Bringing Your Dog on a Trip to Portugal
Notifying the local authorities of your pet's arrival is mandatory if you are travelling to Portugal by air from a non-EU country. This holds true for dogs and cats alike, including assistance dogs.
The paperwork for your pet must be sent at least 48 hours before your arrival. The veterinarian examination costs can be roughly €81.04 for two or more pets and €40.52 for one pet, excluding assistance dogs. Visit the government website for additional details, which includes forms and email addresses (use the buttons located in the upper right corner to translate).
Otherwise, dogs travelling to Portugal must follow the same regulations as those in other EU nations. Dogs entering Portugal from another EU nation must also follow the regular regulations, which include having a microchip, a current rabies vaccination, and a pet passport.
Portugal: Eating Out with a Dog
There was a change in the regulations regarding dogs and dining at restaurants and cafés in Portugal. Dogs were strictly prohibited from being brought inside restaurants and cafés when we were there.
Even so, we did find one restaurant in Lisbon that did not have outdoor seating, but they still managed to fit us in by having us sit near the entrance, practically outside. Additionally, there were lots of awnings for dining outside in the rain; however, I'm not sure if there were any outside heaters for colder weather.
Now, nevertheless, as in many other European nations, owners are free to decide whether or not to bring their dogs indoors, provided that they remain outside rooms used for preparing food.
More recent tourists have told me that eating dinner inside with their pets is still not very popular. However, it's always worth enquiring at the door, and it's not against the law if they say yes!
Bringing a Dog on Portuguese Public Transportation
Portugal has a better public transport dog policy than its neighbour, Spain. Larger dogs are frequently permitted on trains and other types of transportation, much like smaller dogs.
But take aware that the following dog breeds are prohibited from using public transit in Portugal because they are seen to be dangerous: Dogo Argentino, American Staffordshire Terrier, Pit Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, Fila Brasileiro, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and Tosa Inu.
Portuguese Trains with Dogs Comboios de Portugal is the company that runs trains in Portugal. Larger dogs on a short leash and wearing a muzzle, as well as small pets in a box, are permitted on most trains, including intercity, regional, and urban trains in Lisbon, Porto, and Coimbra.
Larger dogs travel for free on urban trains, half price on regional and interregional trains, and full price on Alfa Pendular and Intercidades trains. Smaller pets travel for free. Larger dogs additionally require a current licence and immunisation record, which you should carry with you (or perhaps in their pet passport).
Be aware that only little pets up to 10 kg in a box are permitted on the Celta train, which travels from Porto to Vigo in Spain. I'm not sure what is meant by the gadget to "store and remove waste," but the box should measure no more than 60 x 35 x 35 cm.
The sleeper trains that were formerly ended in Lisbon, the Sud Expresso and the Lusitânia Comboio Hotel, ceased operation in March 2020 and have not been reinstituted.
Dogs on Lisbon's Local Transportation
The regulations that are in effect on Lisbon's metro are comparable to those on urban trains. Dogs must be kept in a container or kept on a short leash with a muzzle. Although a ticket is not necessary, you should bring the dog's vaccination history and, if relevant, its municipal licence.
According to the website of Carris, pets are only allowed on their buses and trams in Lisbon if they can fit in an approved carrier and are considered "hand luggage."
Portuguese Long-Distance Buses with Dogs
In Portugal, at least for domestic buses, the regulations governing long-distance transportation are more lenient than in many other nations.
Small dogs in the proper cage are permitted in the passenger section of Rede's coaches in Portugal (except from foreign trips) upon the purchase of an animal ticket. Their carrier should not be larger than 35 x 40 x 26 cm. View the full article here. Rede buses are very well-liked when travelling to the Algarve Coast.
Portugal's Dog-Friendly Accommodations
Based on my investigation into the proportion of pet-friendly hotels in European cities, Lisbon, Portugal, nearly ranked last. Only six percent of hotels have a pet policy listed; Dublin was the only city with a worse rating. That being said, there were still 40 hotels, guesthouses, and bed & breakfasts in the quite substantial 661 total.
We discovered some amazing Airbnbs instead of actually looking for hotels while we were in Portugal. The majority of our accommodations were apartments, one of which was a ground-floor one with a big backyard that was ideal for our dog and located outside of Lisbon.
We also slept in a charming cottage in the Douro Valley, complete with an open fire and surrounded by vineyards. Digging may be required, but there are excellent lodging options that welcome dogs.
Portugal: Dog-Friendly Touring
Think about incorporating a few of these dog-friendly tourism choices into your itinerary while you're in Portgual.
