written by
Joanne Owen
updated 10.02.2025
Offering everything from fun family beach breaks and culture-packed city breaks, to vacations focussed on food and wine (and much more besides), Portugal has plenty to offer pretty much every type of traveler. So, here’s how to plan a trip to Portugal to help you make make the most of your trip.
Before getting into the detail of how to plan a trip to Portugal, specifically, here are some handy tips that’ll make all your trip planning experiences smoother.
Number one: don’t leave anything to the last minute, or even the last few weeks. Better to start making plans several months ahead of your intended travel dates.
That way, you’ll have the time — and head space — to check out all the options and make more informed decisions, not least when it comes to deciding the best time to visit Portugal in order to get what you most want from your trip.
Giving yourself plenty of time also means you can consider all the best things to do in Portugal and weigh up which of them you most want to experience.
In addition, you’ll stand a better chance of saving money on the likes of flights and accommodation, and choosing tour and trip operators that better align with your budget and needs.
If you’re traveling in a group, set up a Google doc and WhatsApp group so everyone can share ideas, make decisions, and keep up to date with schedules, bookings and your day-by-day itinerary, once you get to that stage.
Lastly, don’t overstretch your itinerary. Better to allow enough time in each destination so you can enjoy just being there, alongside having time to get to know the places on your itinerary.
Not keen on the idea of an extended planning process? Check-out our expert-curated Portugal itineraries for inspiration and ready-made ideas, including a rewarding 5 days in Portugal itinerary and 7 days in Portugal itinerary.
Looking for something longer? Dive into our 14 days in Portugal itinerary, or contact our travel experts to have them curate your perfect Portugal vacation for any duration.
Praia da Coelha, Algarve, Portugal © Shutterstock
When to do this: at least 6 months before your trip to Portugal
To get started, you need to give thought to what you want most from your trip, when to go, and how long you’re going to visit for before moving to define where — exactly — you want to base yourself, and what — exactly — you want to see and do.
Factors to consider first while planning your trip to Portugal
Sao Jorge Castle, Alfama, Lisbon © Shutterstock
When it comes to figuring out when to go to Portugal, that pretty much depends on what kind of vacation you want, and your budget.
On balance, though, if you’re hoping to cover a range of experiences — city sightseeing, outdoor activities and time on the beach — early-fall and late-spring are great months to visit.
For example, the weather in Portugal in September is still pretty hot, and the sea will be at its warmest. At the same time, top tourist destinations will be a lot less crowded than they are in July and August, and the cost of flights and accommodation will have dropped a little.
If you’re OK with cooler sea temperatures, April and May are also great months to visit. Expect bright sunny days, mild-to-warm temperatures and pretty moderate crowds.
Conversely, if you’re in the market for more of a city break, October is also a great month to visit, and you can still enjoy, for example, long walks on near-deserted beaches — just pack warmer clothes.
In fact, there are plenty of reasons to visit Portugal’s Algarve around the year.
Deciding when to go is key part of how to plan a trip to Portugal. Image: Milreu, near Faro, Portugal © Shutterstock
If you’re heading to Portugal from someplace in Europe that has a pretty short flight time, Portugal makes a wonderful weekend break destination.
For example, the capital Lisbon is a popular weekend break destination for many good reasons.
Loaded with history, museums, excellent (and affordable) places to eat, and lively nightlife, it’s also compact, though come prepared with comfy shoes to handle all the hills and cobblestones.
That said, if you’re traveling from further afield and want to see more than one location in Portugal, we suggest allowing at least a week to ten days so you can spend a decent amount of time in a couple of destinations.
It goes without saying that the cost of a trip to Portugal is dependent on when you travel (flights and accommodation are pricier in the high season), and your travel style i.e. the kinds of accommodation you like staying in, and the types of places you like to dine out in.
In general, though, Portugal can be a pretty affordable destination, especially when it comes to eating out, and if you give yourself plenty of time to research accommodation. Some wonderful guest houses and villas can be booked for a great price.
Here’s a ballpark breakdown of average costs for a week’s vacation in Portugal, with estimated prices for a mid-range stay.
Total estimated cost for a week: $1800
Need to stick to a tight budget? Find out about free things to do in Lisbon.
As a result of Portugal's participation in the Schengen Agreement — which permits visa-free travel among member countries — U.S. citizens can visit Portugal for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without the need for a visa.
Just check your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your intended date of departure from the Schengen area.
Also note that a new European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will be implemented some time in 2025.
While this isn’t visa, this will require U.S. citizens and other visa-exempt travelers to obtain an online travel authorization before entering Schengen countries, including Portugal. Keep an eye on the official site for details.
Want more practical guidance? Read our Portugal travel advice, and Portugal travel tips.
Bairro Alto, Lisbon © Shutterstock
When to do this: 5 months before
In order to start fine-tuning your Portugal itinerary, make a list of everything you’re keen to see and do, considering your absolute must-visit destinations, and the kind of experiences you’re looking for.
