Home Blog Page 66

9 Downsides To Living in Portugal

Lara Silva
-
26
9 Downsides To Living in Portugal

Although the positives outweigh the negatives, living in Portugal is not perfect. While many travel bloggers out there only highlight the pros of living in Portugal, this does not reflect the whole reality. The thought of 300+ days of sun and incredible food might have made you forget to consider the downsides of moving to Portugal. 

Whenever making such a life-changing decision, it is vital to consider the possible struggles you might face in a new country. Luckily, we have selected our top 9 downsides to living in Portugal to help you prepare accordingly. 

1. Low wages in Portugal

A major downside to living in Portugal is finding a well-paying job. Whether you are making minimum wage or the average salary, do not expect to make a lot of money.

In 2022, the national minimum salary in Portugal is €705 a month before tax. This value refers to 14 salaries, including the two extra payments on Christmas and summer. If you look at 12 salaries, it amounts to €822.50. 

If you receive the minimum salary, after paying income tax, you receive around €630. Those working in restaurants, hotels, stores, cleaning, and more tend to receive the minimum wage. 

Photo by Roman Wimmers (Unsplash)

Although Portugal has a relatively low cost of living, this salary makes it impossible to rent an apartment in cities such as Lisbon and Porto and live comfortably.

According to the National Statistics Institute, the average gross monthly salary is €1,361. As Portugal has progressive tax, those receiving the average salary will pay more. After paying income tax and social security, you will be left with €960.

However, if you are getting a top-level job, you can still make very good money. The best salaries are given to top management positions in Lisbon. For example, a general manager can make between €110,000 and €170,000. 

Expat Guide to Working in Portugal

2. Slow public transport in Portugal

Don’t get me wrong – Portugal has recently improved in this space in the last five years. However, if you have lived in places like the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, don’t expect the same quality.

While major cities like Lisbon and Porto have a more modern subway and tram system, many others only rely on bus routes. These often only come in long intervals and arrive late. If you live in the interior of the country, waiting for an hour for the bus is commonplace. 

Unfortunately, you might also be shocked that a lot of information is unavailable online. In many cities, you can’t purchase tickets online or check schedules in English. Always make sure to carry cash with you as the bus driver might not accept an ATM card.

While many argue transport is cheap in Portugal, this is not always the case. For example, in Cascais and Sintering, buses tend to be a lot more expensive with 15-minute one-way rides costing almost €3 sometimes. 

Photo by KK70088 (Flickr)

3. Competitive Portuguese housing market

Property prices in Portugal have been rising since 2014, with many areas seeing a 10% rise between 2020 and 2021.

According to Bloomberg, the increase in property prices can be attributed to strong demand and a housing shortage. This is true, particularly in Lisbon, where there is a high demand from both local and international investors.

Due to high demand and a housing shortage, houses are more expensive today. This can make it difficult to purchase a home in Portugal’s competitive housing market. Getting a mortgage could be tough if you are on minimum or even the average wage.

While negotiation is always on the table in the Portuguese housing market, the margin for negotiation is becoming smaller.

Expats often overpay for real estate in Portugal – driving prices further up. If you are looking to buy in Portugal, you must do some market research to establish whether the price is fair. Don’t compare the house prices in Portugal to your country of origin and argue they are affordable.

However, this downside is also an upside for those with capital looking to invest. The strong growth of the housing market means that investors are prone to getting a safe return on their investment in the long term. 

House in Portugal. Photo by Pablo-Foggakis (Flickr)

International Guide to Real Estate in Portugal: Buying a House in Portugal

4. Shady landlords: Lack of rental contracts in Portugal

Just because something is illegal does not mean it’s not socially acceptable in Portugal. Unfortunately, many locals and expats get tricked into not signing an official rental contract.

Landlords do this because they do not want to declare their rental income with the tax authorities. Without a contract, they do not need to pay tax for non-tourism properties, which is set at 28%. The tenant will usually also get a nice discount on the property.

It might seem like a win-win situation initially, but trust us, the extra money is not worth it.

Without a rental contract, tenants are left with no legal protection against rent increases and will technically waver their tenant rights (although this is not always the case legally). It’s also especially bad for foreigners who need a rental contract for their residency permit.

Photo by Cytonn Photography (Unsplash)

Guide to Renting an Apartment in Lisbon

5. Portuguese bureaucracy and long waiting times

The Portuguese slow pace of life is not always rainbows and sunshine. With this relaxed mindset comes bureaucracy and long waiting times. If you have ever been in contact with SEF for a visa, we don’t need to remind you.

Especially in public services, it can take a while to get things done. If you are at an SNS health center, expect to wait a few hours to be treated. Waiting for an important document such as a driving license? It will arrive when it arrives – the Portuguese way of thinking.

Even if you are taking care of a simple task, expect to have to fill out useless forms and having to call various entities. Bureaucracy is a part of Portuguese society, although it is also present in other European countries like Spain.

6. No AC in Portuguese houses

If you’re an American moving to Portugal in the summer, time to purchase some fans. Most houses do not come equipped with air conditioning. Only 7.9% of homes nationwide have AC.

