Portugal Travel Guide
Portugal, located on the Iberian Peninsula, is a country of stunning landscapes, rich traditions, and vibrant cities. Lisbon, the capital, offers a mix of historic charm and modern energy, with its iconic Belém Tower, colorful Alfama district, and lively waterfront. Visitors can explore the city’s famous tram routes, enjoy traditional fado music, and indulge in pastéis de nata, Portugal’s beloved custard tarts. The city’s blend of history, culture, and nightlife makes it a must-visit destination.
Beyond Lisbon, Porto is a gem in northern Portugal, known for its picturesque Ribeira district and the stunning Dom Luís I Bridge spanning the Douro River. The city is famous for its port wine cellars, where visitors can sample the region’s finest vintages. Nearby, the Douro Valley offers breathtaking vineyard landscapes, perfect for wine tours and scenic boat trips. Porto’s mix of medieval architecture and contemporary culture creates a dynamic travel experience.
Portugal’s coastline is another highlight, with the Algarve boasting golden beaches, dramatic cliffs, and charming fishing villages. Towns like Lagos and Albufeira offer a mix of relaxation and adventure, with opportunities for surfing, boat tours, and exploring hidden sea caves. The Azores and Madeira, Portugal’s island regions, provide lush landscapes, volcanic scenery, and unique cultural traditions. Whether exploring historic cities, enjoying coastal beauty, or immersing in local flavors, Portugal offers a diverse and unforgettable travel experience.
Table of Contents
- History of Portugal
- Portugal: Prehistoric and Roman Influence (Pre-711 AD)
- Portugal: Moorish Rule and the Reconquista (711–1249)
- Portugal: The Age of Discovery (15th–16th Century)
- Portugal: Decline and Foreign Influence (17th–19th Century)
- Portugal: The End of Monarchy and Political Shifts (20th Century)
- Portugal: European Integration and Modern Era (1974–Present)
- Best Time to Visit Portugal
- Portugal: Spring (March–May)
- Portugal: Summer (June–August) (Best)
- Portugal: Autumn (September–November)
- Portugal: Winter (December–February)
- Food and Drink from Portugal
- 1. Bacalhau – Salted Cod
- 2. Pastel de Nata – Custard Tart
- 3. Francesinha – Hearty Sandwich
- 4. Caldo Verde – Green Soup
- 5. Arroz de Marisco – Seafood Rice
- 6. Ginjinha – Sour Cherry Liqueur
- 7. Vinho Verde – Young Green Wine
- 8. Bolo de Mel – Honey Cake
- 9. Amêijoas à Bulhão Pato – Clams in Garlic Sauce
- 10. Terracotta Wine – Traditional Clay-Aged Wine
- Regions and Cities of Portugal
History of Portugal
Portugal: Prehistoric and Roman Influence (Pre-711 AD)
Portugal’s history dates back to prehistoric times, with evidence of early human settlements and megalithic structures. The Lusitanians, an ancient Iberian tribe, resisted Roman conquest until the 2nd century BC. By 27 BC, Portugal became part of the Roman Empire, integrating into the province of Lusitania. Roman rule brought infrastructure, trade, and Latin influence, shaping the region’s cultural and linguistic foundations.
Portugal: Moorish Rule and the Reconquista (711–1249)
In 711, the Moors conquered Portugal, introducing Islamic architecture, agriculture, and scientific advancements. The Christian Reconquista gradually reclaimed territory, culminating in the establishment of the County of Portugal in 868. By 1139, Afonso Henriques declared himself King of Portugal, leading to full independence in 1143. The final Moorish stronghold was recaptured in 1249, solidifying Portugal’s territorial boundaries.
Portugal: The Age of Discovery (15th–16th Century)
Portugal emerged as a global power during the Age of Discovery, pioneering maritime exploration. Prince Henry the Navigator spearheaded expeditions along Africa’s coast, while Vasco da Gama reached India in 1498, establishing lucrative trade routes. Portugal’s empire expanded across Africa, Asia, and South America, including the colonization of Brazil in 1500. The wealth from overseas trade fueled cultural and architectural advancements.
