Portugal holiday packages

The Top Portugal Activities & Attractions 

• Mosteiro dos Jeronimos: Located in Lisbon, this magnificent church and monastery is arguably one of the most important buildings in Portugal. This is the resting place of Vasco da Gama. 
• Madeira Botanical Gardens: This beautiful garden officially opened in 1960 and spans over 9 hectares. A must-see is the colourful geometric flowerbeds and topiary garden. 
• Matosinhos Beach: A glorious stretch of golden sand, this beach is located north of Porto. Perfect for families and those into their watersports.
• Furnas Lake: This crater lake is known for its blue waters being tinged with a green hue. There are hot springs in the surrounding hills and the landscape is not to be missed.
• Feira Nacional do Cavalo: Held in Golegã, the horse capital of Portugal, this two-week festival celebrates the Portuguese Lusitano breed of horse. There are competitions, feasts and fun. 
• Lagos: This charming town has lost none of its original allure. Baroque architecture dominates the narrow streets, and the medieval castle leaves you feeling like you’ve stepped back in time.
• Algarve: If you’re into warm weather, hiking excursions and soft, sandy beaches, then Portugal’s southernmost region should be on your bucket list. 

• Consider visiting Portugal during the off season for uncrowded beaches, with the waters averaging 21 degrees during this time.  
• Eat and drink like locals by trying the house wines and ordering local produce; fresh seafood is everywhere. 
• Choose your transport wisely, choose trains or coaches. 
• Keep track of Portugal’s business hours, some places open late or close early. Bad weather and lack of foot traffic can influence business hours.  
• While Portuguese is the language spoken, you can communicate in English in most tourist spots, however, do brush up on your Portuguese. 
• While cards are widely accepted, exchange some cash for some Euros for the small shops/towns that do not have card facilities. 
• If you decide to travel by car, be mindful that Portugal has toll roads. 
• Not all restaurants offer free bread and water, while it might seem that way if you haven’t requested it, restaurant culture in Portugal will make you pay for water and bread baskets. 

The best time to travel to Portugal is between March and May. This is springtime in Portugal and the country is in full bloom after the colder winter months. 

Portugal is not a large country, so you can travel easily by train or bus between the cities. The cities lend themselves to being explored at a leisurely pace and if you need to go further, public transport is often available. 

Most Portuguese restaurants bring you a selection of starters to nibble on while you read the menu. Don’t assume these are free, generally whatever you eat gets added to the bill. 

Shops tend to keep irregular business hours, so don’t be surprised if a shop or restaurant, even a museum, is closed. 

Travel Information:

• Visa Information: South African passport holders require a Schengen Visa to enter the country. However, please verify the latest visa requirements and regulations before your trip, as they may change. 
• Plug Types: Portugal primarily uses Type C and Type F electrical plugs. Type C plugs have two round pins, while Type F plugs have two round pins with two earth clips on the sides. The standard voltage is 230V, and the frequency is 50Hz. It's recommended to carry suitable adaptors if your devices use different plug types. 
• Currency: The official currency of Portugal is the Euro (EUR). Currency exchange facilities are readily available at airports, banks, and exchange offices. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in major cities and tourist areas. 
• Time Zone: Portugal is in the Western European Time (WET) zone during standard time, which is UTC+0. During daylight saving time (Western European Summer Time - WEST), which usually starts on the last Sunday in March and ends on the last Sunday in October, the time zone is UTC+1. 
• Languages: The official language of Portugal is Portuguese. While English is not as widely spoken as in some other European countries, it is commonly used in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants. 
• Transportation: Portugal has an efficient transportation network, including trains, buses, and trams in major cities like Lisbon and Porto. Renting a car is also a popular option for exploring the countryside and remote areas.