European Travel Information and Authorization System
Latest ETIAS News

What are the best cities to visit in Portugal?

Etias Visa Waiver
ETIAS Europe

Coimbra

This charming, historic town was once the capital of Portugal. It is home to stunning gardens, historic sites, fado music, and vibrant culture. Coimbra, located in central Portugal’s Mondego River, is a city with medieval churches and a maze of cobbled streets so beautiful that you will feel like you have stepped back in time. Many people consider Coimbra the most romantic city in the country. The University of Coimbra is the source of energy and influence in Coimbra. It was founded in 1209 and is one of the oldest universities in Europe. You can view the whole city from its courtyard.

Azores

The Azores are located roughly halfway between Massachusetts and Portugal. The Azores archipelago consists of nine volcanic islands spread over several hundred miles. It is best known for its hot mineral springs, first-class whale watching (named one of the top ten spots in the world), and beautiful seaside towns. Each island is unique, but all have beautiful beaches and green areas. Pico, which is home to the highest mountain in Portugal, is Pico. Sao Miguel is also known as “The Green Island.” This is the place to be if you are an adventurer. You can find all the water sports here, riding your horse and cycling in Vila Franca do Campo (the largest town in The Azores).

Evora

The beautiful town is located at the foot of a mountain range of the same name. UNESCO declared the entire area a world heritage site. This designation refers to Evora’s “cultural landscape,” which was created especially for the area. It includes both the natural beauty and historic character of the mountain range. Evora, which dates back to 2,000 years, is filled with Moorish courtyards and Renaissance fountains, Gothic Turrets, Gothic squares, and a maze of tiny streets. The Praca do Giraldo is one of the main squares, where you can find open-air cafes that serve great coffees. However, it was once home to public executions. The Roman baths are worth visiting, as is the Moorish “Yeborah.”

Aveiro

Aveiro, pronounced “uh-veyroo”), is located alongside the Ria de Aveiro lagoon. This lively city is known as the Venice of Portugal because of its charming humpbacked bridges and high-prow boats. The moliceiro is a traditional boat that was once used to harvest seaweed but has been converted for tourists. Enjoy the beautiful beaches and delicious cuisine, and you’ll feel like royalty. Make sure you visit the Sao Goncalinho Chapel, Averio Cathedral, and the Convento de Jesu

Altas vacunas contra el Covid-19 y cómo ayudan a la comunidad

Una alta tasa de vacunación contra el Covid-19 ayuda a crear una sensación de relativa calma. Portugal subió repentinamente a la cima de la vacunación contra el Covid-19 después de que se produjera una ola catastrófica de casos de Covid-19 a principios de 2021. Casi todas las personas elegibles ahora están vacunadas.
Un factor es el fuerte liderazgo del grupo de trabajo nacional de vacunación. Era un ex comandante de submarinos, y algunos se han opuesto a su estilo agresivo. Otro factor podría ser el pequeño número de antivacunas presentes en Portugal.
No todo es vacunación. No se trata solo de la vacunación. Las largas y bien organizadas colas en los centros de pruebas gratuitos, el uso generalizado de máscaras de tipo médico en espacios cerrados, la aceptación de usar máscaras al aire libre y la disposición de muchas empresas que rechazan a los clientes que no tienen pruebas de pruebas recientes apuntan a un nivel de comodidad casual con restricciones pandémicas en constante cambio sin la tensión o el escepticismo que plagaron muchas otras partes de Europa.

Opinión pública en general sobre el confinamiento

Los colaboradores de Forbes también señalaron que Portugal tiene un bajo número de protestas contra el confinamiento y es muy respetuoso de las reglas impuestas por el gobierno. Portugal tiene un movimiento populista más débil que los otros países del sur de Europa.
Esto puede deberse en parte a los altos niveles de confianza en el gobierno en un país que surgió solo de la dictadura en la década de 1970. José Santana Pereira y Elisabetta De Giorgi, politólogos, discutieron cómo la confianza en el gobierno fue mayor en Portugal durante la primera parte de la pandemia que en España, Italia o Grecia. El hecho de que los índices de aprobación del gobierno en Portugal aumentaran entre 2019 y 2020 puede deberse a un mayor consenso entre los partidos políticos que en otros países.
Esto fue cierto incluso durante las últimas etapas de la pandemia. Gisela Piñeiro-Naval y Bianca Persici Toniolo fueron encuestadas entre octubre de 2020 y noviembre de 2020. Los resultados mostraron que la mayoría de las personas consideraban que la comunicación del gobierno sobre la salud pública era oportuna y confiable. Más personas confiaban en los profesionales médicos que los elegidos, y menos creían que la información disponible a través de las redes sociales era precisa.
La encuesta de Fundacao Francisco Manuel dos Santos se realizó entre marzo de 2021 y mayo de 2021. El 86% de los encuestados pensó que las restricciones a la libertad relacionadas con el Covid estaban justificadas. El 43%, sin embargo, cree que la democracia se ha debilitado.