Portugal: Decline and Foreign Influence (17th–19th Century)
Portugal’s dominance waned due to competition from other European powers. The Iberian Union (1580–1640) placed Portugal under Spanish rule until the Restoration War restored independence. The Napoleonic Wars led to the royal family fleeing to Brazil in 1807. In 1822, Brazil declared independence, marking the loss of Portugal’s most valuable colony.
Portugal: The End of Monarchy and Political Shifts (20th Century)
In 1910, Portugal abolished its monarchy, establishing the First Republic. Political instability led to the rise of the Estado Novo, a dictatorship under António Salazar from 1933 to 1974. The Carnation Revolution in 1974 peacefully ended authoritarian rule, paving the way for democracy.
Portugal: European Integration and Modern Era (1974–Present)
Portugal transitioned to democracy, joining the European Union in 1986, which boosted economic growth. Today, Portugal is known for its cultural heritage, technological advancements, and thriving tourism industry.
Best Time to Visit Portugal
Portugal: Spring (March–May)
Spring is a fantastic time to visit Portugal, with mild temperatures and blooming landscapes. The Keukenhof Gardens showcase vibrant flowers, making it a must-see attraction. The King’s Day celebration on April 27th transforms cities into lively street parties, with music, markets, and orange-themed festivities.
Portugal: Summer (June–August) (Best)
Summer is peak season, offering warm weather and a lively atmosphere. The Pride Amsterdam festival in August is one of Europe’s most iconic LGBTQ+ events, featuring canal parades and cultural activities. The North Sea Jazz Festival in July attracts world-class musicians, while long daylight hours make it perfect for cycling, canal tours, and exploring the Dutch countryside.
Portugal: Autumn (September–November)
Autumn brings cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, making it ideal for a relaxed visit. The Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) in October is a global electronic music festival, drawing DJs and fans from around the world. The changing foliage adds charm to cities and national parks, creating scenic landscapes for outdoor exploration.
Portugal: Winter (December–February)
Winter in Portugal is cozy and festive, with Christmas markets in cities like Amsterdam and Maastricht offering seasonal treats and handcrafted gifts. The Elfstedentocht, a legendary ice-skating marathon, takes place if the canals freeze, adding a unique winter experience. Museums and cultural attractions provide warmth and insight into Dutch heritage.
Food and Drink from Portugal
1. Bacalhau – Salted Cod
Bacalhau is Portugal’s most iconic dish, with countless variations. This salted cod is prepared in different ways, including Bacalhau à Brás, a flavorful mix of shredded cod, eggs, and fried potatoes.
2. Pastel de Nata – Custard Tart
Pastel de Nata is a beloved Portuguese pastry with a flaky crust and creamy custard filling, often dusted with cinnamon. Originally created by monks, it remains a staple in bakeries across the country.
3. Francesinha – Hearty Sandwich
Francesinha is a rich, layered sandwich filled with cured meats and covered in melted cheese and a spicy beer-based sauce. It is a specialty of Porto, offering a bold and satisfying flavor.
4. Caldo Verde – Green Soup
Caldo Verde is a traditional Portuguese soup made with potatoes, shredded kale, and chorizo. It is a comforting dish, often enjoyed during celebrations and family gatherings.
5. Arroz de Marisco – Seafood Rice
Arroz de Marisco is a flavorful seafood rice dish, packed with shrimp, clams, and mussels, cooked in a rich tomato-based broth. It showcases Portugal’s deep connection to the sea.
6. Ginjinha – Sour Cherry Liqueur
Ginjinha is a popular Portuguese liqueur made from sour cherries, sugar, and alcohol. It is often served as a shot, sometimes with whole cherries inside for extra flavor.
