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Turism |
With a coastline of 850 km, situated in the extreme south-west of Europe, Portugal is a prominent country in Europe and the World to visit. The reasons are diverse and easily enumerated:
In 2018, Portugal won 17 world tourism awards, placing the country in the top of the world destinations to visit - the first in Europe to reach first place. Read more about it and see all the awards here.
If you need information on how to get a visa to visit Portugal, click here.
Source: Visit Portugal; Living in Portugal; Taste Portugal
- The natural beauty of the country;
- The climate: in Portugal there are about 260 days of sunshine a year, so the lack of vitamin D will not be a concern;
- The beaches, the immense green spaces, the rural environment that we live especially in the interior of the country;
- The history associated with the country: from Portugal, the country of the discoveries, to the fall of the dictatorship and the victory of democracy;
- Gastronomy: you will be able to taste various typical Portuguese dishes in small rural and family restaurants or in internationally recognised restaurants, winners of the most prestigious gastronomic awards;
- Low cost of living compared to other European countries;
- Privileged position that allows you to travel to other European cities in a few hours;
- The warm and hospitable atmosphere with which the Portuguese welcome those who visit us (if you are not comfortable with the Portuguese language, you will easily communicate in English, Spanish or French);
- Feeling of security.
In 2018, Portugal won 17 world tourism awards, placing the country in the top of the world destinations to visit - the first in Europe to reach first place. Read more about it and see all the awards here.
If you need information on how to get a visa to visit Portugal, click here.
Source: Visit Portugal; Living in Portugal; Taste Portugal
Travel to Portugal
If you are planning a trip to Portugal, you should consider how many cities/regions you want to visit, what your first destination will be, when you want to visit the country and how long you want to stay in the country. Considering that Portugal is a small country (92 092 km²), you'll easily visit several different places in a short period of time and you can do it by car, bus, train or plane.
When it comes to the time of year you'll be travelling, you should consider the weather conditions in the country:
In the summer in Portugal, the hot and dry weather often leads to fires, so if you detect a fire situation please contact the 112 hotline immediately (you should contact the same hotline in any emergency situation, e.g. health, crime).
Source: Portal das Comunidades
When it comes to the time of year you'll be travelling, you should consider the weather conditions in the country:
- From january to march the coldest months in Portugal are experienced, with temperatures between 15 and 5 degrees at night, although these temperatures vary greatly from region to region;
- From march to june, spring is experienced in the whole country. Temperatures rise and flowers flourish, but the Portuguese saying "April thousand waters" describes the beginning of this season, the rainiest of the year;
- From june to september - the summer months - is when Portugal has the highest foreign influx to Portugal, the temperatures reach higher values but the Portuguese coastal extension gives the country very pleasant beaches from north to south that make the summer in Portugal very pleasant;
- Between september and december the colour palette changes to warmer tones that create a balance as temperatures drop. It's also a good time to visit Portugal, as the milder temperatures allow you to visit the country without having to wait for the hottest hours to end.
In the summer in Portugal, the hot and dry weather often leads to fires, so if you detect a fire situation please contact the 112 hotline immediately (you should contact the same hotline in any emergency situation, e.g. health, crime).
Source: Portal das Comunidades
Regiões de Portugal
North Region
The North of Portugal is a region of incredible natural beauty, for its landscapes, historical and cultural monuments, for its beaches, rivers, gastronomy, port wine and for the people who live there who have the ability to receive those who visit them with an energy that makes anyone feel that Portugal is also their home.
In the North region you will find incredible cities, among them:
Source: Visit Portugal; Turismo do Porto e Norte de Portugal
In the North region you will find incredible cities, among them:
- Guimarães - the birthplace of D. Afonso Henriques, the first Portuguese king. Here you will be enchanted by the city's beautiful historic centre, while visiting the castle, one of the country's greatest historical landmarks where several battles have been fought to maintain the integrity of the country.
- Braga, a city built more than 2000 years ago, is currently home to countless students, as it is home to the University of Minho, which has gained increasing prestige over the years. One of the best times to visit the city is the last week of May, when the festivities of Bracara Augusta take place, an event that recreates the Roman era with an epochal market where you'll find gastronomic delights, handmade pieces, a military camp, parades, a whole environment that really takes us back in time.
- If you want to know a little more about the interior of the northern region of Portugal, Bragança is one of your best options. A city located in Trás-os-Montes, small for its size, but giant for its beauty and historical past, where one of the greatest Portuguese love stories took place: the relationship D. Pedro and Inês de Castro, a forbidden love that ended tragically.