¿Es posible incorporar las mismas estrategias a otros países?

Será un desafío duplicar el cumplimiento de Portugal con la salud pública en países con diferentes poblaciones, economías e historias políticas. El consenso relativo puede conducir a una pérdida de disidencia productiva. El éxito de Portugal en garantizar el cumplimiento de las medidas de salud pública indica que tomará más tiempo y más desafío restaurar la confianza y la colaboración entre el establecimiento público, médico y político. Esto ha sido crítico durante las emergencias que involucran la salud pública.s. There are also many art nouveau buildings throughout the old town.

Sintra

Sintra, located just off the Lisbon coast in the Sintra Mountains and just a short drive from Lisbon, is simply stunning. This charming town is characterized by beautiful villas, palaces, lush green hills, fairy-tale castles, and royal retreats. Sintra’s Palacio da Pena is the highlight of its mix of architectural styles and German influences. The surrounding land was once the summer residence of the Portuguese royal family. It is a paradise for nature lovers, full of exotic plants and trees. The Castle of the Moors, Sintra’s highest peak, offers a breathtaking view. It would help if you also visited the Monserrate Palace subtropical gardens.

Porto

Porto is the port that gave Portugal its name. Locals will tell them it is best known for its port, a rich and hearty fortified wine. The busy city sprawls across hills overlooking the Douro River in northern Portugal. The historical center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you will find the Ribeira, a pedestrian zone with cafes, live musicians, street vendors, and delicious food. Porto, the second-largest city, balances its commercial interests and romantic history. Enjoy a sunset stroll on the Douro, listening to the music from the cafes. You’ll be surprised at how long you stay there.

Obidos

Obidos is surrounded by many rings of medieval walls and a Moorish castle in its center. It sits on top of a hill that offers breathtaking views. The town’s main attractions are the historic center and the court, which is now a Pousada. As you walk through the cobblestone streets, the medieval atmosphere of the city makes for an unforgettable experience. There are many small streets with lots of activity, shops, cafes, and whitewashed homes with colorful flowers. You should not miss the Capela de Sao Martinho or Igreja Matriz de Santa Maria. The International Chocolate Festival is held each March, and the Ancient Music Festival takes place in October.

Madeira, Funchal

You know you are in for a relaxing and fun time when you get a nickname such as “Floating Garden on the Atlantic.” Maderia is an archipelago located in the Atlantic between Portugal, North Africa, and Portugal. It is one of the two autonomous regions in the country, along with The Azores. It is known for its wines and must-see Orchid Garden. Funchal, the capital of the country and its largest city, is a place that balances modernity and tradition. You can see this when you visit the many museums and churches preserved throughout the city. Funchal is a beautiful, walkable city that’s perfect for nature lovers. Nightclubs, casinos, and restaurants are an excellent choice for those who love to party after the sun sets.

Algarve

Algarve is the place to be if you are looking for sun, sand, and sea. This great town in south Portugal has it all: stunning beaches, Mediterranean climate with 3000 hours of sunshine per year, almost no rain, and delicious cuisine. It also offers an affordable living cost, world-famous golf courses, charming towns, and rich history. What’s not love about this town? Faro, the capital of Brazil, is nearly unchanged from its 18th-century roots. Sagres and Lagos can also trace their roots back to the Roman period. The Fortaleza de Sagre, built in the 15th century, is a must-see. It is also believed to have been the location of Prince Henry’s School of Navigation. The Cape of Sao Vicente was a sacred spot for Romans called Promontorium Sacrum.

Lisbon

Portugal’s capital and largest city lie along the Tagus River banks. Lisbon covers seven hills and is a beautiful destination vacation spot. It has Gothic cathedrals, unique neighborhoods, great weather, crooked alleyways, and fun shopping. Traditional fado music plays everywhere. Lisbon’s traditional center of life is the Baixa. You’ll find traditional shops in the Baixa – some craftsmen have been working there for generations. Alfama is an old Moorish district well-known for its rustic architecture and St. George’s Castle. You can take a tram tour (famous Tram 28), which will take you to all the major attractions, gardens, and other highlights.