If you're not traveling solo, invite everyone in your group to suggest, say, three must-see attractions or experiences, and together you can come up with a plan that keeps everyone happy.
Questions to consider when deciding details of your Portugal itinerary
Terrace restaurant in Lisbon, Portugal © Shutterstock
A key part of how to plan a trip to Portugal is, of course, making decisions about where to go during your trip, and then figuring out whether you can fit your top picks into an itinerary covering your vacation timeframe.
Here’s an overview of the best regions, cities and towns to consider.
Lisbon, Portugal’s charming capital, boasts a bounty of beautiful historic neighborhoods, among them the Alfama and Bairro Alto that play host to iconic landmarks like Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery.
Lisbon is also a top city for foodies, as revealed in our area by area guide to where to eat in Lisbon, with the districts of Madragoa and Lapa being great places for those who want to eat like a local.
No visit to Lisbon would be complete without taking a day trip to UNESCO-designated Sintra. Better still if you can spend a couple of days here.
Nestled in the hills, and presided over by the fairy-tale-esque Pena Palace, Sintra is impossibly pretty, with the beautiful, quirky Quinta da Regaleira estate — another UNESCO World Heritage Site — showcasing splendid architecture and gardens.
Porto, Portugal © Shutterstock
Porto, Portugal's second-largest city, is renowned for its historic Ribeira district, and for being the home of port wine.
Boasting a trio of UNESCO-designated treasures, this scenic city also serves as the gateway to the Duoro Valley wine region, and it’s within reach of some excellent beaches.
Located in the southern Alentejo region, Évora is one of Portugal’s most historic and beautiful cities.
Showcasing a blend of well-preserved architecture, including the Roman Temple, Évora Cathedral, and the Chapel of Bones, plus Moorish alleys, medieval walls, sixteenth-century mansions and whitewashed houses, it’s another of the country’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
It’s also a great base or stop-off if you fancy taking a tasting tour of the Alentejo region.
Evora, Portugal © Ahutterstock
Portugal’s Algarve region is a popular place for beach breaks, whether you’re looking for a fun family-friendly experience, or something that mixes the beach with nature, adventure and culture.
While the Algarve’s beaches tend to be its biggest draw, the area is also loaded with handsome historic towns, such as coastal Lagos, with its dramatic cliffs and ancient city walls.
Meanwhile Faro, capital of the region, boasts a remarkably well-preserved medieval quarter, and offers easy access to Ria Formosa Natural Park, which happens to be one of the very best things in the Algarve.
Want more food for thought? While honing in on which regions to visit, consider getting off the tourist trail in Portugal. And, if you not sure which city to focus on, read our feature on Porto versus Lisbon.
Lagos, Portugal © Shutterstock
With its coastline covering 850+ km, Portugal boasts 500+ beaches, each of them offering a different vibe.
Here are a few of our top picks, with more unveiled in our feature on the best beaches in Portugal.
In the Algarve region, Praia da Marinha comes recommended for its dramatic cliff backdrop, sea caves and clear waters that are ideal for snorkelling.
Meanwhile, Praia da Falésia in Albufeira boasts a long stretch of golden sand backed by towering copper-colored cliffs.
If you’re in the Lisbon area, Costa da Caparica’s expansive coastline is loaded with lively beach bars. It’s also a popular surf spot and has lots of family-friendly facilities.
Lisbon tram © Shutterstock
At this stage of your planning process, as you narrow down the places you most want to visit, you also need to consider how you’ll get around Portugal, so you can see what’s feasible to cover in your itinerary.
In good news, Portugal isn’t huge and you can get pretty much anywhere by public transport. Here’s an overview of options.
Operated by Comboios de Portugal (CP), the national train network connects major cities and towns, with services ranging from high-speed trains that link cities like Lisbon, Porto and Faro, to regional trains.
Booking in advance can secure discounts, especially for long-distance journeys.
For areas not accessible by train, long-distance buses are a reliable alternative.
Urban areas also have their own bus networks, though expect services in rural regions to be less frequent.
Lisbon’s Metro system is an efficient, affordable way to navigate the city, alongside historic trams that cover scenic routes.
Porto’s Metro system is also super-modern and user-friendly.
Renting a car provides flexibility, and offer extra convenience, especially if you’re exploring more rural areas or want to do a deeper dive into the Algarve's coastal towns, for example.
Cycling is gaining popularity, with many cities introducing dedicated bike lanes and bike-sharing programs, Just be prepared for the hilly terrain of Lisbon and Porto.
Fado musicians © Shutterstock
When to start: at least 5 months before
To secure your ideal travel schedule and accommodation — and to spread costs and stand a better chance of bagging a bargain — it’s best to book your main travel components around five months ahead of your trip.
At this stage, book:
When it comes to figuring out how to get to Portugal, while regular direct flights run to Lisbon, Faro and Porto from all over Europe and some US cities, travelers from outside Europe might find it cheaper to fly via London and arrange onward travel from there.
