Train information

The national railway company is Comboios de Portugal (CP): www.cp.pt
Train types: Alfa Pendular (AP high speed trains), reservations are required; InterCidades (IC, intercity trains), reservations are required; for international services to Spain and France in Sud Expresso and Lusitania trains, reservations are required; trains from Porto to Vigo, InterRegional (IR), Regional (R) are not required and Urbanos (commuter trains), reservations are not required.
Bikes are only allowed on InterRegional (IR), Regional (R) and Urbanos trains free of charge. Before boarding a train, you need to check with the ticket inspector whether space is available. Please check locally for details.

Ferries, ships, buses… everything but train

Some regions in the country are reachable by car or bus only. Buses are operated by the national Rede Expressos (www.rede-expressos.pt – Portuguese language only) and dozens of private companies.

Food and drink

Eat Sardinhas Assadas (charcoal-grilled sardines); Caldo Verde (kale soup, usually served with Chourico sausage); Caldeirada (rich fish stew); Acorda (mashed bread with eggs and parsley); Arroz de Polvo (octopus risotto); Cozido a Portuguesa (mixture of meat and sausage stew); and 365 different dishes of
Bacalhau (Codfish) – the most popular being Bacalhau a Bras (thin strips of fish and potatoes, sautéed in egg) or Bacalhau com Natas (with cream). Also try the Pasteis de Nata for dessert (custard tarts).
*Drink wine, Vinho do Porto (tawny wine); Aguardente (strong distilled drink); Ginjinha (sour berry liquor); Groselha (non-alcoholic Gooseberry juice).

Accommodation

There are many hotels and Bed & Breakfasts, these are usually known as Pensao, residencial or casa dehospedes. Look for Quartos signs for private rooms. Find a bed at: www.portugal.com
The Pousada is a kind of luxury inn usually located inside a historical building, many of them are national monuments. Find your stay at: www.pousadas.pt
The Local Hostel Association is the Movijovem (juventude.gov.pt/Portal/lazer/en). There are some private hostels in Lisbon and the Algarve region.
Camping: www.campingportugal.org

Travel information

• Local Tourism Board: www.visitportugal.com
• National Parks: www.icnb.pt