According to Eurostat, the average Portuguese person only leaves their parent’s home at 33.6 years of age, the oldest in the European Union (EU). The average age at which young people leave their parental home in the EU is 26.5 years.
Portugal, Croatia, Slovakia, Greece, and Bulgaria have the oldest average ages of leaving the parental home, reaching over 30 years old.
This is a stark contrast with other EU member states. Estonia, Denmark, Finland, and Sweden have the youngest average ages, 23 years or below.
The lowest average in the EU was recorded in Sweden at 19 years old.
Eurostat also found that gender came into play. In all EU countries, women leave their parent’s houses earlier than men. On average, women leave their parent’s homes at 25.5 years of age, while men leave at 27.4 years of age.
Women only leave their parent’s houses after 30 years old in Portugal and Croatia. The largest gender differences have been reported in Romania (4.7 years), Bulgaria (3.5 years), Croatia (3,1 years), and Serbia (5 years). Ireland, Denmark, and Sweden had an average difference of less than a year.
Why do Portuguese people leave their parental homes so late?
According to Eurostat, the age one leaves their home may vary. Reasons such as studying, working, getting married and having children, and more may impact the average age one leaves their parental home.
There are also clear cultural differences across Europe where in countries like Portugal, living with your parents is the social norm.
However, it is clear that labor participation plays a role. In countries where people leave their parent’s homes at an older age, it is more likely that these have a lower labor force participation rate for young people.
In most EU countries where people leave their parental home at 29 or older, the labor force participation rate is below 50%.
Low salaries and high rent prices could also be to blame. According to the FFMS Foundation, these are the salaries of young people (18 – 34 years old) in Portugal after tax:
Up to 413€ – 9%
414 – 600€ – 14%
601 – 767€ – 30%
768 – 950€ – 19%
951 – 1158€ – 14%
1159 – 1375€ – 5%
1376 – 1642€ – 4%
Over 1642€ – 3%
Varies – 2%
Idealista reported in July that rental prices continue to increase in Portugal, registering a 2.6% increase in the second trimester of the year, in contrast to the first trimester. Renting a property at the end of June had an average cost of €11,3 per m2.
Porto is a lot more affordable than Lisbon, but it is rapidly becoming more expensive. If you’re coming from cities in the US or the UK, you might find that the cost of living is quite low. However, if you are into budgeting, there are many quick tips you can keep in mind to save money in Porto. Here are our 8 Porto budgeting tips so that you can enjoy your life in Porto while saving some cash.
Our first budget tip applies to saving money all around Portugal. You’re going to want to eat out in Porto, the food is delicious. However, to save money on eating out which can take a big chunk of your monthly budget if you are not careful, we recommend ordering the “prato do dia”.
The “prato do dia” is the “daily special”. Most traditional Porto restaurants will have these dishes that change every day. They are a lot more affordable and you tend to have a few options to change from.
Photo by Francesbean (Flickr)
2. No ubers or taxis
Public transportation in Porto is incredibly affordable so avoid taking Ubers or taxis unless strictly necessary. We recommend purchasing a monthly transportation pass that should not cost you more than €50 a month for all types of transport.
If you are just visiting, it might be more affordable to buy a special pass, the Porto Card + Travel Card which also gives you free access to 6 museums and 50% off on other attractions.
You can buy this card from official tourist offices, some railway stations, and Francisco Sa Carneiro Airport. You cannot purchase it at a metro station. Here are the prices for the Porto Card + Travel Card:
Groceries aren’t too expensive in Porto, you can spend around €200 a month on a monthly shop. Still, there are many ways to make sure you save on groceries.
Supermarkets in Portugal regularly have promotions on certain products, some discounts even reaching 50%. Supermarkets also offer discount coupons so make sure to keep these with you and use them by their due date.
In the center of Porto, you will also find many mercearias, these are traditional supermarkets that are quite smaller than the mainstream supermarkets. Although you might not find everything you need here, many products such as fruit, vegetables, and bread are more affordable here.
If you’re going to a large supermarket like Continente or Pingo Doce, don’t be afraid of the white label products, known as marca branca in Portuguese. These are high-quality in Portugal and a lot of times just as good as the expensive brands.
Photo by Maria Lin Kim (Unsplash)
4. Rent a room instead of a studio or apartment
Although renting prices are increasing in Porto, it is still more affordable than in Lisbon. While the price of renting in Lisbon is €13/m2, in Porto this costs around €10/m2. A 75m2 apartment costs around €750 in Porto and around €975 in Lisbon.
