Portugal Travel Guide: Plan The Perfect Portugal Trip

Portugal is a place that you will talk about for years after you get home. The country has beaches, old cities, delicious food and trains that actually run on time. In this Portugal travel guide we will show you exactly how to plan your Portugal trip.

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Why Visit Portugal?

Portugal may look small on the map, but it has a lot to offer. You can start your day by the river in Lisbon. End your week by the ocean in the south. This is why many Go-Guided travellers keep going to Portugal.

Historic Cities and Rich Culture

Lisbon is a city with a lot of history and places like Belém Tower remind you of how big Portugal used to be. Porto is a city with a special personality, with colourful houses by the Douro River and old streets.

Beautiful Natural Landscapes

The coastline of Portugal is different from other European countries. In the Algarve you will find high cliffs and famous beaches like Praia da Marinha. Many visitors take a boat tour to see the caves from the water. On the coast the beaches are more quiet and open. We think it is a great idea to spend at least two nights near the sea if you love beaches.

Food, Wine and Traditional Portuguese Flavours

The food in Portugal is simple and very tasty. You will find grilled fish by the coast, pastries in cafes, and strong delicious coffee. Porto is famous for its port wine. You can visit the cellars across the river to taste some of the best wines.

Easy and Relaxed Atmosphere

The distance between cities in Portugal is not very long. It takes around three hours to get from Lisbon to Porto by train. Many people in tourist areas speak English, which makes it easier to plan your trip.

Highlights of Portugal: Where to Stay in Portugal​?

When you are planning your trip to Portugal you want to know the nicest places to visit in Portugal. Each part of Portugal is very different from each other. Let’s take a look at a few good places to go in Portugal.

Lisbon and the Centre: Best for First-Timers

Lisbon is a city with lots of things to see and do. You can visit the Belém Tower, walk around the streets of Alfama, ride on Tram 28 and enjoy the views from Miradouro da Senhora do Monte. There are also museums like the Jerónimos Monastery and MAAT that you can visit in the afternoon in Lisbon. We think it is a good idea to stay near a metro stop in Lisbon so you can get to the airport and train stations in Lisbon easily without having to carry your suitcase up hills.

Image by Steffen Zimmermann from Pixabay

You can take trains from Lisbon to visit some places like Sintra, which has some really nice palaces or Cascais which has great beaches. Óbidos also works well as a half-day trip, where you can walk along the old town walls and see the historic castle before heading back to the city.

How many days you should spend in Lisbon depends on what you want to see and how fast you like to travel. Three to four nights would be a good start. You can read this fun 3-day itinerary to Lisbon for inspiration and ideas on what to visit in the city.

Porto and the Douro Valley: Best for Wine and River Views

Porto is a city that's easy to walk around and explore. You can walk across the Dom Luís I Bridge, visit the Ribeira district and take a boat trip on the Douro River in Porto. On the other side of the river in Vila Nova de Gaia you can visit wine cellars and taste some port wine.

Image by Nahália Segat from Pixabay

Want more ideas? Read our full 3-day Porto itinerary and see how our Go-Guided travellers planned their stay.

Algarve region: For Beach Days

The Algarve region is really famous for its cliffs and nice beaches in this region. There are towns like Lagos that have nice beaches like Praia da Marinha and Ponta da Piedade, where you can see amazing rocks rising out of the sea. Many people take a boat tour to visit caves like Benagil, which can only be reached by boat in the Algarve region.

Image by RPN from Pixabay

The Algarve region is a place to relax in Portugal. You can also walk along the path to see the views in the Algarve region. When you stay in the Algarve region for at least three nights, you can spend time on the beach and visit some of the small towns in the Algarve region.

Portugal Silver Coast: Best for Variety

The Portugal Silver Coast is north of Lisbon and has beaches and some of the oldest towns in Portugal. In São Martinho do Porto you can swim in a bay or visit the medieval castle in Óbidos.

Image by Gustavo Boulhosa from Pixabay

You can also visit Nazaré to see some waves in winter or relax near Foz do Arelho, where the lagoon meets the sea in the Portugal Silver Coast. We think it is a good idea to rent a car in this area so you can easily visit the different beach towns in the Portugal Silver Coast.

Madeira and the Azores: For Hiking and Seeing Volcanos

Madeira is an island off the coast of Africa. It is known for its mountain trails and cliffside viewpoints. The weather is mild all year round. Many people visit Madeira for levada walks. These are irrigation paths that people also use for hiking across the island.

Image by kmarius from Pixabay

The Azores are out in the Atlantic Ocean. They feel more remote than Madeira. You will see lakes in volcanoes and hot springs. The beaches are black because of the volcanoes. São Miguel is the visited island.

You can fly to these islands from Lisbon and Porto. The flight takes about 1.5 to 2.5 hours. We think you should only visit these islands if you have at least 10 days.

Our Recommended Portugal Itineraries

Planning a trip to Portugal can feel really overwhelming. Yet, if you have a general idea of where you want to go it makes things much easier. Many people like to travel from north to south. You get to see lots of places without having to go back and forth all the time.

10 Days: Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve

The best way is to start your trip in Lisbon. Stay there for three nights. You can spend two days exploring the city itself. One day visit Belém with its monuments and museums, and another day visit Sintra to see Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira.

