Travel advice for Portugal
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Portugal
Book your individual trip, stress-free with local travel experts
written by Matthew Hancock
updated 15.06.2021
Undiscovered Portugal is remarkably easy to find. Head east instead of west from Lisbon Airport. Drive over the Vasco da Gama bridge. And in no time you're in a landscape of cork trees, vineyards and nesting storks. Matthew Hancock, co-author of The Rough Guide to Portugal reveals his favourite places to get off the tourist trail and into undiscovered Portugal. All information in this article is taken from The Rough Guide to Portugal, your travel guide for Portugal.
7 days / from3062 USD
Iberian Blend - Porto and Galicia
Neighbour countries - Portugal and Spain, different and similar at the same time, will surprise you with hospitality and loveliness. This itinerary includes the route of the Northwest part of Iberian Peninsula and offers you to meet beautiful Porto and stunning Vigo in Galicia/Spain.
view tour ⤍7 days / from3019 USD
The Real Algarvian Experience
Experience and discover the real Algarve – taste local produce, drinks and traditional dishes, visit heritage sites and participate in culinary activities. If you are passionate about the people’s culture and gastronomy and want to learn more, this itinerary is for you.
view tour ⤍11 days / from1728 USD
A self drive to Portugal's North and Center
Starting in fascinating Lisbon, this trip allows you to discover Portugal both on your own as well as with guided tours. Driving further up north you'll explore Coimbra and Porto before heading to the Douro Valley and Alentejo.
view tour ⤍8 days / from1139 USD
Porto and the North of Portugal: off the beaten track
From Porto, you'll discover the most fascinating parts of Northern Portugal: go on a hike through unique biodiversity around the Paiva river, take a jeep tour through the slopes of the Serra da Arada and taste the wonderful wines of the Douro valley.
view tour ⤍12 days / from1690 USD
The best of Portugal: Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve
Portugal offers many highlights but when you're short on time, this trip is ideal to cover all the highlights: the capital city of Lisbon, historic Porto, lush Douro Valley and the stunning beaches of the Algarve are all part of this trip.
view tour ⤍7 days / from2662 USD
Azores Wild Nature
Get ready to discover what the largest island of the Azores, São Miguel, has to offer in this short adventure-packed 6-day trip. You will get to swim with wild dolphins, abseil or jump down waterfalls, ride a mountain bike through the Sete Cidades and relax in a natural spa. Adventure awaits!
view tour ⤍9 days / from2916 USD
Madeira and São Miguel - guided island adventures
Visit two of Portugal's autonomous regions: Madeira, the island of eternal spring as they call it, as well as São Miguel, nicknamed the green island. Guided excursions will take you to the highlights of both islands and there's plenty of time to discover on your own or simply relax.
view tour ⤍11 days / from1771 USD
Lisbon and the South of Portugal: exploration and relaxation
Take your rental car and discover Lisbon, Sintra & Cascais before heading to Alentejo. This fascinating region features many historic gems to discover, as well as a unique cuisine to taste. Finish your trip with some beach days in Tavira on Portugal's Algarve coast.
view tour ⤍9 days / from4282 USD
The Wines of Portugal
This unforgettable trip will take you to Portugal's finest wine-producing regions, including the Douro Valley. Sample the finest local labels, and explore the exciting and stunningly beautiful cities of Lisbon and Porto, complemented by guided tours of their historical old towns.
view tour ⤍11 days / from3559 USD
Discovering the coast of Portugal
Explore the beautiful cities along the coast of Portugal. Start your journey discovering historic sites and wineries in Porto, from there you will head South to Lisbon. Along the way, you will get a chance to visit charming coastal towns, dramatic cliffs and national parks.
view tour ⤍7 days / from5989 USD
Porto's Hidden Gems
An exciting itinerary that is filled with amazing landscapes, culture, heritage and gastronomy. Stay in the most exclusive hotels and enjoy the best Portugal has to offer - unique wine tours, a private cooking class, a luxurious river cruise to Douro Valley, and much more.
view tour ⤍15 days / from5913 USD
Camino de Santiago & Portugal Deluxe
Hike the 'Way of Saint James', more precisely - the Portuguese Route, a World Heritage Site. After 5 days of beautiful hikes, it's time to say goodbye to Spain and hop on a plane to Portugal. Lisbon and Porto await before exploring the wineries of Douro Valley. A truly exceptional trip.
view tour ⤍6 days / from1577 USD
Essential Portugal: Lisbon to Porto
This exciting short break will take you to the exciting and stunningly beautiful Portuguese cities of Lisbon and Porto, with guided tours of their historical old towns, and on to the pearls of north Braga and Gamares. You will also have the opportunity to soak up the romantic atmosphere at Amarante.
view tour ⤍9 days / from2148 USD
Cultural Portugal
Beginning in Lisbon and ending in Porto, this trip will take you to the delightful wine region of Douro, the mountain range of Serra do Bussaco and the romantic town of Sintra. Relish the prospect of driving around Portugal's stunning coastline and unique cultural sites.
view tour ⤍9 days / from3154 USD
The cities of Portugal
Explore the two big Portuguese cities, Porto and Lisbon. Though you won't only be exploring the cities, this trip will take you to see the beautiful Duoro valley by bike, the Minho region (the birthplace of Portugal), learn more about winemaking, relax on the beach of Nazaré and much more!
view tour ⤍6 days / from2678 USD
Azores Adventure
Discover the traditions and natural beauty that the island of São Miguel can offer you – exciting activities such as swimming with dolphins in their natural habitat in the Atlantic Ocean, hiking in the picturesque hills and valleys, the thrills of Canyoning and much more.
