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20 Beautiful Places to Visit in Portugal — From Fairy-tale Castles to Charming Beach Towns

Take your pick of time-honored villages, pristine stretches of coast, and more.

Lindsay Cohn is a writer, editor, and avid traveler who has visited 45 countries across six continents — and counting. She contributes to Travel + Leisure, Hotels Above Par, InsideHook, Well+Good, The Zoe Report, and more.

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Once one of Europe's best-kept secrets, Portugal is now a favorite destination among sun seekers, history enthusiasts, and beach bums alike. Popular attractions like Pena Palace and the Jerónimos Monastery draw tourists, while lesser-known spots like Peneda-Gerês National Park and Algar de Benagil keep them coming back to explore more. From the ever-loved Azores and Madeira to the sun-splashed Algarve and bustling cities like Lisbon and Porto, Portugal offers a treasure trove of natural, historical, and cultural wonders.

• Best tourist destination: Jerónimos Monastery
• Underrated hidden gem: Peneda-Gerês National Park
• Best for families: Pena Palace
• Best for couples: Azenhas do Mar
• Best for solo travelers: Livraria Lello

Read on for our full list of the best places to visit in Portugal.

Jerónimos Monastery

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One of the most-visited landmarks in Lisbon and a UNESCO World Heritage Site , the late Gothic Manueline-style Jerónimos Monastery stands tall as an enduring symbol of power dating back to the Age of Discovery. Constructed over about a century starting in the early 1500s, the block-long complex continues to impress with its magnificent maritime details, cloisters, and tombs.

Peneda-Gerês National Park

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Set in northern Portugal near the Spanish border, Peneda-Gerês National Park spans yellow-tinged hills, granite peaks, high-flowing streams, mixed forests, and Roman relics. Native wildlife — including the Pyrenean desman, Iberian frog, and Barrosã cattle — also call this protected land home. 

Pena Palace

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One of the most beautiful places in Europe , Pena Palace is a hilltop Romanticist castle and the crown jewel of Sintra. Its candy-colored facade and sweeping terraces draw shutter-happy tourists from near and far. The stately interiors are filled with antiques, while the surrounding park provides tree-shaded pathways.

Azenhas do Mar

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Of all the charming coastal towns in Portugal, Azenhas do Mar deserves special mention. Small in size, with just 800 inhabitants, whitewashed houses, and commanding sea views, it’s a postcard-worthy setting to sip local wine, savor regional seafood dishes, and swim in the natural rock pool. 

Livraria Lello

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Porto's Livraria Lello shows off opulent staircases, an ornate stained-glass ceiling, and towering shelves packed with tomes. It's well known as "the Harry Potter bookstore," but J.K. Rowling herself has debunked the rumors that it inspired parts of Hogwarts. Rest assured, it does look magical, though.

Cabo da Roca

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The westernmost point in continental Europe, Cabo da Roca exudes a wild, edge-of-the-Earth mystique. Waves crash against the rocks, tourists standing atop sheer cliffs stare out at nothing but blue to the horizon, and a historic lighthouse guides boats sailing along the rugged coast. 

Lagoa das Sete Cidades

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The majesty of São Miguel never ceases to amaze. Topping the list for many travelers visiting the volcanic main island in the Azores archipelago are the famous and impossibly photogenic twin crater lakes, Lagoa Azul ("blue lagoon") and Lagoa Verde ("green lagoon"). 

Levadas da Madeira

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The Levadas da Madeira is a system of historic irrigation canals built across the island to carry water from the high-altitude slopes to sugar cane fields, farmlands, and cities. Hiking trails that run along the waterways give travelers a close-up look at the UNESCO-listed laurel forests .

Algar de Benagil

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Only reachable by boat, this fantastical seaside cave doesn’t even look real. Sun beams in through the hole on the top, bathing the enclosed beach in light while turquoise waters lap the sand.

Clérigos Church

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Clérigos Church is a must-see on any trip to Porto . While the artifacts and daily organ concerts certainly wow, both are overshadowed by the iconic 246-foot bell tower, which visitors can climb for 360-degree views of the city (and a serious workout).

Christopher Larson/Travel + Leisure

Nazaré lures fearless surfers and attracts many curious tourists thanks to the larger-than-life swells that were the subject of the docuseries 100 Foot Wave . The huge breaks mean you’re not likely to paddle out unless you're a serious surfer, but it’s worth the drive just to see the enormous waves crash into the rocks and to grab lunch at one of the local restaurants.

Vila Franca Islet

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Located off the coast of São Miguel, the Vila Franca Islet looks otherworldly from above and just as pretty up close. The circular saltwater lagoon, which was formed by the crater of an ancient volcano, is ringed by lush vegetation. In the summer, it’s popular for swimming, snorkeling, bird-watching, and cliff diving (if you dare). 

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About an hour from Lisbon, Comporta is a low-key fishing village turned in-the-know summer hot spot with cork trees, rice fields, and blissful beaches. During the warmer months, it’s well worth vying for a spot on the brilliant white sand of Praia Comporta.

Douro Valley

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The oldest demarcated wine region in the world and the birthplace of port, the Douro Valley wows viticulture enthusiasts and casual sippers. A mix of rolling vineyards, historic quintas, boat rides along its namesake river, and excellent restaurants means there’s plenty to appreciate besides incredible pours. 

Cachalote Natural Swimming Pools

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The north coast of Madeira brims with beautiful spots to take a dip, none more iconic than the Cachalote Natural Swimming Pools . These placid lagoons off the shore of Porto Moniz were formed by volcanic rocks and filled with the tides of the Atlantic Ocean. 

Poço da Alagoinha

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Majestic waterfalls are one of the many enticements of the Azores. Poço da Alagoinha on the island of Flores is a stunning example with multiple cascades that gush from lush, vegetation-covered cliffs down to a pristine lagoon. 

Parque Natural da Arrábida

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Parque Natural da Arrábida shows off many of Portugal’s best assets. Fine-sand beaches fade into blue waters, towering cliffs rise from the sea, verdant vegetation covers the mountain peaks, and scenic hiking trails wind through the spellbinding scenery. 

Castelo de Guimarães

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Mystery and legend still swirl around Castelo de Guimarães . A major presence in Portuguese history, the castle was built under the orders of Mumadona Dias in the 10th century to serve as a place of refuge and protect against attacks by Vikings and Moors. 

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Sagres sits on a windswept headland at the western tip of southern Portugal. Sunny skies, dramatic sea cliffs, and uncrowded beaches make this tiny fishing village deserving of a detour. It’s also a surfer’s paradise that provides plenty of beginner-friendly breaks as well as expert-level barrels.

Quinta do Barbusano

Tucked away in the mountains on the north side of Madeira, Quinta do Barbusano invites visitors to savor the flavors of the island with wine tastings and plates of traditional espetada (beef skewer) while overlooking the São Vicente Valley. It’s also possible to take a short hike to nearby Nossa Senhora Fátima Chapel for even more breathtaking vistas.

Related Articles

30+ Portugal Travel Tips for First Timers & Must Knows Before You Go

Last Updated: July 20, 2023

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Take a single glance at Portugal and you’ll soon leap to the same conclusion as its millions of doting visitors: this is one of those destinations that seems to have it all.

From verdant valleys and golden beaches to fairytale castles and buzzy cities, visitors are swimming in choice as much as they are in sweet, custardy pastries.

But it’s not all custard tarts and photo opps. The truth is, Portugal often catches first time visitors off guard with random culture shocks, unexpected tourist traps and (sadly) even pickpockets and scams.

Luckily, I’ve learned all these the hard way (over 3 week-long trips) so you don’t have to.

So, from tactical tips for itinerary planning to assorted mistakes to avoid, here are my top Portugal travel tips and must knows for first time visitors. I hope you find them helpful!

Save this list of Portugal Travel Tips for later!

You’ll be very glad you did.

1. Go beyond the most famous Portuguese destinations

We’ll start with the basics: when planning your trip to Portugal, remember that there’s a lot to see beyond the coastal hotspots of Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve.

Portugal is a (satisfyingly rectangular) country composed of 18 districts and two autonomous regions, with a myriad of places to visit beyond the most frequented, from its many historic cities up North (e.g. Braga, Guimares, Lamego) and inland (e.g. Coimbra, Evora, Elvas), to its spectacular nature in Peneda-Gerês National Park and on their many islands.

SO, all that to say, if time permits, definitely expand your itinerary beyond the most famous sights, because this will allow you to experience a bit more of the country, while dodging some of the popular areas’ notorious crowds at the same time.

2. Public transport is fine for city to city travel, but you’ll need a car for more remote areas

I’ve never rented a car in Portugal, and have found the public transport system to be simple and easy for getting from city to city.

But, truthfully, the most flexible way to get around and potentially explore off the beaten path is renting a car. Doing so will give you the best opportunities to control your own schedule, and find more remote areas like quieter nature spots or beaches (especially in the Algarve).

I did find the lack of car to be quite limiting when we wanted to get out to less popular areas, so if exploring more offbeat spots is a priority to you, then a car rental is something to consider.

This Portugal tip comes with a big disclaimer however: beware that driving in Portugal involves many tolls and a lot of close encounters with the country’s most notorious danger….. Portuguese drivers.

For a potential ‘in-between’ option then, I’d suggest looking into taxis/hiring a driver. I’ve found these services to be quite affordable in Portugal, with Uber being an especially easy option.

3. Consider flying in/out of different airports

In terms of arriving in Portugal, there are 3 international airports: Lisbon (LIS), Faro (FAO) and Porto (OPO).

And after personal experience at each of these airports, I have the following planning tip to offer: if you are visiting multiple destinations, consider booking flights into one city and then out of another (provided the price difference isn’t eye-gougingly painful).

This is because Portugal is small, but many of its most popular destinations aren’t that close together, so getting around does still take time, hence why you’d ideally want to avoid having to double back.

In the past, I’ve flown into Porto for instance and then spent 10 days going from there down to Lisbon, then down to Lagos in the Algarve and then departing via Faro Airport.

This made for a much smoother journey than going all the way back up to Porto, which meant more time spent soaking in views like these:

4. On a budget? Look into Europe’s low cost airlines

If you’re travelling Europe on a budget, then here’s a big Portugal travel tip: Portuguese airports are very well serviced by budget airlines like RyanAir and easyjet .

SO, if you’re planning a big Europe trip involving other countries, it may be worth looking into whether you can find cheaper flights into other European destinations, then flying into Portugal through a budget airline. This could potentially save you hundreds of euros!

You might want to check out my cheap flights to Europe guide for more.

5. Use the TAP Portugal Stopover to Save Money

Another potential money saver is looking into a TAP Portugal Stopover.

TAP Portugal is an airline that offers a really great deal where you can organize a free stopover in either Lisbon or Porto for up to ten nights en route to another destination.

So, if you plan properly, you can essentially get two destinations for the price of one!

NOTE: While this tip could potentially save you money, beware that TAP Portugal doesn’t have the best reputation, and is notorious for delays/other issues. One of my friends living in Portugal even told me that people say TAP stands for ‘Take Another Plane’ so be sure to keep these potential drawbacks in mind before booking.

6. Avoid visiting Portugal in July and August

Now as for when to visit Portugal, a good rule of thumb is to avoid July and August. I say this in my general Europe tips post for pretty much every destination.

This is when the crowds and heat are at their worst, with hyper inflated prices to match.

The same applies for major school holidays like Easter because Portugal is a very popular family vacation spot among Europeans.

Instead, aim to visit between May – June or September – October. I’ve been to Portugal before in both March and April and found it to be quite rainy both times, so shoulder season would be more ideal for dodging both crowds and biblical downpours.

7. Beware that there will still be crowds in shoulder season

On that note though, I don’t want you to underestimate how crowded it can get in Portugal, even in shoulder season.

Portugal may still be seen as an up and coming destination among North American travellers, but it has been a go-to vacation spot among Europeans for YEARS and years and years…

So don’t be surprised when there’s a lot of people around. Even in March. or April. Sadly, there’s no true ‘off-season’ in Portugal these days!

8. Book popular day trip destinations as overnight stays instead

Of course, in spite of the country’s frightening popularity, there are still ways to avoid crowds and outsmart your fellow tourists.

One of my top Portugal travel tips for this is booking popular day trip destinations as an overnight stay instead.

This will allow you to wake up really early to see the busiest sites before the day trip crowds arrive, and then enjoy them properly after they leave.

I did this for instance in Sintra, opting to stay for two nights instead of going as a day trip from Lisbon as most visitors do. The result? I was able to enjoy many of Sintra’s palaces without feeling like I was in a selfie stick mosh pit.

… So, I’d highly recommend doing popular day trips as overnight stays instead. Book early enough and sometimes accommodation in these areas is cheaper than in big cities!

9. Learn some Portuguese basics & have Google Translate handy

For first time visitors to Portugal, an immediate culture shock is often that English is not as widely spoken here as other tourist areas in Europe, especially among older residents.

And while getting with English is usually fine in larger cities, once you venture out into smaller towns, speaking no Portuguese can be a challenge… so I’d advise having Google Translate (one of my must-have Europe apps ) ready to go.

BUT more importantly: at the very least, you should learn how to say hello and thank you. So, memorize these! Tattoo them on your wrists:

• Hello is Olá, but it’s more common to greet according to the time of day so Bom Dia (Bong Dia) for good morning, Boa Tarde (Boa Tarht) for good afternoon and Boa Noite (Boa Noit) for good night
• Thank you in Portuguese is gendered, and the way you say it depends on if YOU are a man or woman. So men say Obrigado, women say Obrigada

10. Note that there’s differences between European and Brazilian Portuguese

Now, if you decide to go all-out and learn some Portuguese for your trip, it’s probably a good idea to make sure you’re learning European Portuguese pronunciation, as opposed to Brazilian Portuguese.

Like with most languages, Portuguese has various accents/dialects/variations, but I’ve heard the difference between European vs. Brazilian Portuguese can actually be quite stark, so to maximize your chances of being understood, try to make sure you’re learning European Portuguese.

One channel I came across that was great for this was Practice Portuguese, so give them a watch.

11. And… remember that Portuguese and Spanish aren’t the same

It feels silly that I have to say this, but I’ve anecdotally heard of many visitors busting out Spanish in Portugal, expecting to be understood.

Therefore let me clarify this most obvious Portugal travel tip: remember, in Portugal, they speak Portuguese, which may share some similarities with Spanish, but is an entirely different language of its own.

So keep in mind that while you may be somewhat understood, it’d be pretty rude to just randomly speak Spanish at people. So… let’s all just make a pact right now to not do that.

12. Learn to pronounce destination names in Portuguese

Apart from learning the basics in Portuguese, another important Portugal language tip is to learn how to properly pronounce your destinations in Portuguese.

This will save your life when it comes to asking for directions, because many places are pronounced differently to how they may be pronounced phonetically in English.

I found this video to be super helpful for this purpose.

13. Beware of ‘Portuguese Time’

Another cultural difference is to beware of Portuguese time.

Unlike in some central European countries like Germany , Austria or Switzerland, punctuality isn’t really a huge priority in Portugal, and things tend to be more laidback in terms of time.

As a tourist, this probably won’t impact you that much unless you’re making plans with Portuguese friends, but just know that time is definitely a bit more flexible there, and so if you have tours that start a bit later than planned, just don’t be too surprised.

14. Be prepared to walk uphill a LOT

Now onto another Portugal travel tip that pretty photos fail to convey: prepare yourself for the leg workout of your LIFE.

Portugal is overall an incredibly hilly country, so you’ll be encountering plenty of ups and downs during your visit, especially if you visit Lisbon and Porto.

The cobblestones are also very slippery, especially when it rains so make sure you have good, solid footwear. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

15. Consider attraction passes/cards to save money

If you plan to visit a lot of museums and paid attractions while you’re visiting Portugal, you should also look into attraction passes like the Lisbon Card and the Porto Card which offer you unlimited public transport and also admission to multiple attractions for one set price.

This can work out to a lot of savings, although to be honest, I’ve found many of the best things to do in these cities are free!

Especially if you’re not super into museums, this option may not be worth it, so just crunch the numbers and total up the price for your must-see attractions to see if the pass works out to be cheaper.

16. Beware of tourist traps

Okay, now it’s time for me to get a little controversial. I love Portugal as a destination, but I have to concede there are a lot of tourist traps (many of which are perpetuated by online guides/influencers) so I’m going to quickly share my opinion on some to be mindful of in the country’s most popular destinations:

Here are some tourist traps in Lisbon to keep in mind:

‘The Pink Street’: In real life, it’s just a street with restaurants and bars, and the pink isn’t nearly as perfect or vibrant as the photos make it look. It’s also usually crowded in the evenings… so don’t get your hopes up too much!

Tram 28: Super congested, super busy, lots of pickpockets, and you can enjoy the views much better if you just walk along the same route.

The Santa Justa Lift: Nice to look at, with great view from the top, but the lines are insanely long and you can easily walk up to the viewpoint for free and not have to wait in line. The best part of this attraction is really just seeing it and enjoying the view, so don’t think it’s a must do to actually ride it. 

Here are some tourist traps in Porto to keep in mind:

Libreria Lello: Initially got famous because it was claimed that JK Rowling wrote Harry Potter there or was inspired by it (a claim she has now publicly denied). It is of course still a very pretty bookshop but unless you get there first thing in the morning or just before they close, it will not be magical at all because it is painfully crowded and almost impossible to get these nice photos without people in them because the shop is small. There’s also a 5 euro voucher you have to purchase to get inside, which gives you 5 euros off a purchase, but it’s not free to go in to take a look.

Private Property Viewpoints: Unfortunately, irresponsible Instagrammers have made a habit of taking photos from areas that are private property, so many of the most sought after views in the city aren’t actually open to the public. So, make sure you do your research before you set out!

17. Look beyond social media to find unique hidden gems

So, on that note, it’s important to look beyond social media to find fun places to visit and cool activities in Portugal.

Most travel content about Portugal focuses on the same spots over and over, but the flip side of that is there are TONS of cool gems just everywhere that you can kind of discover along the way for yourself.

I would recommend doing research on Portuguese language blogs or check out local Portuguese bloggers to get an inside scoop on more offbeat places because there are so many, and I can’t wait to go back and see more for myself.

18. Seek out Miradouros everywhere you go

On that note, one really easy way to find beautiful places in Portugal is searching for Miradouros.

This is Portuguese for viewpoints and there are SO many of them especially in Lisbon.

So if you ever feel bored, just search Miradouro and go – guaranteed you’ll find a good view.

19. Beware that free museum days aren’t free for everyone

A lot of travel guides online have been perpetuating the Portugal travel tip that many museums are free on the first Sunday of each month in Portugal…

BUT it’s important to note that actually when you look at the fine print, many of these offers are only valid for residents of Portugal (e.g. here ) so keep that in mind and double check on official websites before you head out expecting your freebie.

20. Make sure you try Vinho Verde

Moving onto Portugal tips for food and drink – AKA the most delicious and valuable section.

My first recommendation is to try Vinho Verde or green wine. I know it sounds weird, but the ‘green’ part of the wine has less to do with the wine’s colour, and more with its age.

In short, Vinho Verde is a young drinkable wine that’s not aged, and often a little fizzy, making it THE most delicious and refreshing accompaniment for a sunny terrace. I warn you though: this is some dangerously drinkable stuff, and you’ll be swallowing it by the gallon throughout your trip.

21. And avoid ordering Port wine with your meal

On the topic of wine, if you find yourself wanting to try the famous Portuguese Port wine, know that it’s a very sweet dessert wine that is usually enjoyed on its own after a meal (though sometimes before) and not one you sip during your meal.

… So avoid pairing your dinner with Port. That’s not the best way to enjoy it!

22. Research regional specialties before you go

Food-wise, Portuguese cuisine is super hearty and delicious, with many regional specialties depending on where you are in Portugal so be sure to Google the particular must-tries of your destination.

Of course, I can’t resist sharing a few quintessential recommendations.

First off, if you’re by the coast, fresh seafood is abundant and delicious, especially Bacalhau or Codfish which is available in literally hundreds of ways, including Pastéis de Bacalhau which are deep fried balls of potato and cod. So good!

In Porto, one very gluttonous must-try is the incomparable Francesinha – a thick sandwich stuffed with all kinds of meat and cheese then topped with more melted cheese, a dreamy sauce and often a fried egg.

And, a specialty of Belem and Lisbon is the almighty Pastel de Nata. These are egg custard pastries that come in a crispy crust. They are absolutely incredible, and sure to be one of the highlights of your trip (and possibly life).

23. Consider ordering Petiscos to sample a variety of flavours

Not sure where to begin with Portugese cuisine? A great way to try a lot is by ordering Petiscos, which are small shareable bites similar to Tapas.

Of course, what is served as Petiscos can vary regionally as well, so be sure to do some research or ask for local recommendations, but overall, ordering a bunch can be a nice way to try a lot of different dishes and it can also be a more affordable alternative to getting full main dishes as well. 

24. Prepare for late meal times

In terms of dining out, there are a few things you should know. First off – mealtimes in Portugal may be later than you’re used to.

It’s not uncommon for dinner time to be around 8 or 9pm or even later. Meals often last longer here too, taking several hours, so don’t feel any need to rush. Remember, Portuguese time is relaaaaaxed and fluid.

25. Do not expect continual service in restaurants

Another Portugal must-know is you should not expect continual service in restaurants here.

Often smaller local restaurants (or their kitchens) will be closed in the late afternoon to early evening, so from 2 or 3pm until 7pm, during which they only have some snack items or might not be open at all.

In larger cities, you’ll probably still find some places open but often these will be the ones that cater more to tourists.

So, keep these timings in mind so you can manage your hanger accordingly.

26. Learn how to spot tourist trap restaurants in Portugal

Speaking of restaurants that cater to tourists, there are a few easy ways to spot touristy restaurants in Portugal.

The first is if they’re in a particularly touristy area near a big attraction, you can probably expect prices to at least be a bit higher, and the value for money to be worse. A huge red flag is any place where there’s a host actively trying to get you to eat at their restaurant, as well as places with huge pictures or where the menu is a bunch of languages. 

Often you can escape these by just walking a few blocks away from the main sights so be sure to look around a bit before committing.

Or if you want to enjoy the atmosphere because sometimes these touristy restaurants do have some great views and locations, just pop in for a drink, rather than a full meal. 

27. Know that your table snacks will probably cost extra

Another important Portugal must-know is that often when you arrive at a restaurant, there will be snacks like olives or bread put on the table.

To the surprise of many first time visitors, these aren’t actually included and come at an extra cost, known as “Couvert”, which is usually 1-2 euros per person.

Just know this isn’t a scam, it’s just a cultural difference in the way they charge for things so keep that in mind if you’re eating at a restaurant, and feel free to say ‘no thank you’ if you don’t want any, and you will not be charged for them. The price of the Couvert is also usually listed on the menu, so you can double check the cost before committing.

28. Learn Portuguese tipping etiquette

Tips aren’t expected in Portugal to the same extent as in North America, but if you want to, usually rounding up or doing 10 percent is fine.

29. Bring cash (in smaller denominations)

Another important Portugal must-know once you arrive is that you should make sure you have cash on you.

While many places are taking card now, paying with cash is still the norm in Portugal, especially with smaller bills. The smaller the denominations you can get the better, because I’ve found that smaller places like cafes don’t like to break large bills. Ideally, keep to ten euro bills or below.

30. Don’t carry too much cash at once

That said, do not bring too much cash out with you at once, especially in touristy and busy areas in Lisbon, because pickpockets can be a an issue.

I’ve only been pickpocketed twice in my life and Lisbon was one of them so I’m still a bit sore about that.

So, go by my rule of thumb, which is to not carry more cash than you can stand to lose.

31. Beware of sketchy dealers

Another scam to look out for is dealers offering to sell you ‘illicit substances’ when you’re just out and about, minding your own business on the street. 

This is of course mainly an issue in high-traffic tourist areas, as they always target silly tourists who don’t know better.