7. Vinho Verde – Young Green Wine
Vinho Verde is a refreshing Portuguese wine, slightly effervescent and light in taste. It is produced in the Minho region and pairs well with seafood and summer dishes.
8. Bolo de Mel – Honey Cake
Bolo de Mel is a dense, spiced honey cake originating from Madeira. Traditionally made with molasses and nuts, it has a rich, deep flavor and is often enjoyed during festive occasions.
9. Amêijoas à Bulhão Pato – Clams in Garlic Sauce
This dish features fresh clams cooked in a fragrant garlic, olive oil, and white wine sauce, often garnished with cilantro. It is a simple yet flavorful seafood delicacy.
10. Terracotta Wine – Traditional Clay-Aged Wine
Terracotta wine is a unique Portuguese specialty, aged in clay pots to enhance its earthy and complex flavors. This traditional winemaking method dates back centuries and is still practiced today.
Regions and Cities of Portugal
From historic towns to bustling metropolises, Portugal offers an impressive array of destinations spread across its 7 diverse regions.
Northern Portugal
The region between the Douro River and the Spanish border is located in the North of Portugal. Porto is the largest city in this area, but there are other must-visit destinations. In the North of Portugal, you’ll find UNESCO World Heritage sites like Guimarães (considered the cradle of Portugal), Braga, and the Douro Valley.
If you’re a wine enthusiast, the Douro Valley is likely on your bucket list. However, another lesser-known gem you should explore is the Vinho Verde region in the northwest of Northern Portugal. This area produces unique wines that are distinct to this region. Despite its name, Vinho Verde (literally translated as “green wine”) is not related to the color of the wine. The term refers to the young, fresh wines produced from native grape varieties.
The North of Portugal is also known for its frequent rainy days throughout the year and cold winter temperatures. Nevertheless, the mountainous landscapes of Gerês National Park and Montesinho Natural Park are definitely worth a visit.
Stunning beaches can be found in Viana do Castelo and Vila Nova de Gaia, with Praia de Miramar being the most renowned. This beach is home to the Senhor da Pedra Chapel, a small chapel that stands alone on the sand, often facing dramatic waves during winter storms, making it a paradise for photographers. One notable event is the Nossa Senhora da Agonia Pilgrimage in August, where you’ll see women adorned with intricate Portuguese filigree golden earrings and dressed in stunning traditional red gowns.
Central Portugal
Inland, you’ll find Serra da Estrela, the highest mountain on mainland Portugal, renowned for its snowy winter slopes and impressive pine and chestnut forests.
Surrounding Serra da Estrela are the historical villages of Monsanto, Linhares da Beira, and Sortelha, where you can stay in original stone houses. A special route guides visitors through these stunning locations.
Between the southern bank of the Douro River and the Spanish border lies Vila Nova de Foz Côa, known for its well-preserved prehistoric rock art site, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its historical significance.
To the west, the plain coastline offers several beaches popular among the Portuguese, including Figueira da Foz, Peniche, and São Martinho do Porto.
The most famous beach is Praia do Norte in Nazaré, which gained international fame when surfer Garreth McNamara rode a 23-meter-high wave in 2011. Since then, surfers worldwide have flocked here to experience the Nazaré Canyon’s big waves.
In Central Portugal, you can also visit the country’s largest cave system at Grutas de Mira D’Aire. Extending over 100 meters deep and 14 kilometers long, speleologists believe these caves are not yet fully explored.
While the caves are majestic, they may not be suitable for those with claustrophobia due to the humid and cold air and the sensation of being underground.
Other must-see locations in Central Portugal include the remarkable monasteries of Batalha and Alcobaça, the medieval Convento de Cristo in Tomar, the Fátima Sanctuary, and the charming medieval village of Óbidos.
