  
SURFING HOLIDAYS IN PORTUGAL'S PORTO E NORTE REGION
HEALTH & SAFETY INFORMATION
The Porto e Norte region of portugal has very few health issues to be concerned about. No inoculations are needed and the health infrastructure is of a good standard.
DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE
Portugal has the highest road accident rate in Europe. The standard of both road building and driving is much lower than in Northen European countries, and you need to be continually alert and cautious. Be especially aware of vehicles suddenly emerging from side roads, and of maniac overtaking.
ZERO TOLERANCE
High-profile police patrols are becoming ever more vigilant and ever less tolerant of bad driving, speeding and drink driving. You also risk heavy penalties if you break the law and quite honestly there is no need to be driving like an ***hole, you're on holiday, relax, enjoy the surroundings and if you party, get a taxi or designated driver to drive you.
SUNBURN
You can get sunburned quickly and seriously, even through clouds. Try to avoid getting roasted by scathing ultraviolet. Use a sunscreen with a high Sun Protection Factor (We recommend SPF 45), wear a hat or baseball cap when not in the water and use sun block on your nose and lips. Calamine lotion and aloe vera are good for mild sunburn. Protect your eyes with good-quality UV sunglasses, particularly when you're on the beach and near the water.
5 basic things to remember:
1. Whenever possible wear a hat/baseball cap.
2. Use sun block/sunscreen, get a SPF 45 for your face and arms.
3. Find some shade during the middle of the day
4. Wear polarized sun glasses.
5. Try and 'cover up' when not in the water.
MEDICAL
EU residents need a stamped E-111 from their home country to certify that they are entitled to free or reduced cost health care. The medical services below are listed for information purposes only, are without any responsibility and do not act as a form of recommendation by Zoco.
ESPINHO
Hospital: Nossa Senhora Ajuda
Address: Rua 37, 4502-860 Espinho
Telephone: 227331130 Fax: 227348549
PORTO
Clinic: Centro de Saúde do Bonfim - Porto
Address: Av. Rodrigues de Freitas, 108, 4000-416 Porto
Telephone: 22 537 90 38/9 / 22 510 59 17 / 22 510 35 12
Fax: 225 10 35 12
SECURITY
Theft from cars, locked or otherwise, is increasingly common. Don't leave documents and valuables in the car. Common sense security measures should be enough, be a cautious as you are at home, and when you go out, be sure to lock up.
WATER QUALITY
While things are drastically improving, some of the urban surf spots have a pollution problem and occasionally the local council will close a beach. A group of local surfers from the Minho are setting up a branch of the Surfrider Foundation here and hopefully things will only get better.
Back to top
|
