Extended Sobel family members created special memories during a trip to Portugal.
by Rochelle Sobel
In celebration of a milestone birthday, 20 wonderful family members planned and then joined me on an unforgettable trip to Portugal in December 2025. With the guidance of an outstanding local tour director and a professional bus driver, we traveled to Lisbon, Sintra, Coimbra, Belmonte, Porto, and Obidos, enjoying magnificent scenery and architecture, learning about Portugal’s history and culture, and delighting in its tasty cuisine, most particularly the renowned pastel de nata (cream pastry).
Committed to ASIRT’s “Know before you go” policy, I reviewed ASIRT’s Portugal Road Safety Review (RSR) prior to our departure. The RSR proved invaluable. It outlined road conditions, highlighted potential hazards, and offered recommendations that enabled us to make thoughtful, informed decisions throughout our trip.
As the RSR indicated, Portugal’s urban roads are generally well-constructed and maintained, while those in smaller towns can be steep, narrow, and challenging to navigate. Our driver expertly maneuvered winding inclines, uneven pavement, and hairpin turns — particularly near historic sites. At times, he asked us to disembark and continue on foot because the bus could not pass through the slim, circuitous streets.
Although our driver demonstrated professionalism and strict adherence to traffic laws, we observed other drivers speeding and tailgating. Motorcyclists often zipped past us, weaving swiftly between lanes in ways that felt precarious and unpredictable.
Family members occasionally ventured out independently by train, metro, and city bus. They consistently reported that Portugal’s public transportation was efficient, reliable and felt safe. While Uber rides were generally prompt and affordable, our guide cautioned us that experiences can vary. Some vehicles, she noted, may not be well maintained and some drivers — particularly recent arrivals unfamiliar with local regulations — may not consistently follow traffic laws.
Walking, too, presented challenges. Sidewalks — even in major cities — are often narrow, winding, and steep, punctuated by long flights of uneven steps. The iconic tiled pavements are undeniably beautiful, yet broken or missing stones cause pedestrians to move into the street. In late autumn and winter downpours, the already slick tiles become dangerously slippery.