General Information About Portugal
Tourists are advised to apply sunscreen liberally before venturing out, as the sun is deceptively fierce here and the person may end up with a severe sunburn and heat stroke. Portuguese police are very strict about drunken driving and even a glass of beer or wine is taboo before driving. Speaking a few words of Portuguese, while in the country is considered to be good manners and presents a courteous attitude towards locals. Tourists are advised to carry small cash on them, as most beachfront restaurants do not accept credit cards.
Bars in Portugal generally open after dark and are open till wee hours of the morning. It has some 150 restaurants and bars, which organize parties for the savvy, young Portuguese and the visiting tourists. This ensures that you'll always find a happening lounge, bar/pub, and even sports bar without much looking around.
Coffeehouses in Portugal are an institution by themselves in the form of an egalitarian lounge. Tourists and locals can smoke or read a paper at leisure. A Brasileira in Lisbon is the oldest coffeehouse that is still surviving the test of times. The Portugal coffee house is a shadow of its previous version. Most of the genuine Fado clubs are grouped together in the Bairro Alto and in the Alfama, between St. George's Castle and the docks.
Beach Vacation Rentals: Algarve
Algarve beach holidays are an ideal, welcome retreat, away from the monotonous routines. People can choose from the innumerable options offering exotic beach vacations. Most of the beach vacation properties offer rental houses, villas and condos, to accommodate tourists at the beach and island destinations. Most of these rental homes offer luxurious amenities. These include queen beds, attached baths, bunk beds and private beach facing patios, for relaxation. Other amenities include a fireplace, a fully equipped kitchen, a microwave, dishwasher, television, VCR, refrigerator, bed linen and other basic requirements.
Guests may also avail of the additional facilities by paying an extra charge. These additional facilities include maids and party arrangements, for a maximum of twenty people. Prior notice to the resort is required, for these facilities. Sometimes a percentage of the deposit is held back. A refundable security deposit has to be paid. This is refunded at the time of departure. Any damage caused to the property during the stay, is deducted from the security deposit.
All payments are made as rent and additional charges. These are non-refundable, except the security deposit amount. Usually the payments are to be made within sixty days, prior to arrival. Long distance phone calls are charged. The duration of the calls is considered when processing the refundable amount from the credit card. Bookings can be done through online rental services or through travel agents. Other beach options are Praia da Luz and Meia Praia. The former is great for those who love diving and are seriously interested in water sports. Portuguese beaches have diverse character, and stretch beyond the horizon, which makes soaking in the sun an uplifting experience. So, whether it's a tan, a swim, or water sports, there's an abundance of offers at the waterfront, including massages in the sunset.