Temperatures can get quite high, particularly during the recent heat waves they reached over 40 degrees Celsius.

However, homes in Southern Portugal have the most AC units. 13.2% of homes in the Algarve have air-con, followed by Lisbon and Braga. 

While more common than AC, many houses in Portugal do not come with central heating, particularly older homes. You will have to add heating yourself, which can be very expensive depending on the size of your home. 

Photo by Carlos Lindner (Unsplash)

7. Toxic work culture in Portugal

Point #7 is debatable and depends on your country of origin. Too many Portuguese, the work culture is just fine. However, for those coming from countries like Finland and the Netherlands, the work culture is beyond toxic and unhealthy.

This might come as a shock as Portugal has been celebrated in the media for its incredible labor laws. Unfortunately, these are not always enforced.

Although companies are oftentimes lenient with punctuality, employees tend to work long hours. Despite a maximum 40-hour work week, it is many times expected that employees work longer hours. Many only arrive home after 7 PM or later, losing time with their families.

In fact, Portugal is the top European country where employees are experiencing the most burnout, with Greece and Latvia coming next.

Employees work more hours compared to other European countries, and the percentage of reporting risk factors affecting mental well-being at work is 38.6%.

Photo by Elisa Ventur (Unsplash)

Portugal’s Not So Perfect Labor Laws and Workers’ Rights

8. Learning Portuguese

One thing is if you are relocating for a year or two, but if you are planning a long-term move to Portugal, learning the language is essential. While in Lisbon and Porto you will be able to navigate everyday life in English, this isn’t the case everywhere else. 

You’ll have a hard time outside the main cities if you don’t speak Portuguese. Even if you live in Lisbon and Porto, you could get charged more for certain products if you only speak English, even though this is illegal. 

Portuguese is complex. As a highly gendered language with difficult verbs to memorize, you must put in the time and effort. 

Although Portuguese is a hard language to learn, it will be useful even if you move away. Over 215 million people speak Portuguese worldwide, making it the 6th most spoken language. 

9. Expensive phone data in Portugal

Portugal is known for its relatively low cost of living. However, this isn’t the case for all products and services. If you’re used to enjoying unlimited phone data for a cheap price tag, you won’t find this in Portugal.

Most people opt for limited data packages due to the high cost. 1GB will cost you around €10 which, let’s be honest, isn’t enough if your favorite pastime is scrolling through TikTok.

An unlimited data package could cost you anywhere between €30 and €40 a month. This is quite high in comparison to other European countries like the Netherlands where it would only cost you around €20. 

Photo by Daniel Romero (Unsplash)

Health Minister of Portugal Marta Temido resigns

Lara Silva
-
0
Health Minister of Portugal Marta Temido resigns

Marta Temido, the Health Minister of Portugal, presented her resignation letter to the Prime Minister this Tuesday as she “no longer has the conditions to remain in the position.” PM Antonio Costa has accepted her resignation request.

The announcement by the Ministry of Health was sent to the media in the early hours of Tuesday morning but did not add any other explanation.

However, her resignation came only a few hours after the report of the death of a pregnant woman on Saturday, after being transferred to another hospital due to a lack of vacancies.

Antonio Costa’s office also sent out an announcement at 1:29 AM saying that the PM “respects her decision” and thanks her for her hard work during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The government will proceed with the reforms in place to strengthen the National Health Service (SNS) and improve the health care provided to all Portuguese people,” says the announcement. 

Marta Temido became Health Minister in October of 2018, succeeding Adalberto Campos Fernandos.

While many praised her role during the Covid-19 pandemic, she has been recently criticized for the closure of emergency services around the country. These closures have particularly impacted services related to gynecology and obstetrics.

Miguel Pinto Luz, the Vice President of the Social Democratic Party (PSD) said in a press conference that “this resignation represents the failure of the health politics led by the Socialist Party and PM Antonio Costa.”

Speaking about the current issues in the SNS, he said that “the cost has increased, we have never spent so much on health, but the quality has decreased.” “Millions were spent, but emergency services are closed, and appointments are postponed…”, he continues.

Pinto Luz criticized the government, saying that “a mother had to die who did not have access to emergency services in the largest hospital in the country for Temido to resign”.

On Saturday, a pregnant Indian woman that was vacationing in Portugal died after being transferred from Santa Maria Hospital to Sao Francisco Xavier in Lisbon. The woman had to be transferred due to a lack of vacancies in neonatology.

She needed an urgent c-section to save her life as she was suffering from severe preeclampsia and uterine growth restrictions.

The baby survived after an emergency c-section and is currently hospitalized at Sao Francisco Xavier Hospital.

Pregnant Indian woman dies after hospital transfer due to lack of vacancies in Lisbon

Lara Silva
-
0
Pregnant Indian woman dies after hospital transfer due to lack of vacancies in Lisbon

A pregnant Indian woman that was vacationing in Portugal died last Saturday after being transferred from Santa Maria Hospital to Sao Francisco Xavier in Lisbon. The woman was transferred due to a lack of vacancies in neonatology. The baby survived after an emergency c-section and is hospitalized at Sao Francisco Xavier Hospital.