Although it remains more affordable than in Lisbon, the rent price in Porto is still a cost you can save on.
If you are really looking to save, the best way to do so is to rent a room in a shared house. A one-bedroom apartment will cost you around €800, but you can get a room at around €300 a month.
These prices can increase depending on location, size, and whether the place has been recently renovated.
You can also negotiate the rent price! The best time to do so is during winter as in the summer, landlords set their prices a lot higher. The best time to look for an affordable apartment to rent in Porto is between October and February.
Porto has loads of free activities and historical monuments to visit that are free of charge. You do not need to spend money to be entertained in Porto. Here are our favorite free activities in Porto:
Look at the azulejos at São Bento Railway Station: A 20th-century railway station in the historical center of Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, São Bento Railway Station is a lot more than just a place of transport. Home to over 20,000 azulejo tiles made by artist Jorge Colaco, this is the perfect spot to snap some photos.
Explore the fishing town of Matosinhos: If you’re looking for a nice fish lunch or a beach day, Matosinhos is a place to go. Only a 20-minute drive from Porto, Praia de Matosinhos is the largest beach close to Porto. From surfing to relaxing at a beach bar, as well as lifeguards on-site, the facilities at this beach are great for a family day at the beach.
Walk the Dom Luis I bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia: Dom Luis I bridge connects the Ribeira distinct of Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia, across the Douro river. Built in 1886 by designer and co-founder of the Eiffel company Théophile Seyrig, visitors can walk across the 60-meter-high bridge on the upper level of the bridge.
Energy bills are quite expensive in Portugal. In fact, they are some of the highest in Europe. Basic energy utilities average out at €150 depending on the size of the household. The best way for you to save some money is to watch your consumption. Your wallet and the environment will thank you.
Try to avoid leaving lights on that you are not using and make sure to properly turn off water taps. In winters, it can get very cold at night in Porto. However, try to reduce your heating consumption by not leaving the heating on all day. This could almost triple your heating bill in the winter.
7. Find affordable wine tastings
While the best budgeting tip in Porto would be to not book any wine tastings at all, we would never do that to you. You can’t be in Porto and not go to a wine tasting! The key is to find the best deals. Luckily, we have found the most affordable and worthwhile wine tastings in Porto.
If you’re a tourist planning your next trip to Porto, there are plenty of affordable hostel options in Porto that won’t hurt your wallet. There’s honestly no need to splurge in a hotel. Many hostels in Porto have all the facilities you need, even private rooms, but provide an even more unique experience for socializing.
The prices for low-cost accommodation in Porto can range anywhere from €10 to €30 a night for a bed for one person. Here are our favorite hostel options for Porto:
The Passenger Hotel, São Bento: Located inside the S. Bento train station, this trendy hostel is the perfect spot for a tourist who wants to stay on the move. This hotel has amazing facilities: a bar, living room with TV, lounge area, a trendy interior garden, laundry room, huge communal kitchen, and a clock tower room for events.
Gallery Hostel: The Gallery Hostel is located in the art quarter of Bombarda Street. The building is the former headquarters of the University of Porto newspaper, and every room has art from Porto artists.
Hostel One Ribeira: Hostel One Ribeira has incredible facilities: a large communal kitchen, 3 common areas for socializing and working, laundry facilities, and 24/7 reception.
The Portuguese authorities have seized 14 tonnes of cocaine this year, the highest value of the decade, reports DN. The 14 tonnes of cocaine have a market value of around 700 million euros.
The think thank Insightcrime states that these drug seizures only correspond to 10 to 20% of the total drugs circulating in Portugal. However, in 2006, 36 tonnes of cocaine were seized in Portugal.
Back in June, in operation “bananero,” the Judiciary Police (PJ) seized over 8 tonnes of cocaine in the port of Setubal, making it one of the largest drug seizures in Portugal. The cocaine was hidden in banana containers from Colombia and arrived in Portugal by sea.
That same month, the PJ helped with the investigation that led to the arrest of a major drug lord from Brazil, Sérgio Roberto de Carvalho in Hungary. Known as the Brazilian Escobar, the drug lord had laundered money and lived in hiding in Portugal.
The Portuguese PJ and the Brazilian Federal Police also believe that the 578 kilos of cocaine caught on a private jet in Brazil destined for Tires, Cascais, belonged to Carvalho’s network.
