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Portugal Travel Guide

Maurice Richardson -
June 5, 2025

Overview

Portugal is a dream destination for travelers who love historic charm, stunning coastlines, and delicious food. From the colorful streets of Lisbon to the dramatic cliffs of the Algarve, this country is packed with bucket-list experiences. My top picks? The fairytale castles of Sintra, the port wine cellars in Porto, and the golden beaches of Lagos. Whether you’re into history, surfing, or just relaxing with a pastel de nata, Portugal has something for everyone.

Quick Facts About Portugal

Language

Portuguese; Thank you is obrigado (male) / obrigada (female)

Currency

Euro (€)

Visa

Schengen visa rules apply; visa-free for most Western travelers

Power Plugs

Type F (same as most of Europe)

Religion

Predominantly Catholic

Capital

Lisbon

Climate

Mediterranean; warm summers, mild winters. Best months: April–June & September–October

Apps

Bolt (ride-hailing), CP (train tickets), TheFork (restaurant deals)

Flights Information for Portugal

As a tourist, your main airports will be:

  • Lisbon (LIS) Major international hub with direct flights worldwide
  • Porto (OPO) Great for northern Portugal and the Douro Valley
  • Faro (FAO) Best for the Algarve’s beaches

Smaller airports include Madeira (FNC) and Ponta Delgada (PDL) in the Azores. Use Skyscanner or Google Flights to find the best deals.

Safety Information You Should Know Before Visiting Portugal

Safety Information You Should Know Before Visiting Portugal
Portugal is one of the safest countries in Europe, but like anywhere, it’s smart to stay alert. Petty theft (like pickpocketing) can happen in tourist-heavy areas like Lisbon’s Tram 28 or crowded metro stations.

  • Avoid flashing expensive items in busy spots.
  • Use ATMs inside banks (not street ones) to avoid skimming.
  • Emergency number: 112 (works for police, medical, and fire)

Overall, Portugal is very traveler-friendly, and locals are generally helpful if you need directions or recommendations.

Climate

Portugal has a Mediterranean climate, meaning hot, dry summers (June–August) and cool, rainy winters (December–February).

  • Best time to visit: Spring (April–June) and Fall (September–October)warm but not scorching, with fewer crowds.
  • Summer (July–August): Can get very hot, especially in the Alentejo and Algarve.
  • Winter: Mild compared to Northern Europe, but Lisbon and Porto can be rainy.

I visited in May, and the weather was perfectly sunny but not overwhelming, ideal for exploring.

Budget

Portugal is affordable by Western European standards, though not as cheap as Southeast Asia or Egypt.

  • Hostels: Start around Approx €15–€25/night
  • Mid-range hotels: Approx €50–€100/night

Meals:

  • Budget (local tascas): Approx €8–€15
  • Mid-range restaurant: Approx €15–€30

Transport:

  • Trains (Lisbon→Porto): Approx €25–€35
  • Metro/bus tickets: Approx €1.50–€2
  • Bolt/Uber: Cheaper than taxi

Tip: Eating where locals do (away from tourist squares) saves money!

Other Must-Know Tips

  • Public transport is great, trains and buses connect most major cities.
  • Tipping isn’t mandatory, but rounding up or leaving 5–10% is appreciated.
  • Try the seafood! Bacalhau (salted cod) and grilled sardines are must-eats.
  • Learn a few Portuguese phrases locals love when visitors try.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Portugal expensive?
Not compared to France or Italy, but costs add up in tourist hotspots. Budget around Approx €50–€80/day for mid-range travel.
Do people speak English?
Yes, especially in cities and tourist areas. Younger Portuguese often speak fluent English.
Is the Algarve just for beach lovers?
Not at all! It has hiking cliffs (Ponta da Piedade), historic towns (Tavira), and great seafood.

Maurice Richardson

Editor in Chief & General Manager

Maurice Richardson covers Hajj and Umrah travel for Travel and Diaries. He writes the site's pilgrimage guides and package explainers — hotel proximity to the Haram, transport between Makkah and Madinah, visa processing for pilgrims, and what genuinely separates a premium package from a repackaged standard one. His work is grounded in the operational details of the Travel and Diaries Hajj and Umrah desk: real hotel placements, real transfer arrangements, and the questions pilgrims actually ask before booking. His aim is that every pilgrim reads his guides and boards the flight knowing exactly what they've booked.

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