There’s nothing quite like exploring a new country and discovering its hidden gems for yourself.
One of the best ways to do that, especially in Europe, is by rail. It’s usually quick, comfortable, more environmentally friendly than flying, and affordable.
And it just got even cheaper in one of Europe’s most popular countries for American travelers and digital nomads – Portugal.
The Iberian country has just launched a new unlimited monthly rail pass that costs just €49, which works out to about $53 at the time of writing.
Introduced by the national rail company Comboios de Portugal, the National Train Pass covers all journeys on regional trains throughout the country except for inter-regional and urban trains.
The tickets can be purchased from any Comboios de Portugal ticket office, and you will need photo identification to buy one.
Where Can You Explore?
The regional train network in Portugal will allow you to see a lot of the country with this rail pass.
It connects major cities such as the capital Lisbon and Porto in the north, as well as many locations along the rugged and beautiful west coast such as São Martinho do Porto and Aveiro.
There is also a regional train line along the south coast Algarve region taking in popular destinations such as Lagos and Faro.
The Algarve regional line can only be accessed by rail on the Intercidades line from Lisbon, which you will need a different ticket for in addition to the National Train Pass.
You can, however, reach the far north of Portugal on the regional network, making this ticket a great value-for-money method of seeing the best of this sun-drenched nation.
The full regional map is available on the Comboios de Portugal website.
Why Portugal Is Amazing, Especially In The Fall
Vibrant port cities full of history and culture, stunning sunny beaches, and impressive rugged and rocky cliffs – Portugal has a lot to offer the curious traveler.
In the capital city Lisbon, you will find imposing castles and towers such as Castelo de São Jorge and Torre de Belém, as well as the impressive viewing point Elevador de Santa Justa.
The streets here are alive with the hustle and bustle and the odors of delicious coffees and Portuguese custard tarts known as pastel de natas.
It’s an intoxicating city that also has a very lively nightlife, particularly in the Bairro Alto district.
To the north, the city of Porto has a more artsy vibe with street art, sculptures, and museums the order of the day. It’s also the birthplace of fortified wine Port, which is one of the nation’s most famous exports.
Down in the south you will find the Algarve, one of Europe’s favorite holiday destinations.
A long coastline of beautiful beaches and luxurious resorts, the Algarve is one of the best places to visit in fall, thanks to fewer tourists being around and the warm and pleasant temperatures that linger on long into November.
Ocean temperatures around the country remain relatively warm during Fall, particularly in this southern region.
There are also plenty of festivals and events still happening around the country during the Fall, including the Feria de São Mateus in the hilltop town of Viseu in September and the two-week-long National Horse Fair in Golega in November.
A Haven For Digital Nomads
Not only does Portugal have a solid digital nomad visa program with four separate types that can be applied for, it is also regarded as one of the best countries in the world for remote workers.
The country is known for being a cheap place to visit and live, with hotels and Airbnb rentals offering good value.
To attain the Portuguese digital nomad visa, you must earn a minimum income of €3,040 per month (about $3,300).
You can apply for one of four visas depending on how long you intend to stay in the country, but the Short-Term Work Visa is the quickest and easiest for those who only wish to stay in the country temporarily.
