Please use the following information to help plan your trip. Be sure to fill out the travel form below. You will need to have flight information and ground transportation arranged before filling out the travel form.

CRAIGARDAN | PORTUGAL TRAVEL INFO AND FORM

Traveling from the U.S. to Ribeira da Azenha, Portugal

1 - Flight to Lisbon:
Fly into Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS). Major airlines offering flights include:

2 - Ground Transportation from Lisbon to Ribeira da Azenha:

Ribeira da Azenha is located in the Alentejo region, near Vila Nova de Milfontes(VNdM).

  • By Bus:

    • Rede Expressos offers services from Lisbon's Sete Rios station to Vila Nova de Milfontes (approx. 2.5–3 hours).

    • From Vila Nova de Milfontes, take an uber/taxi to Ribeira da Azenha (about 10 km).

    • We can pick you up at the bust stop

  • By Car:

    • Rent a car for flexibility.

    • The drive from Lisbon takes about 2 hours (approx. 180 km) via the A2 and IC4 highways.

  • By Taxi:

    • Hiring a taxi for the entire journey is an option but can be expensive (€140).

Getting to the Bus Station from Lisbon Airport (LIS)

We recommend taking an Uber from Lisbon Airport to the Sete Rios bus terminal. Uber pickups are located in the parking garage just outside the terminal. Regular taxis often overcharge non-Portuguese-speaking tourists, with fares ranging from €30-50 or more. By contrast, an Uber ride to the bus station costs around €7-10, ensuring a fair and hassle-free journey.

Taking the Bus to Vila Nova de Milfontes (VNdM)
We recommend using the Rede Expressos bus from the Sete Rios bus terminal. There are eight buses to VNdM daily. Tickets can be purchased in advance through the Rede Expressos app or at the terminal. Since buses are often full, it’s best to book via the app if possible. The normal fare is typically under €16, with occasional deals available.

Please Fill Out the Transportation Form Below

PORTUGAL | CELL PHONE INFORMATION

Cell service in Portugal for U.S. citizens is generally straightforward, with multiple options for staying connected. Here’s a guide to help you understand your choices:

1. Using Your U.S. Carrier

Many U.S. carriers offer international roaming plans:

  • AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile have international day passes or roaming options. Typically, these cost around $10/day for a fixed amount of data and call/text allowances.

  • Check compatibility: Portugal uses GSM technology, so most modern smartphones will work without issue.

2. Buying a Portuguese SIM Card

For longer stays or lower costs, purchasing a local SIM card is a good option:

  • Popular Providers: MEO, Vodafone Portugal, and NOS.

  • Where to Buy: SIM cards are available at airports, kiosks, convenience stores, or official retail stores.

  • Cost: Prepaid SIM cards usually cost €10–€30, often including some data, calls, and texts.

  • Top-up Options: Additional credit can be added online, via apps, or at physical locations.

3. eSIM Options

  • If your phone supports eSIM, providers like Airalo and Holafly offer digital SIM cards, allowing you to set up a plan online before or during your trip.

4. Free Wi-Fi Availability

  • Many cafes, restaurants, and hotels in Portugal offer free Wi-Fi.

  • Public Wi-Fi is also available in some cities, but use a VPN for security.

5. Things to Consider

  • Unlock Your Phone: Ensure your phone is unlocked if you plan to use a Portuguese SIM card.

  • Coverage: Cellular coverage is excellent in urban areas and most rural locations.

  • Data Plans: Portugal has competitive data pricing, often cheaper than in the U.S.