- In the district of Viana de Castelo, region of Alto Minho, you will find cities where the Portuguese culture seems to have remained practically intact. Arcos de Valdevez, Ponte da Barca, Ponte de Lima, Monção, Paredes de Coura, are some of the towns in the district, where you'll find the best typical Portuguese food restaurants and natural parks that will give you an absolutely invigorating experience. One of the biggest attractions in the Alto Minho region is the Peneda-Gerês National Park, a natural refuge with an impressive biological diversity.
Source: Visit Portugal; Turismo do Porto e Norte de Portugal
Porto
Our Ancient, Very Noble, Always Loyal and Undefeated city of Oporto. World Heritage Site, which gives its name to the famous wine produced in the Douro region. Capital of the North of the country, in Oporto you will find an enormous diversity of activities, since this is both a historical and extremely cultural city, as well as a city where you can choose to go to enjoy the tranquility of a few days of beach. There are a number of experiences to live in Porto that should be on your bucket list, including: enjoying a glass of Port wine by the river and eating a Francesinha. A mandatory stop once in Portugal, you can't leave the country without being in touch with the Porto accent and feeling the spirit of the northern people.
Source: Visit Porto.
Source: Visit Porto.
Central Region
the All Portuguese regions have very different characteristics, although the Centre Region is very close to the North of Portugal, your experience in the Centre will certainly be distinct from your experience in the North of Portugal or the South, which means that any time you spend in the different cities of the different regions will always be enriching.
In the centre of Portugal are cities like Aveiro, Figueira da Foz, Viseu, Tomar, Leiria and the famous Serra da Estrela. All these places have their own identity traits and, if you want to focus your visit to Portugal on a specific region, the centre of the country will probably be your best choice, since here you will find a pleasant coastal area, as well as a beautiful mountain area and as in all other regions of the country, much history and culture, part of it told on the sidewalks of the walks and tiles of Portuguese churches and monuments.
If you visit Aveiro, you can say that you were in the Portuguese Venice and really enjoy a boat ride on the Ria de Aveiro. This is a fishing town and you'll find signs of this in every part of the city, from the colourful houses in front of the beach to the various symbols related to fishing culture in other parts of the city. The best way to feel the authenticity of the city is to live a coastal fishing experience in the Ria.
Serra da Estrela, is a mountain area that is located in the centre and interior of Portugal. Mostly visited in the winter and spring, Serra da Estrela is the highest mountain in Portugal mainland and the perfect place for a few days of refuge in nature. Although the largest influx of tourism in the city occurs when there is snow in the mountains, you look for a destination where you can take refuge and relax for a long weekend, the Serra da Estrela remains an excellent bet.
Castelo Branco: the capital of Beira Interior, a city that has much to explore and discover. You can start your visit at the Sé (São Miguel Church), followed by the Francisco Tavares Proença Junior Museum. Besides the most historical monuments of the city, you will find in Castelo Branco more recent attractions such as the Civic Centre, or the Cargaleiro Museum. Take the opportunity to relax a little with a boat ride in Lagoa do Parque Urbano.
Coimbra, the city where one of the oldest universities in Europe is located. Situated by the river, Coimbra is a small city when compared to cities such as Porto and Lisbon, but it is a very young and soulful city, reflecting the environment and the people who live there: the inhabitants of Coimbra who were born and lived in Coimbra all their lives and, on the other hand, the students, who were welcomed as if they were also naturally Coimbrenses. The key places to visit in Coimbra are: the Machado de Castro National Museum, the Botanical Garden and, especially dedicated to the little ones, but which will also enchant the older ones - the Portugal of the Little ones.
Nazaré, like Aveiro, has a strong fishing culture. On the half moon beach, you can experience some of the oldest fishing traditions in the country, for example: every Saturday evening, take the opportunity to sit on the beach wall and watch the fishermen arrive at sunset, and the women shout of their selling platforms, the so-called "Arte Xávega" show. Take this opportunity to go to "Sítio", one of the places where you can enjoy one of the best views of the Portuguese coast. Visit Nazaré and enjoy a sunny day on the beach, take a walk through the narrow streets perpendicular to the beach and enjoy a nice seafood or fresh fish for dinner in one of the wonderful Portuguese restaurants that you will find along the coast.
Fonte: Visit Portugal; Turismo Centro Portugal
In the centre of Portugal are cities like Aveiro, Figueira da Foz, Viseu, Tomar, Leiria and the famous Serra da Estrela. All these places have their own identity traits and, if you want to focus your visit to Portugal on a specific region, the centre of the country will probably be your best choice, since here you will find a pleasant coastal area, as well as a beautiful mountain area and as in all other regions of the country, much history and culture, part of it told on the sidewalks of the walks and tiles of Portuguese churches and monuments.
