For a small country, Portugal seems to fit half the world within its borders. There’s its teeming capital Lisbon, a carnival of hills and trolleys and centuries-old monasteries. There’s Porto and its fortified wine, and the vineyards of the Douro Valley. There are the rainbow-hued palaces of Sintra and the Roman ruins of Óbidos, and the rugged peaks of the Serra da Estrela, and the paradisiacal beaches of the Algarve. Plus, archipelagos like the Azores and Madeira suggest that the best things to do in Portugal extend beyond the mainland.
For the fewest crowds and best prices, Portugal is best visited in the spring and fall. The country’s southern Algarve region enjoys year-round sunshine, with temperatures rarely dropping too far below 70°F (20°C). Beach-goers may prefer to visit from mid-September to the end of October, as the water will still be warm enough for swimming and most of the tourists will have left.
Lisbon and Porto get cold in the winter months of November through February. Instead, visit Lisbon from late April to early June for beautiful jacaranda blooms and fewer tourists, and Porto in September to take advantage of the grape harvest season.
Portugal’s train system is a convenient and cost-effective way of exploring. Train routes cover the entirety of the country, taking you from Porto in the north down to Faro in the south via Lisbon.
If you’re looking to explore outside of the cities, renting a car is your best bet. Most Portuguese motorways have tolls, so make sure you keep some coins in your car. Bear in mind you’ll need to fly to the Portuguese islands of Madeira and the Azores archipelago, which includes Santa Maria Island.
Once you’ve ticked off the big-hitter cities, head off the beaten path to discover more things to do in Portugal. Perched on the Algarve’s westernmost tip, Sagres is a rugged wonderland of cliffs and golden-sand beaches that boasts some of the country’s best surf spots. The Alentejo region is renowned for its wine, fragrant olive groves, and historic towns, while Peneda-Gerês National Park (Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês) in the northeast offers sublime natural landscapes.
Local Currency Euro (€) | Time Zone WEST (UTC +1) | Country Code +351 | Language(s) Portuguese | Attractions 201 | Tours 8,254 | Reviews 305,179 |
Portugal is famous for its food and drink. During the Golden Age of Discovery, thanks in part to their country’s position on the Atlantic Ocean, the Portuguese spread flavors and spices all over the world, lending influence to various cuisines. Port wine has also been a favorite drink among wine lovers for centuries and is from the Douro Valley.
...MoreThe capital city of Lisbon is a must-visit for travelers to Portugal. The city has everything from water sports to cultural activities to some of the best food in Europe. You'll get a comprehensive overview of the country’s history and culture while touring Lisbon.
...MoreFor an overview of Portugal, try to spend 10 to 14 days in the country. Plan for four to five days in Lisbon, three to four in Porto, and anywhere from three to five in the Algarve, in order to cover a wide range of the things to do in Portugal. Day trips to other areas can be done from any of those locations.
...MoreThe enchanting mountain town of Sintra—30 minutes from Lisbon—is the prettiest in Portugal. Once used as the summer retreat for the royal family, Sintra is peppered with fantastical castles and regal homes. The historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its mix of natural and cultural attractions.
...MoreThe Algarve is known in Europe as a top holiday destination thanks to its endless supply of beaches, rugged coastline, and temperate weather year-round. The area is also known for its calm seas and great seafood, making it a no-brainer for vacationers.
...MoreNo. In comparison with other European countries, Portugal is on the more affordable side. Meals range from a few euros at a local tavern to still affordable at international restaurants. Accommodations, especially outside of the major cities, won't break your wallet when compared to other Europe hot spots.
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