When you want to see Europe’s most charming place, all roads lead to Portugal! This is a country of dramatic sights, majestic landscapes, and wine that will blow your taste buds away. A trip to Portugal means unveiling a completely different world where old wine cellars and scenic strolls along the vibrant streets take center stage. And the people are really friendly!
Every corner of the city has its story, and it brings a certain dose of magic. In short, it is a place like no other, and visiting it would probably be one of the most spectacular experiences you will ever have. So, let’s explore Portugal together and see what your future trip holds for you!
We understand that trip planning can be challenging, so we have created a quick Portugal travel guide to help you navigate the country better for a dream vacation. Once you go through it, you will know exactly how to manage your travels and how to spend your time there. Portugal is meant to be enjoyed to the fullest, so we offer you the chance for an unforgettable adventure with specific details that will make your traveling easier.
Exploring Portugal
Portugal’s diversity is simply unmatched! It is a place for everyone because there is something for each taste. From expansive beaches and marvelous ocean views to unique cafes and gorgeous landmarks, the country offers thrilling experiences that will make you forget all about your busy life. It is characterized by a Mediterranean climate, which means mild temperatures throughout the year. Whatever season you choose to visit Portugal will not be a mistake, but summer might be the most pleasant time to explore its cities.
The Breakdown
When you want a stress-free travel plan, a quick Portugal travel guide will always be handy. This is a short representation of what to expect from your travels and how to plan your trip the most efficiently.
| Category | Notes |
| Country | Portugal |
| Continent | Europe |
| Major Airport | Porto Airport (OPO) and Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS) |
| Flight time from JFK | 7 hrs Flying from the East Coast (average direct) |
| Flight time from LAX | 12 hrs and 50 min Flying from the West Coast (average direct) |
| Timezone | GMT (UTC+1) Continental Portugal and Madeira (UTC) timezone |
| Weather (range) | 69 F January – March = 58.8 F April – June = 63.5 F July – September = 67.1 F October – December = 60.0 F |
| Warmest month | July |
| Coldest month | January |
| Rainy season | November and December |
| High season | June to August A lot of sunny and warm days perfect for the beach, plenty of festivals, numerous cultural activities, events, and a lively atmosphere in each city |
| Low season | November to March Prices are lower, fewer crowds, shorter work hours at museums and other landmarks, and fewer live performances around the country |
| Best time to go | March-May Pleasant weather; the country wakes up from the winter |
| Major Events | Portugal’s Carnival The most popular event in the country, characterized by numerous parades, great music, and delightful food |
| Thing to note | – Even on the hottest day, the ocean water is cold; – Walking shoes are a must due to the steep and narrow streets everywhere around Portugal; – Summer nights are usually chilly and windy, so take a light jacket every time you explore areas during the evenings; – Portuguese tiles (azulejos) are the best souvenirs – Visit during the off-season to avoid crowds |
| Currency | The Euro (EUR) |
| Language | Portuguese English |
| Culture | Art, music, wine, seafood |
| Outdoor life | Outdoor markets, hiking trails, beaches, city strolls, festivals |
| Best way to get around | Bus, Train, or Uber |
| Driving | The same as the U.S. Cars drive on the right side of the road |
| Visa Requirements | No requirement, if visiting for 90 days or less |
| Vaccine Requirements | None |
| Electricity | Bring European Adapter |
How to Plan a Vacation in Portugal?
Portugal is one of the best countries for a vacation, whether relaxing or adrenaline-filled. So, whatever your idea of a perfect holiday, you can have it in this gorgeous place!
If you want to see the best of the country, you should opt to visit Lisbon and Porto. These are major cities that offer unique experiences. Going from one city to another is very easy, meaning you will easily reach your destinations.
Both Lisbon and Porto have big airports with a lot of international flights, so it is quite convenient to travel to either of them. You should visit the capital first and explore its culture, history, and architecture. Then, you can head to Porto to experience local life in diverse cafes and restaurants.
Both cities have magnificent beaches, so you can have perfect beach days in combination with city exploration. It’s a great place for diverse vacations that include both adventure and relaxation.
What to Do
Designed to ease up your trip around the country, we’ve included some must-see attractions for the best experience. When you try to figure out what to do in Portugal, consider these ideas as your guidelines.
• Visit Torre de Belem in LisbonÂ
Torre de Belem is one of the most popular attractions in the capital. It offers majestic views of the ocean and is the ideal place to learn about Portugal’s history. Numerous cafes and restaurants are nearby, giving you an inside look at local life and how the Portuguese spend their days.
• Explore Praca do Comercio in Lisbon Â
Praca do Comercio is a place you can’t omit when you visit Lisbon. Even though it is a major tourist hub, it is one of the most vibrant areas in Portugal’s capital. It is the best place to try local food and do some shopping during your stay.
• Take a Stroll Down The Douro River in PortoÂ
When you visit Porto, do not miss out on the chance to explore the surroundings of the Douro River. Alongside, you will find a lot of cafes accompanied by marvelous views. For the best experience, pass the bridge on the river on foot and get to the other side of it. It will be a lot of walking, but it’s completely worth it!
• Enjoy a Sunset at Jardim do Morro
One of the most astonishing experiences in Porto is witnessing the sunset at Jardim do Morro. This is a place where locals gather before the sun sets and enjoy live music with amazing views. Take some drinks with you and enjoy the breathtaking scenery to the fullest.
• Savor the Scenic Views at Jardins do Palácio de Cristal in Porto
Jardins do Palácio de Cristal is one of the most incredible parks. It has a large avenue called Avenida das TÃlias where there are book fairs, music concerts and activities for families where most activities are free. You can take your time enjoying the beautiful view overlooking the Duoro River and
Discover Charm
When traveling from Lisbon to Porto, you must stop at this small beach town of Nazare. It’s known for being Portugal’s most famous fishing village and home to the worlds biggest waves. You can visit while passing by for lunch or spend the whole day.
Don’t worry if you’re in the mood to chill, the atmosphere is laidback with fresh fish restaurants, picturesque views and endless history and architecture.
On top of the hill you’ll find Ermida da Memoria, a small chapel with traditional Portugese tile and the story of Dom Fuas’ sighting of the Virgin Mary. Across the square from the chapel, The Church of Nossa Senhora da Nazaré was built in 1377 by King Fernando I of Portugal.
Things to Note
These are important tips in our Portugal travel guide that will make your travels easier. If you decide to visit Portuguese beaches, do not expect to do a lot of swimming. The ocean is cold even during the warmest summer months, meaning it is not convenient for long swims.
Also, remember to wear light sweaters and jackets or a soft cozy wrap because summer nights can be chilly. Opt for comfortable walking shoes and leave those high heels at home. Portuguese streets are steep, and walking them in heels will practically feel like an extreme sport! Finally, try to always have cash on you – it may come as a surprise, but the country isn’t as credit card-friendly as you’d imagine.
In conclusion
Portugal is one of the most scenic and friendly countries in Europe and it is certainly worth visiting. It is a place where you can plan a vacation according to your preferences and explore areas you are interested in. Whether you want to spend your days relaxing, go on as many adventures as possible, or a little bit of both, know that you can truly have it all! Hopefully, this Portugal travel guide will help you plan your desired trip!
If you would like to see more exclusives of our work smart strategies, self-care tips, and travel hacks, subscribe to our newsletter.
