ECOTOURISM
Portugal's diverse geography nurtures a wide variety of plant and animal life. A commitment to the preservation of its ecosystem has led Portugal to establish several natural and national parks throughout the country where scenic hiking, rambling, cycling, climbing and bird-watching are common activities. The islands of Madeira and the Azores are havens of unspoiled natural beauty, ideal for all types of outdoor activity.

ELECTRICITY
The voltage in Portugal is 220 AC, 50 cycles. American plugs do not fit Portuguese outlets, but adaptors and transformers are available at many electrical shops.

EMERGENCY
The national emergency number for police (polícia), fire (bombeiros), ambulance (ambulância) and first-aid services is 112. Urgent hospital treatment is on hand at the casualty department (serviço de urgência), while communication on motorways and major roads can be made via the orange SOS telephone network. In Lisbon, the British Hospital has English-speaking doctors and specialists. The Portuguese national health service is generally adequate, with all hospitals providing efficient multi-lingual staff for all kinds of specialised medical care. Medical and social agreements with international insurance companies and other entities provide free hospital treatment.