The practical details.

September in the Algarve is bright and sunny — expect 9 to 10 hours of direct sun per day. Temperatures typically range from highs of 26–28°C (79–82°F) with nightly lows around 17–18°C (63–64°F).

The sun will feel much hotter than the temperature reads. The UV index is high and humidity is moderate.

Bring a sun hat (or two). Apply SPF before you head out and carry it with you to reapply. SPF and aloe vera are available at all grocery stores and farmácias. Always have your sunglasses. Stay hydrated.

The majority of the wedding will take place outdoors at 3 Quintas. The grounds are grassy with a constant ocean breeze.

Avoid stiletto-style heels on the grass. Bring layers for the evening — the breeze is cooler than expected after dark.

Most importantly: bring your dancing shoes and your appetite.

There is a tipping culture in Portugal, but it is much more modest than in the US. A small gesture is appreciated — for example, rounding up the bill or leaving a Euro or two on a 40€ meal.

Tipping in coins left on the table is the most common practice, though some restaurants will accept it on the card as well. There is no expectation of the 15–20% range that is standard in the US.

When seated at a restaurant, the server may bring a basket of bread with oil, olives, cheese, or a small spread. This is called a "couvert" and you will be charged for it if you eat it. If you do not want it, politely decline and they will take it away. There are no complimentary starters.

When you order water, specify still or sparkling and large or small. It will be bottled water and charged to your tab. Tap water is not served.

Menus are listed in Portuguese first. The English version (usually marked with a UK flag) is at the back of the menu or next to the Portuguese text. Most servers can tell if someone is Portuguese or not and will offer the appropriate menu.

Many restaurants close mid-afternoon and reopen for dinner service around 18:00 or later. There are several UK-style pubs that cater to foreigners and keep midday hours. This is a great reason to have an Airbnb — shop at the grocer or mercado for snacks, or prepare a midday meal while you rest between adventures.

At 13:00 every day you will hear a siren in Tavira — this signals lunchtime. Most shops will close for an hour or longer for lunch and siesta.

Culturally, people do not walk around with coffee or food to go. Coffees are had at the café, enjoyed with company.

When you order a coffee, you will be served an espresso. A cup of coffee is an americano (espresso with hot water). Lattes and cappuccinos are mostly served only in the morning.

There are plenty of snack bars and restaurants to stop in for a quick bite or tapas, or to enjoy a full meal. Cafés open for coffee around 08:00. You will not find a traditional "bacon and eggs" breakfast at any café or restaurant.

WhatsApp — Free international messaging that runs over WiFi.

Revolut — An international banking app. Connect your bank account and receive a physical card in the mail. You can convert USD to Euros in the app at the market exchange rate, then swipe your Revolut card anywhere in Europe without conversion fees. Order the card well in advance of travel.

Uber — Useful for airport transfers and local transport. Download it before you travel.

Omio — Helpful for booking trains, buses, and some flights within Portugal, Spain, and the EU.

Google Translate — Incredibly useful. The Google Lens feature can translate food labels, signs, and menus in real time through your camera.

US cash is not accepted as currency in Portugal, including for gratuity. If you plan to carry cash, it must be in Euros.

When using US credit cards, you will be charged the USD equivalent plus a conversion fee from the merchant. A Revolut card avoids these fees.

The smallest Euro bill is 5€. Coins include 2€, 1€, 0.50€, and smaller. Bring a coin purse — you will use coins frequently.

Clear international travel with your phone carrier and credit card companies before departure.

A little Portuguese goes a long way. The Portuguese are extremely polite and it is deeply embedded in their culture.

It is important to greet shopkeepers, servers, taxi drivers, and anyone you interact with. Say "Olá" followed by the appropriate greeting — "Bom dia" (good morning) or "Boa tarde" (good afternoon) — to show respect for the culture.

US citizens may need an ETIAS travel authorization to enter the EU. Check the requirements and complete the process before departure. Your passport must be valid for at least one year beyond your travel dates.

You should also review the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) — a separate digital border registration that may apply to your trip. Both ETIAS and EES are important to review before traveling.

Portugal uses European-style plugs (Type C and F). Order a universal adapter before you travel — you will need it for phone chargers, laptops, hair tools, and anything else you plug in.

For anything not covered here, reach out to Cassandra Delfortrie via WhatsApp at +1.781.922.2068 or by email at cass@voxsolis.com. Please note that the phone number is WhatsApp only.