Portugal : Overview

OVERVIEW

Portugal is a beautiful and highly developed country in southwest Europe. Despite being old, the country has many wheelchair accessible destinations and features – including beaches, historic sites, wineries, port and many others. Overall, accessibility can be tough unless you know where to go.

For general accessible travel information you can read more at Visit Portugal – Disabled Access.

There is a specific brochure regarding beaches Visit Portugal Disabled Access Brochure.

There is also a travel agency called Accessible Portugal specifically dedicated to people with reduced mobility who offer accessible sightseeing tours.

Regarding the public transportation system there are new buses that have the same ability as the ones in Manhattan, but they are not the majority for now. For taxis, it is better to schedule earlier with one. Normally, taxis in Portugal are Mercedes E or similar and not vans or SUV, and they do not have lifts or ramps. Accessible transportation should be booked through Accessible Portugal.

OVERVIEW

Sagres, a small town located on the southwest tip of Portugal, offers the traveler a chance to experience a quaint beachfront village and more fresh seafood dining than one could believe. There is an accessible resort hotel located on the bluffs overlooking the ocean. However, many of the historical attractions nearby can be difficult to navigate via scooter or wheelchair due to the steep, bumpy terrain and lack of curb cuts.

LANGUAGE

The official language of Portugal is Portuguese.

CURRENCY

The official currency of Portugal is the Euro.

QUICKLINKS

LOGISTICS: Air – Water – Ground
ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotels – Resorts
ENTERTAINMENT: Tours – Activities – Restaurants & Nightlife
EMERGENCY SERVICES: Hospitals – Medical Equipment
ABILITYTIPS: Precautions

SAGRES : Logistics

AIR TRANSPORTATION/AIRPORT

Sagres does not have an airport. If you want to fly into southern Portugal to visit Sagres, the Faro Airport is nearest.

Add your accessible travel knowledge about air transportation for this destination.

GROUND TRANSPORTATION

Due to Sagres’s remote location, the physically challenged traveler is probably best served by securing transportation in Faro ahead of a visit to Sagres. We used Wheeling Around the Algarve to reserve a wheelchair accessible vehicle to travel to Sagres. The vehicle we received was a “Kangoo,” and was much smaller than a typical wheelchair minivan, which was what we expected. It is equipped to only handle one wheelchair and two companions, with limited luggage space. While it worked out for us, make sure you know what vehicle you are getting so you are certain you can manage.

Add your accessible travel knowledge about ground transportation for this destination.

SAGRES : Accommodations

HOTELS

While in Sagres, we stayed at the Pousda de Portugal, Infante.  This beautiful, modern resort is completely accessible for the physically challenged traveler. The hotel has accessible rooms, and an elevator. The swimming pool does not have a lift, and there are steps out the back door leading to the pool area. However, there are alternate paths to access the pool area of the hotel.

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SAGRES : Entertainment

ACTIVITIES

The Sagres Fort and the Lighthouse of Cape St Vicente are two attractions in Sagres. While we didn’t visit the lighthouse, the Sagres Fort is accessible, although very bumpy and uneven. Because the floor of the fort was built of stone, it can be quite a bumpy ride in a scooter or wheelchair.

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RESTAURANTS

We ate at quite a few restaurants in Sagres. While not all are accessible, the wait staff was very accommodating and creative with seating. At one location, there were steps preventing access for my wheelchair. The management brought a table out to the patio area and set up a romantic dinner for four.

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SAGRES : Emergency Services

MEDICAL SERVICES/HOSPITAL

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MEDICAL EQUIPMENT RENTALS

Algarve Mobility Rental Hire Service: Rents a variety of medical supplies, including wheelchairs, scooters, hoists, and shower related items.

Add your knowledge about medical equipment rentals for this destination.

SAGRES : AbilityTips

PRECAUTIONS

Because Sagres is located in a remote area, make sure research medical facilities if you think you might need medical assistance. Also, Sagres can get extremely hot during the summer. Be sure to pack plenty of water and a spray bottle if you are sensitive to heat.

OVERVIEW

Sintra is a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site, undoubtedly due to its breathtaking views and 19^th century architecture. A short drive from Lisbon, Sintra feels like a city from a different time and place. Due to the age of Sintra, accessibility is challenging – cobblestones, steps, and steep elevations all present obstacles that the physically challenged traveler should take into account when planning a visit.

LANGUAGE

The official language of Portugal is Portuguese.