Why are drug seizures in Portugal increasing?
Insightcrime argues that “from a business perspective, drug trafficking to Europe is a lot more attractive than to the United States.” This is because prices are significantly higher, and the risk of extradition and arrest are significantly lower.
The think thank says that while a kilo of cocaine is worth around 28,000 euros in the US, it is worth on average “40,000 in Europe, but can reach 80,000 in other European countries.”
Europol has said that this will inevitably lead to an increase in violence. According to the Serious and Organized Crime Threat Assessment report, cocaine trafficking is a key criminal activity for crime networks that involves a great deal of individuals.
These networks “are highly organized, hierarchal, and structured with well-defined roles and levels surrounding their leaders.”
Due to the attractiveness of the European underground market, these crime networks are a grave danger to European countries. The report says that “the flourishing cocaine market has led to an increasing number of deaths, shootings, bombings, incidents of arson, kidnappings, torture, and intimidation.”
Drugs are not legal in Portugal. This is a widespread myth. However, all drugs are decriminalized, including largely stigmatized drugs such as meth. Portugal has taken a public health approach to drug use by not criminalizing those in possession of drugs.
However, drug trafficking is definitely illegal! Possessing a specific amount of a drug is considered drug trafficking and is thus a crime. The allowed amounts will differ by drug.
From rock and jazz to the traditional fado, Porto provides a unique musical experience. Many of the best live music spots, however, are only known to the locals so tourists tend to miss them.
Whether you are looking for a small intimate bar or a larger club environment, hundreds of spaces host musical performances every night.
To ensure you avoid the tourist traps and find the best live music in the city, here are our 7 best live music spots in Porto.
Who wouldn’t want to taste some delicious tapas while listening to a live show? RUA Tapas & Music bar is one of the best-rated spots for live music in Porto.
Located in Travessa de Cedofeita, this place hosts all kinds of performances. From Samba-Rockn and Reggae to Latin music, RUA will satisfy any must lovers taste. You will find a different show every single night.
We recommend checking out their music program on their Facebook as show times tend to change. This place is open until 4 am.
2. Hot Five Jazz & Blues Club
If what you’re looking for is a cozy and intimate environment, head to Hot Five Jazz & Blues Club. The oldest jazz and blues club in the city, this club hosts live music performances every week between Wednesday and Sunday.
But the music genres are not limited to jazz and blues, you can also listen to funk, soul, and Portuguese music. You can book a table on their website. These intimate tables are perfect for a romantic date night and each one has an American-style table lamp.
Photo provided by establishment.
3. Maus Habitos
Located in front of Coliseu do Porto, translating to Bad Habits, Maus Habitos hosts an art gallery, a lounge bar, an interior yard and terrace, a concert hall, and more.
From art, food, drink, and dancing, you’ll find all kinds of fun at Maus Habitos. They regularly host live music nights, although this place is mostly known for its club nights.
Check out their program online. DJs such as Gudrun Gut, SCREWED, and Beat Palace by Beatbombers have performed at Maus Habitos. But you will also find comedy nights and completely free concerts.
Photographer: Celine Marie. Photo provided by establishment.
4. Mirajazz
Mirajazz was born in 2014, out of a project created by Group Musical de Miragaia, a century-old music association in Porto. A terrace bar with views of Douro River, there is no better sunset spot for some live music than Mirajazz.
Mirajazz host regular live jazz performances, as well as performances from other music genres. This place is open every day and has an extensive wine list. We recommend trying out the Port wine or a Douro table wine.
5. Breyner 85
Located on an early 20th-century building, Breyner85 is a historically relevant space, featuring a beautiful garden with a terrace, a restaurant, a pub lounge, and more. The place even has its own recording studio, music school, and art gallery.
This place is open every day and regularly hosts live music performances and jam sessions of all music genres. From Wednesday to Sunday it’s open until 4 am.
They even host comedy shows, theater, dance performances, karaoke, and pub quizzes if you’re in the mood!
6. Barracuda
We wouldn’t forget the rock lovers. barracuda is a rock club in Porto in the told Tracadinho bar that once belonged to the club Gare. They have performances every day of rock music, as well as subgenres such as stoner, psychedelic, punk, and more.
Although it’s known mostly for its Rock music, you will also find performances of Rap portuense (rap from Porto) from the 90s. This club is open until 6 am, a lot longer than most!
