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Travel to Portugal to backpack, study, intern, volunteer, work,

or live as a digital nomad, expat or emigrant?

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Portugal

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 Portugal

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Backpacking or traveling in Portugal?

  • Portugal, an increasingly popular country among travelers from all over the world. Small perhaps, but don't let that fool you. Portugal has a tremendous amount to offer for the traveler and backpacker. From beautiful Portuguese hotels, to cozy backpacker hostels and from rugged cliffs of the Algarve to the vineyards of the Douro Valley - Portugal has something for every traveler. Historic cities like Lisbon and Porto combine ancient charm with vibrant modern culture. As you pass through quaint villages, discover the warmth of the locals, taste the rich flavors of traditional dishes and enjoy the relaxed rhythm of life.
  • Activity spotting: explore the historic districts of Lisbon, visit fairytale Sinta, taste Port wine in Porto, hike one of the beautiful hiking trails such as the Camino, Fatima or the Fishermanstrail, surf in Nazaré, visit Roman Evora, Relax on the Algarve coast, explore paradisiacal Madeira and the Azores, enjoy Portuguese cuisine and delicious, inexpensive coffee, visit the medieval town of Óbidos. 
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Studying in Portugal?

  • The quality of higher education in Portugal is generally good, with some universities enjoying international recognition. You will also find good polytechnic institutes, similar to technical colleges. Portugal is known for academic traditions, especially in humanities and social sciences, as well as technology and management. Popular studies include engineering, business and economics, health sciences, social sciences and tourism. 
  • Study culture: social and friendly. Students are involved in studies and there is a great emphasis on collaboration and group work. There are also many extracurricular activities that shape students' social lives. 
  • Language of study: mainly Portuguese, with a growing number of programs in English. 
  • Study cities: Lisbon, Porto, Coimbra, Braga.
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Internship in Portugal?

  • You can intern in several major companies in business administration, consulting, marketing, IT, telecommunications and applied arts such as architecture. In addition, the tourism sector is also popular for internships. Internships can last from four weeks to a year. 
  • Cities: Porto, Lisbon, Faro. 
  • Competencies: Portuguese language skills, diplomacy and sensitivity (Portuguese love indirect communication), customer-oriented work, patience in decision-making, flexibility. 
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Volunteer in Portugal?

  • In Portugal, you can do all kinds of volunteer work. From nature and animal protection (think about helping at the hedgehog shelter, or forest protection, for example) to education and combating food waste. You can also help with community support, sustainability projects or in the tourism sector at a surf camp, for example. Work is available from a week to several months. 
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Working in Portugal?

  • If you don't speak English it can be difficult to find a job in Portugal unless you work in a call center, in marketing or in the tourism industry, for example. If you have the qualifications (TEFL), you can also work as an English teacher. 
  • Do you speak Portuguese? Then there are opportunities especially in IT, engineering, accounting, HR, hospitality, healthcare and STEM. 
  • Work culture: max 40 hours per week, with 8 hours per day. 22 days off and 14 national holidays. Work-life balance is good. People tend to take long lunch breaks, working longer hours, and relationships with each other are highly valued. 
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Working as a digital nomad in Portugal?

  • Portugal is very popular among digital nomads because of its wonderful climate, affordable cost of living, large community of digital workers and reliable Internet.
  • Favorite locations: Lisbon, Porto, Madeira, Ericeira, Algarve. 
  • Visa: Portugal offers a special digital nomad visa. 
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Living in Portugal?

  • Portugal is a very popular relocation country among expats. Its mild winters and warm summers make it an attractive place to live. The friendly people, delicious food and wide range of adventure and traditional activities also contribute to a high quality of life. In addition, costs are quite low for Western Europe. 
  • There is a large expat community. So you can participate in many activities and easily get to know other expats. 
  • But... disadvantages are that Portuguese is still essential for daily life and integration into society, and you will have to get used to the bureaucracy. 
  • Health insurance: health care is good, but make sure you have your own well-covered health insurance.
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Supporting content

