Portugal Travel Guide

Continent: Europe
Region: Southern Europe
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Portugal Travel Essentials

Currency: Euro (EUR)

Best Time: March - October Read More

Ideal Duration:
7-10 days for exploring Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve region; 2 weeks for a broader exploration including Coimbra and the Douro Valley

Accommodation Cost (per night in EUR):
Dorm bed: EUR 15-25
Budget: EUR 35-80
Mid-range: EUR 100-150
Luxury: EUR 200 and above

Budget for Food & Drinks (per day in EUR):
Budget: EUR 10-20
Mid-range: EUR 30-50

Visa Policy for Indians:
Schengen Visa required

Visa Policy for Other Nationals:
Schengen Visa for many countries

Getting In Portugal:
Lisbon Airport (LIS), Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) in Porto Read More

Getting Around Portugal:
Trams, buses, trains, rental cars Read More

"The best of Europe"

Portugal Tourism

Portugal, located on the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe, is a captivating destination known for its golden beaches, historic cities, and vibrant culture. Just a short flight from major European hubs like Madrid and London, it offers a mix of medieval charm, coastal beauty, and delicious cuisine. From the fairytale palaces of Sintra to the dramatic cliffs of the Algarve and the lively streets of Lisbon, it is among the best value destinations in Europe. 

Portugal’s landscapes range from the terraced vineyards of the Douro Valley to the rugged beauty of the Azores and Madeira islands. The Algarve’s golden beaches and sea caves attract sun-seekers, while Nazaré is famous for some of the world’s largest surfable waves. Adventure seekers can hike in the Peneda-Gerês National Park or explore the scenic trails of Madeira.

Beyond its scenic landscapes, Portugal is also known for its fado music, azulejo-tiled buildings, and delicious food. It boasts a rich maritime history and once home to explorers like Vasco da Gama. Food is a highlight, with must-try dishes like bacalhau (salted cod), pastel de nata (custard tarts), and grilled sardines. Paired with locally produced wines and the soulful sounds of Fado music, Portugal offers an unforgettable sensory experience.

Best time to visit Portugal

The best time to visit Portugal is from March to October, offering warm weather and vibrant cultural events, however, the country is an all year round destination. June to August, during this period, bring hot temperatures of about 29-35°C, especially in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve. Both the... (Read More)

Holidify's opinion on Travel to Portugal

What's Great about Travelling to Portugal?

  • Beautiful beaches - surfing, sun-bathing and water sports are big during Summers
  • Magnificent and diverse landscape
  • Year- round festivals to keep tourists busy

What's Not So Great about Travelling to Portugal?

  • Might be difficult to travel within the country as options are limited
  • Language barriers

Who should Travel to Portugal?

For sea fanatics who love spending time at beaches, go surfing and indulge in water sports.

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Nightlife in Portugal

Portugal's nightlife is vibrant and diverse, offering everything from laid-back bars to energetic clubs. In Lisbon, the Bairro Alto district comes alive with bustling bars and live music, while Pink Street hosts trendy nightclubs. Porto is famous for its Ribeira district’s riverside bars and the Galerias de Paris area’s lively clubs. The Algarve, particularly Albufeira, is known for its beachside parties and neon-lit bars. In Coimbra, student-driven nightlife keeps the city buzzing, and Madeira’s Funchal offers stylish lounges and scenic rooftop bars. Whether it's a casual evening or an all-night party, Portugal has something for every nightlife seeker.

Shopping in Portugal

Shopping in Portugal blends traditional crafts with modern fashion. Lisbon offers luxury brands on Avenida da Liberdade, trendy boutiques in Chiado, and local crafts at Feira da Ladra flea market. Porto is known for Livraria Lello’s historic bookstore, Mercado do Bolhão for local produce, and Rua de Santa Catarina for mainstream shopping. In the Algarve, visitors find artisanal ceramics and cork products at Loulé Market. Madeira is famous for embroidery and wine, best bought at Mercado dos Lavradores in Funchal. Must-buys include azulejo tiles, handwoven textiles, Port wine, and traditional filigree jewelry.

Festivals of Portugal

Carnival (February/March) brings colorful parades to cities like Torres Vedras and Lisbon. Festa de São João (June 23-24) in Porto is famous for street parties, fireworks, and the playful tradition of hitting people with plastic hammers. NOS Alive (July) and Super Bock Super Rock (July) in Lisbon draw international music lovers. Festa dos Tabuleiros (every four years in July, Tomar) showcases elaborate processions with women carrying towering bread-laden trays. Madeira’s Flower Festival (April-May) transforms Funchal into a floral paradise, while Christmas Markets (December) in cities like Lisbon and Porto add festive charm.

Tips for visiting Portugal

  • Certain areas of Porto and Lisbon should be avoided at night as pickpockets here (and everywhere else for that matter) usually target tourist areas and tourists frequently. Railway stations, metro stations, shopping complexes, crowded buses are amongst some popular areas frequented by pickpockets and thugs, many of whom are under 18 and aren't subject to harsh laws.
  • It is advisable to wear a money belt or a fanny pack to contain valuables (like money, important documents) or keep them in the inside pocket.
  • On empty trains and buses, sit with other passengers or avoid such journeys altogether.

Food of Portugal

The origin of Portuguese cuisine can be traced back to a combination of main ingredients which include the meat of cows, goats and pigs; seafood and hearty peasant food. Every Portuguese meal begins with a soup, the most popular being caldo verde. Another staple is bacalhau (salt cod) that can be cooked in a thousand ways. Fish dishes are also common and delicious they mostly revolve around sole, sardines, salmon, trout, mackerel, frogfish and a variety of turbot. These are boiled, grilled, fried and served in a number of sauces. Fresh seafood is also easy to find with lobsters, mussels, oysters and clams being the main attractions. Portuguese grilled chicken is world famous, and so is Mealhada's suckling pig roast specialities enjoyed widely by tourists. Red wine, white wine and port wine are the most famous beverages in Portugal and should not be missed.

Photos of Portugal

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FAQs on Portugal

How to reach Portugal from India?

Main airlines: Turkish, Lufthansa, Air France, Swiss, Brussels Airlines, British Airways, Gulf Air, Air India and Jet Airways. Main Indian cities to board a flight: Mumbai, New Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai and Goa. One-stop flights only.

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