The name Terceira means “third,” as this island was the third to be discovered in the Azores in the 15th century. It is the second most inhabited island of the Azores, with around 60,000 people living there.
The island’s beauty is a consequence of the contrast between the natural landscapes of the volcanic island and the human-built historic center. You must visit the capital of the island, Angra do Heroismo. It was founded in 1534 and was the first place in the Azores to be classified as a city.
Terceira was made a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1983. There is so much to experience on this island, from water sports to visiting an extinct volcano called Algar do Carvão. Terceira island is nicknamed “the festive island” because it’s known for its local festivals that are full of life and represent Azorean culture.
If you are planning your next visit to the island of Terceira, here are the 5 best things to do in Terceira, Azores.
The remote island of Terceira is a great spot to enjoy some water sports and discover the North Atlantic Ocean. The best way to explore is to book an experience or guided tour to make sure you are safe, particular as the Azorean sea is often quite wavy.
We recommend booking this snorkeling tour where you will be accompanied by a professional and provided with all the equipment necessary.
Another great experience is a jet ski tour where you will ride around the coast until the remote Ilhéus das Cabras (Goats Islets). You will get to ride between the isles, as well through small caves.
Alternatively, a great activity for the whole family is a fishing experience where €127 per person, you get to learn how to fish on a boat and enjoy a nice lunch, as well as unlimited drinks.
If you enjoy the water but not sports, Terceira still has an activity for you. There are loads of beaches on the island that are perfect for sunbathing. Unlike other Azorean beaches, there are many sandy beaches. Our favorite beaches and natural pools in Terceira are:
Since whale hunting was banned in Portugal, the Azores have become a popular place for the research of marine life, as well as exploration.
Over twenty different species of whales live in the Azores, making it one of the best places in the world for whale-watching.
The best season for whale-watching in Pico is between April to October, even though you can usually see them all year. To spot some whales (and dolphins), you need to book a guided tour.
Enjoy this whale and dolphin watching with a professional guide that can tell you all about these interesting creatures.
Terceira is a hiking hotspot with ten amazing trails suitable for any nature lover. Our favorite hike so far is the Mistérios Negros, a 5 km hike of fewer than 3 hours. You can book a professional to accompany you on this hike for €40.
Make sure to hike on “official” trails that are taken care of by the Azores Tourism Broad. These are properly maintained and signed with hiking markers throughout so people do not get lost.
You can look up the official hike trails here. You can find the routes on a map, the duration of the hike, as well as the elevation levels, and more.
Algar do Carvao is an extinct volcano in Terceira that anyone can visit. A force of nature, it has some of the largest silica stalactites in the world. The word “algar” refers to a natural cavity in the earth that is vertical, unlike most caves. The volcano is 150 feet deep, and its size is remarkable.
You need to book in advance to visit, and tickets cost between €6 and €9, while children under 12 enter for free. If you would like the full experience, book a tour with a guide here for €45.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Angra do Heroismo is one of the three capitals in the Azores and a gorgeous historical center. The capital was hit by an earthquake in 1980, and many parts of it were restored within four years.
This unique and quaint capital is a great spot to spend a day exploring. From the gardens, churches, and the City Hall Theatre, you will get lost in its Azorean beauty.
Head to Jardim Publico de Angra, also known as Jardim Duque da Terceira. This garden is spread across several levels and is a must-see.
Loja Basilio Simoes e Irmaos is another spot you must visit. You can buy seeds, sweets, and teas at an authentic Portuguese store.
We recommend booking this half-day city tour where you will get to see the capital’s main attractions with a tour guide for €35.
The Portuguese government has proposed a 760 minimum salary for 2023, 10 euros above the anticipated, to mitigate the impact of inflation. The current minimum salary stands at 705 euros.
The government’s objective is to reach 900 euros by the end of the legislative in 2026 to “safeguard the purchasing power of workers and assure the growth started in 2016″, reads the proposal.
The government is proposing that the minimum salary grows to 760 euros in 2023, 810 euros in 2024, 855 euros in 2025, and 900 euros in 2026.
The proposal includes a salary valuation of 5.1% in the next year and 4.8% in the following year. For 2025, it includes a valuation of 4.7%, and for 2026, a valuation of 4.6%.
To reach these values, the government presumes a medium-term inflation of 2% and a productivity growth of 1.5% until 2026. It also takes into account the macroeconomic scenario predicted in the State Budget 2023, which is still not known, and the Stability Program 2022-2026.
Moreover, the government also proposes an increase in the value of overtime hours from 120 hours to 100 hours. The value goes from 25% to 50% in the first overtime hour and from 37.5% to 75% for each extra hour during work days.
For rest days and holidays, the value goes from a 50% to a 100% increase. For example, if one makes 5 euros an hour, for every overtime hour worked on a rest day, they make 10 euros an hour.
Prime Minister Antonio Costa said that an agreement should be finalized before Monday.
Moreover, the Portuguese government announced on September 5 a financial measure to help mitigate the impact of raising prices. A 50 and 125 euro one-time support will be paid to eligible families starting October 20 via bank transfer.
125 euros will be provided to the main adult, and 50 euros will be sent for each dependent up to 24 years of age. In the case of incapable dependents, there is no age limit.
A francesinha is a Porto staple. Its original inspiration was allegedly not Portuguese, but we will get to that momentarily. But first, what is a francesinha?
