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About Portugal
The best places to visit in Portugal showcase why this once-hidden gem of Europe has become a top vacation spot in recent years. With Spain to the east and the Atlantic Ocean to the west, Portugal’s rich natural surroundings and convenient location make it a dreamy, sunny getaway, especially for those looking for some R&R.
Known for its seafood, wine, and friendly people, Portugal has a blend of diverse cities, historical landmarks, castles, mountains, and beaches – something for everyone. Whether you’re biking through the vibrant capital of Lisbon or planning a beach holiday along the pristine coastline of The Algarve, Portugal has just as much to offer as its European neighbors without the high price tag.
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Best Time To visit
Portugal has mild temperatures year-round, so there is no wrong time to visit. If you’re planning a beach holiday, the best time is typically between April and October. However, if you are planning to visit Lisbon or any of Portugal’s other main cities, then you can’t go wrong any time of the year. There are always cultural activities and historic sites to visit, whether you come in December or June. If you can, it’s best to avoid Portugal in July and August as these are peak tourist months when prices will be higher, and the weather is very hot.
What to expect
With a rich history spanning centuries, Portugal has a distinctive culture unlike any other. As one of the oldest countries in Europe, it has been occupied by Iberian tribes, the Celts, Romans, Germanic tribes, and other invading groups, resulting in a blend of architecture, art, language, music, and cuisine.
While activities like surfing, hiking, and . . . .
yoga have been popular in Portugal for many years, the country has experienced a boom in wellness-oriented retreats and detox experiences in the past decade. A land of fertile soil and abundant natural resources, you’ll find organic offerings throughout the country. While the traditional cuisine in Portugal includes a lot of seafood and meat, you’ll also find some vegan and vegetarian restaurants available in the major cities.
Regarded as one of the greenest nations in the world, Portugal leads the way with policies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In addition to having robust recycling and composting programs, Portugal has an extensive network of charging stations for electric cars. They also incentivize using renewable energy and solar power for residents and businesses.
Things to know
Ready to start planning your trip to Portugal? Here are some important considerations that you should keep in mind.
Language: The official language of Portugal is Portuguese, but English is widely spoken in the major cities. You should brush up on common phrases if you plan to journey into the smaller villages and countryside. . . .
Time Zone: Portugal has two time zones. The mainland follows Western European Standard Time (GMT), while the Azores follow Azores Standard Time (GMT-1).
Currency: Portugal’s official currency is the Euro (EUR).
Credit Cards: Credit cards are widely accepted throughout Portugal.
Plugs + Voltage: The standard electrical voltage in Portugal is 230V/50Hz.
Airports: There are many airports throughout Portugal, but only three are international. They are Lisbon (LIS), Faro (FAO), and Porto (OPO).
Common Sayings:
- Oi/Olá – Hello
- Por favor – Please
- Obrigada/o – Thank you
- Prazer – Nice to meet you
- Bom Dia – Good morning
- Boa Noite – Good night
Organic Groceries: Finding organic groceries is easy in Portugal. Many regular chain grocery stores sell organic products, but you can also go to organic specialty stores like Biomercado, Go Natural, and Celeiro Dieta. Local farmer’s markets are another great way to find organic produce while supporting local agriculture.
Vegetarian/Vegan: Portugal is only at the beginning of starting to open up to vegetarian and vegan cuisine. In a land known for meat and seafood, you really have to look in the smaller towns and villages for restaurants with veggie options. You’ll have the most luck in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve with finding plant-based options, but even in other restaurants, you can always ask for a salad.
Safety: On the Global Peace Index, Portugal is ranked 3rd out of 163 countries, making this a very safe country to travel to.
Opening hours: Regular store hours in Portugal are from 9 am to 7 pm, Monday through Friday. Many shops are open on Saturdays, but most are closed on Sundays. You’ll find that some small shops also close between 1–3 pm for lunch.
Sites: Oceanário de Lisboa, Belém Tower, Jerónimos, Monastery, Castelo de S. Jorge, Obidos Castle, Praia da Marinha
how to get around
If you plan to journey through Portugal, you must be creative with different transportation methods unless you rent a car. Here are some of the most popular means of getting around.
Car Rental: Most major cities in Portugal offer car rental companies, so this is an excellent option if you want flexibility and freedom to roam. Just make sure you have a valid driver’s license.
Public Transportation: Portugal has an extensive public transportation system, including buses, trams, and trains. Many larger cities offer tourist passes that give access to multiple forms of public transportation at discounted rates.
Taxis/Ubers: If you’re just going short distances, taxis and Uber are a great way to get from point A to point B quickly and efficiently. You’ll find both options in most major cities.
Ferries: For those traveling between islands or coastal towns, ferries are a fun and scenic method of transportation. The ferries in Portugal provide access to popular destinations such as the Azores and Madeira Islands.
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