Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Portugal
Portugal might not get the same attention as the rest of Western Europe, but it is still one of the most underrated budget travel destinations in the Schengen area. Located on the South-Western tip of the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal is a colorful country filled with coastal cities, majestic cliffs, and medieval castles from centuries ago. Join us as we explore the edge of the European continent on an epic journey to this incredible nation with our Portugal travel guide!
A Brief History of Portugal
Portugal was initially founded as an independent kingdom in 1143. It later became one of the most influential nations During the 15th – 16th century as a maritime super power. The Age of discovery was lead by the Portuguese navigators like Vasco da Gama and Ferdinand Magellan who spread Portugal’s influence to almost every continent in the world. Colonizing the territories of Brazil in the 1500s, Brazil gained its independence in 1822. After a devastating earthquake and a revolution, Portugal fell from its throne as a world superpower and became part of the European Union in 1986. Now Portugal is famous for its blue azulejo tiles, tasty Pastel de Nata deserts, delicious Port wine, and canned sardines.
When is the Best Time to Visit Portugal?
Portugal has a temperate Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers, and mild winters so its always a good destination. Spring can range from 60–72°F (16–22°C), Summers can range from 75–90°F (24–32°C), Fall can range from 65–77°F (18–25°C), and Winters can range from 55–61°F (13–16°C). Of course it depends on exactly which region you go, but overall September is the the best month to visit with late spring being a close second. Summers get ridiculously crowded so at least avoid those months.
Best Cities to Visit
- Lisbon – No trip to Portugal is complete without a stop at the hilly, coastal capital city. Lisbon is renowned for its bright colored building, medieval castles, and the iconic Tram 28. It is one of Europe’s oldest cities but manages a seamless dichotomy of old and modern cultures. Stay tuned for the top 10 best things to do in Lisbon!
- Porto – The 2nd largest city in Portugal, Porto is renowned for its majestic bridges, delicious Port wine, and inspiring the name of the country. It is a charming city with opulent architecture adorned with blue tiles scattered across another hilly city. Stay tuned for the top 10 best things to do in Porto!
- Sintra – This fairytale village is home to narrow cobble stoned streets and pastel colored castles right out of a Shrek movie. Probably the most colorful medieval castles I’ve ever been to. Its only 40mins from Lisbon so makes for an excellent day trip.
- Cascais – This beautiful beachside resort town is only a 35min train ride from Lisbon, and has golden sanded beaches and a historic marina. It is expensive, but a marvelous escape from Portugal’s city life.
- Madeira – Also known as the Hawaii of Europe, Madeira is an autonomous region just off the Northwestern coast of Africa comprising of 4 islands. Its rainy tropical climate is filled with dormant volcanoes, dramatic cliffs, and possibly the most beautiful hiking trails in the world.
- Lagos and the Algarve Coast – The south’s dramatic golden cliffs, hidden coves, and sea caves, best explored from Lagos by boat. Praia da Marinha and the famed Benagil Cave are worth the mild indignity of sharing a kayak with strangers.
*If you’re feeling adventurous, throw in a quick getaway to Morocco since it’s so close!
Transportation: Getting Around in Portugal
If I haven’t emphasized the hilly nature of Portugal enough by now, here’s another warning; bring comfortable shoes! The steep mountainous landscapes are persistent throughout the country so prepare for an elite calf work out. In cities like Lisbon and Porto public transportation is readily available with options such as buses, trains, and the whimsical tram cars. Uber is also ubiquitous across the region and for a super affordable rate. Renting a car is also a good option especially if you plan on visiting the island of Madeira. For the fastest travel between cities, airplanes are the best option with super short and cheap flights. We spent around $50 per person on average.
Highlights: Must Have Experiences
Portugal is filled with a plethora of unique experiences to enjoy. Here’s some of our favorites throughout the country:
- Ride the iconic Tram 28 in Lisbon
- Listen to Fado music in Alfama, Lisbon
- Take a day trip to Pena Palace in Sintra
- Eat a Pastel de Nata at Pasteis de Belem
- Go Port Wine tasting in Porto
- Hike the legendary Pico do Ariero at sunset or sunrise in Madeira
- Swim in the natural pools of Porto Moniz in Madeira
Portugal is a marvelous country filled with wonderous natural landscapes, beautiful beaches, colorful medieval castles, and delicious food. It might share a peninsula with Spain, but their cultures are significantly different. A week or two should be enough to see the main cities and experiences. It is one of the most affordable countries in Western Europe and also has a sophisticated food scene (thanks to the fresh seafood & tasty pastries). Stay tuned for more of our epic adventures through Portugal! Until then thanks for reading and keep leveling up.
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