CURRENCY

The official currency of Portugal is the Euro.

QUICKLINKS

LOGISTICS: Air – Water – Ground
ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotels – Resorts
ENTERTAINMENT: Tours – Activities – Restaurants & Nightlife
EMERGENCY SERVICES: Hospitals – Medical Equipment
ABILITYTIPS: Precautions

SINTRA : Logistics

AIR TRANSPORTATION/AIRPORT

Sintra does not have an airport. However, Lisbon has a large international airport and is very close to Sintra.

Add your accessible travel knowledge about air transportation for this destination.

GROUND TRANSPORTATION

Due to Sintra’s remote location, the physically challenged traveler is probably best served by securing transportation in Lisbon ahead of a visit to Sintra. We were not able to locate any accessible transportation options in Sintra.

Add your accessible travel knowledge about ground transportation for this destination.

SINTRA : Accommodations

HOTELS

Sintra has several hotels that claim to be accessible. We did not stay in Sintra.

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SINTRA : Entertainment

SIGHTSEEING TOURS

We used Accessible Portugal for a day trip to Sintra. The company is based in Lisbon and utilizes a full-size Mercedes van equipped with a lift for wheelchairs and scooters. The van is very clean, and capable of accommodating quite a few passengers. Luis, the tour guide, was very professional and knowledgeable about the history of Portugal. On our way to Sintra, we also stopped at Cabo da Roca, the western most point of Portugal.

Add your accessible travel knowledge about sightseeing tours for this destination.

ACTIVITIES

Sintra is all about taking in the beautiful landscapes and architecture that surrounds you. Attractions include: Pena Palace, Castelo dos Mouros, and the Palácio Nacional de Sintra. There are also great cafes and bakeries, and plenty of places for photo opportunities.

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SINTRA : Emergency Services

MEDICAL SERVICES/HOSPITAL

Add your knowledge about medical services or hospitals for this destination.

MEDICAL EQUIPMENT RENTALS

Add your knowledge about medical equipment rentals for this destination.

SINTRA : AbilityTips

PRECAUTIONS

Because Sintra is located on a mountainside, there are many steep and uneven paths. There area alternate routes throughout the city, so make sure you have exhausted your options before attempting a dangerous incline. Also, be sure the brakes on your wheelchair or scooter are functioning properly.

OVERVIEW

Faro is located in southern Portugal, and is the capital of the Algarve region. Faro can be accessed from Lisbon via high speed train, which is wheelchair accessible. The city can be difficult for the physically challenged traveler to navigate, as many sidewalks do not have curb cuts or wide access.

LANGUAGE

The official language of Portugal is Portuguese.

CURRENCY

The official currency of Portugal is the Euro.

QUICKLINKS

LOGISTICS: Air – Water – Ground
ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotels – Resorts
ENTERTAINMENT: Tours – Activities – Restaurants & Nightlife
EMERGENCY SERVICES: Hospitals – Medical Equipment
ABILITYTIPS: Precautions

FARO : Logistics

AIR TRANSPORTATION/AIRPORT

Faro Airport: The Faro Airport serves the Faro region. We did not fly into the airport, so we do not have any experience with it.

Add your accessible travel knowledge about air transportation for this destination.

GROUND TRANSPORTATION

TAXI

We were unable to locate any accessible taxi services in Faro.

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SHUTTLE

Shuttle Direct: Shuttle Direct can accommodate some types of physically challenged travelers, but it is highly dependant on the individual’s mobility, type of wheelchair/scooter, and availability of specialized vehicles. The company recommends contacting them ahead of time to check availability and accommodations.

Add your accessible travel knowledge about shuttle services for this destination.

RENTAL CAR (Wheelchair Van)

Wheeling Around the Algarve: We used this company for a rental vehicle while in the South of Portugal. The vehicle we received was a “Kangoo,” and was much smaller than a typical wheelchair minivan, which was what we expected. It is equipped to only handle one wheelchair and two companions, with limited luggage space. While it worked out for us, make sure you know what vehicle you are getting so you are certain you can manage.

Add your knowledge about wheelchair accessible rental vans for this destination.

BUS

Add your accessible travel knowledge about bus services for this destination.

