Portugal

I have only ever visited Lisbon (Lisboa) and Algarve but I have found the food to be quite good, the climate wonderful and people to be quite warm and welcoming. There are lots of tourists around but the country still manages to maintain a semblance of uniqueness.

Portugal is part of the EU and visitors entering from other Schengen-member countries do not require a visa but must show valid ID (such as a passport). For others, a three month (90 day) visa is available for visitors.

Portugal is part of the Euro currency union so uses the Euros (EUR) for currency.

Portugal is in the “West European” time zone and recognizes daylight savings time.

Driving is a great way to get around the country if you want to stop and explore as you go along. There is a very good network of motorways (often toll), expressways (not toll) and national roads along with, of course, some very small windy back roads. The speed limits are 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on rural roads, 100 km/h on expressways, and 120 km/h on motorways (unless otherwise noted).

There is also an extensive train network and local buses. Of course, airports serve all the areas. In major cities, of course, there are trams, bus and subway services.

For further information, please see:

• Lonely Planet - Portugal
• Portugal Visitor (Independent Portugal Tourism Information]]
• Wikipedia - Portugal
• Wikitravel - Portugal
• Wikivoyage - Portugal
• Visit Portugal (Official Tourism Site)