This Porto classic is a Portuguese sandwich made with bread, ham, steak, linguica sausage, and melted cheese on top. The dish also contains a spiced tomato and beer sauce. Some restaurants in Porto will serve it with a fried egg on top and fries on the side.
Although it is technically a sandwich, a francesinha is not eaten with your hands but instead with cutlery.
Porto, Portugal. Photo by Matt Roskovec (Unsplash)
What is the story behind the francesinha?
Francesinha translates to “little French,” which gives away a piece of the story behind Porto’s francesinha. In the 1950s, Daniel Silva was a Portuguese immigrant living in France. He was allegedly inspired by the French dish Croque Monsieur and brought its inspiration back to Porto.
Inspired by the French hot sandwich, Daniel adapted this dish into the francesinha by replacing its main ingredients with traditional Portuguese products. His francesinha was much simpler than the one seen today with bread and baked beef.
He first brought the francesinha to Porto when he first made the sandwich in 1953 at a restaurant in Rua do Bonjardim called A Regaleira. Quickly, the francesinha became a local favorite and spread all over the city and in the rest of the country.
Throughout the decades, it has been adapted, and more ingredients have been added, such as the beer sauce. It is also now common for francesinha to be served with french fries on the side or a fried egg on the top. Some places have even invented vegan versions so that plant-based eaters can still try a version of the Porto francesinha.
Where to Eat Francesinha in Porto: Best Francesinha in Porto
When trying to find a delicious francesinha in Porto, it’s essential to know where to go. While most Portuguese taverns in Porto always ace this dish, there are a few tourist traps to avoid. Here are our 5 best francesinha restaurants in Porto, Portugal.
1. Cafe Santiago
Cafe Santiago has been serving francesinhas since 1959, so you know this place is authentic. Although it is consistently visited by tourists, this place is a local favorite. In 2019, Cafe Santiago won the Experts’ Choice Awards, an award given to fewer than 2% of restaurants worldwide.
2. Casa Guedes
While Casa Guedes is most popular for its roast pork butt sandwich with mountain cheese, this restaurant serves some of the best francesinhas in Porto. Casa Guedes was initially established in 1987 by the Correia brothers as a snack bar, but since then, they have opened two new spaces. You can try any of these, they are all amazing:
Casa Guedes Tradicional (1987): Praça dos Poveiros 130
Casa Guedes Rooftop (2019): Praça dos Poveiros 76
Casa Guedes Progresso (2020): Rua Actor João Guedes 5
3. Tasquinha Ze Povinho
Tasquinha Ze Povinho is one of the best Portuguese taverns in Porto, and they serve a delicious francesinha. This family-run restaurant offers traditional dishes that make you feel at home. The owner of this restaurant prides herself on creating dishes that reflect her Portuguese roots rather than catering to tourists.
4. Lado B
Lado B claims to have the best francesinha in the world, so we recommend you test their slogan out. This place serves a traditional version of Porto, as well as the original recipe with baked bef. Lado B even has a vegetarian Francesinha with delicious smoked tofu and vegetable sausage.
5. Cervejaria Brasao
Cervejaria Brasao became so popular that there are two restaurants, the classic one in Aliados and another one near Coliseum theater. A third restaurant is also on the way! Cervejaria Brasao has delicious house beers that pair well with their francesinha. Along with the traditional meat francesinha, there is a vegetarian alternative, as well as other regional dishes.
The Portuguese revolution of 5 October 1910 was the first revolution in Portugal in the 20th century. It abolished the Portuguese monarchy and replaced it with the First Portuguese Republic. This day is now celebrated every year as a public holiday, known as the day of the Implantacao da Republica to celebrate the end of the monarchy and the new republic.
How did Portugal’s 1910 revolution come about? By 1910, the monarchy’s power was dwindling. The people wanted the kingdom to adapt to modern times, and the monarchy was no longer seen as a symbol of hope. The Republican Party was gaining popularity, presenting itself as having the ability to improve Portugal, and proved successful in the 1910 revolution.
Here are 9 facts about the Portuguese revolution of 5 October 1910.
1. The aftermath of the revolution brought about the new Portuguese flag
After the Portuguese Revolution of 5 October 1910, a provisional government was created by the Portuguese Republican Party.
This government took important steps to abolish the remnants of the monarchy: pardoned those prosecuted for crimes against the state or religion, adopted secularization, legalized divorce, labor rights, and more.
However, a symbolic change was also made to national systems, including the flag. The flag was created by a special team including painter Columbano Bordalo Pinheiro and writer Abel Botelho.
The flag as we know it is divided vertically into two main colors, green and red. The green part is smaller. On the flag’s center, you will find a yellow armillary sphere and a red shield.
But these colors and symbols weren’t chosen randomly or for aesthetic purposes. They were selected due to their historical significance, as seen in the illustration below.
Portugal’s monarchy began in 1139 and ended in 1910, lasting 771 years. The first King of Portugal was D. Afonso Henriques, who declared himself the monarch after uniting the counties of Galicia and Portu Gale, as well as reclaiming Lisbon from the Moors. Portugal was independent.
All of the monarchs after came from a single ancestor, D. Afonso Henriques. There were four main houses ruling Portugal:
House of Burgundy (1139 – 1383): Also known as the Afonsine dynasty, the founding house of the Kingdom of Portugal.
House of Aviz (1385 – 1580): Also known as the Joanine dynasty, this house was founded by John I of Portugal, the Grand Master of the Order of Aviz.
House of Habsurg (1581 – 1640): Also known as the Philippine Dynasty, it began with the acclamation of Phillip II of Spain as Phillip I of Portugal.