TRAIN

Faro has an accessible train station in the heart of the city. It hosts both high-speed and “regular” speed trains (which are very different in amenities and accessibility). We utilized the high-speed train that travels between Lisbon and the Algarve (southern region of Portugal), which has wheelchair access. While not all stops on the train are accessible, we were able to use the high-speed train to get to our southern destination with ease. I have a large, heavy power wheelchair, and was able to get on the train’s lift for access. It was a tight squeeze, so if you have a larger chair, check with the railroad prior to making reservations. Note that I was not able to get on the regular train to return from the South of Portugal to Lisbon, and was forced to wait several hours for the high-speed train (in the extreme heat, without air-conditioning). Make sure you thoroughly research the logistics of your trip with the railroad to ensure you have booked the correct train both ways.

Add your accessible travel knowledge about rail transportation for this destination.

FARO : Accommodations

HOTELS

Add your accessible travel knowledge about hotels for this destination.

LUXURY RESORTS

Add your accessible travel knowledge about luxury resorts for this destination.

FARO : Entertainment

SIGHTSEEING TOURS

Add your accessible travel knowledge about sightseeing tours for this destination.

ACTIVITIES

Add your accessible travel knowledge about activities for this destination.

RESTAURANTS/NIGHTLIFE

On our visit in Faro, we ate a local café and a McDonalds, which are both near the train station. The café has outdoor seating, so as long as the weather is nice, there is definitely wheelchair accessible seating.

Add your accessible travel knowledge about restaurants or nightlife for this destination.

FARO : Emergency Services

MEDICAL SERVICES/HOSPITAL

Add your knowledge about medical services or hospitals for this destination.

MEDICAL EQUIPMENT RENTALS

Algarve Mobility Rental Hire Service: Rents a variety of medical supplies, including wheelchairs, scooters, hoists, and shower related items.

Add your knowledge about medical equipment rentals for this destination.

FARO : AbilityTips

PRECAUTIONS

Faro is located in a remote region of Portugal, and the physically challenged traveler must plan well to ensure a smooth trip. Unlike in Lisbon, many of the locals only speak Portuguese, so a language guide book is a must. Also, Faro can get extremely hot in the summer, and air conditioning was not available at the accessible areas we visited. If you are sensitive to high temperature, make sure to bring along plenty of fluids to stay hydrated as well as a spray bottle to stay cool.

OVERVIEW

Lisbon, the capital city of Portugal, is a city rich with maritime trade history. The architecture of this city is simply breathtaking, with vibrantly colored porcelain tile clad buildings contributing to the old world charm of this quaint city. Even though Lisbon has narrow roads, cobblestone streets, uneven pathways, steep hills, and buildings with steps – which pose serious challenge to the physically challenged traveler – there are many things to see and do in this beautiful city that make a visit highly worthwhile, and there are definitely accessible ways to get around the city.

LANGUAGE

The official language of Portugal is Portuguese. However, we found we were able to get by using other languages such as English, Spanish, and French – but the locals absolutely prefer Portuguese.

CURRENCY

The currency of Portugal is the Euro. Portugal has ATMs (Multibanco), which are identified by the symbol MB. Credit cards are also accepted by most establishments: Visa, American Express, Diners Club, Europay / MasterCard, JCB and Maestro.

QUICKLINKS

LOGISTICS: Air – Water – Ground
ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotels – Resorts
ENTERTAINMENT: Tours – Activities – Restaurants & Nightlife
EMERGENCY SERVICES: Hospitals – Medical Equipment
ABILITYTIPS: Precautions

LISBON : Logistics

AIR TRANSPORTATION/AIRPORT

Lisbon International Airport is equipped to handle the physically challenged traveler. On our visit, the “assistance” crew utilized a medical vehicle capable of elevating to the height of the airplane. Instead of boarding and deplaning via the jet bridge in my wheelchair, the crew transferred me into an aisle chair (temporary small chair) and into the medical vehicle. My power wheelchair was waiting for me in the medical vehicle, and I was able to transfer to my chair in privacy with help of the team.

Both our flights to and from the airport were delayed; in the case of our departure, our delay was severe enough that it forced us to miss our connecting flight in Paris. Ironically, dealing with my wheelchair was not the bottleneck – they just seemed to move at their own pace, without much concern over the time. This may not be typical, but I would highly advise the physically challenged traveler to seek direct flights in and out of Lisbon if possible to avoid missing connections.

On our visit, we did not need to utilize a family/companion restroom at the airport. It is a modern facility, so there is potential for one to be there.

The Lisbon Airport has a new program in place called My Way to assist travelers with disabilities. If assistance is needed, My Way is required to be booked 48 hours before flight departure.

