Living in Portugal

Essential information for anyone planning to buy property, relocate, retire or invest in Portugal.

Driving in Portugal

Driving in Portugal is generally straightforward and enjoyable. The country has a modern road network, excellent motorways and scenic coastal routes, making it easy to travel between cities, beaches, historic towns and rural villages. Whether you are visiting Portugal on holiday, viewing property or relocating permanently, understanding the local driving rules will help you enjoy a safe and stress-free journey.

Key Driving Information

Driving Side

In Portugal, vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road and overtake on the left.

Speed Limits

The standard speed limits are:

50 km/h in towns and built-up areas
90 km/h on ordinary roads
100 km/h on express roads
120 km/h on motorways

Always follow local road signs, as speed limits may vary in residential areas, near schools and roadworks.

Documents to Carry

Drivers should always carry:

A valid driving licence
Passport or photo identification
Vehicle registration documents
Proof of insurance
A rental agreement if driving a hire car

Visitors should check whether their driving licence is valid in Portugal or whether an International Driving Permit is required.

Seat Belts and Child Seats

Seat belts are compulsory for the driver and all passengers.

Children under 135 centimetres in height must normally use an approved child seat or booster seat suitable for their age and size.

Mobile Phones

Using a handheld mobile phone while driving is illegal.

A hands-free system may be used, but drivers must remain fully in control of the vehicle at all times.

Drink Driving

Portugal has strict drink-driving laws.

The legal alcohol limit is lower for newly qualified drivers and certain professional drivers. The safest option is not to drink alcohol before driving.

Roundabouts

Vehicles already on the roundabout have priority.

Use the correct lane, signal clearly when leaving the roundabout and take extra care on larger multi-lane roundabouts.

Toll Roads

Portugal has an excellent motorway network, and many motorways charge tolls.

Some motorways have traditional toll booths where payment can be made by cash or bank card. Others operate electronic toll systems without payment booths.

If you are hiring a vehicle, ask the rental company:

Whether the car is fitted with an electronic toll device.
How toll charges are collected.
Whether administration fees apply.

Failure to pay toll charges may result in additional fees.

Parking

Parking regulations vary between towns and cities.

As a general guide:

White spaces are often free to use.
Blue spaces usually require payment.
Yellow markings normally indicate that parking is prohibited.

Always check nearby signs and parking machines before leaving your vehicle.

Parking may be limited in Lisbon, Porto, Peniche and other popular coastal destinations, particularly during the summer months.

Historic towns such as Óbidos often have narrow streets and restricted vehicle access. It is usually easier to park outside the town centre and explore on foot.

Fuel

Fuel stations are widely available throughout Portugal.

The most common fuel types are:

Gasolina – Petrol
Gasóleo – Diesel
GPL – Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)

Always check the correct fuel type before filling your vehicle.

Driving in Towns and Rural Areas

Many historic towns and villages have narrow streets, one-way systems and limited parking.

In rural areas you may encounter tractors, cyclists, animals and slow-moving vehicles. Drive carefully and allow extra time when travelling on unfamiliar roads.

Motorway Driving

Portuguese motorways are modern, safe and well maintained.

Keep to the right-hand lane unless overtaking and leave a safe distance between your vehicle and the one ahead.

If traffic comes to a sudden stop, use your hazard warning lights to warn drivers approaching from behind.

Motorway service areas provide fuel, restaurants, cafés, toilets and rest facilities.

Safety Equipment

Vehicles should carry:

A reflective safety vest
A warning triangle

If your vehicle breaks down, wear the reflective vest before leaving the vehicle and place the warning triangle a safe distance behind the car.

Useful Portuguese Road Words

Saída – Exit
Entrada – Entrance
Centro – Town Centre
Desvio – Diversion
Obras – Roadworks
Praia – Beach
Estacionamento – Parking
Portagem – Toll
Autoestrada – Motorway
Sentido Único – One Way

Emergency Number

Portugal's national emergency number is 112.

This number connects you to the police, ambulance and fire services anywhere in Portugal.

Enjoy Driving in Portugal

Driving is one of the best ways to explore Portugal, especially if you are viewing properties, visiting the beautiful Silver Coast or discovering the country's stunning countryside. Plan your route, understand the toll system, follow local road signs and enjoy everything Portugal has to offer safely and confidently.

Guide to Supermarkets in Portugal

Shopping for groceries in Portugal is simple, convenient and affordable, Whether you are relocating permanently, buying a holiday home or investing in property, you will find a wide range of supermarkets offering everything from fresh local produce to international brands. Many stores also provide bakeries, cafes, loyalty cards and home delivery services, making everyday shopping easy for residents and visitors alike.

woman in white coat holding green shopping cart

Popular Supermarkets in Portugal

Portugal offers an excellent range of supermarkets to suit every budget and lifestyle. Whether you are shopping for everyday essentials, premium groceries or international brands, you will find modern stores throughout the country. Most supermarkets offer fresh fruit and vegetables, bakery products, quality meat and fish, household goods, loyalty cards and convenient home delivery services in many areas.

