Portugal General Information

By | February 26, 2022

Capital, major cities: Lisbon, Porto, Coimbra, Braga, Evora, Faro, Guimaraes.

Beach holiday

Portugal has a rich historical heritage, very educated, friendly and simple people, excellent wines and cuisine (both sea and meat), excellent hotels with first-class service, low crime, a warm temperate climate and a variety of types of recreation offered. Beachgoers, history buffs, scuba divers, nightlife lovers and just lovers of good food and drink will find a suitable place here. One caveat – these should be very wealthy amateurs. According to itypejob.com, Lisbon is the capital of Portugal.

main resorts Lisbon Riviera, Algarve, Madeira Island.

Flight

There is no direct flight from Minsk.

Usually in June and September, a charter from Moscow to Faro (the capital of the Algarve) flies once a week, in July and August – twice a week. On regular flights, Swiss Air has the cheapest fare (flight via Zurich).

Customs

The import of foreign and national currency is not limited, the amount of more than 3000 USD must be declared. The export of imported foreign currency is allowed, but more than 2500 EUR can be exported only if evidence of the import of this amount is presented.

It is forbidden to import drugs, weapons, explosives, as well as jewelry worth more than 150 EUR. Duty-free imported up to 200 pieces. cigarettes, 1 liter of spirits and 2 liters of wine.

Required phones

Russian Embassy and Consular Section in Lisbon: Rua Visconde de Santarem, 59,1000 Lisboa; tel.: (21) 846–2424, 846–2423, 846–2524, 846–3008

Help Desk: 118

Tourist Information: 0-800-296-296.

Travel Agency Turismo (Lisbon): (21) 346-3314, 346-3658

Aeroflot Representative Office in Lisbon: (21) 346–7776.

Ambulance, police, fire department: 112

Rescue service (emergency): 115

Emergency roadside assistance: 308

Transport

There are airports in Lisbon, Porto, Faro, Funchal (Madeira Island) and on the islands of the Azores Archipelago in the cities of Ponta Delgada (Sao Miguel Island) and Lajes (Terceira Island).

The most convenient mode of transport in mainland Portugal is the express buses that run regularly from the Algarve to Porto. Buses are inexpensive, of high quality (often double-decker with a toilet).

Lisbon has a metro, buses, trams and several lifts (tickets can be purchased at information kiosks). A city bus ride costs about 1 EUR, but the ticket is valid for two trips (bought in advance, it can be cheaper). A one-day metro pass costs 1–1.5 EUR, a three-day one costs 3–3.5 EUR.

Taxis are easily recognizable by their black and green color and color signal (although now taxis are gradually being repainted in beige). In the city, the fee is charged by the meter, and outside it – by mileage, including the return trip to the place of departure. From 22:00 to 06:00 the tariff increases by 20%. Baggage weighing more than 30 kg is paid at a fixed rate. All taxis have a price list in two languages.

There is a system of tourist passes for urban transport (bus, tram and metro, as well as funiculars): for one day – 2.2 EUR, for 4 days – 8 EUR, for a week – 12 EUR. You can buy travel cards at many train stations and metro stations.

Transport rental

Renting a car in Portugal is easy. To do this, you must have a driving experience of at least a year, be at least 21 years old (in some companies – at least 23 years old) and (in most companies) present a credit card.

Portugal drives on the right. The quality of highways is average – there are often no markings, and road signs can be misleading. Many roads are uneven and poorly lit. However, many new and high-quality expressways have been built lately (travel on them is paid).

The use of seat belts is mandatory, children under 12 must be in the back seat. In populated areas, the use of a sound signal is prohibited. The speed limit is 50 km/h in cities, 120 km/h on expressways, 100 km/h on national roads, and 90 km/h on all other roads, unless otherwise indicated.

In most resorts (Algarve, Estoril) parking is free, but in large cities, especially Lisbon and Porto, as well as in Madeira, in places of historical monuments during the daytime on weekdays, parking is paid. Most gas stations are open from 8:00 to 24:00, but some are open around the clock. The cost of a liter of gasoline is about 0.95 EUR. Service stations are open on ordinary days from 8:00 to 19:00, and on Saturdays – until 13:00. In major cities and on motorways, there are stations open around the clock.

The traffic police in Portugal are lenient towards tourists, but it is better not to abuse it.

Portuguese drivers have an unpredictable driving style, and most motorcyclists consider learning traffic rules a clear intellectual burden. As a result, the country occupies one of the first places in Europe in terms of the number of road accidents.

