Navigating Portugal

• Visa and Security Support
• Equity Fund
• Hotels and Transportation Options
• Navigating Estoril
• Navigating Portugal
• Global Gathering Homepage

Portugal

Portugal Map

Portugal’s culture reflects a unique blend of influences, shaped by the Atlantic coast and its close ties with Mediterranean traditions.

The country is known for its beautiful beaches, big wave surfing, tiled buildings, and vibrant food scene.

Dive into Portugal’s 20th-century history to better understand its history.

In recent years the country has been grappling with a severe housing crisis, marked by soaring rents, rapidly rising property prices, and limited affordable supply, especially in cities like Lisbon and Porto.

Quick Facts

• The country regularly ranks among the safest in the world.
• It was the first European country to decriminalize drug use, and it is often cited as a public health success.
• Portugal has strong LGBTQ+ protections, including legal same-sex marriage, adoption rights, comprehensive anti-discrimination laws, and a self-determination process that allows trans people to change their legal gender without medical requirements.
• We encourage you to consult Freedom House Portugal country card.

Digital Rights in Portugal

The digital rights community in Portugal is small but delivers impact well beyond its size. The ecosystem is made up of brilliant folks from diverse backgrounds who are activists at heart. Here at TCU, we have been humbled with the intelligence, commitment, and passion we have found in the digital rights space.

D3 - Defesa dos Direitos Digitais

In 2024 we interviewed D3 - Defesa dos Direitos Digitais for our Community Series. Led by president Ricardo Lafuente, D3 has become a key voice on issues such as mass metadata collection, public video surveillance, weak GDPR enforcement, and the social impacts of tech-driven policies like the Digital Nomad visa.

At the time of the interview in December 2024, Ricardo shared that the biggest digital rights challenges in Portugal were public video surveillance; the lack of enforcement of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR); and “infrastructure technology poverty and outsourcing". Since 2007 the country has privatized their public goods while lacking adequate funding for scientific research.

He notes that current policies, including the digital nomad visas, have done little to elevate local tech efforts or the working class. Instead, these policies have created a housing crisis, as foreign investment reshapes the real estate market. Additionally, current policies create a context where startups that move to Portugal, only stay for a limited time, design products for for audiences abroad, and then leave the country with their developments. Learn more about D3 - Defensa dos Direitos Digitais' work here.

.

Useful Tips

Ordering Food to Your Home 🏡

If you are interested ordering food to your hotel/home, use can use the following apps:

• Glovo

• Bolt Food.

Ordering Coffee ☕

Attribution: https://www.beportugal.com/portuguese-coffee/

There are many different ways to order a coffee. Some common ones are:

Bica/Café: Espresso (less water)	Meia de Leite: Flat White
Cheio: Full Espresso (more water)	Cappuccino
Pingado: Macchiato	Abatanado: Americano (less water)
Galão: Latte	Americano
	Mocha

Ordering Beer 🍻

Much like ordering a coffee, there are a number of ways to order beer in Portugal. If you order “uma cerveja” you will likely be asked if you want a pint or a bottle. Here are some tips so you can get the beer you want.

Imperial: Small draft beer

Caneca: Large draft beer

Misc Tips

• Dinner usually runs from 17:00 to 18:00
• Portuguese is not Spanish - do not default to it. You will find that many people speak English well, and prefer to speak it over Spanish.
• Tap water is safe to drink.

Special Things to Eat and Drink 🍱

Tasca

A tasca is a typical Portuguese restaurant serving classic, home-style dishes. They tend to be family-run eateries offering hearty meals at affordable prices, in a cozy, unpretentious environment. They usually have daily specials.

Asian–Portuguese Fusion

UNESCO recognizes Macanese cuisine as the world’s first “fusion” cuisine, influenced by Chinese (especially Cantonese), Portuguese, Southeast Asian, and broader Lusophone traditions.

Lusophone Restaurants

From Brazilian barbecue to Angolan moamba de galinha, you’ll find incredible restaurants representing diverse Lusophone countries.

