How to Plan a Trip to Portugal

A Quick Introduction to Portugal

 



Portugal lies at the western edge of Europe, on the western side of the Iberian Peninsula. It borders Spain to the east and north, and it has a long, impressive coastline to the west and south. It’s one of the oldest countries in Europe, with borders that have barely changed since the 13th century! Portugal is also almost rectangular in shape, which makes it easy to find your way around. It’s one of the world’s most visited countries, with more than 27 million visitors a year (as of 2019), while it has only 10.3 million residents. In other words, every year Portugal gets about 2.5 times as many visitors as it has residents!

 



Portugal has a wide variety of landscapes and climates, from golden beaches in the south, through plains and mountain ranges in the center, to high mountains and dense forests in the north. So when planning your trip, first decide which regions interest you most.

 

Here’s a short overview of the main regions

 



In northern Portugal, the greenest and rainiest part of the country, you’ll find the city of Porto, famous for its port wine. From Porto you can take trips to the beautiful Douro Valley, with its terraced vineyards and breathtaking views. The north is also home to historic cities like Braga and Guimarães, which offer a fascinating look into Portugal’s rich past.

 



The center of the country is a varied region that includes the Serra da Estrela mountain range, which draws hikers and nature lovers. It’s also home to the university city of Coimbra, which combines ancient history with a young, lively atmosphere. Along the Atlantic coast of central Portugal are picturesque towns like Nazaré, famous for its giant waves. This region is also home to the magical Schist Villages, which offer a glimpse of rural, authentic Portugal.

 



The Lisbon region is the very heart of Portugal. The capital itself is a fascinating city that blends history and culture. Not far away is the enchanting town of Sintra, with its spectacular palaces and gardens, as well as the elegant coastal towns of Cascais and Estoril.

 



East and south of Lisbon stretches the quiet, rural Alentejo region. It’s a vast area of rolling hills, vineyards and cork oak groves. Although it’s less touristy, the Alentejo offers peace and quiet, pastoral landscapes and excellent traditional food.

 



And at the southern tip of Portugal is the famous Algarve, one of the most popular tourist regions in the country, known for its beautiful beaches, impressive cliffs and wonderful resort towns. Albufeira, Lagos and Faro draw millions of tourists every year.

 



Beyond mainland Portugal, the country also includes two archipelagos in the Atlantic Ocean: Madeira and the Azores. Madeira is a beautiful subtropical island known for its spectacular scenery and local wine, while the Azores offer unique volcanic landscapes and a wide range of outdoor activities. You might want to add them to your trip too.

 



This rich geographic variety is what allows Portugal to offer so much to every type of traveler. Whether you’re after a city break, a relaxing beach holiday, adventures in nature or a deep dive into history and culture, it’s all here.

 

 

Finding Flights: How Do You Get to Portugal?

 



Let’s start, of course, with the part there’s no trip without: the flight! Most international flights to Portugal land in Lisbon, the capital, though Porto and Faro also have international airports.

 



Lisbon is a great gateway if you’re planning to explore central and southern Portugal, including the Algarve. Porto, on the other hand, is ideal if you want to start your trip in the north or in the famous Douro Valley. If you land in Lisbon but want to start in Porto, you could take a domestic flight between them, which takes about an hour and can be convenient if you’re short on time. But once you factor in getting to the airport ahead of the flight, it may be better to drive or take the train. The ride takes only about 3 hours and lets you enjoy Portugal’s beautiful scenery along the way and stop at small, interesting towns.

 



In general, since Portugal isn’t a big country, you can drive its full length, from the northernmost city to the southern tip of the Algarve, in about 6 hours. That means on a one- or two-week trip you can definitely see a good part of the country, though it’s worth planning your route carefully to make the most of your time.

 



Back to flights: keep in mind that you can sometimes find cheaper flights with a connection in a European capital, such as London, Paris or Madrid. Although they make the journey longer, they can save a lot of money, especially in peak seasons.

 



Either way, however you decide to fly, my clear-cut recommendation is to use  the international flight search engine Skyscanner  to find the cheapest and best flight for you.

 



Why is Skyscanner the best place to search for flights? Because it has a convenient interface and lets you search flexibly. You can search for a flight to anywhere, without setting a specific destination, and on flexible dates. You also get flight prices in a monthly table, so you can pick the cheapest flight that month.

 



And before you start searching, click here for our guide to easy searching on Skyscanner. There you’ll find everything you need to run a precise search for your needs and understand the results.

 

When to Visit Portugal

 



Portugal has a pleasant Mediterranean climate, which makes it a wonderful destination all year round. That said, each season offers visitors a different experience, so choose when to visit based on your personal preferences and the kind of experience you’re looking for.

