WHAT’S PORTUGAL AND THE ALGARVE LIKE? 

Portugal is a southern European country on the Iberian Peninsula, bordering Spain. Its location on the Atlantic Ocean has influenced many aspects of its culture: salt cod and grilled sardines are national dishes, the Algarve's beaches are a major destination and much of the nation’s architecture dates to the 1500s–1800s, when Portugal had a powerful maritime empire.

The country’s history and culture, gastronomy and wines, are among the main attractions, not to mention the beaches, surfing, golf, the varied landscapes and, above all, the Portuguese people, who are seen as affable, open and sincere.

Monasteries and convents of historic and artistic importance, outstanding monuments, historic centres, and cultural landscapes, which offer some of the most beautiful natural scenery in Portugal, were considered by UNESCO as being a part of World Heritage.

The list is completed with icons that define a people's way of being in their moments of celebration, Fado, the Cante Alentejano [Alentejo singing] and the Mediterranean diet. And also with arts and crafts that are part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, such as the manufacture of rattles, the manufacture of the black pottery of Bisalhães, the art of the Royal Falconry, the manufacture of clay dolls in Estremoz, and celebrations such as the Carnival of Podence and the Community Festivities of Campo Maior. A visit to these Portuguese contributions to world history are a must and a good excuse to get to know the country from north to south.

Portugal boasts some of the most temperate weather in Europe with over 300 days of sunshine. Micro-climates can be found in any of the country’s regions which can create ideal conditions for wine, oranges, olive trees and cater to tourism activities. The Algarve, where you will be staying, is known for its many beaches, blue ocean, towering cliffs, fortresses, seafood, friendly people, and natural beauty.

WHAT IS THE LOCAL TIME ZONE?

Portugal is on Western European Time (WET) + 5 hours from the East Coast of the United States.

WHAT PERSONAL DOCUMENTS DO I NEED?

Please verify that your passport is up to date for your visit to Portugal and at least six months valid before travel. Make copies of all your important documents, including a few color copies of your passport.  While traveling in Portugal, you don't need to carry your passport with you. You will need your passport to check into hotels.

Useful sites to check updates on travel are https://pt.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/ and www.iata.org .

WHAT TOILETRIES/ MEDICINE DO I NEED TO BRING?

Medicines and toiletries you will want to bring are toothpaste, contact lens solutions, eye drops, and body and face moisturizing lotion. Bring enough prescription medication to cover you for the duration of your trip. If you need anything, it’s likely to be found in any pharmacy here.

WHAT’S THE LOCAL VOLTAGE?

220 V. Computer laptops and phone chargers will work using a two-prong adapter. Be sure to bring a few adapters for your electronics. Leave hairdryers or other electrical appliances at home.

WHAT IS THE LOCAL CURRENCY?

Portugal uses the € Euro. Check the exchange rate before you leave your country. You can use local ATMs in Portugal to withdraw from your home bank account. Only use MultiBanco (MB) ATMs as the others overcharge fees. You can exchange money at the airport when you arrive. Do not exchange too much, as the rate will be better elsewhere.

Bills up to €50 can be used for large expenses. Bills, €20 and under, for shopping and small expenses.  Keep one-euro €1 coins handy as many items, such as coffee and pastry, may cost less than ten euros. 

Credit cards are accepted in many places. Stores in more touristic places may take credit cards. When traveling in the smaller towns, you’ll find that restaurants and cafes and many stores do not take credit cards. Large hotels, restaurants, and shops accept Visa and MasterCard.

WHAT DO I NEED TO PACK?

You will be staying in the Algarve, where winter temperatures range from a low of 10 Celsius – 50 F in the early morning and evening during winter, to a high of 25 Celsius – 80 F in the summer days. When going out, it is best to layer your clothes. It may be cool in the morning, hot once the sun comes out, and once it sets, chilly in the evening.  

• Bring a fleece jacket or rain jacket, a hat, and comfortable walking shoes.

• Bring a backpack or bag to carry a light raincoat or sweater and bottled water. Sunglasses also.

• Long pants or jeans or shorts and dresses in the summer, bathing suits, sandals, and a cover-up for beach days.

• If you are interested in yoga or working out, bring appropriate clothing for this.  

• Camera and telephone or other electronics gear (cables, memory cards, adapters, chargers).

• Instead of bringing your laptop, I’d recommend only bringing your iPad or tablet.  Instead, bring a journal to write in. You should be relaxing and taking advantage of the time in Portugal for quiet reflection. The Internet is available everywhere. If you are coming on a retreat because we are working on your business specifically, then bringing your laptop would be appropriate.

DO I NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE? 

Travel and health insurance are required. Insurances now cover Covid related episodes.

SHOULD I HAVE CHECKED LUGGAGE?

If possible, travel with a carry-on bag only. You really won’t need much. Pack wisely.  If you do check your luggage and your luggage does not arrive with you, immediately submit your claim with the respective airline at the airport terminal. The airline is responsible for your luggage and should inform you when on which flight and at what time your luggage is due to arrive. 