From the UK, several airlines offer direct flights from various UK cities to Portugal. For instance, British Airways operates regular flights from London Heathrow to Lisbon, Faro, and Porto, with flight times averaging 2 to 2.5 hours.
If you’re keen to fly direct to Portugal from the US, chech out TAP Air Portugal — they offer flights from New York to Lisbon, with a flight time of around seven hours.
Though direct services are limited, Portugal is also accessible by train from a number of European cities. For example, you can take an overnight train from Madrid to Lisbon.
From Paris, you could take a high-speed train to Irun on the French-Spanish border, and then connect to the Sud Express overnight train to Lisbon.
Torre de Belém, Lisbon @ Shutterstock
As a general rule, accommodation in Portugal is good value compared with many other western European countries.
As an example, you can often bag a room is a basic guesthouse or small hotel as little as €40. One caveat is that you’ll definitely pay more in Lisbon and Porto, and in Algarve resorts through the summer months.
If you need accommodation in Lisbon, we really rate the Alfama district for first-timers. You’ll be close to historic attractions and could even stay someplace historic, like the 18th-century Solar do Castelo, which ajoins the castle walls.
Meanwhile, when it comes to places to stay in Porto, we rate accommodation in the Ribeira district for folks who are new the city and want soak up history.
For a really special stay read our feature on the best pousados in Portugal. Previously run by the Portuguese State, this group of luxury, traditional and historic accommodation encompasses a suite of former palaces monasteries, convents and castles, including many of our top ten places to stay in Portugal.
Pousada Convento Tavira, the Aalgarve, Portugal © Shutterstock
When to do this: at least 4 months before
To make sure you don’t miss out — and to save yourself hassle and time when you arrive in Portugal — be sure to pre-book all your must-do activities, and tickets to your must-see attractions.
Questions to consider and take action on: what Portugal attractions and experiences should be booked in advance?
If any of the following attractions and experiences have made it onto your Portugal itinerary, we suggest you book your tickets and tours before you travel.
If you’re into fine food, one final tip on the subject of pre-booking is to wise up on the best restaurants in Portugal and consider reserving a table.
Portuguese codfish cake © Shutterstock
When to do this: three months in advance
To give yourself time to weigh up different options — and for peace of mind — take care of things like insurance a few months ahead of your trip.
Decisions to make:
Travel insurance is 100% recommended for peace of mind wherever you travel. If you don’t already have something in place, take time to compare options a few months ahead of your trip.
While Wi-Fi is widely available in Portugal’s cities and towns, and in the likes of cafés, bars, airports and stations, you might want to buy a local SIM card to enjoy reliable internet access throughout your stay.
Alternatively, pre-buying an eSIM offer the convenience of activating a mobile plan without needing a physical SIM card.
They're especially useful for travelers who want the peace of mind of setting up connectivity before arrival, such as the top-notch service offered by Travelsim.
Sao Bento station, Pporto, Portugal © Shutterstock
When to do this: one week before
A or so week ahead of your trip, you might want to exchang currency, assemble your travel documents and itinerary details, and give thought to what you’re going to pack.
It’s a smart idea to have digital and physical copies of all your booking confirmations.
We also suggest assembling all the details of your day-to-day itinerary — with confirmation numbers, addresses and phone numbers — into one document, so you have everything in one quick-reference place
Decisions to make:
When traveling to Portugal, we suggest coming armed with a combination of payment methods.
While credit and debit cards are widely accepted, having cash euros to hand will be useful when visiting the likes of local festivals, beach bars and markets, and buying from street vendors.
For better exchange rates, check options in your home destination and pre-order euros.
If you need to top up while you’re away, ATMs are plentiful in most places, but keep an eye on your cash levels if you’re heading off the beaten track to smaller villages.
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What you need to pack for Portugal will depend on the season, and what kinds of activities you plan to do.
In spring (March to May), mild temperatures means you’ll need a mix of light clothing and layers. From June-August, Portugal is pretty darn hot, so focus on breathable fabrics, swimwear and plenty of sun protection.
Come fall, the weather is variable, so bring layers, warmer sweaters and a light raincoat. Meanwhile, it’s cooler and wetter in winter (December to February), particularly in the north, so pack even warmer clothing and waterproof items.
Year round, opt for sturdy walking shoes (or sandals in summer) to explore cities with cobblestone streets.
Beyond clothing, note that Portugal uses Type C and F sockets with a standard voltage of 230V, so check your devices are compatible or else bring appropriate adapters.
Duoro Valley, Portugal © Shutterstock
If you’ve followed our advice and factored in flexibility to your itinerary, you should have no trouble finding the time to truly savor your trip.
That’s especially the case if you also pre-booked transfers and tickets for the likes of trains, tours and entrance to attractions.
Another way to increase your chance of having more time to relish every moment of your trip is to have our local travel experts curate your ideal Portugal itinerary.
That way, our experts will have done all the hard work for you including booking transfers, accommodation and tours, leaving you free to make the absolute most of your trip.
written by
Joanne Owen
updated 10.02.2025
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