Your guide to Portugal
Top destinations in Portugal
Faro
History, flavour, relaxation — you’ll find it all in Faro, one of Europe’s best-kept secrets. Stroll the cobblestone lanes of Old Town, see Art Deco architecture and sunbathe on secluded beaches.
Lagos
The ancient port city of Lagos is rich in history, culture and stunning natural beauty. Come discover its winding streets, bustling markets and some of the best views in the Algarve region.
Lisbon
Portugal’s balmy capital is famous for its seven scenic hills. Explore its winding lanes to discover centuries-old churches, inspiring museums and the sweet melodies of its native music.
Madeira
Revel in the great outdoors in Madeira, where you can hike ancient trails, swim in seawater pools, and watch whales and dolphins in the wild.
Porto
Cruise the Douro River or walk the cobbled streets of Porto to see grand monuments and bridges that lead you to museums, art galleries and some of Portugal’s best wine bars.
Azores
This Portuguese archipelago is brimming with rugged volcanic landscapes that reveal millennia of geology. Come experience vast crater lakes, towering peaks and steaming hot springs.
Portugal: fast facts
| Language | Portuguese |
|---|---|
| Currency | Euro (€) |
| Time zone | Lisbon - UTC+0 (WET) |
Portugal highlights
Ornate architecture
Born in the Age of Discovery, Portugal’s distinctive Manueline architecture is famous for its ornate stonework. In Lisbon, the Belém Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery are two iconic examples of this style. Keep an eye out for nautical motifs like anchors, ropes and seashells carved into these buildings’ facades, a reflection of Portugal’s maritime history.
Wine country
Sampling the country’s homegrown wines is one of the best things to do in Portugal. And there’s no better place to start sipping than in the Douro Valley, one of Europe’s oldest wine regions. Visit Quinta do Vallado, one of the oldest wineries in the area, dating from 1716. And explore centuries-old port cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia.
Traditional tiles
Blue and white ‘azulejo’ tiles are a major part of the Portuguese aesthetic. Stroll around Lisbon’s Alfama and Chiado neighbourhoods for beautifully tiled facades and learn more about the art form at the Museu Nacional do Azulejo. Showstopping examples can be found outside Porto’s Igreja do Carmo and inside Almancil’s Igreja de São Lourenço.
Things to do in Portugal
Top attractions
Don’t miss the dramatic rock formations, hidden coves and powdery sands of Praia da Marinha, one of Portugal’s most beautiful beaches. In Lisbon, the 16th-century Belém Tower is one of the country’s most iconic Age of Discovery landmarks. For more history, head to Sintra’s UNESCO-listed Pena Palace with its colourful architecture and sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Beaches
Portugal knows how to do beaches. Surfers flock to Nazaré’s Praia do Norte for its enormous waves. In the south, the Algarve’s rugged coastline and golden sands make it a favourite with water sports enthusiasts and laid-back sun seekers alike. The Madeira archipelago is also a popular beach destination, especially around Funchal and Porto Santo.
Nature
From dramatic cliffs to verdant valleys and wildlife-filled wetlands, Portugal is full of natural beauty. Hike past woodlands, waterfalls and craggy peaks in Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês, Portugal’s only national park. Or soak up the Douro Valley’s terraced vineyards from a riverboat. One of the most famous natural wonders in the Algarve is the Benagil Cave, known for its light-filled dome.
Culture and museums
You’ll find dozens of fascinating museums in Portugal, including the Museu Calouste Gulbenkian and Museu Nacional do Azulejo in Lisbon. For more art, visit the Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis in Porto and the Museu Nacional de Machado de Castro in Coimbra. Fascinated with food history? Learn about the Algarve’s fishing industry at the Museu de Portimão, housed in a former sardine cannery.
Cuisine
Restaurants in Portugal range from Michelin-starred stunners to rustic ‘tabernas’ (taverns) and street food stalls. Traditional seafood dishes like ‘bacalhau’ (salted cod), ‘sardinhas assadas’ (grilled sardines) and ‘cataplana de marisco’ (seafood stew) are popular with locals and tourists. Craving a sweet treat? Nothing beats a ‘pastel de nata’ (egg custard tart).
