Get ready to be stunned by Portugal’s alluring charms. This Western European country boasts spectacular natural landscapes, fascinating history, and exquisite cultural wonders. Not to mention, Portugal is home to some of the world’s most delicious wines. Stroll around the historical Lisbon or soak up the sun on the Algarve’s powdery beaches. Every step you take in your Portugal vacation leads you to extraordinary experiences.
So, are you thinking of traveling to Portugal? Plan the best vacation ever by reading this article. We are giving you some essential tips about planning a trip to Greece that will lead you to amazing experiences. So, check it out!
How to Plan the Best Portugal Vacation – Summary
- Things to Know Before Traveling to Portugal
- Decide Your Portugal Vacation Style
- Find Out the Best Time to Travel to Portugal
- How Long Will You Go for a Vacation in Portugal?
- Secure a Budget for Your Portugal Vacation
- Choose the Best Vacation Spots in Portugal
- Plan the Portugal Vacation Itinerary
- Book Your Preferred Accommodations
Things to Know Before Traveling to Portugal
General Information
Here are some essential things to know before you go on your Portugal vacation.
| Capital | Currency | Official Language | Time Zone | Plug Type |
| Lisbon | Euro (EUR) | Portuguese | GMT+1 (Lisbon) GMT+0 (The Azores) | C and F |
Visa Requirements
Portugal is within the Schengen Area. Citizens of the European Union won’t need a visa to travel to Portugal. However, if you come from outside of the EU, you must apply for a Schengen Visa.
Applying for a Schengen Visa for travelers outside the area has a lot of benefits. You can travel to Portugal and other 26 European countries for 90 days. See the full requirements for a Schengen Visa here.
Climate and Season
Fringed by the Atlantic Ocean, Portugal has a continental climate, which means hot and dry summers and temperate winters. Portugal shares a similar climate with Europe’s Mediterranean countries, like Greece and Spain. For that reason, Portugal is known for its long days of sunshine and mild weather. Like other European countries, Portugal has four seasons – spring, summer, autumn, and winter.
Decide Your Portugal Vacation Style
Portugal has a magnificent history, fascinating culture, and outstanding natural landscapes. It welcomes you to experience different kinds of vacations, based on what kind of traveler are you. Then, which of the Portugal vacation styles fits you, your partner, or your travel buddies perfectly? Well, choosing a vacation style allows you to plan your budget, itinerary, activities, and accommodations neatly.
Are you still choosing which Portugal vacation style you would go for? Here are some inspirations!
- History Tour: Portugal is a historical treasure trove. The major cities – like Lisbon and Porto – keep records of prominent kingdoms and periods, like the Renaissance and Manueline. Not to mention, Lisbon takes you traveling back in time with its iconic yellow tram.
- Culinary Journey: Portuguese cuisine might stay off the radar. However, get ready for the surprises it offers. Munch on some creamy pasteis de nata or Portuguese egg tarts and bacalhau or cod fish. A culinary trip in Portugal equals a unique experience you won’t ever forget.
- Wine Tasting Galore: Portugal is home to fantastic wines, especially the Port wine. When in Portugal, make sure to savor a lot of them. You can take a tour around Portugal’s vineyards and wineries.
- Outdoor Adventure: One of the best things about Portugal is its natural beauty. Winding hills, towering mountains, and exceptional forests shroud the country’s lush land. Not to mention, Portugal is fringed by the Atlantic Ocean, allowing it to has beautiful coastline and surf-worthy waves. The country invites you for wholesome outdoor adventures, from hiking to whale-watching.
- Group Travel: Here is how you can spend a wholesome Portugal vacation – group travel! You can explore the country’s amazing destinations and say yes to fantastic experiences, from hiking to wine-tasting, with like-minded travel buddies. Moreover, group travel makes you feel safe as you have a group to stick to.
Find Out the Best Time to Travel to Portugal
What is the best time to visit Portugal? – that is an important question to ask. With its pleasant continental climate, Portugal is an all-year-round destination. However, the best months to visit Portugal are May-June and September-October. Those months are considered shoulder season, where massive crowds are rarely to be seen and the weather is generally mild and sunny.
As the gateway to summer, May and June are great times to enjoy Portugal’s sun-soaked beaches and stroll around the historically rich cities. Meanwhile, September and October offer spectacular culinary scenes. It is the time to sample some Portuguese autumn treats and savor the world-famous Port wine.
How Long Will You Go for a Vacation in Portugal?
Portugal is packed with stunning places to visit and exciting things to explore. From the centuries-old buildings in Lisbon to the lush hiking trails in Madeira, Portugal calls you for a never-ending adventure.
So, how many days you need to travel to Portugal? Well, if you want to get the best out of the country, you need around 10 – 14 days. It gives you the opportunity to squeeze more places into your itinerary. However, you can also go for a week or 7 days to explore Portugal’s major cities.
Secure a Budget for Your Portugal Vacation
As you have decided on your vacation style and how long you will go for a vacation in Portugal, you can start securing your budget. In general, Portugal is quite affordable. Moreover, it is considered one of the most affordable countries in Western Europe. So, traveling to Portugal is a great idea if you are thinking about saving some money.
You need around €100-150 per day to spend a comfortable Portugal vacation. This includes a standard hotel room, meals, public transportation, and tourist attractions. However, if you want to squeeze your budget, you can prepare €70-100 per day with hostel as your accommodation. Alternatively, if you want a luxurious Portugal vacation, you have to secure a budget of €200-500, which includes a five-star hotel, car rent, meals, and experiences.