Lisbon and the Tagus Valley
Lisbon, a city needing no introduction, offers must-see sites in Belém like the Torre de Belém, Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, and the Padrão dos Descobrimentos, where you can delve into the history of the Portuguese Discoveries. Other essential landmarks include Lisbon’s Cathedral, Castelo de S. Jorge, and the Águas Livres Aqueduct. For a complete Lisbon experience, wander through downtown streets, visit Chiado, Praça do Comércio, and Restauradores, admire the Portuguese Cobblestone craftsmanship, savor the best Pastel de Nata at Fábrica da Nata, and explore the oldest local shops in town.
Sintra is renowned for its romantic ambiance, historic palaces and mansions, and the dense forest surrounding the village. Explore Sintra’s streets, historical sites, and try local pastries like Travesseiro and Queijada. Outside the village, don’t miss the Pena Park with its century-old trees and the romantic Pena Palace. Nearby, visit the Castelo dos Mouros, one of Portugal’s oldest castles from the Moorish occupation. Also, check out Quinta da Regaleira, Palácio Nacional de Sintra, and Palácio de Montserrat.
Estoril and Cascais, often called the “Portuguese Riviera,” transitioned from small fishing communities to affluent retreats during WWII, known for exiled royalty and spies. Today, these villages boast century-old mansions and golden sandy beaches.
Setúbal and Sesimbra, located south of Lisbon across the Tagus River, offer distinct experiences. Setúbal, with Portugal’s third-largest port, is an industrial hub with historical sites like the São Filipe Fortress and Igreja de Santa Maria da Graça. Visit the Portinho da Arrábida in the Arrábida Natural Park for crystal-clear waters, pristine beaches, and lush forests extending to the ocean.
Sesimbra is a charming fishing town known for its incredible food, beautiful beaches, and excellent birdwatching spots. It’s also home to Cabo Espichel, the westernmost point in Europe, where you can enjoy breathtaking landscapes and visit the 18th-century Santuário do Cabo Espichel.
Alentejo
Located between the Tagus Valley to the north and the Algarve to the south, the Alentejo boasts a stunning coastline along the Atlantic, endless plains of smooth hills, and a beautiful countryside. Alentejo’s cork tree forests, known as Montado Alentejano, produce nearly half of the world’s cork. The region also makes Portugal a top olive oil producer alongside Spain, Italy, and Morocco. Additionally, it is one of the country’s oldest wine regions, producing and exporting world-class wines.
Alentejo is home to several historical sites, including Évora and the fortified village of Elvas, both UNESCO World Heritage sites.
To explore more historical locations and enjoy Alentejo’s essence, visit Marvão, Castelo de Vide, Evoramonte, Monsaraz, Borba, or Vila Viçosa. These small villages feature well-preserved medieval castles, ancient cobbled streets, and white-washed houses, set in stunning landscapes with endless plains stretching to the horizon.
Along the coastline, Zambujeira do Mar, Vila Nova de Milfontes, and Porto Covo are favorite beach destinations for locals. Moving north towards Lisbon, you’ll find the luxurious Comporta. In recent years, this small coastal village has become a summer home for many A-listers, including Christian Louboutin, Sharon Stone, and Richard Branson.
Algarve
As you explore, you’ll notice the landscape shifting from extensive sand banks in the East to towering cliffs in the West, resulting in a unique and picturesque scenery.
With a deep connection to the ocean, the Algarve offers the best fish and seafood cuisine. Don’t miss trying the Cataplana, seafood rice, or simply grilled sardines—you’ll be craving more after just one taste!
For those interested in history, the Algarve boasts remarkable historical sites and cities. Start with Silves, the region’s Moorish capital, featuring an 8th-century red-walled castle and Islamic-influenced architecture. Lagos and Sagres are tied to the 15th-century Portuguese Discoveries, with Lagos Old Town and Sagres Fortress being must-visit sites. Faro Old Town showcases stunning Neoclassical buildings, Roman ruins, and medieval churches adorned with gilded wood. In Portimão, visit the city museum housed in an old canned fish factory to learn about the region’s past and see artifacts from the Neolithic era to the present day.
