Portugal Travel Tips

Other Things to See and Do in Portugal

1. Journey to Evora

Another one of Portugal’s World Heritage sites is Evora, a small town that offers an array of beautiful and historic buildings. Its most famous landmark is the Temple of Diana but there is also the Praça do Giraldo, the town’s main square. This is small-town Portugal at its best.

2. See the Religious Monuments in Braga

The beautiful city of Braga provides many Baroque monuments, including one of the country’s best-known sights, the Bom Jesus Sanctuary. The old and the new city are connected by the main square, Praça da Republica. The city’s cathedral is also very much worth a visit, as it is the country’s oldest!

3. The Abbey of Santa Maria

The Abbey of Santa Maria is Europe’s largest building of the Cistercian order. You can wander around the abbey at your leisure and find out more about the different parts of the building: its five cloisters, seven dormitories, a library, and huge kitchen. The church is free to enter but the monastery costs 6 EUR. You can save money by purchasing a combo ticket to Tomar and Batalha for 15 EUR. It’s open daily 9am-5pm and is open 30 minutes longer in the winter.

4. Head to Sintra

Lord Byron, writing in the 18th century, said that the town was “perhaps in every respect the most delightful in Europe.” If you are visiting Lisbon you should definitely make an effort to come here with its palaces, wonderful views, and museum collections. The train takes about 40 minutes and costs 2-4 EUR.

5. Learn about the Knights Templar in Tomar

The big attraction in the town of Tomar is the Templar Castle and Convent of Christ on the hill. It was the headquarters for the Knights Templar in the 12th century and contains one of the country’s most impressive monuments, the Convent of Christ.

6. Get in your watersports

Aveiro, around 45 miles south of Porto, lies on what’s known as the silver coast. This is a small university town, and part of the historic center is built on canals, giving rise to the name “the Venice of Portugal.” The winds here create good opportunities for windsurfing and surfing.

7. Lose yourself in Coimbra

Another university city, Coimbra is home to the world’s ninth-oldest campus. There is a famous, beautiful old library that you can tour, but the real thing to do in Coimbra is just to wander through the many old streets. There are many churches and gardens to visit. Tuesdays and Thursdays are the student party nights here.

8. Attend a Fado Performance

Whether in Lisbon or somewhere else, you shouldn’t leave Portugal without getting a sense of the country’s musical culture. Fado is a very important Portuguese tradition, with at least 200 years of history. It’s very haunting and emotional music, sung by an individual. Most of the songs follow a theme of loss and mourning. Performances normally take place in restaurants during dinner.

9. Check out Faro

Faro is a common starting point for tours of the Algarve region, which is an area full of great beaches, seafood, and plenty of tourists. Faro itself isn’t a beach city, but has a lovely old town and is a great place to spend a day before you hit the real resort areas.

10. Stand at the edge of Europe

Cape Sagres is the most southwestern point on the European continent. It was here that Henry the Navigator had his famous navigation school, which gave birth to the careers of some of the most famous explorers in history.

11. Try a Pastéis de nata

This pastry is a Portuguese staple and you’ll find these delicious custard-filled tarts at any bakery. They’re a must for an authentic food experience.

12. Walk the Templar Stairs

Located in Sintra, Quinta da Regaleira is a UNESCO World Heritage site composed of several historic buildings, including a huge palace and chapel. But the highlight is the Initiation Wells, two massive wells that stretch far underground. They were built by the Templars for their initiation rituals. Would-be knights would have to travel down a winding staircase into the massive wells blindfolded and navigate a labyrinth before coming back to the light. Today, you can tour the wells and explore them yourself. Admission is 10 EUR.

For more information on specific destinations, check out these guides!

• Lagos Travel Guide
• Lisbon Travel Guide
• Porto Travel Guide

Portugal Travel Costs

Accommodation – Overall, you’ll find accommodation very affordable in Portugal, especially if you are staying in hostels. Most dorm rooms average 10 EUR (12 USD) per night. Private rooms at hostels cost around 40 EUR (45 USD) in a hostel. A double room in a hotel begins at 35 EUR (40 USD) for a cheap, 2-star hotel. Shared rooms through Airbnb cost around 15 EUR (17 USD) per night, while entire homes average about 40 EUR (45 USD) per night. You also could couchsurf or stay at a pensão (family-run inns) to save money.

