If Portugal is your destination of choice, there are some useful information and contacts available to make your stay a trip to remember.
Please check safety recommendations and the code of conduct you must observe during your trip.
Portugal
How To Get There
BY PLANE
Portugal has an excellent geographic location and has 5 international airports with high security, service and comfort levels, with regular connections to all European countries, as well as to the main American and African countries, with flights operated by the main national flag companies (full service) and with low cost rates:
- Lisbon, Humberto Delgado Airport - Tel. 218 413 500
- Porto, Dr. Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport - Tel. 229 432 400
- Faro Airport - Tel. 289 800 800
- Madeira - Funchal Airport - Tel. 291 520 700
- Azores - Ponta Delgada, João Paulo II Airport - Tel. 296 205 400
The company ANA - Aeroportos de Portugal, SA governs the Portuguese airport operations. For more information about departures and arrivals, please visit www.ana.pt.
If you are travelling with your bike, please contact the airline before travelling. That way, you will be informed on costs, limits, procedures and required documentation for boarding without setbacks.
BY ROAD
Portugal has a good road network formed by Motorways (AE), Main Itineraries (IP), Complementary Itineraries (IC), National Roads (EN) and Municipal Roads.
- typical motorways with toll cabins where payment is made in cash or via debit card.
- electronic tolls, where vehicles are detected by gantries placed at the beginning of the road, identified with the reference “Electronic toll only”. For more information about these roads and payment methods, please visit http://www.portugaltolls.com
There are rent-a-car services in airports, international train stations and in the main cities.
BY TRAIN
The CP - Comboios de Portugal (www.cp.pt) offers a wide network of trains covering all Portuguese territory, also ensuring international connections with Vigo, Madrid and Paris.
Please check bicycle transportation terms at:
PT - https://www.cp.pt/passageiros/pt/informacao-cliente/informacao-util/transporte-bicicletas
EN - https://www.cp.pt/passageiros/en/passenger-information/Useful-information/transporte-bicicletas
Preparing the Trip
Portugal is known by its pleasant weather, great diversity of interest sites at short distances and variety of touristic activities and services. Always prepared to welcome all visitors equally, with its traditional affection and warmth.
BEFORE DEPARTURE
- Prepare your journey and itineraries by using all available elements, namely with regard to the anticipation of difficulties and assistance you can rely on;
- Plan your stay between the stages of a Grande Rota route, since wild camping is prohibited. It is recommended that you use tourist accommodation facilities;
- Analyse each trail difficulty level based on provided elements like extension, altimetry profile and accumulated slopes;
- Bear in mind all indications regarding the most recommended seasons and possible unfavourable weather conditions;
- Bear in mind the meaning of signals you will find along the way;
- Take into consideration all clothing and footwear recommendations for trails, depending on each season and weather conditions;
- A backpack is essential to transport your equipment, food and drinks. Please, take the following elements with you:
- a container with water (1 litre per 6 km in the summer and half in the winter). Please avoid sugary drinks and take warm drinks in a thermos flask in the winter;
- a flashlight, very useful in low light areas or in case it gets dark;
- binoculars, essential for bird and landscape watching and to examine trails from afar;
- an emergency kit, formed by a mirror for signalling, a whistle, a first-aid kit, insect repellent, matches, a Swiss Army knife or a multi-task tool, and an anaesthetic spray.
Safety Recommendations
- Don’t walk alone, bring someone with you at all times;
- Gather in advance updated information on the itinerary;
- Gather information about weather forecasts; we don’t recommend activities in extremely hot days or rainy and strong wind days;
- Always let somebody know on the trail you are about to make and the expected finishing time;
- Always be sure about walking times and make sure you finish trails before it gets dark;
- Take some extra food and water;
- Whenever possible, take a cell phone with you;
- Don’t take unnecessary risks;
- For trails in hunting areas, please be extra careful during autumn and winter seasons;
- Do not take unnecessary valuables with you.
Code of Conduct
- Trails extend over areas with great environmental sensitivity, namely for the preservation of fauna, flora and vegetation:
- Keep within the trail;
- Avoid making unnecessary noise;
- Watch fauna from a distance;
- Do not damage or collect samples of plants or rocks;
- Do not make garbage or leave traces of your presence;
- Do not leave litter or other signs that you have passed along the trail (do not drop paper tissues on the ground, they decompose very slowly).
