Officially known as the Portuguese Republic, Portugal is a country on the Iberian Peninsula in Southwestern Europe, bordered to the east and north by Spain, and to the south and west by the Atlantic Ocean. The nation is known for its rich maritime history - being the major player in the Age of Exploration, with explorers like Vasco da Gama opening sea routes to India, along with its cuisine (like bacalhau and pastel de nata), Fado music, historic architecture, Mediterranean climate and diverse landscapes (ranging from the rolling vineyards of the Douro Valley to the dramatic cliffs of the Algarve coast).
Its capital, Lisbon, is a vibrant, charismatic and historic city located along the Atlantic coast and the Tagus River. Built on seven hills, The city combines a deep historical heritage with a lively contemporary culture, offering stunning panoramic views, cobbled streets, and iconic yellow trams. Lisbon is even home to landmarks like the Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery, the Alfama district (known for its winding alleys, traditional Fado houses, and Moorish roots), and the Baixa and Chiado neighbourhoods.
UTC+0 (Azores: UTC-1) daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October.
Wildfires, floods, and earthquakes.
Dash cameras are banned in Portugal and are considered as private devices. Using or even carrying one (active or not) can result in fines up to €25,000. If you're driving a rental car and receive fines for issues like unpaid tolls or parking, your rental company may charge those fees to your card, often with admin surcharges. In some cases, fines can arrive months after the violation (up to two years later, before the statute of limitations). Also, for public transport, travelling without a valid ticket, especially on trains or metro, can lead to on-the-spot fines up to around €125, even if you board late or try to buy onboard. Failure to pay may result in the rental company forwarding your details or even charging your card.
The city of Albufeira (located in the Algarve - south of Portugal) has recently passed a local Code of Conduct for tourists, which came into effect in June 24th, 2025. Violations include:
Paid fines usually come with a notice and payment codes that can be handled via Portuguese online banking or official service portals like Portal da Contraordenação. You can generally contest a fine within 14 days of the infraction. if no response arrives within 2 years, the fine may be considered expired. Official notices are sent by post, NOT by phone or email. So, beware of scams impersonating Portuguese authorities claiming you owe money via email or text.
The official language of Portugal is Portuguese, but Mirandese is also spoken.
In Portugal, vehicles drive on the right-hand side and overtake on the left. At roundabouts, cars must yield to traffic already on the circle. The minimum driving age is 18 years old. However, the minimum age to rent a car is 21 years old, with some rental companies may have higher age requirements or apply a young driver surcharge for those under 25. UK licences are accepted in Portugal without needing a International Driving Permit, but if you have a paper driving licence or a licence issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man, you might need an IDP.
Tolls are found on most motorways. Rentals often include a Via Verde transponder for seamless toll payments, but you can also use Easytoll or a Tollcard. Parking in city centres (e.g., Lisbon, Porto and Faro) can be challenging. Look for official paid zones or garages, and avoid restricted 'resident-only' areas.
Fuel prices average around €1.70 – €2.00 per litre. Petrol is called 'Gasolina' in Portugal, with diesel as 'gasóleo'. Many tourists have mix-up the names before, so do be careful.
The limit is 0.05% (~0.02% for new and professional drivers).
Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers (fines range from €120 to €600 per person).