Travel advice for Portugal
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Portugal
Book your individual trip, stress-free with local travel experts
written by Helen Fanthorpe
updated 13.05.2020
When you think of Portugal, with its sandy coves, crystalline waters and craggy shores, chances are you’re thinking of the Algarve. This is the country’s most popular tourist region – and justifiably so.
Portugal’s fast-acting response to the coronavirus has saved lives and ensured the country can start thinking ahead to reviving the travel sector and its economy. So what does this mean for the Algarve, and will there be a summer season in 2020? What will it look like? We chatted with João Fernandes, President of the Algarve Tourism Bureau, to find out how the board was keeping in touch with travellers virtually, and what plans are in the pipeline for when travel returns to Portuguese shores.
7 days / from3090 USD
Iberian Blend - Porto and Galicia
Neighbour countries - Portugal and Spain, different and similar at the same time, will surprise you with hospitality and loveliness. This itinerary includes the route of the Northwest part of Iberian Peninsula and offers you to meet beautiful Porto and stunning Vigo in Galicia/Spain.
view tour ⤍7 days / from3047 USD
The Real Algarvian Experience
Experience and discover the real Algarve – taste local produce, drinks and traditional dishes, visit heritage sites and participate in culinary activities. If you are passionate about the people’s culture and gastronomy and want to learn more, this itinerary is for you.
view tour ⤍11 days / from1744 USD
A self drive to Portugal's North and Center
Starting in fascinating Lisbon, this trip allows you to discover Portugal both on your own as well as with guided tours. Driving further up north you'll explore Coimbra and Porto before heading to the Douro Valley and Alentejo.
view tour ⤍8 days / from1150 USD
Porto and the North of Portugal: off the beaten track
From Porto, you'll discover the most fascinating parts of Northern Portugal: go on a hike through unique biodiversity around the Paiva river, take a jeep tour through the slopes of the Serra da Arada and taste the wonderful wines of the Douro valley.
view tour ⤍12 days / from1706 USD
The best of Portugal: Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve
Portugal offers many highlights but when you're short on time, this trip is ideal to cover all the highlights: the capital city of Lisbon, historic Porto, lush Douro Valley and the stunning beaches of the Algarve are all part of this trip.
view tour ⤍7 days / from2687 USD
Azores Wild Nature
Get ready to discover what the largest island of the Azores, São Miguel, has to offer in this short adventure-packed 6-day trip. You will get to swim with wild dolphins, abseil or jump down waterfalls, ride a mountain bike through the Sete Cidades and relax in a natural spa. Adventure awaits!
view tour ⤍9 days / from2943 USD
Madeira and São Miguel - guided island adventures
Visit two of Portugal's autonomous regions: Madeira, the island of eternal spring as they call it, as well as São Miguel, nicknamed the green island. Guided excursions will take you to the highlights of both islands and there's plenty of time to discover on your own or simply relax.
view tour ⤍11 days / from1788 USD
Lisbon and the South of Portugal: exploration and relaxation
Take your rental car and discover Lisbon, Sintra & Cascais before heading to Alentejo. This fascinating region features many historic gems to discover, as well as a unique cuisine to taste. Finish your trip with some beach days in Tavira on Portugal's Algarve coast.
view tour ⤍9 days / from4322 USD
The Wines of Portugal
This unforgettable trip will take you to Portugal's finest wine-producing regions, including the Douro Valley. Sample the finest local labels, and explore the exciting and stunningly beautiful cities of Lisbon and Porto, complemented by guided tours of their historical old towns.
view tour ⤍11 days / from3592 USD
Discovering the coast of Portugal
Explore the beautiful cities along the coast of Portugal. Start your journey discovering historic sites and wineries in Porto, from there you will head South to Lisbon. Along the way, you will get a chance to visit charming coastal towns, dramatic cliffs and national parks.
