Covid-19 cases are finally falling significantly in Portugal. The average number of daily Covid-19 cases in 5 days fell from 4,579 to 4,488. This is the lowest recorded daily average this year. The daily average cases were slightly lower in mainland Portuguese with 4,153.
In early 2022, there were a high number of Covid-19 cases. The highest daily average for 5 days occurred in January with over 45,000 infections. Numbers then dropped but increased again in May when a sixth wave came about.
In late May, Portugal was the country in the European Union with the highest number of new cases of covid-19 per one million population, as well as the second in the world.
However, despite a decrease in Covid-19 cases in Portugal, the transmissibility index (Rt) rose from 0.81 to 0.86. Back in January, the Rt was at 1,16.
Back in June, the government announced that there would be no Covid-19 restrictions on beaches in Portugal. All of the Covid-19 beach restrictions have not been renewed such as the mandatory use of masks in beach bars, social distancing, and a ban on certain sports.
For the last two years, people breaking covid-19 restrictions on beaches could face a fine between 50 and 100 euros, while fines for companies could reach 500 to 1000 euros.
Today, over 8.8 million people in Portugal have been fully vaccinated against the Covid-19 Pandemic. 95% of the population has received at least one dose of the vaccine and 92.6% are completely vaccinated.
Portugal is known for having an effective national vaccination program and generally a positive public attitude towards vaccines. The vaccination rate in Portugal for measles, mumps, and rubella is 95%, one of the highest in the European Union.
According to ABC News, only 3% of the population see themselves as vaccine “deniers”. While it is clear that the anti-vaccination movement is growing in Portugal, the general attitude is positive toward vaccination programs.
Under the Portuguese National Vaccination Program, all people living in Portugal have access to the free vaccines covered under the program. These vaccines are the ones the National Health Service (SNS) deems most important to public and individual health in Portugal.
Let’s take a look at the Portuguese National Vaccination Program (PNV), vaccines for children in Portugal, travel vaccinations, and more.
Portuguese National Vaccination Program
The National Vaccination Program (PNV) in Portugal allows everyone who lives there to have free and safe access to vaccines. It was implemented in 1965 and since the beginning maintains the basic principles of universal and free access.
The PNV’s main objective is to protect the general population against diseases that have the largest potential to threaten public and individual health.
According to the National Health Service (SNS), at an individual level, the program wants the vaccinated person to become immune to the disease or at least suffer a milder form of it.
At a larger population level, the SNS aims to control or minimize the impact of the disease in the community. This means that the percentage of vaccinated people has to be high.
The national vaccine program protects against the following diseases: tuberculosis, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, poliomyelitis, Haemophilus influenza type b infection, hepatitis B, pneumococcal disease, meningococcal disease, measles, mumps, rubella, and human papillomavirus infection.
Can foreigners get vaccinated in Portugal?
Yes, if you live in Portugal. Everyone who lives in Portugal has access to free vaccines under the PNV. All you need to do is head to a health center with the vaccination card of your country and you will get vaccinated with any ones missing. You do not even need to be registered with the National Health Service.
Vaccines for Children in Portugal
Vaccines for children living in Portugal are free under the PNV program. You will register your child at a local health center and receive an Individual Health Bulletin where vaccines will be recorded.
The hepatitis B vaccine is usually the only one administered at birth. However, the vaccine against tuberculosis is also given to some kids. Vaccines at birth are done at the hospital. Other vaccines are conducted in your local health center.
Although vaccines are not technically compulsory, there are two vaccines that are pretty much obligatory, diphtheria and tetanus shot. Without these, your child cannot enroll or take an exam in an educational establishment. You must make sure these are up to date as they grow.
Most vaccines are not mandatory under the Portuguese National Vaccination Program. Instead, the Directorate-General for Health (DGS) recommends that everyone is vaccinated with all the vaccines available under the program.
However, diphtheria and tetanus vaccines are compulsory in certain cases. If you want to enroll in an educational establishment and take an exam in one, you must have UP TO DATE diphtheria and tetanus vaccinations.
Travel Vaccinations for Portugal
Whether you need specific vaccinations to travel to Portugal depends on your nationality. Make sure to contact a Portuguese embassy or consulate before travel to make sure you have all the necessary vaccines.
In October of 2021, Portugal achieved the highest vaccination rate in the world, reaching full vaccination for 85% of the population in just nine months. Today, Portugal is the 9th country with the highest rate of administered doses per 100 inhabitants.
