Portugal is one of Europe’s oldest nations in existence and its population of 10 million people is fiercely proud of its traditional heritage. Backed by hilltop castles and exquisite walled towns, you’ll quickly find that visitors are made very welcome by the locals. Affordable food and drink can be found in abundance and it’s actually very easy to get around the whole country in just a few days.
Vibrant and diverse, Portugal’s main cities - Lisbon and Porto - perfectly showcase Portugal’s history as a seafaring superpower, but don’t for one minute think that Portugal is only about history. Each city boasts some fantastic clubs, hotels and modern architecture which make the country an ideal destination for a mix of age ranges. Once inland you can choose from activities such as wine tours and hiking to kayaking down inland rivers and snorkelling in the lagoons. To the south, you then have the Algarve, with its stunning sandy beaches and clear blue sea. This area is a huge draw for families and couples alike, and is perfect for kicking back and relaxing.
A traditional Catholic country, a belief in traditional values remains. At the same time, the Portuguese have welcomed modern life with open arms, striking an excellent balance between old and new.
Fascinating, beautiful and memorable, Portugal really is a place where dreams are made.
5 Things You Need to Know About Portugal
Here are five things you may not have known about Portugal, which you’ll want to make note of before packing your bags:
Time Difference: UTC +1 hour
Currency: Euro
Native Language: Portuguese
Weather: Portugal is mainly characterized by a warm temperate climate with a distinct wet season in winter. During winter, Portugal experiences a similar temperature pattern to the Spanish coastal towns, i.e. average daytime temperature of around 16°C (61°F). Summer is very hot and dry and can reach over 30°C.
Sales Tax: 23%
Flying to Portugal from Canada
Here’s everything you’ll need to know about flying to Portugal from Canada, including flight times and entry requirements.
Flight Times
Flights from Canada to Portugal generally take around eight hours, with direct flights available from Toronto.
Flights from other cities in Canada, such as Calgary, Vancouver and Montreal, will have to take indirect routes, which will take a little longer.
Entry Requirements
Canadians can enjoy visa-free travel to Portugal for stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. A valid passport is required.
Airlines That Fly to Portugal
The following airlines offer direct flights from Canada to Portugal:
- Air Canada
- Tap Air Portugal
10 Must-Dos in Portugal
If you’ve never visited Portugal before and are wondering what the ‘must-see’ sights and attractions are, here are our top ten:
- Ponte de Dom Luis I, Porto
- Quinta da Regaleira
- Jeronimos Monastery
- Torre de Belem
- The Douro Valley
- Praia do Porto Santo
- Serra do Pilar Viewpoint
- Pico Ruivo, Madeira
- Park and National Palace of Pena
- Castelo de S. Jorge
Book Cheap Flights to Portugal with Globehunters
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