Here’s how it works: someone will come up to you and ask if you want something innocent like sunglasses, then they’ll follow up with whether or not you want said illicit substances. Apart from the fact that this already sounds sketchy, they’re also not selling real illicit substances, so no matter what, make sure the answer is no.

32. Be mindful of later opening times

Another thing to be mindful of when visiting Portugal is opening times.

(I’m talking of course about actual shops and restaurants, not those aforementioned dealers)

Overall, things run on a later schedule in Portugal relative to most of central Europe, so you can expect supermarkets to not open until 8am and close later as well, usually at 9 or 10pm.

33. Pack warmer layers no matter when you visit

Okay final Portugal packing tip for you, be sure to pack some warmer layers, even if you’re going in the summer because the wind in Portugal (particularly along the coast) is vicious .

No – seriously. My trauma can attest! Portuguese wind can be really biting, especially when temperatures drop at night, so having at least one warm layer in your suitcase is a must.

I hope this list of Portugal Travel Tips was helpful!

Congratulations on making it through the longest ever list of Portuguese travel tips. I admit this was already a VERY long list of tips for Portugal, but if you have any more questions, let me know in the comments.

My Go-To Travel Favourites:

🧳 Eagle Creek: My favourite packing cubes

💳 Wise: For FREE travel friendly credit cards

🍯 Airalo: My go-to eSIM

🏨 Booking.com: For searching hotels

📷 Sony A7IV: My (amazing) camera

✈️ Google Flights : For finding flight deals

🌎 WorldNomads: For travel insurance

🎉 GetYourGuide: For booking activities

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Portugal Travel Tips

Last Updated: September 1, 2023

I’ve been to Portugal many times over the years and I never tire of it . It’s one of the most unappreciated countries in Europe and sees a fraction of the tourists that its neighbors do.

Sure, in recent years Lisbon has become a hub for digital nomads, expats, and retirees thanks to its low cost of living. But, in the rest of the country, not much has changed.

Best of all, fewer crowds mean a better, more local experience that won’t break the bank.

This Portugal travel guide can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your time in this stunning and underrated European gem!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Portugal

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in portugal.

1. Admire Lisbon

Lisbon is gorgeous. I instantly fell in love with it. It has mystique, history, and great food. Take a trip to the Castle of St. George, see the 16th-century UNESCO Belem Tower, admire the churches (specifically the Sé de Lisboa Cathedral), listen to some traditional Fado music, and enjoy the delicious cuisine. It’s one of the most affordable and underrated capitals in Europe!

2. Visit Batalha Monastery

Batalha is a town located just 90 minutes by car from Lisbon. The town is home to Batalha Monastery, officially known as the Monastery of Saint Mary of the Victory. Built in 1388, it’s one of Europe’s greatest Gothic masterpieces and makes for a popular day trip from Lisbon. The monastery took 131 years to build and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walking through the gigantic gothic doorway and seeing the towering interior (which is lined with 16th-century stained-glass windows) is absolutely breathtaking. Admission is 6 EUR, but you can also purchase a combo ticket to see The Convent of Christ in Tomar and The Abbey of Santa Maria for 15 EUR.

3. Explore the Azores

These 9 islands lie 1,500 kilometers (930 miles) from Lisbon in the Atlantic Ocean. Each of the islands offers a slow-paced way of life, unique wildlife, and stunning beaches. These islands are very off the beaten track and a good “out of the way” place to go. São Miguel is great for hiking and road trips, Pico has great wine, and São Jorge has incredible nature, but you can’t go wrong with any of the islands here!

4. Party in Lagos

Lagos is the place people go to party in Portugal. It’s an excellent destination to soak up the sun. During the summer, this is one of Europe’s premier party destinations for young travelers. there are also incredible beaches, great surfing, and lots of historic churches here. The city is also home to Europe’s first slave market, a sobering sight that dates back to 1444.

5. Enjoy Porto

Porto is one of Portugal’s most colorful cities. Spend some time getting lost and meandering the narrow alleyways and steep staircases that lead to the scenic Douro River. Hop on a river cruise, visit the iconic Lello & Irmão bookstore, tour the museums, and visit the surrounding Duoro Valley and its many vineyards (this is the region where port wine comes from, hence the name). It’s also one of the main launching points for the famous Camino Portugues hike that leads to Santiago de Compostella in Spain (which takes 10-14 days, though you can definitely just do a day hike or a smaller section of the trail).

Other Things to See and Do in Portugal

1. journey to evora.

One of Portugal’s many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Evora is a small town that offers an array of beautiful and historic buildings. Located 90 minutes east of Lisbon, Evora’s most famous landmark is the Temple of Diana, a Roman temple and UNESCO site from the 1st century. But there is also the Praça do Giraldo, the town’s main square, which is a charming spot to people-watch and embrace the local pace of life. This is small-town Portugal at its best.

2. See the Religious Monuments in Braga

Located one hour north of Porto, the beautiful city of Braga boasts numerous Baroque monuments, including one of the country’s best-known sights: the Bom Jesus Sanctuary (a Catholic shrine and pilgrimage site). The old and the new city are connected by the main square, Praça da Republica, which is a great place for a stroll. The city’s cathedral is also very much worth a visit, as it is the country’s oldest (construction started in 1509).

3. See the Abbey of Santa Maria

Located between Lisbon and Porto, the Abbey of Santa Maria is Europe’s largest Cistercian building (the Cistercians are a Catholic order of monks and nuns, founded in 1098). You can wander around the abbey at your leisure to learn more about its cloisters, dormitories, library, and more. The church is free to enter but the monastery costs 6 EUR. You can save money by purchasing a combo ticket to the Convent of Christ in Tomar and the Batalha Monastery for 15 EUR.

4. Head to Sintra

Lord Byron, an English poet writing in the 18th century, said that Sintra was “perhaps in every respect the most delightful [place] in Europe.” If you are visiting Lisbon, you should definitely make an effort to come here to see its palaces, wonderful views, and museum collections. It’s one of the most beautiful places in the entire country. The train takes about an hour from Lisbon and costs under 5 EUR.

5. Learn about the Knights Templar in Tomar

The big attraction in the town of Tomar is the Templar Castle and Convent of Christ. It was the headquarters for the Knights Templar in the 12th century (they were a Catholic military order founded in 1118 that fought in the Crusades). The castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was an important defensive stronghold against the encroaching Moors (Muslims from North Africa who eventually conquered parts of Spain and Portugal). Admission is 6 EUR or 15 EUR with a combo ticket.

6. Hit the water

Aveiro, located 72 kilometers (45 miles) south of Porto, lies on what’s known as the Silver Coast. This small university town has a historic center built on canals, giving rise to its nickname “the Venice of Portugal.” The winds here create good opportunities for windsurfing and surfing too. You can rent surfboards for as little as 15 EUR per day, while kitesurfing and windsurfing rentals around 50 EUR. If you want lessons, most two-day courses cost around 130 EUR.

7. Get lost in Coimbra

Another university city, Coimbra is located between Lisbon and Portugal and is home to one of the world’s oldest universities (the university was founded in 1290 and moved to Coimbra in 1537). There is a famous and beautiful old library that you can tour, but the real thing to do in Coimbra is just wander through its many historic streets. There are plenty of churches and gardens to take in as you stroll around soaking up the history. It’s a postcard-perfect destination.

8. Attend a Fado performance

Fado is a local type of music that originated in Lisbon. It’s a rather haunting, mournful style often focused on the hardships of the poor or life at sea. The music first appeared in the 19th century and was popular with the working class (especially sailors). The word “fado” likely stems from the Latin word for fate, which is why many of the songs focus on the inevitability of misfortune and suffering. While melancholic, the music is also beautiful and poetic.

9. Check out Faro

Faro is a common starting point for tours of the Algarve region, a southern region brimming with great beaches, tasty seafood, and plenty of tourists. Faro itself isn’t a beach city, but has a lovely old town and is a great place to spend a day before you explore the coast. Don’t miss the cathedral and the municipal museum to learn more about the city.

10. Stand at the edge of Europe

Cape Sagres is the most southwestern point on the European continent. It was here that Henry the Navigator, one of Portugal’s most revered figures during its empire, had his famous navigation school. He was one of the central figures to kick start the Age of Discovery in the 15th century that put Portugal on the map (literally). His development of lighter caravel ships allowed explorations in West Africa, which also launched the slave trade.

11. Try a Pastéis de nata

This pastry is a Portuguese staple. You’ll find these delicious custard-filled tarts at every bakery. They’re a must for an authentic food experience and cost around 1 EUR.

12. Walk the Templar Stairs

Located in Sintra, Quinta da Regaleira is a UNESCO World Heritage Site composed of several historic buildings, including a huge palace and chapel. But the highlight is the Initiation Wells, two massive wells that stretch far underground. They were built by the Templars for their initiation rituals. Would-be knights would have to travel down a winding staircase into the massive wells blindfolded and navigate a labyrinth before coming back to the light. Today, you can tour the wells and explore them yourself. Admission is 10 EUR.

The Camino Portugues (The Portuguese Way) is a pilgrimage trail that stretches from Lisbon to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. It’s the second most popular Camino, after the main French Way, though it sees a fraction of pilgrims compared to the main route. Most hikers start in Porto, with the 280 kilometers (173 miles) journey taking around 10-14 days, though it’s also possible to start in Lisbon for a longer trek.

For more information on other destinations in Portugal, check out these guides:

• Lagos Travel Guide
• Lisbon Travel Guide
• Porto Travel Guide

Portugal Travel Costs

For those traveling with a tent, camping is available around the country for 10-20 EUR per night for a basic tent plot without electricity.

A room in a two-star budget hotel costs between 40-75 EUR per night. Expect basic amenities like free Wi-Fi and TV. Free breakfast is sometimes included as well.

On Airbnb, private rooms start at 30-50 EUR per night while entire homes/apartments average around 100 EUR.

Food – Fish and seafood form the backbone of Portuguese cuisine (Portugal eats the most seafood per capita in Europe). Cod, sardinhas assadas (grilled sardines), sea bass, and shellfish are some of the most common staples. Other popular dishes include cozido à portuguesa (boiled stew), peixinhos da horta (breaded and fried vegetables), and cured ham. Be sure to also try the prego (beef sandwich) or the bifana (pork sandwich). You can find them at local cafes for just 5 EUR.

You can find snacks in bakeries for 2 EUR or less, light meals and sandwiches for around 8-10 EUR, and fast food for around the same price.

If you want a three-course meal with drinks, you’re looking at spending closer to 20 EUR. After that, the sky is the limit!

For a casual restaurant meal, expect to pay around 10 EUR.

Beer is around 3 EUR while a latte/cappuccino costs around 2.50 EUR. Bottled water is less than 1 EUR.

If you’re cooking, groceries cost around 35-45 EUR for a week’s worth of food. This includes staples like pasta, rice, produce, and some meat or seafood.

Backpacking Portugal Suggested Budgets

On a backpacker budget, you can visit Lisbon for around 45 EUR per day. On this budget, you’ll be staying in a hostel dorm room, cooking all of your meals, limiting your drinking, using public transportation to get around, and sticking to free activities like free walking tours, enjoying the beaches, and exploring the Old Town. If you plan on drinking, add 5-15 EUR per day to your budget.

On a mid-range budget of 125 EUR per day, you can stay in a private Airbnb or private hostel room, eat at cheap local restaurants and cook some meals, use public transportation and take the occasional taxi, visit paid attractions like the botanic gardens and Belem Tower, and enjoy some drinks at the bar.

On a “luxury” budget of 235 EUR or more a day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for every meal, drink what you want, rent a car to explore the region, and visit as many museums and attractions as you’d like. This is just the ground floor for luxury though — you can easily spend more if you really want to splash out!

You can use the chart below to get an idea of how much you need to budget daily. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you spend more, some days you spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in EUR.

Portugal Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

For the most part, Portugal is an incredibly affordable destination. Food, accommodation, wine – it’s all very cheap (especially when compared to other EU countries). As long as you’re not splurging on a ton of booze or eating at the overpriced tourist restaurants, you’ll find it easy to save big while still enjoying yourself. Here are a few more ways to save money in Portugal:

• Look for free museum visits – Some museums are free on Sundays. Check with the local tourism board or the museum’s website for more information on free/discounted hours.
• Skip the taxis – Taxis add up so if you’re on a budget, skip the taxis and use the metro or bus system to go where you need to.
• Say “no” to bread – When eating out, a selection of bread and olives may be brought to your table before your meal. These aren’t free, so just say no if you’re on a budget.
• Stay at a pensão – These family-run inns offer decent lodgings for very little money and are a great alternative to hotels.
• Get a tourist card – Certain cities, like Porto and Lisbon, offer tourist cards that provide unlimited access to public transportation (normally for one, two, or three days) and free or discounted access to museums and monuments. If you plan to see lots of sites, be sure to go to the local tourism office and pick up one of these cards!
• Stay with a local – If you plan ahead, you can usually find Couchsurfing hosts all throughout the country. This way, you not only have a free place to stay but you can connect with a local who can share their insider tips and advice. Just send your requests early in the summer.
• Cook your meals – Restaurants here are cheap, but eating out all the time adds up. Visit the local market to stock up on groceries and cook a few meals. You’ll save a ton!
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Portugal

Budget accommodation is plentiful in Portugal. Here are my suggested places to stay:

• Lookout! Lisbon Hostel (Lisbon)
• Lisboa Central Hostel (Lisbon)
• Yes! Lisbon Hostel (Lisbon)
• Rising Cock Party Hostel (Lagos)
• Gold Coast Calm Hostel (Lagos)
• Casa D’Alagao (Faro)
• HI Hostel Faro (Faro)
• Rivoli Cinema Hostel (Porto)
• Gallery Hostel (Porto)
• Pilot Design Hostel & Bar (Porto)

How to Get Around Portugal

Train – Portugal has a great rail system. Tickets are affordable, with a ride from Porto to Lisbon costing around 25 EUR. Even the high-speed rail is affordable (unlike in many other European countries); it’s about the same price between Porto and Lisbon as the regular train. A train trip between Braga (in the far north) to Faro (at the southern tip) costs between 65-75 EUR.

Bus – Buses are the cheapest way to explore, and they’re also not super time-consuming since Portugal isn’t a huge country. A cross-country bus from Lisbon to Lagos costs between 15-20 EUR, while an eight-hour journey from Braga to Faro costs around 30 EUR.

Lisbon is the main hub for budget-friendly Flixbus routes around the country. It’s the cheapest way to get from Portugal and into the rest of Europe. A bus to Madrid, Spain costs around 30 EUR.

Flying – Flying is the best way to get to the Azores, though it’s likely not worth it for getting around the mainland. A flight from Lisbon to the Azores costs as little as 50 EUR, while Lisbon to Madeira starts at about 40 EUR. TAP Air is Portugal’s official airline.

Taxis – Taxis start at 3.50 EUR and go up by about .80 EUR per kilometer. Skip them if you can as they add up fast!

Ridesharing – Uber is available in Portugal’s larger cities but it’s not much cheaper than taxis. I’d still skip ridesharing altogether if you’re on a budget.

Bike rental – Locals like to get around by bike and bike rentals are available in all the major cities. You can rent a basic city bike for around 10-15 EUR per day.

Car rental – Car rentals cost as little as 25 EUR per day for a multi-day rental. It’s a super affordable way to explore if you have someone to split the cost with (especially in the Azores). Drivers need to be at least 18. For the best rental car deals, use Discover Cars

When to Go to Portugal

Peak season in Portugal is during the summer months of June-August. Temperatures hover around 23°C (74°F) and popular destinations like Porto and Lisbon experience an influx of visitors. Prices increase during this time as well. But the overall atmosphere and weather are great, so it’s still worth visiting during peak season.

Personally, I think the best time to visit Portugal is the shoulder season in the spring and fall (April-May and September-October). Temperatures range from 18-22°C (65-71°F) so it’s still warm enough to explore and enjoy the outdoors. There aren’t as many crowds and prices are cheaper, making it an ideal time for budget travelers.

Winter is from November to February. It gets cold and tourist crowds thin out considerably. Temperatures vary quite a bit from place to place, but overall, the temperature averages around 12°C (53°F). I’d avoid visiting in the winter if you can, however, if you’re on the continent already Portugal is one of the warmer places to spend the winter.

How to Stay Safe in Portugal

Portugal is very safe for backpacking and solo travel as violent attacks are uncommon. Pickpocketing is the most common crime and can occur in touristy areas and on public transportation. Be aware of your surroundings when you’re in markets, on busy streets, and when using the metro. Always keep your valuables secure and out of sight just to be safe.

Drugs here have been decriminalized, but it’s best to avoid them as selling drugs is still illegal. If approached and offered drugs, politely decline and continue on your way

You won’t find a lot of travel scams in the country but read this article on common travel scams to avoid just to be safe.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, don’t walk home alone at night if intoxicated, etc.).

If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

Remember: always trust your gut instinct. If a taxi driver seems shady, stop the cab and get out. If your hotel is seedier than you thought, get out of there. You have every right to remove yourself from the situation. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Portugal Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!

Portugal Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Portugal travel and continue planning your trip:

The 4 Best Hostels in Lagos, Portugal

The Best Walking Tours in Lisbon

Where to Stay in Lisbon: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The 9 Best Hostels in Lisbon

When Three Days Is Not Enough Time

Lisbon: Even Better the Second Time

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Ten days in Portugal: the ultimate itinerary

Hit up stunning cities, laidback beach towns and amazing food aplenty on this ten-day tour of Portugal’s greatest spots

For a small country, Portugal punches well above its weight when it comes to food, history, unforgettable places and one-off experiences. We asked Lisbon local Lucy Bryson for her expert tips on the best way to spend ten days exploring the best of Portugal.  And although a whistlestop tour of ten days isn’t nearly enough to see everything great the country has to offer, it’s just about enough to get a flavour – and leave you hankering for more.

The good news for travellers pressed for time (and budget) is that much of the country is well served by public transport.  T rains and buses are largely reliable, comfortable, and affordable. The bad news is that your ten-day adventure will only give you a couple of days each in Lisbon and  Porto – two of Europe’s greatest city-break destinations – and you’ll miss out entirely on  harder-to-reach inland destinations, not to mention the outlying Portuguese islands of Madeira and the Azores . But what’s a time-strapped traveller to do? You’ll just have to come back again soon.

RECOMMENDED:

📍  The best things to do in Portugal 🏖 The best beaches in Portugal

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

The perfect ten-day Portugal itinerary

Day 1: porto.

Porto is one of Europe’s most photogenic cities, and its modern international airport is a quick metro ride away from the city centre, making it a great place to start your trip.

Get your bearings

The best way to get to know Porto is on foot.  As you leave the suburbs and head towards the city centre, workaday residential streets give way to increasingly attractive public squares leading downhill to the grand galleries, pavement cafés and religious buildings of the historic centre – a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Peep into São Bento railway station to admire the beautiful, azulejo  tile - covered interior, and wind your way through the crowds on Rua das Flores shopping street to reach steep cobbled paths leading down to the insanely picturesque  Ribeira (riverfront).

This is the home of port, so stop  for a glass and a bite to eat at one of the many colourful cafés: Escondidinho do Barredo is a good call for bolinhos de bacalhau and other traditional tapas. Then stroll by the river to reach the giant face mural by revered Portuguese street artist Vhils. It’s right next to Armazén –   a colourful arts, antiques and curiosities warehouse fronted by a pavement café-bar that’s perfect for people-watching over a glass or two as the sun dips over the Douro river.

Where to stay

Music lovers would be wise to make their base at MOUCO , a strikingly modern venue combining hotel rooms (complete with record players and your choice of vinyl from the music library) with a live music venue, restaurant, and vibey bar with DJ sessions.

READ MORE: The best things to do in Porto

Day 2: Porto and Vila Nova da Gaia

Put on trainers with a good grip (you’ll be tackling a lot of steep cobbled streets) and fuel up with the bountiful hotel breakfast buffet – though coffee purists might prefer to get their caffeine kicks at highly-regarded Combi Coffee Roasters , 15 minutes’ walk away from MOUCO en route to town. 

Go downtown

Once you’re back in the city centre, check out the major downtown sights of the  Cathedral and Clérigos Tower. Be prepared to join a giant queue if you want to visit Livraria Lello, the bookshop which reportedly inspired JK Rowling while she was writing the first Harry Potter book. Recover from your sightseeing adventures with a coffee or something stronger at Base Porto, an open-air bar virtually at the foot of the Clérigos tower.

If it’s getting close to lunchtime, dive into Good Things Will Happen Soon .  L ess than 15 minutes’ walk away, it’s a kooky-chic crafts store and café, where light meals and snacks (including veggie and gluten-free options) are served in a secret garden.

Head downhill to the river and cross the wrought iron Luis I bridge to Vila Nova da Gaia , Porto’s equally stunning sister city across the bay. Port wine cellars abound here  – we recommend  avoiding the riverfront crowds and heading instead to  Poças, the 1918-founded family-run lodge tucked away on a backstreet.

Enjoy the views over the Douro to the colourful townhouses of the Ribeira and Porto’s stunning skyline with a sundown drink by the water, then head back to Porto for dinner and drinks at one of the trendy haunts along Rua do Cedofeita:  Catraio Craft Beer and Bar is a good place to start.

READ MORE: The best things to do Vila Nova de Gaia

Day 3: Porto to Aveiro

Hop on the train to a charming lagoon city

It’s a little over an hour’s train ride from Porto to Aveiro, the self-proclaimed ‘Venice of Portugal’. Trains run roughly every half hour, and standard tickets cost less than €4 . You’ll be leaving from the functional-looking Campanhã   station rather than the beautifully-tiled São Bento , but don’t worry: Aveiro’s 1860s train station has its own impressive azulejos.

Okay, so Aveiro is not quite Venice – but as you glide along in an elegant, brightly-painted moliceiro canal boat, checking out the art nouveau architecture lining the river while you drift towards the flamingo-filled salt flats on the outskirts of town, you won’t want to be anywhere else.

Art nouveau is everywhere in Aveiro, and once you’re back on dry land the best place to check it out is the riverfront Museu de Arte Nova , itself housed in a photo-worthy Belle Époque building. Afterwards, try traditional ovos moles (shell-shaped pastries with sweet fillings) at Confeitaria Peixinho before grabbing a drink at any of the cheap and cheerful bar-restaurants in downtown.

It’s a quick cab ride from the train station to the compact centre and the famous canals, where plenty of canalside Airbnbs make for an  affordable place to stay.

Day 4: Aveiro to Nazaré

Ride the bus to a famous surf town

Sitting across the road from the railway station on the eastern edge of town, Aveiro’s coach station is served by comfortable long-distance coaches. It’s a ride of around one hour 40 minutes ( €8 , three direct buses daily with Rede Expresso ) to the coastal village of Nazaré, famously home to some of the biggest waves on the planet.

You’ll need to visit during ‘Big Waves season’ (October-March) to see them reach truly monstrous proportions, but surfers visiting at other times of year will find the waves more manageable. If you want to give it a go, Nazaré Surf School offers equipment rental, plus lessons for those that need them. 

Explore the centre of town with its low-key, laidback bars and restaurants serving delicious fish and petiscos. Or if you’re f eeling flush,   Pangeia is a more upmarket dining experience.

Nazaré is the perfect mix of surfer chic and small-town charm, and offers a wealth of cosy, unpretentious and inexpensive beachside lodgings. Try the apartments from By the Beach .

Day 5: Nazaré to Lisbon

Catch a coach to the Portuguese capital

After soaking in the small-town vibes of Nazaré, it’s time to board the Rede Expresso bus again to the Portuguese capital – a ride of roughly two hours. Coaches make the trip from Nazaré at regular intervals from 6.50am to 8pm, at  €8-€12 . It’s wise to board early to make the most of all that Lisbon’s seductive capital has to offer.  Coaches from Nazaré generally arrive at Lisbon’s Sete Rios station, which is a metro ride away from the main sights. 

