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Welcome to our complete travel guide to Portugal! Portugal is one of my many happy places full of stunning landscapes, historic cities, captivating culture, and mouth-watering cuisine.
From the sun-kissed best beaches of the Algarve and the wine valleys of Douro to the cobblestone streets of downtown Lisbon and Porto, this small but diverse country offers something for everyone.
Portugal was made for history lovers, foodies, nature admirers, and sun seekers. In this guide, we’ll give you several Portugal travel tips. So buckle up, as we embark on a thrilling expedition to explore the wonders of Portugal!
I also have a Portugal guide book with more information that is available for download!
For a rough guide on a Portugal budget, you will want to have at least euros €136 ($149) a day. You can choose to grab euros from your bank at home before traveling to Portugal, this will help you save money. Or use one of the ATMs to get cash out for an extra fee. Many local restaurants and bars only take cash. If you are in a more touristy area you should be able to use both Visa and MasterCard. Dont count on your American Express to work.
As a US citizen, you are allowed to enter Portugal visa-free and stay for a total of 90 days. This is true with all Schengen areas. Be sure that you do not stay in the Schengen area for more than 90 out of 180 days.
It is not required to have travel insurance to enter Portugal, but it is always a good idea to purchase some. The last thing you want is to miss a flight or get injured abroad and not have coverage. The best travel insurance to purchase through is insubuy.com
The COVID-19 restrictions in Portugal are pretty much gone to enter most European countries. It is no longer required to show any proof of COVID vaccination or a negative COVID test if you are an American, you can enter as you are. It is always a good idea to look at your own country’s COVID-19 measurements before doing any overseas travel.
Like on all international flights, you will need your passport to enter Portugal. If you are driving in from Spain, there’s no border crossing you just head on in. kind of like in the States when you are driving from Virginia to North Carolina you are allowed to just drive in. While it is not required by law to have an international driver’s license, it is a good idea to have an IDP to go along with your normal driver’s license.
Bonus tip: Getting Through Customs in Lisbon Airport When flying to Portugal the likelihood of you arriving at the Lisbon airport is high. The Humberto Delgado Airport is Portugal’s biggest international airport and depending on the time of year, day, and if the country is experiencing strikes, you could be waiting a while.
Portugal has four international airports. These are in Madeira, Faro, Porto, & Lisbon. There is also an airport on the Azores island, but it is just domestic. To find the best flights to Portugal, check out this amazing website. You can book tickets to multiple destinations with the peace of mind that you will be getting the lowest price available.
Prepare Your Documents: Ensure you have all of your necessary documents ready for inspection, including your passport and any other forms of identification, as well as your boarding passes.
Declare Goods If Necessary: If you’re carrying goods that need to be declared, make sure to do so. This includes large amounts of currency, certain food products, and valuable items. Failure to declare could result in fines or confiscation of goods.
Be Patient: The customs process can sometimes take time, especially during peak travel times. Be patient and allocate enough time for this process when planning your trip.
Use the Red and Green Channels Correctly: If you have something to declare, go through the Red Channel. If you have nothing to declare, use the Green Channel.
Traveling around Portugal is a great way to see the countryside and a great alternative if you don’t want to drive. Check out Busbud.com for prices and to book your tickets in advance. The trains make stops in plenty of cities in Portugal, but down below I listed the three most common stops.
The São Bento Railway Station in Porto. This may be the prettiest train station in the world. Sao Bento is known for the stunning blue and white tile murals that display scenes from Portugal’s history.
There are many train stations in Lisbon. The main one is Rossio, and it is almost as pretty as Portos. In Faro, the station is known as the Faro Train Station. It has been around since 1889!
Driving in Portugal is very easy, and the locals are almost always relaxed. In the bigger cities, traffic does get tight. But the highways are easy to navigate and pretty new. There are many toll roads you will have to navigate. And your car rental agency should give you a toll pass with a prepaid amount of 100 euros.
Use rentalcars.com they compare all the major rentals in Portugal and give you the best price. Yes, you can rent your car from one airport and return it at another, so an additional fee.