Safety

In Portugal, it’s not scary to walk down the street at any time of the day, but it’s better not to leave valuables in the car or on the beach completely unattended. Cars are not stolen in the country, there are no dangerous diseases and special vaccinations are not needed. There is no terrorism either.

Electricity

The mains voltage is 220 V, 50 Hz, standard European sockets.

Climate

Portugal has a subtropical Mediterranean climate: mild, without sharp fluctuations in temperature. In the north, due to the Gulf Stream, a maritime climate prevails. Summer here is dry and sunny, but not hot (average temperature is about +20°C, in the mountains – about +18°C), winter is cool (from +4°C to +10°C) and rainy.

The south of the country is warm and dry. Average temperatures in January are +5°C..+10°C, in July – from +20°C to +27°C. The water temperature in summer is +20..+23°C.

Beaches

In Portugal, all beaches are municipal. For a sunbed and an umbrella, you will have to pay 8–10 EUR per day. However, wealthy tourists (and others practically do not go to the country) are not afraid of this. On the Lisbon Riviera and in the Algarve – fine white sand, on Madeira, the beaches are pebbly or artificial. Flags on the beach warn about the state of the ocean: red – the sea is rough and swimming is strictly prohibited, yellow – you need to be very careful, green – swimming is safe.

Hotels

Even “kopeck pieces” in Portugal are very decent. The best hotels are old hotels (pousadas), corresponding to the level of four or five stars. Historical backyards are old castles and fortresses, reconstructed and turned into luxury hotels (there are about 50 in total). Staying in them is considered prestigious. There are also regional “pouzadas”, which are a manor or a house built in the architectural style characteristic of this area and feed their guests mainly with local cuisine.

Money

It is most convenient to come already with euros or change dollars at the airport. Exchange rates in different banks can differ significantly from each other, some commercial banks do not take commissions from transactions in the amount of less than 10 EUR.

Traveler’s checks are accepted everywhere and at a better rate than cash, but commissions are quite high (up to 13:). The exception is American Express checks, which can be exchanged without commission at Amex. Eurocheques with a check guarantee card are exchanged at many banks. Everywhere – both in the provinces and in cities in all tourist centers you can find ATMs (multibancos).

Banks are open on weekdays from 8:30 to 15:00, ATMs of the national Multibanco system operate around the clock. The most widely accepted credit cards are Visa, Amex, Eurocard, Eurocheque, Diners Club, Mastercard.

Local VAT (IVA) is 8% for services and about 10% for goods. The prices must necessarily indicate whether VAT is included in the cost of goods or services (“IVA incluido”) or not (“mas 8% IVA”).

Many stores offer tax refunds when buying goods for a certain amount (each store has its own amount, but usually not less than 50 EUR). To do this, you need to get a tax refund check, present your passport and fill out a special form. The refund will be made by bank transfer. It can also be obtained at customs when leaving the country at the Lisbon airport (in the international departures hall), at the Lisbon seaport, at the airports of Porto (before passing through passport control) and Funchal.

Shopping

Shops are open on weekdays from 9:00 to 19:00, with a break from 13:00 to 15:00. On Saturdays, shops close at 13:00 (in December – at 19:00). Some shopping centers in resort areas are open from 10:00 to midnight.

All airports in Portugal have a large network of duty free shops.

In Portugal, you can buy high-quality and fashionable shoes and clothes, 19.5 carat gold items (in Italy, the Emirates and other countries – 18 carats), ceramics, original white or red port wine (from 3–6 USD per bottle of ordinary port wine to 10–30 USD for a bottle of ten-twenty-year-old port wine, then the price rises depending on the exposure), the world-famous Portuguese Madeira wine (prices range from 16 EUR for a ten-year-old Madeira to 500 EUR for a two-hundred-year-old).

What to bring?

A traditional Portuguese souvenir – “azulejos” – tiles decorating the walls, dating back to the days of Arab rule. Also of interest are handmade embroideries and lace, leather and wickerwork, and, of course, the most diverse ceramics (a “cabbage leaf” characteristic of Portugal). And, of course, the most delicious and healthy (if in moderation, of course) souvenirs are the famous Portuguese port wine and Madeira.

Food

Portuguese cuisine pleases with hearty and varied dishes of meat, fish and vegetables, but still fish cooking is its main direction. The culinary specialists of the country know more than 300 (!) ways of cooking cod, they know how to cook many dishes from sardines, mackerel, perch, trout and other types of fish.