 



Spring and autumn (April–May and September–October) are considered the ideal times to visit Portugal. In these months the weather is especially pleasant, with mild temperatures and gentle sunshine. Nature is at its best, with spectacular blooms in spring and impressive fall colors in autumn. These periods are also less crowded than the summer months, so the main sites are more relaxed, and prices tend to be lower.

 



Summer (June–August) is peak tourist season in Portugal. The weather is hot and dry, and it’s the best time to enjoy the country’s spectacular beaches, especially in the southern Algarve. However, the main cities and popular sites are packed with tourists and prices are at their highest. Note: if you’re planning to visit in summer, book accommodation and attraction tickets in advance!

 



Winter in Portugal (November–March) is cool and sometimes rainy, especially in the north. Even so, it’s a great time for city breaks and for visiting cultural and historical sites without the crowds. The cities are decorated for the December holidays, which adds a magical atmosphere. Although Portugal isn’t a ski destination, in winter ski lovers can visit the country’s only ski resort, Serra da Estrela, which usually operates from December to April. Keep in mind, though, that it’s a small and fairly basic resort.

 



When deciding when to visit Portugal, also consider special events, especially the festivals Portugal is famous for. The Santo António celebrations in Lisbon in June, or the São João festival in Porto the same month, are colorful festivals that offer a unique glimpse into local culture and Portuguese joie de vivre. And if you love music festivals, you might want to time your visit around them: NOS Alive in Lisbon in early July or MEO Sudoeste in the Alentejo in early August draw top artists from around the world and offer a unique musical experience against Portugal’s stunning scenery.

 

 

Car Rental in Portugal

 



The first question, of course, is whether you should rent a car at all. Well, it depends on the kind of trip you’re planning. If you’re coming for a city break only, say in Lisbon or Porto, you don’t really need a car. The big cities have convenient, efficient public transport, and parking can be challenging and expensive.

 



However, if you’re planning to travel outside the big cities, for example to explore the Algarve, visit the picturesque villages of central Portugal or tour the Douro Valley, a rental car can be a big advantage. It gives you maximum flexibility and lets you travel at your own pace, especially in rural areas where public transport is less accessible. Most roads in Portugal are in good condition, but in old towns and small villages you’ll come across narrow, steep streets that call for caution.

 



Note: Portugal has many toll roads, including some with electronic-only payment. But don’t worry, there are solutions for tourists too: most rental companies offer an electronic toll device for a daily fee. There are also options like registering a credit card when you enter the road or buying a prepaid card. Check the details with your rental company before you set off and choose the option that suits you, especially if you’re planning to drive on highways between big cities or in the Algarve.

 



The most important rule of car rental: the earlier you book, the cheaper it will be, and the wider the choice of cars. Especially in the busy summer months, if you don’t book ahead there simply won’t be any left… Booking in advance also saves you all the hassle of comparing prices and looking for a reliable rental agency during your trip. Personally, I prefer to search for cars on a car rental comparison site, whose advantages I’ve written about  here.

 



Just as important: don’t skimp on insurance that covers everything you need! How do you do that? We’ve written a whole article with  tips for renting a car abroad  that we recommend reading.

 

Buying Tickets for Sites and Activities

 



Since Portugal’s popular tourist spots can get packed, to make sure you have tickets for everywhere you plan to go, it’s highly recommended to buy them in advance!
On Tiqets  you can search by the name of the city you’re traveling to and find tickets for all the main sites, like churches, museums, historic sites and more. For example, for Lisbon you can find tickets for Belém Tower (Torre de Belém), from the 16th century, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with huge lines in high season. On a very different note, you’ll also find tickets for the Banksy museum in Lisbon. Football fans visiting Porto will be happy to find tickets for the museum and stadium of the popular local football club. And music lovers can buy tickets for a fado concert, Portugal’s traditional, melancholic and romantic music. And don’t miss Sintra near Lisbon! On Tiqets you can also buy tickets to Pena Palace and the Moorish Castle, two of Portugal’s most magnificent and famous tourist sites.

 



Click here to visit Tiqets.

 



Another site worth knowing is  GetYourGuide, where you can also type in the country, region or city you’re planning to visit and get a range of activities you might not have found otherwise. For example, if you don’t have a car, how about joining  a guided day trip from Lisbon to Sintra, including Pena Palace, the beautiful gardens of Quinta da Regaleira and the stunning Cascais seafront? And how about getting to know the local food up close, at a workshop making Portugal’s winning dessert, the pastel de nata? The workshop takes place in Porto and includes port wine, of course! Or how about heading out on a cruise along the Algarve coast that includes the unique Benagil caves and maybe even meeting some dolphins? Another especially popular cruise is along the Douro Valley, which also includes a hearty lunch and wine tastings.