Get lost in Lisbon

Drop your bags at your lodgings and slip into your kicks-with-grips to explore the labyrinth of streets making up Alfama, Bairro Alto and Principe Real.  Stop at Pica-Pau for lunch, or take a petiscos tour with Devour Tours for a quick-fire peek into under-the-radar drinking and dining spots.

After dark, visit cool hub Arrios  for seemingly endless nightlife options – we recommend starting out with negronis and record-browsing at Amor Records. After midnight, Bairro Alto and Cais do Sodré ’s ‘Pink Street’ throng with bar-hopping revellers.

The city is home to any number of big-name luxury hotels, but for a more personal service, look to boutique charmers like the brand new Hotel das Amoreiras , where the friendly staff, beautifully presented breakfasts and leafy location away from the tourist trail make for a warm introduction to the city. For budget lodgings close to the action, look to Airbnb for options like this smart apartment in Alfama . 

READ MORE: The best things to do in Lisbon

Day 6: Lisbon and Cascais or Sintra

Take a day trip to coast or country

Shake off a heavy head and make a beeline for coffee and some of the best pastéis de nata in Lisbon at Manteigaria . You’ll find a branch at foodie haven Time Out Market , handily located for taking the coastal train  (€3.50) from Cais do Sodré out to the beach resorts of Estoril and Cascais, half an hour out of town .

In Cascais, stop for lunch at one of the lively outdoor bars and cafes on the pedestrianised ‘Yellow Street’ and grab a cab out to Guincho to catch some surf – or just admire the dramatic landscape of cliffs and crashing waves.

If the weather’s less than perfect or you prefer fairytale castles to beach towns, head for the romantic, mist-swathed mountain escape of Sintra instead. Trains take around 35 minutes and depart from Lisbon’s handsome Rossio station. Don’t miss the Disney-esque Pena Palace .

Back to the city

After sunset, get the train back to Lisbon and jump off at Alcântara to explore the hip  LX Factory  complex , before heading back to Cais do Sodré for a saucily-styled cocktail at Pensão Amor , or laidback DJ sets and excellent burgers at Collect .

READ MORE: The best nightlife in Lisbon

Day 7: Lisbon to Sesimbra and Arrabida

Catch a bus to Sesimbra

South of the river in Lisbon, you can catch a bus from Sete Rios station (don’t confuse it with the long-distance coach station next door) to Sesimbra . It takes around 45 minutes and costs € 4.50.

While away the day on Portugal’s best beaches

Sesimbra has idyllic sandy beaches and some of the best seafood in Portugal, making it an ideal spot for lunch. Don’t miss Pescador for cosy vibes and sea views or Tasca do Isaias for the best grilled fish in town.

The town sits in a sheltered bay at the foot of the Arrabida Natural Park , famed for its adventure sports and some of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal . The beach at Portinho da Arrabida is spectacular, but can only be reached by car – you could try booking a local taxi. Alternatively, hike down to the sandy and secluded Praia do Ribeiro do Cavalo.  

Return in time for light meals and the best margaritas in town at the always-lively Black Coffee , or vegan treats with a sea view at Leaves Cafe.

Hotel do Mar offers stylish beachfront lodgings if your budget allows, while Vila Epicurea , in nearby Meco, has organic meals, yoga dome, and a pool with views to die for. And Airbnb has plenty of affordable rooms and apartments round here:  this one comes with gorgeous ocean views .

Day 8: Sesimbra to Comporta and Sines

Get the bus to the sunny Alentejo region

From Sesimbra’s centrally-located bus station, it’s a 45-minute ride ( € 4.50) to the coastal city of Setubal . The city’s handsome central square is worth a peek, but as time is of the essence, you’ll want to head to the downtown ferry terminal to catch the ferry over to Troia ( €5.30). Y ou might spot the Sado Estuary’s famous dolphins as you cross the waters.

This is the entry point to the sun-baked Alentejo region, famed for its handsome historic towns and its relatively underexplored beaches. Buses are infrequent, but it’s just a ten-minute cab ride to the uber-chic Alentejo beach town of Comporta .

Everybody from Madonna to Mourinho has been spotted here, so s ee what all the fuss is about with lunch and celeb-spotting on the white sands. (Stock up on local wine and picnic goodies if you don’t fancy forking out A-lister restaurant prices.) Then jump back on the bus for the two-hour trip to the Alentejo beach town of Sines ( €15) . While it’s famed for its surf and simple seafood restaurants, it’s also a good place to try the famous local black pig at welcoming spots like O Castelo.

For affordable beachfront lodgings with gorgeous views in Sines, try Hotel Valeiro .

Day 9: Sines to Lagos

Catch a coach to the Algarve

There’s just one coach a day from Sines to the Algarve beach town of Lagos  – it costs €1 4.50 and departs at 10am. That gives you plenty of time for a buffet with a beach view at the hotel, before the 10-minute walk to the Rede Expressos bus stop.

You’ll arrive in Lagos at around 12.40pm, and the bus station is only a ten-minute walk from the handsome old town. After the relatively relaxed vibes of Sines and Comporta, Lagos has a buzz to its drinking and dining scene – which shades easily into late-night partying, if that’s your bag.

After a lunch downtown (try steak or small plates with cocktails on the rooftop at the centrally-located Casa do Prego ) it’s high time for a swim and a nap on the beach. While there are arguably (even) more beautiful beaches further out of town, you’re just a few minutes’ walk from the soft sands and eye-catching rock formations of Praia da Batata . For post-beach drinking and dining, go for craft beers, rooftop cocktails and late-night DJ sets at Peppers Bar&Kitchen , which is lively without being lairy.

For an affordable base close to the town centre action, this Airbnb apartment is a good option, while the more upscale Cascade Wellness Resort   will be a welcome option for travellers in need of a little R&R away from the nightlife noise.

Day 10: Lagos to Faro

Faro , the Algarve’s regional capital, is home to the region’s international airport, so this may be where you say goodbye to Portugal.

Board a train to the Algarve’s capital

There are regular trains to Faro from Lagos railway station, which take one hour 45 minutes and cost €7.50. 

More than just a jumping-off point, Faro has its own charms. Take a stroll around the attractive marina before admiring the gleaming whitewashed buildings of the old town, stopping to admire the cathedral and for traditional local dishes next door at Tertulia Algarvia .

After dark, be sure to seek out the somewhat hidden Madalena :  a vibrant bar and cultural centre occupying a building that began life as a medieval hermitage. Today, it’s all about artfully crafted cocktails, a leafy terrace and DJ sets and a relaxed vibe, making it the perfect spot for a last night out in Portugal.

Base yourself at a centrally located guest house such as the welcoming Casa da Valentina : the perfect spot for your last night in Portugal.

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Portugal Travel Guide: Where to go, when to go, Money, & Everything Else

Since first travelling in Portugal back when I was 21, I have since travelled all over the country – to every corner on continental Portugal and across the Portuguese islands in the Atlantic Ocean. 

The following guide to travel in Portugal is based on many years of travelling and living in Portugal. Hopefully, it’ll help you make the most of your time here. 

Portugal is a fantastic country to travel in. It’s friendly and welcoming, it’s affordable, and it has great weather. It has a wonderfully interesting history and culture that very few people know about, and a cuisine that – with the exception of the pastel de nata – few people have ever tried. 

It’s also an easy country to travel in. English is widely spoken, particularly in cities like Lisbon and Porto and in the Algarve . Many Portuguese people speak Spanish to some degree, and many older Portuguese people speak French. 

It’s also safe – one of the safest countries in the world, in fact – making it a popular destination for families, older travellers, solo female travellers, and LGBTQ travellers. 

Where to Visit

You might already have an idea of where you want to visit. If you don’t know, or you’re looking for some more inspiration, you’re in the right place. 

Portugal has it all. It’s not just Lisbon and it’s not just beaches, although these are often the first things that spring to mind when people think of Portugal. In reality, Portugal is an incredibly varied country with something for everyone. 

The most popular destinations in Portugal are usually: 

• The Algarve
• Évora

These are all great destinations. Others that I really like include:

• Peneda-Gerês National Park
• Serra da Estrela

Tip: I get a lot of emails from people visiting Portugal who try to cram as many destinations into a week as possible, and just reading the itineraries often makes me feel exhausted. 

Portugal will always be here, and there’s nothing wrong with coming back to the same country two years in a row. Give yourself enough time to see each destination, and try to cut down on the amount of time you spend driving, on a train or bus, or at the airport by picking destinations that are close together. 

What are you looking for?

Some people want history and culture while others want to sit on the beach. Others again want to eat, play golf, or hike. Portugal has all of these things but they’re not necessarily in the same places.

• City Break: Lisbon and Porto are the two largest cities, and each need at least 2 days but ideally 3-4 days. Coimbra and Évora are smaller cities with lots of historical attractions, but ideal for shorter or weekend breaks. 
• Beaches: Without a doubt, the best region for beaches is The Algarve . Although it’s touristy, it has more than 100 beaches so it’s always possible to get away from the crowds. There are also beautiful beaches in the Alentejo, Silver Coast, and just about everywhere on the Portuguese coast really. 
• Food: While there’s great food to be found everywhere in Portugal, the North of Portugal and The Alentejo stand out as two of the best regions. 
• Wine: Portugal’s most famous wine region is The Douro, followed by The Alentejo. Other regions that are worth exploring include The Dão, Bairrada, Vinho Verde, and the unique wine growing landscapes of The Azores, particularly on Pico. 
• Surfing: Portugal is a popular destination for surfers, and there are several surfing hotspots around the country like Ericeira, Peniche , Nazaré, as well as Sagres and the Western Coast of the Algarve , particularly around Aljezur . 
• Walking: Portugal has fantastic walks in every region, as well as longer multi-day hikes like the Portuguese Way (Caminho Português de Santiago), The Algarve Way , and a number of different pilgrimages to Fátima . 
• Golf: The Algarve is where Portugal’s best golf courses can be found, but it’s not the only place. There are also fantastic courses in other parts of the country, particularly Troia and on Portugal’s Silver Coast. 

7 tips for visiting Portugal

• Don’t go straight to Ryanair, Booking, or Avis. Find the best deals by using comparison sites like Skyscanner (for flights, car rental, and hotels), HotelsCombined (for hotels), and RentalCars.com (for cars). 
• Don’t forget to check Airbnb as well. Often it’s cheaper than a hotel but, even if it isn’t, at the very least it gives you more options.
• You can get discounts of up to 65% off if you buy your train tickets at least 8 days in advance (does not apply to regional, interregional, and urban trains). 
• July & August are the hottest, busiest, and most expensive months to visit Portugal. If you can, it’s better to avoid them. 
• If your bank account is in a different currency (e.g. GBP or USD), the ATM will offer to do the conversion for you. Select no and let your bank do it instead. You’ll get a much better deal. 
• It’s always good to carry some cash in Portugal as card payments are mainly only common in the cities and more touristy regions. 
• Sunscreen is expensive in Portugal (around €10 per bottle) but Lidl’s bottle only costs around €3. 

Those tips are just a sample of the tips that appear in the longer Portuguese travel tips article . Be sure to check it out. 

When to visit

Depending on when you can take time off, you may not have a choice of when you can visit Portugal. If you do have some flexibility, however, it’s worth paying attention to the following. 

• The busiest months are July and August, but especially in August. Cities like Lisbon, Porto , and Coimbra will be particularly busy during this time and The Algarve will be at its busiest. June and September are usually good months alternatives to the crowded summer months. 
• Understand that Portugal has several different climates. While The Algarve has mild winters with temperatures in the high teens, winters in Porto and the North of Portugal are similar to those found in the UK and Ireland. Lisbon is somewhere in between but closer to the Algarve. 
• The Alentejo is like an oven in July and August, so it’s best to avoid visiting places like Évora and Beja at that time of year. Coimbra , although further North and close to the coast, also seems to get hot and stuffy at that time of year. 
• During the summer months, there are lots of interesting festivals where locals eat, drink, and dance the night away to crappy Pimba music. Two of the most famous festivals are Lisbon’s Santo Antonio festival and Porto’s São João festival, both of which take place in June. 

Getting here

For most people, getting to Portugal means taking a flight although many others visit Portugal as part of a cruise or by driving here . 

Skyscanner is usually the best website for comparing flights as it not only compares multiple airlines but it also allows you to:

• See when the cheapest prices across a month are. 
• See which airport in Portugal is cheapest to fly to. 

These days, because flights are so affordable, it generally doesn’t make any more financial sense to drive rather than to fly. It does mean that you don’t need a car, though, and can be useful if you’re planning on staying in Portugal for longer. 

EEA and Swiss citizens are entitled to free or reduced emergency medical treatment under the EHIC scheme.

If you’re not entitled to the EHIC Scheme, you should take out travel insurance to cover you if you need medical treatment.

Getting around

Renting a car.

If you’re only planning on visiting cities like Lisbon and Porto, there’s no need to rent a car – especially for the entirety of your trip. If you plan to leave the cities, or want to visit beaches or other remote destinations, however, you will probably need to rent a car for at least some of your trip. 

RentalCars.com and Discovercars.com are the two best sites for comparing car hire as they produce slightly different results. Most other car hire websites just use RentalCar’s results, so you really only need to do a search on these two sites. 

Tip: Driving in Portugal comes with its own challenges, so it’s worth reading up on these driving tips beforehand. 

Hiring a car (and a driver)

When people talk about hiring a car in Europe, they usually mean just renting the car. Hiring a car with a driver isn’t very common here unless it’s a taxi or airport transfer. 

That said, there are some companies that allow you to hire a car and driver who will chauffeur you around Portugal and take you to all the different attractions. Normally, these are booked for a day or two at a time but it’s also possible to book a driver for the entirety of your trip.

Airport transfers

There are airport transfer companies at every airport in Portugal including Lisbon , Porto , Faro , Madeira , and Ponta Delgada. 

In The Azores , it can be harder to find an airport transfer company that you can book in advance but you’ll probably need to hire a car there anyway. All Portuguese airports have a taxi rank outside them as well. 

Public Transport

Portugal has good public transport at a national level. It’s affordable, and you can get to any part of the country by bus and *often* by train as well. 

At a local level, public transport is usually very good in cities like Lisbon and Porto, but not as good once you start to get into the countryside. If you are committed to travelling rural Portugal by public transport, it is doable but it’ll take a bit of planning and you may not always be able to find timetables or buy tickets online. 

Portugal has a good train service that mainly covers the western side of the country as well as some parts of the Algarve, Central, and Northern Portugal. The trains are old and not in any way luxurious, but they’re reliable and tickets aren’t expensive. 

There are often discounted rates if you book in advance, and you can easily book online or buy tickets at the train station itself. 

Unfortunately, you can’t get everywhere in Portugal by train. Even in regions that do have extensive train services, like the Algarve, it’s not possible to get to every town or village by train. 

Long distance buses

We tend to think of train travel as the more luxurious way to travel, but that’s not necessarily the case in Portugal. Although there is something nice about the rhythm of the train and going along train tracks rather than the road, coaches in Portugal are much more modern than the trains. This means that the seats are often more comfortable, and both the air conditioning and wifi are more likely to work. 

The bus network is also much more extensive than the train network, so there’s a good chance that you may have to take the bus anyway. 

If you do have a choice, which is the better option? It depends. If you are eligible for an advanced booking discount, the train may actually be cheaper than the bus. It’s also often faster, although this varies from trip to trip. Basically, you’ll probably have to look at both options and compare for yourself. 

Local buses

All regions in Portugal have a local bus service. Generally the buses are older, and it’s usually not possible to buy tickets online. Sometimes finding timetables can be a challenge as well, and there’s a good chance you’ll need to do things the old-fashioned way and actually go into the bus station. 

On the islands, particularly The Azores, there are very limited bus services and it’s difficult to get around without a car. 

Taxis in Portugal are quite affordable, at least compared to other countries. Taxis are usually metered or, in the case of The Azores, they might have a set list of prices. 

Uber is also available in places like Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve and there are other taxi apps like Bolt that you might not have heard of before. Almost all offer a free or discounted rate on the first ride, so you can save a bit of money by trying out all of the apps. 

• Uber has the most drivers, which means your ride will arrive faster. 
• Kapten offers the best discount for your first ride and for referring friends. 
• If you want a “real taxi,” use the Free Now app. 

Because Portugal is quite a small country, flying is only really worth it if you’re flying between Porto Airport and Faro Airport in the Algarve. You can fly between Lisbon and Porto or Faro and Lisbon as well but, even though the flights take less than an hour, you end up spending a lot of time getting to the airport and waiting at the airport. 

Cost-wise, flying can be more or less the same as taking the train or a bus but usually that’s only if you don’t check in a bag. Buses and trains, on the other hand, don’t charge you for luggage. 

• Use a flight comparison site like Skyscanner to compare flight prices and times. 
• Consider taking the train or bus instead.

Budgeting your trip

Everyone travels differently, so it’s difficult to say how much you should budget for a trip to Portugal. You’re probably going to have to open up a spreadsheet and work things out yourself, but here are a few things to think about.

• Getting to and from Portugal (normally by plane)
• Accommodation

Food & Drink

• Transportation
• Sightseeing

Checklists & Packing Lists

It’s possible to visit Portugal with just a passport (or identity card for most Schengen Area citizens), a credit or debit card, and the clothes on your back.

However, even if you’re a light packer, it’s probably a good idea to pack a few extra things like:

• Plug adapter: If your gadgets and chargers use a different plug to the EU 2-pin plug, you’ll need an adapter to use them in Portugal.
• Travel insurance: EU/EEA/Swiss citizens are normally covered for emergency medical treatment under the EHIC card, but everyone else should have travel insurance. It’s also not a bad idea for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens to get travel insurance as well.
• A photocopy of your passport: In Portugal you’re required to carry ID on you at all times. If you don’t have an ID card, you’re supposed to carry your passport, which isn’t ideal, but you are allowed to carry a photocopy of your passport instead.

For more suggestions on what to pack for your trip to Portugal take a look at the Portugal packing list and Portugal checklist articles.

Portugal uses the Euro. Although some places accept card payments, card payments are only really popular in cities like Lisbon and Porto and touristy places like the Algarve.

Even then, there’s a good chance that the place won’t accept cards, the card machine will be broken* or it won’t accept your non-Portuguese bank card.

(*In Portugal, card machines are often broken, sometimes perpetually, whereas this never seems to happen in other countries. I suspect the card machine isn’t actually broken, but the shop, restaurant, or café just wants you to pay in cash instead.)

There are a number of different ways to get Euros including withdrawing from an ATM in Portugal or going to a currency exchange specialist.

The best option is usually to get a travel-friendly bank card that doesn’t charge a fee for ATM withdrawals in Portugal (or, in the case of some US banks, refunds you the ATM fees).

Even if your bank charges you for ATM withdrawals, sometimes this is still the best option if it’s a fixed fee. If they charge a percentage of the amount you’re withdrawing, however, it may not be the best option and it may make more financial sense to visit a currency exchange specialist in Portugal or in advance.

• Airport currency exchanges give the worst rates.
• If you’re using an ATM to withdraw money, the ATM will offer to do the conversion for you. Say no and let your bank do it instead.
• Avoid Euronet ATM s, which can charge as much as €5 for a €20 withdrawal.

Mention Portuguese cuisine and most people will say “pastel de nata” or “Portuguese custard tart,” and maybe even Nando’s (which is actually South African), but will struggle to name any other dishes beyond that. 

While Spanish restaurants are common in most major cities, it’s a novelty to see a Portuguese restaurant outside of Portugal. 

Portuguese food is a whole cuisine just waiting to be explored and you’ll find plenty of articles about Portugal’s food here on Portugalist: including guides to the main dishes, desserts, breakfast, and regional dishes from all over the country. 

Popular foodie articles

Speaking Portuguese

Like Portuguese food, there’s a good chance you haven’t had much contact with the Portuguese language before. Or, if you have, it was with Brazilian Portuguese rather than European Portuguese.

English is widely spoken in Portugal, particularly in places like Lisbon, Porto, the Algarve, Madeira – anywhere where there’s either a younger population or where tourists go.

In more rural parts of Portugal, people are less likely to speak English and it’s worth learning a few basic phrases.

If you want to learn a bit more than the basics, there are a small number of courses and resources that teach European Portuguese – everything from the basics right up to near fluency.

Portuguese culture

Portuguese culture is famously summed up by the “Three Fs” – Fútbol, Fado, and Fátima – three popular distractions that allowed António de Oliveira Salazar to rule over Portugal as a dictator between 1932 and 1968.

While these three things are a big part of Portuguese culture – although religion is in decline – it only highlights three small parts of Portuguese culture, and they’re not necessarily the three most important parts.

Food (Portuguese food, that is) is just as important as any of the Three Fs, probably even more so. While it’s a cliché to say that food is important to a culture, it’s definitely true of Portugal: all conversations, regardless of the topic, seem to turn to food eventually.

You could argue that coffee comes under food, but it’s such an important part of Portuguese culture that it deserves its own mention.

Life in Portugal revolves around the pastelaria or local café, of which there’s often several on the same street. The Portuguese drink multiple cups of coffee per day and, because a coffee costs around €0.50, they usually have it out – it’s only recently that people have begun drinking coffee at home.

Then there’s saudade, bureaucracy, pride – Portuguese culture is such a big topic that it deserves its own article.

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Beyond the Pastel de Nata: 9 Best Portuguese Foods That Are Still Under the Radar

Portugal’s best food festivals in august, the 8 best cocktail bars in porto, the 9 best cocktail bars in lisbon, the cozido – portugal’s quintessential family meal, 5 best street artists in portugal, the history of calçada portuguesa, celebrating august 15th in portugal, portuguese citizens and residents can now visit museums for free for 52 days a year, celtic portugal, 1-week portugal itinerary: where to spend 7 days in portugal.

Millions of tourists travel to Portugal every year, but it can be hard to figure out where to go. Luckily, this 1-Week Portugal Itinerary guides you on where to spend 7 days in Portugal. 

The itinerary starts in the Portuguese capital of Lisbon and then heads south. You can enjoy the journey fully through public transport, but when leaving Lisbon to head to the Algarve, we do recommend renting a car.

When renting your vehicle, you can select to pick up the car at Lisbon airport and return it at the end of your trip at Faro airport, where this itinerary ends.

While both Central Portugal and the north have a lot to offer, this 7-day itinerary is perfect for a first-timer who hasn’t yet visited the country. 

For everything you need to know before traveling to Portugal, check out our  Portugal Survival Guide.

Day 1: Arrive in  Lisbon

This 1-Week Itinerary in Portugal starts in the capital of Lisbon. Many cities around the world fly directly to Lisbon. You can fly directly to Lisbon from many US airports, including Miami, Boston, Washington, San Francisco, and New York. 

One of the oldest cities in western Europe, Lisbon has seen a boom in tourism due to its unique beauty, historical attractions, and affordability.

The birthplace of Amália Rodrigues, the iconic  Fado  singer, Lisbon is rich in culture, history, and striking views. 

Guide to Lisbon

For your visit day in Lisbon, start your day off in Alfama. The oldest neighborhood in Lisbon and the home of fado. Explore the neighborhood and look out for Fado spots, as well as historical monuments such as the Lisbon Cathedral, the Convent of the Grace, and more.

For lunch, take a look at our  favorite restaurants in Lisbon. 

For a traditional Portuguese meal, we recommend Alfaia, one of the oldest restaurants in Lisbon that opened in 1880.

If you are vegan but still want to try Portuguese food, we definitely recommend Ao 26 Vegan Food Project.

For the best pizzas in Lisbon, head to Casanova in Santa Apolonia to take some pizzas cooked in a large wood-burning stove and enjoy views of the Tagus river. 

Then head to Miradouro da Graca, one of the most iconic viewpoints in Lisbon. At the top of the seven hills of the city, you get to see historic neighborhoods and take photographs of the surroundings. 