- Trails allow you to contact with agricultural systems where there are rural, cattle farming and forest activities, whose integrity must be preserved:
- Do not make fires;
- Do not drop cigarette butts on the ground, keep them to throw away in a rubbish bin;
- Attention to cattle. Although they are domesticated, they do not enjoy the proximity of strangers to their offspring;
- Leave the gates as you found them. If they were close, please make sure they remain well closed.
- Some trails go across private lands with authorized access by the respective landowners.
- Please respect private property;
- Use signalled paths only;
- Be kind to locals;
- Do not destroy or alter the signs.
Useful Contacts
In case of emergency, please call 112, the national emergency number. The call is free of charge and will be answered in one of three languages: Portuguese, English and French.
Civil Protection: - Tel.: (+351) 214 247 100
Forest Protection - 117
Additional Information About Portugal
Algarve
How To Get Here
BY PLANE
Regular travels are ensured by national airlines, making this region a privileged departure and arrival spot.
Faro Airport:
Tel.: 289 800 800 (General)
Tel.: 289 800 801 (Information on flights until 00:00 a.m.)
Tel.: 289 800 617 (Information on flights after 00:00 a.m.)
If you are travelling with your bike, please contact the airline prior to travelling. That way, you will know about costs, limits, procedures and required documentation for boarding without setbacks. The Faro Airport has 3 areas with equipment for bike assembly and disassembly (1 in the check-in area and 2 in the baggage claim area).
When leaving Faro Airport, you can use the AeroBus service (line 56) of the VAMUS Transportes do Algarve network. This service allows direct connection from the Airport to some of the main tourist destinations in the Algarve.
To visit the region, you can continue to do so by bus. With 71 lines that provide regional coverage, the VAMUS network provides information on existing lines and their timetables on its website. This information is also available on Google Maps (public transport mode), and is updated in real time.
On lines parallel to the Ecovia do Litoral/ EuroVelo 1 axis and on the AeroBus service, free bicycle transport is allowed (see specific conditions on the website).
Website: VAMUS Transportes do Algarve
App: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.vizur.vamusalgarvemobile&hl=pt_PT&gl=PT (Android) | https://apps.apple.com/pt/app/vamus-algarve/id1573560855 (IOS)
BY ROAD
Due to its peripheral location, the Algarve has good internal connections to other Portuguese cities and relies on a wide road network, appropriate for travelling by bus or using rental cars. For more information about toll payment at Via do Infante, please click here. https://www.visitalgarve.pt/upload_files/client_id_1/website_id_1/Downloads/Folhetos/Folheto%20Portagens%202018_V2.pdf
BY TRAIN
Train transportation is another alternative to those who intend to visit the Algarve. The CP - Comboios de Portugal offers a wide network of trains ensuring national territory coverage.
For more information on bike transportation by train, please visit:
PT - https://www.cp.pt/passageiros/pt/informacao-cliente/informacao-util/transporte-bicicletas
EN - https://www.cp.pt/passageiros/en/passenger-information/Useful-information/transporte-bicicletas
Useful Contacts
MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
If you find yourself in need of medical assistance, please go to the nearest Health Centre, as Hospital emergency services must only be used under serious circumstances:
Hospital Distrital de Faro: (+351) 289 891 100 / (+351) 289 802 555 | http://www.hdfaro.min-saude.pt
Hospital Privado Santa Maria de Faro: (+351) 289 892 040 | http://www.hppfaro.pt/pt/
Hospital de Portimão: (+351) 282 450 300 | http://www.chbalgarvio.min-saude.pt
Hospital Particular do Algarve: (+351) 282 420 400 | http://www.hpalg.com/
Hospital de Lagos: (+351) 282 770 100 / (+351) 282 770 116 | http://www.chbalgarvio.min-saude.pt
Other Information About The Algarve
Centro de Portugal
How To Get Here
BY AIR
Portugal's central region is served by 2 airports: Sá Carneiro Airport, in Porto, and Humberto Delgado Airport, in Lisbon. Aveiro and Óbidos are located 40 km from Porto and Lisbon airports, respectively.
Sá Carneiro Airport, Porto:
Phone: +351 229 417 761
Humberto Delgado Airport, Lisbon:
Phone: +351 218 416 034
Bookings: 707 205 700 (local number)
If you’re transporting your bike, it's advisable to contact your airline before travelling. This will make sure that you are aware of the costs, limitations, procedures and documents required to embark without delay.
