Practical info

Ordering in a Portuguese Pastelaria

How the counter works, what the coffee words actually mean, which pastries are worth the queue, and why standing up usually costs less than sitting down.

Madeira Levada Walks: The 2026 Booking Rules and Which Trails to Pick

Walking Madeira's levadas now needs a reservation. How the SIMplifica booking system works, what it costs, who is exempt, and which trails suit which walkers.

The Fishermen's Trail: Walking Portugal's Wild Southwest Coast

Days of walking on packed sand along open clifftop, threading small fishing villages on Portugal's wild southwest coast, with almost no shade for most of the route: how to plan it, and when not to go.

How Much a Trip to Portugal Costs

Where your money actually goes on a Portugal trip, three daily budgets to plan against, and why the country is not quite as cheap as its reputation suggests, in some places more than others.

Portugal's Tourist Tax: Who Pays, Where and How Much

How Portugal's municipal tourist tax actually works, why it rarely shows up in the price you booked, who tends to be exempt, and where to check the current rate before you travel.

Safety and Scams in Portugal: What Actually Happens

One of the safest countries in Europe with one specific problem: pickpocketing on the tourist trams and in the crowds, plus the small overcharges worth knowing about.

Sintra Palaces and Timed Tickets: Booking It Right

Sintra runs on timed entry now, and the slot you book decides the day: which palaces need booking, how far apart they really are, and the order that avoids the queue.

Getting Around Portugal: Trains, Buses and When to Drive

A small country with a fast line down the middle: which legs are better by train, where the bus wins, when a hire car earns its keep, and how the electronic tolls work.

Where to Stay in Porto: The Neighbourhoods Compared

Ribeira, Baixa, Cedofeita or across the river in Gaia: what each part of Porto is actually like to sleep in, what the hills cost you, and where the noise is.

Portugal Visa and Entry Guide: Schengen Rules, EES and ETIAS Explained

Who needs a visa for Portugal and who does not, how the Schengen 90/180 rule works, what the EES biometric checks mean at the border, and where ETIAS actually stands in 2026.

Renting a Car in Portugal: The Complete Road-Trip Guide

How to rent a car and road-trip Portugal: the electronic tolls explained, driving tips, where you need a car and where you do not, parking, and what to book ahead.

Getting from Lisbon Airport to the City: Metro, Taxi, Uber and More

Every way from Lisbon Airport to the city center compared: the red line metro, taxis, Uber and Bolt, private transfers and buses, with real prices and journey times.

Travel Insurance for Portugal: What You Actually Need

Do you need travel insurance for Portugal? Private medical costs, theft claims in Lisbon and Porto, surf and watersports cover, flight disruption and rental cars, explained.

Emergency Numbers in Portugal: The Guide You Hopefully Never Need

Every emergency number in Portugal: 112, police, pharmacies and night farmacias, hospitals and urgent care, pickpocket reporting, and how to reach your embassy.