Continente is Portugal’s largest supermarket chain and one of the country’s favourite places to shop. It offers a wide range of fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, fish, bakery products, groceries and household essentials. Larger stores also sell clothing, electrical items and homeware. The Continente Card gives shoppers access to regular discounts, vouchers and special offers.

Pingo Doce

Pingo Doce is one of Portugal's best-known supermarket chains and is popular for its fresh food, quality products and excellent value. Many stores are located in town and city centres, making them convenient for everyday shopping. Customers will find fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, fish, bakery products, dairy items and a wide selection of Portuguese and international groceries.

Many Pingo Doce stores also have an in-store café or restaurant serving freshly prepared meals at affordable prices. Regular promotions and a loyalty card help shoppers save even more, making Pingo Doce a favourite choice for both locals and visitors..

Mercadona

Continente

Mercadona is one of the fastest-growing supermarket chain in Portugal that has earned a strong reputation for quality, fresh produce and excellent customer service. Originally from Spain, Mercadona offers a carefully selected range of groceries, fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, fish, bakery products and household essentials at competitive prices.

One of its biggest attractions is its own-brand products, which are well known for their quality and value. Stores are clean, modern and easy to navigate, with a focus on providing a pleasant shopping experience. Although Mercadona currently has fewer stores than some of Portugal's larger supermarket chains, it continues to expand across the country and has become a favourite with many residents and newcomers.

Lidl

Lidl is one of Portugal's most popular discount supermarkets, offering excellent value without compromising on quality. The stores provide a wide range of fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, fish, bakery products, dairy items and everyday groceries at competitive prices.

Lidl is especially well known for its freshly baked bread and pastries, weekly special offers and seasonal products. Shoppers can also find household goods, kitchen equipment, gardening items, clothing and electrical products during its popular promotional events. With modern stores, efficient service and excellent value for money, Lidl has become a favourite choice for both Portuguese families and international residents.

Aldi

Aldi has become an increasingly popular supermarket in Portugal, offering high-quality products at affordable prices. The stores are known for their simple layout, efficient shopping experience and excellent value on everyday groceries.

Customers can choose from a wide selection of fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, fish, dairy products, bakery items and frozen foods, along with household essentials and carefully selected international products. Aldi is also well known for its weekly special buys, which include homeware, gardening equipment, kitchen accessories and seasonal items. Its focus on quality, value and convenience has made Aldi a popular choice for both local residents and people relocating to Portugal.

Auchan

Auchan is one of Portugal's largest hypermarket chains, offering an extensive range of products under one roof. Customers can shop for fresh fruit and vegetables, quality meat and seafood, bakery products, groceries, clothing, electronics, homeware and household essentials, making it a convenient destination for both daily shopping and larger purchases.

Many Auchan stores also include cafés, pharmacies, petrol stations and other useful services. The supermarket is well known for its competitive prices, regular promotions and wide selection of Portuguese and international products. With spacious stores and a strong focus on customer choice, Auchan is a popular shopping destination for families and visitors throughout Portugal.

Intermarché is a well-established supermarket chain in Portugal, with many stores serving both towns and rural communities. It offers a wide selection of fresh fruit and vegetables, quality meat, fish, bakery products, groceries and household essentials at competitive prices.

Many Intermarché stores also include a butcher, fish counter and bakery, allowing customers to buy fresh local produce. Some larger stores have petrol stations and additional services, making them a convenient place for everyday shopping. With regular promotions, friendly service and a focus on quality and value, Intermarché is a popular choice for both Portuguese families and people living in Portugal.

Intermarché

E.Leclerc

E.Leclerc is a popular French supermarket and hypermarket chain with a growing presence across Portugal. It offers a wide range of fresh fruit and vegetables, quality meat and seafood, bakery products, groceries, household goods and everyday essentials at competitive prices.

Many E.Leclerc stores also feature clothing, homeware, electrical products and petrol stations, making them a convenient one-stop shopping destination. Customers appreciate the supermarket for its value, fresh local produce and regular special offers. With spacious stores and an excellent selection of both Portuguese and international products, E.Leclerc is a favourite choice for many families and residents throughout Portugal.

Minipreço

Minipreço is a well-known convenience supermarket chain in Portugal, offering affordable everyday groceries in easily accessible neighbourhood locations. Its smaller stores make it ideal for quick shopping trips, whether you need fresh produce, bread, dairy products, meat, frozen foods or household essentials.

Customers appreciate Minipreço for its competitive prices, regular promotions and convenient locations, particularly in towns and residential areas. While the stores are generally smaller than the major hypermarkets, they provide a good selection of everyday products, making them a popular choice for both local residents and visitors across Portugal.

Froiz

Froiz is a well-established supermarket chain in Portugal, particularly popular in the north and central regions of the country. It offers a good selection of fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, fish, bakery products, dairy items, groceries and household essentials.

Froiz stores are known for their friendly service, quality fresh produce and convenient neighbourhood locations. Many branches are smaller than the large hypermarkets, making them ideal for regular local shopping. With competitive prices and a strong focus on everyday essentials, Froiz is a trusted choice for families, residents and visitors in Portugal.