Then take the iconic 28 tram from Miradouro da Graca that passed by Praca do Comercio and other locations. Hop off in Chiado.

Chiado is well known for being home to the best stores a nd luxurious cafes, located in the heart of the city. The 1700s Bertrand book store is located here, as well as the emblematic cafe A Brasileira. 

Take a 15-minute walk to Praca do Comercio, the city’s central waterpoint front. The large square used to be the site of the former royal palace that was destroyed in the Great Lisbon Earthquake in 1755. 

There are multiple shops and restaurants in the square. You can also climb the Rua Augusta Arch for 360 views of the city and the square. 

For dinner, head to 1 de Maio in Bairro Alto for an affordable Portuguese meal. This hidden restaurant offers delicious fresh seafood that you can see from the window and a variety of meats like lamb. 

After dinner, head to Pink Street in Cais do Sodre. The street features pink pavement and was once Lisbon’s Red Light District. Today, it is a nightlife hotspot.

Many bars today still reflect the Red Light District such as the iconic bar Pensao Amor which has memorabilia from the time. Walk around to experience the nightlife which often fills the street, locals bringing their drinks outside. 

Best Hotels in Lisbon

• Inspira Liberdade Boutique Hotel:  Awarded the Best Luxury Green Hotel in 2019, Inspira Liberdade provides a relaxing Feng-Shui vibe for its guests. The hotel has a SPA, fitness room, bar, and a restaurant with Portuguese food called Pen Brasserie Mediterrânica.
• Selena Secret Garden :  The hostel also has a rooftop deck, CoWork space for professionals, and a movie room. In the heart of Cais do Sodre, you are close to contemporary art galleries, bars with riverfront views, and within walking distance to Chiado.
• Bairro Alto Hotel:  This hotel is situated in the best location in Lisbon, between Bairro Alto and Chiado in an 18th-century building in central Lisbon. The hotel features a restaurant with award-winning Chef Nuno Mendes and Executive Chef Bruno Rocha.

Day 2: Lisbon

For your second day in Lisbon, we recommend exploring Belem. Belem lies along the Tejo Estuary and is home to two UNESCO sites, Torre de Belem and Mosteiro dos Jeronimos. 

Mosteiro dos Jerónimos is a former monastery in Belém constructed in Portuguese Late Gothic Manueline style and you can visit the church for free. 

Torre de Belem is a 16th-century fortification that once served as an embarkation spot for Portugal explorers. It features a Manueline style and has been a World Heritage Site since 1983.

A 2-minute walk from the monastery, head to Pasteis de Belem where the traditional Portuguese custard tart was first invented.

In the afternoon, we recommend booking a sightseeing tour. Since you only have 2 days in Lisbon, this is a great way to see as much of the city as possible. Here are our favorite guided tours of Lisbon:

• Lisbon 3-Hour Sightseeing Tour by Tuk Tuk : This tuk-tuk tour rides up and down the hills of Lisbon, going through the city’s oldest neighborhoods and main attractions.
• Lisbon Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour:  Book a 24-hour ticket which includes an audio guide. This affordable ticket allows you to visit different routes and hop in as you would like. 
• Lisbon 3-Hour Tour by E-Bike:  This tour allows you to cycle through Lisbon on comfortable e-bikes with a guided tour. You will get to visit different viewpoints and historical attractions.

At night, walk to Bairro Alto, the most popular area for drinking outdoors. Tons of locals and tourists line the streets of Bairro Alto with a beer in hand. We recommend Ze dos Bois Gallery, a musical center that has live music and serves tasty drinks. 

Best Restaurants in Lisbon

• Ze dos Cornos: For a Portuguese person, this place is like arriving at your Avó’s (grandma´s) house for dinner. Everything off the menu hits the spot, but try their codfish with potatoes or their rabbit. You can have a large full meal here with wine for under €15. 
• The Green Affair: Open since 2018, the Green Affair serves Portuguese and international dishes. The restaurant offers lunch menus for less than €11 including a starter, main, and drink. For dinner, you’ll pay around  €30 for two people. 
• Alma: Henrique Sá Pessoa’s, Alma also has two Michelin stars. The menu includes Portuguese dishes with influences from his worldwide travels. The menus start at €145 per person and do not include drinks. The wine tasting menu costs €80 per person. 

Day 3: Day Trip to Cascais & Sintra from Lisbon

Book Sintra & Cascais Tour

The great thing about Lisbon is its proximity to quaint coastal towns. Our favorites: Sintra and Cascais. We recommend either driving to these locations (both around 30 minutes from Lisbon), booking a guided tour , or taking a 30-minute train to each town. 

In Sintra, we recommend heading to Piriquita for the staple deserted called a “travesseiro”. After this energy boost, head to the Castle of the Moors. This is a medieval castle that sits on a hilltop and was built by the Moors in the 8th century.

Then, head to Pena Palace, one of the most iconic palaces in all of Portugal. The palace has a Disney-like feel, painted in beautiful colors in a romanticist style. You can also wander around the castle and see the beautiful green area that surrounds it. Tickets cost around €15.

Guide to Sintra

We recommend having lunch at a seafood restaurant in Cascais. Our favorites are Furnas do Guincho and Baia do Peixe, the latter being a more affordable alternative.

Then it’s time to explore Cascais, the richest municipality in the country! Head to “Praia da Rainha”, a secluded  beach  with a wonderful view, perfect for a family photograph.

Find Frederico Arouca street, a high street with major stores selling Portuguese souvenirs. Then walk to the City Hall in Praca 5 de Outubro, a beautiful building surrounded by cobblestoned streets.

To wrap up your day, head to Guincho beach,  a 10-minute drive from the center of Cascais, to watch the sunset. If the weather is nice, take a dip! But be careful with the waves as they can get quite high. 

Guide to Cascais

Day 4 & 5: Tavira

A 3-hour drive from Lisbon, drive south to Tavira, in the beautiful region of the Algarve. Alternatively, you can catch a train to Faro or a bus directly to Tavira. 

Tavira was built alongside River Gilão and features some of the best beaches in the Algarve, as well as picturesque narrow streets with traditional houses. Along with the stunning beaches, the town has multiple attractions such as shops and historical buildings.

Your two days will be more slow-paced than the past days in Lisbon. You will be spending most of your time at the beach.

Our favorite beach is Praia do Barril. The beach features a wooden path over golden sand which provides a gorgeous contrast with the dark blue waters. Due to the large size of the beach, you will rarely feel like it’s too busy, despite its popularity.

Praia de Tavira and Praia da Terra Estreita are also great alternatives in Tavira. If you want to discover multiple beaches this affordable  4-hour boat tour  takes you on an octopus tour and stops at multiple beaches.

In between resting at the beach, we recommend exploring Tavira. Take a walk through the city and explore the Chapel of Sao Bras, castle, and convent. Book this 100% electric 1-hour tuk-tuk tour  if you want a guided tour of the city from a local’s perspective. 

Tours in Tavira

Best Hotels in Tavira

• São Paulo Boutique Hotel:   São Paulo Boutique Hotel is located less than 5 kilometers from the beach and features an outdoor swimming pool, bar, shared lounge, and large garden for guests to enjoy. 
• OZADI Tavira Hotel:  A 4-star hotel AZADI Tavira Hotel is 3 kilometers away from the beach and features a large outdoor pool, a fitness center, and two restaurants. 
• Quinta Dos Perfumes:  An 8-minute walk from the beach, Quinta dos Perfumes is an 88-acre farmhouse that features beautiful orange groves and a salt-water outdoor pool.

Guide to Tavira

Day 6: Day trip to Benagil Caves

Benagil is a fishing village known for its stunning beaches and sea caves. The Benagil caves are a must-see if you head to the Algarve. We recommend booking a guided tour, many of which start in Albufeira. Here are the best day tours to Benagil Caves.

• Dolphins and Benagil Caves from Albufeira : This boat tour allows you to discover dolphins, marine life, and Benagil caves in an inflatable boat. A stop for a swim is included!
• Caves and Coastline Cruise from Albufeira to Benagil : This catamaran cruise takes you on a scenic route between Albufeira to Benagil. You will get to explore the sea caves and go for a swim. 
• Boat Tour to Benagil Caves from Armacao de Pera : A boat cruise from Armacao de Pera that takes you to see the Benagil Caves with a crew that will tell you about the region.

Benagil Tours

Day 7: Morning at the beach and travel home

Enjoy your last day at your favorite beach in Tavira. Again, we recommend Praia do Barril. Then travel back home from Faro Airport, only a 30-minute drive away from Tavira.

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10 of the best things to do in Portugal

Jan 22, 2024 • 7 min read

Here's how to experience the best of Portugal © borchee / Getty Images

Nestled between Spain and the Atlantic Ocean, Portugal  is a compact country that you could fit into a two-week road trip .

Contrasting with its small size is the country's diverse culture, cuisine and landscapes that range from the rugged coast in the west to the mountainous inland and from the cool and lush north to the flat and sunny south. Ancient Roman, Celtic and Islamic influences have shaped the customs and language of this land that's officially been a country for more than 870 years – one of the oldest in the world.

This list of the best things to do in Portugal caters to foodies, outdoorsy adventure seekers, culture and history buffs , and travelers who want to take it all in at once, hopping from one must-see to the next.

1. Listen to a live fado performance in Lisbon

Fado, a musical genre started in Portugal that's on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list, envelops listeners in melancholic, sorrowful and heartfelt music. Slow, lingering songs are sung to the sound of guitarra Portuguesa (Portuguese guitar) and other string instruments. 

To experience it for yourself, head to a casa de fado in Lisbon . Popular options include  Parreirinha de Alfama or A Baiuca in Alfama and  Adega Machado or Café Luso in Bairro Alto . Whichever you choose, all offer a chance to see a live performance, and some even pair the music with a traditional Portuguese dinner.

Planning tip:  For more range and diversity, visit Lisbon in late September to attend Santa Casa Alfama, the two-day music festival dedicated entirely to fado.

2. See prehistoric rock art at Vale do Côa

A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1998, the prehistoric rock art site in Vale do Côa , together with nearby Siega Verde in Spain, is the most noteworthy Paleolithic art site in the Iberian Peninsula.

Planning tip:  Head to the Museu do Côa first before joining a guided tour of the archaeological site and open-air rock art gallery, which includes more than 1000 rock engravings from the Paleolithic and Iron Age periods scattered around 80 identified sites.

3. Indulge in conventual sweets

Egg yolks, sugar and occasionally almonds are the core ingredients of typical Portuguese pastries known as conventual sweets. Cloistered nuns and monks (hence the name "conventual") created these concoctions, making use of extra egg yolks (the whites were exported and used in winemaking) and newly imported sugar from Brazil in the 15th century, and they were initially for the monastery residents' consumption. But in the 19th century, when religious orders were all to be dissolved, these sweet creations became their only source of income as convents and monasteries were forced to stop taking in novices.

Each region of Portugal has its traditional conventual sweet, with some local or seasonal ingredients thrown in the mix, such as beans in the pastel de feijão in Torres Vedras or the paper-thin, wafer-encased  ovos moles in Aveiro . Pastel de nata custard tarts are Lisbon's most famous conventual sweet and also the one that's seen the most variations, including vegan alternatives.

4. Party at Santos Populares , local saints' festivals

Traditional or popular saints' festivities ( Santos Populares ) happen all over Portugal in June, but St Anthony's in Lisbon (on June 13) and St John's in Porto (on June 24) are the best-known. In these cities' historical neighborhoods, locals hang colorful ribbons across the narrow cobblestoned streets and set up charcoal grills to cook sardines and pork steaks, preferably washed down with a cold local beer or house wine. These festivals started as a way to honor the communities' patron saints, but nowadays, it's the perfect excuse to meet local residents, share a meal and dance the night away.

5. Surf (or watch) the giant waves in Nazaré

The giant Atlantic waves that roll in during Nazaré's rough winters were no secret to local surfers and fishers, but when North American surfer Garrett McNamara established a new World Record by riding a 24m (78ft) wave in 2011, the former fishing village on Portugal's west coast jumped to international fame. Giant wave surfing has become one of Nazaré's calling cards, and the view from the lighthouse of São Miguel Arcanjo Fort is one of the most photographed in town.

6. Stargaze at Great Lake Alqueva

With cloudless skies most of the year and little light pollution, the artificial Great Lake Alqueva in Alentejo is one of Portugal's most perfect spots for stargazing. These extraordinary conditions made the lake the first official starlight tourism destination in the world, as certified by Spanish-based Fundación Starlight. Several local companies offer stargazing and nighttime tours of the lake, and budding astronomers can also visit the observatory .

Planning tip:  Prebooking is required, although admission is free for kids under eight, with scheduled starry observations happening during the day or at night.

7. Celebrate Carnaval

For three days before Ash Wednesday, in February or early March, kids and grownups dress up in costumes and participate in Carnaval parades and celebrations happening all over Portugal. Carnaval is often referred to locally as the Portuguese version of Halloween. The first celebrations can be traced back to the 13th century when some of ancient Rome's pagan festivities were appropriated by the Catholic Church. Nearly every town around Portugal hosts a Carnaval parade on Fat Tuesday (the last day of Carnaval), but some are more iconic than others. Torres Vedras, Ovar and Loulé are home to the best Carnaval celebrations, and they mix local traditions with Brazilian-inspired samba parades.

Planning tip: Can't be there for Fat Tuesday? There's an alternative. In Podence, a small village in Portugal's northwest, Carnaval is celebrated differently from the rest of the country – here, it's a unique end-of-winter celebration that inherited the pagan traditions of former Celtic settlers and is part of UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Villagers take part in the Caretos (masked men) parade, and they cover their faces with handmade tin or leather masks depicting a demon-like figure and wear cowbells around their waists. 

8. Stay in a traditional schist village

Once located at the crossroads of important commercial routes, the mountain villages between Coimbra and Castelo Branco were practically deserted in the mid-20th century as locals migrated elsewhere in Europe. The dark schist stones used to build the houses were not only unique to the center of Portugal but also became one of the region's calling cards.

To revive this piece of the country's cultural and heritage legacy, the Aldeias do Xisto project was born, transforming 27 villages into rural tourism areas surrounded by rugged mountains, lakes and riverine beaches. The black-stone houses' traditional design was kept to honor and maintain the region's cultural identity.

Planning tip: From nature hikes and wellness retreats to traditional cuisine tastings,  book your local experiences  at these villages in advance.

9. Taste Portuguese wine

Portugal is home to the well-known wine regions of Alentejo (which produces bold and hearty reds) and Douro (the home of port), but you can find wineries and vineyards practically all over the country, including on the Azores and Madeira archipelagoes.

Planning tip: The region of Vinho Verde (meaning young wine) in Minho produces unique wine from indigenous grape varietals, making it the most authentically Portuguese wine of all. One of the best wineries in the region to taste these fresh, fruity and floral wines (red or white) is Quinta da Aveleda .

10. Road trip on Estrada Nacional 2

Connecting Chaves in the north to Faro in the south, the picturesque Estrada Nacional 2 is a 740km (460-mile) stretch of road that shows road-trippers the kind of Portugal they'd miss if they stuck to highways and freeways. Dubbed the "Portuguese Route 66," the secondary N2 road is seeing a touristic revival as locals are rediscovering Portugal's longest road.

Witness the change of scenery as you drive, from the twists and turns of the road as it cuts through the mountains in Portugal's north and center to the almost-treeless plains of Alentejo and the golden sand beaches of the Algarve . Take time to visit landmarks along the way or stay for a little longer in each town, experiencing community life and local cuisine. Be adventurous and see where the road takes you, or follow one of two pre-designed routes: one dedicated to castles and the other to museums .

This article was first published Oct 27, 2021 and updated Jan 22, 2024.

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• 3 Other destinations
• 4.2 History
• 4.3 Climate
• 4.4 Time zone
• 4.5 Tourist information
• 6.1 By plane
• 6.2 By train
• 6.4 By boat
• 7.1 By plane
• 7.2 By train
• 7.4 By taxi
• 7.5.1 Toll highways
• 7.5.2 Drunk driving
• 7.5.3 Parking
• 8.1 Historic towns & architecture
• 8.2 Natural beauty and beaches
• 8.3 Museums
• 9.1 Beaches
• 10.3 Haggling
• 10.4 Overcharging & cover charge
• 10.5 Tipping
• 10.6 Shopping
• 10.7 Consumer rights
• 12.1 Port Wine
• 12.2 Vinho Verde
• 12.3 Moscatel
• 12.4 Liqueur
• 16.1 Illicit drug use
• 17 Stay healthy
• 18.1 Morality and social issues
• 18.2 Religion
• 18.3 Sexuality
• 18.4 Smoking
• 18.5 Bullfighting

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Portugal is a modern country with strong links to its past and people of a friendly and hospitable nature. It has become an acclaimed international tourist and vacation destination due to its many beautiful beaches and long warm summers, a rich gastronomy, historical and cultural heritage. Its fabulous golf courses, giant surf waves at Nazaré , and religious pilgrimage to Fátima are very popular with visitors. Surprisingly, in winter several ski resorts are open for business in the Serra da Estrela region.

• 40.638889 -8.655278 3 Aveiro – the "Venice" of Portugal
• 32.65 -16.916667 7 Funchal – the capital of Madeira

Other destinations

• 38.780833 -9.500556 2 Cabo da Roca – the westernmost point of mainland Portugal and European continent, in Sintra near Cascais
• 41.730339 -8.161681 5 Peneda-Gerês National Park – Portugal's only national park
• 40.321867 -7.612967 6 Serra da Estrela Natural Park – Continental Portugal's highest mountain range

Portugal sits on the western edge of the Iberian peninsula , with two archipelagos in the Atlantic Ocean. Despite its small land area, it has many landforms and climates between the Atlantic coast and the mountains.

The people of Portugal ( Portuguese pronunciation: /puɾ.tu.ˈgaɫ/, poor-too-GAHL ) today have a heritage drawn from many parts of the globe.

Portugal, although it has close ties with the Spanish people, has a distinct cultural and linguistic heritage .

The oldest known Iberian peoples left markings and cave paintings more than 50,000 years ago. The Iberian peninsula was a natural resources rich area with heavily wooded forests, wild life, horses and live stock. Mining of minerals such as, gold, silver, copper, tin, iron, tungsten and mercury was well known to exist in antiquity. The Celts and Iberians mixed with North Africans, Phoenicians, Middle Easterners and Greeks and according to academic research, these people being accomplished seafarers, become prominent traders spreading as far afield as the British isles among other European places, leaving traceable links with the Irish, Cornish and Welsh people's heritage. The later Lusitanian tribes dominated large areas of Western Iberia for over a thousand years and were noted for their high quality iron and steel working expertise and excellent horse rearing and riding capabilities until the Romans arrived during the Punic Wars and colonised most of the peninsula, almost eradicating all traces of the previous civilisations through genocide and assimilation practices.

After the fall of Rome, Germanic and Frankish people moved west and also settled in Iberia and Northwest Africa. After the arrival and spread of Christianity, conflict between Pagan tribes and new Christian chieftains in the 7th and 8th centuries helped enable the better organised Moorish Muslims to invade and gain control of approximately three quarters of the peninsula for about seven hundred years.

By the end of the 9th century, Iberian Christians begin to regain some control over their ancestral domain, thus opening the way for the "reconquista" era that culminated in the formation and expansion of the Portuguese state as it is known today, as well as that of Spain to the east. From early 16th century, the Christian kings' policy of religious hegemony throughout the Iberian peninsula was achieved through forced conversion or expulsion of Jews and Muslims.

Portugal was founded in 1128 by its first king D. Afonso Henriques. Despite being a relatively small country, it has played a crucial role in world history. Its borders have remained the same longer than any other European country's, and it maintains the longest existing alliance in the world (since 1386) with the United Kingdom, known as the "Treaty of Windsor". So in otherwise neutral Portugal, this alliance was invoked during World War II, allowing the British to establish a military base in the Azores which was later on, under NATO agreements, transferred for use by the USA during the Cold War . British troops headed to the Falklands War used it as a staging point.

In the mid-15th century, Prince Henry, the Navigator, from his Escola de Sagres promoted and sponsored the maritime exploration of the Atlantic Ocean, finding the archipelagos of Madeira, Azores, reaching Greenland and later on leading to the naming of Terra Nova (Newfoundland), Lavrador (Labrador) and the founding of colonial enterprises on the west coast of Africa. After his death, successors continued to voyage further and further throughout the 15th and 16th centuries, enabling Portugal to begin a major chapter in world history with the New World Discoveries ( Descobrimentos ) and monopoly over trade between the Orient and Western Europe.

Portugal established the Cape Route to India, and colonised the Madeira and Azores archipelagos. To consolidate imperial supremacy, Portugal established a chain of fortified military towns and trading outposts that eventually linked in Africa ( Ceuta , Canary Islands , Ivory Coast , Cape Verde , Guinea Bissau , São Tomé e Príncipe , Zaire , Angola , Cape of Good Hope , Natal , Mozambique , Zanzibar , Mombasa etc.), South America ( Brazil , Caribbean , parts of Argentina and Uruguay ), Asia ( Hormuz , Goa , Bombay , Macau , Ceylon , Malacca , Phuket ), and Oceania ( Sumatra , East Timor , Flores , Moluccas , Papua New Guinea , etc), creating an empire covering most of the Atlantic Ocean, the Indian Ocean and parts of the South China Sea and Southwest Oceania. Additionally, after reaching Japan in the mid-16th century, Portuguese sailors explored vast areas of the Pacific Ocean resulting in 1571, the Japanese port city of Nagasaki being established by the Portuguese and local lords, to handle the new trade demand. The Portuguese language continues to be a shared heritage of most of these countries, while Roman Catholicism remains the dominant religion throughout much of the former Portuguese Empire.

During the second half of the 16th century, the Portuguese Crown entered a succession crisis with the loss of the young heirless king, Dom Sebastião, at the battle of "Alcacér-Quibir". As a result of the crisis, the Portuguese nobility keen to avoid a civil war, reluctantly agreed to unify Portugal with Spain under the crown of King Phillip II, thus creating the period of "Iberian Union" which lasted from 1580 to 1640. During the union period, the Portuguese Empire interests were negatively affected, because of the rivalry between Spain and England, as well as Madrid's disinterest in Portugal's overseas matters. Furthermore, much of Portugal's overseas maritime/naval capacity and resources were disrupted by the commissioning and redirection of its vessels towards the Great Armada preparations for the invasion of Britain, which had disastrous consequences for Spain and Portugal. By then, as a result of the belligerence, the Treaty of Windsor had been suspended, while at the same time the Netherlands seized the opportunity to gain footholds in Portuguese Empire territories of South America, Africa and Asia.

Portugal regained its independence from Spain in 1640, and to re-enforce its world position, the wedding of the British King Charles II to Princess Catherine of Bragança was celebrated. However, despite Portugal regaining most of the territories previously lost to the Netherlands, this royal wedding marked the beginning of a slow decline in Portugal's scientific eminence and domination of world affairs. The expulsion of the remaining unconverted Jewish community also played an important role in this decline. Nevertheless, at the end of the 17th century, a period of stabilisation followed and gained momentum during the early 18th century, after the discovery of large deposits of gold and diamonds in Brazil. As a result of the new wealth flowing into the national treasury, the Portuguese Crown was able to finance many major projects to develop and modernise the country and some overseas possessions.

Amidst this new period of rejuvenation, on 1 Nov 1755, the Great Lisbon Earthquake and subsequent tsunami devastated the Portuguese Empire's capital. The effects were such that victims were recorded as far afield as Morocco. Of the estimated more than 200,000 Lisbon inhabitants, at least some 40,000 perished. Between the initial quake (estimated to be of around 8.5 degrees) and subsequent aftershocks, flooding and fires, about 60% of all buildings and structures were lost together with art, archives, libraries, factories, businesses, etc. The national GDP dropped an estimated 40%, marking the start of another national crisis compounded by the expelling of the Jesuit and other religious orders and with it many academics and scientists of the day.

