Portugal Travel Guide

One of Europe’s oldest extant nations, Portugal’s landscape is crowned with castles and dramatic walled towns. Then there’s the mountains and beautiful broad beaches; the hearty homecooked food and world-class wine (when you travel to Portugal, you’ll most likely be struck by how affordable it is).

The information that follows is from The Rough Guide to Portugal, our in-depth Portugal travel guide - check it out for your all your Portugal travel needs.

Travel Facts about Portugal

• Language - Portuguese, which has ten unique dialects.
• Currency - the Euro (€)
• Geography - including the perimeter of its islands, Portugal boasts 1793 kilometres of coastline. Its only neighbour is Spain.
• Population - ten million, with ten times more Portuguese living overseas, the bulk of these in Brazil.
• Exports - Portugal is the world’s eighth largest producer of wine and supplies fifty percent of the world’s cork.
• History and heritage - Portugal is home to an impressive twelve UNESCO World Heritage sites, including towns like Évora and Guimarães.

For more facts about Portugal travel, read our full tips about travelling in Portugal article.

Where to go in Portugal - Regions and Areas

From the picture-perfect Algarve, to historic cities that combine old-time charm with contemporary buzz, to the green north, travel to Portugal serves up a rewarding range of landscapes and experiences across its regions.

Algarve

The south-facing coast of the Algarve is the country’s tourist epicentre – it’s here you’ll find the archetypal Portuguese cove beaches, fringed by rock stacks and cliffs. If it is beaches you are after, you have almost the entire west coast of the to choose from.

Alentejo

The south of the country is dominated by the Alentejo region, whose wide-open spaces, olive plantations and vineyards invite leisurely exploration. Here you’ll find a Mediterranean-type climate, whitewashed villages bedecked with flowers.

Lisbon and Around

Thanks to its waterfront location and quirky attractions that combine a place-that-time-forgot feel with a modern vibrancy, Lisbon is a fascinating place to spend a few days. Its hills and cobbled alleys are still served by ancient trams that rattle along streets. Nearby, the UNESCO heritage site of Sintra enjoys a cool mountainside location, which made it a favoured summer destination for Portugal’s royals.

Porto and the north

The north of Portugal feels far less Mediterranean - the rolling hills are green and lush, and the coastline cooler. At the far north of the Porto e Norte district lie the remote towns and villages of Trás-os-Montes, while to the west Peneda-Gerês is Portugal’s only national park, a verdant landscape of wooded mountains and gushing streams.

Rising up from the banks of the river Douro, Porto, is Portugal’s second city, and wonderfully atmospheric, particularly around the Ribeira, with colourful buildings lining the waterfront. For those looking for sunbathing, there are also a few beaches near Porto.

Top Attractions - What to see in Portugal

Here’s a selection of famous landmarks, attractions and places in Portugal everyone should see in a lifetime - places that’ll hands down enhance your Portugal travel experience.

• Cais da Ribeira, Porto - awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status for obvious reasons; charaterful line the riverside; medieval streets invite exploration.
• Sintra - one of Portugal’s major attractions with UNESCO World Heritage kudos; a hilltop town of lavish palaces and gorgeous gardens
• Alfama - Lisbon’s oldest quarter is an atmospheric tangle of narrow alleys.
• Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerê - Portugal's only national park offers alluring trails past gushing streams and alpine scenery.
• Praia da Bordeira - a secluded, beautiful Algrave beach backed by dunes and rugged hills, with a lagoon for kids to splash in, plus great surf.

Discover more great places to see in our ultimate list of things not to miss in Portugal.

Best things to do in Portugal

Adventure activities

Internationally famed for its beaches, golf courses and tennis centres, Portugal also has an ideal climate for a variety of adventure activities, with many regions now offering paragliding, abseiling, rafting, canyoning, caving, mountain biking and 4WD expeditions. There’s most scope in the mountain areas - notably the Serra da Estrela and Peneda-Gerês parks - and on the major rivers (Douro, Mondego and Zêzere), but many of the smaller nature parks and reserves also have local adventure outfits.

Swimming, surfing and windsurfing

Chances are, when you visit Portugal you’ll make time to enjoy some of its amazing coastline. The Algarve has the country’s most popular sandy beaches, many of them sheltered in coves – and the sea is warmest on the eastern Algarve. The western coast has some stupendous stretches of beach, but they face the full brunt of the Atlantic Ocean, making for great surfing ad wind-surfing opportunities - Portugal travel at its most exhilarating. The more protected west coast of the Algarve is excellent for beginners and experienced surfers alike - don’t miss giving it a go when you travel to Portugal.

Hiking and walking

While Portugal only has one national park - the Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês in the north -over forty other protected areas offer incredible walks. Special mention must be made of the lesser-trodden trails of the highest mountains in Portugal - taking in historic villages, waterfalls, windswept rocky plateaus and stupendous views, routes in the Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela are a must-visit for adventurous hikers who visit Portugal. You might want to hire a local Portugal guide with hiking know-how.