view tour ⤍7 days / from6044 USD
Porto's Hidden Gems
An exciting itinerary that is filled with amazing landscapes, culture, heritage and gastronomy. Stay in the most exclusive hotels and enjoy the best Portugal has to offer - unique wine tours, a private cooking class, a luxurious river cruise to Douro Valley, and much more.
view tour ⤍15 days / from5968 USD
Camino de Santiago & Portugal Deluxe
Hike the 'Way of Saint James', more precisely - the Portuguese Route, a World Heritage Site. After 5 days of beautiful hikes, it's time to say goodbye to Spain and hop on a plane to Portugal. Lisbon and Porto await before exploring the wineries of Douro Valley. A truly exceptional trip.
view tour ⤍6 days / from1591 USD
Essential Portugal: Lisbon to Porto
This exciting short break will take you to the exciting and stunningly beautiful Portuguese cities of Lisbon and Porto, with guided tours of their historical old towns, and on to the pearls of north Braga and Gamares. You will also have the opportunity to soak up the romantic atmosphere at Amarante.
view tour ⤍9 days / from2168 USD
Cultural Portugal
Beginning in Lisbon and ending in Porto, this trip will take you to the delightful wine region of Douro, the mountain range of Serra do Bussaco and the romantic town of Sintra. Relish the prospect of driving around Portugal's stunning coastline and unique cultural sites.
view tour ⤍9 days / from3183 USD
The cities of Portugal
Explore the two big Portuguese cities, Porto and Lisbon. Though you won't only be exploring the cities, this trip will take you to see the beautiful Duoro valley by bike, the Minho region (the birthplace of Portugal), learn more about winemaking, relax on the beach of Nazaré and much more!
view tour ⤍6 days / from2703 USD
Azores Adventure
Discover the traditions and natural beauty that the island of São Miguel can offer you – exciting activities such as swimming with dolphins in their natural habitat in the Atlantic Ocean, hiking in the picturesque hills and valleys, the thrills of Canyoning and much more.
view tour ⤍12 days / from5439 USD
Portugal – Cuisine and Culture from Porto to Lisbon
From Porto to Lisbon, this culinary trip offers exceptional Portuguese cultural experiences. Taste port in a prestigious winery, savour exquisite codfish and picnic in the world's oldest wine region. Hilltop palaces, medieval old towns and glamorous beach resorts complete an unforgettable trip.
view tour ⤍14 days / from7095 USD
Highlights of Portugal - Cities & Beaches
You will start this journey in Porto, the Invicta City, to then discover the landscapes of Douro Valley. Next, there is Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, a city filled with history and stories. Lastly, you will arrive to the Algarve, a place where you will connect with the sea, traditions and nature.
view tour ⤍10 days / from1853 USD
Fascinating Azores - Terceira and São Miguel
Two of the magic Azores islands await in this itinerary: drive your own rental cars across Terceira and São Miguel and join one of the many adventurous outdoor activities the islands have to offer: go whale watching or canyoning or simply enjoy the landscapes on leisurely strolls.
view tour ⤍9 days / from3188 USD
Coastal Portugal
Travel south from the beautiful cities of Porto and Lisbon, down Portugal's stunning coast, as far as the charming resort town of Albufeira. On this trip, you will also visit the historic coastal towns of Estoril, Sintra, Lagos and Sagres.
view tour ⤍7 days / from2547 USD
Discovering Portugal's Douro Valley
This unforgettable trip will take you to the beautiful city of Porto and the verdant Douro Valley. Relish the prospect of travelling to the Douro wine-making region to sample some local labels, trekking through old villages and enjoying indulgent moments in charming cafés.
view tour ⤍Q: I’ve seen some exciting activity online focused on the Algarve and Portugal more generally: videos and photos showcasing the best of region; Visit Portugal’s #CantSkipHope campaign and video reminding us to keep dreaming; and live-streamed yoga classes at the Campus at Quinta do Lago. Could you tell us a bit more about your virtual campaign, and how you’ve been keeping in touch with travellers online during Covid-19?