Download maps. me before you get to Portugal. This mobile app can be used without Wi-Fi and is a real game changer when you are on the road. Be sure to download the entire country of Portugal.
The travel restrictions in Portugal for entry are lifted. As you may or may not know almost all of the European countries are in the Schengen area. If you want to travel to Portugal from USA as a US citizen you can enter for 90 days, with no visa.
If you hold a different passport check out your home country’s requirements to see how long you are permitted to enter Portugal. There are certain countries in which you need to apply for a visa before you can enter.
When planning a trip in Portugal you will need to pack a few essentials.
Good, comfortable shoes with grips for walking on the narrow cobblestone streets. I’m sure your heels are gorgeous and look fantastic, but the old town streets are not made for your stilettos.
Beach Accessories: If you’re planning on enjoying Portugal’s beautiful beaches, don’t forget your swimsuits and sunscreen. Some of the beaches are rocky and you might need beach shoes too.
Prescription medications: Be sure to pack them in your carry-on. Most US pharmacies will allow you to refill your scripts early. Go to your normal pharmacy and say you want a supply of travel meds. Everything should be okay except maybe your controlled meds. But Portuguese pharmacies are plenty. In Europe, the pharmacies have big green crosses in front.
Comfortable Clothing: Pack a week’s worth of comfortable clothing. If you’re visiting in the summer, linen shorts and flowy tank tops are good options. For winter, bring warm clothes including hats, gloves, scarves, and light layers.
Lightweight Rain Jacket: An insulated rain jacket can come in handy, especially during the cooler months.
Sunglasses/Sunhat: Protect your eyes from the strong sun, especially during late spring, summer, and early autumn.
Non-slip Shoes: These can be helpful as some areas may have slippery surfaces.
Photocopy of Your Passport & ID: It’s always a good idea to have a backup copy of your identification.
Cash and Bank Cards: While credit cards are accepted in most places, it’s useful to have some cash for smaller establishments or emergencies.
Toiletries: Don’t forget your personal hygiene items. While these can be purchased in Portugal, if you prefer certain brands it’s best to bring them with you.
Warm Fleece or Heavy Jacket: If you’re visiting in fall or winter, a warm fleece or heavy jacket like a denim or leather jacket would be useful.
Traveling to a new country like Portugal can be an exciting adventure. However, it’s essential to stay vigilant and mindful of safety to ensure a pleasant journey. One of the primary concerns while traveling is safeguarding personal belongings. In crowded areas, particularly at popular tourist spots and on public transportation, it’s crucial to always keep an eye on your possessions to avoid falling prey to pickpockets.
Evenings should be spent wisely. Avoid venturing into isolated areas at night and stick to well-lit, populated places. Dont leave drinks unattended use the hotel safe to keep all of your important stuff while you are out. The biggest crime to keep out of when visiting Portugal is pickpocketing.
When it comes to commuting within the cities, always use licensed taxis or trusted ride-sharing services like Uber to steer clear of scams.
The beautiful Portuguese Algarve beaches can be quite inviting, but they can also have strong currents. Always swim in designated areas and pay attention to the lifeguard’s warnings. It’s equally important to have travel insurance that covers both health care and theft.
Road safety is another significant aspect to consider. If you’re driving, be mindful of narrow roads and local driving habits. Always wear a seatbelt and don’t drink and drive. As a visitor, respecting local customs and laws is so important. This includes observing quiet hours, especially in residential areas, and respecting local rules about alcohol consumption and smoking in public.
Keep handy the number of your country’s embassy or consulate, as well as local emergency numbers. The Portugal emergency number is 112.
The Portuguese summer can be scorching, so remember to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water and protect yourself from the sun.
Another safe practice is to keep copies of important documents like your passport, ID, and travel insurance in case they get lost. Ultimately, the key to staying safe is being aware of your surroundings and please use common sense.
Learn the simple greetings and a few other phrases and you will be surprised how much it helps.
Oi/Olá – Hi/Hello
Bom Dia – Good Morning
Boa Tarde – Good Afternoon
Boa Noite – Good Evening/Good Night
Como está? – How are you?
