With so many influences from Africa, Spain, and further afield, Portugal is a unique melting pot of cuisines, cultures, religions, and architecture. Combine this with the fantastic Mediterranean climate, sandy beaches, and resort towns, and you have a recipe for a perfect travel destination. If you want to travel to Portugal, then this travel guide is a great place for you to start.

Thanks to its warm climate and cheap and easy travel connections to much of Europe, Portugal is a popular winter destination. Visiting Portugal in September offers post-summer warmth, while Portugal in October offers great surfing conditions. Portugal in December is all about the festival season with more warmth, both weather- and mood-wise, and great food all around. In fact, there really is no bad time to visit Portugal. If you are looking for a specific time to visit the hilly streets of Lisbon, the wonderful waves of Lagos, or drink your way around Porto, check out our guide on the best time to visit Portugal.

Click the highlighted link to find out what one week in Portugal has in offer for you. Perhaps 10 days in Portugal is a more suitable option for you. And if you are still not sure, consult our handy guide on how many days to spend in Portugal.

Top Destinations in Portugal

Discover the highlights of Portugal.

Enjoy a Coastal Holiday in Algarve

Enjoy a Coastal Holiday in Algarve

With jaw-dropping sandy beaches, coastal walks, and seaside resort towns, the Algarve region of Portugal is popular with tourists, particularly for a group or family trip. Spend a few days at the beach before taking eight days to hike the coastal trails of Sagres. Make sure to add it to the itinerary while planning your trip. View Tours

Explore the Stunning Azores Archipelago

Explore the Stunning Azores Archipelago

Featuring breathtaking landscapes, volcanic wonders, and tranquil island atmosphere, the Azores Archipelago is a hidden gem. Embark on an unforgettable journey exploring unique islands, spending your days immersed in captivating scenery and engaging outdoor activities like whale watching. View Tours

Learn Portuguese Culture in Lisbon

Learn Portuguese Culture in Lisbon

Discover the vibrant cultural scene of Lisbon, Portugal's capital. Explore historic neighborhoods like Alfama and Baixa and ride the iconic Tram 28 for panoramic views. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the São Jorge Castle and immerse yourself in Lisbon's thriving art scene. Learn the Portuguese way of life at Lisbon! View Tours

Portugal at a Glance

Quick facts about Portugal.

CAPITAL CITY

The capital of Portugal is Lisbon, which is famed for its architecture, vibrant expat scene, and an iconic yellow trolley system that helps you traverse the steep, cobbled hills of the Old Town area.

SIZE

With an area of 92,212 square kilometers, Portugal is roughly the same size as the US state of Indiana.

COUNTRY CODE

+351. If you are placing a call to Lisbon, you must dial the area code, 21, after the country code followed by the phone number.

CURRENCY

Like most of Europe, especially in the West, Portugal uses the Euro. It is relatively easy to pay by card or contactless on your phone in major cities and resort towns. However, it is a good idea to have some cash with you, just in case.

MAIN AIRPORT

Humberto Delgado Airport is the main airport in Portugal. It is located seven kilometers northeast of Lisbon. CODE: LIS CLOSEST CITY: LISBON

VISAS

Portugal is part of the Schengen zone. This means a lot of travelers can enter for 90 days without a need for a visa. Some countries, however, will need to apply for a Schengen visa. Citizens from the US and Canada do not need to apply.

LANGUAGE

The official language of Portugal is Portuguese. It is important to note that there are some fairly large differences between European and Brazilian Portuguese, so do not be alarmed if you hear a different version.

EMERGENCY CONTACT

If you find yourself in trouble, the emergency number for police, ambulance, and fire in Portugal is 112.

WHAT'S UNIQUE

Portugal is one of the most peaceful countries in the world, coming in sixth place on the Global Peace Index.

When to visit Portugal

Read the below travel guides to find the best time to visit Portugal.

°C°F
  • Excellent
  • Good
  • Fair
  • Poor
  • JanAvg Daily: 15 ° CAvg Nightly: 8 ° C
  • FebAvg Daily: 16 ° CAvg Nightly: 9 ° C
  • MarAvg Daily: 19 ° CAvg Nightly: 11 ° C
  • AprAvg Daily: 20 ° CAvg Nightly: 12 ° C
  • MayAvg Daily: 22 ° CAvg Nightly: 14 ° C
  • JunAvg Daily: 26 ° CAvg Nightly: 17 ° C
  • JulAvg Daily: 28 ° CAvg Nightly: 18 ° C
  • AugAvg Daily: 28 ° CAvg Nightly: 19 ° C
  • SepAvg Daily: 27 ° CAvg Nightly: 18 ° C
  • OctAvg Daily: 23 ° CAvg Nightly: 15 ° C
  • NovAvg Daily: 18 ° CAvg Nightly: 12 ° C
  • DecAvg Daily: 15 ° CAvg Nightly: 9 ° C

How long to stay in Portugal

Read about the ideal duration to stay in Portugal.

FAQs for Portugal

Read the most frequently asked questions and answers about traveling to Portugal below.

  • What is the best time to go to Portugal?
  • What are the best places to travel to in Portugal?
  • How many days should you spend in Portugal?
  • What is the best way to travel in Portugal?
  • What are the best types of tours in Portugal?

Sustainable travel — How to travel through Portugal responsibly

In line with Bookmundi’s vision, we wish to provide our travelers with a sustainable travel experience through Portugal. As part of this effort, we carbon-offset any Portugal tour that you purchase through us. You can read more details about our carbon offsetting efforts.

Here’s what you can do to travel to Portugal more responsibly:

  • Carbon-offset your transport to Portugal via TAP airlines. The moment your tour starts in Turkey, and provided that you have purchased your tour through Bookmundi, we will carbon-offset your tour from its starting point to its ending point.
  • If possible, give back to local environmental charities like Quercus. Even a little bit will go a long way.
  • Portugal is dependent on the sea and the coast is a big part of Portuguese culture, so respect the coastal regions. Clean up after your day at the beach. Bring reusable bottles and bags. Wear reef-safe sunscreen.

Portugal travel tips and insight

  • The bread, cheese and olives offered to you in restaurants are not free.
  • Some smaller restaurants may only accept cash or may charge fees for credit card use.
  • Fado is Portugal’s own genre of music. You will hear this in clubs, restaurants and chapels.
  • July and August are exceptionally hot in Portugal. So try to plan your holiday to Portugal during May, June or September.
  • The Portuguese enjoy long dinners between 8pm and 10pm.

Ready to customize your Portugal Vacation

Book your trip when it is perfectly designed and customized, just for you.

  • Sandro Pinheiro
    Sandro PinheiroTravel Expert in Portugal & Spain
  • Marisa Santos
    Marisa SantosTravel Expert in Portugal
  • Tiernan O'Rourke
    Tiernan O'RourkeTravel Expert in Portugal & Spain
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