At the beginning of the 19th century, as a result of France's European wars and expansion conflicting with the British Empire and their allies, the country was invaded by Napoleon's army, throwing the Portuguese monarchy and rest of the country into chaos at all social and economic levels. The Royal Family and most of the nobility left Lisbon and settled in Rio de Janeiro , in self-imposed exile. Even after the Peninsular War ended in defeat for the French, the country nevertheless failed to recover and went from crisis to crisis almost continually until the beginning of the 20th century, with the loss of Brazil in 1822 and the scramble for Africa in the 1880s severely curtailing the Portuguese Empire's size and power.

In 1910, the republican movement overthrew the monarchy and established a republic. However, the new republic continued to lurch from crisis to crisis, reaching a near collapse by the mid 1920s. At this time, the military intervened and asked Professor António de Oliveira Salazar, a well-reputed economist from Coimbra University, to take control of the nation's economy and help guide the country to prosperity. By the early 1930s, Portugal had stabilised and Salazar's role was reinforced by the establishment of a corporatist authoritarian one-party state which prioritised balancing the books over social needs.

Although Portugal registered phenomenal economic growth from the 1950s onwards, the Fascist regime or Estado Novo (New State) gradually became unpopular due to its undemocratic handling of government affairs. In response, the New State implemented a regime of repression against any opposition which resulted in independence movements appearing in Portugal's overseas colonies, culminating in a prolonged colonial war. Coupled with a growing discontent within its own continental metropolitan population, the regime's authority was further undermined. The country's prestige suffered severe setbacks at the UN due to the regime's stubbornness in not allowing democracy to gain inroads, and armament embargoes were imposed. Amnesty International was created in the early 1960s as a result of the state police arresting several dissenting students from Coimbra University.

Salazar was replaced by Marcello Caetano after suffering a stroke in 1968, and died in 1970. On April 25, 1974, a left-leaning coup d'état organised mostly by junior army officers arrived in Lisbon to and overthrew Caetano and the Estado Novo regime, backed by popular support. After a turbulent brief period ruled by a military junta, an attempted right-wing putsch took place but was quickly followed by a pro-democracy counter-putsch with Portugal finally transitioning to democracy.

During that period, the overseas colonial wars in Guinea-Bissau, Angola and Mozambique came to a sudden end, culminating in the independence of all Portuguese African possessions (the Azores and Madeira were never "colonies" and remain part of Portugal, albeit as autonomous regions). However, as a result of poor and uncoordinated political and economical leadership in the post-revolutionary period, the country quickly stagnated again. After the wave of state nationalisations came to an end and more liberal and balanced economic policies began to be implemented in the late 1970s, Portugal gradually began to get used to a more democratic way of life and prosper.

The decision to join the European Economic Community, now the European Union , enabled the country to approach Western European standards of development after 1986. Portugal's last colony, Macau , was returned to China in 1999, thus bringing the Portuguese colonial empire to an end. Portugal was severely hit by the European sovereign debt crises of 2007-2008, but has since restructured its economy and recovered, with tourism being the main driver behind the current economic boom.

Portugal is one of the warmest and sunniest European countries. Temperatures in the north of Mainland Portugal are cooler than in the south, with snow on the highest mountains in the north such as Serra da Estrela. Madeira and the Azores have a narrower temperature range as expected given their insularity, with the former having low precipitation in most of the archipelago and the latter being wet and rainy. Spring and summer months are usually sunny and maximum temperatures are very high during July and August, averaging 35–40   °C (95–104   °F) in the interior of the country, 30–35   °C (86–95   °F) in the north. Autumn and winter are typically rainy and windy, yet sunny days are not rare either. Temperatures rarely fall below 5   °C (41   °F) nearer to the sea, averaging 10   °C (50   °F) , but can reach several degrees below 0   °C (32   °F) further inland. Snow is common in winter in the mountainous areas of the north, especially in Serra da Estrela but melts quickly once the season is over. Portugal's climate can be classified as Mediterranean (particularly the southern parts of the Algarve and Alentejo, though they are on Atlantic shore).

Most of Portugal is in the Western European Time Zone (WET, UTC+0), the same time as in the United Kingdom and Ireland. It observes Daylight Saving Time during the summer (Western European Summer Time, WEST, UTC+1). The Azores are one hour behind the rest of Portugal.

Tourist information

• Visit Portugal , the government tourism website.

Portuguese ( português ) is the official language of Portugal. Portuguese is one of the world's major languages, ranked 6th according to number of native speakers (approximately 250 million). It is South America 's most widely-spoken language, used by almost all Brazilians . It is also an official language in several countries in Africa and Asia .

Portuguese is a Romance language. Portuguese speakers can make out many words and much grammar of other Latin-based languages, especially Spanish and Italian , although speakers of these languages will struggle to understand spoken Portuguese due to its pronunciation and sounds. Although Portuguese may be mutually intelligible with Spanish to a wide extent, with about 90% of lexical similarity (both in vocabulary and grammar), it is far from identical. While many words may be spelled almost the same as in Spanish or Italian, the pronunciation differs considerably. European Portuguese has a peculiar accent—some linguists have described it as "windsurfing between the vowels"—and many vowel-consonant combinations are pronounced very differently from other European languages. It may be good to memorise the proper spelling and pronunciation of some destinations you intend to visit to avoid misunderstandings or misreading directions.

The Portuguese spoken in Portugal differs significantly from that in Brazil . The pronunciation and vocabulary differences make it tricky for Brazilians to understand the European Portuguese accent, although not vice versa, because Brazilian pop culture is popular in Portugal.

Mirandese (Mirandese: mirandés or lhéngua mirandesa , Portuguese: mirandês or língua mirandesa ) is a regional language spoken in the northeastern city of Miranda do Douro and its vicinity by about 15,000 people in addition to Portuguese. It is related to some minority languages in northeastern Spain. Parliament gave the language official recognition in 1999.

Portuguese people are of generally excellent humour when they are talking with someone who cannot speak their language. This means that all types of shop owners, salespeople, and others will take time to try to carve out any means of communication. Helping a foreigner is considered a pleasant and rewarding experience. Attempts to speak Portuguese, even if flawed, will earn you respect and a smile. This might encourage travellers to learn the very basics of Portuguese, such as daily greetings. If you make an effort to speak some Portuguese, it can go a long way.

English is spoken in many tourist areas, but is far from ubiquitous. Hotel personnel are required to speak English, even if sketchily. English has been a compulsory subject in Portuguese schools for many years. The Portuguese are exposed to American and British films and television with the original English soundtrack and Portuguese subtitles. (Only children's television programmes and films are dubbed into Portuguese.) English is generally more widely spoken than in Spain. Many younger locals can communicate in basic English, and in tourist areas, you can always find someone able to speak one of the main European languages. Portuguese people feel a sincere happiness when helping tourists, so don't be embarrassed to ask for help.

Although the Portuguese do understand some basic Spanish vocabulary, try to use it only in emergencies, since it is generally seen as disrespectful if you are not a native Spanish speaker. The Portuguese will not appreciate it, due to the historical rivalry between Spain and Portugal. It is best to speak in English or your native language with the aid of hand signs. Starting a conversation with a Portuguese greeting then switching to English can be a successful technique to obtain help. If you're a Spanish speaker and you speak slowly and clearly, chances are you'll be able to understand each other for the most part. Although most Portuguese people are able to understand Spanish to a certain degree, only a minority can speak it fluently.

Portugal is a member of the Schengen Agreement . See Travelling around the Schengen Area for more information on how the scheme works, which countries are members and what the requirements are for your nationality. In summary:

• There are normally no immigration controls between countries that have signed and implemented the treaty.
• There are usually identity checks before boarding international flights or boats entering the Schengen Area. Sometimes there are temporary border controls at land borders.
• A visa granted for any Schengen member is valid in all other countries that have signed and implemented the treaty.

Portugal has five airports with scheduled international passenger traffic:

• Lisbon Portela Airport ( LIS   IATA ) is the main aviation hub, with many intercontinental connections with the Americas and Africa (mainly operated by flag carrier TAP Air Portugal and its Star Alliance partners), as well as a dense network of connections within Europe operated by both full-service and low-fare airlines
• Porto Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport ( OPO   IATA ), serving Portugal's second-largest city and the entire northern part of the country, also has some intercontinental connections with Americas and Africa, and has a comparably dense network of connections within Europe, with a sizeable presence of low-fare carriers
• Faro Airport ( FAO   IATA ) serves Algarve in the south of the country, one of Europe's favourite holiday regions. Therefore, it sees the most traffic in the warmer months, mainly from charter carriers carrying package holiday customers, as well as low-fare flights from many European cities. A limited number of flights to major European destinations are operated year-round.
• Madeira Airport in Funchal ( FNC   IATA ) serves the green island in the Atlantic, and is notable for its spectacular runway extending into the ocean and a scenic approach requiring much skill from the pilots. Like Faro, the airport is dominated by holiday flights and sees high seasonality.
• João Paulo II Airport in Ponta Delgada ( PDL   IATA ) serves the Azores archipelago, and has a surprisingly wide network of connections operated mainly by local carrier Azores Airlines (a subsidiary of Sata Air Açores formerly called Sata Internacional) and low-cost flights from Ryanair and EasyJet . Some holiday flights also reach Ponta Delgada from Europe.

While there's a variety of options to choose from to travel directly to Portugal from Europe, Africa or from across the Atlantic, indirect connections also link Portugal with Asia and Oceania.

You can also enter mainland Portugal by using airports not far away from the land border:

• To the north: Vigo ( VGO   IATA ) and Santiago de Compostela ( PDL   IATA )
• To the south-east: Seville ( SVQ   IATA )

The country's main train operator is Comboios de Portugal (CP) .

• The overnight Lusitânia Comboio Hotel connects Madrid , Spain, to Lisbon (suspended during pandemic).
• The overnight Sud Expresso connects Hendaye , France / Irun , Spain to Lisbon (suspended during pandemic).
• The twice-daily Celta service connects Vigo , Spain, to Porto (once daily during pandemic).
• Once-daily regional service is available from Badajoz , Spain, via Elvas to Entroncamento , with connections to Lisbon and Porto .
• From Spain: ALSA and Avanza Grupo [ dead link ]

The country is served by numerous seaports that receive a lot of foreign traffic, mostly merchant but also passenger boats (mainly cruisers).

Portugal's only land border is with Spain. The major national roads connect with Spain's road network, enabling road travel into mainland Europe. The main border crossings are at Vila Real de Santo António , Elvas , Vilar Formoso and Valença do Minho .

While not the most popular way to travel within Continental Portugal, you can consider flying TAP Air Portugal between Lisbon ( LIS   IATA ), Porto ( OPO   IATA ), and Faro ( FAO   IATA ). Sevenair provides service to smaller airports at Bragança ( BGC   IATA ), Cascais ( CAT   IATA ), Portimão ( PRM   IATA ), Vila Real ( VRL   IATA ), and Viseu ( VSE   IATA ). Ryanair fly Porto-Faro and Porto-Madeira.

Airplane is the main and fastest way to reach Madeira and the Azores . It's also the best way to travel within the archipelagos. In addition to TAP, island service is provided by Azores Airlines & SATA Air Açores . Island airports include:

• Madeira: Funchal ( FNC   IATA ) and Porto Santo ( PXO   IATA )
• Azores: Ponta Delgada ( PDL   IATA ), Terceira ( TER   IATA ), Horta ( HOR   IATA ), Santa Maria ( SMA   IATA ), Flores ( FLW   IATA ), Pico ( PIX   IATA ), São Jorge ( SJZ   IATA ), Graciosa ( GRW   IATA ), and Corvo ( CVU   IATA ).

Rail travel in Portugal is usually slightly faster than travel by bus on most routes, but services are less frequent and cost more. The immediate areas surrounding Lisbon and Porto are reasonably well-served by suburban rail services.

The rail connections between the main regions of Portugal are good. As a rule of thumb, if one is travelling by rail within Portugal or internationally, the main railway junction is at Entroncamento ; from here all the main lines branch out and all passing trains stop.

The Alfa-Pendular high-speed trains are comfortable, and first class is excellent. Operating up to speeds of 220 km/h, Alfa-Pendular trains only stop at main city stations like Braga , Porto , Vila Nova de Gaia , Aveiro , Coimbra , Lisbon , and Faro . It's recommended to purchase your tickets in advance, due to high demand. If booked at least five days in advance there's a very generous 40% discount.

Intercity ( Intercidades ) trains will take you to further destinations, specially in the interior, such as Évora , Beja , and Guarda .

Timetables can be found and tickets can be purchased online at Comboios de Portugal (CP) ("Trains of Portugal").

You also get 40% off the regular ticket price on the Intercidades trains if you book between 5 and 60 days in advance. advance tickets per train.

Lisbon and Porto, the two largest cities, have clean, modern and air-conditioned metro systems.

The rail network does not reach all corners of the country, so you may find yourself busing about to get anywhere off the beaten path. Rede Expressos and Flixbus are the largest intercity bus brands, serving most major destinations in Continental Portugal. Numerous regional bus companies fill in the gaps and reach smaller communities.

Taxis are either light beige or black with green roofs. They have meters, but prices for rides beyond the city limits are often negotiated. Major cities have taxi stands. You can call to request a ride.

Ride-hailing is available in Portugal, and providers include:

• Bolt . Includes many towns. ( updated Jul 2020 )
• Uber . Uber claims to serve the entire country, but availability may be spotty beyond Lisbon. ( updated Feb 2021 )

You can reach almost all major cities in Portugal with ease, either via motorway or modern roads. The biggest cities are well served by modern highways, and you can travel the full north-south length of the country without ever leaving the highway, if you choose to.

Drivers will encounter several classes of roadways:

• Autoestradas are known as motorways, expressways, or freeways in English.
• Estradas nacionais are non-motorway national highways, some in better condition than others.
• Itinerários principais are main routes that may overlap other roads.
• Itinerários complementares are secondary routes that may overlap other roads.
• Estradas regionais are regional roads.
• Estradas municipais are municipal roads.
• Estradas Europeias are international European roads, connecting with Spain.

Some secondary roads are poorly maintained and care is required. Also, Portuguese driving can seem erratic and, frankly, scary to the uninitiated. In order to fight this, road laws punish with great severity speeding, driving without a licence, or driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics. The most congested motorways are those surrounding Lisbon and Porto, the A1 and A2 and in the Algarve.

In the countryside and interior regions, road signage pertaining to location names and road numbers can be confusing to follow in certain areas due to overlapping municipal and national entities. For example, at a crossroads a sign without an arrow shows a name straight ahead but the place is either to left or right, thus, a good road map is an essential tool to have.

It is probably unwise for those unfamiliar with Portuguese driving to try to drive in Lisbon or Porto - be aware if you do that city drivers give no quarter and have limited respect for lane markings (where lane markings exists!) If you do want to try, choose a weekend or an hour outside the rush hour periods. These are early mornings (08:00 - 09:30) and late afternoons (17:00 - 19:30). Other Portuguese cities are much better, but often have very narrow roads.

When driving in rural areas, do not trust Google Maps or other Satellite Navigation Systems, particularly if you don't have 4WD. It is easy to become stuck on a narrow dirt road designed for a tractor, with no way to turn round. In towns and cities, you can be routed via narrow streets that can result in scratched sides to your vehicle. If you are planning such adventures with a rental car, fully comprehensive insurance is highly recommended.

Road traffic in Lisbon and Porto is pretty congested all day round and gets completely stuck in the rush hours, at least in the main roads to exit or enter the city. Car travel is the most convenient or only method to reach areas outside the main cities, however ( car rental is not too expensive, but the associated insurance is - unless you book the total package abroad). An important aspect when renting a vehicle; do not accept a dirty vehicle under the pretext there was no time to make it ready from the last customer before you. Whatever happens insist you have time to wait until it is given to you in proper order. Once that is done, conduct the inspection with the agent and make sure that every little defect and damage is noted down thoroughly from the interior to the exterior, engine bay and trunk, when your copy of the report is handed over for signing, first insist on comparing it with the agents copy in case the carbon transfer didn't match the two copies exactly. It's been known for unscrupulous agents to try hide previous damage and let you drive off and upon returning the vehicle claiming the insurance excess payment by swearing the car was perfect when you got it. Also, many major freeways are tolled and fuel/gasoline prices are above average, therefore if you are travelling on a budget, hire smaller and economical motorcars and avoid tolled freeways whenever possible. Heed the advice about the quality of some people's driving skills and road manners mentioned below. Avoid at all costs driving during peak traffic hours within major urban centres, try to enquire about this if possible. On open roads keep your eyes peeled for speed limits and abrupt changes of speed signage. Rather be driving conservatively and admiring the scenery. Traffic officers tend to speed trap with radar in unusual places like entering or exiting a freeway, down hills and curves.

Generally speaking, Portugal is not a good country for hitchhiking . In the deserted country roads in the South, you might wait for many hours before you are offered a ride. Try to speak with people on gas stations or parking lots. Drivers tend to be suspicious, but when you show them that they should not be afraid, they will probably accept you and mostly also show their generosity. Try to look neat and clean. The hippy style will get you nowhere. As with everywhere in the world, two males hitchhiking together will not get a ride from anyone.

Toll highways

Portugal has a system of electronic tolls [ dead link ] , known as "Via Verde" and you need to make arrangements to register you licence plate or to obtain a tag for tolling if you are going to use the main motorway system. Arrangements can be made to register your licence plate at the border, if entering by car. If hiring a car in Portugal, it is likely the rental car company has an arrangement for the payment of tolls, if not, Via Verde offices are easy to find in the Loja do Cidadão (Citizen Shop) a hub containing various public service entities); most people will be able to direct you to the nearest one.

Drunk driving

Drunk driving is a controversial issue and still rather common. The tolerated limit is 0.49‰; being above this limit is thus illegal and can result in a fine of up to €1,250 and licence suspension for 1–12 months. If you are tested and found with between 0.8–1.2‰, the fine may reach €2,500 and you will be facing licence suspension between 2-24 months. Driving with levels above 1.2‰ is a criminal offence punished with up to one year in prison and a three year driving ban.

On-street parking is scarce in many cities. Car parks (parking garages and lots) are widespread and reasonably priced or even free.

Historic towns & architecture

Once a mighty colonial nation, many of Portugal's lively cities still have an atmosphere reminding of those Old World times. They're packed with remarkable monuments and with just a little bit of effort, you'll discover traditional cafés and craftsmen whose families have run their businesses for generations. When visiting cities in Portugal and former Portuguese colonies, look out for the distinctive Portuguese pavement , which consists of small flat pieces of stones arranged to form a pattern or image, and the distinctive blue and white ceramic tiles on the walls and facades of buildings known as azulejos .

Head to the delightful riverside town of Porto to linger along the picture-perfect Cais da Ribeira . Recognised as a Unesco World Heritage Site, this beautiful riverfront area is characterised by ancient buildings and streets and of course the views of the Rabelo boat filled harbour. The country's scenic capital, Lisbon , is bustling with contemporary culture but also boasts countless monumental limestone buildings. Don't miss the gorgeous cloisters of Jerónimos Monastery and make sure to climb up the battlements of Saint George's Castle for some excellent panoramic views of the city, while not losing sight of the prominent white marble dome covering the Panteão Nacional housing the most dear historical Portuguese heroes. For a royal daytrip from Lisbon, head to the surroundings of Sintra and its famous castles, including the Romantic Pena National Palace , and finish visiting the village of Cascais in the luxurious Estoril Coast (also called the Portuguese Riviera). Visit also the Christ the King monument in Almada . Then there's the enchanting medieval university town of Coimbra , considered by many to be the most romantic city in Portugal. Get lost in its labyrinth of ancient alleys and don't skip the university building and its fine views over the river. For a more intimate experience, head to the romantic and very well-preserved village of Óbidos , once a traditional personal gift from Portuguese kings to their beloved wives. Go to monument-heavy Tomar or follow tens of thousands of religious pilgrims to the Marian shrine of Fátima one of the most visited religious shrines in Europe. Not far away from there, you may not want to miss the Batalha Monastery a Manueline inspired magnificent monument to assert Portuguese independence at Aljubarrota. The 12th century Portuguese capital Évora is an excellent place for ancient architecture, combining Roman ruins with Moorish and Portuguese architecture, or head to Guimarães , the cradle of Portugal . If you can't get enough of Portugal's towns, the list of places worth visiting continues. Try Viana do Castelo , Braga , Aveiro , Amarante , Bragança , Chaves , Lamego , Viseu , Vila Real , Lagos , Silves , or Ponta Delgada .

Natural beauty and beaches

Although Portugal is blessed from North to South with beautiful and well maintained beaches, the most popular beaches are in the Algarve , which has stunning coastlines and gobs of natural beauty. For decades it's been a major holiday destination. The water along the southern coast tends to be warmer and calmer than the water along the west coast, which is definitely Atlantic and doesn't benefit from the Gulf Stream. For surfing, or just playing in the surf there are great beaches all along the west coast, near Lisbon and Peniche . Don't forget also some of the almost deserted Alentejo beaches on the Costa Vicentina .

If you want to spend your holidays in the countryside , you might want to visit Viana do Castelo, Chaves, Miranda do Douro, Douro Valley, Lamego, Viseu, Tomar, Leiria, Castelo Branco, Guarda, Portalegre, Marvão, Évora or Elvas.

To experience wild life in its natural state, Madeira and Azores Islands are places to remember, not forgetting of course the Peneda-Gerês National Park, Trás-os-Montes and Serra da Estrela Natural Park. Top land based predators such as eagles, falcons, wolves and lynxes, plus fox, stag deer and others, are now protected species, and numbers show signs of recovery; on the other hand, wild boar is now considered a pest, and hunting licences issued to try control excessive numbers. "The protected areas of Portugal" web site provides a comprehensive list of places where wild life can be observed with or without the aid of conservation personnel.

Portugal has a rich cultural tradition, and gained fame for its art in the country's Golden Age, the late 15th and early 16th centuries. A number of world-class museums offer an insight in both domestic and foreign riches, and not only in the form of paintings. The best ones can be found in Lisbon. The Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian Museum holds an impressive collection of both Asian and European sculptures, paintings, carpets and more. The Museu Nacional dos Coches showcases wonderfully decorated state carriages and the Marinha Museum , nicely housed in a wing of the Hieronymites Monastery, is considered one of the most prominent maritime museums in the world. Sintra is home to the Museu do Brinquedo , a remarkable toy museum, and the Sintra Museum of Modern Art . For religious treasures, try the Évora museum or head to Grão Vasco National Museum in Viseu and Coimbra for another excellent arts collection, in the National Museum Machado de Castro .

Surrounded by the Atlantic sea in almost its entirety, the Portuguese beaches are well worth visiting. A lot of activities are offered, from surfing, to kite-surfing, and during the summer months the most frequented beaches offer sand based activities such as aerobics. If you're not the type of breaking into a sweat during holidays, almost every single public beach will have a bar where locals sit. Some of the most popular beaches are (from north to south):

• Viana do Castelo , Póvoa de Varzim , Matosinhos , Espinho , near Porto , in Green Coast ( Costa Verde ), Northern region .
• Ovar , Barra, Costa Nova, Mira , Buarcos, Nazaré , Peniche and Berlenga in Silver Coast ( Costa da Prata ), Central region .
• Praia das Maçãs and Praia Grande (in Sintra ), Carcavelos, Estoril and Cascais , near Lisbon , in the Portuguese Riviera.
• Costa da Caparica in Setúbal .
• Zambujeira do Mar , in the Alentejo Coast ( Costa Alentejana e Vicentina ).
• Marinha Beach ( Praia da Marinha ) and Carvoeiro , near Lagoa , in the Algarve .

