Other Portugal

Television

RTP (Rádio e Televisão de Portugal): a public channel that provides a wide range of news on both national and regional levels. RTP1 and RTP3 channels are popular and broadcast news and current events in real-time.

SIC Notícias: one of the most popular news channels, offering 24-hour coverage of events inside the country and abroad.

 

Online Platforms

Notícias ao Minuto and Observador: news portals that actively cover events in Portugal and the world, offering both breaking news and analytical articles; the sites are also accessible via mobile apps.

Google News and Apple News: aggregators that collect news from various sources and allow personalizing the information stream to stay informed.

 

Social networks: In Portugal, many residents prefer to get news through social networks such as Facebook and Twitter, where major media articles and real-time news are widely shared.

 

Radio: Antena 1 and TSF are popular radio stations that provide news bulletins and analytical programs, including coverage of key daily topics.

 

In Portugal, there are several news resources in foreign languages aimed at expats, tourists, and international investors.

 

English

The Portugal News: One of the largest English-language news resources in Portugal (politics, economy, real estate, tourism).

Portugal Resident: A major resource oriented towards expats (real estate, taxes, immigration, culture).

The Portugal Telegraph: An independent news portal with analytics and local news.

Essential Business: Focused on business and economy; useful for entrepreneurs, investors, and businessmen.

 

French

Lusojornal: News for the French-speaking audience, including topics on migration and the diaspora.

Le Petit Journal – Portugal: A French news portal dedicated to life in Portugal.

 

German

Algarve für Entdecker: A German-language resource covering news and events in Algarve.

Portugiesische Zeitung: A portal for residents of Portugal and the German diaspora.

 

Spanish

El Trapezio: Publishes news about Portugal and the Iberian Peninsula.

 

Russian

Russian Portugal: News for Russian-speaking expats living in Portugal.

 

International media covering Portugal

Euronews Portugal; BBC News – Portugal; Reuters Portugal.

Portugal is a country with a rich history and culture, but there are numerous stereotypes about it that don't always reflect reality.

 

Portugal is the same as Spain

Portugal is often mistakenly perceived as part of Spain or considered identical to it. In reality, Portugal has its own unique culture, language, and history, setting it apart from its neighbor. Portuguese people are proud of their national identity and heritage.

 

All Portuguese people listen only to fado

Fado is a traditional Portuguese music genre reflecting feelings of longing and nostalgia. While fado is an important cultural aspect, the musical preferences of the Portuguese are diverse and include modern music, rock, pop, and other genres.

 

Portuguese people are always late and lead a laid-back lifestyle

The stereotype of being laid-back and not adhering to time is common in many southern European countries. However, in Portugal's business environment, punctuality and professionalism are valued. Attitudes toward time may be more flexible in social situations, yet this does not imply a lack of responsibility.

 

It's always sunny and warm in Portugal

Although the country is known for its mild climate, weather conditions vary by region and season. In the northern regions, winters can be cool and rainy, and summers are not always hot.

 

All Portuguese people love football

Football is indeed popular, and Portugal takes pride in its famous football players, such as Cristiano Ronaldo. However, the interests of the Portuguese are not limited to sports; they appreciate art, literature, gastronomy, and other activities.

 

Portugal is a backward and poor country

This stereotype arose from past economic difficulties. Today, Portugal is a modern state with a growing economy, high-tech industries, and a booming tourist sector.

 

Portuguese cuisine is limited to codfish and seafood

Although dishes with codfish and seafood are popular, Portuguese cuisine is rich and diverse. It includes meat dishes, cheeses, wines, and famous desserts like pastel de nata.

 

Portuguese people do not speak English

In large cities and tourist areas, many Portuguese people speak English fluently. Education in the English language is given a lot of attention in schools and universities.

 

Thus, stereotypes simplify perception but do not reflect all the complexity and richness of Portuguese culture. To truly understand this country, it is important to get acquainted with its history, traditions, and people personally.

A selection of the most useful apps that immigrants should install:

 

CP – Comboios de Portugal: Official app of the Portuguese railways, which helps plan train trips across the country; allows checking train schedules, buying tickets, and even selecting seats for some routes.

 

SNS 24: Official app of the Portuguese healthcare system, necessary for accessing medical services; contains information about vaccinations, prescriptions, medical records; allows making appointments with doctors. Available only for those with a Portuguese healthcare number.

 

Moovit: A convenient navigation app for public transport; integrates information about bus, metro, and train schedules, making it ideal for navigation in large cities like Lisbon and Porto.

 

Too Good To Go: The app helps reduce food waste by allowing the purchase of products from local restaurants and shops at reduced prices.

 

Revolut: A popular financial app among expats; offers the ability to open accounts in different currencies, make international transfers with minimal fees, and manage finances with a convenient interface.

 

Glovo: An app for home delivery of goods, including food, medication, and other necessary items.

 

Na Minha Rua Lx: An app from the Lisbon municipality that allows residents to report city issues, such as broken streetlights or improperly parked cars.

 

Gira – Bicicletas de Lisboa: Lisbon's bike rental system. The app allows finding the nearest bike rental stations and renting them for city commuting.