Some of Portugal’s other dramatic walking landscapes include the limestone caves of the Serras de Aire e Candeeiros, the island hideaway of the Ilha Berlenga (reached from Peniche), and the lagoons, dunes and marshes of the Ria Formosa.

Culture, history and traditional entertainment

Whichever region you choose when you visit Portugal, you won’t be short of historic sights to soak up. From Alfama, Lisbon’s ancient heart, with its Moorish castle, to the sparsely inhabited medieval village of Monsaraz. Located near the Spanish border, it sits high above a plain of vineyards and olive groves, with a stunning castle, and charming streets speckled with handicraft shops.

Meanwhile, medieval charm awaits in Coimbra, one of the best places to travel in Portugal for history and contemporary culture. Home to Portugal’s oldest university, the old town exudes old world charm, and a liveliness generated by the student population, with plenty of opportunities to hear fado music - listening to this moving, melancholic traditional song accompanied by guitars is a Portugal travel highlight.

Meander markets

Most large towns have a daily municipal market to pick up fresh meat, fish, fruit, veg and bread, and these are often supplemented by a larger weekly affair, where you’ll also be able to buy clothes, shoes, ceramics, baskets, flowers, and a million-and-one other things you never knew you needed. Shopping in these markets is a wonderful way to experience Portuguese life, and pick up supplies and gifts to take home.

The best flea market in the country is Lisbon’s Feira da Ladra (held on Tuesday and Saturday), while the small town of Barcelos comes alive on Thursdays with one of the best open-air markets in Europe, held since medieval times. If you’re looking to take home some of the loucas de Barçelos, (local white and yellow pottery), traditional basketry and other crafts, you’re in the right place here - it’s a memorable highlight of any Portugal trip.

When is the best time to visit Portugal?

If you’re wondering what’s the best month to go to Portugal, the good news is that one of Portugal’s perks is its year-round sunshine. Although the winter months can be a little chilly, average daytime temperatures are still around 16 degrees. Overall, the best time to travel to Portugal is during late spring (March to May) when it’s warming up, and early autumn (September to October) when the searing heat is losing its edge.

Find out more about the best time to visit Portugal.

How to get to Portugal

You can fly direct to Lisbon, Faro and Porto from airports around the UK and Ireland and from all over Europe, also from New York in the US and Toronto in Canada. Alternatively, you could consider a combination of driving, rail travel and ferry. Although this could work out more expensive than flying, it’s a great way to see more of the landscape, not to mention leaving a smaller carbon footprint.

Read on for the best ways to get to Portugal.

How to get around Portugal

An essential part of any Portugal travel guide is arming travellers with a few pointers about getting around. If you’re wondering how to travel around Portugal, be assured that it’s pretty easy and cheap by bus or by train. Bear in mind, though, that stations can be some distance from a town - worth knowing if you travel to Portugal for an off-the-beaten-track trip. As for driving, roads are pretty good, although some rural roads provide a teeth-juddering ride. A top bit of Portugal travel advice is to avoid driving around packed popular resort regions in summer.

Learn more about transportation and how to get around Portugal.

Where to stay in Portugal?

When considering where to stay in Portugal, you’ll find accommodation is relatively low cost compared with other western countries, although Lisbon and Porto are pricier, as are resorts on the Algarve in summer. Pousadas are some of the most charming best places to stay in Portugal. Usually located in historic buildings, and with facilities and service often matching five-star hotels, these make for a memorable Portugal travel experience.

Discover how to find the best accommodation in Portugal.

Food in Portugal you need to try

Food in Portugal tends towards the simple and traditional, with meat usually grilled or slow-cooked into a stew, and seafood a feature along the coasts, for obvious reasons. Trying excellent regional cheeses is an absolute Portugal travel must - the Queijo da Serra from the Serra da Estrela, is a particular standout. And of course, Portugal is the birthplace of Port - true Port comes only from Porto so be sure to try some when you visit Portugal.

Read more about local food and drink in Portugal.

Culture and festivals in Portugal

Portugal’s carnival celebrations are a match for those in Rio, with Lisbon and towns of the Algarve particularly good destinations for joining in the revelry. Almost every village in Portugal has its own festival (festa) or pilgrimage (romaria), usually to celebrate the local saint’s day or the regional harvest. Among major national events, Easter week and the Santos Populares festivities stand out - celebrated throughout the country with splendid religious processions.

To include a festival in your trip to Portugal, check out the month-to-month overview of festivals in Portugal.

Nightlife in Portugal

Lisbon lives up to its reputation of having legendary nightlife, with the quiet streets of Bairro Alto (upper town) belying the area’s jumping nightlife credentials, where trendy bars, restaurants and nightclubs rub shoulders with traditional fado houses. Lisbon’s Alcântara area is also home to dockside warehouse conversions housing cool cafés, restaurants and clubs.

