A brief guide to Portugal

Portugal, part of western Iberian Peninsula, shares its borders with Spain in north and east, while to the south and west lies the Atlantic Ocean.
The most westerly part of Europe, an area of ancient history and modern life, offers surprising contrasts.
The Atlantic coast, with its beaches of fine sand, high rolling waves in the north and calm seas in the south, are a paradise for the practise of surfing and nautical sports.
Its great historical wealth is reflect in the romantic village of Sintra with its exuberant vegetation and sumptuous palaces, in the palace of Queluz, inspired by Versailles, in the walls of the fortified village of Obidos, in the monasteries of Batalha and Alcobaça, and in the Convent of Mafra.
Its gastronomy is straight from the sea - the lobsters and spiders-crabs for which it is famous, the fresh fish with their unique taste, grilled sardines and the inimitable fish stews. Good wine is also produced here: Setúbal, Moscatel, Bucelas, Colares and wines from Almeirim are the best examples.
And the restaurants. What a variety!
They are to be found in large numbers in the picturesque fishermen's villages, on the sophisticated Estoril coast or hidden away in quiet country corners. And as regards quality and prices, they are a pleasant surprise.
On the coast or just a short distance away are 7 golf courses. Tennis and Squash courts, numerous swimming pools, horse-riding centres and a motor racing circuit complete the offer.
All this as well as an excellent range of hotels, the famous Estoril Casino and nearby Lisbon with its Fado music and bull fights (no killing of the bull as it has been against the law since the late 1800's), makes this an ideal area to hold any congress.

GETTING THERE

BY PLANE
There are international airports at Lisbon, Oporto, Faro, Funchal (Madeira Island), Ponta Delgada (São Miguel Island in Azores), and Lages (Terceira Island in Azores).

BY TRAIN
Daily international trains run between Paris-Lisbon (Sud Express), crossing the frontier at Vilar Formoso; between Lisbon-Madrid, crossing the frontier at Marvão; and between Oporto-Vigo, crossing the frontier at Valença.

BY COACH
There are three companies running services between many European cities and Oporto (Inter-Norte), Lisbon (Inter-Centro) and Faro (Inter-Sul).

GETTING AROUND

BUS/TRAMS
In cities, you pay the driver a flat fare. In Lisbon and Oporto there are special tourist tickets at Carris (Lisbon) and the Lisbon Underground or STCP (Oporto) information Kiosks, open from 8a.m. to 8p.m.

TAXI
Plentiful and cheap, they are usually painted beige. They have illuminated taxi sign at the top. In the city they charge a standard meter fare; outside the city limit's they charge per Kilometre and are entitled to charge for the return fare. The usual amount to tip is 10% of the fare.

TRAIN
There are Express trains from Lisbon through Coimbra to Oporto (Alfa trains) and regional trains (Inter-cidades and Inter-regionais) connecting the different areas of Portugal. First and second class are available except for local and suburban trains. Special tickets include tourist tickets (valid for 7,14 or 21days). There are special rates on "Blue Days" offering return tickets with discount for trips over 100Km. People over 65 are entitled to have special discounts.
For international, long and medium distance express services, it's advisable to make reservations. Train timetables are available from information desks at stations and tourism offices.

BY COACH
Services are run in express or ordinary coaches, linking the country's main cities and towns.

CAR HIRE
Companies can be found in all major towns, and at the international airport. You must show proof of identity (Identity card for E C citizens and passport for other nationals) and a valid driving license. A green card is essential and it's wise to take out insurance coverage and collision insurance. Car cannot be hired out to anyone under 21.

DRIVING
All motor vehicles drive on the right. Unless otherwise indicated, vehicles approaching from the right have priority at junctions. Seatbelts are obligatory. The law is strict regarding drinking and driving. The maximum speed in towns is 50Km p/h and on main roads and highways is 90 and 120Km p/h respectively. Petrol (Gas) Stations are open from 7a.m.to 8p.m. On highways service stations are open 24 hours a day.

CLIMATE
The climate ranges from temperate in the North to sub-tropical in the South. The Northeast has temperate maritime climate with hot summers and long cold winters. The Northwest has maritime climate with short summers mild moderate winters with relatively high rainfall. The south has Mediterranean climate with hot long summers, mild winters with little rain.

The Azores Islands - Subtropical climate. Summers are hot and slightly humid; winters are a bit damp but mild.
The Madeira Island - Subtropical climate with warm but slightly humid summers and extremely mild winters.