The woman was 34 years old and around 30 weeks pregnant. According to the University Hospital Center Lisbon North (CHULN), she was first admitted to Santa Maria Hospital last Tuesday, August 23, at 2 AM and transferred to Sao Francisco Xavier that same day.

CHULN explained that “after normalization of arterial tensions and a significant respiratory improvement, she was transferred the same day to Sao Francisco Xavier Hospital, due to a lack of vacancies in neonatology, accompanied by a doctor and nurses.”

The Director of the Obstetrics Services at Santa Maria Hospital, Luisa Pinto, told CNN Portugal that the hospital only had two vacancies. The hospital allowed a mother pregnant with twins to remain, as the pregnant woman that eventually died was stable at the time. 

She needed to be transferred as the largest unit in the country did not have a vacancy to hospitalize the baby after labor was induced. The labor needed to occur to save the mother’s life as she had been diagnosed with severe preeclampsia and uterine growth restrictions.

During the transfer, the pregnant woman suffered a cardiorespiratory arrest that lasted 17 minutes. The medical staff tried to revive her during the trip, but when they arrived at Sao Francisco Xavier, she was in a profound coma.

Doctors were able to perform an emergency c-section when the pregnant woman arrived at Sao Francisco Xavier Hospital. The baby was born with 772 grams and is in intensive care for premature babies.

The mother remained in a coma for a few days until cerebral death was detected, and her death was then officially declared on Saturday afternoon. 

Press conference at Santa Maria Hospital

In a press conference at Santa Maria Hospital on Tuesday morning, Luisa Pinto and Clinical Director Luis Pinheiro said that the pregnant woman was stable at the time and that all the right conditions were in order for it to take place.

They also said that it was safer to transfer her rather than allow her to give birth at Santa Maria. Andre Graca, the Director of Neonatology of Santa Maria Hospital said that “the best transport is the mother’s uterus.”

Without vacancies, the baby could have arguably been born in Santa Maria and later transferred for care. However, Andre Graca argues this would be extremely risky in the first hours of the newborn’s life. 

When asked whether the mother would have survived if Santa Maria had more vacancies, Luisa Pinto said, “Probably not. Probably the same would have transpired. Although trying to revive someone in an ambulance is different than in a hospital…”.

She went on to say that it is not common for those with preeclampsia to go into cardiorespiratory arrest, so the situation was unexpected.

However, she says that due to the pregnant woman being foreign, the staff did not have her medical records about any previous pathologies. They will be investigating what happened.

Luisa Pinto also said that the pregnant woman could not speak English or Portuguese but was accompanied by her husband. 

Minister of Health Marta Temido resigns a few hours later

A few hours after this report was released in the media, the Minister of Health, Marta Temido, formally presented her resignation. Prime Minister Antonio Costa accepted her resignation request and informed the president. 

Temido has not mentioned the death of the pregnant woman in her resignation request. However, she has been recently scrutinized for the closure of emergency obstetrics services in various hospitals due to a lack of doctors. 

Cost of Living in Algarve: Faro Monthly Budget

Lara Silva
-
0
Cost of Living in Algarve: Faro Monthly Budget

Faro is located in the Algarve region in southern Portugal and is home to a vibrant expat community. Known for its year-round sunny weather, Faro has some of the warmest weather in the country and the best beaches in Portugal. 

But is it expensive to live in Faro? Portugal has a lower cost of living than major European countries such as the Netherlands, Italy, and France.

Although Faro is not the cheapest city in Portugal, it is more affordable than the capital Lisbon. Rent is around 20% cheaper, and day-to-day costs such as restaurant prices are also more affordable than in Lisbon.

If you’re considering Faro as a permanent or temporary home, let’s take a look at the average monthly budget for expats without children, families, and digital nomads.

Guide to Faro

Cost of Living in Faro for an Expat 

The monthly budget for an expat in Faro is less than €1400.

A one-bedroom apartment costs around €750. However, you can save here by renting a room for less than €400.

A monthly transportation pass is around €50 or less for buses. You can also get a train to many cities from Faro, such as Lisbon and Porto. 

Utilities cost around €150, including phone data and cable TV.

For exploring Faro, eating out at your favorite restaurants, and exploring the nightlife, budget around €200 a month. You can easily spend less or more, depending on your lifestyle. 

Groceries for a single person average out at around €50 a week.

Health care could add to your monthly budget in Faro. EU citizens with a valid European Health Insurance Card can use the National Health Service (SNS) for free for up to 90 days in Portugal. This allows them time to get registered as legal residents to continue using the public health system.

However, non-EU citizens are only entitled to use the public health system if they are employed and pay social security in Portugal, having to be registered as legal residents as well.

Even if this is the case, they must purchase private health insurance to cover medical care before arriving in Portugal and becoming a legal resident.

Cost of Living in Faro for a Digital Nomad

The cost of living in Faro for a digital nomad is at least €1000 a month.

If you are looking to stay at a private Airbnb, this could almost triple your budget as it will cost anywhere between €1500 and €2000 a month.