If you visit Aveiro, you can say that you were in the Portuguese Venice and really enjoy a boat ride on the Ria de Aveiro. This is a fishing town and you'll find signs of this in every part of the city, from the colourful houses in front of the beach to the various symbols related to fishing culture in other parts of the city. The best way to feel the authenticity of the city is to live a coastal fishing experience in the Ria.
Serra da Estrela, is a mountain area that is located in the centre and interior of Portugal. Mostly visited in the winter and spring, Serra da Estrela is the highest mountain in Portugal mainland and the perfect place for a few days of refuge in nature. Although the largest influx of tourism in the city occurs when there is snow in the mountains, you look for a destination where you can take refuge and relax for a long weekend, the Serra da Estrela remains an excellent bet.
Castelo Branco: the capital of Beira Interior, a city that has much to explore and discover. You can start your visit at the Sé (São Miguel Church), followed by the Francisco Tavares Proença Junior Museum. Besides the most historical monuments of the city, you will find in Castelo Branco more recent attractions such as the Civic Centre, or the Cargaleiro Museum. Take the opportunity to relax a little with a boat ride in Lagoa do Parque Urbano.
Coimbra, the city where one of the oldest universities in Europe is located. Situated by the river, Coimbra is a small city when compared to cities such as Porto and Lisbon, but it is a very young and soulful city, reflecting the environment and the people who live there: the inhabitants of Coimbra who were born and lived in Coimbra all their lives and, on the other hand, the students, who were welcomed as if they were also naturally Coimbrenses. The key places to visit in Coimbra are: the Machado de Castro National Museum, the Botanical Garden and, especially dedicated to the little ones, but which will also enchant the older ones - the Portugal of the Little ones.
Nazaré, like Aveiro, has a strong fishing culture. On the half moon beach, you can experience some of the oldest fishing traditions in the country, for example: every Saturday evening, take the opportunity to sit on the beach wall and watch the fishermen arrive at sunset, and the women shout of their selling platforms, the so-called "Arte Xávega" show. Take this opportunity to go to "Sítio", one of the places where you can enjoy one of the best views of the Portuguese coast. Visit Nazaré and enjoy a sunny day on the beach, take a walk through the narrow streets perpendicular to the beach and enjoy a nice seafood or fresh fish for dinner in one of the wonderful Portuguese restaurants that you will find along the coast.
Fonte: Visit Portugal; Turismo Centro Portugal
Lisbon
Lisbon. The Portuguese capital. A city that never stops surprising, where every corner tells a different story. As in Porto, in Lisbon you will also be in contact with the best of all worlds:
Some places to visit are: the historic quarter of Alfama and Castelo, with one of the most fabulous views over the city and the river, downtown towards Belém, the Padrão dos Descobrimentos, the Torre de Belém and the Centro Cultural de Belém. To end the day, choose a typically Portuguese restaurant to the sound of Fado or in Bairro Alto, an area of bars frequented by the younger population, namely students.
Take at least one day to visit Sintra and the beautiful Monte da Lua, the Palácio da Vila, Palácio and Quinta da Regaleira, Chalet da Condessa D'Edla and the Castelo dos Mouros.
Restrictions on the circulation of cars
Air quality in the city centre of Lisbon has been a constant concern, and the need to reduce pollution has led to the creation of an Implementation Plan and Programme for the Improvement of Air Quality for the city of Lisbon. The solution proposed and implemented to achieve the defined environmental goals was the creation of a ZER (Reduced Emissions Zone). The areas covered by the ZER are:
Source: Turismo de Lisboa; Lisboa, Câmara Municipal; Visit Lisboa; Câmara Municipal de Lisboa
Some places to visit are: the historic quarter of Alfama and Castelo, with one of the most fabulous views over the city and the river, downtown towards Belém, the Padrão dos Descobrimentos, the Torre de Belém and the Centro Cultural de Belém. To end the day, choose a typically Portuguese restaurant to the sound of Fado or in Bairro Alto, an area of bars frequented by the younger population, namely students.
Take at least one day to visit Sintra and the beautiful Monte da Lua, the Palácio da Vila, Palácio and Quinta da Regaleira, Chalet da Condessa D'Edla and the Castelo dos Mouros.
