Whether you're looking for a jam-packed city stopover in Lisbon or to spend a week village hopping along the coast, a visit to Portugal has much to offer the curious traveler. For wine enthusiasts seeking the road less traveled, a drive through the Douro Valley is a must. Beach bums can spend their vacation soaking up the summer sun in the South, while dining on fresh fish plucked straight from the clear blue waters of the Mediterranean. The old and the new collide in a mish-mash of culture and design on the streets and meeting squares, or pracas, of Lisbon. Flanked by the Douro River, the medieval capital of the north, Porto offers any history buff a plethora of sightseeing opportunities. Consult Travel and Leisure's Portugal travel guide, to pack in the best of Portugal's many delights.
Things Not to Miss in Portugal
• Visit the Santos neighborhood to brush shoulders with the capital's hippest residents or play the tourist in Belem, Lisbon's cultural epicenter.
• Grab a snack in the historic Pasteis de Belem and sample their famous custard tarts
• Take a streetcar up the winding streets of the Bairro Alto (or high neighborhood) and stop for a beer and some traditional Fado live music.
• Sip local Vino Porto from the Douro Valley
• Visit the 17th century Nicolau Nasoni built Clerigos Tower, and take in a panoramic view of the city.
• Visit the romantic manor homes in this mountain village of Sintra just north of Lisbon.
• See the crystal blue waters of the Algarve coast
When to Go to Portugal
Portugal boasts a Mediterranean climate year round, but the cooler months – November through February – are best avoided for those who seek the sunny weather. Rainfall peaks in March and April, but gives way to a glorious May. This is a great time to visit Portugal before the summer peak rates jump up.
Those who travel to Portugal from June through September can enjoy traditional festivals like the São João in Porto and the Santo António in Lisbon. Beach dwellers can rest easy on the coast with balmy 85-degree heat and a faint ocean breeze. Those who find the summer too hot should take in the sights in October when cities are cooler and less crowded.
-
13 Affordable Family Vacations to Take This Summer
Summer is right around the corner, and for families thinking of where to plan their next getaway, there are plenty of destinations that won't break the... Read More
-
The Top 10 Food Experiences in the World, According to TripAdvisor
Last year, TripAdvisor launched its inaugural “Travelers’ Choice Awards,” which recognizes 375 tours, experiences, and activities around the world. The... Read More
-
Portugal's Madeira Islands Have Hiking, Biking, and Loads of Wine
Portugal’s Madeira Islands are best known for their namesake fortified wine. But there are many other reasons to visit, as a growing number of travelers... Read More
-
5 Airbnbs That Will Make You Feel Like You're Starring in This Summer's Hottest Movies and TV Shows
With Memorial Day behind us, it’s fair to say summer is (unofficially) here. And with the start of the season comes two things: vacation and... Read More
-
The Photographer Behind One of T+L’s June 2019 Covers Reveals How She Got the Shot
There are some images that instantly evoke the fun, carefree days of summer. The photo we chose for our June cover — a beachscape picturing... Read More
-
The Best Places to Go Whale Watching This Summer
There’s something magical about whales. It may be the fact that one species – the blue whale – is the largest animal on Earth, reaching as much as 100... Read More
-
This Off-the-grid ‘Hobbit Pod’ Might Be the Most Adorable Place You'll Ever Stay
If you’ve ever visited a popular tourist site only to get caught in a giant tour group or find your view obstructed by a swarm of selfie-sticks, you’ve... Read More
-
This Pass Lets You Ski at More Than 1,000 Resorts in Europe for an Amazing Price
Skiing is an expensive hobby. But, with a bit of planning (and perhaps an impulsive purchase), it could become more affordable to jet off and hit the... Read More
-
These Houses in Portugal Are Built Into Giant Boulders
What do you do when you find the perfect place to build your home but there’s a giant boulder in the way? If you were a resident of the ancient village... Read More
-
Flights to These International Destinations Are Expected to Drop in Price By Up to 46 Percent This Month (Video)
There’s nothing more satisfying than finding a cheap international flight, especially during the summer when prices tend to be higher. According to... Read More
-
The Best Summer Trips for Solo Travelers
Craving some adventure this summer? The notion of a solo trip might be a bit overwhelming at first, but once you get past the initial fear of traveling... Read More
-
Why This Small Island in the Middle of the Atlantic Has the Most Beautiful Hydrangeas in the World
You may think you’ve seen blue hydrangeas. But there’s a place in the middle of the Atlantic where the hydrangeas are so vibrant, they are sure to... Read More
-
There Are $300 Round-trip Flights Available to Europe If You Book Right Now
TAP Air Portugal is offering round-trip flights from the East Coast to Europe for as cheap as $320, according to Scott’s Cheap Flights.Most of the cheap... Read More
-
11 Hotels Where You Can Take a Wine Vacation
Sometimes you need to shake it up and try something new on vacation. For wine lovers, however, vineyards hold a strong allure, and it can be hard to... Read More
-
Sleep in a Giant Wine Barrel at This Vineyard in Portugal (Video)
Do you ever love a wine so much, you wish you could just live inside the bottle? Well, good news: There’s a place for wine lovers where they can... Read More
