Portuguese cooking is generous and sea-facing. Bacalhau (salt cod) is the national obsession, with hundreds of recipes, while fresh sardines, clams and octopus crowd the coast.
Save room for a pastel de nata, the warm custard tart best eaten dusted with cinnamon. In Porto, brave the mighty francesinha sandwich.
Drink local: vinho verde with seafood, robust Douro reds with meat, and a glass of port or Madeira to finish.
📌 Practical info
| 💶 Currency | Euro (EUR) |
| 🗣️ Language | Portuguese |
| 🛂 Visa | EU member — passport-free for EU/EEA |
| 🕐 Time zone | WET (UTC+0) — Azores UTC-1 |
| 🔌 Power plug | Type C/F, 230V |
❓ Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Portugal?
April-October. Lisbon and Porto: April-June and September-October. Algarve beaches: May-September. Madeira: year-round (subtropical). Azores: best May-September for whale watching.
Do I need a visa for Portugal?
EU citizens — no. Schengen rules for non-EU. UK/US/Canada/Australia: visa-free 90 days.
Is Portugal expensive?
More affordable than Spain/Italy. Lisbon and Porto are mid-range (€60-100/day). Algarve premium in summer. Rural Alentejo and Madeira very affordable.
What is Portugal famous for?
Port wine (Porto), pastéis de nata, fado music, surfing (Nazaré, Ericeira), Algarve cliffs (Benagil cave), Madeira hiking, Sintra fairy-tale palaces, cork production.