Portugal Holidays
Algarve cliffs, Atlantic surf, and golden beaches stretching along the coast. Plan your Portugal beach holiday with flights, hotels, and travel tips.
€1 = €1.00
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Weather in Portugal
Sat
Sun
Mon
SPF level in Portugal
Autumn
SPF 30
Spring
SPF 30
Summer
SPF 50
Winter
SPF 15
Entry requirements for Portugal
Your passport must be less than 10 years old on your date of arrival in Portugal.
Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area.
You can travel to Portugal without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period for tourism.
At border control, you may need to show an onward or return ticket and proof you have enough money for your visit.
Be prepared to register your biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photo, at the border under the new Entry/Exit System.
Good to know:
Children aged 17 and under travelling without both parents must carry a signed letter of authorisation from a parent or guardian, including copies of their passport.
You cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into Portugal, with limited exceptions like baby food.
Safety in Portugal
Portugal is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
You must carry photo ID, as police can hold you at a station until your identity is confirmed.
Be very alert to street crime, especially thieves using distraction techniques on public transport and at crowded stops.
Drinks served in bars are often stronger than in the UK, and you should keep your drink in sight to avoid it being spiked.
The municipality of Albufeira bans inappropriate public behaviour, with on-the-spot fines ranging from 150 to 1800 euros.
Always supervise children closely at beaches and pools, and only swim at supervised beaches, paying close attention to the warning flag system.
Bonus tips:
Gambling is only legal in government-licensed venues, and you could be arrested or fined for playing in unlicensed premises.
If you drive, you can use a UK photocard licence, but ensure you understand the toll system and how to pay any charges.
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Driving in Portugal
A UK driving license is accepted in Portugal.
Side of the road
Right
Motorway speed limit
120 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.05%
Remember: Portugal drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Health in Portugal
As a UK resident, you can use a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for state healthcare in Portugal. However, it's still recommended to have comprehensive travel insurance, as GHIC/EHIC might not cover all costs (e.g., repatriation).
No vaccinations required
Generally, no specific vaccinations are required for Portugal. However, it's always wise to consult your GP before travelling. Tap water is generally safe to drink, but bottled water is readily available.
Cards & payments
Cards are widely accepted in Portugal, especially in tourist areas and larger establishments.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1094
Tipping in Portugal
Tipping is appreciated in Portugal, but not mandatory. Service charges are not usually included in bills.
Restaurant
5-10% of the bill for good service. Some people only tip if the service was exceptional.
Bar/Café
Rounding up the bill or leaving small change is common.
Taxi
Rounding up the fare or tipping 5-10% for good service is appreciated.
Hotel Porter
€1-2 per bag is customary.
Hotel Housekeeper
€1-2 per day for good service.
Tour Guide
€5-10 per person for a good tour is appreciated.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, the guarantee of free EU roaming for UK mobile users no longer applies. Check with your mobile provider about roaming charges in Portugal. Some providers may still offer inclusive roaming packages.
Local SIM
10 GB for 20 EUR (~£17)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Electrical in Portugal
Voltage
230V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type C, Type F
UK adapter needed
WiFi & internet
Good. Free WiFi is available in many cafes, restaurants, hotels, and public spaces.
Average speed
45 Mbps
Internet access is readily available throughout Portugal. Many establishments offer free WiFi, especially in tourist areas. Mobile data is also a reliable option.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
112
Police
112
Ambulance
112
Fire
112
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Portugal
Country code
351
To call Portugal from abroad, dial 351 followed by the local number.
UK Embassy
Rua de São Bernardo 33, 1249-082 Lisbon, Portugal
Phone
+351 21 392 4000
Website
Lisbon Portela Airport
Porto Airport
Faro Airport
Madeira Airport
Joao Paulo II Airport
Lajes Field
Recent updates
Safety
The new section 'Festivals, concerts and cultural events' advises you to follow police advice and take care of valuables at large events.
Advice for swimming at beaches now specifically says to keep small children within arms-reach and get local knowledge if there are no lifeguards or flags.
Advice for swimming pools now says to always supervise children and keep small children within arms-reach, even if they can swim or a lifeguard is present.
Advice for drink spiking now specifically mentions being alert to the use of 'date rape' and other drugs including GHB and liquid ecstasy.
Advice now suggests you look after your passport, money and personal belongings when travelling, checking in luggage at the airport, or arranging car hire.
Advice for sexual assault now says to avoid splitting up from friends, not to go off with people you don't know, and to call 112 in an emergency.
There is now a high risk of wildfires during the summer season from April to October.
A new warning advises travellers to visit the Safety and security page for advice on wildfires.
A new warning advises there is a risk of higher than normal temperatures in Portugal during summer months.
For information on hot weather protection, you should now check the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere website.
Find advice on how to stay safe in hot weather from the National Health Service (NHS).
Health
Travel lifestyle changes like later nights, heat, or different diets can now affect your medication. Check the Summer Proof Your Health campaign for info.
Strict rules are now highlighted for dispensing certain medicines including antibiotics. Keep medication in its original container with the prescription label.
Beaches in Portugal
No beaches listed for Portugal yet.
Frequently asked Questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.