You can’t go to Porto and not listen to some traditional fado. A Portuguese style of music, fado is characterized by haunting voices singing about love and loss, usually accompanied by musical instruments.
Book this fado show in Porto Calem Wine Cellars where you will get to try the emblematic Port wine for a unique cultural experience. The show has a duration of 45 minutes. After the show, you get to visit the wine cellars and enjoy a wine tasting.
Two young people died on Sunday in Portugal after drowning in river beaches, reports CNN Portugal. A 13-year-old boy and an 18-year-old passed away in Cartaxo and Santa Comba Dao.
The 13-year-old boy died after drowning in the river Tejo in front of the Valada river beach. A drowning alert was set at 7:10 PM. Around half an hour later, the body was found by firefighters, and CPR was administered.
Unfortunately, the firefighters were unsuccessful, and the time of death occurred at around 8:15 PM.
A young man went missing in Santa Comba Dao at 3:45 PM on Sunday. At 9:30 PM, the body of the 18-year-old was found.
On Sunday, at least two people have gone missing on river beaches across mainland Portugal.
A 20-year-old went missing in the Peneda-Geres Park after diving in Canicada. Two of his friends dived into the river beach and were taken to Braga Hospital with mild injuries.
The search for the missing young person was stopped on Sunday night but recommenced on Monday morning.
According to NIT, in the first seven months of this year, 88 people died of drowning in beaches, pools, dams, and more, a record high in the last five years.
35 deaths occurred in the ocean and 31 in river beaches. Eight deaths were recorded in natural wells, six in dams, and three in private pools.
The Portuguese Federation of Lifeguards (FEPONS) told Expresso that the leading causes of drowning are not related to not being able to swim.
In reality, most drownings are caused by strong currents in the ocean and “excessive confidence from people” in rivers and dams.
Regarding rivers and dams seen in the country’s interior, Alexandre Tadeia of FEPONS says that people are overly confident outside of the ocean, believing it is safer, which is untrue.
He says, “they believe it is easier to swim a few meters, moving away from the shore. When they realize how far they are, they are too tired to swim back”. It is also much harder to float in river water.
In Portugal, drownings are the second cause of death for children up to five years old.
The pastel de nata is a Portuguese staple. The combination of caramelized custard, puff pastry, and cinnamon sprinkles has hooked many for life. Whether you have it for breakfast with an espresso or as a snack, the pastel de nata is a part of the daily life of the Portuguese and the tourists that visit Lisbon.
Unlike other Portuguese food items that seem to remain in their country of origin, the Portuguese custard tart fills the glass showcases of bakeries and cafes worldwide. From Lord Stow’s Bakery in Macau to even Trader Joe’s in the US, Portuguese custard tarts have marked their place all over the world.
However, the original pastel de nata recipe remains in Belem, Lisbon.
But how did the pastel de nata come about?
History of the Pasteis de Nata (Portuguese Custard Tarts)
Initially produced in Belem, Lisbon, the origin of the pastel de nata is sacred and spiritual, known as the pastel de Belem. This delicacy was created before the 18th century by Catholic monks in the Jeronimos Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site today.
Convents had an abundance of eggs used to starch the clothes of the Portuguese friars and nuns. With the leftover eggs, it was common that those in convents would make pastries. With egg as one of its main ingredients, this is how the Portuguese custard tart came about in the Jeronimos Monastery.
Jeronimos Monastery. Photo by The Creativv (Unsplash)
After the Liberal Revolution of 1820, religion took a step back in Portuguese society. Many convents and monasteries closed, leading monks to sell the Portuguese custard tarts in a sugar refinery to survive financially.
The monastery then closed in 1834. The monks sold the pastel de nata recipe to the sugar refinery, and three years later, the sugar refinery owners opened the Fabrica de Pasteis de Belem.
Pasteis de Belem
Today, Pasteis de Belem welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors annually, a short walk from the Jeronimos Monastery, selling over 20,000 tarts daily. While it first opened as a factory, today, it features a shop with take-out service and a cafe to sit down and enjoy the specialty.
Photo by Christine und Hagen Graf (Flickr)
The place is still owned by the descendants of the initial sugar refinery owners. Pasteis de Belem also still holds the original monk recipe. The secret recipe is kept in a hidden room.
The Pastel de Belem was announced in 2011 as one of Portugal’s Seven Wonders of Gastronomy.