Choose the Best Vacation Spots in Portugal
There are plenty of awesome places to visit in Portugal. Whether you want to soak up the sun at black-sand beaches or roam around open-air museum, there is a little bit of everything for everyone in Portugal. Here are some of the best places to visit in Portugal that you can consider adding to your itinerary:
Lisbon
The capital of Portugal shows you a hint of Portugal’s bewitching charms. Time stops in Lisbon, as the city is packed with centuries-old buildings and Baroque architecture. Hop on the iconic yellow Tram 28, which will take you to a nostalgic tour around Lisbon. Visit the famous Lisbon Cathedral and Sao Jorge Castle while learning about the city’s fascinating history. Additionally, say yes to a culinary tour and sample some delicious Portuguese dishes.
Porto
At a glance, this canal city looks like Cinque Terre in Italy or Nice in France. Porto captivates travelers with its riverside Ribeira Old Town, beautiful churches, and artistic structures. Besides that, Porto is home to the world-famous Port wine. Therefore, traveling to Porto means savoring your tastebuds and sights with all the city has to offer.
The Algarve
This southernmost region of Portugal will make your dream beach vacation come true. The Algarve is fringed with sparkling coastline, luscious beach towns, and spectacular cliffs. Visiting the Algarve means soaking up the sun, enjoy an exquisite view of uniquely-formed cliffs, and going for city tours. Also, the region’s beach towns, like Lagos and Faro, are the star.
Madeira
Dear outdoor enthusiasts, this one is for you! Tucked off Portugal’s northwest coast, Madeira is a treasure trove of adventures. The island has winding hills, misty forests, and towering mountains awaiting to be explored. Besides that, Madeira is famous for its capital, Funchal, which is brimming with history and culture.
Plan the Portugal Vacation Itinerary
Figuring out your Portugal itinerary can be a fun thing to do. You can decide which destinations and activities you are excited about. In this blog, we will give you a 10-day Portugal itinerary that you can save as an inspiration or use for your next trip.
Day 1-3: Porto
Start your adventure in Portugal at one of the country’s best cities – Porto. Visiting Porto means immersing yourself into the nostalgic atmosphere of the city. You can start your Portugal vacation by exploring the riverside Ribeira. Pay a visit to some of Porto’s historical sites like Sao Jorge Castle, Porto Cathedral, and the Church of Santa Clara.
When in Porto, don’t miss to try some Port wine. You can head to the vineyards along the Duoro Valley to sample some delicious wines. Besides that, grab some authentic pasteis de nata at Porto’s centuries-old bakery, Confeitaria do Balho.
Day 3-5: Lisbon
The second stop in this Portugal itinerary is Lisbon. Enjoy this vibrant and timeless capital at the fullest. Travel back in time by strolling around Lisbon’s historical center and visit some of the landmarks, like Sao Jorge Castle, Lisbon Cathedral, and Praco do Comerico. Also, make sure to hop on the bright yellow Tram 28.
You can also take a day trip to Belem, which boasts fantastic historical structures. See Manueline-style buildings and landmarks in town. Moreover, you can also sample some Portuguese food and watch a Fado music performance.
Day 5-6: Sintra
Just two hour-drive away from Lisbon, Sintra is a beautiful town to visit. It is listed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites for the enchanting European Romantic architecture. Sintra is packed with fairytale-esque castles that you can visit and admire. Thus, you can choose to stay overnight in Sintra or drive back and stay in Lisbon.
Day 6-7: Coimbra & Nazare
Portugal never runs out of captivating historical cities to visit and you would not want to miss them. Drive from Lisbon to these two cities – Coimbra and Nazare. Coimbra is home to Portugal’s oldest university and elegant Romanesque churches. Meanwhile, Nazare is a vibrant beach town with exquisite half-moon shaped coastline. Fun fact – Nazare has the Guiness World Record of the biggest waves in the world!
Day 7-10: The Algarve
Head to Portugal’s stunning beach towns in its southernmost coast. Algarve is an amazing destination for all seasons, whether it is the sizzling summer or as an escape from the freezing winter. Hit the beaches and dip yourself into the sparkling, crystal-clear waters. Stroll around Faro and visit the neoclassical Arco da Villa. Go beach-hopping in Lagos and enjoy the exquisite scene of its cliffs. Are you down to parties? Then, head to Albufeira, which is lined with bars and clubs.
Book Your Preferred Accommodations
You have figured out your perfect Portugal itinerary! Now, it is time to book the accommodation in each destination you are planning to go to. Is it challenging for you to choose the accommodation that fits? Here are some types of accommodations in Portugal for you to choose:
Hotel
Hotel is an all-time classic and the easiest choice for staying in Portugal. It is easy to find in every city in Portugal, ranging from the standard rooms to the sumptuous suites. A comfortable hotel is a good place to stay especially if you are traveling with a mid-range budget.
Hostel
If you are traveling in a backpacker-style and looking for something budget-friendly, hostel is for you. Generally, hostels come with bunk beds and fit 6-12 people per room. You can also choose separate gender rooms in some hostels. Moreover, the fun thing about hostel is that you can mingle and make friends with other travelers.
Hostels are available in every major cities in Portugal.
Guest House
Do you want an authentic experience or blend in with the locals? Try staying at a guest house! Guest houses are run by locals and come with humble yet comfortable rooms. Most of the time, guest houses offer you an interesting experience to mingle with the locals. Don’t be surprised if you are invited to their dinner or a special event!
Guest houses are available in Portugal’s popular tourist spots, like Lisbon and the Algarve.
Apartment
Apartment is a great place to stay for groups. This type of accommodation comes with a number of rooms. Besides that, apartments usually offers a kitchen and living room that will make your group’s life easier.
Star Hotel & Resort
Are you looking for a fancy Portugal vacation? Staying in a star hotel or resort it is! Portugal offers luxurious accommodation for you to stay in, scattered in popular tourist destinations like the Algarve and Douro Valley. You can find resorts from famous hotel chains, like the Six Senses and Four Seasons.
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