The climate, combined with investments in the golfing infrastructure, has turned the country into a golfing haven. Portugal was named "Best Golf Destination 2006" by readers of Golfers Today , a British publication. Fourteen of Portugal's courses are rated in the top 100 best in Europe. Portugal is also a great location to learn the game and perfect technique. Many resorts offer classes with the pros. Courses can satisfy the most demanding golfer, while newcomers won't be intimidated, unless they find the beautiful landscapes and stunning vistas distracting to their game. Locals have mixed feelings about golf courses, namely due to the huge amounts of water required to maintain them and their apparent pointlessness.

The countryside also offers a great deal of possibilities, although you will have to incite the travel agent's advice a little more than usual, as they tend to just sell beach holidays. Cycling through the mountainous terrain of Geres or white-water rafting in the affluents of river Douro is an exhilirating experience.

Besides the "Carnaval", there are many fairs organised throughout the country, specially after the end of Summer season and particularly in Northern Portugal.

During the Summer, music festivals are also very common. In the north of the country two of the oldest festivals are in Paredes de Coura and Vilar de Mouros. The regions chosen for the festivals are usually surrounded by beautiful landscapes and pleasant villages. Lisbon and Porto have their "Marchas Populares" (Popular street Parades). In the southern region the most famous one is Festival do Sudoeste, in the southwest coast with a summer landscape and never ending beaches.

Elsewhere, traditional and religious Parish festivals to mark special dates, harvesting times or other important occasions are also part of the yearly calendar in most cities and villages, with religious themed processions going around street circuits accompanied by philharmonic bands while being followed by outside visitors and locals congregants alike. Usually, people in traditional clothing, floats and fireworks displays form part of such events. In the Ribatejo town of Golegã, the annual Feira do Cavalo (horse trading fair) is organised every November and besides horses and cattle and people in period attire, has evolved into an important venue for showcasing arts and crafts, agricultural products, farming equipment, clothing and leather goods, wines, beverages, culinary experiences, music, partying and so on.

Major events of the year are listed at tourist board's official site, .

Portugal uses the euro , like several other European countries . One euro is divided into 100 cents. The official symbol for the euro is € , and its ISO code is EUR. There is no official symbol for the cent.

All banknotes and coins of this common currency are legal tender within all the countries, except that low-denomination coins (one and two cent) are phased out in some of them. The banknotes look the same across countries, while coins have a standard common design on the reverse, expressing the value, and a national country-specific design on the obverse. The obverse is also used for different designs of commemorative coins. The design of the obverse does not affect the coin's acceptability.

ATMs/cashpoints (labelled Multibanco or ATM Express ) accepting international cards can be found everywhere, and, contrary to Spain, are mostly without an extra machine fee (apart from what your bank charges you back home). Some areas are littered with Euronet ATMs - however similar to other countries, here as well they charge high fees and use disadvantageous exchange rates.

Exchange bureaus spring up wherever there is a steady flow of tourists. Although typically, the closer they are to tourist attractions, the worse the rates they offer.

In Portugal the VAT (value added tax, Imposto sobre o Valor Acrescentado , IVA ) is included in all prices in shops and restaurants, so it is not added at the till. The standard rate is 23%, with reduced-rate items taxed at 13% or 6%. Rates in Madeira are 22, 12, or 5% and in the Azores 18, 9, or 4%.

In smaller (non-high-street) shops you can try some haggling, especially if you offer to buy multiple items. You might want to check your change.

Overcharging & cover charge

It seems to be a regular practice to "accidentally" overcharge tourists or state no or wrong prices both in restaurant and in smaller shops and markets, assuming tourists are on a holiday and will seldomly if ever check their change. If this is an issue for you, you will notice it quite quick — let this just be a warning.

Furthermore, it is very common to get charged for the cover in restaurants, even if you did not ask for it. So, either explicitly refuse any bread or such put on your table, or just accept it. Note, that the prices in the menu stated for the cover are per person.

Tipping is generally not expected in Portugal, but it is certainly appreciated if you have received exemplary service.

Tips are often given as follows:

• In restaurants : around 8% to 10% of the total amount of the bill if the service was exemplary. If not, it is perfectly acceptable not to tip.
• In coffee-shops : do not tip for a coffee, tea, a cake or a sandwich. However, if you eat a full meal, you can tip €1-2.
• In pubs, bars and discos : no tipping
• Taxis : All taxis have meters. From the airport the taxi driver will add to the meter an extra charge per piece of luggage. At the end of the trip, s/he will press a button on the meter to show the total price in the meter screen. Tipping to the taxi driver first round up the cents to the euro, and add €1-2. If you want to give a bigger tip they will be happy.

There is an amazing number of other things you can buy, either at sophisticated commercial facilities or at fairs and more popular places.

• Claus Porto – High quality "Made in Portugal" perfumes, soaps and beauty products, going back a hundred years. Lately, the brand has been re-enforcing its market presence with new shops being opened in cities throughout Portugal and worldwide. Surprisingly affordable prices on entry level products.
• Cork Products – Portuguese produced, researched, designed and manufactured eco-friendly cork products have been developed over many years. Today the wide range of applications covers almost anything one can think of, from household goodies and thermal insulation to fashion and jewellery. A quick Portuguese cork products web search, may awaken your curiosity.
• Designer clothes and accessories – Although not widely known internationally, Portugal has a very well established high quality leather goods industry producing belts, shoes, hand bags, luggage and jackets, fashion accessories etc as well as several independent fashion designers. The list includes Fátima Lopes and Maria Gambina. Some of them have dedicated shops in Lisbon , Porto and other major regional cities.
• Luxury goods – Other areas of high quality products made in Portugal are Marinha Grande for decorative glass pieces, Vila do Conde for furniture, Ílhavo for traditional porcelain tableware, Guimarães cutlery, Viana do Castelo and Gondomar silver and gold smithery, São João da Madeira for pure wool felt hats, Arraiolos rugs and tapestry, and Madeira 's linen embroidery and wicker crafts. Almost all major brands and luxury articles can be bought in major cities, but there is not a clear advantage in doing so as prices are equivalent to all other places.
• Handmade regional products – There's a popular tradition of regional handmade clothes, toys, home utensils, glass items and decoration. You can find them at popular tourist places or at better prices in fairs and cheap shops in small towns.

• Art and craft – Portugal is home to a few well acclaimed artists, that create paintings and sculptures with high demand both in the national and international art markets. The famous 19th-century artist Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro glazed clay works, continue to be reproduced in Caldas da Rainha . Regional souvenirs are found in shops everywhere and include dolls from Nazaré and the Galo de Barcelos .
• Wines and Fortified beverages – The wide variety of good quality wines, fortified beverages and liquors with the seal of quality afforded by the "DOC" mark, dispense the need for introduction. All top producers are well represented in the marketplace. Famous and obscure brands alike can be found nationwide in speciality Armazéns de Bebidas or well known chains of supermarkets' liquor sections.
• Arcadia – Founded in 1933, this high quality chocolatier and confectionary house from Oporto has seen a resurgence in their wide range of well priced products. Besides Oporto, these days Arcadia has over twenty shops and kiosks in Lisbon, Coimbra, Aveiro and Braga. The ideal place to indulge the sweet tooth and buy that little special gift for someone.
• Canned fish – Portuguese canned fish ( sardines, tuna, cod, eels, etc ) is arguably the best worldwide. Besides the Portela Airport Duty Free shop, a wide variety of Portuguese canned fish products in various types of sauces can be bought nationwide in food shops and supermarkets.

Consumer rights

In Portugal, all types of establishments and business dealing with clients and consumers such as hotels, restaurants, shops, car rental, travel agents, theaters, taxis, etc etc, are by law obliged to provide a "Livro de Reclamações" (Official Complaints Register). Compliance is generally displayed on a prominent place easily visible when entering premisses. The purpose of the "Livro de Reclamações" is to provide the consumer/client an official means to register complaints and if someone refuses you the book, call a policeman to assist you. These complaint ledgers are regularly inspected by consumer law enforcement authorities to ensure services provided fall within regulations and standard parameters. So, if you feel hard done by, don't hesitate to ask for the book and write down your complaint. You can register your complaint online ( https://www.livroreclamacoes.pt/ ) in Portuguese or English.

Portuguese cuisine evolved from hearty peasant food drawn from the land and abundant seafood found in the country's lengthy coast with the cows, pigs and goats raised on the limited grazing land of its interior. From these humble origins, spices and condiments brought back to the country during the exploration and colonisation of South America, Africa, the East Indies and the Far East, contributed to the development of what become regarded as 'typical' Portuguese cuisine which inherently, also helped shape the cuisine in the regions under Portuguese influence, from Brazil and Cape Verde to Thailand and Japan. Today, traditional Portuguese cuisine is served alongside the latest trendy and fusion cuisine styles. Several establishments have been awarded Michelin stars.

Soup is an essential first course of a Portuguese meal. The most popular is the Minho speciality, caldo verde , made from kale, potatoes and spiced smoked sausage.

You will see another Portuguese staple bacalhau (salt cod) everywhere. Locals will tell you that there are as many ways to cook this revered dish as there are days in the year, or even more.

The most common of Portugal's delicious fish ( peixe ) dishes revolve around sole ( linguado ) and sardines ( sardinha ) although salmon ( salmão ) and trout ( truta ) are also featured heavily, not mentioning the more traditional mackerel ( carapau ), whiting ( pescada ), rock bass ( robalo ), tuna ( atum ), frog fish ( tamboril ) and a variety of turbot ( cherne ).

In most places you will easily find fresh seafood: lobster ( lagosta ), crab ( caranguejo ), lavagante , mussels ( mexilhões ), cockles ( vieiras ), oysters ( ostras ), clam ( amêijoas ), goose barnacles ( perceves ).

A peculiarity of Portuguese cuisine is the love of rice and rice-based dishes and desserts, a fondness perhaps grown from the Portuguese travels to the East. Among the most popular rice dishes are "Arroz à Bulhão Pato", essentially a juicy rice and clam dish. Another famous rice dish, "Arroz de Cabidela" consisting of a saucy dish made with rice, chicken and its blood. Besides those already mentioned, there are many varieties of rice-based specialities, such as frog fish rice, octopus rice, duck rice and seafood rice.

Depending on how touristy the area you are in, you'll see grills, thick with the smoke of charring meat, in front of many restaurants during your stay. Other than traditional sardines, Portuguese grilled chicken -- marinated in chilli, garlic and olive oil -- is world famous, although people tired of tasteless industrial poultry farm produce might opt for a tasty veal cutlet ( costeleta de novilho ) instead, or simply grilled pork.

In the North, there are many ways to cook kid, and in the Alentejo, lamb ensopado and several varieties of pork meat, including the tastier black pork; the most acclaimed portions of the pork being the secretos and the plumas . In the Alentejo, you are likely to be served pork instead of veal if you ask for the ubiquitous bitoque (small fried beef served with fried potato chips and a fried egg). A popular traditional dish is pork and clam, Carne de Porco à Alentejana , as well as fried, bread-covered cuttlefish slices ( tiras de choco frito ). Sometimes you can also find wild boar dishes.

Definitely a major speciality is Mealhada's (near Coimbra) suckling pig roast ( leitão ) served with orange slices, traditional bread and washed down with the local sparkling wine. Much like the pastel de nata , you shouldn't miss it.

Vegetarians and vegans may have a tough time of it in Portugal, at least in traditional Portuguese restaurants. In cities, there are a number of restaurants friendly to these diets, and even a few offering all-vegan menus.

A few restaurants, particularly in non-tourist areas, do not have a menu; you have to go in and ask what's available for you to choose from. It is wise to get the price written down when you do this so as to avoid any nasty surprises when the bill comes. However, in this type of restaurants, the price for each one of the options is very similar, varying from about €5 to €10 per person.

If you have kitchen facilities, Portuguese grocery stores are surprisingly well-stocked with items such as lentils, veggie burgers, couscous, and inexpensive fruits, vegetables, and cheeses. If you like a 'softish' rich goat milk cheese try "Queijo da Serra", if you prefer spreadable cheese, try "Requeijão". Unfortunately, the success of the "Queijo da Serra" also led to the proliferation of industrial and taste-devoid imitations of the real thing. In speciality shops mostly found in larger cities, many unusual items such as exotic fruits or drinks can be found.

Portugal is famous for its wide variety of amazing pastries, or pastéis (singular: pastel ). The best-loved pastry are the pastéis de nata (called just natas further north), a flaky pastry cup filled with a "secret recipe" (one secret often being palm oil) egg yolk rich custard-like filling, best eaten still warm and sprinkled to taste with icing sugar ( açúcar ) and/or cinnamon ( canela ), you can try them in any "pastelaria". A popular place is still the old Confeitaria dos Pastéis de Belém in Belém, Lisbon , although most "pastelarias" make it a point of pride excelling at their "pastéis" - here they're called pastéis de Belém , elsewhere as pasteis de nata . For once, all the guidebooks are right, you may have to queue for a short time, but it'll be worth it. Some people like them piping hot and some don't.

Also nice, if a bit dry, are the bolo de arroz (literally, "rice cake") and the orange or carrot cakes. From the more egg-oriented North to almond-ruled South, Portuguese pastry and sweet desserts are excellent and often surprising, even after many years.

On October/November, roasted chestnuts ( castanhas ) are sold on the streets of cities from vendors sporting fingerless gloves tending their motorcycle driven stoves: a treat!

When travelling in Portugal, the drink of choice is wine. Red wine is the favourite amongst the locals, but white wine is also popular. Northern Portugal has a white wine cultivar variation with a greenish tint known as vinho verde . This wine has a very crisp acidic-sweet flavour and is better served cold, it goes best with seafood or fish dishes and Alvarinho is one of the more famous brands. Drinking wine during a meal or socially is very common in Portugal, after a meal is finished, people will tend to talk and sip wine while the food digests. Port wine ( vinho do Porto ) can be an apéritif or a dessert. Alentejo wine may not be yet known worldwide like Port, but within Portugal just as famous, Esporão is one of the best brands from the Alentejo region. Portugal has other official demarcated wine regions ( regiões vinhateiras ) which produce some of the best wines such as, Madeira, Dão, Sado and Douro. The Bairrada region produces some delightful sparkling wines, Raposeira being a well known brand.

Beer ( cerveja ) is also an option and the production of beer in Portugal can be traced back to Lusitanian times. Apart from some imports, the best known national brands are the lager type Super Bock , Sagres and Coral . On a smaller scale, Tagus is sold in the Greater Lisbon area and Cristal , a Pilsner type beer is available mostly in the Porto region. The only drawbacks are the small bottles and caneca (jug) sizes at tap beer selling establishments, snack-bars and cervejarias . Of late, some craft beer producers have begun to emerge around the country.

Be careful of spirits such as 1920 and Aguardente (burning water), both pack a mighty punch. Macieira brandy offers a more palatable kick for those who prefer a slower acting effect.

People might find it a bit difficult to refrain from drinking, even if there are very good reasons to do so. Nowadays the "I have to drive" excuse works OK. The easiest way is to explain that one can't for health reasons. The Portuguese aren't as easily insulted as others when it comes to refusing the obvious hospitality of a drink, but a lie such as "I'm allergic" might make clear a situation where one would have to otherwise repeatedly explain a preference in some regions of Portugal; but it won't work in other regions where obviously made-up excuses will tag you as unreliable ("I don't want to, thanks" might then work). Drinking is considered almost socially intimate.

The legal drinking age in Portugal is 18. For nightlife Lisbon, Porto and Albufeira, Algarve are the best choices as they have major places of entertainment.

Porto is famous for the eponymous port wine , a fortified wine (20%) made by adding brandy to the wine before fermentation is complete. According to EU laws, port wine can only be named as such if the grapes are grown in the Douro valley, and the wine is brewed in Porto . The end product is strong, sweet, complex in taste and if properly stored will last 40 years or more.

There are many, many grades of port, but the basic varieties are:

• Vintage , the real deal, kept in the bottle for 5-15 years, can be very expensive for good years. It is, nevertheless, worth it.
• Late-Bottled Vintage ( LBV ), simulated vintage kept in barrel longer, ready to drink. Nice if you are on a budget.
• Tawny , aged for 10-40 years before bottling, which distinguishes itself by a more brownish red colour and a slightly smoother bouquet and flavor. As with any wine, the older it gets, the more rounded and refined it will be.
• Ruby , the youngest and cheapest, with a deep red "ruby" colour.
• White port is a not-so-well-known variety, and it is a shame. You will find a sweet and a dry varietal, the latter of which mixes well with tonic water and should be served chilled (if drunk alone) or with lots of ice (with tonic), commonly used as an aperitif.

Vinho Verde

• Another good choice is the ubiquitous vinho verde (green wine), which is made mostly in the Minho region north of Porto. It's a light, dry and refreshing wine (9–9.5% in volume), made from region specific grapes with relatively low sugar content. Mostly white, and sometimes slightly sparkling. Very nice, and very affordable.
• The Setúbal Peninsula, is home to some of the best national cultivars but the Moscatel sweet wines are World class. Information on the variety and brands available can be sourced from the national or local wine producer lists.
• From north to south and east to west, Portugal seems to have a liqueur maker in every corner of the country. Licor Beirão enjoys some prominence but by asking around wherever you go, you will find good quality liqueurs made from local fruits, herbs and/or nuts, some secret ingredients and a good splashing of aguardente (firewater).
• In Lisbon and further south, make sure to sample Ginjinha , or simply Ginja , a liqueur made by infusing ginja berries ( Prunus creases austera , the Morello cherry) in aguardente with sugar and other ingredients. Ginjinha can be served in a shot form with a piece of the fruit in the bottom of the cup, sometimes on a cup made of chocolate. It's very popular, and a typical drink in Lisbon, Alcobaça and Óbidos.
• In Coimbra, for example, a certain gentleman produces over 90 varieties of liqueurs including one named Licor da Merda (shit liqueur!). However, it is widely believed, the name has more of a humorous effect than offensive substance.

Portugal is by and large a coffee society and everywhere you go there's sidewalk cafés . Salões de chá (tea rooms) also exist but the Portuguese love their thick black espresso coffee ( bica , in Lisbon) and tend to drink it several times daily. People go to the Café to see and be seen, while friends gather to talk and socialise over a café e nata , in cold evenings, some enjoy café e bagaço (espresso chased with a firewater tot). If you have a prolonged stay and speak Portuguese, Cafés are an ideal place to go to and make new friends. Regulars use Cafés as a ponto de encontro (meeting place) to gather and make plans, while families after a meal at home, prefer to go out and enjoy their coffee in public. Revolutions and uprisings were planned and deep political or football discussions continue to be held in coffee shops. Costing €0.50-0.60 in most places, any occasion becomes an excuse to meet at the local favourite esplanada and drink an espresso. Most Portuguese sorely miss the café lifestyle when abroad.

The youth hostel network has a great number of hostels around the country. There are also many camping places. 'Wild camping' (camping outside camping parks) is not allowed, unless you have the land owner's agreement. Holiday Villas and apartments are another option to investigate.

There's a wide and abundant hotel offering all through Portugal.

If budget is a concern and you want a 'typically Portuguese' experience, don't be shy and try a residencial or pensão , the home-like inn's ubiquitous in cities and most towns. In many places you can get a double or triple room with private bathroom for €25-35 off season or €35-40 in season (2017). Be sure, however, of the quality of the rooms. In smaller cities, "pensões" tend to be near transportation hubs like railway stations and bus terminals. If travelling with friends, haggling in a nice way can yield discounts even during high season.

On the luxury side, you may want to try the Pousadas de Portugal , a network of hotels remarkable for using very beautiful ancient buildings like palaces and castles and also for having consistent excellent service all over the country. Formerly run by the Portuguese State, they are now run by the Pestana Group. You will do well eating out, as the cuisine of Pousadas can be both expensive and boring, although it appears the trend is changing for the better (mid-2008).

The "Casas de Campo" ( Turismo de Habitação , Turismo Rural , Agro-Turismo ), when travelling through the countryside, are also an affordable, picturesque and comfortable B&B option. Don't expect them to be open all year round and try to book a reservation beforehand if your itinerary depends on it.

Citizens of European Union member states or EFTA member states (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Norway) may work in Portugal without any restrictions. Everyone else, however, needs a work permit to work in Portugal.

With an unemployment rate of 6%, employment matters are not that sensitive and finding a job in Portugal should not be difficult for those with the right qualifications and skills. If you are fluent or can "get along" in Portuguese, you are in good hands: you're way ahead of most foreigners applying for jobs in the country.

The emergency telephone number for police, fire, and medical assistance is 112 . This is the national call centre dial in number for any emergency or to report an accident, fire etc etc. Ensure you have this number registered in your means of communication or noted down somewhere in case it becomes necessary to notify authorities or emergency response entities.

Portugal is a relatively safe country to visit, but some basic common sense will go a long way. There are no internal conflicts, no terrorism-related danger and violent crime is not a serious problem, as it is generally confined to particular neighbourhoods and is rarely a random crime.

There are three main police branches. In major urban areas the PSP or Policía de Segurança Pública (Public Security Police) are in charge of law enforcement. Outside major urban centres and in rural areas, the GNR or Guarda Nacional Republicana (National Republican Guards) take over the law enforcement.

Both the PSP and GNR are also responsible for road traffic supervision and enforcement within their respective jurisdictions. The third branch is the PJ or Policía Judiciária (Judicial Police). These are a crime investigation branch composed of plain clothes detectives. In general, the Portuguese police officers are well trained, educated and polite. Many that are posted in tourist popular areas, have basic communication skills in foreign languages and some are fluent speakers of French, German, English and Spanish, therefore, easy to approach if the need arises.

When visiting Portugal, there are however, some areas of Lisbon and Porto that you might want to avoid, like in any big city, especially at night. Also, you might want to have in mind that pickpockets do tend to target tourists and tourist-frequented areas more frequently. During the holiday season, many of the pickpocketers are themselves foreigners posing as regular tourists and act and look as such. Wear a money belt or keep your documents and money in an inside pocket. Metro and large rail stations, shopping areas, queues and crowded buses are the most usual places for pickpockets. Many are under 18 and take advantage of the non-harsh laws on minors. If you try to run them down, a fight may be necessary to get your items back.

On the subway or on trains try to sit with other people and avoid empty carriages. Non-violent pickpocket is the most common crime so always watch any bags (purses, luggage, shopping bags, etc.) you may have with you. A voice message reminding that is played in most of the metro and train stations.

Illicit drug use

On July 1, 2001, a nationwide law in Portugal took effect that decriminalised the recreational use of drugs. Drug possession for personal use and drug usage (up to 2.5 grams of cannabis for instance) itself are still legally prohibited, but violations of those prohibitions are deemed to be exclusively administrative violations and are removed completely from the criminal realm. Drug trafficking and driving under the influence of drugs is still illegal.

Stay healthy

Portugal adheres to all international protocols and guidelines concerning consumer products and health care.

Major cities are well served with medical and emergency facilities and public hospitals are at European standards. The national emergency number is 112 . The Serviço Nacional de Saúde (National Health Service) 24-hour hotline is 808 24 24 24 .

Many municipalities have pharmacies that take turns being open late or even 24 hours. These can be found online .

Portugal's water sources are perfectly safe, but some people may prefer bottled/spring water ( água mineral ). In so far as restaurants and other food and drink establishments or outlets are concerned, Portugal has a vigorously enforced system of national high standards to ensure a healthy chain of supply from producers to consumers, therefore the risk of food or drink poisoning is negligible. Star ratings are ascribed for levels of establishment luxury (5* to 1*) and not the quality of food or beverage, since those are strictly governed anyway.

Citizens of the European Union are covered by Portugal's National Healthcare System as long as they carry the free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), obtainable from their own national health care authority. Non European Union travellers are advised to purchase traveller's basic medical insurance to cover serious physical injury treatment costs, in case of an accident.

Morality and social issues

It is not unusual for women to sunbathe topless on the beaches of Portugal, and there are several nudist beaches too. Thong bikinis are acceptable throughout the country's beaches.

There are no serious political or social issues to be avoided. However, in more isolated remote traditional places, too liberal or open sexuality behaviour is frowned upon even if the locals do not say so openly out of prudishness.