BY ROAD
Central Portugal has an extensive and solid network of road links, such as motorways, main roads, secondary routes, national highways and municipal roads The payment of electronic tolls is mandatory on some routes. Find out more about how they work here: http://www.centerofportugal.com/pt/portagens-electronicas/ Regular bus services connect all of Portugal's cities, towns and main districts. Browse the National Coach Network for detailed information about routes, timetables and prices, available at: www.rede-expressos.pt
TRAIN
Rail transport is another option for anyone wanting to visit the region. CP - Comboios de Portugal runs a huge network of trains covering all of continental Portugal.
CP – Comboios de Portugal
https://www.cp.pt/passageiros/pt
View the conditions for transporting bikes on trains at:
PT - https://www.cp.pt/passageiros/pt/informacao-cliente/informacao-util/transporte-bicicletas
EN - https://www.cp.pt/passageiros/pt/informacao-cliente/informacao-util/transporte-bicicletas
Useful Contacts
MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
If you require medical assistance you should go to a local health centre, as hospital emergency services should only be used in serious situations:
Baixo Vouga – Aveiro Hospital Centre: (+351) 234 378 300
Coimbra Hospital and University Centre: (+351) 239 400 400
Tondela – Viseu Hospital Centre: (+351) 232 420 500
Guarda District Hospital: (+351) 271 200 200
Pêro da Covilhã Hospital: (+351) 275 330 000
Amato Lusitano Hospital: (+351) 272 000 272
Santo André Hospital – Leiria Hospital Centre: (+351) 244 817 000
Other Information About The Centre of Portugal
Alentejo
How To Get Here
BY PLANE
The region is accessible via Lisbon and Faro airports.
Lisbon Airport:
Tel.: +351 218 413 500 (General)
Faro Airport:
Tel.: +351 289 800 800 (General)
Tel.: +351 289 800 801 (Information on flights until midnight)
Tel.: +351 289 800 617 (Information on flights after midnight)
If you are transporting your bicycle it is advisable to contact the airline before traveling in order to find out the costs, limits, procedures and documents required for shipment without setbacks. At Faro Airport, there are 3 areas equipped with bike assembling and dismantling gear (1 in the public check-in area and 2 in the luggage collection room).
BY ROAD
The Alentejo is a very large region with good connections to other Portuguese regions, the cities of Lisbon and Faro and with the Spanish border. Its extensive road network is to easy to travel by by bus or rental car.
BY BUS
There are several daily comfortable connections from Lisbon and the Algarve to numerous main locations in the region, operated by Rede Expressos.
BY TRAIN
Rail transportation is another alternative for those who want to visit the region. CP, Portuguese Railways, provide a vast network of railway which covers the whole country.
Find out more about traveling with bikes on board the trains on:
PT - https://www.cp.pt/passageiros/pt/informacao-cliente/informacao-util/transporte-bicicletas
EN - https://www.cp.pt/passageiros/en/passenger-information/Useful-information/transporte-bicicletas
Useful Contacts
MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
If you need medical assistance call the local Health Center. Hospitals emergency services should only be used for serious incidents:
Hospital José Joaquim Fernandes (Beja) +351 284 310 200 http://www.ulsba.min-saude.pt/2016/11/10/hospital-jose-joaquim-fernandes-2/
Hospital do Espírito Santo (Évora) +351 266 740 100 http://www.hevora.min-saude.pt/
Hospital de Santa Luzia (Elvas) +351 268 637 200 http://www.ulsna.min-saude.pt
Hospital Dr. José Maria Grande (Portalegre) +351 245 301 000 http://www.ulsna.min-saude.pt
Hospital do Litoral Alentejano (Santiago do Cacém) +351 269 818 100 http://www.ulsla.min-saude.pt/category/servicos/cuidados-de-saude-hospitalares/
Hospital Distrital de Santarém +351 243 300 200 http://www.hds.min-saude.pt/
Other Information About The Alentejo
Açores
How To Get There
BY PLANE
Several national and international airlines provide regular flights, making the region a favoured stopover for arrivals and departures. Five islands of the archipelago have direct flights from Lisbon, since they have international airports, Terceira and São Miguel, have daily connections. In the case of connections between the islands of the Azores, the regional carrier Azores Airlines provides regular connections.
