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Welcome to your Portugal guide!
Start planning your Portugal getaway today with this free vacation guide. Inside you will learn all that you need to know to prepare for the ultimate Portuguese adventure.
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All About Portugal
Portugal is a country in southern Europe that contains 7 different regions, Atlantic shorelines, rolling plains, and impressive rock formations. Known as one of the oldest countries in Europe, Portugal provides plenty of historic and religious sites for curious travelers.
Portugal’s Mediterranean climate makes it one of the warmest European countries. Many travelers visit in the spring or fall months for warm weather and fewer crowds.
Capital of Portugal:
Lisbon
Official Language:
Portuguese
Major Airports:
Lisbon, Faro, Porto
Time Zone:
+5 Ahead of U.S. Eastern Time Zone
Currency:
Euro (€/EUR)
Entry Requirements:
Valid Passport
Voltage:
230 volt (Type C and Type J plugs)
Tourist Tax:
There is a small tourist tax which is charged per person/per night and paid directly to hotels at check-out. (primarily in Lisbon, Porto, and Algarve)
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Regions & Areas
There are 7 main regions within Portugal. Each region has its own popular tourist attractions, but the cultural and climatic differences make for a unique and diverse experience ranging from coastlines to mountaintops to grasslands.
Lisbon and Surrounding Areas
- Lisbon
- Sintra
- Cascais
Alentejo
- Évora
Central Region
- Coimbra
- Fátima
- Óbidos
- Nazaré
- Batalha
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Regions & Areas
Algarve
- Albufeira
- Faro
- Lagos
Douro Valley
- Lamego
- Porto
Madeira Islands
Azores
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Accommodations
Hotels
We’ll suggest preferred partner properties with a wide range of options, from old-style charm and boutique to modern and luxury options.
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Accommodations
Pousadas
Traditional historic buildings—former monasteries, castles, palaces, and fortresses—converted into luxury hotels.
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Accommodations
Quintas
Portuguese country homes (similar to Italian villas), guesthouses, and sometimes working farms that offer wonderfully authentic experiences.
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Food & Drink
Bacalhau is a salted cod dish that is a national obsession, it can be prepared in many different ways, from grilled to baked, canned, or fried. Porco Preto, also known as “black pork,” is a Portuguese cured ham that comes from the same breed of pig as the jamón Iberico from Spain. Originating from Porto, the famous Francesinha Sandwich is made with bread, ham, linguiça, fresh sausage, and roasted meat, covered with melted cheese and spiced tomato, and beer sauce. For dessert, you won’t want to miss the Pastéis de Nata, a Portuguese egg custard tart dusted with cinnamon that can be found in every pastry shop, typically alongside a small, strong cup of bica (Portuguese coffee). Portugal has 11 officially recognized wine regions. The most famous are Minho (white), Douro Valley (red), and Porto (fortified).
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Attractions & Points of Interest
Experience the perfect vacation based on your interests. Portugal offers a wide variety of tours, from culinary to history.
Food & Wine
- Enjoy a port wine tasting along the Douro river, or taste local craft beers in a local tavern.
Architecture
- Explore Porto’s many bridges and Lisbon’s many examples of Manueline buildings like the Jerónimos Monastery.
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Attractions & Points of Interest
World Heritage
- No fewer than 16 UNESCO World Heritage Sites to explore including the Tower of Belém, the Monastery of Batalha, historical centers of Évora and Guimarães, the University of Coimbra, and the terraced vineyards of the Douro Valley.
Culture
- Enjoy a soulful evening watching a Fado show or shop for striking blue and white Potuguese tiles, called azulejos.
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Attractions & Points of Interest
Sports & Outdoors
- World-class golfing, hiking, and sailing.
- Relaxing golden beaches in Algarve.
Tenon Recommends
- Restaurant in Lisbon: Liz Pinto says the best pastries in Portugal are found at Pastéis de Belém
- Tour/Attraction in Douro Valley: A must-do for Liz Marjollet is a wine day tour and boat cruise.
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Insider Tips
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Best Time To Visit
Portugal’s Mediterranean climate makes it one of the warmest European countries, ideal year-round. But many travelers prefer the spring or fall for warm weather and fewer crowds.
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What To Pack
Bring lots of options to suit varied climates: clothes that can be layered, sunglasses, scarf or wrap, umbrella, waterproof jacket, and comfortable shoes.
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Food & Drink
Find out what dish is Portgual’s national obsession (and obviously try it) and discover the country’s famous sandwich, the dessert found in every pastry shop, and what to toast with.
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Travel
A valid passport is required to travel to Portugal.
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Getting Around
You’ll have a few transportation options to choose from when traveling around Portugal.
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Car Rentals
Portugal has a safe and well-kept highway system, but some of the smaller country roads can be hard to navigate. An international driving permit (IDP) is not required to drive a rental car in Portugal, but if you are planning a drive into neighboring Spain, an IDP will be required.
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Train
Portuguese train service is reliable and efficient. Service between major cities is operated by Intercidades (Intercity) trains, while regional and interregional trains are used for shorter distances.
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Ferry
Ferry service is available to and from Funchal (Madeira Islands) and the Portuguese mainland.
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Special Events
Many festivals and special events take place in Portugal year-round, from Festas de Lisboa to Festival de Sintra.
Pilgrimage to Fátima
May 13 and October 13
Liberty Day
April 25
Festas de Lisboa
series of festivals throughout June, peaking on St. Anthony’s Day, June 13
Holy Week (Semana Santa)
celebrated a week before Easter
Carnival
celebrated in various cities 40 days before Easter
Festival de Sintra classical music and opera
mid-September through mid-October
Lisbon Gay Pride (Arraial Lisboa)
end of June
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Ready for More?
We hope this guide has helped you learn more about Portugal and that you feel ready to plan your trip! If you want to learn more, you can receive a free 30-minute travel consultation about Portugal when you request a quote, or if you’re interested in other locations you can access more guides.
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Free Portugal Vacation Guide
Are you ready to plan your Portugal getaway, but aren’t sure where to start? Inside our free vacation guide, you’ll learn:
Facts on currency, language and more
Popular regions and cities to visit
Foods that you will want to try during your travels
Festivals, attractions and experiences you don’t want to miss
And more!
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