view tour ⤍12 days / from5389 USD
Portugal – Cuisine and Culture from Porto to Lisbon
From Porto to Lisbon, this culinary trip offers exceptional Portuguese cultural experiences. Taste port in a prestigious winery, savour exquisite codfish and picnic in the world's oldest wine region. Hilltop palaces, medieval old towns and glamorous beach resorts complete an unforgettable trip.
view tour ⤍14 days / from7030 USD
Highlights of Portugal - Cities & Beaches
You will start this journey in Porto, the Invicta City, to then discover the landscapes of Douro Valley. Next, there is Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, a city filled with history and stories. Lastly, you will arrive to the Algarve, a place where you will connect with the sea, traditions and nature.
view tour ⤍10 days / from1836 USD
Fascinating Azores - Terceira and São Miguel
Two of the magic Azores islands await in this itinerary: drive your own rental cars across Terceira and São Miguel and join one of the many adventurous outdoor activities the islands have to offer: go whale watching or canyoning or simply enjoy the landscapes on leisurely strolls.
view tour ⤍9 days / from3159 USD
Coastal Portugal
Travel south from the beautiful cities of Porto and Lisbon, down Portugal's stunning coast, as far as the charming resort town of Albufeira. On this trip, you will also visit the historic coastal towns of Estoril, Sintra, Lagos and Sagres.
view tour ⤍7 days / from2524 USD
Discovering Portugal's Douro Valley
This unforgettable trip will take you to the beautiful city of Porto and the verdant Douro Valley. Relish the prospect of travelling to the Douro wine-making region to sample some local labels, trekking through old villages and enjoying indulgent moments in charming cafés.
view tour ⤍Less than three hours drive from Lisbon, Marvão is a tiny Alentejan village.
It perches on a rocky outcrop close to the Spanish border. First fortified by Moors over 1200 years ago, it's surrounded by 17th century walls.
The original village was designed for views over Spain and Portugal. And those views are just as impressive today.
Watch sunsets over the mountains here. Or head down the Roman road to swim in the river.
Tiny Marvão is the essence of undiscovered Portugal /CC0
Parts of the coastal Trilho dos Pescadores are deserted. You can walk for hours and see no one. In fact, wildlife and occasional surfers are more common than walkers.
These historic routes along the coast divide into sections. You can easily walk one in a day. And most end at seaside villages where you can stay overnight.
The Trilho start in the village of Porto Côvo. The route then meanders over clifftops and river valleys. Before it dips down to beaches at Odeceixe. Here it joins Caminho Historico. This rural trail runs inland towards Portugal’s far southwest. And ends at Cabo de São Vicente in the Algarve.
Drive west of Faro airport. In less than an hour you'll find sleepy villages and wild coastline.
Stay in laidback Odeceixe. Here the quaint village tumbles downhill to a river valley. And the local beach is well known to savvy surfers. Not up for riding waves? There’s also lagoon for swimming.
Prefer to leave planning and booking to experts? Have a look at some sample itineraries. Both Complete Portugal or Portugal Itineraries offer inspiration. All Tailor Made Trips can be modified together with your local expert, then booked for a stress-free holiday. Click 'Modify this itinerary' to contact a local Portugal expert.
Explore the Mondego River valley in Central Portugal by kayak.
Start at Penacova and paddle 25km along the river. Pine trees and vineyards line the banks. Grapes dangle over the water, if you fancy a snack. You'll see kingfishers and soaring birds of prey.
The river's usually calm year round. Watch out for a few small rapids. And in summer you can stop at river beaches.
The river runs into the centre of Coimbra. So take a paddle break and go exploring.
Prefer to paddle with experts? Kayak down the Mondego to Coimbra with local guides.
Peaceful Sortelha is truly undiscovered Portugal. The village is tucked beyond the Serra da Estrela. Ancient houses are built into a granite landscape punctuated by huge boulders. And there's only one café/restaurant and a tiny population.
For real escapism consider staying over. Book Casa Da Lagariça, a traditional village house minutes from Sortelha centre.
Spectacular Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês is Portugal's only national park.
It covers wooded valleys and granite mountain peaks. You'll find waterfalls and viewpoints. There are even places to swim.
Marked trails network the park. So it’s easy to hike off the beaten track here.
Want to really explore Peneda-Gerês? Stay at Quinta do Bárrio, surrounded by its mountains and lakes.
Northeastern Parque Natural de Montesinho is as remote as Portugal gets. Time has truly stood still here. Oak forests, rolling hills and grassy plains haven't changed for centuries. .
Iberian wolves still roam wild in this park. But you're more likely to see deer, boar or golden eagles. In the north, Rio do Onor straddles Spain's border. It's a village so remote, it developed its own dialect. How do you know you've crossed the border? There are cobbles on the Portuguese side and tarmac in Spain.
Find more inspiration for your Portugal trip with the help of our guide of the best things to do in Portugal.
Ready for a trip to Portugal? Read more about the best time to go to Portugal, the best places to visit and best things to do in Portugal. For inspiration use the Portugal Itineraries from The Rough Guide to Portugal and created by our local travel agents in Portugal. A bit more hands on, check out the map of Portugal and learn about getting there, getting around the country and where to stay in Portugal once you are there. And don't forget to buy travel insurance before you go.
We may earn commission when you click on links in this article, but this does not influence our editorial standards - we only recommend services that we genuinely believe will enhance your travel experiences.
written by Matthew Hancock
updated 15.06.2021
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From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Portugal