House of Braganza (1640 – 1910): Also known as the Brigantine Dynasty, began with John II claiming to be the rightful heir. The last King of Portugal was then King Manuel II, reigning from 1908 to 1910 only.
3. A public assassination was one of the events that led to the revolution
While the revolution only happened two years later, many argue that an assassination was one of the events that culminated in the revolution. On February 1, 1908, King Carlos I and his eldest son and heir Luis Filipe were assassinated.
This was a very public assassination, with these being killed while riding in an open carriage through the streets of Lisbon, in Lisbon’s Commerce Square.
They were shot multiple times by a group of men. Two of the attackers, Manuel Buica and Alfredo Luis da Costa were killed, while others escaped.
4. The republican party played a large role
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.
5. King Manuel II fleed to England after the revolution
When the republicans took over the country with the revolution, King Manuel I first tried to flee from Ericeira on the royal yacht Amelia IV to Porto. However, armed republicans arrived and were taking over Porto, so the King had to change his plans. The Royal Family then went to Gibraltar and the United Kingdom, where they were all received by King George V.
King Manuel II then lived his life in exile in Fulwell Park, Twickenham. The King tried to recreate a Portuguese environment at Fulwell Park and was very active in the local community, attending churches and becoming the godfather of many children.
6. The first constitution of the Republic was written one year later
A year after the revolution, a constitution for the First Republic was finally approved. This was the fourth constitution of Portugal but the first without a monarchy. The constitution was approved on August 21, 1911. Known as the Politician Constitution of the Portuguese Republic, it had 87 articles grouped into seven titles which included individual rights and guarantees, state power, and more.
However, this is not the constitution Portugal follows today, and there was one even before the modern one. In 1933, a second constitution was introduced by Prime Minister Antonio de Oliveira Salazar, following an authoritarian ideology under the Estado Novo.
Finally, a new constitution was established in 1976 after over four decades of the Estado Novo regime and one year after the Carnation Revolution. This is the one Portugal has today, albeit with modern amendments in 1982 and 1989. The constitution has several articles, including the republic’s status as a democracy, universal suffrage, and more.
7. Teofilo Braga led the provisional government
Teofilo Braga led the provisional government after the revolution and then later was the second elected president of the First Portuguese Republic. Braga was a Portuguese writer, playwright, and politician from the Azores who joined the Portuguese Republican Party in 1878.
Many say he was an interesting man. After losing his wife, he became a recluse and spent time in his library. As a president, he took his umbrella everywhere and was against flashy clothing and items. He used clothing that he repaired himself and did not believe in consumerism at the time.
8. It was a bloody revolution
Unlike the Carnation Revolution revolution of 1974, the revolution of 5 October 1910 was a bloody one. There were nearly two thousand armed soldiers and sailors rebelling between October 3 and 4 of 1910. From bombings and shootings, many did not sustain their injuries. However, it is not known how many people died in the uprising.
The rebels were so successful in their fighting that the monarchy’s military had to give up, declaring the fall of the monarchy on the next day at 9 am.
9. Another major revolution in Portugal occurred in the 20th century
Over six decades later, another revolution occurred, the Carnation Revolution on April 25th, 1974. However, this was a peaceful one without any blood. The revolution brought about freedom and democracy to the Portuguese, overthrowing 40 years of fascism under the Estado Novo.
The Revolution was led by a military movement, the Armed Forces Movement (MFA), made up mostly of captains (the “April Captains”) who had been to the Colonial War and opposed the regime. The revolution thus not only led to the transition to democracy as we know it today but the end of the Portuguese Colonial War in Africa.
To celebrate this day, April 25 is “Freedom Day” in Portugal and a National Holiday commemorating the Revolution and all its conquests for the Portuguese people.
Visting Lisbon without seeing a Fado show is like going to Rome without visiting the Colosseum. Fado is a traditional music style that became known in the old neighborhoods of Lisbon such as Alfama. This style of music was sung in taverns, beginning in the 19th century and is now a UNESCO-listed musical genre.
The most famous Fado singer is Lisbon born Amália Rodrigues, one of the largest names in fado, becoming known all over the world in the 1950s. Today, tourists can discover the world of Fado in various areas of Lisbon, but the best “fado houses” are located in Alfama and Chiado.
Here are the 5 best Fado shows in Lisbon, many that include actual tours of the Fado neighborhood of Alfama for a full experience.
With over a decade of experience, Fado in Chiado was one of the first places to host a daily live traditional fado show, accompanied by a guitar and viola, with two singers, a feminine and masculine voice for a full Portuguese experience.
The show is a little less than an hour in the Chiado district and you will get to experience the melancholic vibes of the traditional musical genre of fado. Book this ticket to skip the line to this iconic cultural experience. Drinks are not included in the ticket price, but we recommend ordering a classic Port wine.
There is no better way to discover the world of Fado than exploring the neighborhood of Alfama, where the genre originated. This tour allows you to explore Alfama on a guided walking tour, as well as the quaint neighborhood of Mouraria. You will get to discover all about the Fado genre, as well as listen to the melodies of Fado at a traditional Fado house.
You won’t be left hungry either. This tour includes a typical dinner in Alfama, where you will also learn about the local habits and cuisine of the city’s oldest neighborhood.
Learn about the history of Fado and its origins with an expert guide, meeting at the iconic Rossio square. The guide will tell you all about the root of “saudade” in the music genre to get you in the mood before listening to the authentic music genre.
