Have you noticed? More and more people are talking about Portugal. This long-favored vacation spot for Europeans is fast becoming a hot spot for North Americans, too. We know: we came for vacation, fell in love with everything, and bought a home here a year later. To help you plan your perfect trip, download our Portugal Travel Guide Book – your essential companion for discovering the best of this beautiful country.
No doubt the 100-mile coastline that bounds the southern edge of The Algarve is a grail for sunseekers. From your first step onto the land, though, you will know Portugal is a country that offers much more than abundant sun and surf.
Whether you’re planning your first trip or returning, the travel tips below will help you decide what to do, when to visit, and what to expect while you’re in Portugal. Be sure to grab our Portugal Travel Guide Book for detailed recommendations and insider tips.
Portugal Life in Cities, Towns and Villages
Established in 1179, Portugal is rich in culture, history, art, architecture and natural beauty. If your goal is to absorb the essence of being Portuguese, you have your choice of starting in major cities like Lisbon or Porto (populations exceeding 2 million), in the coastal towns tucked along the country’s 1,155-mile Atlantic shoreline, or in the many quaint villages that dot the landscape.
Each community has its own vibe. Where to go is merely a question of what you’re looking for: streets all abuzz, nothing but the sound of the ocean lapping at the shore, or something in between. Tourism supports nearly two-thirds of the economy. Rest assured, it is easy to find everything you need to experience Portugal’s many offerings.
In the cities and towns is where you’ll find two-thirds of the country’s 10.5 million residents. Lodging is broadly available, with accommodations ranging from cozy to luxury. While you’re there, expect to:
- Feast on fresh-caught seafood.
- Drink world-renowned local wine.
- Meet fantastic people.
- Find treasures in the local markets, galleries and shops.
- Indulge in an exciting nightlife.
- Experience history through museums, sacred sites, and everyday life.
- Revel in breathtaking views.
Language
Portuguese is the national language, but Mirandese, Leonese and Caló also are spoken in Portugal. English speakers need not fret. Portugal is ranked 6th in the world for English proficiency by Education First’s annual Proficiency Index.
People are impressed by your effort to learn some of their native language. If you’re one to study up, Forbes put together a top-10 list of language apps that highlight some important differences in what language-learners are seeking. Of course there are plenty of YouTubers promising conversational language skills in 20 minutes to an hour.
Food
The Atlantic ocean provides Portugal with abundant seafood—and Portuguese people know what to do with it. Salt cod and grilled sardines are famous national dishes that pair beautifully with the free-flowing wines crafted at the many local vineyards.
If food from the water isn’t your fare, you can still gain the requisite 10 pounds on your vacation. Food is a daily celebration. Meats, vegetables, fruit, sweets, breads—everything is so delicious. Your biggest challenge will be to decide what to have next.
Money
U.S. money is not accepted at Portugal’s establishments. The country’s currency is the euro, though many businesses in the larger cities do accept credit cards. Tipping in cash is always appreciated. In the villages and more remote areas, it can be challenging to find somewhere to use a card or to make monetary exchanges, so be sure to plan ahead and carry enough cash. Always keep all money secure on your person.
While the dollar and euro typically stay fairly close in value, the annual cost of living is lower in Portugal than in the US. Visitors comment regularly about how affordable things like food, wine and transportation are, compared to what they pay at home. A charming place to stay can be very affordable, too, though premium accommodations are available.
Shopping in Portugal is delightful in its own right, though it’s a radically different experience in the villages versus the cities. It’s understandable if you get a little carried away. Know you can bring or ship up to $800 worth of goods across the US border with no duty owed. For items worth more than $800, duty fees apply. On high-value items, these fees can be around 30 percent of the purchase price. For detailed information about duty fees, visit the US Customs Border Protection website.
Transportation
Winding through Portugal’s cities, towns and villages is a very user-friendly railway system that connects most of the country. Train travel makes for a fast, economical and easy way to experience multiple locations and marvel at the diverse scenery between.
Within the cities and towns, you have the option to travel by bus, taxi, Uber, bike, or rental car, though not all are available everywhere. The most common mode of transport is on foot, especially in the small towns, villages and coastal communities. Ensure your shoes are up to the task. Original cobblestone roads and walkways are common, and most of Portugal is hilly.
Festivals, Celebrations and Retreats
From intimate gatherings to huge events, Portugal is synonymous with celebrating. Every year brings festivals and parties of all kinds.