Food – You can find snacks in bakeries for around 2 EUR (3 USD), light meals and sandwiches for around 7 EUR (8 USD), and fast food for around the same price. If you want sit-down meal with drinks, you’re looking at spending closer to around 18-20 EUR (20-25 USD) per meal. After that, the sky is the limit. However, you can find some great bargains. I once had a full meal with wine for 13 EUR (15 USD)!

If you’re cooking, groceries will cost around 30-35 EUR (35-40 USD) for a week’s worth of food that includes items like pasta, vegetables, chicken, and other basic food stuffs.

Activities – Activities aren’t that expensive in Portugal. Museums and UNESCO sites charge between 6-11 EUR (7-13 USD) entrance fees. Wine tours are about 50 EUR (55 USD) for a whole day tour. Most museums are closed on Mondays and have shorter hours in the winter.

Backpacking Portugal Suggested Budgets

If you want to backpack around Portugal, my suggested budget is between 35-45 EUR ($40-50 USD) per day. On this budget, you’ll be staying in hostel dorms, cooking most of your own food (or occasionally eating out), minimizing your partying, and traveling on local transit.

On a mid-range budget of 55-60 EUR ($60-70 USD) per day, you can stay in budget hotels or a hostel private room, eat at affordable sit-down restaurants, visit more attractions, and drink a lot more port.

On a luxury budget of around 90 EUR ($100 USD) per day or more, the sky is the limit with nice hotels, eating out all the time, visiting anything you want, flying around the country, and taking any tour you want!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily in Portugal.

Portugal Travel Guide: Money Saving Tips

For the most part, Portugal is an incredibly affordable destination. Food, accommodation, wine – it’s all very cheap, especially when compared to other EU countries. As long as you’re not splurging on a ton of booze or eating at the overpriced tourist restaurants, you’ll find it easy to save big while still enjoying yourself. However, here are a few more ways to save money in Portugal:

1. Free museum visits – Most museums are free on Sundays.
2. Skip the taxis – Taxis are super expensive in Portugal, often adding fees for luggage and airport pick ups. Simply use the metro or bus system to go where you need to.
3. Say “no” to bread – When eating out, a selection of bread and olives will be brought to your table before your meal. These aren’t free, so just say no!
4. Stay at a pensão – These family-run inns offer excellent lodgings for very little money and are a great alternative to hotels.
5. Couchsurf – If you plan ahead, you can usually find really nice Couchsurfing hosts all throughout the country. This way, you not only have a place to stay, but you’ll have a local host that can tell you the best places to go and things to see.

Where To Stay in Portugal

Portugal caters really well to backpackers, and you can often find small family-run operations on the islands. It’s not hard to find accommodations with nice extra touches, like pools! Here are my suggested places to stay:

• Rising Cock Party Hostel (Lagos)
• Gold Coast Calm Hostel (Lagos)
• Casa D’Alagao (Faro)
• HI Hostel Faro (Faro)
• Goodnight Hostel (Lisbon)
• Goodmorning Hostel (Lisbon)
• Rivoli Cinema Hostel (Porto)
• Gallery Hostel (Porto)

How to Get Around Portugal

Public Transportation – The larger cities like Porto and Lisbon have great public transit options, including trains, trams, and buses. Tickets start around 1.50 EUR (1.70 USD). In smaller communities, people generally use the public bus, and fares are about the same. Taxis are affordable for short distances, and are metered. Fares start at 3.25 EUR (4 USD) plus about 1 EUR (less than 2 USD) per kilometer. A taxi trip shouldn’t cost you more than 12 EUR (14 USD)!

Locals like to get around by bike, and bike rentals are available in all the major cities. You can rent a basic one for 15 EUR (17 USD) per day.

On the islands like the Azores, there are public buses between most major towns but they’re unreliable and rarely on schedule. While this is your cheapest option, most people rent a car since it’s more convenient. Rates start at around 42 EUR per day.

Trains – Portugal has a great rail system. Ticket prices are affordable, costing usually about 20-40 EUR (23-45 USD) to go from Porto to Lisbon. Even the high-speed rail is affordable, unlike other European countries – it’s about the same price between Porto and Lisbon as the regular train. A train trip between Braga (in the far north) to Faro (at the southern tip) will cost about 40-50 EUR (45-55 USD) for both high-speed and regular rail options.