Over 8.8 million people in Portugal have been fully vaccinated against the Covid-19 Pandemic. 95% of the population has received at least one dose of the vaccine and 92.6% are completely vaccinated.
Covid-19 vaccinations are free in Portugal and there is an open-door policy so you don’t have to book a slot.
Covid-19 Vaccination Rate in Portugal by Age Group
Do you need insurance to get vaccinated in Portugal?
Generally speaking, you do not need health insurance to get vaccinated in Portugal. Most vaccines are free to all residents in Portugal under the Portuguese National Vaccination Program (PNV).
However, a few vaccines are not included. For example, the HPV vaccine is only free for girls up to the age of 17. After that, the cost per dose is at least 150 euros and there are three doses.
There are many health insurance providers in Portugal that cover vaccines such as Allianz Care.
The Portuguese flag of today was designed in 1910, after the revolution that overthrew the monarchy and proclaimed a republic on October 5. To get rid of monarchy symbols, a new national flag was created.
The flag was created by a special team including painter Columbano Bordalo Pinheiro and writer Abel Botelho. They were tasked with designing a flag that symbolized the new Portugal.
The flag as we know it is divided vertically into two main colors, green and red. The green part is smaller. On the center of the flag, you will find a yellow armillary sphere and a red shield.
But these colors and symbols weren’t chosen at random or for aesthetic purposes. They were selected due to their historical significance. So what is the true meaning of the Portuguese flag? Let’s take a look!
Meaning of the Portuguese Flag: What does Portugal’s Flag Mean?
Colors of the Portuguese Flag
The two main colors on the flag are green and red, decided by the flag committee. They believed red symbolized the blood loss of those fighting for Portugal to become a republic. Green symbolizes hope for the future. The Portuguese flag thus represents both the past and a glimmer of hope for the future.
There is more red than green on the flag, meaning there is more “blood” than “hope”. This represents the typical Portugal view, often focusing on the past and melancholy.
The old flag was white and blue, highly associated with the monarchy. It is no longer used, except for those who are monarchists.
However, even before 1910, red and green were present in historical symbols during important periods of Portuguese history. For example, during the 1640 revolution that restored Portugal’s independence from Spain, green symbols were present.
Green and red were also republican colors throughout the late 1800s and early 1900s, seen on every republican item. In the Republican revolt of Porto on January 31, 1891, the Portuguese Republican Party had flags with these colors.
Symbols in the Portuguese Flag
The two main symbols in the Portuguese flag are the armillary sphere, in yellow, and the Portuguese shield, in red. Let’s take a look at their meanings.
The Armillary Sphere
An armillary sphere. Authors: Sachse, Julius Friedrich, 1842-1919. Public domain.
The yellow armillary sphere in the Portuguese flag features a ribbon design of four rings arranged on a sphere.
An armillary sphere is an astronomical device that was once sued to navigate oceans during the discoveries. It’s said that the device was introduced by Henry the Navigator, the Grand Master of the Order of Christ in the Knights Templar.
This device was incorporated into D. Manuel I’s flag during the discoveries. It also became a colonial symbol and a key element of the flags of the future Brazilian empire.
The flag designers placed an armillary sphere on the Portuguese flag to represent the “golden age” of maritime expansion during the 15th and 16th centuries.
Red Portuguese Shield
A Portuguese red shield lies at the center of the flag, on top of the armillary sphere. The whole shield represents Portuguese victories of the past.
The Portuguese shield is one of the oldest elements of the country’s flag, with a similar shield appearing during the reign of Sancho I. The shield was only not present on a flag during the reign of Afonso I.
The shield is divided into an interior white section with 5 smaller blue shields, and an outer red area with 7 yellow castles.
The 7 yellow castles on the red part represent the 7 castles that Portugal took back from the Moors during battles. These were captured under Afonso III in the Algarve in 1249.
The 5 smaller blue shields in the white area of the shield represent the 5 Moorish kings that were killed by Afonso I, the first King of Portugal. There are also 5 white dots within each blue shield representing the 5 wounds of Christ, the five wounds Christ suffered during the crucifixion.
History of the Portuguese Flag
The Portuguese flag has changed throughout the years. However, some form of the coat of arms has always been present.
Starting in 1095, the first flag-like symbol that can be associated with would become Portugal was placed on the shield of Henry of Burgundy, Count of Portugal. During his battle with the Moors, the count had a shield with a blue cross over white. This is where the white and blue that would once mark the last Portuguese monarch flag first appeared.
