Young individuals aged between 18 and 30 looking to explore Portugal on a tight budget may find the latest offering from the ‘ANDA conhecer Portugal’ program beneficial.
This initiative now allows young people to travel for seven days across the country with “unlimited train travel” via the Comboios de Portugal (CP) network and accommodation for “six nights at Youth Hostels” – “all for free”, as stated on the program’s website.
If interested, individuals can visit the ANDA website and log in using the Digital Mobile Key. Additional information required includes the Tax Identification Number, Citizen Card, postal code, and email – where the voucher necessary for traveling across the country for a week will be sent.
It is important to note that the voucher becomes active two business days after receipt. Train journeys can only be booked after this time, though hostel reservations can be made immediately.
Choose from 30 Hostels Nationwide
Regarding the hostels, there are several details to consider. Firstly, a minimum stay of two nights is required, which means participants can stay in up to three different hostels with the voucher.
Secondly, note that ANDA only covers “individual bed accommodation in a shared room,” meaning a dormitory stay. However, the program allows for an ‘upgrade’ to a private room, with participants paying the difference.
The hostel stay includes breakfast. Reservations can be made after receiving the voucher by visiting the Youth Hostels website (here).
There are 36 such facilities across the country. Note, however, that the hostels in Melgaço, Viseu, Serra da Estrela, Braga, Setúbal, and Arrifana are not included in the program.
Nights Must Be Consecutive
Finally, be aware that the six nights provided by ANDA, as well as the seven days of CP train travel, must be used consecutively. Unused days are forfeited, and the same applies if reservations are made but not utilized.
The voucher allows travel on CP Intercity trains (in 2nd class subject to availability and prior booking), Regional, InterRegional (also in 2nd class), and urban trains in Lisbon, Porto, and Coimbra.
These conditions are valid until July 4, 2026, and the voucher must be requested by the end of this year.
The ‘ANDA conhecer Portugal’ program, launched in 2023 by the government of António Costa, enables young citizens who have completed high school to explore the country for the following two years.
