Portugal
Country facts
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