An overview of the most popular events to attend:

 

Music Festivals

NOS Alive: One of the largest music festivals in Portugal; takes place in Oeiras, near Lisbon; an ideal place for lovers of alternative and rock music.

Super Bock Super Rock: A popular music festival held in Lisbon; attracts fans of rock and electronic music, gathering top artists from around the world.

 

Traditional Festivals

Festa de São João: A vibrant and noisy celebration observed in Porto on June 23; includes street parties, launching paper lanterns and fireworks, as well as the famous custom of hitting each other with plastic hammers; one of the most popular events in the country.

Trays Festival: One of the oldest and most colorful festivals in Portugal, held every four years in Tomar; participants decorate the city with paper flowers and carry large trays of bread on their heads, symbolizing abundance.

 

Gastronomic Festivals

Chocolate Festival in Óbidos: A paradise for chocolate lovers; in the small medieval town of Óbidos, an annual festival is held where you can enjoy chocolate delicacies, see workshops, and participate in competitions.

Wine Festival in Douro: Takes place in the Douro region, famous for its winemaking traditions; here you can taste local wines, participate in wine tastings, and enjoy music and folk dances.

 

Religious Holidays

Festa do Santo Cristo: A major religious holiday on the Azores islands that attracts pilgrims from around the world; the festival includes processions, masses, and cultural events, highlighting the region's deep religious traditions.

Romaria de Nossa Senhora da Agonia: a major religious festival held in Viana do Castelo in August; the event combines religious processions with folk festivities featuring music and dancing.

 

Art and Culture Festivals

Sintra Festival: an annual cultural event in Sintra featuring classical music concerts, theatrical performances, and art exhibitions; it takes place at historical sites such as palaces and gardens, creating a unique atmosphere.

 

These events provide a unique opportunity to immerse in the rich culture and traditions of Portugal. Whether it's lively street parties or sophisticated music festivals, there is something to suit every taste.

In Portugal, public toilets are available, but their quantity and accessibility vary depending on the region and type of area. In major cities like Lisbon and Porto, you will find public toilets at shopping centers, transportation hubs (stations, metro stations), and in tourist areas. Most of them are paid; the usage cost ranges from 0.50 to 1 euro. These toilets are generally in good condition.

 

In Lisbon and other major cities, sometimes there is a shortage of free public toilets, causing some inconvenience for locals and tourists. However, cafes and restaurants often allow customers to use their restrooms for free.

 

Additionally, some public parks and gardens have free restrooms, although their condition may not always meet high standards. For convenience and comfort, it's recommended to carry coins for payment and personal hygiene products.

Language Schools

CIAL: one of the most renowned language schools in Portugal with campuses in Lisbon and Faro; offers group and individual courses, as well as courses combining language learning with activities like surfing; an ideal choice for those who want to immerse in the language environment and combine learning with active leisure.

Lusa Language School: a school in Lisbon offering intensive courses, evening classes, and online lessons.

Instituto Camões: offers both in-person and distance Portuguese courses; there are specialized courses like business Portuguese.

 

Universities

The University of Lisbon and the University of Porto offer annual and summer Portuguese language courses for both beginners and advanced students.

 

Online Resources

Practice Portuguese: a popular online platform focusing on learning specifically European Portuguese; includes podcasts, video lessons, and interactive exercises.

iTalki: an online platform for individual lessons with native speakers.

Memrise: an app using repetition methods for memorizing words and phrases.

 

Apps and Additional Methods

Duolingo and Drops: popular language learning apps that can help with basic Portuguese through daily tasks. However, it's important to note that Duolingo focuses on the Brazilian variant, which differs from European Portuguese.

Listening to Portuguese music and watching movies can help improve language comprehension and learn conversational expressions. Platforms like Lingopie provide series and movies with subtitles for deeper language practice.

 

The choice of method depends on your goals: if you need to quickly acquire basic skills for everyday communication, you can start with apps and short courses. For more in-depth language and cultural study, intensive courses at universities or language schools are ideal.

Main National Holidays

 

New Year’s Day — January 1: A traditional day of rest, often celebrated with family gatherings and fireworks.

   

Carnival: Celebrated in February or March, a few days before Lent; one of the most colorful festivals, especially popular in Lisbon and Algarve; street parades, theatrical performances, and costume celebrations fill the streets.

 

Freedom Day— April 25: This day marks the fall of the dictatorship in 1974; parades, rallies, and other events in honor of democratic freedoms take place across the country.

 

Labor Day — May 1st: As in many countries, this holiday is dedicated to workers' rights.

 

Portugal Day — June 10th: A national holiday celebrating Portuguese history and culture; official events and celebrations include speeches by the president and military parades.

 

Saints' Festivals: In June, Portugal celebrates festivals in honor of three saints: Saint Anthony (June 13th, Lisbon), Saint John (June 24th, Porto), and Saint Peter (June 29th). These are among the most popular folk festivals with vibrant street parties, fireworks, and dancing.

 

Christmas — December 25th: This is one of the most significant family holidays when the Portuguese gather for a traditional dinner with cod dishes and other regional delicacies.