Madeira’s cuisine differs from the continental cuisine in an even greater abundance of fish and seafood, as well as the extensive use of fruits and local spices. The most famous local delicacy is swordfish prepared in dozens of ways (attention: it is not recommended for pregnant women to eat dishes from this fish).

Portuguese wines are famous all over the world for their exquisite taste. The country produces a huge amount of red, white and “green”, reminiscent of champagne, wines. Port wine is the hallmark of Portugal: white is drunk as an aperitif, and red is for dessert.

The traditional lunch time is from 12:00 to 15:00. In the Algarve, everything is open almost 24 hours a day in the summer.

In small and cheap restaurants, the food is no less tasty than in expensive ones.

Tips

Tipping in Portugal has not yet received official status, but 10% of the bill is not forbidden to leave in a restaurant, taxi, and some cafes.

Excursions

Relatively small in area, Portugal, however, boasts a rich historical heritage; ancient fortresses, cathedrals and palaces have been preserved in abundance here.

Lisbon (Lisbon). One of the symbols of Lisbon is the Arch, decorated with bas-reliefs and statues of famous people, connecting Commerce Square with Augusta Street. Other local must-sees: the 35 m high statue of Christ and the famous Vasco da Gama Bridge, built in 1998 for the Expo (the longest city bridge in Europe: its length is 17.2 km, 10 of them pass over the river Tagus). In the eastern part of the city is the oldest part of Lisbon – the Alfama district. The city has many beautiful parks, a botanical garden, and numerous museums. Most notable among the latter are the Dou Chiado Museum (Portuguese art of the 19th-20th centuries), the National Museum of Ancient Art (painting of the 12th-19th centuries), the Museum of Modern Art, the National Museum of Natural History, the Ethnographic Museum, the Archaeological and Maritime Museums,

Porto and northern Portugal. Porto is one of the oldest cities and the former capital of the country. Here it is worth walking along Avenida dos Allados with houses of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, visiting the bustling coastal district of Ribeira, the famous wine cellars and the colorful and noisy local market. Also in Porto is the oldest Botanical Garden in Portugal (XVIII century). For more than 300 years, the main cellars for storing port wine have been located in the suburb of Vila Nova de Ga ya, and there is a one-of-a-kind “Museum of Port Wine”.

Braga. This city, located north of Porto, is the cultural and religious center of the country, the residence of the bishop. 5 km from Braga is one of the main shrines of Portugal – standing on a mountain terrace with a height of 564 m, the church of Bon Jesus do Monte (Church of Christ on Calvary, XVIII century). Near the church there is a magnificent park with many small chapels, fountains and ponds.

Guimarais is located 50 km north of Porto. The city has preserved an old fortress with seven towers on the “Holy Hill”, ancient streets, numerous mansions and temples, the Museum of Church Art and Utensils in the building of a former monastery and the former monastery of Mosteiro de Santa, located 7 km southeast of the city, are of interest. 50; Maria da Costa (XII century), turned today into a luxury hotel.

Coimbra is one of the oldest university cities in Europe, still keeping the original traditions of students. In its center, medieval fortress walls, the monasteries of Mushteiro de Santa 50; Clara and Cunventu de Santa 50; Clara a Nova have been preserved. Fatima is located 16 km southwest of Coimbra, a world-famous pilgrimage site where the miracle of the appearance of the Virgin Mary to children took place.

DOCUMENTS FOR TRAVELING TO PORTUGAL

Visas are issued at the Embassy of the Slovak Republic in Minsk.

Embassy address: st. Volodarskogo 6, Minsk, Republic of Belarus.

Personal presence is required when submitting documents to the consular department.

  1. Two photographs(actual color photo on a light background, not older than 6 months, size 3.5*4.5 cm.);
  2. Passport / international passport for citizens of the Russian Federation:
  • must be valid for 3 months from the date of the intended departure from the territory of the Schengen member states,
  • must have been issued within the last 10 years,
  • the passport must have at least 2 free pages with the inscription “Visa”.
  1. Photocopy of passport pageswith personal data.
  2. International health insurance, valid on the territory of the Schengen member states, for the entire planned period of stay. The minimum amount of insurance coverage is 30,000 euros.
  3. Proof of employment/economic solvency:

5.1. For employees: a certificate on the letterhead of the employer, which indicates

  • position held by the employee
  • date of employment and date of end of employment (if applicable),
  • wages for the last three months.

