Portugal Travel Tips
Portugal is one of my favorite countries in Europe and I feel it is severly underrated when it comes to its neighbour, Spain. Lisbon is a favorite and I loved my time there. In my opinion, the Algarve region is one of the prettiest beach destinations in the world and if you are a beach baby like me, you will have so many untouched beaches to choose from along with stunning cliffs and hidden coves. And who can forget the wine area of Porto? In addition, there is so much history there. You can find some quick Portugal travel tips here if you are planning a trip there.
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PORTUGAL travel tips
These are some of the tips when it comes to visiting Portugal in general.
VISA REQUIRED FOR INDIANS
Portugal is part of the Schengen zone and hence Indians require a Schengen Portugal tourist visa to go here.
LANGUAGES SPOKEN HERE
Portuguese is spoken all around Portugal. But the major difference is the dialect. In the cities, it is easier to find people who speak English. Ola, Obrigado, Bom Dia, Como Estas are Hello, Thank you, Good morning, How are you in Portuguese.
CAPITAL
Lisbon
CURRENCY
Euro
LOCATION
South Western Europe. Neighbours are Spain. It also includes the Atlantic Archipelagos of Madeira and Azores.
ELECTRICAL TRAVEL ADAPTER SPECIFICATIONS
230 volts and 50 Hz. They use C and F plug types in Portugal.
IDP REQUIRED FOR INDIANS?
I drove in Portugal and it is one of the few countries where they insisted that I have an IDP.
SIM CARDS
Most cards you buy in other countries in the Schengen zone will work without additional data or roaming charges. Vodafone is recommended in Portugal.
WIFI CONNECTIVITY
The cities are well-equipped with Wifi and you can find free Wifi in many areas in Lisbon.
SAFETY IN PORTUGAL
Minor theft is common in some cities in Portugal. But as a solo traveller, I did not face any issues in Portugal.
WHERE TO GO IN PORTUGAL
Portugal definitely needs a place on your wishlist. Some of the suggested places to go in Portugal are:
Lisbon
If you have been to Lisbon, then you would understand why it is one of my favourite cities in the world. A day trip to the magical Sintra if also recommended if you are in Lisbon.
Evora
If you love history and architecture, then head to Evora and while you are here, don’t forget to visit the Chapel of Bones. A day trip from Lisbon to Evora is always recommended.
Estrela
In the mood for some skiing during the winter months? Then head to the Serra de Estrela, the highest mountain range in continental Europe.
Algarve
I loved spending time in the Algarve region and it definitely has one of the most stunning coastlines in Europe. I loved all the road trips I took when I was in the Algarve.
Coimbra
Looking to explore some Baroque and Roman architecture? Then head to Coimbra from Lisbon.
Douro Valley
Did you know that the Douro wine region valley is the oldest demarcated wine region in the world? Do you need any other reason to visit it?
Braga
Braga is known for a rich religious heritage and is home to many famous religious buildings.
Peneda
The Peneda Geres National park is only two hours away from Braga and is home to many home springs.
Porto
This famous coastal city is famous for its port wine and is said to be a must visit on a trip to Portugal.
Aveiro
Aveiro has suddenly become prominent on the tourist map and you can find many colourful boats in its canals and many colourful houses on the Costa Nova beach.
Obidos
Before you head back to Lisbon, stop at the charming town of Obidos.
Madeira:
Madeira is an archipelago of 4 islands off the northwest coast of Africa, known for its warm climate.
Azores islands
The Azores islands are a group of 9 islands off the coast of Portugal in mid-Atlantic. All the islands are said to be incredibly beautiful and well-preserved.
WHEN TO GO TO PORTUGAL
One of the best things about Portugal is that you will always find something to do in every weather. I usually avoid summer months in Europe since the beaches can get a little crowded. I was there in May and it was the ideal time to go there and I found so many beaches to relax in. If you are in the mood for Skiing, then head to Estrela during the winter months between December and February.
Recommended Read – Places to visit in Europe
HOW TO GET TO PORTUGAL
By Air
From India, you can fly to Lisbon Portela airport from most of the metropolitan cities. Additionally, you can fly to Porto, Faro from other cities in Europe. You can fly to the islands of Azores and Madeira from continental Europe. I opted for a pick up from Lisbon airport to the city center.
By Rail
Portugal connects most of the major cities like Lisbon, Faro, Coimbra, Porto and Braga by train. It is operated by Comboios De Portugal and you have the option to buy tickets online or at the train stations.
By Road
Flixbus regularly operates to major cities in Portugal from other cities in Europe.
DRIVING IN PORTUGAL
Portugal has one of the most scenic road trips in Europe. You drive on the right side of the road in Portugal. Gas costs approximately 5 USD per Gallon and most rental companies have a policy of returning a full fuel tank. Like most countries in Europe, you have to fill the Gas yourself and then pay at the counter. IDP is mandatory in most parts of Portugal.