This tour then includes entrance to a traditional Frado show with one drink without waiting in long lines to enter.
For a romantic evening out, book this sunset walking tour of Lisbon, culminating in a Fado show with dinner. Explore the cobblestones of Alfama as the sun begins to dwindle, learning about the neighborhood and its cultural heritage. Your guide will also offer you the traditional ginjinha liqour while you enjoy the views from a panoramic setting,
After the sun goes down, enjoy a 3-course Portuguese feast at a traditional Portuguese restaurant while enjoying a beautiful performance of Fado.
If you are looking for something a bit different, this is the Fado experience for you. Unlike the traditional fado show, this experience takes you on a 4-hour walking tour of Lisbon, serenaded by a Fado signer.
You will get to stop at picturesque streets with a guide for historical explanations. However, what makes it unique is that as you move to public squares and local taverns, a Fado singer that will follow you will perform moving Fado songs. You will also get to sample delicious Portuguese delicacies like chourico and caldo verde.
The perfect day trip from Lisbon or a weekly long beach vacation, Costa da Caparica has got you covered. Costa da Caparica is located 10 kilometers southwest of central Lisbon, across the 25th of April bridge in the municipality of Almada. Fun fact – it has only been designated as a city since 2004! Let’s take a look at our favorite things to do in Costa da Caparica, how to get there, and our top picks for hotels and restaurants.
Costa da Caparica is known for its beaches, above else. With a 26-kilometer coastline through the western side of the Setubal peninsula, the beaches here tend to have warmer weather than in Cascais or Sintra.
One of the best beaches in Costa da Caparica is Praia da Fonte da Telha, a long golden beach that has multiple restaurants and bars playing music at sunset. Alternatively, visit Praia da Mata or Praia do Rei, as well as many others which will not disappoint you.
Photo by Romain Cellier (Unsplash)
2. Surfing in Costa da Caparica
The Costa da Caparica offers the perfect donation for surfing in the Atlantic ocean. There are waves for all surfing levels with extensive sand. You will find many spots with surf equipment rental, as well as bodyboard and kite lessons.
Be sure to book some surfing classes, especially if you’re a beginner, as the currents can get quite strong. This surfing class allows you to learn basic surfing techniques right on the beach and take to the water when you are ready!
Costa da Caparica Surfing. Photo by John Jason (Unsplash)
3. Capuchos Convent in Caparica
Not to get confused with the one in Sintra, Capuchos Convent in Costa da Caparica was built in 1558 by Lourenco Pires da Tavora. This beautiful convent was once mostly destroyed in the 1755 Great Lisbon Earthquake. However, after its restoration, it still holds the same initial charm.
Located high on the cliffs above the town, the Capuchos Convent includes beautiful gardens and a viewpoint with views of Costa da Caparica, Lisbon, Sintra, and Cascais.
Capuchos Convent in Costa da Caparica. Photo by Vitor Oliveira (Unsplash)
4. Cristo Rei
The Sanctuary of Christ the King, known as the Cristo Rei, is a Catholic monument in Almada overlooking the city of Lisbon. It was placed on an isolated clifftop 133 meters above the sea. This tall monument holds a statue of Jesus Christ at the top with his arms open wide.
The Cristo Rei was inspired by the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It was inaugurated in 1959 during the Estado Novo, expressing gratitude for Portugal being spared the effects of World War II.
You can visit the Cristo Rei by taking an elevator all the way to the top. You will get some of the best views of Lisbon, particularly at sunset.
Cristo Rei, Almada. Photo by Reiseuhu (Unsplash)
5. Costa da Caparica town
Costa da Caparica might be known for its beaches, but its town does not disappoint. The town boasts a variety of tourist activities and hotels, as well as some of the best seafood restaurants in the country. The center of the town has a lively nightlife, with tons of bars and people enjoying themselves, especially in the summer.
If you are considering making Costa da Caparica your temporary home as a digital nomad, the ton also has plenty of-coworking options!
A 30-minute drive from Costa da Caparica, Setubal is the perfect day trip away from Costa. Setúbal is a city in the Arrábida Mountains with natural landscapes that blend beautiful beaches and mountains covered by green vegetation.
We recommend visiting the Livramento Market, a building in art deco built in 1930. Don’t miss the interior, which is decorated with a tile panel of over 5,000 tiles depicting scenes from everyday life. Don’t miss the Praca de Bocage and Sao Luiao Church in the center.
If you still have time, visit Serra da Arrabida, which has the best beaches in the region, trails, viewpoints, historical sites, restaurants, and confectioneries.
Getting to Costa da Caparica from Lisbon is quite simple with various routes. You can get there by driving across the bridge, around a 15 to 20-minute drive.
You can also take the bus if you have not rented a car. The main bus route is the number 161 service, departing from Praca Areeiro in Lisbon. The bus route is around 30 minutes.
For a more unique experience, you can get the ferry from Cais do Sodre to Cacilhas. Then, you will need to catch a bus to Costa da Caparica (124 or 135).
Considered one of the Portuguese language’s greatest poets, Luis de Camoes’ skill has been compared to the likes of Shakespeare and Dante.
The 16th-century poet is mostly remembered for his work Os Lusiadas, which describes Vasco da Gama’s discovery of the sea route to India, a text that is read by most Portuguese in school. He was described as a man of average size, with blonde hair and blind in his right eye.
Let’s look at the early life and youth of Luis de Camoes, his great work, and how he became known beyond the bounds of Portuguese literature and poetry.
