So that’s it, you’ve decided to drop everything for the Portuguese sunshine, grilled sardines and 80-cent coffee. Excellent choice. But before you picture yourself sipping your vinho verde on a Lisbon terrace, there’s a small detail you’d better not skip: your health. Yes, I know, it’s less sexy than the cliffs of the Algarve, but trust me, it’s better to take care of your vaccines before they take care of you.

Mandatory vaccines (and those that are highly recommended)

Let’s start with the good news: no vaccine is mandatory to enter or settle in Portugal. No jab at the airport, no sci-fi-style health check.

But… (because there’s always a “but”)… some basic vaccines are strongly recommended, especially if you plan to stay for a while or wander off the beaten track.

Here’s the health checklist for the new Portuguese expat. Universal vaccination up to date — diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis (the famous DTP). If your last booster dates back to the Walkman era, it’s time to get another one. Whooping cough and hepatitis B, included in the basic vaccination schedule, but double-check anyway because whooping cough isn’t just a funny name. Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), if you were born before the 1980s, you might need a little catch-up. Hepatitis A, recommended if you plan to eat everywhere, all the time (and you will, don’t lie). A bad-tempered oyster or a dodgy petisco can quickly ruin your stay. Typhoid fever, mostly for those staying long term or living in the countryside, but you never know.

In short, a quick visit to your doctor before you leave, a dusted-off vaccination record, and you’re ready to face the world (or at least the café terrace around the corner).

Portugal isn’t a tropical jungle (but sometimes it almost is)

We tend to imagine that Europe is calm when it comes to creepy-crawlies. And generally, that’s true. But in recent years, the tiger mosquito has decided it wanted holidays in Portugal too.

So a few cases of local dengue in the south of the country, especially in the Algarve region and Madeira (dengue has good taste, it likes beautiful places) have been reported.

Moral of the story => Take a strong repellent (the one that smells a bit like napalm, yes), wear long clothes in the evening and avoid turning yourself into an open-air buffet at sunset.

For the rest, no malaria, no yellow fever, no killer snakes: just a bit of common sense and an anti-mosquito spray, and you should survive.

Portuguese sun, bliss or heatstroke?

The real danger here isn’t rabies (although it still exists, a little, among some wild animals), but the sun. Portugal isn’t just “hot”, it’s “melt-your-face hot” in summer.

You think your tan will be stunning, but in reality, you’ll mostly discover the shade “rosy lobster” and the joys of Biafine cream.

A few survival rules: use SPF 50 sunscreen, non-negotiable, a hat (even if you think it’s lame) and stay hydrated, because Super Bock doesn’t count.

And beware, the sun burns even when the wind blows: it’s actually Portugal’s number-one trick. You don’t feel it, but you’re roasting. And I assure you, I got burnt in April, under a very shy sun. The worst sunburns of my life.

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Doctors, hospitals and little aches and pains

You’ll be glad to know that the Portuguese healthcare system is quite good — a bit slower than in France sometimes, but efficient.

Basic care is accessible, and if you’re a European citizen, you can use your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to get treated without going broke.

But to settle down for good, think about taking out local or international health insurance (public waiting times can be long), and choosing a family doctor as soon as you have your Portuguese social security number.

And for minor ailments? Portuguese pharmacies are institutions. You’ll spot the flashing green crosses on every street corner. The pharmacist will happily recommend a spray, an ointment or a miracle herbal tea, all with a smile and a charming accent.

Food, water and other digestive adventures

Good news: tap water is drinkable throughout the country. No need to lug around packs of bottled water as if you were going on an expedition.

As for food, Portugal is a paradise for food lovers, but beware, there are a few traps: seafood is excellent, but sometimes a bit cheeky. Avoid oysters in the height of summer; hearty dishes (feijoada, cozido, bacalhau com natas…) are delicious, but watch out for cholesterol and the mandatory post-meal nap. And finally, the coffee is so strong it could bring a statue back to life — go easy at first.

Little health bonuses, the things you don’t think about

Allergies? Portugal is also the land of pollen and olive trees. If you’re the type to sneeze just by looking at a flower, pack your antihistamines.

Pets: if you’re coming with your cat or dog, you’ll need a European pet passport, a microchip and up-to-date vaccines (including rabies).

Flu shot: useful if you’re staying over winter — Portuguese houses aren’t always very well insulated, and a chill can catch you quickly.

So it’s easy to go to and stay in Portugal!

Settling in Portugal is a sunny, deliciously relaxed adventure. But behind the charm of the azulejos and the sunsets, there’s one reality: your body has to keep up.

A quick check-up, a few vaccine boosters, a loyal mosquito repellent and a good sunscreen, and you’re ready to live your best Lusitanian life.

And honestly, between us, better a little jab in France than a big hassle in Faro hospital in the middle of August, right?

L.R.