For outdoor enthusiasts, the Algarve offers two natural parks: Costa Vicentina and Ria Formosa. Costa Vicentina features dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches, hiking trails, and birdwatching spots, ideal for surfers. Ria Formosa, with its shallow, crystal-clear waters, sandbanks, marshes, and saltpans, is home to diverse aquatic birds and marine wildlife.
To explore the countryside, visit Monchique, the highest village in the Algarve. The dense forests hide stunning waterfalls and hiking trails, and the view from the top is breathtaking.
For authentic village experiences, don’t miss Loulé, Salir, Alte, Querença, and Castro Marim.
Madeira
In the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Morocco lies the Madeira archipelago, a perfect destination for a relaxing vacation, outdoor adventures, and incredible cuisine. Known for its traditional thatched roof houses, vibrant city life, and breathtaking nature, Madeira offers a unique experience.
Madeira Island is the main and most visited island in the archipelago, home to Funchal, one of Winston Churchill’s favorite spots. Today, this coastal city is a cosmopolitan hub renowned for hosting the largest Carnival and New Year’s Eve celebrations in Portugal.
For an authentic Madeira experience, explore Funchal’s historic center, ride downhill on a basketwork sled, try the sweet local pineapple, or enjoy a glass of traditional Poncha da Madeira, a drink made from cane brandy, lemon juice, and sugar.
Visitors from around the world come to Madeira to experience its great outdoors. Hiking along the Levadas, the irrigation canals and aqueducts, is a major attraction. Discover hidden waterfalls surrounded by the lush Laurissilva forest, a 20-million-year-old subtropical rainforest and UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Levada do Caldeirão Verde hike is particularly popular for its stunning scenery.
Cabo Girão, Pico do Areeiro, Pico Ruivo, and the natural volcanic pools at Porto Moniz showcase the incredible diversity of Madeira’s landscape.
Porto Santo, the second-largest island, is a favorite beach destination among the Portuguese. With temperatures rarely dropping below 15ºC or rising above 27ºC, it offers perfect beach weather even in winter.
The smallest islands in the archipelago, the Ilhas Desertas, are uninhabited volcanic islands and a nature reserve home to a sea lion colony. You can visit them on a boat tour, but to protect the diverse wildlife, there is a maximum monthly limit on the number of visitors allowed.
Azores
In the middle of the Atlantic, between the United States’ east coast and Portugal’s mainland, lies an archipelago of nine volcanic islands known for their stunning green hills, dark volcanic soil, and unique wines.
The Azores are also famous for having the happiest cows in Portugal! Dairy farming is a major economic activity here, producing almost half of the cheese and milk consumed in the country. It’s often said there are two cows for every Azorean, enjoying lush green pastures with ocean views.
Ponta Delgada, the capital and largest city of the Azores, was a significant merchant port in the 15th century. Today, you can admire its medieval charm, with white-washed city gates adorned with dark basalt. Explore the historical center, featuring São Sebastião Main Church and the beautifully crafted Portuguese cobblestone at Gonçalo Velho Cabral Square.
However, to truly experience the Azores, venture beyond the city to embrace the breathtaking landscapes.
Lagoa das Sete Cidades, one of the 7 Portuguese Natural Wonders, is a must-see. This lagoon, divided in appearance, occupies a massive subsidence caldera. Hiking around it offers stunning views of the green and blue waters surrounded by lush vegetation.
On Pico Island, you can climb Portugal’s highest mountain and spend the night at 2,351 meters above sea level. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Pico vineyards, admire the volcanic landscape, and venture into the Torres Cave, a majestic volcanic cave that feels otherworldly.
Other islands offer unique experiences as well. Santa Maria Island boasts white sand beaches, while São Jorge Island offers hikes through traditional Fajãs, fertile plains formed by volcanic activity and sea erosion.
Visit the extinct Capelinhos volcano on Faial Island, explore the world’s only accessible volcanic chimney on Terceira Island, and discover the lesser-known islands of Flores and Corvo for even more natural beauty and adventure.