5.2. For individual entrepreneurs:

  • original and copy of registration certificate,
  • certificate of income and confirmation of the absence of debt for the last 6 months,
  • bank statement showing the availability of funds in the account.
  1. Non-working:

6.1. Students:

  • student ID,
  • certificate from the place of study,
  • parents’ documents on sponsoring the trip: photocopies of the parents’ work book, certificate from the place of work indicating the salary for 6 months, a photocopy of the birth certificate, copies of the parents’ passports.

6.2. Pensioners:

  • a copy of the pension certificate,
  • certificate of received pension (decryption of payment for the last 3 months),
  • it is also possible to provide an extract from a bank account instead of a certificate of the amount of the received pension.

6.3. Other non-working citizens: documents confirming the connection with Belarus (for example, marriage certificate, birth certificate, death certificate, proof of property ownership) and the availability of funds sufficient for the trip

and a copy of the work book page with personal data and pages with employment history for the last three years.

Non-employed applicants can prove that they have sufficient financial means, for example, by using the following documents:

  • Sponsor’s letter and proof that the sponsor has sufficient
  • financial resources (for example, bank statements, certificate of employment indicating wages, proof of ownership of real estate, ownership of company shares, shares); The sponsor’s letter (dated and signed) must contain the following information:
  1. – surname, name, patronymic, address and contact information of the sponsor
  2. – communication between the sponsor and the applicant
  3. – place and length of stay
  4. – a list of all costs covered by the sponsor

or

  • bank statement showing all banking transactions for the last 3 months

or

  • traveler’s checks in the applicant’s name, signed
  • other documents proving that the applicant has sufficient funds for the trip (for example, proof of ownership of real estate, ownership of company shares, shares).
  1. For minors:
  • Permission from the other parent must be provided (if the other parent did not sign the visa application);
  • Birth certificate;
  • If the minor travels without both parents, then the permission of the parent (both parents if the parents are divorced or live separately) drawn up by a notary is required for the minor to leave Belarus.
  • If the child has only one guardian, then the appropriate document (court decision on the exclusive right of custody, death certificate or other document) must be provided.

Children under 12 are exempt from fingerprinting. The presence of one of the parents when applying for a child is required!

  1. Confirmation of the purchase of the tour: theoriginal contract for the provision of tourist services, a copy of the receipt for payment for services.

Consular fee – 35 euros, citizens of the Russian Federation – 35 euros. Up to 12 years free.

A visa is issued within 8-10 working days, but the embassy reserves the right to extend the time for consideration of documents.

It is important to remember that the listed list includes the minimum list of documents that must be provided when applying for a visa. The Embassy reserves the right to request additional documentation at its discretion.

MADEIRA ISLAND

Resort description

Madeira (an archipelago consisting of the islands of Madeira and Porto Santo, as well as uninhabited islands) is located approximately 700 km west of the African coast and 1000 km south of Portugal. The style of relaxation here is “total relaxation” surrounded by wonderful nature, beauty and silence. There are no beaches here, but there are balneological centers near the ocean and special ladders to the ocean. Dolphins swimming close to the shore lead tourists to complete delight. Here expanse for lovers of fishing and hunting (from September to December), golf and trekking, windsurfing and diving. Tuna and pygmy shark hunting, tennis and horseback riding are also very popular. Local restaurants offer the world-famous original Madeira and delight with excellent cuisine, but still the most important thing in Madeira is nature and unusually clean air.

The main resorts of the archipelago: Funchal and the island of Porto Santo.

Almost all 5 * hotels have thalassotherapy salons. Various brands are represented – Thalgo, Phitomer, SPA, La Prairie, etc. Prices are European.

main resorts

Funchal

The capital of the island – the eponymous Funchal – an ancient and very beautiful city with ancient palaces and squares, modern hotels and shops, stretching along the coast. The main pedestrian street of the Lido is crammed with numerous bars and coffee shops, you can take the funicular up to the top of Mount Monte, covered with parks, gardens and vineyards, from where you can enjoy stunning views of the city and the ocean, and then go down on a wooden sleigh. In the city itself, as well as its environs, there are several magnificent botanical gardens, including the Orchid Garden and the chic Jardim-Botanikou botanical garden with unique flower carpets. The West of Funchal is a tourist area where the best hotels are concentrated – mostly four- and five-star hotels.

The resort’s nightlife has revived only recently. But now in the capital there are already five discos, many bars and pubs.

Porto Santo

The island is located 40 km northeast of Madeira, from where it can be reached by plane in 10 minutes, or by ship that leaves Madeira every morning and returns in the evening. The calm atmosphere of the island contrasts with the active life of the summer resorts located in the neighborhood.

