Discover what makes Portugal unforgettable
Portugal’s beaches are simply stunning. The Algarve features dramatic cliffs and hidden coves, perfect for sunbathing and swimming in crystal-clear waters. Towns like Lagos and Albufeira offer vibrant atmospheres with charming cafes and shops. If you’re a surfer, Nazaré’s giant waves are legendary. For a more peaceful vibe, check out the serene beaches of Comporta, where you can unwind and soak in the breathtaking scenery.
Beyond the beaches, Portugal’s landscapes are incredibly diverse. You’ve got the lush, green mountains in the Azores, the rolling hills of the Alentejo, and dramatic cliffs along the coastline. Whether you’re hiking, cycling, or just taking in the scenery, Portugal’s natural beauty will leave you speechless.
Portugal’s architecture is a mix of medieval, Moorish, and modern influences. You’ll find Gothic monasteries, ornate Manueline-style buildings, and contemporary designs by world-renowned architects. Whether you’re visiting the ancient Jerónimos Monastery or the modern MAAT museum, the blend of old and new is stunning.
Portugal’s famous blue-and-white tiles—azulejos—adorn buildings, churches, and even train stations. These hand-painted tiles tell stories through intricate designs, adding character to the streets. You can explore Lisbon’s tile museum or just wander the streets and admire the art all around you.
Unveiling Portugal’s hidden gems and iconic wonders
Wander through Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood, where steep cobbled streets wind past colorful tiled facades and laundry sways between balconies. With your guide, uncover hidden viewpoints, hear the echoes of Fado music from local taverns, and step into centuries-old churches. This is the real Lisbon—charming, soulful, and full of stories.
Journey through the rolling vineyards of the Douro Valley, home to some of the world’s finest wines. Visit a small, family-run winery where the owners share their passion for winemaking, from grape to glass. Sip on rich reds and crisp whites while overlooking the river-carved landscape, away from the big commercial tastings.
Feel the power of the Atlantic at Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe. With rugged cliffs plunging into crashing waves, it’s a breathtaking spot to pause and take in the vastness of the ocean. Your private guide helps you avoid the crowds, leading you to quieter trails with even better views.
Step into a storybook world in Sintra, where colorful palaces rise from misty forests. Visit the iconic Pena Palace with its whimsical towers and hidden courtyards, then explore lesser-known gems like the Moorish Castle. With a private tour, you can take your time, avoiding the rush and discovering the best viewpoints in peace.
Join a locals for a hands-on cooking experience, where you’ll learn to prepare a classic Portuguese dish, like cataplana or bacalhau à brás. As you chop, stir, and taste, you’ll hear stories of old family recipes and traditions. The best part? Sharing the meal together, just like the locals do.
Escape the busy beaches and find a quiet cliffside spot where the golden coast stretches endlessly before you. As the sun dips into the Atlantic, enjoy a simple picnic of fresh bread, cheese, and local wine, savoring the moment with nothing but the sound of the waves. Your guide knows the perfect secluded locations for an unforgettable sunset.
Stroll along Porto’s Ribeira district, where colorful houses line the riverbank and locals gather in bustling cafés. Your guide will lead you through hidden alleyways and centuries-old bridges, sharing the city’s maritime history and introducing you to small, family-run taverns where port wine flows freely.
Venture into Portugal’s countryside to discover stone-built villages where time seems to stand still. Walk through narrow lanes lined with slate houses, meet artisans still practicing ancient crafts, and enjoy a slow lunch in a family-run taverna. With a private guide, you’ll go beyond the guidebooks and experience Portugal’s rural heart.
If you want to cover a bit of everything on your trip – sightseeing, outdoor activities, lazy days on the beach with dips in the ocean — the best month to visit Portugal is September. It’s still hot, but far less intense than summer, and the sea will be at its warmest.
April to early May are also wonderful. Although sea temperatures are chilly, the landscapes are beautiful — lush, and alive with flowers, before the dry months of summer roll in.
Fully customizable, unforgettable Portugal Tours
Crafted with by local experts
Tell us what excites you, and we’ll turn it into reality.
Work with local experts to create a seamless, personalized travel experience.
Enjoy expert support every step of the way, backed by our satisfaction guarantee.
Authentic and Personalized Experience
Hassle-free Planning & Secure Payment
Easy Travel & 24/7 In-Destination Assistance
Support for Local Communities
Of travelers trusted our services and products.
Rating based on our customers' feedback.
Verified local experts across 90+ destinations.
Years of expertise in the travel industry.
Our agent was very helpful and responsive to our requests for changes to customise our trip. He met us at the airport and was available throughout our trip to offer support and advice.
We had a great time. Joel was a wonderful host and took great care of us. He was knowledgeable and friendly. We enjoyed our time with him. The trip went very well. All the accommodations were more than we expected, and the sights/events chosen gave us a full view of Portugal. I would whole-heartedly recommend Rough Guides and Joel for anyone considering Portugal. The only suggestion I would make is that an electric vehicle is not the best choice for long car rides. To manage the battery life, we had to go very slow, but we did enjoy our time with Joel on the drives. Electric is great for short visits like Sintra and Belhem, but for the longer drives the technology is not yet there.
Traveled to Portugal and Joel with Rough Guides was amazing. He planned our trip and was our driver too. He’s very friendly and loves his country. We felt we made a friend in the 10 days we were there. Loved our trip.
Our trip through rough guides, coordinated by Monica, was wonderful. Monica was an absolute pleasure to work with, she organized our trip so that we had no concerns. We have recommended Rough Guides to numerous people at home and during our trip.
I'm not sure where to send this so I'll start here. My parents just reached out to me to ask whether I'd told you how exceptional our experience was in our recent (May 2024) trip to Portugal and, particularly, how wonderful our guide, Joel (mylisbonholidays), was. I let them know I had not, but that I would. At any rate, I wanted to pass this on. Joel made our trip exceptional himself, with meticulous planning to ensure my mother, who is disabled, could participate to the degree possible. Her ability to walk is significantly compromised, yet he "made it happen". He, personally, pushed her around in a wheelchair in a number of circumstances that I was simply not able to or would have been limited. What an experience - I am eternally grateful to him for making this trip possible for my parents (85 and 89 respectively) and for making it a trip I (55) could enjoy without worry. I would recommend Joel and his company 100%. In fact, this experience was so good that my parents, who were thinking they were done with traveling outside the US, are contemplating another trip next year. As an aside, this was my second Rough Guides trip and I recently recommended you to another couple who is taking a trip with you to Italy in October. Thank you,
Just wanted to express my thanks to Joel and Rough Guides for a wonderful trip! Everything was well-chosen and we just loved all of the hotels, sightseeing recommendations, activities, etc. The one time we had an issue (and it really was only one time), I called Joel and he responded immediately and fixed the problem. Thanks again!
Meet the experts who make your journey special
See all Portugal local experts →Arrange your trip, hassle-free, with local travel experts
Discover Portugal – Your travel guide.