By 1248, the royal arms were also similar to the one of today. Under Afonso III of Portugal, a red border with yellow castles and a white interior with 5 blue shields was common. However, this coat of arms had a square shape.
In 1495, King Manuel I was the first king to convert the traditional square-shaped coat of arms to a more oval shape. The coat included the yellow castles and blue shields in the same colors that we see today, but with a crown on top, symbolizing the monarchy.
By the 17th century, King Peter II adapted the flag’s crown to fit with contemporary trends by adding a five-arched crown. A red beret was added under the crown by King John V in 1707.
By the 1800s, although Queen Maria II of Portugal was proclaimed queen at 7 years old, her brother Miguel disposed of her and proclaimed himself king. He abolished the 1822 liberal constitution and began ruling as an absolute monarch.
This led to a period of the Liberal Wars. The liberals formed a separate government in Terceira, Azores, and changed the national flag. The flag was divided between blue and white and the armillary sphere was removed.
Author: Tonyjeff. Photo is public domain.
King Miguel was later exiled in 1834 and Queen Maria II got her thrown back. The liberal flag was announced as the new national flag. It lasts for 80 years until the abolition of the monarchy in 1910.
Portuguese monarchists still use this flag but it is no longer the national flag. Rather, the green and red flag representing the republicans is still used, designed by a committee in 1910.
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) found that Portuguese people need around 11.4 years of medium average wages to be able to buy a 100m2 home. In 2000, 11.3 years of wages were needed, reports Idealista.
House prices are growing exponentially in Portugal. Idealista reports that house prices in the first trimester of 2022 grew around 12.9%, the largest increase since 2010.
However, since the average income of Portuguese families does not match the housing price increase, it is much harder for them to afford to purchase a property.
There are other OECD countries that have worse situations where families with the average salary take longer to afford a home. In New Zealand, families need 18.7 years of medium average wages to afford a home, the worse off country.
In South Korea they need 16.6 years, in Ireland, they need 16.1 years, in Luxembourg, they need 14.4 years, and in Australia, they need 14.4 years. These are the five countries where families take the longest to afford a 100m2 with the average salary.
The list is then followed by Greece (13 years), the Netherlands (12.9 years), France (12.8 years), Switzerland (12.6 years), Austria (11.9 years), and Hungary (11.6 years).
The OECD reports that the number of years it takes to buy a 100m2 house with the average salary increase in almost all of the OECD. It almost doubled in some countries between 2000 and 2020. This is not the case for Portugal, with less than a 1% increase in the last 20 years.
The OECD also concluded that inflation is increasing rental prices, reducing the income available to families renting in the private market. This worsens their financial well-being and makes it harder to save for buying a primary home.
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Douro Valley should be on the top of your list if you are visiting the North of Portugal. The Douro Valley is a cultural landscape of vineyards where Douro wines are grown and produced at traditional wine cellars.
Departing from Porto, the Douro river flows in the middle of these green hills with vineyards. Beware, visiting the Douro Valley is quite expensive by Portuguese standards, but it is still a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, known for the highest quality cuisine and wines.
The best way to visit the Douro Valley is by hiring a private car transfer or renting a car as public transportation is scarce in the area, especially if you want to visit multiple vineyards for wine tastings. Alternatively, you can also book a stunning Douro river cruise that stops at vineyards.
Let’s take a look at the best things to do in the Douro Valley, our favorite restaurants, tours, hotels, and more with our Douro Valley Travel Guide.
The Douro Valley is best known worldwide for being a cultural landscape due to its vineyards. Douro wines, including Port wine, are grown and produced in these vineyards and wine cellars.
Many have been in the hands of families for generations. Our three favorite vineyards to visit in the Douro Valley are Quinta da Roêda (Pinhão), Quinta do Crasto (Sabrosa), and Quinta do Seixo (Valença do Douro).
Photo by Nadya Filatova (Unsplash)
Top Vineyards in the Douro Valley
Quinta da Roêda
Quinta da Roêda does not just offer Port wine tastings, but also, visits to the vineyards, picnics, workshops, and more. You can explore the gorgeous vineyard with a travel guide and have a tasting of three wines for only €12 per person. Their packages go up to €44 per person for a larger number and variety of wines.
For a luxurious and romantic lunch out with wine, you can reserve their picnic package on the shaded terrace, overlooking the vineyards and Douro river. Prices for this range from €30 to €48 per person depending on the basket selected.
