less than 22% volume; 50g of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette; other goods up to the value of €430 for air and sea travellers.
Doing Business in Portugal
Business culture in Portugal observes a strict hierarchical top-down approach to management and leadership. Subordinate employees are expected to do as they are told. Strong business relationships are built on trust between colleagues, and personal connections are important.
Business etiquette is formal yet relaxed. Use titles such as ‘Señhor’ and ‘Señhora’ until strictly instructed not to do so, and show deference to those in obvious positions of authority. Business meetings in Portugal must be made by appointment.
The dress code in Portugal is strictly smart and formal – with a strong emphasis placed on presentation. Business hours in Portugal vary, but are generally from 8.30am to 1pm, and 3pm to 6pm, from Monday to Friday.
Communication in Portugal
The international access code for Portugal is +351, and wifi is available in most hotels, cafes and restaurants throughout Portugal.
Tipping in Portugal
Service charges are not usually added to hotel and restaurant bills but it’s customary to leave a 10 percent tip. Bar staff and taxi drivers also expect tips, which usually entails rounding up the bill to the nearest Euro.
Passport/Visa Note
All visitors, except EEA member states, must hold tickets and documents for their return or onward journey, and proof of paid accommodation (equivalent in convertible currency accepted). The borderless region known as the Schengen area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lichtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option that allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
US nationals do not require a visa for a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. A passport valid for at least three months beyond period of intended stay is required.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadians do not require a visa for a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. A passport valid for three months beyond period of intended stay is required.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
UK nationals do not require a visa for a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. A passport valid for at least three months beyond period of intended stay is required.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
Australian nationals do not require a visa for a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. A passport valid for three months beyond period of intended stay is required.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish nationals do not require a visa to visit Portugal. A passport valid on arrival is required.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealand nationals do not require a visa for a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. A passport valid for three months beyond period of intended stay is required.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
South African nationals require a passport valid for at least three months beyond period of intended stay, and a Schengen visa.
Porto has a comprehensive bus network, as well as a limited underground metro. The Porto Metro is a light rail network that runs underground in central Porto and above ground into the city’s suburbs. If all else fails, taxis are also plentiful and cheap.
Public Holidays Around the World
Planning your year? Knowing public holidays in different countries can help you plan trips, schedule events, or understand global schedules. Below, find a comprehensive list of public holidays sorted by country.
