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 Rough Guides Editors
updated 24.08.2021
The Algarve Portugal has 300 days of sunshine each year. And it attracts millions of visitors. But sticking to beaches and golf means missing out. With 200km of coastline there's lots to discover. Five centuries of Moorish left a rich legacy. And secrets can still be found in the Algarve.
7 days / from3062 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 / from3019 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 / from1728 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 / from1139 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 / from1690 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 / from2662 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 / from2916 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 / from1771 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 / from4282 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 / from3559 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 / from5989 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 / from5913 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 / from1577 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 / from2148 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 / from3154 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 / from2678 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 / from5389 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 / from7030 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 / from1836 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 / from3159 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 / from2524 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 ⤍Don't skip Faro and head straight for Algarve resorts. Spend a few hours in the city at least. Get lost in Faro old town. Discover narrow lanes and churches. Explore the ruined city walls. And make time for its pretty harbour.
Restaurants like Tertúlia Algarvia serve up Algarve specialties such as Cataplana. And try the rooftop bar at Hotel Faro for sunsets over Ria Formosa.
Visit the town of Olhão for its extraordinary creativity. Much of centre has been transformed with street art celebrating the town's heritage.
In the suburbs, abandoned buildings and churches showcase Portuguese artists. And if want to buy art, many town shops sell the work of local artisans.
The Ria Formosa Natural Park stretches 60 km from Ancão beach almost to the Spanish border.
Explore Ria Formosa by boat. Ferry services run from Faro and Olhão. Want a more personal experience? Take a catamaran cruise from Olhão for a day of island hopping.
Some 395 bird species have been recorded in the Algarve.
Want to spot birds with local experts? Book an eco-friendly bird watching tour of Ria Formosa.
Algarve cuisine is an aromatic melting pot. Influences range from Arab to Mediterranean. And the local larder is packed with fresh tuna, olives, oysters and more.
It's a foodie playground. The seafood's fresh as can be. And head inland to discover vineyards, olive groves and carob trees.
Centuries ago, eastern Algarve supplied salt to the Roman Empire. Today it still cultivates some of the world's finest. And Sal Marim is found in Michelin starred restaurants all over Europe.
Prefer to leave planning and booking to experts? Have a look at some sample itineraries. Both Complete Portugal or Portugal Itineraries offer inspiration. All Tailor Made Trips can be modified together with your local expert, then booked for a stress-free holiday. Click 'Modify this itinerary' to contact a local Portugal expert.
Expect architectural grandeur even in small Algarve towns. Vila Real de Santo Antonio sits on the Guadiana river. It's close to the Spanish border. And in 1755 was levelled by the same earthquake which devastated Lisbon. Happily, the same architect who rebuilt the capital travelled well.
Marquis de Pombal recreated his Pombaline style in Vila Real de Santo Antonio. He designed a grid-plan around a central square. And then he combined neoclassical elements with whitewashed facades and red roofs. The town's Art Nouveau riverfront was designed by Swiss architect Ernesto Korrodi.
Tempted to experience some Pombaline style? Consider at stay at Pombaline Building, in the heart of Vila Real de Santo Antonio.
The Algarve coast is a magnet for surfers. And equally alluring for sailing and swimming.
Western Algarve is where the Atlantic is wildest. It's the coast for experienced surfers and sailors.
Algarve weather is warmer to the east. And seas are calmer closer to the Mediterranean.
You can go dolphin or whale watching right along the Algarve coast. Try Lagos or Albufeira for guided cruises. Grottos and caves can be explored by yacht or kayak. And Portimão, Faro or Olhao are all good for boat trips.
Ready to take to the water? Catch a dolphin watching guided cruise from Lagos with local experts.
Feel like escaping? Head to western Algarve. Here, Costa Vicentina is Europe’s last wild coastline.
Costa Vicentina Natural Park has no major developments. There are no new urban areas. And the park stretches from near Lisbon, south to Porto Covo in Alentejo.
Heavily protected Costa Vicentina is the Algarve's best preserved coast. Sustainability is high on the agenda. And the focus is on protecting the environment and local communities.
The park's networked with 1750km of hiking and cycling trails. Try one of 24 circular routes. Or go for the Historical Way or Fishermen’s Trails.
The Algarve has some of the world's best beaches. And it isn't too hard to find quieter ones.
Head east for Praia da Ilha Deserta. It's on an island on the Ria Formosa. Completely unspoiled, it's reached by ferry. Praia da Culatra is another eastern beach to try.
Need more beach facilities? Make for western Algarve. Praia de Dona Ana, Praia de Benagil, and Praia da Falesia are all great choices.
Praia da Bordeira is north on the Atlantic coast. It's perfect for walking or surfing.
Ready for a trip to Portugal? Read more about the best time to go to Portugal, the best places to visit and best things to do in Portugal. For inspiration use the Portugal Itineraries from The Rough Guide to Portugal and created by our local travel agents in Portugal. A bit more hands on, check out the map of Portugal and learn about getting there, getting around the country and where to stay in Portugal once you are there. And don't forget to buy travel insurance before you go.
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written by Rough Guides Editors
updated 24.08.2021
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From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Portugal