Quinta do Crasto
Quinta do Crasto is included in the Top 20 of the World’s Best Vineyards, winning 16th place in 2021. Family-owned, this Quinta started producing its Douro wines back in 1994 and commercializing their Vintage Port from 1978.
In 2000, the family also acquired the Quinta da Cabreira, a property with 150 hectares, and six years later, also bought Quinta do Querindelo to keep up with demand.
The wine tasting here lasts around 90 minutes where you get to taste 5 of their wines, visit the port wine cellars, and more for €29 per person.
Quinta do Seixo
Quinta do Seixo has over 100 hectares and is one of the most traditional wine-producing estates in the region. The vines are over one hundred years old! The Quinta also has very advanced winemaking technology that is perfectly integrated with the landscape.
They have a variety of packages for wine-loving visitors. Their cheapest visit is €15 for a 40-minute tour of the winery and tasting of 2 port wines. Their most luxurious option is a 3-hour picnic in the vineyard where you can taste their wines and enjoy Douro cuisine for €40 per person (only available from March to October).
2. Hike in the Douro Valley
Exploring the Douro Valley region by foot is a rewarding experience. You will find beautiful vineyards and small villages along your treks. There are plenty of great hiking trails across the valley that have been marked by local authorities.
However, it is common for tourists to get lost and stray beyond the trails so keep that in mind. Also, beware that temperatures in the summer can be quite high and in the winter, it tends to rain a lot. The best time to go hiking in the Douro Valley is in the spring or fall, but do make sure to check the weather before heading out.
We recommend booking a guided hiking trail so you don’t get lost and get the most out of the experience with a local guide. Book this 4 hour guided hiking trail of 7 kilometers where you will get to discover the vineyards, olive groves, and fruit trees of the region. The hike also includes a picnic with homemade products, as well as Douro table wine and Port wine.
The Douro Valley is best explored by boat, as the heart of the valley is the river itself. Douro boat tours provide you with the best views of the valley, as well as stop at the best vineyards so you will get to learn about the region’s wine production. Many also include traditional Portuguese lunches. Take a look at our top picks for boat tours in the Douro River.
Photo by Dim Hou (Unsplash)
Our favorite Douro Valley River boat tours:
Douro & Regua River Cruise: Departing from Porto, this Douro and Regua cruise on a large boat allows you to discover the Port wine region. The cruise includes a large breakfast, as well as lunch while you admire the Douro valley and goes through the 14-meter Crestuma-Lever Dam and the Carrapatelo Dam.
Porto to Douro Valley All-Inclusive Cruise: One of the most popular cruises in Porto is a 9.5 hour all-inclusive Douro river cruise that allows guests to spend a full day discovering the landscapes of the Douro valley. Hop on a traditional Portuguese Rabelo boat in Porto which will take you to Peso da Regua, Pinhao, and Sabrosa. The cruise includes two spots to wine estates where you will get to taste some of the finest wines produced in the vineyards.
4. Visit the six Wine Villages in the Douro Valley
With over 2,000 years of wine production history, there are still many traditional small villages that remain untouched. There are six recognized Wine Valles in the Douro Valley, known as Aldeias Vinhateiras do Douro. These include Barcos, Favaios, Provesende, Trevoes, and Ucanha.
When you visit these villages, you will get to see how the locals live which in many ways has remained the same throughout history. These villages remain traditional and authentic, despite a rise in tourism.
Our favorite village is Provesende, the nearest wine village to Pinhao which is helpful if you are traveling by train. The village contains several schist houses and even a chapel at Picote de Sao Domingo from the Iron Age.
Provesende Village. Photo by Vitor Oliveira (Flickr)
Another top choice to visit is Trevoes on the southern side of the river. The village features views of the vineyards going downhill and the mountains above. Visit the parish church from the middle ages and the large seven chapels.
You should also visit the Trevoes Museum which celebrates the local culture and displayed the household and agricultural objects used.
5. Explore the Alvao Natural Park
Located near the Douro Valley, Alvao natural Park is situated in the western section of the Serra do Alvao. A protected area since 1983, it is the smallest of Portugal’s natural parks and has less than 700 locals populating it.
Despite its small size, this park is a must-see if you are in the region. It is one of the most beautiful parks in Portugal due to 250 meter high cascades falling into rocks. You might also spot a wolf and a falcon, as well as other interesting animal species.
There are many activities in Alvao Natural Park such as rafting down the watercourses of the market and hiking through the region. We also recommend trying out local restaurants and trying the park delicacies such as meatballs and roasted veal.