Thanks to its student population, historic Coimbra is also known for its nightlife, especially the bars around the Sé Velha cathedral. On the Algrave, picturesque Albufeira has a lively bar scene focussed around the pedestrianized Rua Cândido dos Reis. Late-night clubs can mostly be found in suburbs east of the centre, especially around Oura’s Avenida Dr. Francisco Sà Carneiro (aka The Strip).

Plan your trip to Portugal

Portugal's relatively small size allows you to discover much of the country within a short time while also giving you the chance for more in-depth exploration should you have longer to play with.

Ideas for a weekend in Portugal include booking a city break to Lisbon and taking in a day trip to stunning Sintra. Alternatively, Porto is also an excellent destination for a long weekend - it boasts beautiful architecture, boutique hotels - and then there’s the port. Among ideas for a week or more in Portugal, you could consider a coast-based itinerary, and beach-hop along some of the country’s finest spots to surf and soak up the sun. Alternatively, epicures might want to explore Portugal’s world-class wines through visiting vineyards.

For more inspiration see some of the Portugal itineraries from our Portugal travel guide and local travel experts.

Things you need to know before going to Portugal

• Tipping - there’s is no hard and fast rule for tipping, which is not really a Portuguese custom. In a café, restaurant or for taxis, it’s customary to round up the bill to the nearest euro or, for big amounts, the nearest note.
• Opening hours for shops, cafés, restaurants and museums in Portugal are a fluid concept. Many open late or close early (or don’t open at all) if the weather’s bad or if not many people are around.
• On national public holidays transport services are much reduced.
• LGBT travellers - though traditionally conservative, Portugal has become increasingly tolerant of homosexuality. As there is no mention of homosexuality in law, gays have the same rights as heterosexuals by default.

• Portugal’s currency is the euro (€), and notes are issued in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euros
• Bank can be found in all but the smallest towns. In Lisbon and larger Algarve resorts, some also open in the evening, while others have automatic currency exchange machines.
• By far the easiest way to get money is to use your bank debit card to withdraw cash from an ATM (known as a Multibanco), found in even the smallest towns.
• Mains voltage is 220V, which works fine with equipment intended for 240V. Plugs are the European two round pin variety; adaptors are sold at airports, supermarkets and hardware stores.

For advice about practical matters when travelling in Portugal, check the travel advice for Portugal.

Typical cost and Money Saving Tips for Portugal

If you’re wondering whether Portugal is expensive to travel in, good news - Portugal remains one of the EU’s least expensive destinations. Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve are inevitably the most expensive places to visit, but even here you’ll get a better deal on most things than in many other European countries.

In terms of how much you should budget for a trip to Portugal, if you share a room in cheaper hotels, use public transport and stick to inexpensive restaurants you could have a reasonable time on somewhere between €50 and €80 a day. Stay and eat in fancier places in the main cities and you’re looking at more like €120 a day (but in five-star beach resorts, this figure won’t cover your room).

What to pack for a trip to Portugal

• Portuguese phrasebook - while English is pretty widely spoken it doesn’t do any harm to have a few words and phrases up your sleeve. What’s more, giving it a go may well put a smile (or grin) on a few faces.
• If travelling from outside mainland Europe, you’ll need a continental power adapter.
• Pack comfortable shoes to make the most of exploring Portugal’s hilly towns and villages (they’re often cobbled, too), and decent walking boots if you’re planning to do any rambling.
• Sunscreen - essential to avoid being blistered by the scorching summer sun.
• Waterproof jacket, especially if you’re heading to the north outside the summer months.

Is Portugal safe for travel?

By European standards, Portugal is a remarkably crime-free country - people still leave their cars and house doors unlocked in the countryside. However, there’s the usual petty theft in the cities and larger tourist resorts, particularly in the form of pickpockets on public transport and in bus and train stations.

For up to date information about safety and travel requirements for Portugal, check government guidelines. UK nationals should heed Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advice, while travellers from the US should check governmental travel advisory guidelines for Portugal.

What you should avoid in Portugal?

• Unless you’re looking for packed bars and restaurants, avoid the main Algarve resorts areas at the height of summer. Better to travel in spring or early autumn to better appreciate the landscape, and get better prices, too.
• Don’t be taken in by restaurants on main drags offering “tourist menus” - they’re invariably overpriced and there’s a reason locals don’t eat in them.
• While Portugal is pretty safe, you might want to be wary in parts of Lisbon at night (around Cais do Sodré, at the top end of Avenida da Liberdade, on the metro, and on the Cais do Sodré–Cascais train line). In Porto take extra care in the darker alleys near the river.

Useful resources for your travel to Portugal

• Pick up The Rough Guide to Portugal - our exhaustive, in-depth Portugal travel guide that covers everything you need to know before you go, and while you’re on the road.
• To make the most of a weekend break, consider booking a tour. There are tonnes of excellent options available, from enjoying an eco-friendly electric bike tour of Lisbon, to a skip-the-line palace experience in Sintra, to taking in the Douro Valley on a wine-tasting river cruise from Porto.
• To take the hassle out of planning, Rough Guides’ tailor-made travel platform offers a range of fully customisable Portugal itineraries, created in consultation with local experts.