Tudo bem – Everything’s good (can be used as a response to ‘Como está?’)
Como vai? – How’s it going?
Qual é o seu nome? – What’s your name?
Prazer em conhecer – Nice to meet you
Por favor – Please
Obrigado (if you’re male) / Obrigada (if you’re female) – Thank you
Desculpe – Sorry/Excuse Me
Eu não entendo – I don’t understand
Fala inglês? – Do you speak English?
Onde fica o banheiro? – Where is the bathroom? Europeans also use the word toilet, not the bathroom.
Quanto custa? – How much does it cost?
Posso ter o menu, por favor? – Can I have the menu, please?
Uma cerveja, por favor – A beer, please
A conta, por favor – The bill, please
Como chego ao (à)… ? – How do I get to…?
Portugal is on the Iberian Peninsula and borders the Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of Cadiz, and Spain. Portugal also has two islands in the Atlantic Ocean they are Madeira and The Azores. Because of its southwestern location, many Europeans flock to Portugal to spend their beach holidays in the sun.
Where to stay in Portugal depends on what kind of holiday you are looking for. Portugal is a perfect holiday destination for any type of traveler with a budget and luxurious accommodation. For the big city, fast passed, dance party vibe Lisbon. If you are a sun-seeker coming to Portugal to get those tan lines, the Algarve beaches are for you. If are you a vino lover coming to Portugal, then Porto is the best place for you to start on your travel guide to Portugal.
Please check out our special guides for accommodation in Portugal.
What time of year is best to travel to Portugal? Anytime! The best time to travel to Portugal is anytime you can get there!
View our detailed guide about how to spend 7 days in Lisbon & Porto!
Portugal has mild winters, lovely autumns, a beautiful springtime, and summers full of sunshine. There are rays of sunshine in Portugal over 300 days a year. You can visit Portugal anytime and have a fantastic time, it all depends on what kind of holiday you are hoping for.
If you want a beach hopping, cave snorkeling, or flip-flop trip then you will want to visit anywhere from April to September. The southern Algarve region is the most popular destination in the summer months. The ocean will not warm up for swimming until June, but the spring has so many nice days that you can easily sunbathe on the beach.
If you are looking to travel to Portugal but are not really into beach days, then you should visit in the spring or autumn, the weather is still warm enough to spend the entire day outside. The cities of Porto, Lisbon, and Sintra are the prettiest places in Portugal to visit in the spring and autumn. This is also the best time to hike in Portugal, countless types of beautiful trees and plants are in full bloom.
Winter is a great time to visit Portugal, there are plenty of days full of sunshine. There are many Christmas markets and most city centers go all out on Christmas decorations. The Serra da Estrela mountain range, near Porto, in Portugal gets snow in the winter months. transforming into the prettiest winter wonderland.
This UNESCO medieval tower in Lisbon is the most famous Portuguese icon. It was built as a defense tower on the Tagus rivers north side, during the 1500s. Walking tours in Lisbon are a great way to see and learn more about the Belem tower. The tower is open to guests every day of the year except for major Christian holidays.
Jump on tram ride number 28 in Lisbon to explore Lisbon’s best districts. The historic sunshine yellow tram dates back to the 1930s and many of the original features are still on display today. Purchase an all-day ticket from any metro station in Lisbon.
The tram connects Martim Moniz to Campo, On your journey you will see the districts of Graca, Estrella, Baixa, and Alfama destinations. Riding the tram in Lisbon is an inexpensive way to see all the best sites. Try riding the tram early in the day to beat the crowds and save your legs!
Once an industrial complex, LX Factory is now a creative hub filled with art studios, trendy shops, and hip restaurants.
Just outside Lisbon, Sintra is home to several palaces and castles, including the colorful Pena Palace. It’s worth taking a day trip to explore. The colorful caste in Portugal is the Pena National Palace, also known as the jewel in the crown of the Sintra Hills. Visiting the Pena Palace is an easy day trip from Lisbon the drive should only take you about 35 minutes.
This colorful castle in Portugal was built in the Romanticism era. It will spark emotions of love and wonder in everyone who explores the grounds.
