General Information
ABOUT PORTO
The social and trade relations that Porto has developed over time with Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, Africa, Brazil, India and Japan, are reflected in the city’s rich Cultural Heritage. From the remains of Visigotic and Celtic villages, Roman roads, bridges and Castros to Romanesque and Gothic churches and Cathedrals built during the Medieval Age, centuries of mankind-built heritage are to be discovered in and around Porto.
The recognition of Porto, by UNESCO in 1996 as a World Heritage City, is undoubtedly a tribute to its wealth of over two thousand years of history. This nomination reflects the commitment of the Municipality and Central Government since the early 80’s with the urban regeneration projects that encompass both social and cultural interventions. At the beginning of a new Millennium, Porto is proud to present a Historic Centre consisting of over 150 classified monuments.
Porto is Portugal’s second-largest city, with 300 000 inhabitants, and the heart of an area of great vitality, with a population of 1.2 million, ideal gateway to the undiscovered North of Portugal.
The friendly welcoming nature of the Portuguese people, highly professional and cost-effective services are a guarantee of a successful Event and will give you something to remember in the future
ACCESSIBILTY
Airlines
Porto is located 300 km north of Lisbon, well connected with all
European Capitals. All major airlines fly directly to Porto. The
national carriers are TAP and PGA (Portugália). Both have offices in
most European capitals and offer direct flights to Porto. Additional
connections via Lisbon are eased with a permanent air bridge between
the two cities.
TAP & Portugalia Airlines http://www.flytap.com
Train
CP – Caminhos de Ferro Portugueses – is the company responsible for
running the rail network in Portugal. This covers the whole country and
there are three regular international connections between:
• Lisbon - Paris – Lisbon (Sud Express)
• Lisbon - Madrid – Lisbon (Lusitânia hotel-train)
• Porto – Vigo (Spain) – Porto
Caminhos de Ferro Portugueses http://www.cp.pt/
CLIMATE
Porto offers a very mild climate year-round. Its climate shares many characteristics with the coastal south: warm, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. Unlike the south, however, cool and rainy interludes can interrupt the dry season and the season's average length is usually shorter. August is the peak of Summer in Portugal. Summers in Porto are typically sunny with average temperatures between 15°C and 27°C but can rise to as high as 40°C during occasional heat waves. In contrast, occasional summer rainy periods may last a few days and are characterized by showers and cool temperatures of around 22°C in the afternoon.
CREDIT CARDS & ATMs
Most hotels, restaurants, shops and taxis accept major credit cards; however, it is recommended that visitors also carry small amounts of cash at all times. ATMs are widely available throughout the city of Porto.
CURRENCY
The currency in Portugal is the Euro.
ELECTRICITY
Portugal, like most other European countries, has 220 volt current and uses 2-pin plugs. Visitors from the UK and Ireland will require an adaptor plug for appliances, from 3-pin to 2-pin. Visitors from North America will require a transformer plug in order to use 110/125V appliances.
EMERGENCIES & MEDICAL CARE
To contact the police, fire department or medical response in an emergency, dial 112. Emergency medical care is supplied by the municipal authorities. Venue and hotel staff members can direct guests to local emergency centres, hospitals or dental clinics.
The E111 form is no longer valid. Delegates will need a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to receive necessary healthcare during a visit to a European Economic Area (EEA) country or Switzerland.
INSURANCE
It is recommended that participants arrange personal health, accident and travel insurance. The conference organiser will not accept liability for personal injury or loss of / damage to property or belongings of participants or accompanying persons, before, during or following the conference, tours or their stay in Porto.
LANGUAGE
The language in Porto is Portuguese. The official language of the conference is English.
EATING OUT
Porto offers a variety of Bistros, restaurants, cafes and coffee shops. Among the city’s many cultural traditions Porto emphasises its much celebrated gastronomy and winery and the appeal it has for visitors. A glass of Port wine is worth trying!
TRANSPORT
It is highly recommended that you make use of the excellent public transport network in Porto. Transportation is convenient, reliable and inexpensive.
MetroThe Metro operates on a total of five different lines, which are conveniently marked with different letters (A through to E) and by different colours. The metro covers virtually the entire city as well as some neighbouring towns. Trains are clean, efficient and reliable as well as being excellent value for money. Fares are based on destination zones and tickets can be bought at all Metro stations. For more information visit: www.metrodoporto.pt.
By trainThe local train network is also used to get around Porto, although it is usually used for getting to neighbouring towns and cities than for travel within Porto itself. All mainline trains stop at Sao Bento Station, where it is also possible to get connections all across the region and even the country.
By tramThe tram network is commonly used by tourists. Although it is a form of public transport, it is normally used as a means of seeing the city as well as travelling between the main tourist attractions.
By busPorto’s network of buses covers the entire city as well as the surrounding areas.
TaxisTaxis are an excellent way to get around Porto. They are fairly inexpensive and very easy to find. You can either book them in advance or hail one off the street.
VISAS
Visitors from EU countries do not need a visa to enter Portugal. Visitors from other countries should check visa requirements with the Portuguese embassy in their home countries