1. Stroll through Lisbon's streets
Although it's hard to choose, Lisbon just edges out as my favourite Portuguese city—possibly because of the gorgeous weather we experienced there.
Don't miss the Miradouro de Recolhimento overlook or the winding lanes of the Alfama district. If you don't want to use the crowded trams, which are best avoided when travelling with a dog, then be ready for a lot of hills.
stayed away from while transporting a dog).
2. In Porto, sample some port
Port, the city-named fortified wine, is closely associated with the northern city of Porto. Go to Vila Nova de Gaia on the Douro River's southern bank to see one of the historically significant port caves and have a sampling.
At the neighborhood's boutique store Augusto's, we had a fun visit and a delectable tasting. We were invited to bring our tiny dog along for the fantastic tour.
Sadly, since then, I've learned from other dog-owning tourists that dogs are no longer permitted inside for indoor tours or port wine tasting rooms. Check again, but maybe try a port wine tasting on one of the riverfront patios that welcomes dogs.
3. Go Through Porto's Luís I Bridge
The Luîs I Bridge is the finest route to stroll between Vila Nova de Gaia and Porto's downtown. This ancient bridge is among Porto's most well-known features.
This arched bridge is unique in that the metro travels on the upper level and a road is located on the lower level. Pedestrians are able to cross on both levels.
The walkway is larger and provides better views on the upper level, while it is narrower on the lower level. Simply carry your dog in our arms or keep them on a short leash.
After that, stroll through Porto's charming, winding lanes and take in the city's numerous old structures.
4. See the Wine Region of the Douro
The renowned Douro wine area grows the famed port wines, along with a range of whites and reds, upstream from Porto.
A good place to start your exploration of the area is the wine museum-equipped village of Peso da Régua. Take a few days to tour vineyards, take scenic drives, and dine at some of the best restaurants in the area. When visiting wineries, it's important to schedule your visit in advance.
We were fortunate that Sandeman's was about to begin a tour for another couple when we dropped by, and our dog was welcome to accompany us.
5. Sample a tart from Portugal
When in Portugal, one must indulge in a Portuguese tart (or two, or more...). In the Lisbon neighbourhood of Belém, Pastéis de Belém is one of the busiest bakeries offering these tarts. Though typically lengthy, the lines move more quickly than you might think.
Most likely, you'll need to temporarily leave your dog outdoors so that you can grab a takeaway box. After that, stroll to Belém Tower or go across the street to the Park de Belém. They're too wonderful, even if it's probably better if you don't share any with your dog!
6. Visit Cascais for the Day
With its numerous palaces, especially the vibrant Pena Palace, Sintra is a popular destination for day visits from Lisbon. Dogs are not allowed anywhere, including in parks, so if you want to go on a dog-friendly day excursion, take the train to the beachfront district of Cascais.
Dogs ride the train for free as long as they are wearing a leash and a muzzle if they aren't in a carrier bag. The train pulls up near the harbour and beach.
Take a stroll around the streets before heading to the parks and coves along the coastline. You may even trek all the way to the natural sea archway known as Boca do Inferno.
7. Spend a Day in Guimarães
A great one-day excursion from Porto is to visit the old Guimarães. The town is recognised as the birthplace of Portugal and is home to numerous well-preserved mediaeval structures.
Perched atop a hill above the town, Guimarães Castle is one of the highlights of a visit. Not that there's much to see, but I think we were allowed to bring our dog inside.
Another quaint spot in the town centre is Oliveira Plaza.
8. Visit the Algarve Beaches
I can't wait to visit the Algarve region again because its beaches are among the best in all of Europe. But what about dogs—are they permitted on beaches?
In Portugal, during the swimming season, dogs are not permitted on "concessioned beaches"—that is, beaches with beach beds and similar features—that are staffed by lifeguards. Depending on the beach, this can begin at any time between Easter and May and persist until October.
On the other hand, dogs should be permitted all year round at beaches that are not concessioned and where the local municipality has not posted any signs banning them. But I've heard that there are signs restricting dogs on a lot of the beaches in the Algarve region, and these beaches are usually hard to get to.
Some of the few beaches that are dog-friendly all year round are Praia do Barranquinho, Praia do Martinhal, and Praia do Pinhao, according to reports I've received from other tourists. Therefore, take your dog to one of these beaches, or visit the Algarve's beaches during the off-season, such the frequently warm months of March and April.
Two dog beaches—North Sand Portinho Beach in Peniche, north of Lisbon, and Coral Beach in Viana do Castelo, on the far northern coast—have opened in response to the country's growing demand for them. Maybe the Algarve coast will soon have a dog beach declared?
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