A nine-kilometer strip of amazing beauty and rare cleanliness stretches along the coast. Their golden sand is famous for its healing properties.

The island has a dry and stable climate with little seasonal temperature variation. You can swim in the warm and calm waters of the Atlantic all year round. Outdoor enthusiasts will find excellent opportunities for water sports here, and since the terrain on Porto Santo is flatter than on Madeira, many here prefer cycling to any other means of transportation.

One of the attractions of the main city of the island, Vila Baleira, is the house where Christopher Columbus lived.

IMPORTANT! Funchal is especially attractive during traditional holidays – the colorful February Carnival, the April Flower Festival, the September Wine Festival and the New Year’s Fireworks Festival.

Flight

Flight to Lisbon, then flight to Funchal by local airlines (1 hour 40 minutes). Planes fly directly to Funchal (the capital of the archipelago) from different cities of Great Britain, Germany, Sweden, as well as from Helsinki, Stockholm and Malmo, Paris, Vienna, Madrid, etc.

Climate

The average annual air temperature ranges from +20..+23°C in winter and +26..+28°C in summer, sea water temperature ranges from +18°C to +25°C. From May to mid-January, you can swim and sunbathe perfectly. The coldest (of course, conditionally) period is from February to April.

Beaches

The island has rocky shores and no beaches as such. They are replaced by spacious pools with sea water, which are available at each hotel, as well as pebble beaches similar to Crimean ones.

Food

Madeira has an abundance of tropical fruits (bananas, passion fruit, mangoes, avocados, papaya, pineapples, oranges and grapes) and a rich selection of fresh fish, crabs, shellfish. Restaurants serve the famous shish kebab on laurel skewers.

All table wines in Portugal are dry. There is a “green” (young) wine that is well drunk very cold with seafood. A local invention, Madeira, like port wine, is known all over the world. This is a fortified wine 19-20°, which is not drunk with food, but is used as an aperitif or after a meal.

Excursions

Porto Moniz – visit to the traditional fishing village of Camara de Lobos, where Sir Winston Churchill painted his watercolors, Madeira tasting in the storehouse of the manufacturer Henriques & Henriques, climbing the cliff of Cabo Girao, tasting “ponchi” (traditional strong drink), visiting Porto Moniz with its natural lava pools and lunch: ~80 EUR.

Pico Do Areeiro – Santana – Jardim Botanico – visit to a basketry factory, a trout farm, Porto Da Cruz, Portela, the famous botanical garden, return to Funchal: ~80 EUR (full day excursion with lunch).

Funchal – Jardim Botanico – visit to the local central market, a trip to Pico Areeira, the highest point of Madeira (1810 m), a trip to Kamasha (wickerwork factory), a visit to the Botanical Garden: ~ 35 EUR per person in a group of 6 people.

Half-day boat trip on a copy of the ship of Christopher Columbus – on board they are treated to Madeira and the famous honey pie: ~ 25 EUR.

Big game fishing, seven hours of fishing (from 9:00 to 16:30) – charter of a whole boat with two specialists and tackle, as well as a picnic. The maximum number of tourists on board is six people, the cost is ~ 1000 EUR for the entire ship.

Traditional dinner at the restaurant “Montagna”, located in the mountains, with a magnificent view of the Bay of Funchal. Traditional Madeiran dishes are served including the famous kebab, red wine, roasted corn and dessert. Cost ~40 EUR.

In November 2004, a water park was opened in the town of Santa Cruz (9 open slides and pipes, two pools – one of them for children, an artificial river).

IMPORTANT! In Madeira, the deep sea begins immediately at the shore, so fishing can begin ten minutes after leaving the port. From May to October you can catch the giant fish atlantic blue marlin.

Entertainment

Ample opportunities for practicing various sports – from paragliding, rock climbing and mountain biking to horse riding and tennis. Madeira’s major watersports center is popular with water skiers, surfers, scuba divers and fishermen (the waters here are rich in many kinds of fish).

ALGARVE RESORT

Resort description

If the Lisbon Riviera is first of all a rich excursion, and the sea only then, then in the Algarve it’s the other way around: the local pastime is, rather, a beach holiday with excursions.

The Algarve is an almost continuous strip of beaches, stretching from east to west from Monte Gordo to Lagos (about 150 km) and protected from the north winds by mountain ranges. The western part of the coast is famous for its amazingly beautiful rocky beaches, and the eastern part is quite gentle, with excellent sandy coasts. The Algarve is an ideal place for active and beach holidays, where all conditions for sports activities are created throughout the year. The most popular are golf, lawn tennis and all water sports, as well as horse riding and athletics.