Portugal Country Bundle: suggestions, stories and tips

Portugal Country Bundle: suggestions, stories and tips

Content about Portugal on WorldSupporter

Portugal: Updates & Travel

Portugal: Updates & Travel

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Travel in Portugal

  • Portugal's popularity as a holiday destination is growing every year. And rightly so, because there is plenty to see in Portugal: the fairytale palaces of Sintra, the dizzying ravines in the Serra da Estrela, Lisbon with its romantic neighbourhoods and the snow-white villages in the Alentejo. You can eat delicious food while listening to the melancholic fado music.
  • Visit the castles near Sintra. This place (which actually consists of three villages) near Lisbon is world famous for its palaces that are a mixture of different styles (real architecture purists shudder at this). The forest is also fairytale-like with mist (which often occurs).
  • Listen to the famous Portuguese Fado music in a café.
  • Spot dolphins near the pleasant seaside resort of Lagos in the Algarve.
  • Eat the delicious bacalhau (cod) on one of the many terraces.
  • Visit one of the famous Port houses in Porto and enjoy this typical Portuguese drink. JoHotspots in Portugal
  • Lisbon: The capital of Portugal combines history, coziness and beautiful sights such as the ‘Tower of Bélem’. Take the old-fashioned Tram 28 for an atmospheric tour through the city and visit the cozy bars and cafés in Barrio Alto.
  • Porto is the second largest city in Portugal, but almost equal in atmosphere, coziness and sights. Porto is built on both sides of the Douro River and a boat trip on this river is the best way to admire the city. You can easily walk to Santiago de Compostela from Porto.
  • Viana do Castello is the best kept secret of Portugal. This small town in the north is the epitome of peace and tranquility with beautiful white houses and stunning nature. The name ‘Jewel of the Costa Verde’ is certainly not an exaggeration.
  • Coimbra and Braga are the two largest student cities in the country. During the semesters they are lively and cozy cities, especially during the summer holidays it can be quite deserted. The university library is worth a look inside. The Algarve is famous for its beautiful beaches and charming fishing villages. There are many nice villages and beaches, but Lagos and Tavira are among the most beautiful. In the summer, some places can be touristy and crowded, but there are always small, quiet and typical Portuguese villages nearby.
  • Fatima, is a difficult to reach place of pilgrimage where Mary is said to have appeared several times.
  • Don't be surprised if you see people crawling on their (bare) knees across the church square and lighting candles while crying to thank God or to do penance. Especially because the square and the gigantic church are literally blindingly white in the summer, it all seems quite unreal.
  • Be aware that forest fires occur every year in Portugal. Especially in the summer months, forest fires can cause a lot of damage. Avoid areas with forest fires as much as possible. 
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Updates Portugal

  • More about Portugal, updates and contributions, see the link below.

 

 

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Where to study in Portugal, do an internship, do volunteer work or look for a job in Portugal?

Where to study in Portugal, do an internship, do volunteer work or look for a job in Portugal?

Why study, intern, volunteer or work temporarily in Portugal?

  • because there are many English-language courses available.
  • because the student cities of Lisbon, Porto and Coimbra have vibrant and dynamic city life. 
  • because Portugal has a developed economy with many opportunities for internships and graduate jobs, especially in the tourism, technology and education sectors.

What should you pay attention to?

  • that patience is a virtue, and you can develop your patience well in Portugal. 
  • that time is relative.
Why to live in Portugal, why to emigrate to Portugal or stay for a long time?

Why to live in Portugal, why to emigrate to Portugal or stay for a long time?

Why live in Portugal as an expat, emigrant or working nomad?

  • because conditions in Portugal are good in terms of security and safety, climate, nature and history.
  • because Portuguese are community people and value friendships.
  • because the cost of living is relatively low.
  • because the work culture is hierarchical and formal. 
  • because Portuguese are open to ideas from foreigners.

What should you pay attention to?

  • that it is difficult to find a job if you don't speak Portuguese.
  • that local wages are generally low.
  • that the Portuguese are generally more flexible with deadlines.
Portugal: selection of contributions by WorldSupporters - Bundle

Portugal: selection of contributions by WorldSupporters - Bundle

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Portugal: selection of contributions by WorldSupporters - Bundle

Portugal: selection of contributions by WorldSupporters - Bundle

Selected suggestions, stories and supporter contributions about Portugal:

What are typical Portugese habits, food customs and remarkable philosophies?

What are typical Portugese habits, food customs and remarkable philosophies?

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What are the customs in Portugal regarding food?

