DISABLED VISITORS
Lifts and ramps are an increasingly common feature in buildings throughout Portugal. More and more hotels have rooms adapted for disabled people. All public transport used on urban routes have four seats reserved for people with walking difficulties, but there is no access for users of wheelchairs. The blind may travel with their dogs if they are on a leash and wear a muzzle. They can also travel with their dogs at no extra cost. The Lisbon underground is not accessible to those with physical difficulties although newer stations have passenger lifts and better access. Some rent-a-car companies have automatic and specially-adapted vehicles available for hire.

DISTANCES
Portugal is not a large country in comparison with other European countries such as France and Spain. Therefore, travelling distances are not too laborious and most destinations are reachable in just a few hours. The distance between the two main cities of Lisbon and Oporto is 314 km, which takes about 3 hours on the A1 motorway. Faro is a similar distance away from the capital.

DRIVING
The rules of the road in Portugal are the same as other European countries. All traffic circulates on the right and in addition to any speed limits indicated on signs, drivers of cars and motorcycles are subject to the following speed limits: 50 kph (37 mph) in cities and built up areas, 90 kph (55 mph) on normal roads and a respective minimum and maximum speed of 50 kph and 120kph (75 mph) on motorways. It is against the law to drive under the influence of alcohol and this is considered as having a blood alcohol level of 0.5 grams/litre or more. All traffic signals are in accordance with international standards and vehicles approaching from the right have priority, except when traffic signs indicate to the contrary. The use of a safety belt is always compulsory on both the front and rear seats, except for vehicles not originally fitted with rear seat belts. Drivers must always carry a legal identification document, a valid national or international driving licence (both with photographs), a car registration document or equivalent, proof of ownership of the vehicle and a valid insurance certificate. Please note that drivers must give right of way to vehicles already circulating on a roundabout. Tolls are payable on most stretches of motoreway.