Along with the traditional pastel de Belem, visitors can also try out other specialties such as the English cake, Belem marmalade, king cake, and more.
This is the only place where you can try the original custard tart, but there are other places without this secret recipe serving delicious pasteis de nata in Lisbon.
Photo by Anne Lotte (Flickr)
Where to get a Portuguese custard tart (after Pasteis de Belem)
Again, you need to try the custard tart at Pasteis de Belem. However, if you are not in the area of Belem or do not have the time to stay in line, many other places are selling delicious custard tarts. Here are our favorite spots in Lisbon:
1. Manteigaria
Located in Largo de Camoes, Manteigaria is a popular pastel de nata factory and bakery. Visitors can watch the pastel de nata baking process while trying the traditional pastry. This is a familiar spot for locals who come here before work for a pastel de nata and espresso. However, it is open until midnight, making it the perfect place for dessert after dinner.
Manteigaria has more than one spot around the country, one in Porto’s historic center and another in Lisbon’s Time Out Market.
2. Confeitoria Nacional
Founded in 1829 in Praca da Figueira, Confeitoria Nacional is a place of history and cultural heritage. This place was the official confectioner of the royal family and one of the oldest pastry shops in Lisbon. While this place is most known for the king cake as the original owner bought the recipe, it has one of the country’s most delicious Portuguese custard tards.
3. Fabrica da Nata
Established as the best pastel de nata in Portugal by the readers of NIT, Fabrica da Nata’s show stopper is the pastel de nata. This place features several menus that allow you to taste the Portuguese custard tart. We recommend the custard tart with a Port wine glass for an excellent recommendation.
4. Pastelaria Santo Antonio
Located on the walk towards the Sao Jorge castle, Pastelaria Santo Antonio is situated in the oldest neighborhood of Lisbon, Alfama. The store is filled with a traditional blue and white azulejo facade, while the inside of the bakery is more modern. This place is known to have one of the best pasteis de nata in the Portuguese capital. Along with their award-winning custard tarts, they also serve delicious sandwiches and waffles.
5. Pastelaria Versailles
Pastelaria Versailles has been around since 1922, founded by Salvador Jose Antunes, a Portuguese man who loved French patisseries. While the original location is in Saldanha, a new place opened in Belem in 2017, located near the Museu dos Coches.
Starting at 3 pm, Versailles becomes a tea house similar to the older ages and serves classics such as vanilla eclairs. However, the pastel de nata is still a classic staple here!
On Wednesday, the Portuguese Communist Party (PCP) asked the government to stop rent increases in Portugal. Due to a state of high inflation, the PCP wants to protect families from eviction, as well as suspend mortgage payments.
Communist Joao Dias Coelho said in a press conference that it is time to end broken promises that do not solve an issue affecting thousands of families.
He said, “We must confront the dominant interests in the housing marketing” through measures and investments that assure the right to housing.
The Portuguese Communist Party believes that the “accumulation of profit and growing inflation” demand a significant intervention by the government to “stop the growing rent values and to guarantee a reduction in bank spreads for loans.”
The PCP proposes to the socialist government that families be protected from eviction. The party also wants to suspend mortgage payments for those owning and living in their home.
Joao Dias Coelho also pointed out that “Lisbon is the third most expensive city in the world to live in,” according to a recent study. The study compares the average salary and cost of living in each city in the world.
“With the average salary in Lisbon of 1037 euros, an average rental of a three-bedroom at 1625 euros, access to housing is inaccessible to most of the population”, said Coelho.
The party believes the rise in rent prices is aggravated by a “politics of low salaries and labor and job insecurity.”
🏠🏬 A situação, hoje, coloca grandes dificuldades de acesso à habitação para a maioria da população e exige medidas urgentes, mais que a repetição de promessas sempre incumpridas que adiam a resposta a um problema que atinge milhares de famílias, em particular …
+ pic.twitter.com/xQwN4o1SDb
Seven hundred kilometers from the Moroccan coast lies Madeira, an island filled with green vegetation and mountainous rocks with a population of 250,000. Its capital, Funchal, is one of the ten cities of Madeira and perhaps the most visited on the island. Funchal is one of the safest travel destinations in the world, and tourists can also enjoy an all-year-round summer climate, gorgeous landscapes, and tropical-like beaches.
If you are planning your next trip to the Autonomous Region of Madeira, here are our 9 best things to do in Funchal.