Alvao Natural Park. Photo by Vitor Oliveira (Flickr)
Transportation in Douro Valley: How to get around the Douro Valley
The Douro Valley is better explored by car so we do recommend renting a vehicle. This gives you the freedom to build your own itinerary and pick out the vineyards and restaurants that you like best, without having to depend on others.
Driving around the Douro Valley also heightens the experience. You will get to drive your way up snake-like roads that go up vineyards and mountains with breathtaking views.
You can also travel to the Douro Valley by public transport. The Douro train line has 11 daily departures to Peso da Regua and five others that continue up to Pocinho. There are many trains from Porto that are around 2 to 3 hours
However, again, you won’t have the same flexibility as you would if you rent your own car. Alternatively, if you are coming from Porto, you can also book a stunning Douro river cruise that stops at vineyards so everything is taken care of.
Joel Collins was allegedly stabbed in a resort in the city of Albufeira in the Algarve on July 4 while walking home from a night out. The 35-year-old father of four is in an induced coma, after suffering lacerations to the pancreas, lungs, intestines, and stomach.
He was found unconscious on the street and someone took him to the hospital in Faro. The victim has undergone six surgeries already and is in intensive care. His family is at his side.
ITV News reports that the victim has limited memory of what happened. However, the hospital believes he was robbed as he did not have his personal belongings with him.
Joel only remembers getting separated from his friends on a night out and using his phone to find the way back to his hotel, according to his sister Heidi Collins.
His last memory was of getting separated from his group and getting his phone out to use Google Maps to find a route back to his hotel.
Joel’s mumtold BBC Wales, “It is the most horrendous experience of my life but what his sister, his partner, and I are going through is nothing compared to what Joel is so that makes me stronger.”
A friend of Joel’s has set up a crowdfunding page for the victim’s family that has raised over £8,000 so far.
Heidi also told ITV News that “people need to be extra vigilant when they are in the resort”. She said “the police aren’t doing anything about it” and that “these crimes are going on and nobody is aware of it.”
Located in downtown Porto on the same street as Bolsa Palace, Fabrica do Azeite opened its doors in late 2021. This “Olive Oil Factory’ is more than just a place to purchase olive oil. With a storefront showcasing real olive trees, Fabrica do Azeite is a sustainable olive oil aficionado’s dream.
From tasting the high-quality olive oil to purchasing regional products closely linked to the olive cycle, Fabrica do Azeite provides a unique experience.
But the star of the show is the Acushla olive oil. At the start of this project in 2006, Joaquim Moreira’s goal was to develop one of the best olive oils in the world. “And I think we did it,” says the founder of Fabrica do Azeite and Acushla.
In the last four years, Acushla has won over 50 international awards. In 2021, the olive oil won Gold for the Best Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil in the World.
It was in Quinta do Prado, Vila Flor in the Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro region where the olive oil production began. On 214 hectares with around 70,000 olive trees, the estate is one of the largest organic production areas in the whole region.
Acushla olive oil has a unique characteristic – a high index of polyphenols. The potential health benefits of plant polyphenols include effects that are anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, and more.
“Olive oil is more important as medicine than it as a food… We are what we eat”, says Joaquim.
He calls the Acushla olive oil a “superfood” and highlights the benefits of a Mediterranean diet, where olive oil is a crucial player.
Along with health, sustainability is the central pillar of the world of Acushla. This olive oil is a “friend to the environment.” “The whole of the exploration of the olive tree is sustainable. We have photo-voltaic panels, and 70% to 80% of our energy is sustainable”, explains Joaquim.
The growth of the olive trees that produce Acushla respects the principles of organic production established by European and American legislation.
Chemical synthesis products are prohibited, and the maintenance of the fertilization of the soils is conducted sustainably to reduce environmental impact.
At Fabrica do Azeite, sustainability as a concept is put on display. The world of olive oil and fashion collide here with a shared principle – the circular economy.
A section of the store is dedicated to selling sustainable clothing made of 100% organic cotton and free of any synthetic and chemical compounds.
Combining these two industries is not a new feat for Joaquim Moreira. At 19, he began working in the textile industry. By the age of 30, Joaquim opened Tetriberica, a textile company that works with some of the most renowned international brands.
In operation to this day, 75% of the materials used by the textile company are sustainable, and 35% of the energy is renewable.