A shared room in a hostel starts at around €15 a night, and a private room is around €40 a night. 

Renting a desk at a co-working place in Faro can cost between €100 to €250 a month. Transportation costs around €50. There are plenty of buses in the city and a train station connecting you to other main Portuguese cities.

Budget at least €200 for leisure such as eating out, nightlife, and trips to nearby beaches and attractions.

If you are looking for a full tourist experience and looking at tours, you will need more than this for the month.

Food can easily max out your monthly budget. If you want to save and have a kitchen at your disposal, a weekly shop shouldn’t cost more than €50.

However, if you plan to eat out, an affordable meal is around €10 nowadays.

Cost of Living in Faro for a Family of Four 

Kids are always more expensive. However, Faro is can be an affordable alternative to other European cities. Expect to spend at least €2600 a month for a family of four in Faro. 

A three-bedroom apartment in Faro will set you back around €1400. However, prices can go up to €1900 or more, depending on the apartment type and amenities. 

Budget around €200 a month for monthly transport passes. However, it is definitely more convenient for a family of four to own a car and drive. Fuel will cost you anywhere between €150 and €250 a month. 

Utilities cost around €150 and include electricity, heating, water, etc. However, this can be much higher in the winter or depending on your family’s consumption.

Groceries for a family of four in Faro should cost around €125 to €150 a week, so budget at least €500 a month.

If you need to purchase health insurance for the whole family, this will cost you at least €200 a month.

However, you might be eligible to use access to healthcare for free. EU citizens with a valid European Health Insurance Card can use the National Health Service (SNS) for free for up to 90 days in Portugal. After becoming legal residents, they can continue to use the SNS.

However, non-EU citizens are only entitled to use the public health system if they are employed and pay social security in Portugal, having to be registered as legal residents as well.

If you want your kids to attend an international school, this will cost you! While public schools are free, private international schools can cost between €6,000 and €20,000 a year. You could pay around €2000 a month for two kids just for education. 

Huge dinosaur skeleton found in man’s backyard in Portugal

Lara Silva
-
0
Huge dinosaur skeleton found in man’s backyard in Portugal

The skeleton of a possible sauropod dinosaur was discovered back in 2017 in a man’s backyard in Pombal, Portugal. The skeleton is now reported to possibly be the largest dinosaur skeleton ever found in Europe at 12 meters high and 25 meters long.

Five years ago, a man noticed fragments of fossilized bones in his backyard in Pombal while carrying out construction work. Since then, an international research team has been studying the findings and conducting excavation campaigns on site.

In August of 2022, Portuguese and Spanish paleontologists realized that the remains could correspond to the largest sauropod dinosaur discovered in Europe. 

Dr. Elisabete Malafaia, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Lisbon, has said that this finding is incredibly rare, as such preservation is unusual for large-sized dinosaurs. 

She said in a statement, “It is not usual to find all the ribs of an animal like this, let alone in this position, maintaining their original anatomical position. This mode of preservation is relatively uncommon in the fossil record of dinosaurs, in particular sauropods, from the Portuguese Upper Jurassic”.

Parts of the skeleton have been collected, including vertebrae and ribs. The researchers found “the largest ribs of a sauropod that are currently known in Europe” and one of the largest worldwide. Each rib measured about three meters in length. 

The skeleton is thought to be of a possible brachiosaurid sauropod dinosaur, a large species that lived from the Upper Jurassic to the Lower Cretaceous around 100 million years ago. 

The preservation characteristics of the fossils indicate to the researchers that there might be other parts of the skeleton around. This hypothesis will be tested in future excavations this year.

Four Coldplay concerts already sold out in Portugal

Lara Silva
-
0
Four Coldplay concerts already sold out in Portugal

The promoter Everything Is New confirmed a fourth date for Coldplay in Coimbra on Thursday after the first three dates sold out. The fourth date has already sold out! Each concert will have 50,000 people in attendance. Coldplay will be performing in Portugal on May 17, 18, 20, and 23 of next year.

These four concerts are Coldplay’s first return to Portugal in over a decade after a concert in Porto. 

The president of Ticketline, Ana Ribeiro, told Lusa that the demand for Coldplay tickets hit a historic level, never seen before in Portugal.

Ticket prices initially cost anywhere between €85 to €500 for the VIP Lounge. A single person could only buy 6 normal tickets or 4 VIP packages.

Everything Is New does not advise people to buy tickets on the resale market. However, due to all tickets being sold out, many are having to do so. There are several tickets being resold for hundreds of euros a piece.

7 Things to Do in Ericeira

Lara Silva
-
0
7 Things to Do in Ericeira

Ericeira is a coastal town in the city of Mafra, located 45 kilometers northwest of Lisbon. Known for being the surfing capital of Europe, Ericeira offers the best surfing conditions and much more. Along with surf tourism, many Portuguese tourists travel to Ericeira to enjoy the quaint town with cobbled streets and the nature activities around.

If you want to visit a place in Portugal that is not yet overrun by tourism, but provides a relaxing environment, while still featuring several activities, Ericeira is the place for you. Here are 7 things to do in Ericeira for a memorable trip!