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SHUTTLE

We used Accessible Portugal for all of our ground transport needs in Lisbon. While the company specializes in tour packages, they also are very good at customized logistic plans. In our case, we provided a schedule of needed pick up and drop off times and locations, and they were always very dependable. Accessible Portugal is family owned. Luis, our driver and guide, was very professional, fun, and had an extensive knowledge about the history of Portugal. His van is a new Mercedes bus type van equipped with a wheelchair lift system, and was very clean and reliable.

Add your accessible travel knowledge about shuttle services for this destination.

RENTAL CAR (Wheelchair Van)

We aren’t sure if there are wheelchair accessible vehicles for rent in Lisbon. However, we did utilize Wheeling Around the Algarve for a rental vehicle while in the South of Portugal. The vehicle we received was a “Kangoo,” and was much smaller than a typical wheelchair van one finds in the states. It is equipped to only handle one wheelchair and two companions, with limited luggage space. While it worked out, make sure you know what vehicle you are getting so you are certain you can manage.

Add your knowledge about wheelchair accessible rental vans for this destination.

TRAIN

Lisbon has an accessible train station in the heart of the city. It hosts both high-speed and “regular” speed trains (which are very different in amenities and accessibility). We utilized the high-speed train that travels between Lisbon and the Algarve (southern region of Portugal), which has wheelchair access. While not all stops on the train are accessible, we were able to use the high-speed train to get to our southern destination with ease. I have a large, heavy power wheelchair, and was able to get on the train’s lift for access. It was a tight squeeze, so if you have a larger chair, check with the railroad prior to making reservations. Note that I was not able to get on the regular train to return from the South of Portugal to Lisbon, and was forced to wait several hours for the high-speed train (in the extreme heat, without air-conditioning). Make sure you thoroughly research the logistics of your trip with the railroad to ensure you have booked the correct train both ways. Rail Information

Add your accessible travel knowledge about the rail system for this destination.

LISBON : Accommodations

HOTELS

Lisbon does have accessible hotels, but it is a European city and not all hotels are accessible, so one should check when making a reservation. We stayed at Hotel Mudial, located in downtown Lisbon, and it is complete with wheelchair accessible rooms. When calling to book the reservation, specify you will require a wheelchair accessible room and they should make the appropriate reservation.

Add your accessible travel knowledge about hotels for this destination.

LUXURY RESORTS

There are a series of luxury resorts in Portugal, called the Pousada de Portugal. We stayed in a cliff-side Pousada in Sagres, the Hotel do Infante, and it was very accessible, complete with ramps, an elevator, and accessible room. The Pousada in Lisbon is called the Pestana Palace Hotel, but we are not sure if it is accessible.

Add your accessible travel knowledge about luxury resorts for this destination.

LISBON : Entertainment

SIGHTSEEING TOURS

Accessible Portugal offers complete tour packages for the physically challenged traveler. Aside from using the company for getting to and from the airport, we also toured Lisbon and took a day trip to Sintra. Luis, our guide, has a large van capable of accommodating 3 wheelchairs and ample companions.

Add your accessible travel knowledge about sightseeing tours for this destination.

RESTAURANTS/NIGHTLIFE

Fado shows are a popular attraction in Lisbon. We attended the dinner show at the Café Luso in Barrio Alto. There is a small step to get into the venue, but the employees were very helpful in assisting getting my power wheelchair into the building.

The Barrio Alto is a fun area to catch some Lisbon nightlife. Small bars line the narrow cobblestone streets (bumpy for the wheelchair, but not impossible). While many of the bars are not wheelchair accessible, there are a few that don’t have steps.

Add your accessible travel knowledge about restaurants or nightlife for this destination.

LISBON : Emergency Services

MEDICAL SERVICES/HOSPITALS

The U.S. Embassy in Lisbon provides information on local hospitals and physicians on its website, which is updated frequently. In addition to medical services information, the embassy can also provide other valuable services for the U.S. traveler in need.

Add your knowledge about medical services or hospitals for this destination.

MEDICAL EQUIPMENT RENTALS

Accessible Portugal: Besides offering wheelchair accessible transportation and tours, Accessible Portugal also offers medical equipment(wheelchairs, Bath chair, portable hoist) for rent. Click on the link to see a full list of medical equipment rentals.

Add your knowledge about medical equipment rentals for this destination.

LISBON : AbilityTips

PRECAUTIONS

Portugal can be very hot during the summer months, and there are many buildings without air conditioning. Always bring bottled water, and a spray bottle to keep cool.