Early Life & Youth of Luis de Camoes
A lot of the information surrounding Luis de Camoes’ early life is contested. Even his exact birth date is unknown. However, it is supposed that Camoes was born in Lisbon around 1524 or 1525, while Portugal’s expansion in the East was increasing.
Camoes descended from Vasco Pires de Camoes, a Galicia warrior and fidalgo who moved to Portugal in 1370. He was a member of the impoverished old aristocracy and related to nobles in Portugal and Spain. Although he was poor, his noble contacts would one day help him start a poetry career.
Much of his childhood is unknown. However, at around 12 years old, he was educated by his uncle Bento, who sent him to Coimbra to study. Portuguese tradition says that he was quite undisciplined but was interested in history and literature.
At around 20 years old, he is said to have moved to Lisbon. He then began his career as a poet when he made intellectual contacts in the court of John III.
During this time, he had many love affairs are frequented taverns. In late biographies of Camoes, several women are cited as love affairs. One of these was Infanta Dona Maria, the sister of the King, which led him to time in prison.
In 1553, he set sail to India aboard the crack of Sao Bento of the fleet of Fernao Alvares Cabral. He stopped at places that Vasco da Gama had sailed, including the Cape of Good Hope, ending in Goa in 1554. It is said he started writing the iconic O Lusiadas at this time. Throughout his young years, he explored other areas, such as Mozambique in 1567.
Luis de Camoes’s Work
Camoes lived his life at the end of the European Renaissance, during the beginning of the Modern Age and the transition from feudalism to capitalism. This was a time when intellectualism and scientific research began to rise after the great navigations, with many branches of knowledge growing. His writing was heavily influenced by his travels for the Portuguese empire.
Camoes’ work can be divided into three genres: lyrical, epic, and theatrical. His lyrical work was some of the most popular, with his cantos, in particular, a principal form of division in medieval and modern long poetry.
His work was filled with numerous sources in Greco-Roman mythology, ancient and modern European history, and classical literature, particularly Homer and Virgil.
Os Lusiadas by Luis de Camoes
Os Lusiadas is a Portuguese epic poem originally published in 1572, three years after Camoes returned from India. To most, it is the most important text in Portuguese. The poem illustrates the path of Vasco da Gama to India and back, as well as the trips by Pero da Covilha and Afonso de Paiva.
The poem is divided into ten cantos, totaling 1,102 stanzas (a group of lines within a poem) with almost 9,000 verses. The poem is written in the decasyllabic ottava rima with the rhyme scheme ABABABCC.
There are four main sections in Os Lusiadas:
Introduction: Also known as the proposition, which presents the theme and heroes of the poem
Invocation: This is a prayer to the Tagides, the nymphs of the Tagus
Dedication: A dedication to Sebastian of Portugal, who disappeared in the battle of Alcacar Quibir
Narration: This is the epic itself which starts in stanza 19 of Canto I. The narration then ends with an apologue in stanza 145 of Canto X.
Praca Luis de Camoes in Lisbon. Photo by Julien Maury (Flickr)
Other Works by Luis de Camoes
While Camoes is known mostly for Os Lusiadas, he produces many poems that are well-renowned around the world. In 1595, a collection of many lyric works of Camoes was published under the title Rimas. The collection includes sonnets, eclogues, odes, cantigas, and more. Many other works were found throughout the centuries. The original collection only had 65 sonnets, but the 1861 edition had more than 350 as these were discovered.
Works by Luis de Camoes include The Parnasum of Luis Vaz, Auto de Filodemo, Letter, Auto El-rei Seleuco, and more.
Beyond Portugal
Luis de Camoes’ success went beyond Portugal, even non-Lusophone countries, but mostly after his death. Cervantes even stated that Camoes was the “singer of Western civilization.” He influenced the work of John Milton, and Sir Richard Burton actually considered him a master.
His fame first spread to Spain, where two of his translations of Os Lusiadas appeared in 1580, the year Camoes died. The work was also translated into English in 1655 and into Italian in 1658. However, he became most famous in England about a century later, with the publication of William Julius Mickle’s poetic version in 1776. Camoes’ work only arrived in France at the beginning of the 18th century, with Castera’s translation.
Luis de Camoes died on June 10, 1580 at the age of 55 or 56 years old.
Thousands are relocating to Portugal every year and choosing the northern city of Porto as their home. With a growing international community, Porto is a welcoming city for expats. Offering a relatively affordable cost of living, quality public infrastructure, and a rich historical heritage, it is no surprise Porto is a chosen city for so many.
But moving to a new city can be frightening without the right preparation. Where will you live? What is the cost of living in Porto like? We have all the answers you need, even the questions you did not think about in this guide to moving to Porto.
Knowing the advantages and disadvantages of moving to Porto is important. This way, you can make an informed decision about moving to Porto and know what to expect. Here are the pros and cons of moving to Porto.
Pros of Moving to Porto
Moderate weather
Affordable cost of living in comparison to other major European capitals
Large international community
Quality public healthcare
Delicious restaurants
Tax benefits with the NHR tax regime
Plenty of green spaces and beaches
Cons of Moving to Porto
Despite moderate weather, rain is common
Overcrowndess due to tourism in Spring and Summer
Bureaucracy, long waiting times to get things done
“Slow-paced” lifestyle so stores might be closed on certain days
Some places only take cash
Learning Portuguese is helpful
Cost of Living in Porto
Porto’s rent prices are 20% lower than in Lisbon and a whopping 65% lower than in London. While the cost of living is on the rise around the globe, Porto is a lot more affordable than cities in the United Kingdom and the United States.