Guide to Ericeira

1. Surf in Europe’s only World Surf Reserve

Ericeira was named a World Surf Reserve in October 2011. The reserve is a protected area that includes an area of 4 kilometers: Pedra Branca, Reef, Ribeira d’Ilhas, Cave, Crazy Left, Coxos, and Sao Lourenco. It is the only one in Europe, with others being in California, Mexico, Peru, and more. 

The surf conditions cater to all kinds of surfers. Whether you are extremely advanced or never touched a surfboard in your life, Ericeira is the place for you. Here are the best beaches for surfing in Ericeira:

  • Foz do Lizandro (beginners – intermediate)
  • Praia do Sol (beginners – intermediate)
  • Sao Lourenco (intermediate – advanced)
  • Ribeira D’ilhas (intermediate – advanced)

If you are a beginner, we recommend booking a surf class. Even if a beach is suitable for beginners, you should not try to surf for the first time without help as the waves can get quite strong. 

Ribeira D’Ilhas. Photo by Joao Ferreira (Unsplash)

Book Surf Class in Ericeira

2. West Coast tour

One of the most popular tours in the area, this Ericeira and Mafra West Coast Tour allows you to explore as much of the region as possible. A full-day tour that is good for avoiding crowds, you will get to visit the seafront towns of Cascais and Azenhas do Mar, as well as Guincho beach.

The small-group tour also takes you to admire the views from Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of continental Europe. It also stops at the National Palace of Mafra, where you will get an intimate private tour.

Book Ericeira & Mafra West Coast Tour

3. Explore Ericeira in a BTT bike

If you’re looking for a more adventurous activity, this BTT bike tour in Ericeira is your best bet. The 2h30 tour goes through the gorgeous Lizandro cliffs and coastline. It is catered to all kinds of mountain bike riders, so it will be adapted to your pace, although the ride is 20km long.

The tour goes through varied terrain, from the rural countryside to coastline cliffs. The ride can be tweaked to your group, although there are a few challenging climbs. The bicycle is obviously included and starts in Foz do Lizandro. You will return here at the end, making it perfect for a beach day after your ride.

Book Ericeira BTT Bike Tour

4. Day trip to Sintra

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Sintra is a town known for its forested terrain, astonishing palaces that once belonged to royal families, and the delicious “Travesseiro de Sintra”. To get here from Ericeira, you can get a bus or rent a car as it is a 30-minute drive.

Guide to Sintra

A must-see in Sintra is to visit Pena Palace, a breathtaking palace painted in multiple colors in a romanticist style. You can also wander around the castle and see the beautiful green area that surrounds it.  Known for its Disney-like appearance, the Pena Palace is one of the most beautiful landmarks in all of Portugal.

Photo by Julia Solonina (Unsplash)

Book Pena Palace Ticket to Skip Line

Then, head to the Castle of the Moors. A hilltop medieval castle in Sintra, the Castle of the Moors was built by the Moors in the 8th and 9th centuries as an important strategic location during the Reconquista.

The castle offers panoramic views of Sintra and allows you to see Mafra and Ericeira. The castle is built along a 450-meter permit on top of a cliff and is surrounded by vegetation, leading to a Romantic feel. 

Also, head to Quinta da Regaleira, a romantic palace featuring a park with lakes, wells, fountains, and more. Designed by Italian architect Luigi Manini in the 1800s, the design includes enigmatic buildings that are related to alchemy, masonry, and the Knights Templar. 

Photo by Wendell Adriel (Unsplash)

Book Sintra Guided Tours & Activities

5. National Palace of Mafra

The National Palace of Mafra, also known as the Convent of Mafra, is only a 10-minute drive from Ericeira. A Baroque and Neoclassical palace in Mafra, it was made a National Monument of Portugal in 1910 and later, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

The palace was built during the reign of King John V in 1717 as a religious offering. The King wanted to build a convent for his wife, Queen Mariana, if she gave him children. After the birth of his first daughter, the construction of the palace began. It almost bankrupted the state due to its high costs. 

The Palace contains a library with over 30,000 books, a large basilica, and more. The whole building covers 37,790 m2, featuring over 1,000 rooms, and includes two bell towers housing the world’s largest bell collections.

Photo by prilfish (Flickr)

6. Walk through the city center

The Ericeira village is a fishing town dating back to the 12th century. The historical city center is filled with quaint blue and white houses, narrow cobblestone streets, and views of the Atlantic.

Taking a stroll through the city center is a must as everything is within walking distance. You can stop at cozy cafes to enjoy Portuguese pastries, as well as in local seafood restaurants. The village also features several trendy bars and local artisan shops with clothing. 

Photo by Christoffer Engström (Unsplash)

Ericeira village also features a number of historic monuments such as the Nossa Senhora da Boa Viagem chapel and the Sao Sebastiao chapel. If the weather is extremely hot, it’s a good idea to go on the hunt for these as they are often very cool inside. 

Make sure to also walk to the harbor as it provides one of the best ocean views in Ericeira. Walk down for a dip after your walk!