A: The Portugal Tourism Board launched the virtual campaign in March. Whilst people were in lockdown it was important to keep the holiday dream alive – and we wanted to keep Algarve top of mind with inspirational content. The message was that for everyone’s good: it is better to stop travelling for now; it’s time to stop reset, recentre and refocus. And the incredible photographic landscapes of Portugal and the Algarve that you see in the #CantSkipHope campaign will still be here, ready for visitors to experience once the pandemic is over and it’s safe to travel once more.
We also launched a hashtag campaign on social media,immediately after the start of the lockdown on 16 March. On Facebook (@algarvetourism) we promoted the message #DontCancelPostpone, as we were keen to keep travellers’ holiday dreams alive for later in the year and to encourage them to postpone plans rather than cancelling altogether.
#Can'tSkipHope screenshot video by Visit Portugal
Q: Are there some positive news stories coming out of the Algarve during these strange times? Could you give me any examples?
A: It has been fantastic to see so many community-minded projects. For example, top chefs Rui Silvestre (Michelin starred Vistas restaurant) and Noélia Jerónimo (a famous chef in the Algarve) are preparing two hundred daily meals for people in need during the crisis. Thanks to a team of eight who have all volunteered to help, the meals are prepared every day in the kitchen of the Tavira Red Cross Support Centre.
Another example is one of our most exclusive resorts, Quinta do Lago. At the start of the Covid-19 crisis, Quinta do Lago donated 50,000 EUR to local hospitals in Faro, Portimão and Lagos to supply as much essential medical equipment as possible to the public hospitals. This equipment included CT scanners, ventilators, testing kids, heart-rate monitors and PPE. This donation formed part of a wider campaign led by Quinta do Lago residents called “Flattening the Curve”: over 500,000 EUR has now been raised through their GoFundMe page. The money is going to the Algarve Biomedical Centre (ABC), the consortium that is leading many of the region’s initiatives to contain the pandemic.
More generally, local communities have given assistance to the most vulnerable (elderly, bedridden, people with reduced mobility), assuring the provision of daily essentials, meals or medicines to their homes. Many restaurants, meanwhile, converted their activity to focus on take aways. Local producers established short consumption chains with new forms of distribution… revealing the ability to adapt.
Q: What does lockdown look like in the Algarve and Portugal more generally at the moment?
A: At the moment we are making a lot of plans for re-opening. The government has now set out a timetable for the gradual re-start of economic and social activity, which will be phased in and reassessed on a fortnightly basis. Social distancing and extraordinary hygiene measures will remain in place during this period. A calendar up to the beginning of June has been adopted so far. The objective is to allow business to implement the many new hygiene measures and familiarize themselves with the new protocols.
The Portugal Tourism Board has also launched a “Safe & Clean” stamp, which certifies and gives training to businesses who comply with the new measures. Algarve Tourism is preparing a guide, along with the Portugal Tourism Board and other national entities to set, define and guide businesses through this new reality with concrete measures for hotels, restaurants, beaches, water parks, golfs, rent a car, marinas, camping etc.
Q: When do you envisage tourism starting to return? What plans do you have for the summer season?
A: We anticipate that the domestic tourism market will start coming back from late May with many hotels, restaurants and cafés opening then with strict hygiene procedures in place. Many have already adopted the “Clean & Safe” protocols that we have announced (more on that later). The timing of international tourists’ return will depend on flights to the region. The situation is changing every day so it’s difficult to predict, although we are receiving very positive news from our main issuing markets on their intention to return to the Algarve, who have been reassured in the measures we are taking in the prevention and control of the pandemic.
Q: Could you tell me a little bit more about “Clean & Safe” stamp scheme? What will it mean for businesses and travellers?
