Portugal
Travel Guide
Diverse landscapes, cuisine of rich flavors, vibrant music, and coastal views. Nature, gastronomy, heritage, and more!
Travel to Portugal! Where sun-drenched beaches, historic landmarks, flavorful cuisine, and warm hospitality are waiting to be explored. Located on the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal's coast spans along the Atlantic Ocean. Walk along the charming cobblestone streets in picturesque towns, and witness cultural traditions. From the vibrant city life of Lisbon to the peaceful vineyards of the Douro Valley, there is a lot to discover in Portugal. Experience a diverse offering of excursions for travelers seeking adventure, relaxation, and gastronomy. Portugal is a country rich in history, explore its UNESCO World Heritage sites, and taste world-class wines. Whether you're drawn to the energy of city life or more peaceful trips to more rural landscapes, Portugal has it all!
We will share everything you need to know about the main destinations, top attractions, hotels, food, transportation, travel requirements, comprehensive travel guides, and more!
What You Need To Know
Language
Portuguese is the main language of Portugal. While language barriers may arise, English is frequently well-understood in Portugal, especially among larger metropolitan cities.
Currency
The main currency used in Portugal is the Euro (€). The most common denominations of Euro banknotes used in Portugal are €5, €10, €20, €50, and €100.
Outlets
The power plugs used in Portugal are Type C and type F. Type C plugs have two round pins, while Type F plugs have two round pins with two grounding clips on the sides. You can opt for the universal travel adapter which has many plug-type variations great for international travel.
Entry Requirements
Canadians or Americans can enter Portugal visa-free for up to 90 days (3 months). The list of Visa-free countries not located in the EU can be found here.
Those who are a part of the EU and the Schengen area can stay 90 days in any 180 days within the Schengen area. The Schengen area is composed of the following countries:
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czechia, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Liechtenstein, Luxemburg, Malta, Norway, The Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Yes, in Portugal, non-EU residents can claim a refund of Value Added Tax (VAT) paid on eligible purchases when leaving the country. To qualify for the VAT refund, you must meet certain conditions.
Service charges may not included in bills at restaurants, cafés, and bars in Portugal. Therefore, we always recommend checking the receipt for service charges before paying. If it includes a service charge, consider the tip already included. If not, for great service 5-10% is normally appreciated.
Yes, tap water in Portugal is generally safe to drink. However, bottled water is also widely available. We normally prefer to buy bottled water when traveling abroad.
When is the best time to visit Portugal?
The best time to visit Portugal varies by region. In general:
Lisbon and Central Portugal: Spring (March to May) and Fall (September to October) offer pleasant weather with fewer crowds.
Porto and Northern Portugal: Similar to Lisbon, Spring and Fall are ideal, although Summer (June to August) can be busy but also vibrant with festivals.
Algarve and Southern Portugal: Summer (June to August) is popular for its warm weather and beach activities, but Spring and Fall are also pleasant with milder temperatures and fewer tourists.
Azores: Spring and Fall are recommended due to mild temperatures and fewer visitors, although Summer can also be enjoyable for outdoor activities.
Madeira: The year-round mild climate makes it suitable for visits at any time, but Spring and Fall are particularly pleasant with fewer tourists.
Consider the specific activities you’re interested in when planning your visit to Portugal’s regions.
Travel + Food Guides
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Portugal
Photo Gallery
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