Pastéis de Bacalhau

You will see shops selling cod fritters all over. They are made from salted cod, potatoes, parsley, eggs and onions.

Chocolate Cake

Portugal is famous for having one of the world's best chocolate cake, which is flourless, dense, and silky. You can find this in numerous establishments, but the most famous vendor is Landeau Chocolate.

Pastéis de Nata

Crispy, flaky pastry shells filled with a warm, creamy egg custard and baked until the tops are caramelized. Usually enjoyed with a sprinkle of cinnamon or powdered sugar.

Sardinhas Assadas

Fresh grilled sardines are a favorite, and enjoyed simply with flaky salt and lemon squeezed on them. Additionally, make sure to try some of Portugal's canned sardines.

Caldo Verde

Nothing says Portugal more than Caldo Verde soup, a hearty soup made with kale, potatoes, and sausage. It originated in the Minho Province in norther Portugal around the 15th century.

Day Trips From Estoril 🏰

Lisboa has several Tourism Information Centers and an official website with useful information like the weather, how to get tickets for the public transportation, things to see and do and other details.

If you have free time during the Global Gathering, you can check the Free Tours happening in Lisbon. The main language is English but you can find tours in Spanish, French, Italian, German and other languages.

Enjoy a Beach Day in Estoril	Many easily accessible beaches run along the coast from Estoril to Cascais. The closest beaches are Praia da Poça and Praia do Tamariz - both only a 15-minute walk from the venue. They are also home to incredible restaurants and bars.
Bicycle from Cascais to Guincho Beach (and maybe take a surfing lesson)	Praia do Guincho is a beautiful Atlantic-facing beach famous for both surfing and kite surfing. Its striking, natural, and dramatic beauty is worth the visit. Getting there via bike is just as beautiful, with incredible views of the ocean You will take the N247 coastal road, that starts in front of the Hotel Vila Galé in Cascais. Don't worry, you can't get lost, because the road ends in Guincho beach. The bike ride, which is 10km long, will take you about 1 hour round trip. On it you will pass landmarks like the Farol do Guia lighthouse, the São Jorge de Oitavos fort and the fortaleza do Guincho. Note: there are no businesses on this road - its pretty natural and rustic. You can rent city bicycles through the Cascais cycling program. Prices are cheaper but don’t expect high quality bikes. Identification is needed to rent the bicycles. *For faster, lighter bicycles search for private bike rentals in Cascais. Note, there are limited amenities in Guincho, with only a handful of restaurants. However, we encourage to checkout the numerous surfing schools based there, and maybe take a class - just be careful, the ocean there is wild and has strong currents. Moana Surf School - http://www.moanasurfschool.com/ Shaka Surf School - https://www.shaka.pt/ Vasco da Gama Surf Academy - https://www.vascodagamasurf.com/ How to Get there: Public Transportation: You can take either bus 1629 or 1630 in Estoril. Both take less than hour. Taxi: From Estoril, a taxi will cost around 20-40 Euros, depending on the time of day.
Magical Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site	Sintra is one of Portugal’s most magical towns, tucked into lush green hills, where palaces, castles, and fairytale gardens. It has also been associated with mysticism, esotericism, and occult symbolism. Not surprisingly Its underground tunnels, inverted towers, and Quinta da Regaleira Initiation Well, have been a magnet for poets, mystics, and occultist. This has given Sintra a mysterious, otherworldly reputation. Make sure to visit its imposing castle that has sweeping views of the Atlantic. Sintra’s cool microclimate and romantic architecture is a sharp contrast to Estoril’s coastal calm.
Day Trip to Belém	Belém is a historic waterfront district in western Lisbon known for its grand monuments, maritime heritage, and some of Portugal’s most iconic cultural sites. Its also a birthplace for the famous custard tarts, Pastéis de Nata. Interesting landmarks in the area. Make sure to checkout Jerónimos Monastery, the Tropical Botanical Gardens, and Pastéis de Belém How to Get there: Public Transportation: Take the train from Estoril to the Belém train station. Taxi: From Estoril, a taxi will cost around 20-35 Euros