Let’s take a look at the average monthly budget in Porto for expats without children, and families.
Cost of Living in Porto for a Single Expat – Less than €1300
Rent: You can get a one-bedroom apartment for €700, while these can cost up to €1000.
Utilities: Basic utilities including electricity, heating, water, garbage, internet, and phone data should cost around €140.
Transportation: A monthly pass costs around €35 which is a lot more affordable than renting a car and paying for fuel.
Eating out & leisure: Budget at least €150 for eating out in restaurants and exploring the city’s culture and nightlife.
Healthcare: Once you are registered as a legal residence, health care will be mostly free under the national health service (SNS). However, if you need health insurance or for some reason are not eligible to access the SNS, private health insurance costs around €50 a month.
Groceries: A monthly grocery budget for one person costs around €200 a month.
Cost of Living in Lisbon for a Family of Four – €2000+
Rent: The average rent of a three-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around €1300 a month, but prices can reach over €1,800.
Utilities: Basic utilities including electricity, heating, water, garbage, internet, and phone data should cost at least €150.
Transportation: Transportation costs €35 per person so a monthly pass for a family of four will cost you around €140. If you prefer driving around the city, which might be more convenient for kids, fuel can cost anywhere between €150 and €250 a month, depending on the current gas prices.
Eating out & leisure: Budget around €500 a month for activities with the kids such as going to the movies and museums, as well as eating out once a week. You can always spend less or more; that will depend on how you budget and your wishes.
Healthcare: Once you are registered as a legal residence, health care will be mostly free under the national health service (SNS). However, if you need health insurance or for some reason are not eligible to access the SNS, private health insurance costs around €50 a month per person.
Groceries: A weekly grocery shop will cost anywhere between €125 and €150 a week if you know the best spots to shop.
Education: Public schools are free, but if you want your children in an international school, this will cost you. Schools can be expensive if you opt for private international schools that are English-speaking. These can cost you anywhere between €4,000 and €15,000 a year per child.
Finding Housing in Porto
Renting in Porto
An apartment in Porto costs around €10/m2 to rent, making a 75m2 apartment cost around €750. You will find mostly furnished apartments, although unfurnished ones are also available.
To find a place to rent as an international, it should be easier to enlist a rental agent. You can also just look up apartments yourself and do everything on your own, but keep in mind that agents often provide translators, making it easier to communicate with landlords
Here are some of the most popular property portals and real estate agencies in Portugal that can help you find a home in Porto:
ReMax
Spotahome
Custojusto
Century21
Imovirtual
Idealista
Take a look at our guide to renting an apartment in Porto for everything that you need to know, including contracts, tenant rights, tips, and more.
If you would prefer to purchase a home instead, there are plenty of real estate investment opportunities. However, prices are on the rise and have been for the past few years. It costs around €2,332/m2 to buy a house in Porto. This is a lot more affordable than Lisbon at around €5,000/m2.
If you need to get a mortgage, this is possible. Non-residents will only be offered loans up to 65-75% of the value of the home or the sale price (whichever is lower), while fiscal residents can borrow up to 90% of the sale price (whichever higher).
Located on the riverbank of the Douro, Ribeira is one of the most popular places to live in Porto. Ribeira has both a lively nightlife and delicious restaurants, as well as quieter areas to enjoy a walk.
Ribeira also offers views of the Douro river, Dom Luis I Bridge, and Vila Nova de Gaia, some of the best views in Porto. Ribeira is the most popular area amongst expats so you will find a strong international community here.
Ribeira, Porto. Photo by Maksym Kaharlytskyi (Unsplash)
2. Cedofeita
Cedofeita is a trendy neighborhood close to the most iconic monuments in Porto. Cedofeita is also located in the art district of Porto, filled with art galleries and concept stores, catering to a younger trendy crowd.
This is the perfect place for a young creative to live in. You will also be close to the Crystal Palace Gardens and other green spaces. Cedofeita also has a great transport system and has seen demographic change with more expats motiving to the neighborhood.
Cedofeita, Porto. Photo by Pedro Menezes (Unsplash)
3. Foz do Douro
Foz do Douro is the perfect place to live if you want to be near nature, but not too far from the city. Located in Western Porto, Foz do Douro faces the ocean and features apartments with stunning views of the Atlantic ocean.
There are has numerous green spaces such as Parque Serralves, as well as some of the best seafood restaurants in Porto. However, Foz do Douro is one of the most expensive areas to live in.
Foz do Douro, Porto. Photo by Pedro Saraiva (Unsplash)
Healthcare in Portugal
Under the WHO’s ranking of healthcare systems, Portugal takes 12th place. Featuring both a private and public health sector, the country offers universal health coverage through the Servico Nacional de Saude (SNS).
The SNS occasionally charges low amounts for particular treatments and prescriptions, but most of it is free. Children under 18 and people over 65 can enjoy 100% free healthcare.
Who can access free healthcare in Portugal?
All residents in Portugal can access universal healthcare. Therefore, when you move to Lisbon and receive your residency permit, you can register with your local health center and start accessing public healthcare.
If you prefer to use private healthcare, many clinics and hospitals are available, with appointments costing around €40 to €50. However, certain doctors will charge higher prices at around €100, particularly specialists like dermatologists.
To cover these costs, the average price for health insurance is around €50, but this can increase again depending on factors such as your age.