Funchal is a history enthusiast’s dream, filled with historic churches and buildings throughout the city. One of our favorites is the 16th-century Sé (Cathedral), built at the peak of the Portuguese Discoveries era. Its beautiful ceilings, made out of wood from Madeira, are known as the most beautiful of all churches in the country.
Se do Funchal. Photo by Erik Karits (Flickr)
The Church of Nossa Senhora do Monte is another must-see. Built in 1471, this unique church is located in the mountains. Its highlights are the large chandeliers and the statue and the tomb of Charles I of Habsburg, the last Emperor of Austria who was exiled to Madeira.
We also recommend heading to the Convent of Santa Clara, a beautiful convent founded in 1496 by João Gonçalves de Câmara, the grandchild of the discoverer of the island.
2. Enjoy the views from Miradouros
Funchal has plenty of miradouros (viewpoints) that provide gorgeous views. The best way to get to these are definitely by car. The most famous viewpoint in Madeira is Pico dos Barcelos in Funchal.
This viewpoint was created in 1950 and sits 355 meters above the ocean. You can see the whole of the Funchal bay, as well as the Ilhas Desertas far away. There is also a playground area nearby if you have kids to entertain!
If you have time to scout the whole island for viewpoints, also stop by these miradouros: Balcoes, Veu da Noiva, and Eira da Achada.
3. Day at the beach
Funchal has beautiful beaches, as well as other parts of the island, such as Calheta. These beaches offer a unique environment with a contrast of rock and mountain views.
Water temperatures are warm all year round, rating between 19°(66°F) in the winter and 24°C (75°F) in the summer. The best month to visit for warm water and the perfect beach days is in September.
Our favorite beaches in Funchal are Praia Formosa, Praia da Barreirinha, and Ponta Gorda. We recommend packing lunch as some of the restaurants near these can be pricey and bringing a sun umbrella.
Praia Formosa. Photo by Vitor Oliveira (Flickr)
4. Foodie experience
Madeirense food is known for its soups, seafood, and exotic fruit, as well as some of the bread in the world. We recommend trying limpets, mollusks that are attached to rocks on the coast, and a prego no bolo de cacao, a grilled steak served on local caco bread. Our favorite restaurants are O Celeiro, Il Gallo D’Oro, and Quinta do Furão.
However, if you want an all-inclusive experience where you get to try a bit of everything with the help of a local guide, booking a food tour in Funchal is a foodie’s dream.
Here are our favorite food tours in Funchal:
Madeira Food & Cultural Tour: Walking tour in Funchal where you make the most of your day by visiting seven different places and tasting local specialties.
Food and Wine Walking Tour in Funchal: Taste your way through Funchal’s restaurants and markets while learning about Madeira’s rich gastronomic history in a 3-hour tour.
Limpets, known as Lapas. Photo by Yong Yi (Unsplash)
5. Ride the cable cars
The cable cars in Madeira are a great way to see the island and ocean views. This is the perfect activity for the whole family. The best cable car is the one in Funchal, a 20-minute ride that goes up to 560 meters high. This one takes you from Funchal to Monte for 15 minutes, providing views of the mountains in Monte and a 360-view of Funchal.
We also recommend the Achadas da Cruz cable car, on the Northern part of Madeira in Porto Moniz. This cable car is around 450 meters high and passes through the Fajã da Quebrada Nova where you can see crystal clear waters.
Dolphin and whale watching are a must when you visit the island of Madeira and are easily accessible in Funchal. To see certain whales, we recommend going between April and October. However, you can spot bottlenose dolphins, pilot whales, and sperm whales all throughout the year.
Here are our favorite whale and dolphin watching tours in Funchal at various price points:
If you’ve never been to Madeira, this activity might sound crazy. A unique transportation method in Madeira is riding basket sledges. With more than one hundred years of history, traditional basket sledges are made of wood and wicker and can take up to three people.
Large basket cars go down two-kilometer hills with no mechanical breaks. But don’t worry, you are in safe hands as two specialists control the baskets so that no one is injured. This is quite a fun activity, but some small children might be scared to do it.
Madeira has its own special wine, so an afternoon to explore its culture is a must. Madeira wine is a fortified wine that is made from a variety of grapes, such as Tinta Negra Mole, Sercial, Verdelho, Bual, and Malvasia. It has a higher alcohol level than the average wine, usually about 20%.