 



Click here to visit GetYourGuide.

 

 

Budgeting for Your Trip to Portugal

 



When planning your trip to Portugal, it’s important to set a realistic budget that matches the expected costs. Although Portugal is part of Western Europe, it’s considered one of the cheaper countries in the region, so costs usually feel fairly reasonable. But as everywhere, things cost more for tourists than for locals.

 



The local currency is the euro. Most places, especially in the big cities and tourist areas, accept credit cards. However, in more rural areas or at small businesses you may find places that prefer cash, so it’s always a good idea to carry some cash too, also in case your card fails.
ATMs are easy to find.

 

So How Much Does It Cost?

 



It’s hard to give an exact figure for a day of travel in Portugal, since it depends a lot on your travel style, location and season. Still, here’s a general estimate for the main parts of a trip:

 



Accommodation – a mid-range hotel will cost you €70–90 a night for two, a luxury hotel €150–200 a night for two, and if you really want to cut back, a hostel or homestay will cost €20–40 a night per person.

 



Food – of course, costs here are very individual. They range from €3–5 for coffee and a pastry in the morning, through an average meal of about €15–20 per person, to a meal at an upscale restaurant at €30–50 per person.

 



Transport – this is also very individual. But to give you an idea, a day pass for public transport in Lisbon costs about €6.50, and the train from Lisbon to Porto costs €25–45 (though the price can vary depending on the exact time and various deals).

 



Sites and attractions – entry to a museum or historic site should cost around €5 to €15.

 



In general, if you really, really try to save, you can spend about €50–70 per person per day. That includes a hostel, cheap food, public transport and a few attractions. But most people, who stay in mid-range hotels and don’t count every euro, will spend closer to €100–150 per person per day. And from there, the sky’s the limit…

 



Keep in mind that these are average prices. In big cities like Lisbon and Porto, and in popular tourist areas like the Algarve in summer, they can skyrocket. On the other hand, in rural areas or smaller towns you can find more affordable prices.

 

 

How Many Days Should You Spend in Portugal?

 



Of course, it’s always best to plan your route in advance based on the number of days you have. If you plan to spend your whole trip in one city, 3–5 days is usually enough for cities like Lisbon or Porto. That lets you see the main sites, taste the local food and maybe even take a short day trip to the surrounding area (like Sintra from Lisbon or the Douro Valley from Porto).

 



If you’re planning to combine a city break with nature and want to rent a car, the length of your trip depends on how many regions you want to visit. Portugal’s advantage is that distances are short, so in a relatively short time, about two weeks, you can do a comprehensive trip around the country. An example of a road trip:

 



3–4 days in Lisbon and the surrounding area (including Sintra and Cascais)

 



3–4 days in Porto and the Douro Valley

 



2–3 days in the Algarve for beach and scenery lovers

 



2–3 days in Óbidos or the Schist Villages in central Portugal

 



So all in all, a comprehensive trip like this can take about 10–14 days. And of course you can always extend it and add more places, or spend longer in some of them.

 



As you’ve probably gathered, if you’re short on time you can definitely plan a great week in Portugal and get a taste of the variety of experiences the country offers. In that case, focus on one or two regions, for example Lisbon and the surrounding area, or a combination of Lisbon and Porto.

 

Choosing Your Travel Style in Portugal

 



It’s worth distinguishing between a few travel styles:

 



If you’re planning a rural or nature holiday in Portugal, you can choose one of two travel styles: a road trip or a hub-and-spoke trip. The choice depends mainly on your personal preferences. Are you the kind of person who likes to pack up every day or two and move on? Or do you like to settle in one place for a few days? Portugal allows both, because distances are relatively short. For example, you can do a road trip from Lisbon, where you land, to Óbidos, then on to Coimbra and finish in Porto. That’s about a week’s trip through the country. Alternatively, you can settle somewhere central like Lisbon and head out every day on day trips in the area. Around Porto, too, you can travel across the country through the Douro Valley or stay in the city and stick to day trips.

 



Of course, if your trip is longer than a week, you can combine two hub-and-spoke trips. For example, start in Lisbon and explore the area for a few days, then move to Porto and explore the north of the country from there.

 



If you’re more of a city person, you can base yourself in Lisbon or Porto and enjoy a few days of city life. Both cities offer plenty of cultural, historical and culinary attractions. And if you want to see a bit beyond, you can add short trips to the surrounding area, by car or on the guided tours you’ll find on GetYourGuide  (just search for “from” followed by the name of the city you’re in).