Restrictions on the circulation of cars
Air quality in the city centre of Lisbon has been a constant concern, and the need to reduce pollution has led to the creation of an Implementation Plan and Programme for the Improvement of Air Quality for the city of Lisbon. The solution proposed and implemented to achieve the defined environmental goals was the creation of a ZER (Reduced Emissions Zone). The areas covered by the ZER are:
- Zone 1: Avenida da Liberdade/Baixa (limited to the north by Rua Alexandre Herculano and to the south by Praça do Comércio) - only vehicles that comply with the EURO3 emission standards (vehicles of 2000 or higher and heavy October 2000) circulate;
- Zone 2: limited to the south of Avenida de Ceuta | North-South Axis | Avenida das Forças Armadas | Avenida dos Estados Unidos da América | Avenida Marechal António Spínola | Avenida Infante Dom Henrique - only vehicles that comply with the EURO 2 emission standard (vehicles from 1996 or later and heavy after October 1996) circulate;
Source: Turismo de Lisboa; Lisboa, Câmara Municipal; Visit Lisboa; Câmara Municipal de Lisboa
South Region
The southern region of Portugal is the one that receives the most tourists every year and the main reasons for this are: the high temperatures and the incredible beaches in the Algarve and Alentejo.
In addition to its beauty and pleasant temperatures, the southern region of Portugal is a very quiet and safe area, reasons that attract more and more foreigners to Portugal to live there, but be prepared to deal with a huge crowd of tourists between June and August.
We can divide the south of the country into two large areas: the Alentejo and the Algarve.
The Alentejo is marked by a particular landscape that combines warmth with the sun and a compassionate rhythm. In a very different place from the north of the country, the Alentejo has, in the same way, a charm that only those who live there and visit can understand. The accent of this Portuguese area reflects the lifestyle taken there, typically paused and relaxed, as easy to identify as the open accent of Porto.
If you go to the Alentejo you can choose to stay in the interior of the region (Alto Alentejo, Central Alentejo, Baixo Alentejo), on the coast (Litoral do Alentejo, Central Alentejo), or both, taking a certain number of days home area.
If you visit the Alentejo we suggest you visit Portalegre in Alto Alentejo, Évora in Central Alentejo, Beja in Baixo Alentejo and Vila Nova de Milfontes on the Alentejo coast.
A region that has been gaining more and more recognition and called to the attention of Portuguese and foreigners, continuing to surprise by the secrets it hides.
Source: Visit Alentejo; Visit Portugal
The ideal trip to mainland Portugal will start in Minho (North region, Viana do Castelo district) and end in the internationally beloved Algarve area.
Aljezur, Faro, Lagos, Tavira, Portimão, Algarve cities that every year receive thousands of tourists who are enchanted by the wonders hidden at the edge of a country as small as Portugal. In the Algarve there are absolutely heavenly regions that make those who will want to return there happy.
This Portuguese zone represents a past that remains very present in all cities and even in the very name of the region, of Arab origin, result of the more than 5 centuries of Arab influence in the south of Portugal that they named the Portuguese south coast of Al-Gharb.
A paradisiacal destination in the southwestern corner of Europe.
Source: Visit Algarve
In addition to its beauty and pleasant temperatures, the southern region of Portugal is a very quiet and safe area, reasons that attract more and more foreigners to Portugal to live there, but be prepared to deal with a huge crowd of tourists between June and August.
We can divide the south of the country into two large areas: the Alentejo and the Algarve.
The Alentejo is marked by a particular landscape that combines warmth with the sun and a compassionate rhythm. In a very different place from the north of the country, the Alentejo has, in the same way, a charm that only those who live there and visit can understand. The accent of this Portuguese area reflects the lifestyle taken there, typically paused and relaxed, as easy to identify as the open accent of Porto.
If you go to the Alentejo you can choose to stay in the interior of the region (Alto Alentejo, Central Alentejo, Baixo Alentejo), on the coast (Litoral do Alentejo, Central Alentejo), or both, taking a certain number of days home area.
If you visit the Alentejo we suggest you visit Portalegre in Alto Alentejo, Évora in Central Alentejo, Beja in Baixo Alentejo and Vila Nova de Milfontes on the Alentejo coast.
A region that has been gaining more and more recognition and called to the attention of Portuguese and foreigners, continuing to surprise by the secrets it hides.
Source: Visit Alentejo; Visit Portugal
The ideal trip to mainland Portugal will start in Minho (North region, Viana do Castelo district) and end in the internationally beloved Algarve area.
Aljezur, Faro, Lagos, Tavira, Portimão, Algarve cities that every year receive thousands of tourists who are enchanted by the wonders hidden at the edge of a country as small as Portugal. In the Algarve there are absolutely heavenly regions that make those who will want to return there happy.
