Use this page as a base layer, then combine it with our Destinations, Where to Stay, Experiences and Trip Ideas guides to build your ideal journey.
Share this guide
- Plan Your Trip to Portugal
- When to Go to Portugal
- How Long to Stay & How to Combine Regions
- Getting Around Portugal
- Money, Payments & Tipping
- Safety & Health
- Language, Communication & Etiquette
- Packing & Dress Code
- Travel Documents, Visas & Insurance
- Connectivity & Practical Details
- Planning a Luxury Trip to Portugal: FAQ
When to Go to Portugal
Spring (March–May)
Mild temperatures, greener landscapes and a lighter atmosphere in cities and wine regions.
- Best for: Nature walks, light hiking, wine and gastronomy trips, cultural city breaks, gentle horse riding.
- Notes: Layers are useful; days are pleasant but evenings can still feel cool.
Early Summer (June)
Long, sunny days with a lively but not yet peak-summer feel.
- Best for: Balanced trips that mix city, countryside and coast; first pool and beach days; terrace dining; golf.
- Notes: A good choice if you want warmth and energy without full July–August crowds.
High Summer (July–August)
The hottest months, with busy beaches and resort areas, especially along the Algarve and popular coasts.
- Best for: Classic beach and pool holidays, family resort stays, west-coast surf, trips with kids’ clubs and long evenings outdoors.
- Notes: Book hotels and key experiences well in advance; air conditioning and shade matter.
Late Summer & Autumn (September–October)
Often the sweet spot: warm seas, slightly fewer families and softer light.
- Best for: Wine harvest visits, food-focused trips, golf, horse riding, refined coastal or countryside escapes.
- Notes: A favourite period for couples and travellers seeking a calmer, more grown-up feel.
Winter & Off-Season (November–February)
Cooler but generally mild compared to much of Europe; quieter cities and hotels.
- Best for: Lisbon and Porto city breaks, spa and rural retreats, fireplace evenings, gastronomy and wine without summer crowds.
- Notes: Think more in terms of walks, culture and cosy stays than daily swimming.
How Long to Stay & How to Combine Regions
3–4 Nights
- Ideal for: A single city break in Lisbon or Porto, with an optional day trip (Sintra, Cascais, Douro).
- Focus: Fewer moves, more depth in one place.
7–10 Nights
- Ideal for: A first trip to Portugal combining two to three areas.
- Classic combinations:
- Lisbon & Douro & Porto
- Lisbon & Alentejo & Algarve
- Lisbon & Porto & Algarve
10–14+ Nights
- Ideal for: Travellers coming from farther away or those wanting a more complete route.
- Examples:
- Lisbon, Douro, Porto and Algarve
- Lisbon, Alentejo, Algarve and an island (Azores or Madeira)
As a rule of thumb, it’s better to choose fewer bases with more nights in each than to change hotel every one or two days.
Getting Around Portugal
Portugal is compact, and you can combine private drivers, trains, transfers and short self-drive stretches to match your comfort level.
Between Major Cities
- Lisbon ↔ Porto: Frequent trains; simple and comfortable.
- Best for: Guests who prefer not to drive between large cities.
Countryside, Wine Regions & Algarve
- Options:
- Private drivers and transfers between hotels
- Short-term car rental for maximum flexibility
- Best for: Exploring the Douro, Alentejo, Central Portugal and different parts of the Algarve.
Within Cities
- Lisbon and Porto are walkable in central areas, with taxis, rideshares and local transport for longer hops.
- Private transfers work well for airport and station journeys, especially with luggage.
Choose the mix that feels most comfortable: some travellers go fully chauffeur-driven, others mix trains with short car segments, and some prefer a premium self-drive.
Money, Payments & Tipping
Currency & Payments
- Currency: Euro (€).
- Cards: Widely accepted in cities, hotels and most restaurants.
- Cash: Useful for small cafés, taxis, markets and more local places.
Tipping Habits
Tipping is not mandatory, but appreciated for good service.
- Restaurants: Many people round up the bill or leave around 5–10%.
- Hotels: Small tips for porters and housekeeping (a few euros) are a kind gesture.
- Drivers & guides: A modest tip is welcome when service has been attentive.
Safety & Health
Portugal is generally considered safe and calm, including for solo travellers.
- Use standard city awareness in busy areas, tourist spots and on public transport.
- Keep valuables discreet and avoid leaving belongings unattended on beaches or in cars.
- Tap water is safe to drink in most places; check locally if in doubt.
For medical needs, pharmacies are widely available, and larger cities have good healthcare facilities. Travel insurance with health cover is strongly recommended.
Language, Communication & Etiquette
Language
- Official language: Portuguese.
- English: Widely spoken in hotels, restaurants and main attractions, especially in larger cities and coastal areas.
Learning a few polite words (bom dia, por favor, obrigado/obrigada) is always appreciated.
Etiquette & Atmosphere
- Service is usually relaxed and courteous rather than overly formal.
- Politeness and patience go a long way; raising your voice is frowned upon.
- Queues are generally respected; giving people a little personal space is appreciated.
Packing & Dress Code
Portugal’s style is mostly casual-smart:
- Cities: Light layers, comfortable shoes for cobbled streets, a smarter outfit for evenings in higher-end restaurants.
- Coast: Resort wear, swimwear and cover-ups, plus a light jumper or jacket for evenings, especially outside peak summer.
- Countryside & wine regions: Comfortable clothes for walking, a light jacket and something slightly dressier for dinners.
Rain jackets and warmer layers are more relevant from late autumn to early spring; sunglasses and sun protection are useful almost year-round.
Travel Documents, Visas & Insurance
- Ensure your passport is valid for the required period beyond your travel dates (check current rules for your nationality).
- Visa requirements vary by citizenship; verify in advance whether you need a visa to enter Portugal or the Schengen area.
- Comprehensive travel insurance is recommended, covering health, cancellations and delays.
Always check the latest official guidance from your country of residence before travelling.
Connectivity & Practical Details
- Electricity: Standard European plugs (Type C/F), 230V.
- Time zone: Mainland Portugal and Madeira are usually UTC / UTC+1 depending on daylight saving; the Azores are one hour behind the mainland.
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi is common in hotels and many cafés; mobile data is generally reliable in cities and main tourist areas.
Planning a Luxury Trip to Portugal: FAQ
Share this guide