Portugal

The Sleeping Beauty of Europe

Guide to Portugal

Basic Information

Portugal is often regarded by travelers as a distant and uncharted land, bathed in sunlight and infused with the aromas of black coffee, oranges, and eucalyptus. In reality, this country is inhabited by incredibly welcoming people who have endured devastating earthquakes and wars but have never lost their sense of pride. The genuine essence of Portugal can be discovered in their traditional melancholic songs and national landmarks that continue to warmly welcome hordes of tourists.

Photos of Portugal

Ribeira Square in Porto on the Douro River

Porto, the Duoro River and the bridge at night.

Panoramic view of the shopping plaza at night -

See other photos

Capital

Lisbon

Language

Portuguese

Currency

EUR

Time zone

GMT+1

Population

10 176 000

Territory

92,212 km²

Dishes worth trying:

Feijoada — Baked sausages with beans, dried meat, beef giblets and garlic.

Cusido portuguese — A dish that includes not only chicken, but also pork, beef and various smoked meats

Ameijoash a balyao pato. — is the national dish of Portugal, which translates as "kiss with a shell". It consists of boiled mussels, with spices, olive oil and garlic.

Things to do in to Portugal

To get to know Portugal, you need to visit the most popular places in the country. Among them we can highlight:

Take a ride across the longest bridge in Europe - Vasco da Gama in Lisbon.
Visit the birthplace of the famous port wine in Porto and go for a tasting of this famous drink.
Listen to Fado in the historic center of the country, the city of Évora.

Tips

Going on a sightseeing vacation in major Portuguese cities, it is necessary to choose the right shoes. Most of the sidewalks here are paving stones, so walking in heels will be very uncomfortable.

The Portuguese are very punctual when it comes to eating. Lunch in restaurants here is from 12:00 to 15:00, and dinner from 19:00 to 23:00. Only cafes are open from morning to evening.

Some public toilets in Portugal have rather unusual designations. The letter H indicates a men's toilet and S indicates a women's toilet.

Learn more

Sights

A day would not be enough to list even the main attractions of Portugal. Over the years, this seafaring homeland has managed to preserve a large number of historical, architectural, cultural and natural values, some of which are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Pena Palace

Located in the city of Citra at first glance may seem old. In fact, this landmark was built in the nineteenth century.

Vasco da Gama Bridge

The longest bridge in Europe with a length of over 17 km. This attraction was opened in 1998.

Praia da Marina Beach

Located near the town of Carvoeiro. It is famous for its exquisite beauty and is popular with couples.

Tours to Portugal

Portugal, with its unique, picturesque, and vibrant offerings, is always ready to welcome tourists seeking a vacation. Whether you're yearning for the best Atlantic Ocean beaches, stunning architecture, ancient castles, exotic cuisine, or fortified wine, Portugal has it all.

Cities like Lisbon, Porto, and Coimbra await guests with enticing tours of castles, museums, and churches. If you're more inclined toward beach relaxation, Algarve, Cascais, and Lisbon have beautiful seaside options.

The island of Madeira, known for the famous drink "Madera," exudes a special romantic charm, making it a popular destination for wedding tours. Gastronomic and wine tours in Portugal are also a treat for the senses.

However, the pleasures of this country come at a cost. A nine-day trip for two to Madeira during the summer season can set you back 710 EUR. Extending your stay to 22 days may require at least 1,000 EUR.

Prices for other resorts in the country are somewhat lower. For instance, a nine-day trip to Porto could cost around 520 EUR. If you're looking for budget-friendly options, consider searching for hot deals. Keep in mind that you can only take advantage of these deals if you have a valid Schengen visa.

Where to go to Portugal?

Before embarking on your journey to Portugal, it's essential to determine which type of vacation aligns with your preferences. In this country nestled on the edge of the world, you'll find excellent options for beach getaways, visits to thermal resorts, and even skiing on the slopes. Nevertheless, it's the historic cities of Portugal that often capture the most attention from tourists. You can explore the list of these captivating cities on tripmydream.

When to go to Portugal

Portugal is truly an amazing country that welcomes tourists throughout the year. Here, you can revel in magnificent landscapes, savor local wines and indulge in national cuisine, explore mountainous regions, delve into historical landmarks, and bask in the presence of approximately 400 beautiful beaches.

Portugal in spring

Spring comes very early in Portugal. As early as February, nature begins to revive and blossom. Despite the fact that the water in the ocean is warming up quite well, it is not yet possible to swim. At this time of the year a large number of surfing tourists come to Portugal.

Portugal in summer

The summer season in Portugal begins on June 15. Despite this, tourists open the beach season much earlier. Summer in Portugal is very hot, sunny and dry. It is warmest in the southern regions and Madeira Island.

Portugal in the fall

Autumn Portugal by temperature indicators practically does not differ from spring Portugal. The only thing is that with the arrival of the velvet season, the country becomes even more beautiful, as they are filled with more intense colors. The only thing is that there are more rainy days.

Portugal in winter

Compared to other European countries, the weather in Portugal remains quite mild and warm in winter. Snow falls here only in the mountainous areas. In the rest of the territory it often rains. And in February it is already warm enough for walking and sightseeing.

Climate and weather in to Portugal by months

Usefulness

To make your trip to Portugal more interesting and colorful, check out tripmydream for travel insights and helpful tips.

Visa to Portugal

No visa needed for European citizens

Customs & Tax Free

Portuguese Customs prohibits the importation of weapons and ammunition, pornographic videos, as well as antiques, jewelry and historical treasures.

Customs regulations

Travel by car

To truly explore Portugal at a relaxed pace, you need to rent a car. You can find out all the details about this service in this section.

Lease terms and traffic rules

Phrasebook for tourists

Portuguese is the official language in Portugal. English is understood in resort towns and elite hotels.

Learn phrases

Public transport and prices

Public transportation in Portugal is very well developed. It is represented by buses and streetcars.

Transportation

Events

To ensure your visit to Portugal leaves you with a wealth of positive memories, consider planning your trip to coincide with one of the country's official holidays.

Holidays and Events