No trip to Lisbon to complete without checking out the Time Out Market. Here, you can try some of the great food Portugal is known for all in one place. The Time Out market features stalls from top chefs and restaurants across the city all under one roof.
For a more in-depth look please check out our guide for the best restaurants in Lisbon with a view!
We also put together the best Vegan Restaurants in Lisbon.
Known for its narrow streets and colorful houses, Alfama is the oldest district in Lisbon. It’s also the best place to listen to traditional Fado music.
Miradouro translates to the viewpoint, and anytime you see a sign with Miradouro in it, do yourself a favor and pull over! The Miradouro de Santa Luzia is extra special and offers wonderful views of the Alfama district and the Tagus River. Try to plan to see it before dinner because it is particularly beautiful at sunset.
Old town Porto, or Porto Ribeira to the locals, has been Portugal’s biggest port town for over 2000 years. Located on the Duoro River you will discover why Porto is called the city of bridges. The Dom Luis I is one of Old Town Porto’s main attractions, It was built by the same architect that crafted the Effiel Tower, so you know it’s dreamy. There is amazing Porto nightlife downtown!
Walking through the squares and cobblestone streets of Old Town Porto you will be transported back in time. Grab a seat at one of the many cafes overlooking the water and enjoy a coffee and a pasteis de nata, it is one of the best things to do in Portugal. There are plenty of different places to stay in Porto, you can find some of the best here!
This region is so beautiful, with its winding routes and rolling hills just the drive-in alone will take your breath away. Be sure to plan at least a day hiking in Porto. Did you know that Port wine is originally from Porto? Porto’s Douro wine region has been growing grapes for over 2000 years making them the oldest documented wine-making region in the world, Look out Jesus. This has earned them a UNESCO world heritage badge of Honor. Take one of the Porto wine tours, you will not regret it!
Port table wines are normally sweet red dessert wines, but the Douro region has an epic variety to choose from. The dry red of Douro is the best-known table wine, but their whites deserve a seat at the bar. This region is divided into 3 mini-regions known as Baixo Corgo, Cima Corgo, and Douro Superior. On your majestic drive through the Douro wine region, you will pass many vineyards to choose from.
Dom Luís I Bridge: A double-deck iron bridge that spans the River Douro between the cities of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. You can walk along the upper deck for spectacular views of the city.
Clérigos Tower: This 75-meter-high tower offers panoramic views of Porto. It’s worth the climb up its 200+ steps.
Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto): One of the oldest monuments in the city, the cathedral features Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architectural styles.
Palácio da Bolsa: This 19th-century neoclassical palace, formerly a stock exchange, is now used for cultural events and exhibitions. Don’t miss the ornate Arabian Room.
Church of São Francisco: This gothic church is famous for its lavish baroque interior, with intricate wood carvings covered in gold leaf.
Foz do Douro: The seaside district of Foz do Douro is perfect for a leisurely stroll along the beach, offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Bom Jesus – A Catholic shrine and pilgrimage site in Braga which is about an hour from Porto.
The Livraira Lello is the prettiest bookstore in the world, and one of the best places to visit so add it to your list for your travel guide to Portugal.
in Portugal. Built back in the early 1900s this famous neo-gothic style bookstore is one of the most visited sites in all of Portugal. Do yourself a favor and get a free ticket online before visiting Porto. Admire the stained glass window on the ceiling and view the Gemma room where all the top-secret books are kept.
The staircase at the Livraira Lello is one of the first things you will see when you arrive. Thousands of Instagrammers have climbed the stairs to strike their best poses, and you will be inspired to do the same when you see the vibrant colors and symmetry that these iconic stairs have.
One of the favorite past times for travelers looking for things to do in Portugal is to admire the tiles or azulejos in Portuguese. You can thank King Manuel 1 for the beautifully tiled buildings in Porto. Many of these buildings date back to the 18th century when tile manufacturing became full-time in Portugal.
One of the best places to see tiles in Porto is the Sao Bento train station. Here you can find over 20,000 tiles beautifully telling the history of Portugal through art. Porto Cathedral is another popular destination in Porto to see the tiles, and it will cost you 3 euros. Walking through Cais da Ribeira is another way to see all the city tiles.
