When to Go
High Season (Jul–Aug)
A Accommodation prices increase 30%.
A Expect big crowds in the Algarve and coastal resort areas.
A Sweltering temperatures are commonplace.
A Warmer ocean temperatures.
Shoulder (Apr–Jun & Sep–Nov)
A Wildflowers and mild days are ideal for hikes and outdoor activities.
A Lively festivals take place in June.
A Crowds and prices are average.
A Colder ocean temperatures.
Low Season (Dec–Mar)
A Shorter, rainier days with freezing temperatures at higher elevations.
A Lower prices, fewer crowds.
A Attractions keep shorter hours, and many beach lodgings close for winter.
A Frigid ocean temperatures, but big waves for surfers.
Exchange Rates
| Australia |
A$1 |
€0.62 |
| Canada |
C$1 |
€0.66 |
| Japan |
¥100 |
€0.81 |
| New Zealand |
NZ$1 |
€0.60 |
| UK |
£1 |
€1.16 |
| USA |
US$1 |
€0.88 |
For current exchange rates see www.xe.com.
Daily Costs
Budget: Less than €50
A Dorm bed: €15–22
A Basic hotel room for two: from €35
A Lunch special at a family-run restaurant: €8–10
A Second-class train ticket from Lisbon to Faro: from €23
Midrange: €50–120
A Double room in a midrange hotel: €50–100
A Lunch or dinner in a midrange restaurant: €22–40
A Admission to museums: €3–8
Top end: More than €120
A Boutique hotel room: from €120
A Dinner for two in a top restaurant: from €80
A Three-day surf course: €150
Opening Hours
Opening hours vary throughout the year. We provide high-season opening hours; hours will generally decrease in the shoulder and low seasons.
Banks 8.30am–3pm Monday to Friday
Bars 7pm–2am
Cafes 9am–7pm
Clubs 11pm–4am Thursday to Saturday
Restaurants noon–3pm and 7–10pm
Shopping malls 10am–10pm
Shops 9.30am–noon and 2–7pm Monday to Friday, 10am–1pm Saturday
Arriving in Portugal
Aeroporto de Lisboa (Lisbon) Metro trains head downtown (€1.50, €1.33 with a Zapping card, 20 minutes, frequent departures 6.30am to 1am). AeroBus (€3.60) departs every 20 minutes from 7am to 11pm. A taxi to the centre takes 15 minutes (around €16, plus €1.60 for luggage).
Aeroporto Francisco Sá Carneiro (Porto) Metro do Porto violet line E (direction Estádio do Dragão) links to downtown Porto (one-way €2, around 45 minutes). Alternatively, daytime taxis cost €20 to €25 to the centre and take an hour.
Aeroporto de Faro (Faro) Proximo city buses 14 and 16 run to the bus station (€2.25) every 30 minutes from June to August, slightly less frequently in low season. From the bus station, it’s an easy stroll to the centre. A taxi costs around €20 (20 minutes).
Health
A Good healthcare is readily available, and for minor illnesses pharmacists can give valuable advice and sell over-the-counter medication. Most pharmacists speak some English. They can also advise when more specialised help is required and point you in the right direction.
A Citizens of the EU are eligible for free emergency medical treatment if they have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which replaces the no-longer-valid E111 certificate. It will not cover you for nonemergencies or emergency repatriation.
A Citizens from other countries should find out if there is a reciprocal arrangement for free medical care between their country and Portugal. If you do need health insurance, consider a policy that covers you for the worst possible scenario, such as an accident requiring an emergency flight home. Find out in advance if your insurance plan will make payments directly to providers or reimburse you later for overseas health expenditures.
For much more, see Getting Around
%351