From dry to sweet Madeira wine, a local Funchal wine tasting will allow you to taste these special flavors. We recommend booking this professional wine tasting a visit to vineyards in a 4×4.
This half-day wine tour takes you to amazing wineries that date back to 1850, where you’ll get to learn about the wine-making process and try some local wine.
Combine two activities in one: ride a cable car and visit a gorgeous botanical garden. The Botanical Garden Cable rides from the Botanical Garden to Monte for 9 minutes, where you will get to see green hills and the Laurissilva forest, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site.
The Madeira Botanical Garden was created in 1960 in Quinta do Bom Sucesso. With 35,000 m2, it is home to 2000 exotic plants of various colors. Along with being open to visitors due to its beauty, the garden serves as a Science and Culture Center.
When walking around the garden, you can read the labels on the plants to find out their origin and scientific names.
In 2017, the garden got an upgrade to celebrate its anniversary with new lakes, a garden of camellias, and an app for guided tours.
A third heat wave is coming to Portugal on Saturday, August 20, and will last until September. Minister Jose Luis Carneiro warns that the high temperatures increase the fire risk.
Carneiro says that September is expected to be “50% to 60% hotter than previous years and 40% drier”. He also says that the fire period could last as long as October.
The Directorate‑General of Health of Portugal has published the following protection measures against the heat:
People should stay in cold and ventilated spaces
Increase water consumption and/or drink natural fruit juices without sugar
Avoid alcoholic drinks
Avoid direct sun exposure, particularly between 11 AM and 5 PM
Use loose clothing that covers most of the body, large hats, and sunglasses
Avoid physical activity outside
Special attention to vulnerable groups such as the elderly, pregnant people, etc.
Children under six months old should not face direct or indirect sun exposure
Back in July, Portugal saw its hottest summer yet as temperatures reached 47ºC in some areas in the country.
This third heat wave worries the Portuguese Institution of the Ocean and the Atmosphere. The President, Jorge Miguel Miranda says that preventive action is necessary or the fire situation will get more complex. He even gave examples of the fires in Australia and California.
Earlier this week, the fire in Serra da Estrela destroyed 16% of the Natural Park. Miranda says that although every fire is different, “we are living in a complicated monument in our climate history.”
Portugal has a distinct set of social norms and etiquette rules. To internationals, these might seem intimidating and even exaggerated. But to the Portuguese, they are a part of daily life and norms that are no longer questioned. If you are visiting Portugal or moving to the country, many of these might surprise you.
While you are not expected to change your way of life and adapt all the social customs and etiquette rules of Portugal, being aware of them will make your life easier. From greetings and dining etiquette to gift giving, let’s look at the do’s and dont’s of Portuguese social etiquette.
Greetings in Portugal
Portuguese greetings are one of Portugal’s most important parts of social etiquette. If you are going to stick to one thing, stick to greetings.
Greetings in Portugal are highly gendered. Men greet each other by shaking hands. If they are close friends, they might shake hands with a pat on the back, like a half hug. They might also give two kisses, one on each cheek if they are related. This depends on a particular family’s dynamic.
Women greet men and other women with two kisses. The first kiss goes on the right cheek and the second on the left. However, it is common for women to shake hands in a professional setting.
However, it can get a bit complicated. In some areas of Lisbon, some people only give one kiss on the cheek. You will have to figure out which friends do this, or you will be left awkwardly hanging. Many argue that those who give one kiss are what is considered “posh” in Portugal.
In big cities, strangers do not usually greet each other in passing, but this depends on your neighborhood. In smaller villages, this is customary. Use bom dia (good morning), boa tarde (good afternoon), or boa noite (good night), depending on the time of day. Use these greetings if you are running into a neighbor on an elevator or outside your house.
Portuguese Dress Code
Regarding the Portuguese dress code, we believe it’s up to you what you wear. Whether you are living in Portugal or visiting, you should express yourself in whatever way you see fit. However, if you want to know the dress code in Portugal, let’s take a look.
It’s been known that Portuguese people equate nice clothing with status. Many can’t afford expensive clothes but will still purchase them. However, this does not necessarily apply to luxury brands like Louis Vuitton or Gucci. Such displays of wealth are often frowned upon if they are not discrete. This does not mean that you can’t have a luxury bag, but pieces such as a Versace coat with the logo all over are seen as tacky.
