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Travel advice for Portugal
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written by Rough Guides Editors
updated 22.07.2021
Anyone planning to travel to Portugal can use these Portugal travel tips. This is one of Europe’s oldest extant nations. It's an ancient kingdom defended by hilltop castles and dramatic walled towns. The coast covers 1793 kilometres. And the choice of beaches alone is vast. So take a look at our 20 top travel tips for Portugal. Avoid the crowds and get more for your euros. The information in this article is taken from The Rough Guide to Portugal, your travel guide for Portugal.
Iberian Blend - Porto and Galicia
Neighbour countries - Portugal and Spain, different and similar at the same time, will surprise you with hospitality and loveliness. This itinerary includes the route of the Northwest part of Iberian Peninsula and offers you to meet beautiful Porto and stunning Vigo in Galicia/Spain.
customize ⤍The Real Algarvian Experience
Experience and discover the real Algarve – taste local produce, drinks and traditional dishes, visit heritage sites and participate in culinary activities. If you are passionate about the people’s culture and gastronomy and want to learn more, this itinerary is for you.
customize ⤍A self drive to Portugal's North and Center
Starting in fascinating Lisbon, this trip allows you to discover Portugal both on your own as well as with guided tours. Driving further up north you'll explore Coimbra and Porto before heading to the Douro Valley and Alentejo.
customize ⤍Porto and the North of Portugal: off the beaten track
From Porto, you'll discover the most fascinating parts of Northern Portugal: go on a hike through unique biodiversity around the Paiva river, take a jeep tour through the slopes of the Serra da Arada and taste the wonderful wines of the Douro valley.
customize ⤍The best of Portugal: Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve
Portugal offers many highlights but when you're short on time, this trip is ideal to cover all the highlights: the capital city of Lisbon, historic Porto, lush Douro Valley and the stunning beaches of the Algarve are all part of this trip.
customize ⤍Azores Wild Nature
Get ready to discover what the largest island of the Azores, São Miguel, has to offer in this short adventure-packed 6-day trip. You will get to swim with wild dolphins, abseil or jump down waterfalls, ride a mountain bike through the Sete Cidades and relax in a natural spa. Adventure awaits!
customize ⤍Madeira and São Miguel - guided island adventures
Visit two of Portugal's autonomous regions: Madeira, the island of eternal spring as they call it, as well as São Miguel, nicknamed the green island. Guided excursions will take you to the highlights of both islands and there's plenty of time to discover on your own or simply relax.
customize ⤍Lisbon and the South of Portugal: exploration and relaxation
Take your rental car and discover Lisbon, Sintra & Cascais before heading to Alentejo. This fascinating region features many historic gems to discover, as well as a unique cuisine to taste. Finish your trip with some beach days in Tavira on Portugal's Algarve coast.
customize ⤍The Wines of Portugal
This unforgettable trip will take you to Portugal's finest wine-producing regions, including the Douro Valley. Sample the finest local labels, and explore the exciting and stunningly beautiful cities of Lisbon and Porto, complemented by guided tours of their historical old towns.
customize ⤍Discovering the coast of Portugal
Explore the beautiful cities along the coast of Portugal. Start your journey discovering historic sites and wineries in Porto, from there you will head South to Lisbon. Along the way, you will get a chance to visit charming coastal towns, dramatic cliffs and national parks.
customize ⤍Prefer to leave planning and booking to experts? Have a look at some sample itineraries. Both Complete Portugal or Portugal Itineraries offer inspiration. All Tailor Made Trips can be modified together with your local expert, then booked for a stress-free holiday. Click 'Modify this itinerary' to contact a local Portugal expert.
Want to explore off the beaten track Portugal? Book a private trip round Evora and Estremov with local guides.
House wine will usually be good. And local beers and spirits are great value.
Like some food-specific Portugal travel tips? Try a traditional food tasting experience in Lisbon.
Wander up a quiet track. Step away from the car park. Head down a country lane. Good chance you'll find a quieter beach or beauty spot.
Some menus show a cover charge per person which usually includes bread. Others charge for individual items, even bread.
Don’t get too hung up. Most starters are cheap. Just remember fish and seafood can be expensive. Don't hesitate to check starter prices. And say 'no thanks' if you don't want something.
Be aware some toll roads use number plate recognition systems. Check the best way to pay these with your car hire company.
Trains in Portugal tend to be cheap. They can also be slow. Inter-city trains are speedier and more expensive. Or catch one of the fast coaches which which serve most main towns.
Vegetarian choices in Portuguese restaurants can be limited. Expect to eat lots of salads or omelettes.
On a budget. Swap hotels for hostels to save. Try Sant Jordi Hostels in Lisbon.
Missed a match? Take a tour of FC Porto Stadium and Museum instead.
But don’t be surprised to get parenting advice. Old ladies are shocked to see kids coatless and hatless, even on hot days.
Want to simplify sightseeing for kids? Try hop on hop off bus tickets for families in Lisbon.
You might notice the word verde on wine lists here. It's not green coloured wine. Verde means young, acidic and slightly sparkling.
For more familiar wines, stick to maduro (“mature”).
Get to know Portugal's wines like a local. Take a full day Douro wine tour with lunch and a river cruise.
Many shops, cafés, restaurants, museums and tourist offices open late or close early.
Bad weather can dictate opening hours. And some businesses will close if it's too quiet.
Factor all this into your travel plans.
Prefer to sail for a little? Book a kayak tour in Parque Natural de Arrábida with local guides.
Want hand-stitched Arraiolos carpets? Head to Arraiolos in Alentejo. The world famous carpets are expensive. But nobody stops you 'just looking'.
Hunting down designer bargains? Pick up brand-name seconds at Portugal's weekly markets. For quality designer clothes? Head to Lisbon and Porto's malls and shopping districts.
Take a private tour of Evora and Arraiolos and factor in some shopping.
Searching for more local culture in Estremoz? Stay at historic Pousada Castelo de Estremoz for the night.
Book Hotel Botanico de Coimbra. It's good value and a short walk from the university.
Try our best Lisbon budget stay. Lisbon Lounge Hostel in the city centre.
Discover the wild western Algarve coast. Take a full day mini-van tour with local guides.
Ready for a trip to Portugal? Read more about the best time to go to Portugal, the best places to visit and best things to do in Portugal. For inspiration use the Portugal Itineraries from The Rough Guide to Portugal and created by our local travel agents in Portugal. A bit more hands on, check out the map of Portugal and learn about getting there, getting around the country and where to stay in Portugal once you are there. And don't forget to buy travel insurance before you go.
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written by Rough Guides Editors
updated 22.07.2021
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