Fabrica do Azeite also offers an extensive selection of bioproducts, from various olive oils, canned goods, jams, nuts, salt, teas, chocolates, charcuterie boards, and more. Guests can sample a multitude of regional flavors that pay homage to the production of olive oil on a large farmhouse-style table with green plants.
Joaquim recommends trying the Acushla olive oil, the excellent jams, the high-quality ham, and the wine sold in partnership with Rui Madeira.
Along with excellent regional products, tourists have been walking through the shop’s doors to witness a recently introduced innovative feature. Fabrica do Azeite is home to an impressive olive oil press known as a lagar in Portuguese. Joaquim says it allows visitors to visualize the production of olive oil as “many do not know how it’s made.”
Fabrica do Azeite also hosts a workshop called “The World of Olive Oil” to celebrate olive oil as “one of the greatest riches that the earth can give us.” The workshop teaches guests how to spot the best olive oils to make sustainable and health-conscious choices.
The workshop goes through the whole production process, including how olives are grown, harvested, crushed, and then packed into the olive oils you see at a store. It also includes an olive oil tasting that heightens the five senses, allowing guests to explore the variety of flavors and aromas.
Visit Fabrica do Azeite at R. de Ferreira Borges 73, 4050-295 Porto.
Over 80 counties in the districts of Braganca, Vila Real, Coimbra, Viseu, Santarem, Castelo Branco, Portalegre, and Faro are at maximum risk of rural fire, reports JN.
The Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) said that many other countries in Portugal are at high risk and very high risk of rural fire with a yellow warning.
Faro is under an orange warning, the second highest warning due to the heat. On Monday, temperatures are expected to reach 37°C, but will then cool down as the week progresses.
However, there are finally 11 counties in the districts of Porto and Aveiro now at reduced risk of fire.
Temperatures will decrease at the beginning of the week all over the country, except in the Algarve, where a slight increase is happening today.
Portugal is no longer under an “alert situation” since Thursday as the fires seem to be slowly declining. However, the government will decide today whether this should be reevaluated.
The rural fires in Portugal began around two weeks ago when Portugal began experiencing its hottest heat wave yet with temperatures reaching above 40ºC.
Three people in total have died because of the fires. Last week, an elderly couple died in a car accident fleeing a fire in Murca. The week before, a pilot fighting the fires in the north of Portugal crashed in the region of Foz Coa.
There are a total of 588 monkeypox cases reported in Portugal, 73 of which were notified last week, reports CNN. The first monkeypox vaccines have been given in Portugal. DGS has already began administring vaccines to those closest to the infected people.
Most of those infected with monkeypox in Portugal are between the ages of 30 and 39 years old and 99.8% are men. Only one women has been infected with monkeypox after being in contact with an infected man.
All of the regions of mainland Portugal and Madeira have reported cases of the virus, but the majority of cases (80%) have been confirmed in Lisbon and Vale do Tejo.
The other regions with the monkeypox cases are central Portugal (8), Alentejo (5), Algarve (4), and Madeira (3).
Portugal began vaccinated people against monkeypox on July 16. The three closes contacts to infected people are the first being vaccinated. The DGS continues to call close contacts to those infected so they can get vaccinated.
The vaccine is called Imvanex, a third-generation vaccine that is currently approved in Europe to prevent smallpox, but that is also effective against Monkeypox.
Those with suspected symptoms should avoid “physical contact with other people and sharing clothes, towels, sheets, and personal objects while having lesions or other symptoms”, according to the DGS.
Monkeypox spreads through close contact with someone who has symptoms. Clothing, bedding, towels, or objects that have been contaminated with monkeypox can infect others.
The virus can also spread through saliva as ulcers, lesions, or sores in the mouth can be infectious.
Millions of tourists travel to Portugal every year, but it can be hard to figure out where to go. Luckily, this 1-Week Portugal Itinerary guides you on where to spend 7 days in Portugal.
The itinerary starts in the Portuguese capital of Lisbon and then heads south. You can enjoy the journey fully through public transport, but when leaving Lisbon to head to the Algarve, we do recommend renting a car.
When renting your vehicle, you can select to pick up the car at Lisbon airport and return it at the end of your trip at Faro airport, where this itinerary ends.
While both Central Portugal and the north have a lot to offer, this 7-day itinerary is perfect for a first-timer who hasn’t yet visited the country.
For everything you need to know before traveling to Portugal, check out our Portugal Survival Guide.