Although nominally a Catholic country, since almost 90% of Portuguese consider themselves to be Roman Catholic, only about 19% actively practise this faith, and modern Portugal is generally a rather secular society. As a result, when discussing religion with the average Portuguese person, don't expect much input about church practices or support towards some of their beliefs and opinions (e.g. use of condoms, abortion, homosexuality, euthanasia, etc.). In Portugal, religion is not seen as a valid argument when discussing politics unless you do it with a practicing Catholic. Abortion in Portugal was legalised in 2007 and same sex marriage in 2010. The constitution guarantees separation of church and state and freedom of religious practice and many non-Catholic faiths have grown in membership.

Although there are no strict rules, when visiting churches or other religious monuments, try to wear appropriate clothes, and please keep silence.

Portugal in general is a gay-friendly country, but don't expect the same openness in rural areas and small towns that you get in the bigger cities like Lisbon or Porto. Public displays of affection between gay couples can be seen as a curiosity and in some cases as inappropriate depending on the place and the kind of display. Gays and lesbians in Lisbon are respected as the city itself has a big gay scene with lots of bars, night clubs, restaurants, cafes, saunas and beaches. Most of the “gay-friendly” places are located in the quarters of Bairro Alto, Chiado and Princípe Real.

Since September 2007, the legal age of consent in Portugal is 14 years old, regardless of sexual behaviour, gender and/or sexual orientation. Although the age of consent is stipulated at 14, the legality of a sexual act with a minor between 14 and 16 is open to legal interpretation since the law states that it is illegal for an adult to perform a sexual act with an adolescent between 14 and 16 years old "by taking advantage of their inexperience".

• No Smoking Areas : Indoor workplaces, public transport (subway, buses, tramways, trains, boats, taxis), public indoor places such as banks, hospitals, theatres, concert halls, shops, department stores, malls, supermarkets, indoor markets, lifts, escalators, etc.

Indoor and outdoor places used by minors less than 18 years old such us child care centres, playgrounds, schools, etc. No smoking areas are indicated by a no-smoking red sign stating in 3 languages (Portuguese, English and French): não fumadores, no smokers, non fumeurs . No person shall smoke or carry a lighted cigarette, electronic cigarette, cigar or pipe in designated no smoking areas, or else will be liable to a penalty between €50 and €750. If the landlord or manager of the place will not enforce the law by calling the police, s/he will be liable to a penalty up to thousand of euros.

• In restaurants, coffee shops, bars, pubs, and discos : Up to 100 m², it is the owner of the place that decide if it is a no smoking or a smoking area. More than 100 sqm, both smoking and no smoking area may be implemented. However the smoking area have to have special air/con indicated by the blue sign written in 3 languages (Portuguese, English and French): fumadores, smokers, fumeurs . The outdoor area such as terraces, roof tops, balconies smoking is permitted, and you may ask for an ashtray.
• Hotels : Most hotels have no smoking and smoking rooms. In smoke-free hotels in the rooms with balcony is allowed to smoke in the balcony.
• Airports : Smoking is allowed in designated smoking areas with the blue sign as well as some business lounges.

Bullfighting

Some cities in Portugal still stage bullfighting events or corridas de touros (sometimes spelled toiros ). Contrary to what happens in Spain, it is illegal to kill the bull in the arena in front of the spectators. The bull's horns are covered with a leather sheath to minimise injury. The Portuguese style of bullfighting involves several stages. A cavaleiro attacks the bull with bandarilhas (small, decorated spears) from horseback. The matador , despite the name, does not kill the bull, although he or she does hold a sword and a cape. At the end, forcados , a group of eight men, run toward the bull and try to immobilise it with no equipment other than their own bodies.

Do not assume that all Portuguese people support or even faintly like bullfights. With the exception of the hardcore fans, public opinion remains divided, with many Portuguese being indifferent to bullfighting, while others are very offended by acts of cruelty. Despite animal rights awareness campaigners being active for many years, the traditionalists continue firm in their resolve to maintain the bloodsport. National authorities have adopted a "live and let live" attitude by promulgating a law that Portuguese bullfighting is part of the "national protected cultural heritage". You might also end up offending some if you make generalisations or insist that bullfighting is part of today's Portuguese culture, since some cities have banned bullfighting within city limits. Nevertheless, bullfighting remains a deep rooted tradition in certain regions. The municipality of Barrancos (a border town with Spain) actively defies the law and law enforcement agents by killing the bull in the arena.

To call Portugal from abroad, dial country code 351 before the city code. To call abroad from Portugal, dial 00 before the country code. The city dialling code for Lisbon is 21 and for Porto is 22. All other city codes are three digits starting with 2. Telephone numbers are nine digits long, including the city code. Mobile numbers begin with 9.

The Portuguese postal service is CTT ( CTT Correios de Portugal, S.A. , formerly Correios, Telégrafos e Telefones ). Mailboxes are red. They can be pillar boxes on a street corner or small boxes attached to buildings.

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Wander-Lush

28 Unforgettable Things to Do in Portugal: The Ultimate List

Portugal is easily one of the most rewarding travel destinations in Europe, with cosmopolitan cities, quaint villages, wine country, pristine forests – and not to forget, 1,800 kilometres (1,100 miles) of picturesque coastline ranging from dramatic cliffs, coves and caves to placid, sandy beaches.

Add to that more than 800 years of history, a fabulous food scene, music traditions and much more, and mainland Portugal plus the diverse islands of Madeira and the Azores have something to offer literally every type of traveller.

This mega Portugal Bucket List brings together 28 of the best things to do in Portugal, including must-sees, immersive cultural experiences , hands-on activities, and quirky and alternative Portugal attractions.

→ Don’t miss: The best places to visit in Portugal

Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.

28 of the best things to do in Portugal

Ride the #28 tram in lisbon.

There’s no better introduction to Lisbon , the capital city of Portugal, than a self-guided tour by tram. A Lisbon icon, electric trams first launched in 1901 and have been ferrying locals and visitors alike up and down the city’s hills ever since.

Tram 28 is the best route for sightseeing and views. Think of it as Lisbon’s more authentic answer to a hop-on-hop-off tour bus! Running between Martim Moniz and Campo Ourique, it takes passengers along some of the city’s most beautiful streets, past key landmarks including Lisbon Cathedral, the Thieves Market, São Jorge Castle, National Pantheon, Miradouro da Graça, Arco da Rua Augusta, and more.

At just €3 per trip (paid either in cash to the driver or using a rechargeable Viva Viagem card), it’s also a very affordable way to see the best of Lisbon. Climb aboard a vintage Remodelado carriage, stake out a spot on one of the wooden benches, and sit back and absorb the sights and sounds of Lisboa.

The tram runs seven days from 6am. It’s a good idea to arrive early to beat the crowds. Riding the whole line takes around 50 minutes one-way depending on traffic. For a less-touristy alternative, the #12E tram follows a similar route through the historic Alfama neighbourhood , stopping at São Jorge Castle and Se Cathedral.

Alternative Lisbon experience: Follow the 28 tram route in a private electric tuk-tuk and snap photos of the charming yellow trams along the way!

Learn how to make Pastel de Nata in Belem

When visiting Portugal, it’s mandatory to munch on as many rich and flaky Pastel de Nata (Portuguese egg tarts) as humanly possible. This delicious pastry was born in the shadow of the iconic Belem Tower (Torre De Belem) in the 18th-century kitchens of Jerónimos Monastery, making Lisbon the spiritual home of Pastéis.

While you should definitely buy a pack or two of authentic Belem custard tarts to take home as a souvenir , why not go one better and learn how to make them from scratch yourself. It’s a life skill that will serve you well!

A Pastel de Nata Masterclass is a must-do for foodies and a great experience for kids. The original recipe is a closely guarded secret, but padeiras are more than willing to spill the beans for eager visitors who want to master the art. The best workshops take place in local bakeries and teach you how to make the creamy custard from scratch.

Try it: Book a Pastel de Nata Workshop with an expert baker , including a glass of Ginjinha sour cherry liqueur in an edible chocolate cup to pair with your fresh-baked tarts.

Cruise the Douro River in Porto

Life in Portugal’s second city revolves around the Douro River, giving Porto some of its most famous landmarks including its handsome bridges and medieval Ribeira (riverside) district, with its colourful merchant houses and historic cafes .

Do as Porto’s wine merchants once did and let the trade winds whisk you through the city. A boat trip on the Douro is the perfect way to tour the top sights and learn what makes Porto one of the country’s most interesting cities .

In the past, rabelo – low-slung wooden cargo boats – were used to transport barrels of Port wine from the vineyards in the country’s interior to the city and onward to the shipping docks. A fleet of colourful rabelo now float the same historic route, taking visitors down Porto’s life-giving river and showing off the best of the city from a unique perspective.

A typical boat tour of Porto covers the famous ‘Six Bridges’ including Ponte D. Maria Pia, Ponte Infante Dom Henrique and Ponte de Dom Luís I, the Gaia caves, and the Cabedelo Nature Reserve. You’ll see the Foz do Douro, where the river empties out into the Atlantic Ocean, and the Barra do Douro with its dazzling lighthouse.

Take a day trip to the splendid Pena Palace

Pena Palace (Palácio da Pena) is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Portugal and a highlight of Sintra, a convenient day trip from Lisbon. Considered one of the finest expressions of 19th-century Romanticism in Europe, it’s both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal.

Set atop a hill and enveloped by green forest (200 hectares of which is the royal garden), Pena Palace is instantly identifiable because of its bright red, yellow and mauve facades, scalloped white trimmings and pointed turrets. It might look cartoonish in photos but seen up close in person, it’s very lavish indeed – especially the painted interiors, which were used as a summer royal residence for Portugal’s ruling family. 

A Sintra day trip is very easy to organise, travelling by train on the CP-Sintra line from Lisbon. Pena Palace is a 30-minute bus ride from the railway station.

Alternatively, a combination Sintra, Cabo da Roca and Cascais day tour from Lisbon is a good choice if you’re on a tight timeline. Other noteworthy landmarks in the area include the National Palace on Sintra’s central square, Monserrate Palace and the Moorish Castle, later on this list of things to do in Portugal.

Pena Palace tickets: Pre-purchase your tickets online and skip the queue.

Listen to Fado music in Chiado, one of the best things to do in Portugal for local culture

Recognised as part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, Fado is a beloved Portuguese tradition that incorporates music, lyrics and movement. For an insight into the nation’s seafaring heritage, watch a live Fado performance in Chiado in Lisbon where Fado has been humming in the streets for more than 200 years.

Though its exact origins are a bit of a mystery, it’s widely believed that Fado emerged in the mid-1800s at a time when Portuguese mariners were undertaking their most daring sea voyages to the New World. Singing and dancing became something of a ritual for sailors as they searched for a reprieve from their stressful day jobs. 

Somewhat ironically, much of Lisbon’s Fado music is soulful and almost mournful. Coimbra Fado, by contrast, is more upbeat – apparently it was devised as a way for male students at the university to woo their female counterparts!

Fado is most commonly associated with Lisbon’s old Alfama and Mouraria districts. In the beginning the singers were all male, but today it’s women who take the lead, reciting stirring melodies that transport listeners to another time and place, accompanied by 12-string guitars and violas. Bars and restaurants in Alfama and Bairro Alto host Fado performers, and the popular Fado in Chiado theatre stages shows every night of the week.

Experience Fado: Folk music performances in Lisbon .

Tour one of the world’s oldest universities in Coimbra

Have you ever been to a university that is a combination of a palace, a church and has strong vibes of Harry Potter ’s Hogwarts? If you haven’t, it’s time to add Coimbra University to the long list of things you must do in Portugal.

Coimbra is the biggest city in Central Portugal. You can easily reach it by train from Lisbon in about two hours or Porto in about one hour, or stop here on your road trip from Lisbon to Porto . There are many historical monuments in Coimbra but the university campus, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013, is the most famous.

With a history dating back to the 13th century, this stunning university is actually the oldest of its kind in Portugal and one of the oldest in Europe . It is located in what used to be a royal palace and has many interesting treasures to explore as well as commanding fabulous views of Coimbra and the Mondego River.

Some of the most interesting places on the university campus are the Capela de São Miguel, with its beautifully decorated ceiling and walls, the chambers of the palace, and the rooftop balcony that offers excellent views of the area. One place you must visit is the Biblioteca Joanina. Walking into this ancient library feels like stepping into a movie set: all golden decorations, a piano, and a resident colony of bats!

You can visit Coimbra University by yourself if you wish, but it’s best to take a tour to learn about the history and secrets that hide in the various chambers. The university organises guided tours. Note that if you buy your own tickets, there are two types – make sure you buy the one that includes a visit to the library.

By Maya from Chasing Lenscapes

Pre-purchase your Coimbra University tickets: These skip-the-line tickets include an in-depth 90-minute tour of the main halls and the Biblioteca Joanina.

Take a stroll in the enchanting Bucaco National Forest

Located roughly 30 kilometres (19 miles) north of the historic city of Coimbra, the Buçaco National Forest is a true gem in Portugal. This 105-hectare green space houses one of the most remarkable tree collections in Europe, including species dating back to the Portuguese Age of Discoveries (around 500 years ago).

In the 17th century, the forest was settled by the Order of Discalced Carmelites – though it was previously inhabited for centuries before that. The monks built its walls, little chapels that are still standing today, and a convent that was supposed to be converted into a royal palace but is now a unique luxury hotel, the Buçaco Palace.

The best way to explore the forest is by foot, walking at least one of the many trails that take you through this enchanted place. Be sure to grab a map at the information centre (Posto de Turismo do Luso-Bussaco) as it will be very useful. Some of the points of interest you can’t miss while wandering through Buçaco are the Buçaco Palace, Fonte Fria fountain, and Portas de Coimbra (Coimbra Gate).

The most convenient way to get to the forest is by car, so this is a great opportunity to take a scenic road trip through central Portugal .

By Or from My Path in the World

Drink Port wine in the Douro Valley

If you’re in Portugal and you haven’t tried Port wine, have you even been to Portugal at all?! A tasting of the nation’s most famous export is an absolute must, and the best place to do it is the Douro Valley outside Porto, one of Europe’s most famous wine regions .

There are many advantages to doing a wine tasting in the Douro Valley rather than in Porto city. In Porto, you will only find overpriced touristy Port tastings; whereas in the Douro Valley, you will be able to visit centuries-old wine estates ( quintas ) in person. The acres and acres of vineyards here are incredibly picturesque and give visitors the chance to really immerse themselves in Portugal’s winemaking traditions.

The best way to visit the Douro Valley is through an organised tour from Porto. This one by Living Tours includes two different quintas, a boat tour on the Douro river, and a generous lunch. It’s also possible to rent a car and visit multiple quintas on your own. But that would mean you can’t drink port – so a tour is definitely the preferred option here!

By Lara from The Best Travel Gifts

Best Douro Valley tour from Porto: This itinerary by Living Tours includes tastings with the winemakers, a regional lunch, and spectacular views of the terraced vineyards.

Hike the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail in the Algarve

There are few better ways to appreciate the beauty of the Algarve coastline than by foot. And thankfully, there are several stunning walkways you can take to explore one of Portugal’s premier beach holiday destinations from a different perspective.

One of the most popular walks along this stretch of sun-kissed shoreline is the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail . At just under 12 kilometres (7.5 miles) out and back, it’s an easy half-day hike, or you can do it over a full day and enjoy the many beaches you’ll pass along the way.

Beaches aside, there’s plenty to see along the path such as natural grottos (including the famous Benagil sea cave), rock arches and bridges, sea pillars, and a lighthouse.

The family-friendly hike is described as moderate, and can be hard going in the heat of the summer months, so do yourself a favour by hiking in autumn instead. At this time of the year, you’ll enjoy sublime temperatures, fewer crowds, and won’t have to jostle for a parking spot.

You can complete the track in either direction, starting at Praia Vale de Centeanes or Praia da Marinha. If you don’t fancy retracing your steps it’s possible to just do it one way and catch a cab or Uber back to your car.

By Nadine from Le Long Weekend

Kayak through the Benagil sea cave

Out of all grottos that dot the southern Portuguese coast, the Benagil cave is the most captivating. That’s because, in addition to the lateral erosion caused by the pounding waves, the rain has worn away the top of the cave. The result is a natural skylight that illuminates the cavern and the beautiful patch of white sand that lies inside.

The fenced area around this ‘eye’ allows visitors to peer inside from the top of the cave. But to truly experience the magic of the Benagil grotto, you need to access it from the water.

Instead of hopping on one of the small tourist boats that pass through the cave, you could join a Benagil cave tour by kayak or SUP. Most of these tours are organised in the morning, allowing you some time to enjoy this mesmerising cave without the constant boat traffic. The beauty of arriving by kayak or SUP is that you’re allowed to actually set foot on the gorgeous beach – a privilege that boat visitors don’t have.

A kayak or SUP tour typically lasts around two hours and takes you to see several intriguing sea caves along the coastline. It can be quite intensive, depending on the water conditions, but a support boat with a lifeguard tags along and can tow your kayak if necessary.

By Sarah from CosmopoliClan

Try it: Book your Benagil cave kayaking experience with Secret Algarve.

Swim in a natural hot spring in the Azores

One of the most exciting things to do in Portugal is experience the hot springs on the Azorean island of São Miguel. The largest of the Azores – a chain of islands in the Atlantic Ocean and an autonomous region of Portugal – São Miguel has a wide selection of hot springs to enjoy.

There are several different geothermal springs on the island, each with its own unique feel. Terra Nostra is probably the most famous, known for its large spring-fed pool that is so rich with iron and other minerals that the water is almost golden in colour. Terra Nostra also has smaller springs as well as a botanic garden and a restaurant where you can eat cozido , an Azorean stew cooked underground using geothermal heat (look out for it later on this list).

Another cool spot is in Ponta da Ferraria, where a hot spring meets the ocean just where some rocks make a natural pool. You’ll have to time the tides just right – otherwise it can be too hot or too cold – but it’s a magical experience feeling the water’s temperature ebb and flow as the hot spring water mixes with the brisk Atlantic waters. Best of all, it’s free!

Should you want even more soaking time on your Sao Miguel itinerary , there are several other hot springs in the Azores also worth mentioning, including Poça da Dona Beija and Caldeira Velha.

Tip: Bring a dark-coloured bathing suit to enjoy the hot springs in the Azores – lighter suits may get stained by the mineral waters.

By Allison from Eternal Arrival

Experience it: Evening tour to Furnas for hot spring bathing at Poça da Dona Beija as the sun sets plus a traditional dinner under the stars.

Go hiking at sunrise on Madeira Island

Portugal’s second autonomous island region, Madeira, comprises four islands, each with a subtropical climate and breathtaking landscapes of volcanic rock formations, dramatic cliffs and pebble beaches. It’s no secret that Madeira boasts some of the most beautiful hiking trails in Europe , many leading to high-altitude viewpoints for panoramic views of the cliffs and ocean.

From moderate and flat levada walks that take you through the island’s forested interior (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) to more challenging mountain summits that see you rise up above the clouds, Madeira is a hiker’s paradise.

The Pico Ruivo do Paul trail is an easy hike of 1.5 kilometres (just under 1 mile), taking around 45 minutes to complete. It culminates at a 1600-metre-high marked viewpoint where you are rewarded with spectacular views down to the water’s edge.

One of the most adventurous things to do in Portugal is to set out for sunrise on another popular but longer trail that links the island’s two highest points, Pico do Areeiro and Pico Ruivo. This Madeira hike is more strenuous, taking around 7-9 hours to complete the 15.6 kilometres (9.7 miles).

Ride a moliceiro boat in the quaint town of Aveiro

One of the best day trips from Porto is to Aveiro, a charming town known for the gondola-style boats that roam the canals. With a long history, it’s a cultural wonderland with plenty of sights and culinary experiences thrown in for good measure.

Just an hour from Porto by train, Aveiro is easy to reach and explore on foot. The main activity is riding one of the colourful molicero boats. These were originally used to farm seaweed and keep the region fertile, although they’re now more of a popular tourist attraction. A short ride will set you back €5-10.

Another place to visit is the nearby Costa Nova, a small beach town with Instagrammable huts painted in every colour of the rainbow. It’s easy to reach Costa Nova from Aveiro by hopping on a bus or hailing a taxi.

Finally, don’t miss indulging in Aveiro’s culinary gems. Ovos moles are traditional snacks from Aveiro made with sweetened egg yolk in wafer. Many cafes sell them, but there’s nowhere better than Confeitaria Peixinho where they have been made since 1856. Try the ones shaped like mini molicero boats!

By Rose from Where Goes Rose

Try it: Aveiro moliceiro experience with a visit to the Aveiro salt pan, the old Beira-Mar, neighbourhood, the Jerónimo Campos ceramics factory, and the Fish Market.

Go azulejo hunting in Porto

Discovering the gorgeous azulejo tiles is one of the best things to do in Porto , Portugal. The word ‘azulejo’ stems from the Arabic al zellige , which means ‘polished stone’. You will find these glazed ceramic tiles almost everywhere in Porto – from churches to railway stations, fountains to benches. Azulejo is a very important part of Portugal’s cultural heritage.

King Manuel I of Portugal brought this art form to this country in the 15th century from Seville, Spain . Initially tiles used simple geometrical patterns, but over time the repertoire transformed into a more intricate and decorative art form depicting religious stories and the history of the nation. You will mainly find these tiles in blue and white. Shades of yellow and green are also common.

You can easily explore Porto’s azulejos yourself. You will find some of the greatest works inside the Sao Bento Railway Station , where almost 20,000 azulejo tiles painted in the early 20th century by Jorge Colaco depict the history of Portugal and rural scenes. The work took almost 11 years to complete!

Other outstanding azulejos can be found at the Porto Cathedral, Igreja do Carmo, Capela das Almas, Igreja de Santo Ildefonso and the Casa da Musica.

By Moumita & Sankha from Chasing the Long Road

Alternative experience: Try a tile-painting workshop where you’ll learn about the history of azulejos while hand-painting your own souvenir tiles.

Browse the beautiful Livraria Lello bookshop in Porto

Located in the heart of Porto, the Livraria Lello is considered one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. J.K. Rowling, author of the famous Harry Potter series, was famously inspired by it when writing her novels – she regularly visited the bookstore in the 1990s.

Founded in 1906 by the Lello brothers, the Livraria Lello, which is today one of the most famous Portuguese landmarks , attracts plenty of tourists thanks to its amazing design. Even before entering the bookstore, the white facade that combines Art Nouveau and neo-Gothic styles is quite stunning.

The exterior is certainly eye-catching, but it’s the store’s stunning interior to which the Livraria Lello owes its fame: the walls, lined with large bookcases from floor to ceiling, abound with volumes in all languages. The high point is definitely the iconic red spiral staircase.

This bookstore is so popular that an entrance fee is now charged (it costs €5, but the ticket price is deductible if you buy something inside). In any case, it’s a good idea to purchase your tickets in advance – otherwise you’ll have to queue twice: first at the ticket counter and then again to enter the bookstore. Try to visit in the morning to avoid the crowds on the staircase.

By Nesrine from Kevmrc Travel

Explore Tomar, Batalha and Alcobaca, the trio of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Central Portugal

One of the best things to do in Portugal is visit the country’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. There is a trio of monuments located in Central Portugal that can be visited in one day as they are all located within an hour of one another.

The three UNESCO World Heritage Sites are the Convent of Christ in Tomar, Alcobaça Monastery, and the Monastery of Batalha. The first, the Convent of Christ in Tomar was originally a 12th-century Knights Templar stronghold until its dissolution in the 14th century. The Knights of the Order of Christ, as the Templars became in the 15th-century, continued at Tomar and aided Portugal in its maritime explorations during the Age of Discoveries. The site consists of both a convent and a castle built in the Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance styles.

