Portugal is one of the warmest European countries. Yearly temperature averages are between 15 °C and 18 °C. In the summer months, the weather is usually warm and sunny with temperatures rising to over 35 °C. May, June and September are considered the best times to travel as the weather is not too hot, sunny, and not as crowded as peak summer months.
At present, Australian, New Zealand, British, American and Canadian residents do not need a visa for visits to Portugal of up to 90 days.
For all other nationalities please visit:
http://www.projectvisa.com/.
One of the oldest European countries, Portugal has established many different traditions and has been influenced by many different civilisations that have crossed the Mediterranean. Experience Portugal’s rich history, idyllic landscapes, traditional music of Fado, handmade ceramics and tiles and street parties and festivals.
Portuguese food is traditionally quite hearty and includes fresh seafood, pork and vegetables, for example cozido a Portuguesa which is a meat stew or sardinhas assadas which is a platter of freshly grilled sardines. If you’re feeling a little hungover, Franchesinha is the perfect cure, a sandwich which is filled with different meats, fried egg and covered in melted cheese. For sweet lovers make sure to try pastel de nata, a sweet custard tart.
There are great markets throughout Portugal where you can buy local crafts such as ceramics and tapestries. For wine lovers make sure to try delicious local wines and port.
Holy Week (Semana Santa) is the annual tribute to Jesus celebrated by the Catholic brotherhoods the week before Easter. During Holy Week numerous religious processions can be observed all around the country. Serralves em Festa is Portugal’s biggest contemporary arts festival which is held annually in Porto over one weekend in June. Main events includes concerts, avant-garde theatre and exhibitions. Festa de Santo Antonio, is the lively Festival of St Anthony which is celebrated in Lisbon with feasting, drinking and dancing in street parties. Get your grove on every weekend in May to September at Out Jazz Festival which is a free outdoor concert in Lisbon.