International Airports:
João Paulo II (Ponta Delgada – São Miguel)
Tel.: 296 205 406 (General)
https://www.ana.pt/pt/pdl/home
Lajes Airport (Lajes - Terceira)
Tel.: 295545454 (General)
http://aerogarelajes.azores.gov.pt/Default.aspx
If you are taking your bike you should contact the airline before travelling. You will then be told about the cost, limits, procedures and documents required for a trouble-free departure.
Useful Contacts
MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
If you need medical assistance, use one of the healthcare units provided on all the islands:
Posto de Saúde do Corvo: (+351) 292 596 153
Centro de Saúde das Flores: (+351) 292 590 270
Hospital da Horta: (+351) 292 201 000 | http://hospitalhorta.pai.pt
Centro de Saúde da Madalena (Pico): (+351) 292 240 270
Centro de Saúde de São Roque (Pico): (+351) 292 648 070
Centro de Saúde das Lajes (Pico): (+351) 292 679 400
Centro de Saúde das Velas (São Jorge): (+351) 295 430 220
Centro de Saúde da Calheta (São Jorge): (+351) 295 460 120
Centro de Saúde da Graciosa: (+351) (+351) 295 730 070
Hospital de Santo Espírito (Terceira): (+351) 295 403 200 | https://www.hseit.pt
Hospital do Divino Espírito Santo (São Miguel): (+351) 296 203 000 | http://www.hdes.pt
Centro de Saúde de Santa Maria: (+351) 296 820 100
Other Information About The Açores
Porto e Norte de Portugal
How To Get Here
BY PLANE
The region is served by the Sá Carneiro Airport in Porto.
Sá Carneiro Airport:
Telephone: +351 229 432 400
Email: porto.airport@ana.pt
If you are transporting a bike, it is advisable to contact the airline company before travelling. That way, you will know the costs, limits, procedures and necessary documents for a hassle-free departure.
BY HIGHWAY
The region has great roadways, intersected by motorways and other lesser roads that provide access to the entire North region of Portugal. Be aware of the fact that the region is vast and diverse.
BY COACH
From Porto, Coimbra, Aveiro, Lisbon or even the Algarve, it is always possible to travel to the North. The Rede Expressos offers several daily connections to most of the major northern locations in tandem with regional transportation companies.
BY RAIL
Travelling by train to the northern regions is one of the most interesting options, and CP – Comboios de Portugal offers several scheduled times and connections between major locations. The railway also offers tourist programmes during certain times of the year and for events and festivals.
https://www.cp.pt/passageiros/pt
Check the requirements for transporting bicycles by train at:
PT - https://www.cp.pt/passageiros/pt/informacao-cliente/informacao-util/transporte-bicicletas
EN - https://www.cp.pt/passageiros/en/passenger-information/Useful-information/transporte-bicicletas
Useful Contacts
MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
If medical assistance is necessary, head to the local health centre since hospital emergency rooms should only be used in serious situations:
Centro Hospitalar do Porto: (+351) 222 077 500
Hospital de São João (Porto): (+351) 225 512 100 | https://portal-chsj.min-saude.pt
Hospital da Póvoa de Varzim: (+351) 252 690 600
Centro Hospitalar Tâmega e Sousa (Amarante): (+351) 255 410 500
Hospital de Santa Maria Maior de Barcelos: (+351) 253 809 200 | www.hbarcelos.min-saude.pt
Hospital Conde de Bertiandos (Ponte de Lima): (+351) 258 909 500
Hospital de Braga: (+351) 253 027 000
Centro Hospitalar do Nordeste (Bragança): (+351) 273 310 800
Hospital Distrital de Chaves: (+351) 276 300 900
Hospital da Senhora da Oliveira ( Guimarães): (+351) 253 540 330 | http://www.hospitaldeguimaraes.min-saude.pt
Hospital Pedro Hispano (Matosinhos): (+351) 229 391 000 | www.ulsm.min-saude.pt
Hospital São Miguel de Oliveira de Azeméis: (+351) 256 600 800
Hospital D. Luiz I (Peso da Régua): (+351) 254 320 430
Hospital de Proximidade de Lamego: (+351) 254 609 980
Hospital S. Sebastião (Santa Maria da Feira): (+351) 256 397 700
Centro Hospitalar do Médio Ave (Santo Tirso): (+351) 252 830 700 / (+351) 252 858 986 | www.chma.pt
Hospital de Santa Luzia (Viana do Castelo): (+351) 258 802 100 | www.ulsam.min-saude.pt
Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia: (+351) 227 865 100 | www.chvng.pt
Other Information About The Porto and the North
Lisboa Região
How To Get Here
BY PLANE
The region is served by the Humberto Delgado Airport in Lisbon.
