Backpacking Portugal Need To Know

Basics

Entry

Portugal is a member of the borderless Schengen Zone, meaning you can freely move to other member states without the need for multiple visa applications and passport controls.

Citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland don’t need a visa to enter the Schengen Zone, and can generally stay for as long as they wish.

A vast amount of passport holders from other countries can also enter the Schengen Zone visa-free for up to 90 days including; Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States.

Citizens of visa-exempt nations need only produce a passport which is valid for the entirety of their stay, but other nationals require a Schengen visa and must have a passport which has at least 3 months’ validity beyond their period of stay.

For official information visit a Portuguese Embassy or your home government travel bureau.

Getting Around

Official Europe wide rail passes can be obtained through Rail Europe

More details are to come in this section, but you can read about general advice regarding Getting Around When You Get There

Accommodation

Portugal has a wide variety of hostels and you should never have any problem finding one.

The average price of a hostel is €10-20 a night.

All hostels in Portugal will provide linen and bathroom facilities. Usually there will be cooking and internet facilities as well as common and laundry rooms.

Read more about Accommodation When You Get There and Living in Hostels

Food And Health

The standard of food safety and hygiene is good, and there are many places to eat out cheaply, if you do not wish to cook.

Water is generally safe to drink from all kitchen taps in Portugal, unless stated. If in doubt, stick to bottled water.

Medical facilities are good, but make sure you have adequate travel insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment and repatriation.

EU and EEA citizens should get a free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before leaving home. The EHIC isn’t a substitute for medical and travel insurance, but it entitles you to state provided medical treatment that may become necessary during your trip.

Other nationalities may also have reciprocal health care agreements, find out from your government travel bureau.

Always contact your GP around 8 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or other preventive measures. Visit here for Recommended Vaccinations and read here for more about Travelling Health In General

Weather & Time To Go

Portugal’s annual temperature average is about 17°C, so there is never a bad time to go. Spring and Summer months are usually sunny and it is very hot during July and August, with temperatures well over 30°C. Autumn and Winter are wetter, but days are usually sunny. Temperatures inland and in mountainous areas can be cold in winter.

Communications

Internet and wifi is widespread and accessible in most hostels. Local pay-as-you-go SIM cards for your mobile phone and international calling cards are cheaply available.

Dangers And Considerations

Crime levels in Portugal are generally low, but take sensible precautions to avoid mugging, bag snatching and pick pocketing.

Beaches in Portugal can be dangerous. Red flags indicate danger; never enter the water when the red flag is flying. If there is a yellow flag, you may paddle at the water’s edge, but not swim. The Maritime Police have the authority to fine bathers who disobey the lifeguard’s warning flags.

Forest fires occur frequently in Portugal during the summer months, so take care when visiting woodland areas. Make sure cigarette ends are properly extinguished, don’t light barbecues and don’t leave empty bottles behind.

You must be able to show some form of ID if requested.

Dangers constantly change. Always check with your foreign office (British Foreign Office webpage) or travel advice bureau for the latest information regarding your destinations safety.

Read more about Safety And Security here

Respecting Culture

Portuguese people are likely to be offend if you try to speak to them in Spanish; it is much better to stick to English, if you can’t speak Portuguese.