Everyday life in Portugal
Portuguese culture was greatly influenced by the dominance of the Catholic Church and the traditional Christian values.
This influence is still present in contemporary etiquette in Portugal.
The Portuguese people are traditional and conservative. They don’t easily accept innovation and radical changes both in the community and the family.
Life in Portugal revolves around the family and even in the 21st century, some traditions and ways of life remain unchanged, especially in rural areas.
In Portugal, the family is the foundation of the social structure. Individuals derive a social network and assistance from the family.
For the Portuguese, family loyalty comes before other social relationships, even business.
The Portuguese tend to be direct in their communication style. Usually, they will tell you the truth but in a polite manner.
As one would expect, communication tends to be more on the formal side when in public and much less so in private.
The Portuguese tend to speak quite fast and somewhat loudly. This show of emotion is quite common and part of the Portuguese character; rarely does it signify anger or displeasure.
Food and wine
Supermarkets has transformed eating habits in cities and urban areas og Portugal. In the countryside the staple diet is one of fish, vegetables, and fruit.
Although Portugal’s waters abound with fresh fish, the dried salted codfish known as bacalhau, now often imported, is considered the national dish.
A seafood stew known as cataplana (for the hammered copper clamshell-style vessel in which it is cooked) is ubiquitous throughout the country.
In many areas meat is seldom eaten, although the Alentejo region is known for its pork and Trás-os-Montes for cured meats.
Cozido a portuguesa, a stew made with meats and vegetables, is a popular dish. Breads, cakes, and sweets—the last one a legacy of Moorish occupation—take a variety of forms, with many regional specialties.
Portugal is well known for its wide variety of cheeses.
Wine is the ubiquitous table beverage. In the north the wine of choice is often the red version of the so-called green wine, or vinho verde, usually preferred as a lightly sparkling white wine.
Perhaps the most famous Portuguese export is the fortified wine called port, named after the town of Porto, where it has been bottled for centuries.
Distinguished mainly for notable vintages, port is also enjoyed as ruby, tawny, and dry white varieties.
Pastel de nata
Pastel de nata is a Portuguese egg custard tart pastry dusted with cinnamon. Outside Portugal, they are particularly popular in other parts of Western Europe, Asia and former Portuguese colonies, such as Brazil, Macau and East Timor.
Pastel de nata can be enjoyed at any and all cafes in Portugal.
Local markets
Markets are held throughout the Algarve, with local markets on a monthly basis, fixed markets on a daily basis and then special markets held annually and seasonally.
Wherever you are staying in the Algarve you can be sure that one is being held near you at any time and Algarve markets are a great choice for every member of the family.
Many of the Algarve markets are held in the morning so you can easily combine a trip to the market followed by an afternoon at one of the attractions in the Algarve, whether you choose a boat trip, a round of golf or even a visit to an Algarve water park.
Looking for the very best Algarve markets? GoGet got you coverd:
1. Loulé municipal market
Loulé municipal market is located in the historic centre of the city and is open on a daily basis throughout the year.
When you go into Loulé you cannot miss this beautiful building which is more than 100 years old and really is at the very heart of the city with a mixture of locals and tourists meandering about the stalls and stands.
The market in Loulé is open from Monday to Saturday from 6.30am until 3pm and you can buy up local products, organic food and fresh fish.
2: Quarteira
Quarteira market is one of the most popular in the Algarve and is a great place to pick up a bargain – especially if you have your bartering hat on!
The market moved to a new location recently and can be found about a mile outside the town on the main road to Almancil and there are several buses that pass along the route as well as the option of taking a taxi if you don’t fancy the drive or participating in an organized trip specifically to the market.
3. Tavira indoor market
This little market is located along the riverside in Tavira in a beautiful old building that has recently been refurbished.
Great for Local products, fruit, fish, meat, clothing, furniture and toys
This market combines the traditional style market with more modern shops around the edge and offers a great shopping and cultural experience in Tavira at any time of the year.
Time schedule: The market is open daily except on Sundays and Holidays. It always closes at 3:00 p.m., but opening hours vary between 7:30 a.m. in winter and 7:00 a.m. in spring and autumn and 6:30 a.m. in summer.
4: Portimão municipal market
The municipal market in Portimão is an example of one of the modern large markets in the region and is a brilliant place to do the shopping for the entire week, with everything you need to eat fresh, locally sourced produce on sale here.
The market was opened in 2007 and covers an area of nearly 8.500 square meters making it one of the largest markets in the Algarve that you can visit.
5: São Brás de Alportel Market
São Brás de Alportel is a small Portuguese village very attached to its history and traditions.
One of the ways found by the village to preserve its tradition is through its market where the same local products that were traded five centuries ago are still nowadays being sold.
Time schedule: Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. On sale: Food & Related products
WIFI in Portugal
The Internet in Portugal achieved a penetration rate of about 64% of the population in 2012.
With an average peak Internet access speed of 34.5 megabits per second, Portugal stood seventeenth on the list of countries with the fastest Internet access.