Located in Vila Nova de Gaia, across the river from Porto, these cellars offer tours and tastings of the city’s famous Port wine. Be sure to book at least one of the Porto wine tours while on your Portugal vacation!
The Algarve is the most southwestern point of Portugal, and in a way of Europe as well. This is where you want to go if you love sea stacks, beautiful landscapes, and beach days. There are amazing seafood restaurants, friendly locals, and amazing nightlife. We will cover the popular towns of Lagos, Albufeira, Faro, and a few hidden gems! Stay tuned this is one of the best parts of the travel guide to Portugal!
Spend your day on one of the hikes in the Algarve, or enjoy one of the many best beaches in the Algarve!
Down below are a few of the most popular cities in the Algarve.
The Faro nightlife is unmatched. They have everything from wine bars to the hottest hip-hop clubs. For accommodation check out the very best hotels in Faro. There are 5-star hotels, beach bungalows, and even a few hostels thrown in!
It’s always fun to be spontaneous while traveling in Portugal, but you will want to reserve a few nights at one of these restaurants in Faro with a view! Your belly will thank you!
The Capela dos Ossos is located in Faro, the capital of the Algarve. This tiny but mighty chapel is made of human remains. These bones are from Carmelite Monks who were removed from an overcrowded cemetery in Faro.
As you walk up to the rod iron door of the chapels bone room you will be greeted by hundreds of human skulls staring back at you. It is an overwhelming feeling that is worth the short walk from the city center.
Arco da Vila or the archway is a medieval gateway to Faro. Dating back to the 4th century Faro, Portugal has been under many different rulers, this is all present in the architecture of the Arco da Vila. You can see the Italian, Muslim, and Medieval details that have been added over time.
Another popular way to spend the day in Faro is to take a catamaran tour of the Ria Formosa Natural Park. You will cruise along and stop 3 islands plus a secret snorkel spot in the crystal clear waters.
Check out all the amazing things to do in Faro Portugal, you are going to love this seaside town.
There are so many things to do in Albufeira is the best beach holiday in Portugal. You will find dramatic coastal landscapes at all of the Albufeira beaches.
The nightlife in Albufeira is also amazing. “The strip” has hundreds of bars, restaurants, cafes, and dance clubs to choose from.
Old town Albufeira has a romantic vibe with cobble-stoned streets and beautiful architecture. Once a fishing community, it has turned into a summer holiday destination for everyone in the family to love. As you walk through the city center with street vendors and performers you will be so grateful you visited Albufeira.
There are amazing seafood restaurants in Albfueria with a view of the ocean. Plan a special night out after enjoying the warm Portuguese sun!
Another fun way to spend your day in Albufeira is to take a parasailing boat trip. Meet your captain in the Albufeira marina and after a safety briefing, you are ready to fly over 80 feet in the air!
Another popular town in Portugal is Lagos. This lovely Algarve town is best known for its Benegil Caves, beautiful beaches, and fun Lagos nightlife.
The most famous beaches in the Algarve are located in Lagos. The Ponta da Piedade and Praia Dona Ana are some of the best beaches in Lagos Portugal.
Some of the best things to do in Lagos Portugal:
Ponta da Piedade: This beautiful beach has caves and grottos is a must-see in Portugal. There’s also a historic lighthouse to climb with panoramic views of the sea.
Praia Dona Ana and Praia do Camilo: These are two of Lagos’ most popular beaches, known for their clear waters and striking sea rock formations.
Meia Praia: The largest beach in Lagos, it’s a great spot for sunbathing and water sports. Check out other amazing beaches in Lagos.
Explore Old Town: Stroll through the narrow streets of Lagos’ old town, taking in the traditional Portuguese architecture while visiting local shops and restaurants.
Kayaking to Benagil Cave: Portugal’s famous cave can be explored by kayak, offering a unique perspective of this natural wonder.
Hiking the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail: One of the most beautiful hikes in the Algarve region, offering stunning views along the coastline.
