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Portugal travel guide

Places to visit, things to do and where to stay in 6 destinations across Portugal.

Destinations6 city guides
Flights from$470 to Estoril Coast
Things to do273 experiences
Best time to visitMay to September
CurrencyEUR · €
CapitalLisbon

About Portugal

Portugal is in Southern Europe. Its capital is Lisbon, the main language is Portuguese and the currency is the Euro (EUR). Our guides cover 6 destinations across Portugal, including Lisbon, Porto and Azores. The most comfortable time to visit is generally May to September.

Cheap flights to Portugal

The lowest fares Destina Holidays travellers found to destinations in Portugal in the last 30 days.

Prices are per adult in US dollars, last checked 20 Oct 2026. Fares change often, so search your dates for live prices.

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Must-see sights in Portugal

  1. Belem Tower

    Belem Tower

    Landmark · Lisbon

    A fortified tower on the Tagus riverbank and a symbol of the Age of Discoveries. Its intricately carved stonework is best admired from the riverside promenade outside.

  2. Ribeira

    Ribeira

    Neighborhood · Porto

    Porto's riverside quarter of colorful tall houses, narrow alleys, and outdoor cafes facing the Douro. Take a short river cruise from here to see the city's six bridges from the water.

  3. Sete Cidades

    Sete Cidades

    Nature · Azores

    Twin lakes, one green and one blue, sitting inside a huge volcanic crater on the west of São Miguel. Drive to the Vista do Rei lookout early, before clouds roll in and hide the view.

  4. Ponta da Piedade

    Ponta da Piedade

    Viewpoint · Algarve

    A headland near Lagos with golden cliffs, sea arches and grottoes. Take a kayak or small boat tour from Lagos to see the caves from the water.

  5. Pena Palace

    Pena Palace

    Landmark · Estoril Coast

    A brightly painted 19th-century Romanticist palace on a hilltop above Sintra. Buy a timed ticket online, and take the shuttle bus up from town, since the walk is steep and parking is scarce.

  6. Pico do Arieiro

    Pico do Arieiro

    Viewpoint · Madeira

    Madeira's third-highest peak, reachable by road, offering views over a sea of clouds. Arrive before sunrise for a memorable view, and bring warm layers for the cold summit.

Things to do in Portugal

273 tours, tickets and experiences you can book across Portugal. Pick a type and city to see what is available for your dates.

Best time to visit Portugal

Based on recent weather records across 6 destinations, the most comfortable months for sightseeing in Portugal are May to September. Conditions vary by region, so open a city guide for monthly temperatures, rainfall and a 7-day forecast.

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

Know before you go

Currency
Euro (EUR)1 US dollar ≈ €0.89
Language
Portuguese
Capital
Lisbon
Calling code
+351
Driving
On the right
Time zones
Europe/Lisbon, Atlantic/Azores, Atlantic/Madeira

Upcoming public holidays in Portugal

  • All Saints DayDia de Todos-os-Santos
  • Restoration of IndependenceRestauração da Independência
  • Immaculate ConceptionImaculada Conceição
  • Christmas DayNatal
  • New Year's DayAno Novo
  • Good FridaySexta-feira Santa

Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.

Check visa requirements

Getting to Portugal

The closest airports to the most popular destinations in Portugal.

  • OPO Francisco de Sá Carneiro Airport7 mi from Porto
  • PDL João Paulo II Airport2 mi from Azores
  • FAO Faro Airport2 mi from Algarve
  • LIS Humberto Delgado Airport14 mi from Estoril Coast
  • FNC Madeira Cristiano-Ronaldo Airport13 mi from Madeira
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Portugal travel FAQ

What are the best places to visit in Portugal?

Popular destinations in Portugal include Lisbon, Porto, Azores and Algarve. Our Portugal travel guides cover 6 cities and regions, with places to visit, things to do, where to stay and the best time to go.

When is the best time to visit Portugal?

Across our Portugal destinations, the most comfortable months to visit are May to September. Weather varies by region, so check each city guide for local temperatures and rainfall.

How much are flights to Portugal?

The cheapest round-trip fare Destina Holidays travellers found to Portugal in the last 30 days was $470 to Estoril Coast from Toronto, travelling 18 Nov – 25 Nov.

Which airports should I fly into for Portugal?

Main airports for popular Portugal destinations include Francisco de Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) for Porto, João Paulo II Airport (PDL) for Azores, Faro Airport (FAO) for Algarve and Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) for Estoril Coast.

What are the top things to do in Portugal?

Destina Holidays offers 273 tours and activities across Portugal. The most popular types are city tours (93), day trips & excursions (64), art & culture (54) and gastronomy & nightlife (43).

What are the must-see sights in Portugal?

Highlights include Belem Tower in Lisbon, Ribeira in Porto, Sete Cidades in Azores and Ponta da Piedade in Algarve.

How many hotels can I book in Portugal?

Destina Holidays lists 2,161 properties across our Portugal destinations, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.

What currency is used in Portugal?

Portugal uses the Euro (EUR). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ €0.89.

What language is spoken in Portugal?

The official language of Portugal is Portuguese.

What is the capital of Portugal?

The capital of Portugal is Lisbon.

What time zone is Portugal in?

Our Portugal destinations span 3 time zones, including Europe/Lisbon (UTC+1), Atlantic/Azores (UTC+0) and Atlantic/Madeira (UTC+1).

Which side of the road do they drive on in Portugal?

Traffic in Portugal drives on the right. The international calling code is +351.

What are the upcoming public holidays in Portugal?

Upcoming public holidays include All Saints Day on 1 November 2026, Restoration of Independence on 1 December 2026 and Immaculate Conception on 8 December 2026. Flights and hotels often fill up early around holidays.

Do I need a visa to visit Portugal?

Visa rules for Portugal depend on your nationality, passport and the length and purpose of your trip. Check our visa requirements page or contact our travel experts before you book.

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