This 1-Week Itinerary in Portugal starts in the capital of Lisbon. Many cities around the world fly directly to Lisbon. You can fly directly to Lisbon from many US airports, including Miami, Boston, Washington, San Francisco, and New York.
One of the oldest cities in western Europe, Lisbon has seen a boom in tourism due to its unique beauty, historical attractions, and affordability.
The birthplace of Amália Rodrigues, the iconic Fado singer, Lisbon is rich in culture, history, and striking views.
For your visit day in Lisbon, start your day off in Alfama. The oldest neighborhood in Lisbon and the home of fado. Explore the neighborhood and look out for Fado spots, as well as historical monuments such as the Lisbon Cathedral, the Convent of the Grace, and more.
For a traditional Portuguese meal, we recommend Alfaia, one of the oldest restaurants in Lisbon that opened in 1880.
If you are vegan but still want to try Portuguese food, we definitely recommend Ao 26 Vegan Food Project.
For the best pizzas in Lisbon, head to Casanova in Santa Apolonia to take some pizzas cooked in a large wood-burning stove and enjoy views of the Tagus river.
Then head to Miradouro da Graca, one of the most iconic viewpoints in Lisbon. At the top of the seven hills of the city, you get to see historic neighborhoods and take photographs of the surroundings.
Then take the iconic 28 tram from Miradouro da Graca that passed by Praca do Comercio and other locations. Hop off in Chiado.
Take a 15-minute walk to Praca do Comercio, the city’s central waterpoint front. The large square used to be the site of the former royal palace that was destroyed in the Great Lisbon Earthquake in 1755.
There are multiple shops and restaurants in the square. You can also climb the Rua Augusta Arch for 360 views of the city and the square.
For dinner, head to 1 de Maio in Bairro Alto for an affordable Portuguese meal. This hidden restaurant offers delicious fresh seafood that you can see from the window and a variety of meats like lamb.
After dinner, head to Pink Street in Cais do Sodre. The street features pink pavement and was once Lisbon’s Red Light District. Today, it is a nightlife hotspot.
Many bars today still reflect the Red Light District such as the iconic bar Pensao Amor which has memorabilia from the time. Walk around to experience the nightlife which often fills the street, locals bringing their drinks outside.
Best Hotels in Lisbon
Inspira Liberdade Boutique Hotel: Awarded the Best Luxury Green Hotel in 2019, Inspira Liberdade provides a relaxing Feng-Shui vibe for its guests. The hotel has a SPA, fitness room, bar, and a restaurant with Portuguese food called Pen Brasserie Mediterrânica.
Selena Secret Garden: The hostel also has a rooftop deck, CoWork space for professionals, and a movie room. In the heart of Cais do Sodre, you are close to contemporary art galleries, bars with riverfront views, and within walking distance to Chiado.
Bairro Alto Hotel: This hotel is situated in the best location in Lisbon, between Bairro Alto and Chiado in an 18th-century building in central Lisbon. The hotel features a restaurant with award-winning Chef Nuno Mendes and Executive Chef Bruno Rocha.
Day 2: Lisbon
For your second day in Lisbon, we recommend exploring Belem. Belem lies along the Tejo Estuary and is home to two UNESCO sites, Torre de Belem and Mosteiro dos Jeronimos.
Mosteiro dos Jerónimos is a former monastery in Belém constructed in Portuguese Late Gothic Manueline style and you can visit the church for free.
Torre de Belem is a 16th-century fortification that once served as an embarkation spot for Portugal explorers. It features a Manueline style and has been a World Heritage Site since 1983.
Torre de Belem. Photo by Alex Paganelli (Unsplash)
A 2-minute walk from the monastery, head to Pasteis de Belem where the traditional Portuguese custard tart was first invented.
In the afternoon, we recommend booking a sightseeing tour. Since you only have 2 days in Lisbon, this is a great way to see as much of the city as possible. Here are our favorite guided tours of Lisbon:
Lisbon 3-Hour Sightseeing Tour by Tuk Tuk: This tuk-tuk tour rides up and down the hills of Lisbon, going through the city’s oldest neighborhoods and main attractions.
Lisbon Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: Book a 24-hour ticket which includes an audio guide. This affordable ticket allows you to visit different routes and hop in as you would like.
Lisbon 3-Hour Tour by E-Bike: This tour allows you to cycle through Lisbon on comfortable e-bikes with a guided tour. You will get to visit different viewpoints and historical attractions.