Next, take the train to Porto. The journey takes three hours. Stay in Porto for three nights. Walk around Ribeira and visit some of the famous wine cellars. Maybe take a half-day trip to the Douro Valley.

Then head south to the Algarve. Stay there for three nights. You could base yourself in Lagos or Albufeira. Relax on the beach, take a boat tour to see the caves or go for a nice hike. When it's time to go home you can fly from Faro.

7 Days: Lisbon and Porto Focus

If you only have one week it's better to keep things a bit more simple. Spend three nights in Lisbon and three nights in Porto. Take one day to travel between the two cities. In Lisbon you could spend a day at the beach in Cascais. In Porto you might take a cruise on the Douro River, and find a viewpoint to watch the sunset. This route is easy to do by train, so you don't really need to rent a car.

If you prefer more variety, then take this 7-day route through Lisbon and the Algarve Coast, with stops in Belém, the Benagil Sea Caves and even Sevilla in Spain.

14 Days: Add the Central Coast and Countryside

With two weeks in Portugal you can slow down a bit, and add extra stops to your trip. Start in Porto for three nights. Then spend one night in the Douro Valley and enjoy the countryside.

Next go to Aveiro, which is called the Venice of Portugal. Stay one night to see the canals and colourful boats. After that, head to the Silver Coast. Stay two nights and explore places like Óbidos and Nazaré, before continuing to Lisbon for three nights. Finally, finish your trip with three nights in the Algarve.

This route lets you see cities, beaches, wine regions and historic towns. All in one trip from north to south.

Transport Tips for Smooth Trips to Portugal

Getting from one place to another in Portugal is not that hard. You can take trains, buses, or rent a car. It just depends on how much of Portugal you want to see during your trip.

Image by Webdepp from Pixabay

Renting a Car in Portugal

Driving in Portugal is a good option when you want to be in charge of your own schedule. It is great for visiting the beach or small towns where you cannot take a train like some parts of Portugal and the beach areas near Lisbon. The big airports in Lisbon, Porto and Faro have car rental companies inside.

The roads in Portugal are very good. Some of them have electronic tolls. So when you pick up your car ask for a toll device. This way you do not have to worry about getting fined.

Public Transport in Portugal

You can also use public transport in Portugal like trains and buses. The trains connect cities like Lisbon and Porto really well. It takes three hours to get from Lisbon to Porto by train. You can buy tickets online from Comboios de Portugal. There are also buses that go to towns that you cannot get to by train. In Lisbon and Porto you can use a card to take the metro. You can buy this card at the metro station.

Getting around Portugal is not complicated. You can take the train in the city, or rent a car when you want to visit the beach or small towns.

Is Portugal Expensive?

Portugal is generally cheaper than most places in Western Europe. The prices can change depending on the time of year and where you are. In the summer it is more expensive to visit the beach areas. In the winter it is cheaper to visit the north.

Average cost of travelling in Portugal

When To Go To Portugal: Winter or Summer

The weather in Portugal is usually mild in the winter and hot in the summer. The time of year you visit can make a big difference in your trip. Spring and early fall are great times to visit because the weather is warm but not too hot. In the summer the hotels are more expensive, and the beaches are busier. In the winter it is cooler and wetter in the north, but the cities can still be fun.

If you want to decide when to go to Portugal, you can read our blog about the best time to visit Portugal.

Practical Travel Tips Before You Go

There are a couple of things you’ll want to know before you travel. It can save you money, time and small mistakes that are easy to avoid.

Plugs and Electricity

Portugal uses Type F plugs. The standard voltage is 230V. If you are from the UK you will need an adapter. So you should pack one before you leave.

Tipping Culture

It is common to round up the bill or leave 5 to 10 percent in restaurants. Some restaurants add a service charge automatically.

Safety and Tap Water

You can drink tap water in Portugal almost everywhere. It’s safe and meets European standards, so you don’t need to buy bottled water unless you simply prefer the taste. Want to know more about safety, common scams and what to expect in different regions? Read our full guide on whether Portugal is safe.

Mobile Data and SIM Cards

You can easily buy SIM cards at airports or in city phone shops. The main phone companies are Vodafone, NOS and MEO.

Ready to Map Out Your Portugal Route?

We hope this Portugal travel guide has given you a clear starting point for your trip. Stay tuned for more inspiration, itineraries and practical tips to help you shape your perfect Portugal trip. And don’t forget to check out our Go-Guided app, where you can create your own route or use routes shared by other travellers for free!

FAQs About Portugal Trips

Where is Portugal in Europe?

Portugal is in the southwest of Europe on a peninsula with Spain. It has a coastline along the Atlantic Ocean.

Do you need a visa to visit Portugal?

If you are from the UK or EU you do not need a visa to visit Portugal. You should always check the official travel advice before you travel because the rules can change.

What money does Portugal use?

Portugal uses the Euro. You can pay with a card in cities but some small cafes might only take cash.

Is Portugal in the time zone as the UK?

Yes, Portugal is in the time zone as the UK except for the Azores islands, which are one hour behind.

What is Portugal famous for?

Portugal is famous for its wine buildings with tiles, beaches and traditional food. The cities of Lisbon and Porto are two of the most popular Portugal highlights to see in the country.

Is Portugal expensive?

Portugal is generally cheaper than France or Italy. It can be more expensive in the summer or in popular beach towns. If you plan ahead and book your travel early you can keep costs under control.