Humberto Delgado Airport:
Tel.: +351 218 413 500
Email: lisbon.airport@ana.pt
If you are transporting a bike, it is advisable to contact the airline company before travelling. That way, you will know the costs, limits, procedures and necessary documents for a hassle-free departure.
BY HIGHWAY
The region has great roadways, intersected by motorways and other lesser roads that provide access to the entire Lisbon region.
BY COACH
From Porto, Coimbra, Aveiro or even the Algarve, it is always possible to travel to the North. The Rede Expressos offers several daily connections to most of the major northern locations in tandem with regional transportation companies.
https://www.rede-expressos.pt/en
BY RAIL
Travelling by train to the northern regions is one of the most interesting options, and CP – Comboios de Portugal offers several scheduled times and connections between major locations. The railway also offers tourist programmes during certain times of the year and for events and festivals.
https://www.cp.pt/passageiros/en
Check the requirements for transporting bicycles by train at:
https://www.cp.pt/passageiros/en/passenger-information/Useful-information/transporte-bicicletas
Useful Contacts
MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
If medical assistance is necessary, head to the local health centre since hospital emergency rooms should only be used in serious situations:
Centro Hospitalar Barreiro Montijo: (+351) 21 214 73 00
Hospital Distrital do Montijo (Montijo): (+351) 225 512 100
Hospital Nossa Senhora do Rosário (Barreiro:) (+351) 252 690 600
Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Norte: (+351) 255 410 500
Hospital de Santa Maria (Lisboa): (+351) 253 809 200
Hospital Pulido Valente (Lisboa): (+351) 258 909 500
Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Ocidental: (+ 351) 21 043 10 00
Hospital São Francisco Xavier (Lisboa): (+351) 21 043 10 00
Hospital Santa Cruz (Oeiras): (+351) 21 043 10 00
Hospital Egas Moniz (Lisboa): (+351) 21 043 10 00
Centro Hospitalar de Setúbal: (+351) 265 549 000
Hospital de São Bernardo (Setúbal): (+351) 265 549 000
Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Central: (+351) 253 540 330
Hospital Santa Marta: (+351) 213 594 000
Hospital São José: (+351) 218 841 000
Hospital Curry Cabral: (+351) 217 924 200
Other Information About The Lisbon Region
Madeira
How To Get Here
BY PLANE
There are two airports in the Madeira Archipelago: Porto Santo Airport, on the island of Porto Santo, and Madeira International Airport, on the island of Madeira.
Each offers regular international connections with several destinations. The duration of daily connecting flights between the cities of Lisbon and Funchal is around 1h 25m.
Madeira International Airport (Funchal)
Tel.: 291 520 700 (General)
https://www.aeroportomadeira.pt/pt/fnc/home
Porto Santo Airport
Tel.: 291 980 122 (General)
https://www.aeroportoportosanto.pt/pt/pxo/home
Useful Contacts
Proteção Civil - Madeira: (+351) 291 700 112
MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
If you need medical assistance, refer to the local Health Center, as the emergency services of the Hospitals should be used only in serious situations.
Hospital Distrital do Funchal: (+351) 291 705 600
Centro de Saúde da Nazaré: (+351) 291 764 700
Centro de Saúde da Bom Jesus: (+351) 291 208 700
Centro de Saúde da São Roque: (+351) 291 705 410
Centro de Saúde da Monte: (+351) 291 784 880
Centro de Saúde da Santo António: (+351) 291 708 380
Centro de Saúde da Câmara de Lobos: (+351) 291 910 380
Centro de Saúde da Estreito de Câm. Lobos: (+351) 291 910 230
Centro de Saúde da Ribeira Brava: (+351) 291 950 200
Centro de Saúde da Porto Moniz: (+351) 291 850 170
Centro de Saúde da São Vicente: (+351) 291 840 060
Centro de Saúde da Calheta: (+351) 291 822 244 | (+351) 291 822 277
Centro de Saúde da Santa Cruz: (+351) 291 524 826 | (+351) 291 524 886
Centro de Saúde da Machico: (+351) 291 969 130
Centro de Saúde da Santana: (+351) 291 570 300 | (+351) 291 570 310
Centro de Saúde da Porto Santo: (+351) 291 980 060
Other Information About The Madeira
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