Deals of the Week  Amazing Asia  Up to 50% OFF

Deals end:1d10h19m33s

Astounding Portugal. An Adventure to Remember.

yellow tram in the streets of lisbon

Your dream destination

An award-winning, year-round destination with 586 miles or 943 kilometers of coastline, a river delta, fascinating history, celebrated cuisine and wine, thriving art, and music scenes, and warm, welcoming people... Too much to ask for? Not at all, Portugal is your dream come true!

In such a diverse and dynamic place, let your senses lead the way to astounding views of the landscape, the layered tastes and smells of the country’s celebrated gastronomy, feel the waves of an early morning surf and spend evenings sipping on some rich red while listening to the enchanting melodies of the famous UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Listed fado or the African influence rhythms or kizomba.

Speaking of UNESCO, Portugal is a country of just over 10 million people, yet as of 2022, there are 17 World Heritage Sites listed in Portugal, a testament to the country’s immense rich cultural and historical heritage. In short, it’s time to meet Astounding Portugal. An Adventure to Remember!


 

What to Do

  • wine cellar with barrels

    Sip Port in Porto

    A common misconception is that Port wine came from Porto; however, it was, in fact, born in the Douro Valley and was named after the city of Porto. Origins aside, you must visit the many port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, a town just outside of Porto, during a trip here. Raise a glass and sample the different wine varieties, and use your tastebuds to gain a greater understanding of port wine history and character.

    Visit Porto
  • colorful palace of Pena in Sintra

    Discover Palácio Nacional da Pena

    Sitting on a hilltop in the Sintra Mountains (roughly 30 km from Lisbon), this vibrant castle is the first palace built in Europe in the era of Romanticism. The Pena Palace is a national monument and has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, as well as in the Seven Wonders of Portugal. With its varying styles and colorful sections, it's a romantic yet whimsical fest for the eye and the perfect day tour from Lisbon city.

    Visit Sintra
  • Torre de Belém

    Enjoy a magical sunset in Lisbon

    On the Western side of Lisbon, facing the Atlantic Ocean, stands the Belem Tower, a fortified tower located in the civil parish of Belém. Dating from 1519, it's one of Portugal's UNESCO World Heritage sites, and once you arrive, you'll understand why it's considered to be one of the most beautiful and photographed landmarks in the city. It's hard to imagine its purpose was once military as it's now one of the most romantic spots imaginable.

    Visit Lisbon
  • Pasteis de Nata

    Taste the Flavors of Tradition

    Flaky and crunchy, yet creamy and packed with flavor once you bite into it, Pastel de Nata has been voted one of the 7 wonders of Portuguese cuisine and is the king of desserts here. This marvelous, eggy, custardy treat was invented in Lisbon by the monks of the Hieronymites Monastery, and the original recipe has been maintained a secret since 1837. To visit Lisbon without having one would be near criminal!

    Visit Lisbon
  • Praça do Comércio

    Take a stroll back in time

    Portugal’s rich history from Celtic times via the Moorish era and colonial days on to the 20th century is told as much in architecture as it is in the history books and musical heritage. Especially eye-catching are the Manueline-style Renaissance, an iconic and uniquely Portuguese style of Baroque, and the colorful Pombaline style of the 18th century giving much of Lisbon and Portugal its picturesque flair visitors are enchanted by today.

    Visit Portugal
  • Enchanting Portuguese beach

    Explore the coastline

    This is a country where water takes center stage, full of pristine beaches and hiking trails along the 586 miles / 943-kilometer-long coast and one of the most beloved and enchanting regions of the country, the Algarve is your prime spot for basking in the sun. Picturesque coastal towns like Lagos and Faro wait to welcome you for strolls on cobbler stones and make excellent base points for discovering the beaches!

    Visit the Algarve

    When to Visit

    1. Peak Season

      June to September

      Portugal is truly a year-round destination, but if you want to avoid tourist crowds and high prices, it's best to avoid the months of July and August. During this time, you can expect sweltering temperatures and higher prices as this is when most Europeans take their summer holidays. July to September are the warmest months, with average temperatures of 28°C / 82°F in the south, meaning the water temperatures will be ideal for swimming. Further north around Porto, you can still expect temperatures of 16 and 26 °C / 61 and 79 °F in the summer and even higher if there's a heatwave. Unless you’re happy to laze by the beach all day, you may want to consider visiting during the shoulder season (May or October) when the weather is better suited to go hiking and exploring.

    2. Low Season

      December to March

      The low season is much cooler and tends to be characterized by higher rainfall. While you can expect lower rates and fewer tourists, please also keep in mind that in parts of Portugal, many resorts and beach towns with accommodations and seasonal restaurants close for the winter. Notable festivals during the low season include Portugal’s Carnaval, Essência do Vinho (a wine gathering), and the Festival Internacional do Chocolate in Óbidos through March. There's also a lot going on in Lisbon during all of December, with Christmas markets and a Ferris wheel in the Parque Eduardo VII. In the north, Porto will typically have temperatures of from n 6 °C /43 °F early in the morning and up to 15 °C / 59 °F) in the afternoon, while ins Lisbon, you can expect ranges from 11 to 21 °C / 52 to 69,8 °F. 

    Popular Portugal Tours

    A TRAVEL MAGAZINE BY TOURRADAR

    COVID-19 | Frequently Asked Questions

    • How do I find a tour that offers flexible rebooking options?

      Aside from checking if they offer Peace of Mind, you can now filter for tours that offer flexible rebooking options. Simply search for a destination or travel style that's right for you and select the Free Rebooking filter when searching for a tour. At the moment this feature is only available for some tours, but we’re actively working to enable this for more of them!
    • Will I have to wear a mask when travelling? Will you provide masks?

      Masks may be required depending on local recommendations in the destination you’re visiting and per the guidelines set out by the company you’re travelling with. It’s recommended that travellers bring their own masks.
    • Do all trips qualify for Peace of Mind?

      Our Peace of Mind program only applies to certain tour operators, some of which are listed above. To check whether or not your tour offers Peace of Mind, simply scroll down on your tour page to find out. Remember that if you decide to change your plans, the Credit for Future Tours will only be valid for the tour operator with whom you originally booked, so choose wisely.
    • More Questions?

      See Visit Portugal's website for more important information for international leisure travellers who are planning a visit to Portugal during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    In partnership with Visit Portugal