Visit Praia da Marinha: Also known as one heart beach this is one of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal, and always worth a visit.
Lagos Marina: Spend some time at the modern marina, filled with shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants in Lagos with a view!
Wednesday & Saturday Farmers’ Market: Walk around the market, taste local produce, and buy local crafts.
Check out all the best things to do in Lagos Portugal!
The Bengail caves, or Gruta de Benagil, are worth visiting while in the Algarve. These natural sea caves are located near the beach Praia de Benagil. You can reach these caves any time of the year by boat, kayak, paddleboard or if you are a good swimmer it is only 200 meters from the shore. This should be on the top of your list in your travel guide to Portugal.
Check out all the ways to explore the Bengail Caves!
The Island of Madeira is one of my favorite places to explore Portugal. The landscape here is straight out of a Disney movie. And with ample things to do in Madeira, and a direct flight from Boston, this small island is becoming more and more popular.
The sunsets and rises in Madeira will leave you breathless and make you want to set your alarm early and get your day started.
The best and cheapest way to get to Madeira is by a 90-minute flight from Lisbon. It shouldn’t cost you more than a hundred dollars. If you book early, you could save even more than that. There is also a ferry service available from Lisbon. But, it takes much longer, approximately 23 hours.
Madeira’s diverse micro-climates make it an ideal destination for outdoor lovers. You can enjoy hiking some of the very best trails in the world, or take a relaxing walk down some of the best levadas in Madeira. There is mountain climbing, boating, and botanical gardens to see too. Madeira also offers a few beaches, such as the famous black sand beach of Seixal.
The capital city is Funchal, and you will find plenty of things to do in Funchal to keep you busy. The marina, cable car rides, and beautiful gardens are some of the most popular.
Plan your nights in Madeira with this lovely guide to the best restaurants in Madeira.
Another popular town is Porto Moniz. Most people take a day trip to Porto Moniz’s natural pools. But I also recommend the western part of the island if you are looking for a nature escape.
Fanal forest is another one of the best things to do in Madeira. This spooky forest has ancient trees and the creepiest fog rolls in. Be sure to plan a day exploring Fanal Forest. I ended up there three times.
There are a few options for getting around Madeira. The buses are very cheap and run on time. But if you want to really explore the island on your own terms, it’s best to rent a car. As some of the towns are more than an hour apart.
For more madeira tourist information for the bus routes in Madeira on renting a car, check out here.
Central Portugal is a great area with fewer crowds and you can still find off-the-beaten-track destinations that most tourists don’t visit! You can take a road trip to combine these amazing cities on mainland Portugal to see them all. You can also plan to see a road trip as a day trip from Lisbon.
Obidos is one of the very best castles in Portugal. It is a small town inside of a medieval castle and is a great stop if you are thinking of doing one of the epic Portugal road trips. They have plenty of options for accommodation making it easy to spend the night in the perfect fairy tale castle in Europe.
Check out more about the Obidos Portugal Castle!
Another town to put down on your Travel guide to Portugal, is Nazare. They have some of the prettiest beaches on the Silver Coast. You may have heard of Nazare from the HBO show 100-foot Wave! There are plenty of other things to do in Nazare, but the big waves are one of the biggest reasons.
Learn how to visit the big waves of Nazare on a day trip!
Tomar, also known as Thomar in English, is a Portguese city located in the Santarém district.
Tomar was formerly the seat of the Order of the Knights Templar. Learn about the Knights Templar at the Convento de Cristoin. This is an impressive monastery and castle that overlooks the entire town. Constructed in 1159, it served as the Knights of Templar headquarters for 700 years.
The Tomar Walk at the Templar Stairs is one of the highlights of Portugal.
This charming town offers a break from crowds of tourists, and is located only about an about 90 miles northeast of Lisbon.
Évora is a in the Alentejo region of Portugal, known for its well-preserved Roman temple. It has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986.
The city is home to multiple fascinating historical sights, including the largest medieval cathedral in Portugal. It’s also known for its university, which adds a youthful energy to the city, especially after for nightlife.