Ericeira Harbor. Photo by Adam Hornyak (Unsplash)

7. Visit the Jose Franco village

Located close to Mafra, Jose Franco village is located in Sobreiro and is a village made entirely of clay by Portuguese sculptor Jose Franco. There is both a tiny village made of ceramics and a life-sized version. The life-size village features shops and houses with the architecture of the region. There is also a windmill, butcher’s shop, barber-dentist shop, grocery store, and more.

Visitors can go inside the houses and shops that are furnished to reflect the way of life in Mafra. You can also see the permanent exhibition of ceramics by Jose Franco.

Photo by Miguel Angel Crespo (Flickr)

Book Ericeira Tours & Activities

The Portuguese Revolution of 5 October 1910

Lara Silva
-
0
The Portuguese Revolution of 5 October 1910

When you think of a Portuguese revolution, the 25 of April is the most widely known. However, the Portuguese revolution of 1910, also known as the 5 October 1910 revolution, is just as historically significant. This revolution overthrew the Portuguese monarchy and replaced it with the First Portuguese Republic. 

By 1910, the monarchy’s power was dwindling. From the King’s assassination in 1908 to the 1890 British ultimatum, there was widespread disapproval of the monarchy. The people wanted the kingdom to adapt to modern times and the monarchy was no longer looked upon as a symbol of hope.

Instead, the Republican Party was gaining popularity, presenting itself as having the ability to improve Portugal and proved successful in the 1910 revolution.

Let’s take a look at what paved the way toward the abolishment of the monarchy, the 1910 revolution in more detail, and its aftermath. 

Background: Critiques of the Monarchy & the Portuguese Republican Party

The Kingdom of Portugal was not looking good, nor were people’s views of the monarchy. This became apparent in 1890 with the British Ultimatum. This was when the British government sent the Portuguese an ultimatum, demanding that they retreat from the Pink Map project.

The Pink Map project was Portugal’s claim of sovereignty over the lands between Angola and Mozambique. 

Portugal complied rapidly, leading the people, as well as the elite, to feel humiliated about the country. On top of that, a financial crisis arose which even worsened the disapproval of King Carlos I started.

At this time, the Republican Party was growing. Republican candidates were voted for in the government elections in 1890. These hugely disapproved of the monarchy and the King. Members of the public began supporting the party.

The Portuguese Republican Party was created in 1876 and had as its main objection to overthrowing the monarchy. There were issues within the party, with members disagreeing about the internal politics and ideology.

However, the party decided it wanted to distinguish itself from the Portuguese Socialist Party which was more geared toward the rights of the working class.

Rather, the Republican Party replaced a more socialist attitude in favor of more simple democratic principles, with the help of Teofilo Braga. This allowed the party to attract the small and medium bourgeoisie, which was one of the largest groups supporting the republicans.

Antonio Jose de Almeida was a student at the University of Coimbra at the time and published an article criticizing the king, leading to his imprisonment. This man would one day become President of the Republic in 1919.

On February 1, 1908, a major event happened that consolidated the path toward the revolution two years later. While traveling to Lisbon from Alentejo where King Carlos I and his eldest son were vacationing, these two were killed.

They traveled on an open carriage and when greeting the crowd at Lisbon’s Commerce Square, a group of men shot them both multiple times.

Two of the attackers, Manuel Buica and Alfredo Luis da Costa were killed, while others escaped.

Portugal was left without a King and his heir. 

The 1910 Revolution in Portugal

After years of turmoil and disapproval of the monarchy, on October 3 1910 the Republican uprising took place in Lisbon. At first, many republicans did not want to take part in the uprising, however, enough participated to be successful. There were nearly two thousand armed soldiers and sailors rebelling between October 3 and 4.

The government was expecting military help from other parts of the country on October 4, but this never arrived. The rebels had also managed to control the military so that they would not receive this help.

They disconnected telegraph lines and cut communication with units outside of Lisbon, so these never received the orders. Rebels also cut off railway tracks so that troops outside of the capital could never arrive on time. While it was still possible that the military from Setubal could arrive, the rebels were able to control the Tagus rivers with their ships.

The military was not able to fight the rebels, having to declare the Republic and fall of the monarchy at 9 am of the next day in Lisbon’s City Hall by republican Jose Relvas.

There were many casualties in this revolution, it was not a peaceful one. From bombings and shootings, many did not sustain their injuries. However, it is not known how many people died in the uprising. 

Aftermath of 1910 Revolution 

Provisional Government

After the proclamation of the Republic, a provisional government was nominated by the members of the Portuguese Republican Party. They would govern Portugal until a new constitution was approved.

The provisional government was led by Dr. Joaquim Teofilo Braga as President. The other men that made up the government were:

  • Interior Minister: Dr. Antonio Jose de Almeida
  • Justice Minister: Dr. Afonso Costa
  • Treasury Minister: Basilio Teles
  • War Minister: Antonio Xavier Correia Barreto
  • Navy Minister: Amaro Justiniano de Azevedo Gomes
  • Foreign Relations Minister: Dr. Bernardino Luis Machado Guimaraes
  • Public Works Minister: Dr. Antonio Luis Gomes

The new provisional government took important steps that made it distinctive from the government under the monarchy. They made operations with the victims of the monarchy and pardoned anyone prosecuted for crimes against the state or religion. 