A: The scheme allows tourism companies and hotels to advertise themselves as a “Clean & Safe” establishment. We have created a stamp to distinguish tourist companies that are compliant with hygiene and cleaning requirements for the prevention and control of Covid-19 and other possible infections. This recognition will be valid for a period of one year and it requires the implementation of an internal protocol according to the recommendations of the General Directorate of Health of Portugal, for the necessary sanitation required to avoid risks of contagion, and guarantees the operation of tourist activities in safe conditions. For this purpose, in addition to the implementation of measures such as the disinfection of spaces and equipment, businesses will have to acquire Personal Protective Equipment for staff, adapt infrastructure and signage, amongst other measures. A plan scheduling training for companies adhering to the seal is in motion. The ultimate goal of these measures is to reinforce security at the destination, as well as the confidence of the tourist.
Q: How does this differ from the “Good Practices – Covid Free” guide for the Algarve? What key players will the guide include?
A: The “Good Practices - Covid Free” guide is part of the “Clean & Safe” scheme, and is a guide for different tourism entities on best practice procedures that should be adopted in order to be considered “Clean & Safe”. The guide will include hotels, restaurants, bars, beaches, water parks, golf courses, car rental, campsites, marinas and travel agencies.
Q: How could hotel stays change as a result of Covid-19?
A: Hotels are working on new measures now, but I think we can expect to see a lot more cleaning taking place, hand sanitizers at all entrance and exit points, virtual check-ins, buffets being replaced by table service, mini bars being emptied, limits on numbers in confined spaces such as elevators, and hotel staff wearing personal protection clothing such as masks and gloves. Hotels will be keen to still offer a high level of service – it will just need adapting to keep visitors and staff safe.
Q: Travellers traditionally flock to the Algarve for the quintessential beach experience. Will we be likely to see new rules for the beach?
A:
Rules are currently being defined for access to beaches, which will be issued by the Portuguese Environment Agency shortly. They will allow the use of these spaces, whilst guaranteeing safety for visitors and workers. It will be nothing that prevents a vacationer from enjoying a nice sunny day on the sand or an appetizing dip in the sea, but taking care of the necessary rules applicable to the spaces and collaborators supporting the beaches (parking, access, help stations, restaurants, bars or umbrellas and sunbeds). There will also be a strong information campaign and call for the adoption of responsible behaviour aimed at beachgoers.
Q: What other differences should travellers expect when returning to the Algarve this year? For instance, could restaurants and attractions be shut?
A: It’s a rapidly changing scenario, but restaurants will start to reopen from 18 May, so long as they keep to fifty percent capacity – but bars and nightclubs will remain shut until the end of May. Beaches are open for walks from the 4 May and will open for bathing on the 1 June – with all the beach-safety measures and support in place.
With regards to other key attractions in the region, Zoomarine will open in June, Slide & Splash mid-June and Aquashow water park in July. Park capacity will be reduced, however, with compulsory use of masks in closed areas (restaurants, stores). The dates may change according to the evolution of the pandemic and new recommendations.
Q: What are your predictions for the tourist industry in the Algarve for the rest of the year and into 2021?
A: We hope that in the last quarter of the year, we will be able to reach the level of demand that we usually experience in this period. Tourist numbers in the winter–autumn season have been growing – in doing so, helping to mitigate seasonality in the region – due to the Algarve’s efforts and commitment to developing a strong, diverse touristic experience (with golf, natural, cultural and heritage tourism and nautical activities all on offer).
Q: What lessons would you like to see ordinary people and travellers taking with them once the pandemic has passed?
A: The first lesson we all learned from the way this pandemic spread and spared no one, is that we are much more alike than different. That solidarity and cooperation are starting points, not only to overcome the catastrophes of the moment, but also in the future to be more prepared for new challenges. That sustainability is definitely the best competitive factor for the development of any territory. As a Portuguese saying goes: “prevention is better than the cure”. And all this applies when we are at home, or when we travel.
written by Helen Fanthorpe
updated 13.05.2020
Helen worked as a Senior Travel Editor at Rough Guides and Insight Guides, based in the London office. Among her favourite projects to work on are inspirational guides like Make the most of your time on Earth, the ultimate travel bucket list.
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From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Portugal