CLOTHING
Summer - lightweight with some warmer clothes for cool evenings.
Winter - light to medium weight. Rainwear is advisable throughout the year.
Casual clothing is widely accepted but swimwear should not be worn in towns. Lightweight suits should be worn for business meetings.

ACCOMODATION
Hotels range from luxury to 5,4,3 and 2*. There is a wide range of choice between boarding houses, Inns, Hostels, Motels and Apart hotels. The Pousadas are very comfortable, special hotels generally located in historical sites and in many cases they are totally restored monuments, Castles or Palaces. There are three distinct categories: Regional Pousadas, Pousadas in historical areas and Pousadas in national monuments. Advanced booking is highly recommended. "Turismo no espaço rural"(TER) offers privately owned homes ranging from wonderful farmhouses to manor houses. There are many camping areas throughout the country that allow for an inexpensive holiday and the opportunity for a close contact with nature. Also available, 18 youth hostels spread around the country.

HOT SPRINGS
Portugal is famous for its medical waters. Thermal springs offering excellent accommodation can be found almost everywhere, providing for many different treatments.

BEACHES
Portuguese beaches are very inviting offering white sand all over. Be careful not to swim in areas where are flags warning. Red flags mean total prohibition to swim and yellow flags mean you should be careful. Green flags mean there is no danger at all.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
Almost everything is closed on: January 1, April 25, Good Friday, May 1, Corpus Christi, June 10, August 15, October 5, November 1, December 1,8 and 25.
Check for local holidays too.

TIME
Portugal is one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time, except for, Madeira and Azores which are one and two hours behind Portugal respectively.

OPENING HOURS
Banks: Are open from 8.30a.m. To 3.00p.m.Monday to Friday, closing on public holidays.
Shops: from 9.00a.m.to 1.00p.m.and 3.00p.m. to 7.00p.m.(working days).On Saturdays most shops close at 1.00p.m., even though there are some open in the afternoon.
Shopping Centres are open from 10am to 11pm or midnight, every day of the week
Museums: From 10.00am to 12.30pm and from 2.00pm to 5.00pm Closed on Mondays.

ARTS AND CRAFTS
Portugal's crafts continue the tradition of centuries, and many of the products make good souvenirs. Fine glassware is made round Marinha Grande, while Aveiro and Caldas da Rainha are noted for their pottery. Portuguese porcelain is of a very high standard, and gold silver filigree is beautifully worked.

TIPS
Most hotels and restaurants add 10% per service charge. Waiters normally expected an additional tip of 5/10%. For bellboys, doormen and taxi drivers it is at your own discretion.

CURRENCY
The unit of currency is the Euro. The sign € is written before amount. Example: € 200.50.Most banks have automatic exchange machines. Reception in most hotels will change money and they are entitled to charge a small extra amount. To cover fluctuating exchange rates.
Traveller cheques and Euro cheques are accepted by all Portuguese banks and exchange bureaus.
Visa, Amex, Euro card, Diner Club and Master Card are the most useful credit cards.

HEALTH
Medical facilities: Medical assistance is available in hospitals providing 24 hours a day emergency service. There are also many clinics open from 8.00am to 8.00pm.In case of emergency dial the number 115 or 112.In cases of road accident use the nearest SOS phone (Orange). For further information see Phone directory.

CHEMISTS
Are open 9.00am-1.00pm/3.00pm-7.00pm-Monday to Friday and Saturday mornings. In every area, you can always find one that one that is open all night or on Sunday. See the sign on the door (white cross on green background) to find your nearest chemist.
The Portuguese word for chemist is "FARMÁCIA".

ELECTRICITY
The current is 220voltsAC, with a continental round pin plug.

TELEPHONE
All over Portugal, there are crediphones where phone cards can be used. These can be bought in post offices and newsagents. At post offices, calls can be paid for at the end of the conversation. To phone abroad, dial 00 then the country code and city/local code.

POSTAL SERVICES
Post offices are open Monday to Friday from 08.30am to 06.00pm.In main cities there are one post office station open on Saturdays. Stamps are sold here and also on shops bearing the sign of the red horse. The Portuguese word for post office is "CORREIOS" and for stamp is "SELO".

CONFERENCE HALLS AND FACILITIES
There are many hotels and auditoriums, which offer first class facilities for congresses, conferences and business meetings. In the major cities there are organizations that provide services and assistance in congresses and meetings.

GUIDES AND INTERPRETERS
Portugal has excellent guides who will help you to discover the country.