The Monastery of Batalha is a Dominican monastery originating in the late 14th century. It contains examples of Gothic and Manueline architecture styles. Alcobaça Monastery is a 12th-century monastic site credited with introducing Gothic buildings to Portugal.

All three sites are rich in architecture and history. All can be visited as part of a day trip tour from Lisbon if you are travelling in Portugal without a car. There is a discounted ticket for entry to all three sites which is valid for one year.

By Cath from Passports and Adventures

Day tour option: Book a private day trip from Lisbon with transfers and skip-the-line access to the monasteries.

Walk the medieval walls of the Moorish Castle in Sintra

Castelo dos Mouros (the Moorish Castle) is located in Sintra. Like the Pena Palace, it sits high on a craggy outcrop and can be seen for miles around. It’s less touristy than Pena and a more relaxing experience. Its rich history and spectacular views earn the Moorish Castle a spot on the best Sintra tours from Lisbon .

The Moors reigned from the 8th to the 12th centuries in Portugal and during this time, the strategic location of this very large castle (directly above the town) meant that it was the defensive centre for the whole Sintra region. This was also true during the later Christian rule of Sintra.

Make sure you stroll around the formidable castle walls and see the 12th century Igreja de São Pedro Chapel. From atop the walls there are incredible views of the Sintra mountain range.

This castle is also an unforgettable sight when you see it from a distance. The Royal Tower of Sinta (Torre Real) is the best place to view the castle from afar. Walking from the Pena Palace to the Moorish Castle is a wonderful experience, but there is also a regular bus service.

By Paula from Portugal Travel Hub

Explore the old town in Obidos

Only an hour’s drive away from bustling Lisbon (making it a great spot on a Portugal road trip ), the sweet, fairytale village of Obidos is a must-see in Portugal. The town is still surrounded by fortified walls and was actually gifted from King Denis of Portugal to his Queen for their wedding in 1282.

Medieval cobbled streets lined with small shops and whitewashed houses are a perfect backdrop for photos. A must-do in Obidos is to try the famous sour cherry liquor, Ginjinha de Óbidos , which originated with 17th-century monks from the region who combined brandy with Morello cherries. It’s traditionally served in little edible chocolate pots to taste for only €1 – and it’s simply delicious. Trust me, you’ll want to purchase a bottle to take home with you.

After you’ve wandered the beautiful streets, don’t forget to check out the well-preserved Obidos Castle. It’s a great place to walk around and you can even stay the night  if you feel like treating yourself!

By Cazzy from Dream Big Travel Far

Explore Obidos: History tour of the village and Jewish neighbourhood with a Ginjinha tasting .

Go beach-hopping in Lagos

Portugal’s southernmost region of Algarve is known for its golden sandy beaches, secluded swimming coves, rugged cliffs and sculptural sea caves. If you’ve come to Portugal in search of surfing, swimming or sunbathing, a tour of Lagos’s stunning beaches is something not to be missed.

The coastal city of Lagos is the ideal spot for a balance of city and surf. From lounging to exciting water sports, there is no shortage of activities to keep you entertained. Beach-hopping is indisputably the thing to do in this part of Portugal. Highlights include Praia dos Estudantes (‘Students’ Beach’), one of the most striking beaches thanks to the Roman-style bridge – once part of a now-fallen fortress – that stretches out between two rock formations over the ocean. The quiet cove here is ideal for frolicking in peaceful tides.

Meia Praia beach is an enormous stretch of sand just outside Lagos. Spanning a monumental 4 kilometres (2.5 miles), it’s never too difficult to find space to stretch out your towel here.

Visit the anchor cemetery on Tavira Island

One of the quirkiest attractions in Portugal is the anchor cemetery on Tavira Island. On the sand dunes cascading into Barril beach , there are more than 200 large, rusty anchors. They were once used in tuna fishing when the island was a base for fishermen during the season. When the tuna population declined, the fishermen abandoned their anchors on the beach.

To this day, nobody really knows who collected them all and lined them up – but the truth is, whoever it was did the area a huge favour! Now, instead of being an abandoned location with old tumbledown fishing shacks, it has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Tavira.

The fishing shacks have been transformed into busy restaurants and cafes, and the old train line that transported the tuna is now being used to ferry tourists on a small scenic train. It costs €1.50 one-way and takes you from the footbridge by Pedras d’El Rei, connecting the mainland with the island, over to the anchor cemetery.

Alternatively, you can walk a 1.3-kilometre-long trail next to the train line. There are also boats and ferries taking visitors from Tavira to the island. Unless you go on a private boat tour, you will be dropped off at Tavira beach. You then have to walk along the beach for 5 kilometres (3 miles) to reach the anchors.

By Linn from Amused by Algarve

Visit the Capela dos Ossos ‘Bone Chapels’ in Evora & Faro

Many visit Portugal for the beaches, the food and the epic palaces – but there is something more off-beat that draws visitors to Portugal: a visit to the famous Capela dos Ossos or ‘Bone Chapels’.

Some will consider these unique religious sanctuaries a dark tourism destination , and while they are not for everyone, they are a very interesting (if not a bit macabre) site. The two most popular bone chapels in Portugal are at Evora and Faro. Both are very different from one another and for many visitors, places they never forget.

The Evora Bone Chapel, the larger of the pair, is located near the Igreja de São Francisco Évora Chapel (St. Francis Church). Crafted from the bones of more than 5,000 individuals, the chapel measures 18 metres long and 11 metres wide. The bones are laid out expertly, with skulls positioned in the interior as rousing decorations.

The second Capela dos Ossos, the Faro Bone Chapel, is located in the town of Faro within an unsuspecting church, the Igreja Do Carmo, in a small square. The tiny bone chapel is located at the rear of the church off a beautiful garden. This bone chapel is a complete contrast to the Evora Chapel in that it’s only 5 metres long and just over 2 metres wide.

By Bec from Wyld Family Travel

Walk part of the Portuguese Camino de Santiago

Walking the Portuguese Camino de Santiago is an amazing cultural experience and a great way to discover the country. The Portuguese Camino is the second most popular Camino route; about 100,000 people accomplish it every year.

Starting in Lisbon and finishing in Santiago de Compostela in Spain, the total distance of the Camino from Lisbon is 630 kilometres (391 miles). It takes 30 days to complete. Many people start walking the Portuguese route from Porto, which reduces the distance to 260 kilometres (162 miles). The way is marked with yellow shells and arrows.

Spring is the best time for walking the Portuguese Camino. The weather is nice, it’s warm and sunny, there are not too many tourists, and fields and hills along the route are covered in wildflowers.

Crossing a country on foot, visiting both well-known attractions and off-the-beaten-path places, is a truly unique way of travelling. Some of the highlights of the Portuguese Camino include Lisbon, Santarem, Fatima, Tomar, Coimbra, and Porto.

The best thing about the Camino is that anybody can do it. There are no rules or limitations – you can complete the entire Camino or walk only a section, carry your own backpack or use a luggage transfer service.

By Alya from Stingy Nomads

Learn to surf in Nazare

Nazare on the Costa da Prata is a magical place, even more so if you’re a surfer searching for the best waves on earth. Pros and novices alike have wet dreams of the legendary Nazare waves. Riding in Nazare’s cold Atlantic water and frothy white surf is about as refreshing and exhilarating as it gets.

According to the Guinness Book of Records, Praia do Norte (North Beach) in Nazare is home to the world’s largest waves ever surfed. The wide beach is just the place for experienced surfers hoping to ride one of Nazare’s legendary monster waves, which often reach up to 30 metres (almost 19 miles) high.

The lighthouse on the cliff above Praia do Norte is the best vantage point to watch these giant waves and the gutsy surfers living their best lives. Inside the lighthouse is a cool surf museum with paraphernalia and quotes from famous surfers who braved the monsters and lived to tell the tale.

Nazare is a great place for beginners, too. There are several surf schools and camps in town to choose from. Instructors will ease you into things and build up your confidence on the town beach with smaller waves. When the time is right, you will join the legends of Praia do Norte.

By De Wet & Jin from Museum of Wander

Go stargazing in Monsaraz

Right in the middle of the famous wine producing region of Alentejo in Portugal is an internationally certified Dark Sky Reserve, the first in the world to be recognised as a UNESCO ‘Starlight Tourism Destination’. The inky skies above Alqueva is a wonderful natural planetarium where there is almost no light pollution, making the whole area wonderful for star-gazing. It’s a must visit on any road trip of Portugal . 

On the edges of the hauntingly beautiful Alqueva Dam is the walled town of Monsaraz, home to the Observatorio do Lago Alqueva. Here you can learn about the Portuguese night skies and spend a few hours with their telescopes observing the constellations and planets of the solar system and the craters of the moon.

The quality of the Alqueva sky enables naked eye observation of a large number of celestial bodies. Your tutor for the evening will bring the sky to life. You’ll find out about the history of astronomy and how the first scientists discovered the stars and planets, how they were named, and what is known about each of them. 

On the right night, and with the right conditions, the velvety sky above Monsaraz may even show you the Milky Way, a hazy band of light seen in the night sky, formed by stars that cannot be individually distinguished with the naked eye. Make sure to bring your camera – you can take images through the telescope for an amazing reminder of your dark skies experience.

By Izzy & Phil from The Gap Decaders

Explore Portugal’s oldest and largest Natural Park, Serra da Estrela

Located in the central part of Portugal, Serra da Estrela Natural Park is a mountainous area that contains the highest peak in continental Europe, known as the Torre. It has another claim to fame for being the first and the largest Natural Park in Portugal (though it doesn’t have the same status as Peneda-Geres National Park, the nation’s only Parque Nacional).

The Serra da Estrela is best visited by car or on a day trip with private transportation as access from the likes of Lisbon and Porto via public transport is not easy. There are several towns dotted around the foothills where you can stay.

Things to do in the Natural Park include taking the cable car down the valley to enjoy views across the Serra da Estrela mountains and beyond. There are also two towers with domed-shaped roofs that were former radar towers for the Portuguese Air Force. They make for great pictures. There is a retail building at the top of the mountain where you’ll find a restaurant and shops selling locally produced crafts and other products.

There are also walking opportunities, waterfalls to find, and a beautiful carving of the protector Saint of the Shepherds called Senhora da Boa Estrela etched into the rock face of the mountain.

If you are looking for unique things to do in Portugal outside of the main cities, jump in a car and head for the Serra da Estrela Natural Park. It is an area of stunning natural beauty and a place not to be missed.

By Cath from Travel Around Ireland

Day trip option: Excursion to Serra Da Estrela departing from Lisbon, Braga or Porto .

Join a Portuguese food tour in Lisbon

Portugal has a lot going for it: an agreeable climate, historical cities, beautiful beaches, and excellent wines including the finest Port wine in the world. Another undeniable national treasure is delicious Portuguese food .

For food travellers, one of the best introductions to the cuisine of Portugal is a dedicated food tour. Most cities around the country offer this experience, but the best place for a culinary exploration has to be Lisbon, Portugal’s food capital.

A walking food tour is no doubt the best way to experience not just food, but also the culture and history of the city. A visit to some of Lisbon’s more traditional local neighbourhood restaurants, cafes, food markets and small shops will give you an insight into how locals live and what they eat.

Most food tours last for around four hours and are a short but tasty introduction to local food specialties that will leave you wanting more. While there are food tours in Lisbon that focus on popular venues and markets such as the Mercado da Ribeira , it’s nice to opt for a smaller tour to discover off-the-beaten-path eateries only the locals know about.

As for the food you’ll try: bacalhau (salted and dried cod fish and Portugal’s National dish) will most certainly be on the tasting menu. Don’t miss caldo verde , sausage and kale soup, or Pastel de Nata – all must-trys when visiting Portugal.

By Lori from Travlinmad

Recommended Libson food tour: 10 tastings of Lisbon with locals .

Eat cozido on Sao Miguel

Furnas is located on the southeast side of Sao Miguel island in the Azores archipelago. The town, one of the most popular places to visit on Sao Miguel , sits in the remains of a long-extinct volcano and is the centre of the island’s geothermal activity. Home to hundreds of natural springs and streams, visitors have been coming here for centuries to try the mineral waters and thermal pools. They also come to eat cozido .

Cozido (also known as furnas ) is a traditional Portuguese stew made from beef, potatoes and vegetables including carrots and cabbage. Although you can find versions of cozido throughout Portugal, it’s only in Furnas that you will find Cozido nas Caldeiras . Literally translated as ‘cooked in the boiler’, this hearty meal is slow-cooked underground using volcanic heat.

At Furnas Lake there is a cozido cooking spot where local restaurants take their stews to be cooked. Each restaurant has a dedicated underground hole and the area is guarded by two men who are responsible for placing the pots in the ground and later removing them using long iron tongs.

It’s not only restaurants that can use the cooking spot, however – anyone can turn up with their pot and for a few euros have it placed underground. Most cozido are left overnight to cook but you can also take your homemade stew along in the morning and return to collect it 5-7 hours later. Bom apetite!

By Katja from Globe Totting

Go diving in the Algarve

Southern Portugal’s Atlantic coastline is just as breathtaking seen from underwater as from above. Naturally it’s home to some fantastic sites for scuba diving.

Diving conditions are great in the Algarve, with calm seas, good visibility, a rich biodiversity and a variety of interesting underwater attractions. Around the towns of  Albufeira, Portimão, Lagos, Faro and Sagres there are a variety of dive sites for all skill levels. The colourful rocky reefs are covered in algae, anemones, soft corals and sponges. If you love marine animals you will not be disappointed diving here. 

All dive sites are rich in fish life with sea bass, sea bream, groupers and plenty of other species on the reefs. Keep an eye out or your camera ready for interesting creatures including colourful nudibranchs, octopus, moray eels and even seahorses.

For wreck diving enthusiasts, the Algarve has plenty to offer ranging from old ships from the 1750s to a B-24 Liberator Bomber plane wreck from World War II. Several were purposely sunk to make artificial reefs. Ocean Revival Park in Portimão is a unique diving project where four Portuguese navy vessels were sunk deliberately at different depths to form a marine life sanctuary.

Most dives are done from boats, but entering from the shore at some spots, such as the beautiful Porto de Mos beach in Lagos , is also possible. The Algarve can be divided all year round, but the best conditions are in autumn and spring when the blue waters are clear and the temperatures mild.

By Campbell & Alya from The Algarve Family

What is your favourite thing to do in Portugal? Is there something else I should add to the list?

More Portugal travel inspiration

• 17 most beautiful places to visit in Portugal
• The best cities in Portugal
• First timer’s guide to Lisbon
• 24 hours in Porto
• The best Airbnb apartments in Lisbon
• The most unique places to stay in Portugal
• Top Portugal souvenirs (and where to buy them)
• Lagos beach guide

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Great blog! It highlights the best things to do in Portugal with detailed recommendations. Perfect for planning an unforgettable trip!

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Welcome to We Travel Portugal

We Travel Portugal is Your Ultimate Guide to Portugal, Written by Two Local Experts!

We’re Ana and Ollie and we’ve been living in and travelling around Portugal for the last five years. We’re discovering Portugal one day at a time, and we’d like to share our discoveries with you!  

Whether you are looking for day trips, complete destination guides, or recipes for your favourite Portuguese food, we’re sure you’ll find something you love!

We want to help and inspire you to discover the real Portugal. We’re constantly explaining to people that there’s more to Portugal than resorts, golf courses and nata, and this blog is where we intend to show it. Along the way we’ll uncover traditional towns, historical villages, and hidden beaches, and share them with you!

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$799—From Chicago: Lisbon & Porto 6-night trip

This is the lowest price we've seen for a Lisbon-Porto combo trip all year.

Why We Love This Deal

Travelzoo staff members love Portugal for its idyllic scenery and affordable food and drinks. Hop on the charming yellow tram to explore storied cathedrals, colorful castles and trendy boutiques in coastal Lisbon. Then, head to Porto, known for its scenic views of the Douro River, as well as fantastic wine production. 

What's included:

• International economy-class airfare from the U.S. into Lisbon, out of Porto, on a full-service airline
• 3 nights in Lisbon at a modern, centrally located hotel with a rooftop bar
• 3 nights in Porto at a well-rated hotel that's a short walk from city attractions
• Daily breakfast
• Train tickets from Lisbon to Porto

Per-person pricing:

• $799 … Chicago , New York City
• $899 … Dallas ; Miami ; Washington, D.C.
• $949 … Boston 
• $999 …  Atlanta
• $1049 …  Los Angeles , San Francisco 

Additional departure cities are on sale.  

When to go :  Depart on select dates in November 2024–February 2025. Dates are also available in October and March from +$100. Spring and summer dates are also on sale. Dates vary by city; see partner's website for more details.

Customize your trip: Upgrade to 4-star hotels  from +$99 per person. Add an extra night in Lisbon or tack on 2 additional nights (one in Lisbon and one in Porto). 

Travelzoo tip: There is no change fee with the purchase of Great Value Vacations'  travel protection plans .

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November 2024–February 2025; other dates from +$100

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New EU airport scanners 'in two months' could mean big delays to France, Spain, Greece, Italy and Portugal

Travellers are being told that the system which scans passports and biometric data automatically could hit trips to European countries

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When a brand new system called EES becomes operational in autumn, non-EU travellers entering the Schengen Area will have to go through new scanners at EU borders in a move critics fear will lead to '12 months of delays'. In less than two months everyone entering the European Union will have to go through a completely new passport control procedure.

The EU's post-Brexit Entry/Exit System (EES) will launch on 10 November, EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson has confirmed. And this means that the new €7 fee to get into countries including France, Spain, Greece, Italy and Portugal will follow.

When it becomes operational in autumn, non-EU travellers entering the Schengen Area will face new border controls. Everyone will have to go through new scanners in the automated registration system - including everyone travelling from the UK. Travellers will need to scan their passports or other travel documents at a self-service kiosk each time they cross an EU external border.

It will not apply to legal EU citizens or residents or those with long-stay visas. There have been concerns that there could be teething problems - potentially causing big delays at ports and airports. Brits will need to scan their passports or other travel document at a self-service kiosk each time they cross an EU external border.

The system will register the traveller’s name, biometric data, and the date and place of entry and exit. Facial scans and fingerprint data will be taken every three years and are valid for multiple trips within that period. Home Affairs Commissioner Johansson said: “The moment is finally there. There may have been times you believed it will never happen But it's going to happen. Everything is coming together. We're in the final testing phase. There is a real momentum now. Carriers, operators, train stations, airports, everyone is getting ready for the big day.”

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The EES was first slated to launch in 2022 but has faced multiple setbacks due to IT issues and delays in installing the automated barriers required at all international land, maritime and air borders in the Schengen Area. Ms Johansson said: “With the EES we will know exactly who enters the Schengen area with a foreign passport, “We will know if people stay too long, countering irregular migration.

And the EES will make it harder for criminals, terrorists or Russian spies to use fake passports thanks to biometric identification, photos and fingerprints.” Andrea Godfrey, head of Regent Travel has spoken about possible delays caused by the system. She previously said: “We have been told to expect delays and queues in airports for up to a year. The early days of these schemes are likely to be chaotic and slow.”

Discover Ferries, the industry body for passenger ferries, also expressed concerns about “the lack of clarity” on the EES system. Earlier this year French Transport Minister Patrice Vergriete said the EU ’s external borders would face “serious operational problems.” Vergriete added, “We are aware of the risk in terms of passenger fluidity. It is a challenge, and we must not get this wrong.”

French authorities will operate EES border checks at the UK’s Port of Dover, Eurostar and Eurotunnel. They are currently working with the UK government to minimise the system’s impact on border flows and traffic, but express concern about potential waiting times. Government agencies and representatives for the tourism industry have said that the EES will likely cause long queues for ferry traffic sailing from Dover to Calais.

Roughly six months after the launch of the EES will see the introduction of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). This new scheme obligates non-EU citizens who do not require an EU visa to gain travel authorisation to enter the bloc (as opposed to the EES which is a monitoring system of border crossings by third-country nationals). The visa waiver will be mandatory for anyone wishing to visit the Schengen Area short term.

Travellers will be able to apply for ETIAS online before their trip at a cost of €7. Once approved, the electronic travel authorisation will be electronically linked to their passport and will last for three years.

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Seamless Summer Travels: Qatar Airways’ Announces Latest Interline Partnership with Maldivian

Passengers can now book one ticket encompassing both Qatar Airways and Maldivian flights

A plethora of new benefits include increased booking choices, competitive fares, and co-ordinated flight schedules

Doha, Qatar – Qatar Airways is elevating travel experiences to the Maldives through its new interline partnership with Maldivian, the national carrier of the Maldives, providing passengers the option to book both Qatar Airways and Maldivian flights on qatarairways.com.

Travellers planning their holidays at one of the Maldives’ beautiful islands can now incorporate both their Qatar Airways and Maldivian flights in one booking. Once Qatar Airways passengers arrive to Velana International Airport, they will be guided to the domestic terminal for their Maldivian flight.

Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer, Mr. Thierry Antinori, said: “We, at Qatar Airways, continue to expand our services to provide our passengers with innovative and inviting travel experiences. With our latest Maldivian interline partnership, we look forward to seeing our passengers enjoy a smooth start to their holidays, as well as benefit from the plethora of new travel benefits. We are proud to offer the option of a seamless process, allowing passengers to book one ticket that includes both their Qatar Airways flight to Male, and the connecting Maldivian flight to their beachside getaway.”

Maldivian Chief Commercial Officer, Ismail Amrah Umar, said: "We are thrilled to announce our interline partnership with Qatar airways, through which our customers will experience smooth connectivity with international baggage allowance while traveling within our network of 17 destinations across Maldives. By offering more choice and enhanced access to our strong and growing route network, we aim to boost tourism to the Maldives, showcasing our pristine islands to travellers from around the world.”

The Qatar Airways and Maldivian partnership allows for more choice than ever, as well as providing competitive flight fares and co-ordinated flight schedules. With the new system boosting international connectivity, travellers will now have access to 17 domestic destinations in the Maldives, including Dharavandhoo, Faresmaathodaa, Funadhoo, Fuvahmulah, Gan, Hanimaadhoo, Ifuru, Kaadedhdhoo, Kadhdhoo, Kooddoo, Maafaru, Maavarulu, Madivaru, and Thimarafushi.

Maldivian is the leading domestic carrier in the Maldives that also serves the nearby destinations of Bangladesh , India and Sri Lanka . Its fleet includes both seaplanes and wheelbase aircraft.

Qatar Airways, a benchmark for excellence in the industry, was recently voted Skytrax’s World’s Best Airline for an unprecedented eighth time and operates to over 170 destinations worldwide. The award-winning airline currently serves the route to Male with daily services.

For more information please visit qatarairways.com

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About Qatar Airways

A multiple award-winning airline, Qatar Airways won the ‘World’s Best Airline’ for the unprecedented eighth time at the 2024 World Airline Awards, managed by the international air transport rating organisation, Skytrax. Qatar Airways has been the World’s Best Airline in 2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2024. The airline continues to be synonymous with excellence, also taking home, ‘World's Best Business Class’, ‘World's Best Business Class Airline Lounge’, and ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’. As leaders in industry innovation and digital adoption, Qatar Airways was also recently voted the 'World’s Best Airline Website' by World Travel Tech Awards.

Qatar Airways was the first Airline in the Middle East to be certified to the highest level of IATA’s Environmental Assessment (IEnvA) programme, based on recognised environmental management system principles (such as ISO 14001). As an inaugural signatory to the Buckingham Palace Declaration in March 2016, Qatar Airways became the first airline globally to be certified to the industry standard for the prevention of illegal wildlife trafficking in aviation.

Qatar Airways currently flies to over 170 destinations worldwide, connecting through its Doha hub, Hamad International Airport, the ‘World’s Best Airport’, as voted by Skytrax in 2021, 2022, and 2024. In 2024, Hamad International Airport also received the ‘Best Airport in the Middle East’ accolade for 10 consecutive years, as well as ‘World’s Best Airport Shopping’ for the second year in a row.

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