 



For beach and sun lovers, the Algarve in southern Portugal is a great option for a beach holiday combined with short trips to picturesque towns and amazing scenery and nature. You can base yourself in a beach town like Lagos or Albufeira and take day trips from there. And of course you can combine a few lazy beach days with a visit to Lisbon or central Portugal, depending on your preferences!

 



And let’s not forget Portugal’s amazing islands, Madeira and the Azores. If you’re already in the area, maybe you have a few days for them too? There are daily flights to both from Lisbon and Porto, so you can combine a visit to a big city with a pampering island holiday.

 

 

Recommended Portugal Itineraries by the Time You Have

 



If you’re now scratching your head wondering “What can I fit into a week, two weeks, a month?”, we’re here to help!

 

If you have a week or less…

 



Great! Choose one region to focus on, such as one of the big cities for a city break. If you have more than 4 days, it’s worth combining a city visit with trips to the surrounding area, for example Porto plus a day or two in the Douro Valley. Alternatively, you could spend the time on a beach holiday in the Algarve, with a day or two in Lisbon after you land. Or fly to the Azores! If you have only 4–5 days, it’s best to focus on a city break, maybe with one outing into the surrounding nature. For example, 3–4 days in Lisbon and a day in Sintra.

 

If you have two weeks…

 



Most travelers to Portugal choose to spend one to two weeks there. That’s enough time to enjoy what Portugal has to offer and leave you wanting more! Start with 4–5 days in Lisbon, with a day in magical Sintra and the colorful Pena Palace. And of course don’t miss a visit to Cascais for a dip in the sea and a fish lunch. Continue with 3–4 days in Porto: wander the alleys of Ribeira, taste port wine and spend a day in the stunning Douro Valley with its terraced vineyards. Then spend 3–4 days in the Algarve in the south: admire the cliff-lined beaches, visit picturesque towns like Lagos and take a boat trip to the famous sea caves. To finish, spend a few days in central Portugal: visit Coimbra, the ancient university city, or discover the picturesque Schist Villages with their impressive mountain scenery. A trip like this combines big cities, spectacular beaches and mountain villages, and gives you a rich taste of the variety of experiences Portugal offers.

 

If you have three to four weeks, or even more…

 



First of all: lucky you! That lets you take a more comprehensive trip and go deeper into each region. You can combine all the regions mentioned above and add a visit to the Azores or Madeira, or alternatively include a more thorough trip through northern Portugal, including Peneda-Gerês National Park, with its powerful scenery, natural pools and wildlife, alongside archaeological sites and villages where time seems to have stood still. Another option is to add a short visit to southern Spain, for example Seville or Granada. The drive from Lagos to Seville takes less than three hours!

 

Where to Stay in Portugal

 



Before you book accommodation, think carefully about your needs and wishes and choose accordingly. If you’re trying to save money and staying more than a day or two in one place, you can save by staying in an aparthotel, which gives you flexibility. You can cook for yourselves and save on restaurant bills. Apartments are also great for families, who need more living space, and for groups of friends who want to spend as much time together as possible. In many places you can find excellent aparthotels at good prices.

 



If you’re a couple looking for a classic city break, go for a hotel, of course. To cut costs, you can stay a little outside the city or on its outskirts, as long as there’s good public transport nearby. In Portugal’s big cities that shouldn’t be a problem.

 

Finding it hard to choose a hotel? We’ve already done a lot of the research for you

 



Click here for our recommended places to stay in Lisbon and Porto. And here you’ll find all the details about a unique boutique hotel in Lisbon.
Here’s our recommendation for a lovely place in the Douro Valley.
And if you surf, check out Noah Surf House.

 

 

Other Travelers’ Itineraries in Portugal

 



Before you plan your trip, it’s worth reading about other travelers’ trips to Portugal. Personal stories will help you understand the different considerations that went into their planning, which may be relevant to you too. They can give you ideas for places you hadn’t thought of and, of course, help you estimate how much time to spend in each place and the expected costs. Just as important, experienced travelers can help you avoid mistakes they’ve already made…

 



I try to include as many stories from a variety of travelers on the site as possible. They were all written by the travelers themselves, so keep in mind that there may be inaccuracies or outdated content. Take that into account when planning your trip.

 



Here’s the story of a one-week trip along the beaches around Lisbon, which may inspire you. In the future we’ll have more travel stories, maybe even yours! When you get back from Portugal, we’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments.

 

Summary

 



So go ahead, get going and plan your dream holiday in Portugal! Whether you chose Lisbon, Porto or just lazing on an Algarve beach, don’t forget to come back and tell us about your experiences in the comments.

 



And of course we’re here for you if you need help planning. Leave a question in the comments and we’ll try to answer quickly!

 



For more articles on traveling in Portugal click here.