If you are moving to Portugal as an EU national, you won’t need a visa. However, if this is not the case for you, the most popular long-stay residency visas in Portugal are the Golden Visa,D7 Visa, and D2 Visa.
You need to be a non-EU/EEA/Swiss national to be eligible for these. From being able to travel freely within the Schengen area, being able to study and work in Portugal, family reunification, and eventually being eligible for Portuguese citizenship, the benefits are huge!
Let’s take a look at an overview of each of the three visas. For a more detailed look at each visa take a look at our guides for each: Golden Visa,D7 Visa, and D2 Visa.
The Portugal Golden Visa might be suitable for you if you want to make an investment in the country. One of the most attractive Golden visas in the world, it allows non-EU citizens to get a long-term residency permit and eventually citizenship.
This visa allows for family reunification where your family members are granted the same residency rights as you.
What type of investments can you make to be eligible for a Portugal Golden Visa? There are 5 types of investments with different capital requirements: real estate, investment fund, capital transfer, job creation, and donation.
Take a look at our guide to the Portugal Golden Visa to find out about these 5 investment types and how to apply.
The Portugal D7 Visa, also called the Retirement or Passive Income Visa is a lot more affordable, requiring no investment. This visa is also suitable for remote workers.
This visa is for non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens who want residence in Portugal and have a reasonable passive income. This income can come from real estate, a retirement pension, a salary, etc.
The minimum passive income required is €8,460 per year for the main applicant.
For a spouse, you must add 50% to this (€4,230) and for a dependent child, you must add 30% to this (€2,538).
Therefore, for a couple with one child, you would need around €15,300 a year to be eligible for the D7 Visa.
The Portugal D2 Visa could be the right path for you are an entrepreneur, freelancer, or independent service provider from outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland.
The D2 Visa is suitable if you want to start a business or startup in Portugal, transfer your existing one to Portugal, as well as invest in a business in Portugal.
You must show a viable business plan that will be evaluated in terms of its economic, technological, and cultural impact. You must also invest in the company’s share capital, which immigration firms advise should be at least €50,000.
You must also show that you have the financial ability to sustain yourself while living in Portugal.
While in Lisbon you do not necessarily need to learn Portuguese, in Porto, this will be useful. Many people won’t understand English, especially the older generation.
If you are looking to learn Portuguese, it will take you at least 600 hours to learn to speak it fluently. It will be a bit harder if you only speak English, but if you know French or Italian, this is an advantage.
If you just want to learn the basics, here are some of the most important sentences to know:
Portuguese social etiquette can be quite surprising to those coming to live for the first time. Here are the main takeaways to remember:
Greetings matter! It is customary to give two kisses on the cheek from left to right to friends, including friends of friends. These are called “beijinhos”. Men do not usually greet other men this way, only if they are family members.
If you are bumping into a neighbor on the stairs, it is customary to say “bom dia” (good morning), “boa tarde” (good afternoon) or “boa noite” (good night), depending on the time of day.
If you are invited into someone’s home for a meal, always bring something. You should ask beforehand if you should bring dessert or wine.
At dinner, it’s common for the host to say “bom apetite” or “bom proveito” to signal everyone can start eating.
The knife is held on the right hand and the fork on the left. Do not only use a fork to eat as this is considered rude. The smaller fork and spoon above your plate are for dessert.
Plans to improve the train connection between Porto and Lisbon are underway. By 2028, people can travel by train between Porto and Lisbon in one hour and 59 minutes. By 2030, the travel time between Porto-Lisbon will be one hour and 19 minutes. Construction begins in 2024.
This will triple the number of train trips between Porto and Lisbon to 77 services a day, rather than the current 25. As of now, the train between Porto and Lisbon is over 3 hours long.
The project is divided into two phases. Phase 1, between Porto and Soure will cost 2.95 billion euros, of which 1 billion come from European funds. Phase is divided into two other phases: Porto-Aveiro for 1.65 billion and Aveiro-Soure for 1.3 billion.
This first phase begins in 2024 and should be finished at the end of 2028. There will be new stops in Porto-Campanha, Vila Nova de Gaia, Aveiro, and Coimbra.
A new bridge will be built between Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia to hold the new line, as well as a road for vehicles below.
Phase two will cost 1.5 billion euros, building the route between Soure and Carregado. Phase two will start in 2026 and should be finished in 2030. When it is completed, Porto and Lisbon will be connected in 1 hour and 19 minutes without stops.
The government also wants to build a route between Braga and Valenca until 2030. This will cost 1.25 billion euros and also depends on construction in Spain.
When you get sick in the US, you will likely lose your income. Parental leave is nonexistent and can have an even larger impact on someone’s social and financial well-being, particularly women. In Portugal, this is not the case! You can get sick, lose a job, and have a child without falling into complete financial distress.
This is because of Portugal’s Social Security System, known as Seguranca Social. While many pensions are too low in the context of the cost of living, Portugal’s Social Security System is well-rounded and tackles several social issues.
The Portuguese Social Security system secures citizens’ basic rights and ensures equality in opportunities, providing support measures such as unemployment allowances, paternal leave, and other financial support.
Who can access social security in Portugal?
The Social Security system is valid for Portuguese and foreign citizens who make contributions. To work in Portugal, you must have a Social Security Number (NISS). If you already have a Portuguese citizen’s card, your NISS is on the back of the card.
Whether you can access certain pensions and leaves depends on your income, the amount of time you have contributed, and other factors. However, basic rights such as parental and sick leave are always guaranteed, regardless of your tax bracket.