The Portuguese dress in a casual and elegant style. Jeans are very popular, but they are usually smart and clean. Shirts are typical in the summer, particularly linen ones for both men and women. Dresses are also worn year-round, but particularly in the warmer months. People of all ages wear sneakers, but they are usually well taken care of and clean.
Photo by Alyssa Strohmann (Unsplash)
It’s common for people to dress up and men to wear suits to work (usually without a tie). Heels are usually worn on special occasions such as weddings, graduations, and black tie parties.
“Revealing clothes” on women are often frowned upon, especially by the older generation. However, younger women tend to wear whatever they want. We suggest you do the same, regardless of age!
We have noticed that American women often take to Facebook groups to ask whether leggings are worn in Portugal? While they were more common in the early 2010s, recently, they are not perceived as “stylish.” But again, wear whatever makes you comfortable!
Gift Giving in Portugal
Gift giving is significant in Portugal. Gifts are a sign of respect, not bribes. In a business environment, it’s common for companies to send gifts to their business clients and partners, usually in the form of gift baskets. Gifts typically include spirits, whiskey, Port wine, or coffee table books.
This is particularly common for Christmas. You are expected to thank the person for the gift, and an extra thank you note is welcomed.
Photo by Dmitry Mashkin (Unsplash)
If you receive a wrapped gift in person, you should open it immediately and thank them. If you are close with the person, usually you would give two kisses to express gratitude.
Bring a gift whenever you are invited to someone’s house for dinner. It doesn’t have to be something expensive; a bottle of wine or dessert will do. If your host says you don’t need to bring anything, do so anyway.
Rejecting any gift is seen as very offensive. Make sure that if you give a gift, never give 13 of that same gift, such as 13 flowers. The number 13 is a bad omen in Portugal, and many older people take this seriously. Some hotels don’t even have rooms with the number 13.
Dining Etiquette in Portugal
Dining etiquette in Portugal can be a bit daunting for first-timers, but you will easily get the hang of it.
The host usually decides where people sit if you are having dinner at someone’s house. You don’t start eating until everyone is served. It’s common for the host to say “bom apetite” or “bom proveito” to signal everyone can start eating.
It gets a bit confusing when it comes to utensils. The knife is held on the right hand and the fork on the left. Do not only use a fork to eat, this is considered rude. The smaller fork and spoon above your plate are for dessert.
When you are done, the knife and fork are set parallel to each other on the plate. This signals to your host or waiter that you are finished. If you are not yet finished, you can lay your cutlery down on either side of the plate. This way, a waiter won’t take your plate.
Photo by Jonathan Borba (Unsplash)
While dipping bread in a sauce is delicious, it is bad etiquette to do so with your hands in fancier settings. Cut a bit of bread using your hands and then use your fork to dip it in a sauce.
Napkins are usually placed on your lap while eating, especially if it’s made of cloth. When you are done with your meal, fold it before putting it down on the table.
Who pays the bill in Portugal? This varies, but it is usually the one who does the inviting that pays the bill, particularly for adults over 40. However, younger people often just split the bill.
Lunches and dinners often go on until later. Forget a quick meal, this is not common unless you tell them you have to be somewhere. It’s commonplace for guests to enjoy coffee after a meal and socialize. Especially if it is a traditional family lunch, known as an almoco de familia, a meal that starts at 1 pm will easily end at 5 or 6 pm. These family lunches are common in Portugal, especially on Sundays.
Public Displays of Affection (PDA) in Portugal
PDA is often frowned upon in Portugal. This doesn’t obviously include holding hands, hugging, and a quick kiss. However, intense kissing is disrespectful and will get you lots of stares. People might actually come up to you and call this behavior out.
However, sadly, what is considered acceptable PDA does not apply to everyone in a traditional society. Although Portugal has been making progress regarding LGBT rights, it is common for gay couples holding hands to get harassed.
Arriving Late
If you have Portuguese friends, you know they are often late to plans. Booking an 8 pm reservation often means they will be there at 8:30. This is generally accepted but, in excess, can be quite rude.
While not being on time for social events is commonplace, this is seen as unprofessional in the business world.
Talking About Money in Portugal
If you have lived in places like the Netherlands, where you will be often asked the price of your rent, Portuguese culture can come as a shock. It is not socially acceptable to ask people you don’t know well how much they paid for a product or the price of their house.
Definitely never ask someone their salary as this is even frowned upon among family members and close friends.
Subscribe to our newsletter below to get the latest news, reviews, info and more!
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.AcceptPrivacy policy
