Portugal Travel Guide - Travel Insights and Tips

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.

January might be the coldest month of the year in Portugal, but there is also a catch. Compared with the abysmal weather of northern European countries, Portugal in January is still a sunny respite. Of course, the Mediterranean’s wet winter phenomenon affects both the mainland and the islands. But if you dig deeper, you will find a few dry stretches. So, hug the sun-sprinkled southern shores of the Algarve or visit Sintra's Pena Palace minus all the maddening crowd. Catch some mammoth swells in Sagres atop your surfing board or ski down the slopes of Serra de Estrela. Make the best of the low season and create a memorable Portugal holiday experience on a soul-satisfying budget.

Portugal in February is like a temperamental lover. Sometimes it is sunny, warm, and inviting, while it is gray, cold, and foreboding at other times. However, regardless of weather conditions, you will be rewarded for your trip if you have patience and a plan. Whether you want to dance to the beats of a traditional carnival in Torres Vedras, wander in the 500-year-old cobblestone alleys of Lisbon without bumping into another tourist, or create your gastronomic trail with hearty Portuguese delicacies, a trip to Portugal in February offers a string of exciting adventures. For an unhurried traveler who likes to be one with the local vibe of a destination, there is nothing better than romancing in Portugal during the month of love.

There is a hint of spring in the air, though the vestiges of winter have still not quite lifted. This is how Portugal feels in March. Embrace the mild weather, with a few rainy days here and there, and relish the freedom of exploring renowned attractions without the bustling crowds. From Porto's riverside charm to Sintra’s natural beauty to the Algarve’s sunny beaches, a trip to Portugal in March promises a perfect balance of tranquility, cultural immersion, and natural splendor.

April is when colors compete everywhere as the blooming season begins in Portugal; the countryside bursts with greenery and wildflowers dot the landscape. Cities like Porto dazzle with their multicolored buildings under the spring sun during this time of year. If you overlook the scattered remnants of winter rains, a trip to Portugal in April is bound to be a worthwhile experience, not just because of its warmer climate but also because of the chance to partake in Holy Week festivities.

If you want to steal some summer fun even before the season begins, head to Portugal in May. Spring is in full swing with long days, receiving around 10 hours of sunshine every day, and the weather consistently dry. And though the seawater is yet to reach swimming temperatures, the land is befitting for some leisurely beach time. Weather conditions across mainland Portugal in May are perfect for sightseeing in cities like Porto, Lisbon, and Coimbra, or for hiking through the backcountry in Serra da Estrela and Peneda-Gerês National Park. The weather across Portugal’s islands also improves significantly, with the Azores finally seeing some dry days.

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.

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!). 

Spending just 5 days in Portugal may not seem like much, considering there are so many wonderful destinations in the country to check off. However, if you only have an extended weekend to spare, it’s enough time to explore and enjoy most of Portugal's highlights. 5 days allows you to visit the two popular cities: Lisbon and Porto. Discover Lisbon's iconic landmarks like the 19th-century Ajuda National Palace and the Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology. While at Porto, you cannot miss a boat tour of Douro Valley followed by a wine tour. If planned smartly, you should be able to squeeze in Coimbra, Lagos as well as Fátima in the itinerary. For those who would like to explore a single destination in depth, we recommend exploring the volcanic Azores Islands or taking a road trip in the Algarve.

If you do not have a full week or more, a 6-day tour of Portugal will still do the job. Whether you are a nature lover, a keen hiker, or a wine enthusiast, with our selection of 6 days in Portugal itineraries, you can do a little bit of everything or fully discover one of the Portuguese regions. Explore the coast by driving north from Lisbon, surfing and hiking coastal trails along the way, and making your way up to Douro Valley for a wine-tasting tour. Sunbath and hop between the Algarve’s beaches in the south, or spend 6 days in the Azores to explore the most remote and wild side of Portugal.

If you are wondering whether 7 days in Portugal is enough time to see its highlights, we assure you that visitors on a tight schedule can still enjoy the best of what it has to offer. Soak up Porto’s stunning blend of medieval and modern architecture during your short stay and see the treasures of Evora. Then feast your eyes on the gems of Douro Valley and unwind on the golden-hued beaches of the Algarve. 

If you have eight days to spend in Portugal, there are plenty of options to tailor your trip to your passions and travel preferences. Whether you prefer to stay in one region or travel across the country, the choice is yours. On an 8-day Portugal trip, you could embark on a road trip through the Algarve and spend the week surfing and sunbathing on some of Europe's most beautiful beaches. Alternatively, you could explore the country's major cities, visiting the UNESCO heritage sites of Porto, Coimbra, and Lisbon, or venture to the Azores and explore one or more islands.