 

Traditions

 

Pilgrimage to Fatima: From May to October, thousands of pilgrims visit the Fatima sanctuary in honor of the apparition of the Virgin Mary in 1917; it includes processions and services gathering the faithful from all over the world.

  

Sardine Festival: On June 13th in Lisbon, Saint Anthony, who is considered the patron saint of the city, is celebrated; the streets are decorated with garlands, and grilled sardines are the main dish of the festival.

The most popular places and attractions worth visiting:

 

Lisbon

Tram 28: An iconic vintage tram that runs through the narrow streets of Lisbon's historic districts, including Alfama and Baixa; an ideal way to explore the city.

Belem Tower: A symbol of Lisbon and an architectural monument of the Age of Discoveries; it guards the entrance to the city harbor and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Lisbon Oceanarium: One of the largest oceanariums in Europe, home to more than 450 species of marine life.

 

Sintra

Palacio da Pena: A fairy-tale palace atop a hill, known for its unique blend of architectural styles; it is one of the most visited sites in the country.

Quinta da Regaleira: An estate with mystical underground passages, grottoes, and magnificent gardens.

 

Porto

Dom Luis I Bridge: An iconic bridge connecting Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia, offering stunning views of the Douro River.

Port Wine Cellars: A must-visit place to learn about the history of the famous Port wine and to taste it.

 

Douro Valley

A region famous for its vineyards and port wine production, included in the UNESCO World Heritage list; here you can enjoy picturesque landscapes and wine tasting.

 

Algarve

Benagil Caves: A natural attraction with breathtaking views. The dome-shaped cave is one of the most photographed places in the country.

Praia da Marinha Beach: One of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal, known for its cliffs and crystal-clear waters.

 

Azores and Madeira Islands

Sao Miguel Island (Azores): Known for its hot springs and incredible landscapes, where you can see whales and enjoy natural beauty.

Madeira: A tropical island with unique nature, ideal for hiking and outdoor enthusiasts.

 

Cabo da Roca

The westernmost point of Europe, offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean; this place was considered the end of the world before the Age of Discoveries.

 

These places represent just a small part of Portugal's treasures. Each region of the country offers unique experiences, whether historical landmarks, natural wonders, or cultural events.

In Portugal, there are a number of social norms and etiquette rules that play an important role in daily life and interactions with others. 

 

Greetings and Formalities

Greetings: Formal greetings often begin with a handshake, accompanied by eye contact and words like "Bom dia" (Good morning), "Boa tarde" (Good afternoon), or "Boa noite" (Good evening). Among acquaintances and friends, a double cheek kiss (first on the right, then on the left) is popular.

Using Titles: In formal situations, it is customary to use titles "Senhor" (Mr.) and "Senhora" (Mrs.) especially when addressing people with an academic degree (for example, "Doutor" for doctors or scholars).

 

Clothing and Appearance

Clothing: Portuguese people pay great attention to neatness and tidiness, even in everyday clothing. They often choose simple yet elegant outfits, and overly bright or revealing elements can be perceived as inappropriate, especially among the older generation.

 

Table Etiquette

Table Traditions: Portuguese meals usually begin with a greeting from the host: "Bom apetite" (Enjoy your meal). During the meal, hands should remain visible, but elbows should not be placed on the table. Most dishes are eaten using cutlery, including fruits and cheese. It is customary to arrive slightly late (up to 15 minutes), especially if invited to a formal event.

Gifts: If you are invited as a guest, it is customary to bring a small gift, such as a bottle of wine or dessert. It's important to avoid giving 13 items (the number is considered unlucky) or flowers that are associated with funerals (such as lilies and chrysanthemums).

 

Public Behavior

Communication Tone: In Portugal, moderate tones of speech are preferred, especially in public places. Loud conversations and drawing attention to oneself are considered inappropriate. Queues are strictly observed, and cutting in line is frowned upon.

Religious Places: When visiting churches and monasteries, a conservative dress code should be followed, hats should be removed, and silence should be maintained.

Administrative-Territorial Division

Autonomous Regions: The Azores and Madeira have the status of autonomous regions. They have their own government bodies and legislative assemblies, which have expanded powers due to geographical remoteness and unique regional needs.

Continental Portugal: Divided into 18 districts that perform administrative functions but do not have their own self-governing bodies.

 

Local Government

Municipalities: The country has 308 municipalities, which are the primary units of local government.

Parishes: Municipalities are subdivided into parishes, of which there are more than 3,000 in the country.

Inter-municipal Cooperation

Metropolitan Areas: Created to coordinate policies and services in major urban areas, such as Lisbon and Porto; they have their own governing bodies to address common issues, including transportation and infrastructure.

Inter-municipal Communities: Unite municipalities in certain regions to jointly address regional development and economic cooperation issues.

Role of Local Government

Decentralization: The system is aimed at transferring powers to lower levels of government to increase efficiency and account for local specificities.

Civic Participation: Citizens have the opportunity to participate in decision-making through elections and public consultations.

Service Provision: Local governing bodies are responsible for education, healthcare, transportation, utilities, and cultural events in their territories.

Understanding the structure of local government in Portugal is important for immigrants as it allows effective interaction with authorities, participation in community life, and access to available services.