Buses – Buses are the cheapest of all the options, and since Portugal is on the smaller side, it’s also not too time consuming. A cross-country bus from Lisbon to Lagos will cost between 20-40 EUR (25-45 USD), while an eight-hour journey from Braga to Faro starts at 30 EUR (35 USD). There are many private bus companies, including:

• Rede Expressos
• Rodonorte
• Eva Transportes (Algarve)

Lisbon is the main spot for Flixbus routes. It’s the best line to take you out of Portugal and into the rest of Europe. To head into Spain, a bus or train to Madrid costs around 50 EUR (55 USD).

Budget Airlines – Flying is also the best way to get to the islands, like the Azores and Madeira Island. A flight from Lisbon to the Azores costs as little as 30 EUR (35 USD), while Lisbon to Madeira Island starts at about 35 EUR (40 USD). TAP Air is Portugal’s official airline, but other budget airlines like Ryanair and EasyJet also service Portugal.

Ferries – You can ferry between the Portugal mainland and the islands as well. The Porto Santo Line services Madeira Island while Atlânticoline services the Azores islands. You can find routes for as little as 20 EUR (22 USD), while other popular routes like Funchal in the Madeira Islands to Porto Santo Island starts around 35 EUR (40 USD).

When to Go to Portugal

Peak season in Portugal is during the summer months of June – August, where temperatures are around 33ºC (92ºF), and popular destinations like Porto and Lisbon experience a huge influx of visitors. Prices increase during this time as well. But the overall atmosphere and weather is great, so it’s still worth visiting during peak season.

However, I think the best time to visit Portugal is shoulder season in the spring and fall (March to May and September to October, respectively). It’s still warm during this time but there aren’t as many crowds and prices are cheaper. It’s also easier to meet locals!

Winter is from November to February. It gets cold, and tourist crowds have thinned out considerably. Temperatures vary quite a bit from place to place, but overall the temperature averages around 17 °C (53 °F).

How to Stay Safe in Portugal

Portugal is very safe for backpacking and solo travel. Violent attacks are uncommon. Petty crime is about the worst that will happen to you. Pickpocketing is the most common crime. Be aware of your surroundings when you’re in markets, on busy streets, or when using the metro.

You won’t find a lot of travel scams in the country but read this article on 14 major travel scams to avoid right here while you’re in Portugal.

Remember: always trust your gut instinct. If a taxi driver seems shady, stop the cab and get out. If your hotel is seedier than you thought, get out of there. You have every right to remove yourself from the situation. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

If you wouldn’t do it at home, don’t do it in Portugal!

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Portugal Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel to Portugal. They are included here because they consistently find deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the ones I use the most and are always the starting points in my search for travel deals.

• Momondo – This is my favorite booking site. I never book a flight without checking here first.
• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is another great flight search engline which searches a lot of different airlines, including many of the budget carriers that larger sites miss. While I always start with Momondo, I use this site too as a way to compare prices.
• Airbnb – Airbnb is a great accommodation alternative for connecting with homeowners who rent out their homes or apartments. (If you’re new to Airbnb, get $35 off your first stay!)
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there, with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Couchsurfing – This website allows you to stay on people’s couches or spare rooms for free. It’s a great way to save money while meeting locals who can tell you the ins and outs of their city. The site also lists events you can attend to meet people (even if you’re not staying with someone).
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have a no money down policy, great interface, and the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Intrepid Travel – If you want to do a group tour around Europe, go with Intrepid Travel. They offer good small group tours that use local operators and leave a small environmental footprint. If you go on a tour with anyone, go with them. And, as a reader of this site, you’ll get a discount when you click the link!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome 2 Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• Bla Bla Car – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way travel than by bus or train!
• World Nomads – I buy all my travel insurance from World Nomads. They have great customer service, competitive prices, and in-depth coverage. I’ve been using them since I started traveling in 2003. Don’t leave home without it!

Portugal Gear and Packing Guide

If you’re heading on the road and need some gear suggestions, here are my tips for the best travel backpack and for what to pack!

The Best Backpack for Travelers

What’s the best backpack for traveling long-term? I recommend the REI Flash 45 Pack. It’s light and comfy, front loading, and fits perfectly in an airplane’s overhead bin.
Size: 45-47L
Straps: Thick and cushy with compression technology that pulls the pack’s load up and inwards so it doesn’t feel as heavy.
Features: Removable top lid, large pocket at the front, hydration compatible, contoured hip belt

If you want something different, refer to my article on how to choose the best travel backpack for tips on picking a pack and other backpack suggestions.