The government also closed down convents, prohibited religious teaching in schools, and adopted secularization. Divorce was even allowed, as was the equality of marriage rights of men and women. The Catholic church no longer held the power it once did in government which was met by great anger.

Press laws were altered with less censorship and noble and royal titles were eliminated. A major step toward labor rights was started, the right to strike. Overseas colonies were granted more autonomy, while colonization remained.

Perhaps the largest symbolic change in Portugal were the new national symbols. The national anthem and flag were altered, and the escudo, a new currency was adopted.

Meaning of the Portuguese Flag

The First Portuguese Republic

The provisional government had power until June 19, 1911 when the National Constituting Assembly was launched after an election. The Political Constitution of the Portuguese Republic was approved two months late.

The first constitutional president of the Republic was also elected, Manuel de Arriaga on August 24. The provisional government resigned after more than 10 months, and the start of the First Portuguese Republic began.

The First Portuguese Republic lasted sixteen years and saw eight presidents. In Portuguese history, it signifies a transition between the Kingdom of Portugal under the monarchy and the dictatorial Estado Novo. 

The Presidents of the First Portuguese Republic

  • Manuel de Arriaga (1911-1915)
  • Teofilo Braga (1915)
  • Bernardino Machado (1915-1917 & 1925-1926)
  • Sidonio Pais (1918)
  • Joao do Canto e Castro (1918-1919)
  • Antonio Jose de Almeida (1919-1923)
  • Manuel Teixeira Gomes (1923-1925)

The First Republic ended with a Coup d’etat in 1926, called the 28 May Revolution. This revolution was a military coup of a nationalist ideology that put an end to the First Portuguese Republic.

It essentially started almost five decades of authoritarian rule under the Ditadura Nacional (National Dictatorship) that would in 1933 lead to the Estado Novo. The Estado Novo only ended on April 15, 1974, with the Carnation Revolution.

Join our FB group Portugal Travel & Living for all things Portugal

Less than 500 students sign up to free transport in Lisbon

Lara Silva
-
0
Less than 500 students sign up to free transport in Lisbon

Only 447 young people have signed up for free transport in Lisbon in the first week of the measure, reports CNN Portugal. In contrast, almost 6,000 elderly people in Lisbon have signed up for free transport.

The measure was rolled out for elderly people in Lisbon on July 25. After almost a month of the measure being available to the elderly, over 20,000 people over the age of 65 signed up.

Young students between the ages of 13 and 23 years old have only been able to sign up since August 16. These can start enjoying free transport in September.

Of the 447 young people that signed up, 318 were between the ages of 13 and 18. Only 129 were between the ages of 19 and 23.

However, the measure excludes those with a fiscal residency in the municipality, which includes relocated students that benefit from scholarships. 

The Social Action Services (SAS) from the University of Lisbon have criticized the fiscal residency factor. SAS said that “economically disadvantaged students, with a fiscal residence outside of Lisbon, including those living away from their families,” will not be able to benefit from free transport. 

Lisbon City council said that the measure “will be permanently evaluated and monitored to look for more solutions, whenever they are possible.”

The free transport measure was announced in April by the Lisbon city council. The Mayor of Lisbon, Carlos Moedas from the Social Democratic Party (PSD) celebrated this decision, reminding us that only a few European cities have taken this step to fight climate change.

The measure will cost around €6,266,000 in 2022, and for 2023, 2024, and 2025, should cost around €14,900,000 a year.

Getting a Portuguese Driving License

Lara Silva
-
5
Getting a Portuguese Driving License

Are you looking to get a driving license in Portugal? This guide has everything you need to know about getting a Portuguese driving license, from exams to classes. Keep in mind that you are unlikely to obtain a license in less than six months in Portugal, particularly if you need the teaching to be in English. 

Getting your driving license in Portugal can cost anywhere between 600 and 1,000 euros, depending on the driving school of your choice and how well you’re progressing. If you need extra classes or fail exams, the cost can be much higher. 

Guide to Driving in Portugal

Types of Driving Licenses in Portugal

 There are multiple types of driving licenses in Portugal. Take a look at the graph below. 

Who can get a driving License in Portugal?

General Age Requirements (A, A1, A2, and B)

While in Portugal, people under 18 cannot obtain the common B license for light vehicles, 16-year-olds can obtain the B1, AM, and A1 article. The B1 license refers to heavy quadricycles called microcars. The A1 license refers to motorcycles up to 125 cm2 and with a power rating up to 11 kw. The AM article refers to mopeds under 50 cm3.

From the age of 18, you can obtain an A2, B, and BE license. An A2 category license refers to motorcycles with a power rating up to up to 35 kw, as well as category AM and A1 vehicles. 18-year-olds can also get a B category license for light vehicles and a BE license which includes a trailer. 

A category A license can be obtained for motorcycles with a cylinder capacity up to 125 cm3 and a power rating up to 11 km if the person has had an A2 license for at least two years or are 24 years old.