Social Security Payments in Portugal
For Social Security to function in Portugal, individuals must make their contributions. If you are working in Portugal, either employed or self-employed, you will have to pay social security, which will one day assure you a retirement pension and other benefits.
Employees pay 11%, while their employers pay 23.75% to 34.75%. In this case, the amount for social security is automatically deducted by your employer. An employer is also responsible for registering its employees with Social Security.
If you are self-employed, you are responsible for making your payment which is higher at 21.4%. You must pay your contributions between the 10th and 20th of the month following the month to which the contributions concern. There are a few specific exceptions for those on self-employment.
Self-employed social security contributions can be paid via:
Portugal’s Social Security system has multiple types of unemployment benefits. Unemployment benefits usually pay 65% of your earnings. However, the minimum monthly rate is €439, and the maximum is €1,097.
Residents can access the main unemployment benefit if they have lost their job or come to the end of a contract. However, you must be registered as a job-seeker and have worked for at least 360 days in the 24 months before you lost your job.
Another type of unemployment benefit is the social unemployment benefit. You might qualify after either your regular unemployment benefit has run out or you do not meet the conditions for unemployment benefit. You need to have worked for 180 days in the one year before becoming unemployed.
In Portugal, you also have a partial unemployment benefit. To access this, you need to have already received unemployment benefits and begin working in a part-time or self-employed job. The earnings from this job must be lower than the amount of the unemployment benefit.
Parental Leave in Portugal: Parental and Maternal Leave in Portugal
If you are employed in Portugal, you have the right to parental leave, both men and women. Self-employed people are also eligible. However, you must have paid social security contributions for a minimum period of six calendar months, whether consecutive or aggregate.
In Portugal, you have initial and extended parental leave. The parental leave period is up to 120 (100% income) or 150 consecutive days (80% income). Both parents can take the period between 120 and 150 days at the same time.
Mothers MUST take at least six weeks off right after childbirth, and there is a 20 working day compulsory leave for fathers.
Photo by Kelly Sikkema (Unsplash)
After that, the 120 days or 150 days may be extended by 30 days in the case of shared leave. However, to do so, each parent must take leave of 30 consecutive days or two periods of 15 consecutive days after the mandatory maternal leave of 42 days.
If the initial parental leave is not shared, benefits can be granted to the father if the mother works.
If the childbirth takes place before the 34th week of pregnancy, the parental leave is increased by the total duration of the hospital stay plus 30 days after discharge.
In the case of a miscarriage or voluntary abortion, the mother might have paid leave between 14 and 30 days, depending on a doctor’s advice. In the case of stillbirth, a mother is granted 120 days of paid leave.
Unfortunately, most of the language used in the parental law refers to a “mother” and “father.” However, in 2019, the parliament officially stated that LGBT+ couples have parental leave rights.
Two men and two women who have a baby (through adoption or biologically) will be paid for 120, 150, or 180 days, either at 100% or 80% depending on the amount of time.
Portugal’s Social Security system also includes plenty of family benefits for children and young people. These are available for children up to 16 years old, as well as those between the ages of 16 and 24 if they are in further education or have a disability.
These benefits are only available if a family has moveable assets worth less than around €100,000 and earns below a certain amount.
If a parent is in the first income bracket (up to around €7,100) with a child under three years old, they will get around €150 a month.
Photo by Charlein Gracia (Unsplash)
Sick Pay in Portugal
Known as the subsidio de doenca, sickness benefits in Portugal are available for both employees and self-employed people.
However, you need to be working for at least six months before, and if you are self-employed, you would need to have paid your social security for three months before getting sick.
Sick pay in Portugal is unlike parental leave, where depending on the number of days, you can get up to 100% of your pay.
You will actually get paid a larger percentage the longer you are sick. If you have a sickness and cannot work for over 365 days, you will get 75% of your income.
However, for the first 30 days of sickness, you will only get 55% of your income. Between days 91 and 365, you can claim 70% of your income.
Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya (Unsplash)
Orphan & Widow Pension in Portugal
If a spouse or parent dies, Portuguese residents can claim benefits, including both a Survivor’s Pension and a Widow/Widower’s and Orphan’s Pension. You need to have been making contributions for at least 3 years, but eligibility also depends on your income. Spouses can claim 70% of the pension, while children can only claim up to 40%.
Retirement Pension in Portugal
The Portuguese Social Security system ensures you will get a retirement pension if you contribute throughout your life. The official retirement age in Portugal is 66 years and 7 months in 2022 and 66 years and four months in 2023. You also need at least 15 calendar years of remuneration and social security contributions. However, keep in mind that the pension age is set to rise.
Nevertheless, if you seek to retire earlier, this is possible. You can retire in Portugal from the age of 55 if you have made at least 30 years of contributions. Still, your payments will decrease for every extra year you receive your pension.
Known as the Rendimento Social de Insercao (RSI), this benefit is granted to people and families in serious social or financial need and at risk of social exclusion. It is meant to help with basic needs to integrate individuals into society.
To be eligible, a household’s monthly income must not exceed the Social Integration Income (RSI) value, and the main applicant must be registered as a job-seeker. Over 130,000 families in Portugal receive the RSI.
The main holder gets €188.68 which is 100% the value of the RSI. Each child receives around €93.34, 50% of the value of the RSI. Moreover, other adults besides the holder receive €130.68. Therefore, a family of two adults and two children receives around €500. A single mother with one child receives around €280.
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