Enjoy a Fado Concert	Fado music is usually performed with a Portuguese guitar, and a Fado singer. The music is often identified by its rich, melancholy melodies. Neighborhoods like Alfama and Mouraria are still famous for their fado houses where you can watch a show. We recommend Fama d’Alfama or Mesa de Frades Most fado houses offer dinner. However, if you only watch a show, arrive for the late viewing at 23:00h - most fado houses stay open until 2:00h We also recommend visiting the Fado Museum
Castle of São Jorge	The Castle of Sao Jorge sits in the center of the Lisbon. Classified as a National Monument in 1910, it offers wonderful views of the city and the Tagus River. Also, explore the surrounding historic Alfama and Mouraria neighborhoods. How to Get there: Public Transportation: Take the train from Estoril train station to Cais do Sodre train station. Transfer from the train line to the green metro line and get off at Rossio. From Rossio, it's about an 18-minute walk uphill to the castle. Taxi: From Estoril, a taxi will cost around 20-35 Euros
Fábrica Braço de Prata	Fábrica Braço de Prata is an old ammunition factory that has been converted into a cultural center in the Marvila neighborhood of Lisbon. From Tuesday to Sunday, this event space houses several concerts, art exhibits, and literary events in every room of the building. You can buy a ticket to enter the factory and wander from room to room for 10 Euros. On any given night, you can see 2-3 concerts. There is also a restaurant/bar and a bookstore that stays open until 1 am. Address: R. Fábrica de Material de Guerra 1, 1950-128 Lisboa Website: https://www.fabricabracodeprata.com/ How to Get there: Public Transportation: Take the train from the Estoril train station to the Cais do Sodre train station. Directly outside of the station, you will find the bus stop for the 781 bus. Take the 781 bus in front of the Cais do Sodre train station directly to the Poço Bispo stop. Note: Late in the evening it is difficult to take public transportation from Fabrica back to Cascais. Taxi: From Estoril, a taxi will cost around 20-25 Euros
Estufa Fria (Greenhouse)	The Estufa Fria is a beautiful 1.5-hectare botanical garden in Eduardo VII Park. The greenhouse boasts 300 different species of plants from all over the world. It is a perfect place to be in nature without leaving the city. Hours: Tuesday - Sunday, from 10:00am - 19:00pm Tickets: 3.50 euros Address: Parque Eduardo VII, 1070-051 Lisboa, Portugal Website: https://estufafria.lisboa.pt/ How to Get there: Public Transportation: Take the train from the Estoril train station to the Cais do Sodre train station. Change trains to the Blue Line until Marquês de Pombal. From there it is a 12-minute walk north through the park. Taxi: From Estoril, a taxi will cost around 20-35 Euros
Calouste Gulbenkian Museum and its Gardens	Open: 10:00 to 18:00 and closed on Tuesdays Tickets: 10 Euros. Free on Sundays after 14:00 The museum, located in Lisbon, showcases a large collection gathered by the Armenian philanthropist Calouste Gulbenkian, ranging from classical antiquities to European and Asian fine arts. The surrounding Gulbenkian Gardens offer a serene urban oasis—lush, modernist-designed landscapes with ponds, winding paths, and shaded areas perfect for picnics. Website: https://gulbenkian.pt/museu/en/collection/discover-the-collection/ How to Get there: Public Transportation: The two closest metro stations to the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation are São Sebastião (blue and red lines) and Praça de Espanha (blue line). Taxi: From Estoril, a taxi will cost around 20-35 Euros
LX Factory	LX Factory is a historic industrial complex that has been converted into more than 50 shops, bars, restaurants, and cafes. On Sundays, there is an additional outdoor market where you can find clothes, food, jewelry, and more. How to Get there: Public Transportation: Take the train from the Estoril train station to the Alcantara Mar train station. LX factory is a 12 minute walk from the train station. Taxi: From Estoril, a taxi will cost around 20-35 Euros