At night, walk to Bairro Alto, the most popular area for drinking outdoors. Tons of locals and tourists line the streets of Bairro Alto with a beer in hand. We recommend Ze dos Bois Gallery, a musical center that has live music and serves tasty drinks.
Best Restaurants in Lisbon
Ze dos Cornos: For a Portuguese person, this place is like arriving at your Avó’s (grandma´s) house for dinner. Everything off the menu hits the spot, but try their codfish with potatoes or their rabbit. You can have a large full meal here with wine for under €15.
The Green Affair: Open since 2018, the Green Affair serves Portuguese and international dishes. The restaurant offers lunch menus for less than €11 including a starter, main, and drink. For dinner, you’ll pay around €30 for two people.
Alma: Henrique Sá Pessoa’s, Alma also has two Michelin stars. The menu includes Portuguese dishes with influences from his worldwide travels. The menus start at €145 per person and do not include drinks. The wine tasting menu costs €80 per person.
The great thing about Lisbon is its proximity to quaint coastal towns. Our favorites: Sintra and Cascais. We recommend either driving to these locations (both around 30 minutes from Lisbon), booking a guided tour, or taking a 30-minute train to each town.
In Sintra, we recommend heading to Piriquita for the staple deserted called a “travesseiro”. After this energy boost, head to the Castle of the Moors. This is a medieval castle that sits on a hilltop and was built by the Moors in the 8th century.
Then, head to Pena Palace, one of the most iconic palaces in all of Portugal. The palace has a Disney-like feel, painted in beautiful colors in a romanticist style. You can also wander around the castle and see the beautiful green area that surrounds it. Tickets cost around €15.
We recommend having lunch at a seafood restaurant in Cascais. Our favorites are Furnas do Guincho and Baia do Peixe, the latter being a more affordable alternative.
Then it’s time to explore Cascais, the richest municipality in the country! Head to “Praia da Rainha”, a secluded beach with a wonderful view, perfect for a family photograph.
Find Frederico Arouca street, a high street with major stores selling Portuguese souvenirs. Then walk to the City Hall in Praca 5 de Outubro, a beautiful building surrounded by cobblestoned streets.
To wrap up your day, head to Guincho beach, a 10-minute drive from the center of Cascais, to watch the sunset. If the weather is nice, take a dip! But be careful with the waves as they can get quite high.
A 3-hour drive from Lisbon, drive south to Tavira, in the beautiful region of the Algarve. Alternatively, you can catch a train to Faro or a bus directly to Tavira.
Tavira was built alongside River Gilão and features some of the best beaches in the Algarve, as well as picturesque narrow streets with traditional houses. Along with the stunning beaches, the town has multiple attractions such as shops and historical buildings.
Your two days will be more slow-paced than the past days in Lisbon. You will be spending most of your time at the beach.
Our favorite beach is Praia do Barril. The beach features a wooden path over golden sand which provides a gorgeous contrast with the dark blue waters. Due to the large size of the beach, you will rarely feel like it’s too busy, despite its popularity.
Praia de Tavira and Praia da Terra Estreita are also great alternatives in Tavira. If you want to discover multiple beaches this affordable 4-hour boat tour takes you on an octopus tour and stops at multiple beaches.
In between resting at the beach, we recommend exploring Tavira. Take a walk through the city and explore the Chapel of Sao Bras, castle, and convent. Book this 100% electric 1-hour tuk-tuk tour if you want a guided tour of the city from a local’s perspective.
São Paulo Boutique Hotel:São Paulo Boutique Hotel is located less than 5 kilometers from the beach and features an outdoor swimming pool, bar, shared lounge, and large garden for guests to enjoy.
OZADI Tavira Hotel: A 4-star hotel AZADI Tavira Hotel is 3 kilometers away from the beach and features a large outdoor pool, a fitness center, and two restaurants.
Quinta Dos Perfumes: An 8-minute walk from the beach, Quinta dos Perfumes is an 88-acre farmhouse that features beautiful orange groves and a salt-water outdoor pool.
Benagil is a fishing village known for its stunning beaches and sea caves. The Benagil caves are a must-see if you head to the Algarve. We recommend booking a guided tour, many of which start in Albufeira. Here are the best day tours to Benagil Caves.
Dolphins and Benagil Caves from Albufeira: This boat tour allows you to discover dolphins, marine life, and Benagil caves in an inflatable boat. A stop for a swim is included!
Enjoy your last day at your favorite beach in Tavira. Again, we recommend Praia do Barril. Then travel back home from Faro Airport, only a 30-minute drive away from Tavira.