Resort regions

Monte Gordo

The resort town of Monte Gordo is located 55 km east of Faro. This new resort is located near the Spanish border in the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve. Thanks to the wide sandy beaches, the ocean here warms up 1-2 degrees higher than on the rest of the Algarve coast.

Quinta do Lago

A 15-minute drive from Faro is the most prestigious resort of Quinta do Lago, bordering on the east with the Ria Formosa reserve. Quinta do Lago is a natural reserve. Birds live here, which are not found anywhere else in the world, and 360 days a year are sunny.

Vale do Lobo

The resort of Vale do Lobo is located 23 km from Faro. This paradise is appreciated by golf lovers and world celebrities. Vale do Lobo has many restaurants, shops, discos and nightclubs.

Quarteira

A former fishing village near Vilamoura has been transformed over the past decade into a resort with tall buildings along a wide avenue and endless beaches. Every night the most popular disco in the Algarve “Kadok” makes noise here.

Vilamoura

Vilamoura is the main and most developed tourist center of the Algarve, located 29 km from Faro International Airport. It has everything for a wonderful holiday – high-class hotels, apartments, golf courses, tennis courts. Three water parks are open near Vilamoura. The resort also boasts Europe’s largest yacht club.

Albufeira

Surrounded by beautiful beaches, pine and orange trees, Albufeira has thousands of pubs, boutiques and discos. This resort is especially famous for its cuisine: sardines and sea bass are prepared in a variety of ways, and the local “signature” dish is cataplana, a dish of fish or shellfish cooked in special high frying pans.

Армасау–де–Пера (Pear Frame)

Today it is a resort that attracts millions of tourists who love a relaxing holiday, which, if desired, can be diversified by the noisy and cheerful atmosphere of Albufeira located nearby.

Carvoeiro

Carvoeiro, one of the most picturesque places in the Algarve, is located 60 km from Faro and 13 km from the lively town of Portimão. Every year, thousands of tourists come here to watch the Portuguese bullfight. Fans of outdoor activities are pleased with the golf club, horseback riding, water sports, water park, fishing.

Portimão (Portimão)

This is one of the main cities of the Algarve, located 66 km from Faro at the mouth of the Aradu River. Gourmets will find good and inexpensive sea restaurants here, and lovers of sea walks can go on a trip along the coast. Other activities include golf, diving, and ocean fishing. In the suburbs of Portimão, there is the Praia da Rocha beach, famous for its beauty, with the fortress of Santa Catarina de 50; Ribamar, as well as monuments of ancient architecture – the ruins of the Roman villa Abikada (IV century), the ancient necropolis of Alcalar, dating from the 2nd century BC. e.

Alvor (Alvor)

The small fishing village of Alvor, located 5 km from Portimae, considers the Algarve Church, the Igreja Matriz of the 16th century, to be its main attraction. Alvor tourist is a modern resort with first-class golf courses, small cozy streets, snow-white houses, a harbor with luxury yachts. At a distance of a kilometer from the center of the resort there are sandy beaches framed by rocks.

Flight

Flight duration from Moscow: 5 hours 20 minutes.

You can get to the Algarve by charter Moscow – Faro or by flight Moscow – Lisbon, then by domestic airlines to Faro (or by bus in 3-4 hours).

Excursions

National Park “Ria Formosa” with a colony of pink flamingos and a sea of ​​flowering trees, many monuments of Phoenician and ancient culture, mosaics from the Roman Empire, Arab fortresses and medieval castles. “Historic Algarve” ~50 EUR, sightseeing tour of Lisbon ~60 EUR, Seville ~60 EUR, “National evening” (dinner in the Portuguese village) ~40 EUR,

“jeep safari” ~ 60 EUR, Portuguese bullfights (fights take place from Easter to early October) ~ 30 EUR, Faro (visit the capital of the Algarve with the opportunity to purchase handicrafts, crystal, porcelain, fashion and leather products) ~ 25 EUR.

Entertainment

Shark hunting, yachting, bullfighting, the opportunity to visit neighboring Spain and Morocco. Four water parks, the Zoo-Marine dolphinarium, numerous golf courses and schools, excellent tennis courts and tennis schools, the second-class diving club in Europe and excellent conditions for this sport.

In Portuguese water parks, they sunbathe on a special lawn grass. Sunbeds are on the pavement next to the pools.

PORTUGAL country symbol