Portugal is a sun-drenched gem on Europe’s western edge, known for its dramatic coastline, colourful cities, rich maritime history, and world-renowned food and wine.
From the vibrant streets of Lisbon and the wine cellars of Porto, to the golden beaches of the Algarve and the volcanic beauty of Madeira, Portugal offers something for every kind of traveller.
Whether you’re here for the pastel de nata, the soulful sounds of fado, or to road trip through scenic towns with tiled facades and sea views, Portugal delivers unforgettable experiences wrapped in warmth and charm.
As a heads up, this post contains affiliate links which help support my blog at no extra cost to you – I only ever recommend things I genuinely love and have experienced myself.
📍 Top Places to Visit:
- Lisbon – The vibrant capital full of colourful trams, steep hills, and historic neighbourhoods like Alfama and Bairro Alto.
- Porto – Home of port wine, dramatic river views, and azulejo-covered churches.
- Algarve – A coastal region famous for its stunning cliffs, golden beaches, and lively beach towns like Lagos and Albufeira.
- Sintra – A fairytale town with palaces, forests, and the colourful Pena Palace.
- Madeira – A subtropical island offering incredible hiking, botanical gardens, and dramatic landscapes.
- Évora – A UNESCO-listed city in the Alentejo region with Roman ruins and whitewashed houses.
- Coimbra – A historic university town with charming streets and academic tradition.
📅 Best Time to Visit:
Spring (April–June) – Great weather and fewer crowds. Ideal for sightseeing and coastal trips.
Summer (July–August) – Hot and sunny, best for beach holidays (especially in the Algarve), but expect more tourists.
Autumn (September–October) – Warm temperatures linger, grape harvest season in wine regions.
Winter (November–March) – Mild winters in the south, quieter cities, and great off-season deals.
💰 Currency & Budget Tips:
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Currency – Euro (EUR)
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Public transport and intercity trains are budget-friendly.
- Local bakeries and “tascas” (traditional eateries) offer filling meals for €5–10.
- Booking activities in advance with trusted local providers can save you money and time.
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🧳Good For:
Beach lovers and surfers.
Foodies and wine enthusiasts.
Budget-conscious travellers.
Couples and solo adventurers.
History and culture seekers.
Hikers and nature lovers.
🍽️ Local Dishes to Try:
- Pastel de nata – Creamy custard tart with a flaky crust (try it warm with cinnamon).
- Bacalhau – Salt cod prepared in hundreds of ways.
- Francesinha – A meaty sandwich topped with cheese and a rich sauce (a Porto specialty).
- Sardinhas assadas – Grilled sardines, especially popular during summer festivals.
- Caldo verde – A hearty kale and potato soup.
- Piri Piri chicken – Spicy, flame-grilled and full of flavour.
✈️ How to Get There:
Main Airports – Lisbon (LIS), Porto (OPO), Faro (FAO), Funchal (FNC – Madeira)
Direct flights from London and major UK airports to Lisbon, Porto, and Faro (approx. 2.5–3 hours).
🚍 Getting Around:
- Trains connect major cities like Lisbon, Porto, and Coimbra (look at Comboios de Portugal).
- Buses are reliable and often cheaper for rural connections (Rede Expressos or FlixBus).
- Metro and trams operate in Lisbon and Porto.
- Car hire is great for exploring remote regions or doing a road trip, especially in the Algarve or Douro Valley.
🌍 Language & Local Etiquette
Language: Portuguese (English is widely spoken in cities and tourist areas)
Greet with a friendly “Olá” or “Bom dia”
Tipping is appreciated – around 5–10% at restaurants.
Dress modestly when entering churches.
Queuing is generally respected – a smile and patience go a long way.
My Portugal Highlights
I visited Lagos in the Algarve during September with a group of friends and absolutely loved it – the weather was perfect, and the whole trip had a laid-back, sun-soaked feel. It did get a little chilly in the evenings, though, so I would recommend taking a light jacket.
Lagos is a small, whitewashed coastal town with beautiful cobbled streets, a charming marina, and some of the most stunning beaches I’ve seen – think golden sand backed by dramatic cliffs and turquoise water. We took the Lagos Tourist Train (Comboio Touristico) to visit the beaches – a fun, hop-on-hop-off style ride that stops at key beaches and viewpoints. It was a simple and affordable way to explore the area without needing a car.
We flew into Faro Airport and took the train to Lagos. It wasn’t the fastest option, but it was straightforward and scenic, making it a stress-free way to arrive. Once there, everything was easily walkable. There’s a small marina at the edge of the town and a great place to watch the sunset.
One of the standout experiences of the trip was a wine tour at Quinta do Francês, a beautiful vineyard just inland – the setting was gorgeous and the wines were fantastic.
The food scene in Lagos was another highlight. Everything was fresh and flavourful, especially the seafood – but take note, restaurants book up quickly, so it’s best to reserve in advance.
There’s plenty more of Portugal still on my bucket list – I’d love to visit Lisbon, Porto and Madeira, and I’ll definitely be back again soon to explore more of what this beautiful country has to offer.
You’ll find a handpicked selection of top tours and activities in Portugal below – from wine tastings and coastal day trips to guided city walks through Lisbon and Porto.
👉 Book confidently with trusted local providers and secure your spot in advance.
💡 As a GetYourGuide affiliate, I may earn a small commission if you book through my links. This will be at no extra cost to you. These bookings help support my blog and continue to grow my travel business.
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