This Portuguese zone represents a past that remains very present in all cities and even in the very name of the region, of Arab origin, result of the more than 5 centuries of Arab influence in the south of Portugal that they named the Portuguese south coast of Al-Gharb.
A paradisiacal destination in the southwestern corner of Europe.
Source: Visit Algarve
Autonomous Region of Madeira
Located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, Madeira Island and Porto Santo are a natural paradise, the pearl of the Atlantic Ocean, a great refuge for nature lovers. The landscapes that combine the intense blue of the sea with the green of the mountains of the island, are breathtaking and 5 days on this island will be enough to make you return home completely rejuvenated.
The temperatures on the island differ from those on the mainland. Madeira has a tropical environment all year round, which makes the city even more prone and attractive to outdoor activities.
A morning on the beach, a walk on the island of Funchal, a game of golf, a boat ride, a walk along the levadas. A variety of activities that will certainly please families with the most varied tastes.
Just like on the mainland, Madeira is also a festive island, so you might want to visit the island during Carnival or the Flower Festival in May, at the Atlantic Festival and especially at New Year's Eve to watch a breathtaking fireworks show.
Source: Visit Portugal; Visit Madeira
The temperatures on the island differ from those on the mainland. Madeira has a tropical environment all year round, which makes the city even more prone and attractive to outdoor activities.
A morning on the beach, a walk on the island of Funchal, a game of golf, a boat ride, a walk along the levadas. A variety of activities that will certainly please families with the most varied tastes.
Just like on the mainland, Madeira is also a festive island, so you might want to visit the island during Carnival or the Flower Festival in May, at the Atlantic Festival and especially at New Year's Eve to watch a breathtaking fireworks show.
Source: Visit Portugal; Visit Madeira
Autonomous Region of Açores
The Archipelago of the Azores is composed of 9 islands, all of them of volcanic origin. Together with the archipelagos of Madeira, the Canary Islands and Cape Verde define the biogeographic region of Macaronesia, meaning "lucky islands", and are undoubtedly lucky those who visit the Azores and have the opportunity to discover the charms of the island.
If you want to visit the Azorean islands, you can consider a cruise through the various islands, or part of them. Otherwise, you can choose to fly to different islands.
The archipelago consists of: São Miguel Island, Pico Island, Faial Island, Santa Maria Island, Terceira Island, Graciosa, São Jorge Island, Corvo, Flores Island. All these islands have different characteristics among themselves and do not stop surprising all who visit them. On the island of Santa Maria, the warm and sandy beaches are a delight to everyone; the island of São Miguel, the largest in the archipelago, is enchanted by its lakes of Sete Cidades and Fogo; on the island of Flores, the waterfalls and lagoons, is the natural destination that can almost be compared to a utopia; and finally on the island of Corvo, the miniature island, has in its center a wide and beautiful boiler and attracts several species of birds coming not only from the European continent, but also the American; the central islands: Terceira, São Jorge, Pico, Faial and Graciosa choose to take a boat trip in an attempt to spot whales and dolphins in their natural habitat and prepare a spa day in the hot springs of one of the islands to recharge your energy before leaving the Autonomous Region of the Azores.
A group of islands with much to explore and discover, where every nook and cranny will make your eyes shine by surprise.
Source: Visit Portugal; Visit Azores
If you want to visit the Azorean islands, you can consider a cruise through the various islands, or part of them. Otherwise, you can choose to fly to different islands.
The archipelago consists of: São Miguel Island, Pico Island, Faial Island, Santa Maria Island, Terceira Island, Graciosa, São Jorge Island, Corvo, Flores Island. All these islands have different characteristics among themselves and do not stop surprising all who visit them. On the island of Santa Maria, the warm and sandy beaches are a delight to everyone; the island of São Miguel, the largest in the archipelago, is enchanted by its lakes of Sete Cidades and Fogo; on the island of Flores, the waterfalls and lagoons, is the natural destination that can almost be compared to a utopia; and finally on the island of Corvo, the miniature island, has in its center a wide and beautiful boiler and attracts several species of birds coming not only from the European continent, but also the American; the central islands: Terceira, São Jorge, Pico, Faial and Graciosa choose to take a boat trip in an attempt to spot whales and dolphins in their natural habitat and prepare a spa day in the hot springs of one of the islands to recharge your energy before leaving the Autonomous Region of the Azores.
A group of islands with much to explore and discover, where every nook and cranny will make your eyes shine by surprise.
Source: Visit Portugal; Visit Azores
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If you need a visa to visit Portugal, find out more in Visas.
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