Évora is roughly 83 miles east of Lisbon. The journey from Lisbon takes around 1.5 hours by bus or car. However, some travel experts suggest spending more than a day in Évora to fully appreciate its historical and cultural richness. There are vineyards and farmlands in the surrounding Alentejo region to explore as well.
Batalha is in the Leiria District of Centro Region, Portugal. It was developed alongside the Monastery of Santa Maria de Vitória back in 1386 by Portuguese King Dom João I. The monastery was built to commemorate the victory of the Portuguese over the Castilians in the battle of Aljubarrota in 1385.
The town is known for its laid back vibe, particularly if you can visit after the departure of day trippers. Batalha offers a blend of history, culture, and architectural beauty. The top sight is the Dominican Monastery of Batalha, one of Portugal’s architectural masterpieces. This beautiful structure showcases a mix of Gothic style and Manueline influences.
You have to visit Batalha Monastery. In the center of the chapel of the monastery, you can find the enormous tomb of Dom João I and his wife, Queen Philippa of Lancaster. The chapel walls contain the tombs of their sons, among whom is Prince Henry the Navigator.
Batalha is around two hours north of Lisbon and it is one of the best towns to add to your travel guide to Portugal if you love small towns with a rich history and beautiful architecture.
Eating is one of the best things to do in Portugal. Their yummy cuisine is a toast to the history of the country.
The first dish you must try is the Piri Piri Chicken. You will see Piri Piri at almost every place you dine, it is the hot sauce for the country. It comes in many flavors and isn’t too hot to enjoy the taste.
Chourico Assado is a must-try, such a fun way to eat Portugal’s take on chorizo. When ordered at a restaurant it will come in a traditional clay dish lit on fire. You will be able to cook the chorizo at your table paired with delicious local cheese and bread you will be full before you know it. Be careful not to burn your fingers, they don’t play around.
Next but not least is the famous Pasteis de Natal or cream pastries. You will find these little cutie custard tarts everywhere you look. These pastries have been enjoyed in Portugal since the 18th century. They are the perfect size for a quick snack, Pro tip eat the inside first then eat the butter flaky crust. Pair it with a coffee and you will be living your best life! This might be the best advice on this travel guide to Portugal.
Portugal is one of the most affordable countries to visit in Western Europe. But everyone loves to save money so here are some tips to make your travel to Portugal budget-friendly!
One of the first things you can do is come in the off-season. The late fall and winters are typically slow tourist seasons in Portugal. Accommodation can range from hostels for 25 dollars a night, to 5-star hotels for $100. Airbnb has so many different types of lodging available for 15-30 a night. You can easily find a monthly stay in the off-season in Portugal for 800 a month.
The next way to save on your trip to Portugal is to cook your own food. The budget-friendly grocery shopping stores are Aldi, Lidl, and Continente. When you eat out try these options with the local bakeries first. They offer freshly baked bread, small bites, and sweets.
When you are out exploring Portugal try and eat at the local snack bars because you will easily find cheap coffees and snacks. If you like to go out for the night try ordering local beers, depending on where you are you can get a draft Portugal beer for around 2 dollars.
Try local transportation and walking. The local buses in Portugal are very efficient and a great way to save some money. Try finding local restaurants and bars that you can walk to. There is also the ride-sharing app called Bolt which is very popular because it is cheaper than renting a car for the whole day. If you do end up renting a car try rentalcars.com. They often have flash sales and offer the best deals around.
If you want to cheer as the Portuguese do, order yourself a ginjinha. This traditional liqueur is in all regions of Portugal. Originally made by infusing ginja berries in sugar and alcohol with a piece of fruit in the bottom of your glass, this yummy drink is a crowd favorite. Using cinnamon and ginger is the most common way to add some spice to the ginjinha cocktail.
Do yourself the favor of booking your plane ticket to Portugal now. You will fall in love with the romantic vibes and beautiful landscape. If you are a budget traveler or luxury resort type of person you will find everything you need in Portugal. Save this Travel guide to Portugal Please let us know down below if you are planning your trip to Portugal, or if you have been and we missed your favorite things!
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