Recommended Read – My Favorite European Destinations
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION IN PORTUGAL
Lisbon has an extensive public transportation system. You have the metro, bus, tram and the funicular in Lisbon. The iconic tram 28 is a must do activity even though it may feel like a touristic one. Porto is the other city in Portugal to have a metro system. Taxis are widely available in Lisbon and are usually beige in colour.
Algarve, on the other hand, has a bus system that runs on most days with only a few buses on Sundays. Even though a car is not mandatory in the Algarve, I would definitely recommend one since it is difficult getting around the region only with the help of buses. The day I landed in Algarve, I had to wait for a while to get a taxi to go to my hotel.
WHERE TO STAY IN PORTUGAL?
Find some recommendations on where to stay in Portugal.
| Place | Luxury | Mid-Range | Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lisbon | PortoBay Liberdade Check Out prices on: Tripadvisor | Booking | My Story Hotel Ouro Check Out prices on: Tripadvisor| Booking | Sete Colinas Check Out prices on: Tripadvisor | Booking |
| Algarve | Tivoli Carvoeiro Check Out prices on: Tripadvisor | Booking | Sollagos Apartamentos Turisticos Check Out prices on: Tripadvisor | Booking | Hotel Don Rodrigues Check Out prices on: Tripadvisor | Booking |
| Porto | InterContinental Porto - Palacio das Cardosas Check Out prices on: Tripadvisor | Booking | Stay Hotel Porto Centro Trindade Check Out prices on: Tripadvisor | Booking | Oporto House Check Out prices on: Tripadvisor |
| Sao Miguel, Azores | Azor Hotel Check Out prices on: Tripadvisor | Booking | Hotel Canadiano Check Out prices on: Tripadvisor | Booking | Hotel Arcanjo Check Out prices on: Tripadvisor | Booking |
WHAT TO EAT IN PORTUGAL
With the Portuguese cuisine being mostly meat and fish based, it is actually a bit more difficult to find vegetarian food in Portugal. In Lisbon, you won’t face difficulties but in places like the Algarve, it is actually a bit more difficult to find dishes without fish products. I eat egg and I ended up eating a lot of egg-based products when I was in Portugal. Pastel De Nata or the famous egg custard tarts are a must in Lisbon. Most of the soups are vegetarian and one of the popular ones are the Migas or bread soup. Port Wine is also quite popular. Also, don’t forget to try out Ginja or Ginjinha, a Portuguese liqueur made of Ginja berries.
WHAT TO SHOP IN PORTUGAL?
Portugal is one of those places from where I did not buy anything except for a fridge magnet. It was my first stop on my Eurotrip and I didn’t want to carry stuff while I dragged my suitcases around Western Europe. Port Wine and Ginja are considered to be good gifts for alcohol lovers back home. Other popular items include the Rooster souvenirs, Cork products, Azulejos Decorative Tiles etc. Buying shoes is also recommended. You can check out more ideas here on what to shop in Portugal.
THINGS TO DO IN PORTUGAL
There are numerous things to do in Portugal. But some of the recommended things to do in Portugal below:
- Soak in the culture in Lisbon, one of my favourite cities in the world.
- Listen to some Fado music in the many neighbourhoods around Lisbon.
- History is crucial here and don’t forget to go on an ‘Age of Discovery’ tour while you are in Lisbon.
- Visit the castle town of Sintra.
- Explore the many beach areas including the Cascais around Lisbon.
- Explore the wine regions of Porto and Duoro valley.
- Go in search of some hidden beaches in the Algarve region.
- Don’t forget to visit the world famous Benagil caves.
- Visit the colorful Costa Nova Beach
In addition, choose one of the below tours to have a great and fun time in Portugal.
MORE PORTUGAL RESOURCES
Read Some of My Latest PORTUGAL posts
- My Recommended European Destinations for your European Itinerary (25+ places)
- Travel Bloggers Pick Their Choice Of Best Europe Day Trips For Your Eurotrip itinerary
- 3 Day Itinerary to Lisbon Portugal (Things to do, tips, attractions)
- Half Day Trip To Sintra, Cabo Da Roca And Cascais, Portugal from Lisbon
- Vegetarian Food in Portugal (What to eat, Vegan Tips, Survival Guide)
- Viator Reviews of my Europe Tours (One of my favorites)
BOOKING RESOURCES
Looking to book your trip now? Find some of my favorite resources I use while booking my trip. You can also find my travel gear here.
Book Your Flight
I am a Skyscanner fan when it comes to booking international flights. I use Makemytrip and Yatra for domestic flights.
Book Accommodation
Booking is my go to resource for booking hotel accommodation and I use Airbnb for booking my homestays. I also compare prices on Tripadvisor always.
Travel Insurance
As an Indian, I prefer ICICILombard and I am always insured when I am traveling outside India. In addition, I have used World Nomads and SafetyWing for some of my trips.
Book Tours
I do go on a lot of day tours especially when I am traveling solo. Depending on convenience, my choices are Viator or Getyourguide.