Portugal is a state in Europe in the southwestern part of the Iberian Peninsula. Shared borders with Spain.
Capital Lisbon. Currency – euro. The population is 10.5 million people. The vast majority of the population is Catholic. The official language is Portuguese. English and Spanish are also used.
The difference with Moscow time is 3 hours. Flight duration Moscow – Faro 5 hours.
According to smb, the word “portugal” comes from the city of Porto (Portus Cale – warm port). Portugal has a very mild climate with rather warm winters and cool summers, mainly due to the proximity of the Gulf Stream. Due to the winds from the Atlantic, the climate in the Azores is also mild and temperate. The climate is subtropical, Mediterranean. Temperature in winter +5*С, in summer +27*С.
Embassy of Russia in Lisbon – 1200 Lisboa, Rua Visconde de Santarem 59, tel: 846.2424., 846.2423.
Call ambulance and police throughout Portugal -115.
The Azores is an autonomous region in Portugal. The region occupies an archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean.
Portugal is the most beautiful country in Europe where magnificent resorts, medieval cities, interesting landscapes and rich history will be presented to the tourist’s eye. Portugal, like a quiet European province, stands out for its virgin nature and respectful attitude to history, side by side with a developed economy.
Portugal occupies most of the Iberian Peninsula, its area is 92 thousand square kilometers. Portuguese territory includes Madeira and the Azores, located in the Atlantic. The distance from Lisbon to Madeira is 1000 km, to the Azores archipelago – 1500 km. Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is located on the right (northern) bank of the Tagus River, 17 km from the Atlantic coast. The largest cities are Porto, Coimbra, Braga, Setubal, Evora.
A Schengen visa is required to enter Portugal.
Visa to Portugal
List of documents:
– Passport (valid for another 3 months after the end of the proposed trip).
– 2 color photographs 3×4 cm.
– Completed application form.
– A certificate from the place of work on the letterhead of the enterprise with the seal and signature of the director indicating the position and salary of the traveler (in Russian), as well as indicating that paid leave is provided for the period of the trip. For students – a copy of a student card or a certificate from the place of study, as well as a certificate from the work of the parents or the person who paid for the tour.
– A copy of the Russian passport.
– For traveling children, a photocopy of the birth certificate must be provided.
– If a child under 18 travels not with two, but with one parent, other relatives or accompanying persons, a notarized permission from the remaining parent (s) to leave the child (in Russian) is required.
Resorts and attractions in Portugal
Porto is the second largest city in Portugal. Definitely worth a visit. The arts thrive in this picturesque and hilly city of northern Portugal, but the city is not least known for its culinary reputation and tradition. Many Porto houses offer tastings and guided tours for free or for a small fee. Porto is a great value for people interested in Portuguese cuisine and the arts.
Leiria is a well-known and beloved by many tourists Portuguese city and the center of the municipality of the same name. The city is located 120 km from Lisbon. The city was founded in 1142. Unique medieval buildings are well preserved here.
Lisbon. Anyone who has not seen Lisbon has not seen real beauty. Lisbon is associated by many with a golden glow. It is the capital, largest city and port of the state. A quarter of the total population of Portugal lives in Lisbon and its environs. The interesting features of Lisbon include the fact that the city is the westernmost capital of states located on the European continent.
Interesting Facts
One fifth of the Portuguese territory is covered with forest.
The average age of men is 39 years, women 41 years.
Calls can be made from any telephone booth and are paid, as a rule, with a telephone card, which can be purchased at the post office. You can call from a hotel room – in this case, the cost of the call can be much higher. Dialing sequence: 07 + area code + phone number. The emergency number is 115. In the event of an accident, use the nearest (orange) SOS telephone.
Banks are open from Monday to Saturday from 8:30 to 15:00. Many exchange offices in hotels and on the streets are open around the clock.
Portugal has a well-developed railway network. In large cities, public transport is also well developed. In Lisbon, these are the metro, buses, trams and several lifts. Passes can be purchased at the Carris information kiosks in Lisbon and STCP in Porto. Taxi fares are charged by the meter, and outside of it – by mileage, including the return trip to the place of departure. All taxis have a price list in two languages. At the same time, the most popular means of transportation in Portugal is the bus. Renting a car is easy. Must have driving experience of at least 1 year. However, you must be at least 21 years of age. The car is usually available upon presentation of a credit card. Prices depend on the availability of insurance, brand and rental period.
Lunch time in Portugal usually lasts from 12 to 14.30. However, they dine here quite early. Some restaurants stop serving at 22.00. You can eat well and cheaply in numerous small restaurants and cafes. Portuguese cuisine is a simple meal based on fish and vegetables. The most popular dishes are made from cod, the recipes for which are known here about 365 – for every day of the year. It is impossible not to mention the famous port wine, Vinho do Porto, which brought the country world fame. As an aperitif, we recommend tasting white dry port, little known to foreign consumers.
Small shops are open from 9.00 to 13.00 and from 15.00 to 19.00, on Saturdays – until 13.00. Large shopping centers are open daily from 10.00 to 24.00. As souvenirs characteristic of Portugal, you can buy ceramics, gold and silver items of very high standard. When making expensive purchases, do not forget to issue tax-free checks, which allow you to receive value added tax when leaving the country. Numerous markets are the center of folk life, you can wander around for hours and safely bargain.
In Portugal, you can import duty-free 2 liters of wine, one and a half liters of spirits, 200 cigarettes and 50 cigars.