  • Eating is a social occasion in Portugal, lunch is between 12 and 3 pm and can easily last 2 to 3 hours. Portuguese cuisine is Mediterranean, with typical Portuguese influences. Bread, cheese, pork and fish are the main ingredients of every Portuguese meal.
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What are the best recipes in Portugal?

  • A lot of fish is eaten, which is not surprising given the coastline of 850 kilometers. Popular fish dishes are the bacalhau recipes used to prepare dried cod. It is said that there is a bacalhau recipe for every day of the year. Besides dried cod, grilled sardines and caldeirada, stew with potato and different types of fish, are favorites. The Portugese love their meat as well: chicken piri-piri or arroz de sarrabulho (rice with pigblood).
  • Bacalhau is salted cod. Bacalhau is more than a fish dish: in Portugal it is linked to myths, history and tradition. Nowadays most cod is imported from Scandinavia, but the demand for it has not decreased.
  • Bollo de arroz: A kind of cake that together with a cup of coffee forms the Portuguese breakfast.
  • Portuguese sweets such as ‘Pastéis de Tentugal’ are almost all made from egg and are loved by Portuguese and tourists.
     
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What are the best drinks in Portugal?

  • Coffee is a fixed part of the Portuguese breakfast. The price is low and the quality is good.
  • A visit to Porto is not complete without one or more glasses of white or red port.
  • Vinho verde is a light green wine.
  • Ginja - The liqueur is always served in a shot glass, with a spirit at the bottom. 
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What are notable holidays and festivals in Portugal?

  • About 80 to 85% of the Portuguese population is Catholic. Most holidays are therefore based on Christian holidays, such as Christmas, Easter and Ascension Day. At Easter, every Portuguese city sees beautiful processions, with floats decorated with flowers. 
  • Most towns and villages in Portugal have their own traditional festas or romarias. Romarias are local religious festivals that honor the saints of a particular area in Portugal.
  • Queima das Fitas: Coimbra’s students celebrate the end of the academic year in the first week of May with parties, concerts and exhibitions.
  • Festo de Santo António is on 12 and 13 June. Lisbon’s favourite saint is honoured with all-night parties in the city streets.
  • Festa de São João: Porto and Braga in northern Portugal ‘go wild’ in June in honour of Saint Juan, with fireworks, concerts, campfires and lots of noise.
  • Medieval Festival: The medieval market in the still-walled town of Óbido is the place for two weeks of sword fighting, singing minstrels, roasted pigs and spirits in July.
  • Festival de Sudoeste: One of Portugal's biggest music festivals takes place every August in the coastal town of Zambujeira do Mar.
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What are notable habits in Portugal?

  • The Portuguese are traditional and conservative. Innovation and major changes within the family or community are not easily accepted. Life in Portugal revolves around the family and even now in the 21st century, old customs and traditions can be seen daily.
  • Time is relative and being late for appointments is very common. 
  • Fado is a typical Portuguese music movement from the 19th century and the life song of the locals. While Fado used to be popular only in bars and brothels of the poorer neighborhoods in Lisbon and Coimbra, nowadays it is very popular and you come across it in many places.
  • Typically Portuguese are azulejos, Portuguese tiles that you find a lot on and in railway stations, churches and houses. Often they are blue and white, but they can also be richly colored.

 

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You may make three wishes if you eat twelve grapes or twelve raisins at twelve o 'clock on New Year's eve. - Portugal
Volunteer in Portugese Permaculture project and help restore the local ecosystem after catastrophic wildfires

Volunteer in Portugese Permaculture project and help restore the local ecosystem after catastrophic wildfires

forest fire portugal

At permaculture project Quinta do Vale a lot of work can be done. For years they have been creating their own small scale permaculture area in a Portugese valley. Through education and training they also try to have impact on a greater amount of people. But in 2017 great wildfires destroyed a large part of the valley and also a part of their permaculture property. The upside of the fires could be that locals might open up for a more sustainble land use. Taking good care of the land could have helped reducing the impact of the 2017 fires. As a volunteer you are very welcome to help them reforest the area. Get in contact through their website for updates on the volunteer needs.

