Brits in Portugal

🇵🇹 Upcoming public holidays in Portugal this June

A quick heads-up that there are two important public holidays coming up next week:

✨ 10 June – Portugal Day (Dia de Portugal)
A national holiday celebrating Portuguese culture, history and communities across the world. It marks the anniversary of the death of Luís de Camões (1580), one of Portugal’s greatest poets and a central figure in Portuguese culture and identity.

🎉 13 June – Santo António (Lisbon only)
Lisbon celebrates its patron saint with the famous Festas de Santo António! Expect lively street parties, grilled sardines, music, and busy streets across the city centre. The main celebrations take place across Lisbon’s historic neighbourhoods — especially Alfama, Graça, Mouraria and Bairro Alto — with the highlight parade (Marchas Populares) along Avenida da Liberdade.

✅ If you're planning appointments, travel, or official business, it’s worth checking opening hours in advance.

Enjoy the celebrations! 🇬🇧🇵🇹

Using an Uber or Bolt are great options to get about in Portugal, but be wise and safe before starting your trip.

Follow the safety tips below to enjoy your rides with peace of mind.

For more information visit: 🔗 https://travelaware.campaign.gov.uk/

Three very special days that will stay with us 🇬🇧🇵🇹

From Lisbon to Porto, Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh were welcomed with warmth and pride, celebrating a friendship that has endured for over six hundred years.

Here are some of the moments we will treasure for a long time to come 📸

A perfect finale to a historic visit 🇵🇹🇬🇧

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh were presented with the Keys to the City of Porto by the Mayor, one of its highest honours, before heading to Oporto British School porto British School, where His Royal Highness met the next generation of Duke of Edinburgh's Award participants. A school with deep royal roots: both Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip visited before them.

At the Factory House, Their Royal Highnesses discovered the story of the British merchants who helped shape Porto's identity, a living testament to centuries of trade and friendship between two nations.

At the Porto Cathedral, Isabel Stilwell - Escritora/Jornalista brought the origins of the alliance vividly to life on a guided tour. It was within these ancient walls that King João I and Philippa of Lancaster were married over 600 years ago, sealing the bond between two nations that endures to this day.

The visit ended in style. First at Casa da Música, where the resident Baroque Orchestra and young dancers from Desporto no Bairro filled the iconic concert hall with music and movement. Then, across the river in Vila Nova de Gaia, a tour of Graham's Port Lodge brought the day and the visit to a warm and memorable close.

Obrigado, Portugal. Here's to the next 640 years 🥂✨

A second day celebrating what unites our two nations - past, present and future 🇵🇹🇬🇧

While His Royal Highness spent the morning at St. Julian's School - joining a tile painting session with Cercica , meeting athletes and representatives from the Paralímpicos, and connecting with The Duke of Edinburgh's Award participants - Her Royal Highness joined university students at Model NATO, speaking about Women, Peace and Security and hearing about their hopes for the future. A morning full of talent, creativity and ambition.

At TEKEVER, Their Royal Highnesses saw the UK & Portugal’s modern partnership in action - driving innovation, creating skilled jobs and contributing to international security efforts. They saw flight technology demonstrations, saw an Unmanned Aircraft System assembled by a joint team, and had the opportunity to experience piloting a drone.

The day ended at Mosteiro da Batalha, where history spoke for itself. A wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. A tribute to King João I and Philippa of Lancaster, whose marriage over 600 years ago cemented the oldest continuous alliance in the world.

Bem-vindos a Portugal! 🇵🇹🇬🇧

Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh arrived in Portugal for a visit marking the 640th anniversary of the Treaty of Windsor.

The three-day visit began at the Arquivo Nacional da Torre do Tombo, where the original Portuguese and English copies of the Treaty of Windsor were displayed side by side, a powerful symbol of the world’s oldest diplomatic alliance.

This was followed by a welcome in Lisbon by Mayor Carlos Moedas and an opportunity to visit the Jardim da Estrela and experience the charm of the capital aboard one of its iconic yellow trams.

The day concluded with a Garden Party, bringing together charities, NGOs and social enterprises with links to the UK, celebrating the people-to-people connections that continue to strengthen the alliance and reflect the shared values of both countries.

🚨 Planned Nationwide Strike in Portugal – 3 June

A nationwide strike is planned for Wednesday, 3 June, which is expected to cause disruption across the country. You may experience delays or interruptions to air, land and maritime networks. Public services, including healthcare, schools and other government operations will also be affected.

What you can do:
✈️ Check your travel plans
Confirm your flight status directly with your airline before travelling.
Allow extra time for getting to the airport and for check-in and security

🕒 Plan ahead
Expect delays or reduced availability of public transport and services
Consider alternative travel arrangements where possible

💊 Prepare for essentials
Carry any essential medication with you
Bring snacks, water and a portable charger in case of delays

🏥 If you rely on services
Plan ahead for any medical or administrative needs that may be affected

📲 Stay informed
Follow updates from Portuguese authorities for the latest developments

Happy Children’s Day from Portugal! 🇵🇹

Today (1 June), Portugal celebrates Dia da Criança — a special day dedicated to recognising children’s rights, wellbeing and happiness.

While the UK marks Universal Children’s Day later in the year (20 November), and other countries celebrate on different dates, the message is the same everywhere: children deserve to feel safe, supported and valued.

To all the families across Portugal, and our British community here — we hope you have a joyful and fun-filled Children’s Day! 🎈

Last week, in collaboration with Afpop Portugal, we held the second session of our Planning Your Future in Portugal seminar, themed “You’re never too young to plan for older age.”

The event took place in the beautiful Museu do Traje - São Brás de Alportel and, once again, we were delighted to welcome an almost full house.

Our guest speakers shared valuable expertise and practical insights on a range of topics — from staying safe, to financial planning and adapting your home for the future.

Feedback from attendees highlighted the value of the session, with many saying they plan to seek further information or review their current arrangements as a result.

A big thank you to all the guest speakers and Afpop for their time, support and willingness to share their knowledge.

🌟 Heading north this June? Here’s what’s on in Porto

If you’re planning a trip or short break to northern Portugal, June is a fantastic time to visit — with major festivals featuring UK artists and international headliners:

🎤 North Music Festival (5–7 June | Maia, Porto)
Just outside Porto, this popular festival will feature British band The Cure among its headline performances.
👉 Find out more - https://www.northmusicfestival.com/cartaz

🎶 Primavera Sound Porto (11–14 June)
A world-class music festival with a strong international line-up, including UK acts such as IDLES and Slowdive.
👉 View line-up & tickets - https://www.primaverasound.com/en/porto

Stay safe & plan ahead>
✔ Keep personal belongings secure in crowded spaces
✔ Leave your passport safely at home
✔ Plan transport in advance, especially late at night
✔ Follow local guidance and event security instructions

These festivals are a great opportunity to explore Porto and the wider north — combining live music, culture and travel in one trip.

Primavera Sound Porto Primavera Sound Porto