How to Get from Lisbon to Algarve: The Best Ways

Considered one of the best destinations in northern Portugal, the Douro Valley should be on the bucket-list of anyone traveling to the country, regardless of whether you are a wine connoisseur or a hiking enthusiast. But how to get there? The area is accessible from many destinations and via different means of transportation, which makes a trip to the Douro Valley relatively feasible. This article breaks down the best ways to get to the Douro Valley from visitor hot spots Porto and Lisbon, covering driving, by boat, the train, and by bus. Read on for detailed insight to help you make the best decision.

The Portuguese island of Madeira is a subtropical destination located in the Atlantic Ocean, just about 900 kilometers off the coast of Morocco. The island is one of the best places to visit on a trip to Portugal, easily reachable from the country's main airports in less than two hours by plane. You can also fly directly to Madeira from major European cities like Paris, Cologne, Rome, and London. TAP and SATA Airlines offer direct flights from North America and connecting flights through Lisbon and the Azores. While the island is not reachable by ferry at the moment, several European cruise companies offer multi-day stops in Madeira as part of their packages.

Nearly 1500 kilometers west of Portugal’s mainland lie nine volcanic isles known for their stunning landscapes: the Azores Islands. As a rather remote archipelago, this paradisiacal part of the world are only accessible by air, with few reliable boat services. A trip to the Azores takes a little planning, but the rewards pay dividends! In this article, we lay out the logistics of getting to the Azores from any of the four corners of the world map. Let us guide you from your screen to the verdant archipelago you want to be at!

Hiking in the Azores is an experience like no other, with breathtaking views around every corner and a myriad of native wildlife to revel in along the way. The dramatic landscapes of the Azores are unique to the region, from mystical waterfalls to the colossal craters of the Caldeiras. These volcanic depressions are home to secluded oases of blue lagoons and exotic geosites sure to inspire awe. Trek atop the coastal cliffside, with fabulous viewpoints of the entire island and walk through the lush jungles, listening for rare bird songs. Discover the untouched natural beauty and rich biodiversity of the Azores islands on any one of our top 10 hiking trails in the Azores, listed below.

An established destination for beautiful beaches, delicious food and wine, and vibrant cities, Portugal is also one of the best walking and hiking destinations on the planet. A pleasant climate paired with stunning landscapes that range from dramatic coastline and craggy mountains to enchanting forests and verdant islands, the country should be on the bucket-list for any walking and trekking enthusiast. A trip to Portugal opens possibilities of a diverse range of hiking experiences, including world-famous multi-day hikes and pilgrimages to short coastal and forest paths accessible to nearly anyone.

Portugal is a unique country—one that is an ancient mystery and a relaxed modern nation at the same time. In fact, Portugal is one of Europe’s oldest nations. A visit to Portugal will be full of brilliant architecture, bustling port towns that were the centre of world power for quite a while, affordable wine, and food. Portugal is a pretty small country, so if you plan your trip carefully, you will be able to explore all of its offerings in a brief period of time. In order to plan your Portugal trip with care, you have to know what the best time to visit Portugal is. Once you know what the weather in Portugal is like, you will be able to plan your adventures accordingly.

The Azores region of Portugal, composed of nine islands in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, has a mild climate year-round thanks to its unique position in the Gulf Stream. As one of the few sub-tropical destinations in Europe, the Azores are the perfect travel choice for both winter and summer: an escape from the cold during the European winter, a sunny destination in summer, and a quick island holiday on a trip to Portugal. However, the very best time to visit the Azores and escape the crowds is from April to June and in September. No matter when you take a trip to the Azores, listen to the locals. They like to say that, in the Azores, you can experience four seasons in a day; there’s always a place where the sun is shining on the island and one where it’s raining, so be prepared for anything!

As the Northern Hemisphere slides into balmy summers and the Southern Hemisphere welcomes the first nip of the season, May marks the month of transitional weather. Extreme temperatures take a backseat as May opens ample travel opportunities coupled with pleasant weather conditions. Trek through the biodiverse rainforests of Borneo, bask in the sun-kissed shores of the Caribbean, shop in the colorful markets of India, or prepare to get awestruck by the otherworldly landscape of the Cappadocia. Let’s dive into our top picks for the 10 best places to visit in May.

With kilometers of golden coastline, world-acclaimed wines, and a fascinating historical heritage, Portugal is one of the most visited countries in Europe. To fully enjoy its natural diversity, from Algarve beaches to wild Douro Valley, we suggest planning a Portugal itinerary lasting between one week and 10 days. Visit the sunny towns of Lagos and Sagres for some of the best surfing spots in Europe, or discover Lisbon, one of the oldest cities in the world, and the narrow streets of Alfama on your Portugal trip. The central region of Portugal is the most untouched—lush nature and rural landscapes make it the perfect destination for keen hikers. Up north, you’ll find some of the best Porto wines and vinho verde from local producers. Regardless of how many days you spend in Portugal, try to embrace the relaxed Portuguese lifestyle and slow traveling through this top-notch destination.

March beckons springtime in the Azores. Following the rain and chilly months of January and February, the archipelago turns lush, flowers bloom, and temperatures creep up to a pleasant 18°C (64°F) on average. Traverse the hiking trails around the islands throughout the day, go on rewarding whale-watching tours, and still enjoy hot springs in the cool evenings. A trip to the Azores in March also means tourists are yet to throng the islands so you can still enjoy discounted rates and fewer crowds.

April marks the beginning of spring in the Azores, meaning warmer temperatures, less cloudy days, and wonderful lush sceneries. The winter rains of January and February leave the pastures green and colored in the first flowers of the season. Blue hydrangeas flock the fences in Flores, while the lakes of Sete Cidades see more clear and sunny days. Temperatures are mild and crowds are still sporadic, making it one of the best periods for outdoor activities and sightseeing around the archipelago.

Traveling to a country as compact and diverse as Portugal, where the landscape changes several times within just a few hours of driving, has its advantages. For one, visitors can see much of the country with even very short stays. If you want to explore Portugal but don’t have more than 4 days, don’t fret! As long as you know which destinations and activities you want to hit, and plan well, you can make a great trip out of 4 days in Portugal—without rushing. On a 4-day Portugal trip, you can split time between Lisbon and Porto, two great cities connected by high-speed rail; in Coimbra explore the central mountains and Serra da Estrela, or discover the Portuguese islands to escape the winter cold (or the summer heat!).