They now welcome (quoted from their website):

  • If you want to just rock up in a campervan or with a tent and stay a couple of nights, you’re welcome.
  • If you’re just looking for a park-up while you do other things in the area, you’re welcome.
  • If you want to stay from a week to a month or two, volunteer some work and learn everything you can, you’re welcome.
  • If you’re particularly interested in doing some natural building repairs and reconstruction, you’re welcome.
  • If you have DIY skills or a trade and fancy coming to spend a summer helping us and the rest of the community, you’re welcome and we will all love you forever.
  • If you want to come and download all the accumulated knowledge and experience that’s in my head from nearly a decade living off grid, you’re welcome to do that too.
Welk visum regelen voor een reis, werk of vrijwilligerswerk naar Portugal?

Welk visum regelen voor een reis, werk of vrijwilligerswerk naar Portugal?

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Toeristenvisum

Er is geen toeristenvisum nodig voor Portugal. Je kunt er onbeperkt verblijven als je een geldige ziektekostenverzekering hebt en genoeg financiële middelen hebt om jezelf te onderhouden.

Werkvisum

Je hebt als Nederlander geen werkvisum of verblijfsvergunning nodig voor Portugal. Als je een baan hebt in Portugal of als je na je baan in Portugal blijft, mag je dezelfde behandeling verwachten als burgers van dat land op het gebied van werk, arbeidsomstandigheden en alle andere sociale en fiscale voordelen. Als je langer dan drie maanden wilt blijven, moet je je registreren bij het gemeentehuis binnen 30 dagen nadat de drie maanden voorbij zijn. Hierbij heb je een geldig paspoort en bewijs dat je in je eigen levensonderhoud kunt voorzien (contract of voldoende spaargeld) nodig.

Vrijwilligersvisum

Er is geen vrijwilligersvisum nodig voor Portugal. Je kunt er onbeperkt verblijven als je een geldige ziektekostenverzekering hebt en genoeg financiële middelen hebt om jezelf te onderhouden. Als je langer dan drie maanden wilt blijven, moet je je registreren bij het gemeentehuis binnen 30 dagen nadat de drie maanden voorbij zijn. Hierbij heb je een geldig paspoort en bewijs dat je in je eigen levensonderhoud kunt voorzien (contract of voldoende spaargeld) nodig.

Actuele informatie

De meest actuele informatie check je op: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/NL/TXT/?uri=LEGISSUM:l33152

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Side Roads: JoHo.org
Naar Portugal reizen om te backpacken, te werken, te leven als digital nomad of emigrant
Reizen door, wonen in en emigreren naar Portugal

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From language courses to gap year abroad, from work experience to volunteering abroad, from paid work to internship abroad, from mountaineering to diving and from backpacking to travel around the world

Activities abroad

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    What social activities can you do abroad?

    • Opportunities are found in the areas of helping, learning or studying. You can get involved to volunteer in a social project at a school in Africa, Asia or Latin America. You can get involved in nature, in a project with animals or cleaning the sea or beaches. Those who want to learn more can choose for example a language course in Latin America, Spain or South Africa.
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    What work related activities can you do abroad?

    • If you want to gain work experience, and/or also earn money, go and work abroad. You can combine backpacking in Australia with temporary work. You can work on campsites in Europe or bush camps in Africa. You can pretty much go all over the world to work in the hospitality industry, hotels and hostels, in the healthcare sector or for example at a diving school.
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    What sports activities to do abroad?

    • Have you ever thought of mountain biking, rafting (going down a wild river on a raft or rubber dinghy, climbing or canoeing), survival (which involves building rafts, climbing or canoeing), abseiling (descending a rock face while secured to ropes), zip-lining (whizzing down a cable), canyoning (starting at the top of a river and then climbing, swimming, diving down the bed) or caving (scrambling, wriggling and crawling through caves and crevices)?
    • Maybe you feel more comfortable on a bodyboard (on a half-wave surfboard, you surf the high waves lying down-with flippers), on a hang glider or while paragliding (with a parachute you float down a mountain or dune), hydrospeeding (on a bodyboard with flippers and a wetsuit on you go down a wild river via rapids) or Tiefschneeskiing (racing down through powder snow)?

    Check the pages below for more activities and inspiration and where to go and how to arrange it

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      Toeristenvisum Er is geen toeristenvisum nodig voor Portugal. Je kunt er onbeperkt verblijven als je een geldige ziektekostenverzekering hebt en genoeg financiële middelen hebt om jezelf te onderhouden. Werkvisum Je hebt als Nederlander geen werkvisum of verblijfsvergunning nodig voor Portugal....

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      SPOTLIGHT & FAVORITES

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