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.
-
20 Gorgeous, Green Destinations Where You Can Have an Eco-friendly Vacation
What makes a place green? Well, that depends on how you define it. For some countries, like Indonesia, it’s all about building a school with sustainable... Read More
-
In the Azores, You Can Cook Your Dinner Inside a Volcano
I stood back from the steaming, manhole-sized crater and watched my lunch being lowered into the ground. Next to me stood Valter Vieira, the chef at... Read More
-
A Street Art Enthusiast's Guide to Lisbon
A stroll through Lisbon’s hilly streets immediately reveals why the capital has recently become a social media darling: It offers a delicious visual... Read More
-
The Best New Hotels in Lisbon, From a 16th-century Manor to a Midcentury Modern Masterpiece
When I first visited Lisbon seven years ago, the city was going through an existential crisis: bruised by the recession, young people were moving to... Read More
-
After This Woman's Flight Was Canceled, She Met Her Future Husband on the Rebooked One
A canceled flight might turn out to be the best thing to ever happen to you.Back in 2015, Anna Gorga’s flight from the Azores to Lisbon was canceled.... Read More
-
A Major Wildfire Is Raging in Portugal — This Is What Travelers Should Know
It’s been a hot summer in Europe. Just last month, France set its all-time high temperature, while several countries reported the hottest June on record... Read More
-
Start Summer Off Right With a Trip to One of These Surf Destinations
Whether you consider yourself to be a surfer or not, you’re likely influenced by surf culture. If you drop a “dude” from time-to-time, highlight your... Read More
-
The Best Trips for Introverts, According to Introverts (Video)
I recently went on a trip to Los Angeles with a friend, and after just one day and night together my voice was starting to give out. We were talking... Read More
-
The Top 15 Cities in Europe
When it comes to the best European cities in readers’ eyes, one nation reigns supreme. For the third year running, Italy has dominated the top urban... Read More
-
The Top 15 Islands in Europe
European culture, history, and food only get better when paired with the relaxation quotient of an island. The spectacular coastlines of the best... Read More
-
The Top 3 Spain and Portugal Resort Hotels
Though the category technically spans the best resorts in Spain and Portugal, the latter dominated the field in Travel + Leisure readers’ minds. They... Read More
-
The 15 Best Islands in the World
One of the greatest rewards of traveling — discovering the new — is reflected in T+L readers’ picks for the world’s best islands. Not only do several... Read More
-
The Best Bars in the World for a Summer Drink
After drinking on velvet furniture in dark lounges all winter, we’re ready for spritzy cocktails in sunny bars with the best views of skylines and... Read More
-
10 Sweet Hotels Chocolate Lovers Need to Add to Their Bucket Lists
What makes a hotel truly desirable? For many, location, design, and service are at the top of the list. Others, however, seek out places that speak... Read More
-
5 Countries Where You Can Retire by the Beach for Less Than $1,500 a Month
Whether you’re five months or 15 years away from handing in that final two weeks notice, you’ve probably dreamt of the beachside digs where you’ll live... Read More