You may have heard about Carnival. Tracing its roots to the 16th Century, this annual festival is celebrated during the three days leading up to Ash Wednesday. Attended by tens of thousands in cities and towns throughout all of Portugal. Carnival showcases parades, elaborate costumes, dancing, music, and street parties.
If you’re looking for something on a little smaller scale, here is a short list that exemplifies the breadth of choices:
- NOS Alive brings in big-name and up-and-coming music talent.
- Santos Populares celebrates patron saints with parades, street parties, food and drink.
- Festa de São João includes hammer-tapping traditions
- Festa da Flor ushers in Spring on Madeira Island.
- Festival Internacional de Chocolate proves no delight goes uncelebrated in Portugal.
- Boom Festival explores the human experience.
- Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Fátima pays homage to Our Lady of Fatima.
Music, food, tradition, adventure, spirituality—how will you celebrate your time here?
Unparalleled Adventures
Outdoor enthusiasts are particularly fond of Portugal, and for good reason. Hiking, biking, backpacking, camping, rock climbing, surfing, diving, boating, fishing—whatever you want to do, you can find amazing places to do it here.
The land showcases every topography, from coastline to mountain to forest to plain, so it’s easy to customize adventures to your wants and abilities. If you’re unsure how to find what you want to do, start by talking to the people who live, work and play here. We’d love to hear from you!
The Algarve
For those seeking to balance adventuring with pampering, The Algarve gives you a luxurious homebase with easy access to world-famous experiences, like hiking The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, witnessing seasonal bird migrations, feasting on chef-prepared catch-of-the-day delights, and relaxing on the sun-soaked beach.
Also known as the Faro District, this southernmost region of Portugal offers vacationers the perfect blend of modern conveniences and soul-stirring beauty.
Central Portugal
As you move up from the southern plains, the land begins to roll. Central Portugal begins roughly at Lisbon and extends to the Tagus River. Throughout are national parks, scenic viewpoints, and overlooks that redefine breathtaking.
Northern Portugal
If you’re planning to visit northern Portugal, you might want to start training on the StairMaster now. The northern region is virtually all mountains, aka, perfect for those seeking to challenge themselves.
Travel Requirements
Before you can enter Portugal, you’ll have to go through Customs, where you’ll need to show:
- Your valid US passport that has at least three months remaining on it after your planned departure date.
- Proof of enough funds to pay for your stay.
- A return airline ticket.
There are a number of things you cannot bring into Portugal:
- Meat, milk, and any products containing meat or dairy are not permitted from outside the European Union. Some exceptions include powdered baby milk, baby food, and foods required for medical reasons.
- Unauthorized firearms and other dangerous goods (i.e., ammunition, explosives, disabling devices, and pyrotechnic material) are prohibited.
Some things require authorization:
- Hunters and sport shooters can bring firearms into Portugal, providing they provide a registration certification and license to use and carry the firearm, which must be checked by the Portuguese police upon arrival.
- Currency in excess of 10,000 euros must be declared upon arrival from any country outside the EU.
Travel abroad can come with a heightened risk of illness. At present, no vaccines are required to travel to Portugal. However, both the Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization recommend travelers be vaccinated against:
- Hepatitis A and B
- Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR)
- Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis (Tdap)
- Polio
- Influenza
- COVID-19
When to Visit Portugal
Portugal boasts an average of 300 sunny days a year, though temperatures and rainfall vary depending on the season. When planning to visit Portugal, give some thought to what you want to do while you’re here.
For obvious reasons, June to September is peak tourist season: rainfall is minimal and temperatures warm to the mid 80s. If enjoying the beach, ocean and warmth are your priorities, Summer is definitely the right time to visit Portugal.
Outdoor enthusiasts find September and October are perfect for more rigorous adventures. Tourism slows, temperatures reach into the 70s, and most days are still sunny and dry.
The rainiest months are November to February. Temperatures can fall into the 40s, especially in the northern regions. It is rare for temperatures to drop below freezing.
Day by day, summer whispers tales of its return, with rainfall drying up by half in March and temperatures climbing back up until its 70s and sunshine by May.
Source: https://www.ipma.pt/en/index.html
Portugal has so much to offer, from the stunning Algarve coastline to the historical wonders of Lisbon and Porto, and the breathtaking landscapes of Northern Portugal. To make the most of your trip, don’t forget to download our Portugal Travel Guide Book – your ultimate resource for exploring this incredible country.