Best of Southern Europe

Portugal’s fairly isolated location in the far south-western corner of Europe makes it the continent’s least visited and most underrated tourist destination. Fewer crowds make for a more relaxed, authentic experience. Pack your itinerary with visits to hilltop medieval castles, ornately decorated palaces, cobblestone villages and architecturally-stunning cities. The country abounds with fascinating culture, breathtaking natural beauty and a host of fun and varied activities. A single day can be spent hiking in lush green mountains, mingling with the friendly locals, and wandering through scenic vineyards sipping on famous, velvety port wine. Throw in plenty of fresh seafood, a coastline strewn with remote sandy beaches and an affordable price tag, and it makes for an ideal choice of holiday destination.

Currency 

Local currency: Euro 
Symbol: € 
ISO code: EUR 
Subunit: Cent 
Banknotes: €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, €500 
Coins: 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, €1, €2 

Banking 

Card Transactions: Yes 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Yes 
Diner’s club: Yes 

Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM 
Weekends: Closed 
Public Holidays: Yes 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Air: 

Main airlines: TAP Air Portugal, Ryanair 
International Airports: Lisbon Portela Airport, Porto Airport, Faro Airport 
Domestic Airports: Madeira Airport, João Paulo II Airport (Azores) 

Road: 

Driving on the: Right 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: Yes 
Valid International Driver's License needed: No 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: Yes 

Bus: 

Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 

Railway system: Yes 
Subway System: Yes 

Water: 

Ferries: Yes 
Water taxis: Yes 
Leisure cruises: Yes 

Food and water safety: 

Can you drink the tap water: Yes 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: Yes 
Meat: Yes 
Street food: Yes 

Local cuisine: 

Portuguese cuisine is rich in flavor and diversity, influenced by its coastal location and history. Highlights include bacalhau (salted cod), caldoverde (kale soup), and pastéis de nata (custard tarts). Portugal is also famous for its port wine and vinho verde. 
Tipping: 5% - 10% 

Annual rainfall: Varies by region 
Average temperature: 17°C 

Summer: 

Average highs: 28°C 
Average lows: 17°C 

Winter: 

Average highs: 15°C 
Average lows: 7°C 

Best time to visit: 

The best time to visit Portugal is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to October) when the weather is mild and tourist crowds are fewer. 

Spring and Summer 

Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: No 

Winter and Autumn 

Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: Yes 

General 

Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

Plug Type: Type C, Type F 
Voltage (V): 230V 
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50Hz 

*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances. 

Set in southeastern Europe and boasting thousands of breathtaking islands in the Aegean and Ionic Seas, Greece is a country that remains virtually unrivalled in the sheer volume and diversity of its historical and cultural repertoire. For centuries visitors have been drawn to the country's spectacular natural landscapes and rich archaeological sites, which contain the relics of four millennia of ancient culture. Greece's islands are arguably its biggest drawcard, from the bustling nightlife of Mykonos to the breathtaking sunsets of Santorini and exquisite turquoise waters everywhere you look. Must-see heritage attractions include the numerous ancient structures of Athens, Meteora Monasteries, one of the world's most remarkable ecclesiastical sites, the towering Mount Olympus, home of the gods, and ofcourse Delphi, Greece's most sacred site where the oracle once answered important questions in the temple of Apollo.

Currency 

Local currency: Euro 
Symbol: € 
ISO code: EUR 
Subunit: Cent 
Banknotes: €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, €500 
Coins: 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, €1, €2 

Banking 

Card Transactions: Yes 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Yes 
Diner’s club: Yes 

Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM 
Weekends: Closed 
Public Holidays: No 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Air: 

Main airlines: Aegean Airlines, Olympic Air 
International Airports: Athens International Airport, Thessaloniki Airport 
Domestic Airports: Heraklion Airport, Rhodes International Airport 

Road: 

Driving on the: Right 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: No 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: Yes 

Bus: 

Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 

Railway system: Yes 
Subway System: No 

Water: 

Ferries: Yes 
Water taxis: Yes 
Leisure cruises: Yes 

Food and water safety: 

Can you drink the tap water: Yes 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: Yes 
Meat: Yes 
Street food: Yes 

 Local cuisine: 

Greek cuisine is known for its fresh ingredients, Mediterranean flavors, and emphasis on olive oil, herbs, and vegetables. Traditional dishes include moussaka, souvlaki, Greek salad, and baklava. Notable local drinks include ouzo, tsipouro, and retsina. 
Tipping: 10% 

Annual rainfall: 600 - 1100 mm 
Average temperature: 20°C 

Summer: 

Average highs: 30°C 
Average lows: 20°C 

Winter: 

Average highs: 13°C 
Average lows: 6°C 

Best time to visit: 

The best time to visit Greece is from April to October when the weather is warm and ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. 

Spring and Summer 

Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: No 

Winter and Autumn 

Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No 

General 

Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: No 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

Plug Type: Type C, Type F 
Voltage (V): 230V 
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50Hz 

*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.