Driving School in Portugal

If you are a first-time driver, to obtain a driving license in Portugal, you must attend both practical and theory lessons and pass two tests which we will discuss soon. You will do so at a certified driving school in Portugal. 

If you don’t speak Portuguese, a translator might be available to translate the test into your language.

You will need to get a medical report done before admission to a driving school which can take up to two weeks to process.

Portuguese Driving License Exams

Before taking the driving exam, you legally need at least 32 hours of driving lessons at a driving school. Before taking the driving exam, you must also have passed the theoretical exam. To take the theoretical exam, you need at least 28 theoretical classes and 16 practical classes.

However, if you feel you are ready, you can request to have the theory exam booked. At the driving school, you will be given a theory book with everything you need to know called “Codigo de Estrada.” After the lessons, you will be asked to practice for the exam online.

In the theoretical test, you will have to answer 30 multiple choice questions in 35 minutes and can only get three answers wrong (Passing mark: 27 out of 30). This exam tends to be harder than the other exams.

The practical driving exam takes 40 to 50 minutes. You won’t be alone in the car with the examiner who will evaluate you as your instructor will also be in the car, as well as another person taking the test. 

Along with proving you can drive safely, you will be asked to parallel park and circulate a sidewalk. 

After the driving test is finished, the examiner will tell you if you passed your test. If so, you will pay a small account to issue your driving license, which you will receive in less than a month. You can drive right away with a provisional license.

If you do not pass the test, you will need to repay the registration fee for the test, which is around 90 euros.

Photo by Ben Mullins (Unsplash)

Foreign Driving License in Portugal

A driving license from a non-EU country is not recognized in Portugal. You must exchange it within 185 days of obtaining your residency in Portugal.

To change your foreign driving license for a Portuguese one, instead of getting a whole new Portuguese one, the process is simple. You can submit an application online and will have to pay a small fee, less than 40 euros. 

You will need the following documents:

  • A photocopy of a personal identification document
  • Tax identification number
  • A medical certificate issued by a doctor 
  • Favorable psychological assessment certificate issued by a psychologist for Group 2 drivers
  • A declaration issued by an issuing authority or diplomatic or consular authority, attesting to the authenticity of the driving license
  • A translation of the driving license, authenticated by the consular service of Portugal 

However, exchanging some driving licenses from certain countries in Portugal obliges you to take a practical driving test. 

Driving License Validity

A driving license’s validity depends on its category. For Group 1 licenses which include categories AM, A1, A2, A, B1, B, and BE, a license is valid for 15 years until you turn 50 years old. When you turn 60, it expires every five years. When you turn 70, it expires every two years. 

For group two licenses which include categories C1, C1E, C, CE, D1, D1E, D, and De, they expire every five years from the age of 40 to 65. You must then revalidate the license at 68. From age 68 and up, you must revalidate it every two years.

Revalidating Driving License

You must revalidate your driving license when it expires. You can do it online at the Institute for Mobility and Transport (IMT), at an IMT service desk, or citizen shop.

If you do it online, log in to IMT with your tax identification number (NIF) and your finances portal password.

If you need a psychological aptitude certificate (CAP) or medical certificate, these should also be submitted.

If you revalidate your driving license on location, you must submit your citizen card (or your NIF and identification number or residence permit), as well as the driving license that will be replaced.

It costs 27 euros to revalidate your license online until the age of 70 and less than 40 to do so online if you are over 70 years old. On location, it costs 30 euros until the age of 70 and 15 euros if you are over 70.

You need a medical certificate or psychological aptitude certificate (CAP) in the following scenarios:

    • Group 1 Light vehicles (M, A1, A2, A, B1, B, BE): From 60 years old or if your license has a 147 restriction that demands it.
    • Group 2 Heavy vehicles (C1, C1E, C, CE, D1, D1E, D, DE): Always

(Basic) Road Safety Rules in Portugal

Let’s go through the basic road safety rules in Portugal. The list is pretty long, but the rules are pretty much the same as in other European Union countries.

  • Cars drive on the right and can only overtake other cars on the left
  • Cars already in the roundabout have the right of way (or priority)
  • At a crossing, if there is no stop sign or traffic light, cars from the right have priority
  • You cannot cross a white line or double white lines
  • You need to stop at stop signs and red lights, even if there is no one coming
  • You can only use your phone in hands-free mode
  • Seatbelts are mandatory

Speed Limits

The speed limits in Portugal vary depending on the location, but there are three main speed limits.

  • 50 kilometers per hour in residential areas
  • 90 kilometers per hour on rural roads
  • 120 kilometers per hour on motorways

Whenever the speed limit is not one of these three, it will appear on a white and blue sign. 

1...656667...101Page 66 of 101

Portugal.com is an independently owned and operated tourism portal about Portugal. All information should be considered informational and for entertainment purposes. Some content may be promotional and/or have affiliate relationships where Portugal.com earns revenue promoting the content.

Want to advertise on Portugal.com? Would you like to write for us? Something else? Please feel free to Contact Us!

© Portugal.com