Family friendly
Walk with the dinosaurs at Lourinhã Dino Park in Abelheira, home to life-sized prehistoric replicas and interactive walking trails. For a more glamorous slice of history, check out the Disney-like Pena Palace in the hills of Sintra. Ready for a museum day? Lisbon’s Pavilhão do Conhecimento - Ciência Viva museum has hands-on science exhibits, workshops and kids’ play areas.
Find the best time to visit Portugal
Weather in Portugal
March – May: Mild temperatures and mostly sunny days make spring a great time for outdoor activities. It’s a popular season for festivals too, like the Madeira Flower Festival.
June – August: Summer’s warm, sunny days are ideal for beach breaks. Expect crowds along the Algarve coast and temperatures climbing upwards of 32°C.
September – November: Pack light layers for mild days and cooler evenings. Daytime temperatures are still warm enough to enjoy a day of hiking, surfing or wine tasting.
December – February: You’ll need a light jacket for cooler days and nights, plus an umbrella for the occasional shower. With prices at their lowest and very few tourists on the streets, it’s the best time to visit Portugal if you’re on a budget.
Events in Portugal
Madeira Flower Festival (April or May): Head to Funchal in Madeira for this annual spring festival celebrating the island’s flowers. The big highlight is the Flower Festival Float Parade, which features colourful floats, costumed performers and live music.
Festa de São João do Porto (June): Porto’s midsummer celebration honours Saint John the Baptist with street parties, music, dancing and fireworks. Look out for fun traditions like grilled sardine feasts and locals playfully hitting each other on the head with plastic hammers for good luck.
NOS Alive (July): Held in Algés, this music and arts festival is known for its rock, pop and electronic music acts. Previous headliners include Pearl Jam, Bob Dylan and Dua Lipa.
Know before you go
Local etiquette
When meeting someone, shake hands, make eye contact and offer an appropriate greeting. It’s a good idea to dress modestly outside the beach and tourist areas, especially when visiting religious sites. In social settings, many Portuguese people take a relaxed approach to time, so being a little late is generally acceptable.
Health and safety
Many advisories recommend getting hepatitis A and B along with tetanus vaccinations before visiting Portugal. The country’s Mediterranean climate can experience extreme heat waves in the summer, leading to dehydration and possibly heatstroke. Stay cool by drinking plenty of water and avoiding sun exposure during the hottest hours of the day.
LGBTQ+ travel
In general, Portugal is a safe and welcoming country for queer travellers. Lisbon is known for its annual Pride event and thriving LGBTQ+ scene. You’ll find most of the action in the Bairro Alto and Príncipe Real neighbourhoods. Outside of the capital, Porto is home to a number of gay bars and also hosts an annual Pride parade.
Budget
Experiencing Portugal without breaking the bank is very doable. A short taxi ride costs around four euros (€), but buses and trams are usually even cheaper in major cities. When dining out, expect to pay €10 for an inexpensive meal and less than €4 for a local beer.
Getting around Portugal
Public transport
Buses: A wide variety of private companies operate bus services connecting most of Portugal’s towns and villages. Rede Expressos, Rodonorte and Vamus Algarve are three of the big ones to look out for. Choose between slow, fast and luxury accommodation.
Trains: Comboios de Portugal (CP) operates trains connecting major towns and cities, including Lisbon, Lagos, Faro, Coimbra and Porto. Rail trips are generally affordable, convenient and a scenic way to get around. But you’ll be limited if you’re trying to reach smaller towns and villages.
Boats: Ferries in Portugal connect Lisbon with towns across the Tagus River, such as Cacilhas, Seixal and Montijo. While there are no regular ferries between the mainland and Madeira or the Azores, interisland ferries operate within both archipelagos, making it easy to explore multiple islands during your trip.
Domestic flights
TAP Air Portugal offers multiple daily flights from Lisbon to Porto and Faro. Most domestic flights take less than an hour, but they’re often quite a bit pricier than travelling by bus or train.
Driving
Portugal has a good network of ‘autoestradas’ (highways) linking cities like Lisbon, Porto and Faro. These roads are usually tolled. In rural areas, roads may be narrower and not well maintained, so be extra careful.