WHAT ARRANGEMENTS ARE THERE FOR TRAVEL?

Please plan to arrive by 4:00 pm on Saturday, October 21, so you can rest before our Opening Reception and Dinner. If your return flight from Lisbon leaves before noon, you should consider leaving the retreat the evening before and spending the night at the Lisbon Airport. We recommend The Star Inn Hotel or Melia Hotel at the airport. Both hotels offer shuttles and are within walking distance of the terminal.

ARRIVALS

Most guests fly into Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport. After passport control and customs, you will find your luggage in the baggage area on the conveyer belt.

You have several options for traveling to Ferragudo, where you will be staying in the Algarve.

Private Driver: The drive from Lisbon to Ferragudo is about 2.5-3 hours long. The cost one way is between €400 - €500 depending on the tourist season. Many of our clients use Blacklane Global Chauffer Service, but there are others, such as Personal Chauffeurs Algarve and Nuno with Trafa Tours (a friend of Alicia's). Be sure to reserve your transportation well in advance.

Train: You can take an Uber to the Oriente or Entrecampos train station in Lisbon. From there you can take a train to Ferragudo. I will pick you up at the train station and take you to your lodging. The train is between €26 - €36. I recommend you purchase the first-class ticket for greater comfort. The trip will take about 4 hours. Take the Alpha Pendular train with the least stops.

Bus: You can also take a bus from one of the stations in Lisbon.  It will cost about €20 euros and will take at least 4 hours as the bus stops more often. This is the least pleasant option.

Use this website to check your options and purchase tickets. https://www.rome2rio.com/map/Lisbon-Airport-LIS/Ferragudo.  Please let us know which option you choose and your scheduled arrival.

Traveling to/from Faro Airport:

If you arrive directly into Faro (in the Algarve) or as a connection from Lisbon, we recommend using UBER for the 40-45 minute transfer to the hotel. UBER prices are comparable to other transport companies. If, however, you’d like a private car, our preferred driver Wilma Verhoven can do your transfer from//to Faro, depending on her availability. The cost is between €70-€80 euros during the day. You must book Wilma in advance and tell her you are referred by Alicia Rodriguez. To contact Wilma, send a message to her via Whatsapp at ‭+351 965 263 922‬. You should also schedule your return transfer in advance.

DEPARTURES

We recommend you book your return transportation when you book your arrival. You will have the same options for your return. You may also want to spend some time in Lisbon before you fly home. If so, let me know, and I can make some suggestions for lodging and activities.

WHAT IS THE CELL NETWORK SETUP?

Some mobile telephone plans work in Portugal, depending on your carrier and location. Find out about rates with your local carrier. There is Wi-Fi in most locations with decent Internet speed.  Please download the WhatsApp app on your phone. You can make calls anywhere over the Internet at no charge. Most of us use WhatsApp to make our calls. This is also how we will communicate while you are here. 

Portugal’s country code is +351. 

WHAT IS THE FOOD LIKE?

Portugal's varied geography has produced an equally varied cuisine. A dazzling range of culinary delights awaits you. If you have special dietary requirements, please let me know in advance. Vegetarian and vegan options are relatively easy to find except in more rural areas. If you are on your own, you may wish to try the local Portuguese food at any small café or restaurant. 

WHAT ARE THE DRINKING WATER AND DRINKS LIKE?

Bottled water, with or without carbonation, is available everywhere.  Portugal is known for producing some of the world’s best wines, including their vinho verde (which isn’t green) and port wines. If you’re a coffee drinker, you’ll find the coffee here rich in flavor and served in a multitude of ways.  Please let us know if you do not drink alcoholic beverages.

IS PORTUGAL SAFE?

Portugal has been rated #3 world’s safest country. Strolling in the late evening in Lisbon or Porto or any city is common for many people after their late dinners. Outside of the cities, it is also safe to be out. If you are a woman alone, we still recommend you be attentive to your surroundings, and if you feel uncomfortable, walk with a friend.

Our only caution would be to watch out for the pickpockets in Lisbon and the big cities (like anywhere!). It’s clear to them that you are a tourist, especially if you’re taking photos. Keep your purse and money under your jacket, and don’t carry your passport, instead have a photograph on the phone of your main passport page. Also, do not set down your phone or leave it unattended or in your pocket. Be smart, but not paranoid.  Like in most big cities, heavy wallets or purses are attractive targets for pickpockets. Remember to leave your documents and valuables in the safe deposit box of your hotel. 

Portugal is a very safe country.  You will find great pleasure in walking around Ferragudo on your own. Soon the café waiters will know you and the shopkeepers will say hello. 

DO WE NEED TO TIP?

Unlike in the USA, tipping is not part of the culture here and is not expected. Instead, simply round up. If something costs €1,25, then you may leave €2, with the difference as a tip. For more expensive meals, use your judgment; a 5% tip may be fine. In some of the nicer restaurants, check to see if a service charge is included. The same tipping for taxi drivers applies.

GOT ANOTHER QUESTION?

Email us at yes@unapologeticretreats.com, and we’ll gladly help!