What to Pack for Your Trip

Clothes

• 1 pair of jeans (heavy and not easily dried, but I like them; a good alternative is khaki pants)
• 1 pair of shorts
• 1 bathing suit
• 5 T-shirts
• 1 long-sleeved T-shirt
• 1 pair of flip-flops
• 1 pair of sneakers
• 6 pairs of socks (I always end up losing half)
• 5 pairs of boxer shorts (I’m not a briefs guy!)
• 1 toothbrush
• 1 tube of toothpaste
• 1 razor
• 1 package of dental floss
• 1 small bottle of shampoo
• 1 small bottle of shower gel
• 1 towel
• Deodorant

Small Medical Kit (safety is important!!!)

• Band-Aids
• Hydrocortisone cream
• Antibacterial cream
• Earplugs
• Tylenol
• Hand sanitizer (germs = sick = bad holiday)

Miscellaneous

• A key or combination lock (safety first)
• Zip-lock bags (keeps things from leaking or exploding)
• Plastic bags (great for laundry)
• Universal charger/adaptor (this applies to everyone)
• LifeStraw (A water bottle with a purifier)

Female Travel Packing List
I’m not a woman, so I don’t know what a woman wears, but Kristin Addis, our solo female travel guru, wrote this list as an addition to the basics above:

Clothing

• 1 swimsuit
• 1 sarong
• 1 pair of stretchy jeans (they wash and dry easily)
• 1 pair of leggings (if it’s cold, they can go under your jeans, otherwise with a dress or shirt)
• 2-3 long-sleeve tops
• 2-3 T-shirts
• 3-4 spaghetti tops
• 1 light cardigan

Toiletries

• 1 dry shampoo spray & talc powder (keeps long hair grease-free in between washes)
• 1 hairbrush
• Makeup you use
• Hair bands & hair clips
• Feminine hygiene products (you can opt to buy there too, but I prefer not to count on it, and most people have their preferred products)

For more on packing, check out these posts:

• What I Pack For My Travels
• The Ultimate List For Female Travelers
• How to Choose and Buy the Right Backpack

Portugal Travel Guide: Suggested Reading

The High Mountains of Portugal, by Yann Martel
It’s 1904, and a young man named Tomás has discovered an old journal. It hints at an extraordinary artifact that could redefine history. Hopping aboard one of Europe’s earliest automobiles, he goes in search of this new treasure. Thirty-five years later, a Portuguese pathologist also finds himself in the middle of his own mystery – and the consequences of Tomás’s mission. Fifty years after that, a Canadian senator returns to his ancestral village in Northern Portugal where the century-old quest comes to its conclusion. This is a masterful story that reads like a fable but will keep you hooked the whole way through.
 
The History of the Siege of Lisbon, by Jose Saramago
Jose Saramago is such a literary icon in Portugal that when he died in 2010, the country initiated two days of mourning. It’d be wrong to not include him in a list of books about Portugal! Here, a proofreader’s deliberate slip changes one singular word in the history of the siege of Lisbon – and thus rewrites the course of history with the 1147 Siege of Lisbon (as well as the proofreader’s own life). It’s a genius story about the differences between historiography and historical fiction, and what happens when you insert stories into the past.
 
 
The Book of Disquiet, by Fernando Pessoa
Fernando Pessoa was another prolific Portuguese writer, and when he died he left behind a full trunk of unfinished and unpublished writings. The Book of Disquiet is his posthumous masterpiece. It’s a collection of short paragraphs making up the biography of Bernardo Soares, one of Pessoa’s “alternate selves.” It’s an intimate piece of descriptive narrative, and it’s considered one of the greatest works of the 20th century.
 
 
 
300 Days of Sun, by Deborah Lawrenson
Set in a sunny Portuguese town, this book is about two women who are drawn into a game of truths and lies. Journalist Joanna Millard travels to Faro to escape her stalled career and directionless relationship, and it’s there she meets a charming young man named Nathan Emberlin. Over the course of getting to know Faro and its sometimes shady underbelly, Joanna learns that Nathan is determined to discover the truth about a child’s kidnapping from two decades before. The search leads her to a novel written by an American author – Esta Hartford – where Joanna discovers that fiction and reality are often not all that different. It’s a thrilling read!