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WHY BOOK A TRIP TO PORTUGAL
The Portuguese lifestyle represents everything special about southern Europe – a cuisine that’s aged like a fine glass of port, beautiful beaches that bask in the sun, and an enviably laid-back population.
This country is all about the undiscovered, the discovered and how they intersect. The capital, Lisbon, welcomes millions of visitors every year; and yet, there is always something new to explore. Meanwhile Porto, in the north, is one of the most underrated cities in Europe, full of trendy cafes and bookshops. Both cities represent the country’s ability to remain hip, as contemporary cultural scenes constantly emerge on the foundations of centuries of history.
There’s a similar duality to the Portuguese countryside. While the Algarve is deservedly one of the most popular beach destinations on the continent, you can also escape to the Douro Valley wine lands or even the Azores, an archipelago that fulfils the fantasies of any outdoor adventurer. The thing that unites the country is a passion for all things food and drink. Any trip to Portugal is incomplete without a fair share of wine, coffee and pastéis de nata.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What’s the best time of year to visit Portugal?
It depends what you’re looking for. Beach retreats are best in summer (June-August) when the weather is very hot, but if you’re looking at city-breaking then the slightly cooler springtime (March-May) months might be better. The weather remains pretty pleasant through autumn, so if you’re not too bothered about tanning there are some cheap, crowd-avoiding options all year round.
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What’s the climate like in Portugal?
Classically Mediterranean – hot, dry summers, pleasant spring and autumn months, winter is mild if a little wet.
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What’s the currency in Portugal?
Euro
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What language is spoken in Portugal?
Portuguese
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What is the time difference in Portugal?
The time zone in Portugal is Western European Time (UTC+0), which is the same as in London, 5 hours ahead of New York and 8 hours ahead of LA. The Azores are one hour behind and use Azores Time (UTC-1).
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Major Airports in Portugal:
- Lisbon Airport (LIS)
- Porto Airport (OPO)
- Faro Airport (FAO), Algarve
- Madeira Airport (FNC)
- Ponta Delgada-João Paulo II Airport (PDL), Azores
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What are the top destinations to visit in Portugal?
- Lisbon – the capital is a pretty, laid-back city with a rich cultural scene
- Porto – the country’s second city is just as vibrant
- Azores – a bright green adventure playground in the middle of the Atlantic
- Douro Valley – for riverside cycling, peaceful boat rides and world-renowned wineries
- Sintra – a fairytale town in the hillsides west of Lisbon
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What are the top five local dishes to try?
- Pasteis de Nata – scrumptious egg tarts, perfect accompaniment to an afternoon coffee
- Caldo Verde – simple but tasty soup often eaten on celebratory occasions
- Bifanas – marinated pork sandwiches packed with flavour
- Bacalhau – dried and salted cod, a staple of Portuguese cuisine
- Port – fortified wine from the Douro Valley, usually red, sweet and often served with dessert