Skip to Content

My first travel experience in Portugal was spending 10 days in the Azores Islands. It wasn’t till two years later that I finally went on a 2-week long road trip across mainland Portugal.

Both times I was amazed by the beauty of this country.

The Azores Islands are one of the most jaw-dropping places I’ve ever seen. I didn’t really know much before going, and I was blown away by the epic hikes and stunning natural beauty of the islands.

They’re a bit of a European off the beaten path gem, and you’ll love visiting them.

Mainland Portugal is a more classic European bucket list destination, but that doesn’t make it any less beautiful. The country is blessed with a huge variety of attractions, and in the same week you could go from epic beaches to cute medieval towns, or from sweeping green valleys to busy cityscapes.

Portugal is a country that I loved travelling to, and that I want to make sure you also make the most of!

Here you will find all my top travel tips for the Azores Islands and Portugal.

Quick travel facts about Portugal

Where is Portugal? Portugal is a country in south-western part of Europe, neighbouring Spain and the Atlantic Ocean.

How to get there: You can find the cheapest flights to Portugal via SkyScanner. You can also travel overland from Spain with buses, trains or with a rented car.

Currency: Euro (EUR) – see the latest exchange rate here.

Electrical plugs in Portugal: Types C&F (the ones you find throughout most of Europe)– I recommend an international adapter so you can use it on multiple trips.

Capital city: Lisbon

Best time to visit: Portugal has a very varied climate and it ultimately depends on what you’re looking for. Summer is the best time for beaches, but is also the busiest time with the most tourists.

In winter the weather is still pleasant compared to other European countries, so it can be considered a good destination for winter sun escapes. 

How to travel around Portugal: The easiest way to travel around Portugal is to rent a car and drive yourself. Public transport via bus and train is pretty good in Portugal, but having a car will give you more flexibility.

You can travel between the Azores islands either via plane or ferry. For the closer islands I recommend the ferry, whilst for longer distances it will be faster by plane. You can find the cheapest flights on SkyScanner.

Visa requirements: Portugal is part of Schengen. Depending on your passport you will either be able to travel to Portugal without limitations or with a 90-day visa.

My Portugal travel guides

If you’re planning a day trip from Lisbon to Ericeira, but aren’t sure what to expect, you’ve come to the right place! In this guide I have outlined everything you need to know for the perfect Ericeira day trip from Lisbon. Including how to get there, the best things to do once there, any tours …

Read More about Lisbon to Ericeira Day Trip – Everything You Need to Know!

Need help planning your day trip to the Douro Valley from Porto? You’ve come to the right place! With its lush green vegetation, countless vineyards and sweeping views, the Douro Valley is one of the most popular places to visit in Portugal. It’s famous for its vineyards, but it’s not only wine fans that will …

Read More about Day Trip to Douro Valley From Porto – Everything You Need to Know!

Need help planning your Lisbon to Obidos day trip? You’ve come to the right place! Located in the Portuguese countryside, Obidos is one of the most well-preserved medieval towns in Portugal. With its cobbled streets, white houses and sweeping country views, it’s one of the most popular day trips from Lisbon. During my Portugal itinerary …

Read More about Lisbon to Obidos Day Trip – How to Get There, What to Do & More!

Planning a Lisbon to Nazaré day trip, but not sure where to start? You’ve come to the right place! Nazaré is one of the most popular destinations in Portugal, and rightly so. This coastal town is blessed with long stretches of golden sand, a cute historical city centre, delicious seafood and huge waves for surfing. …

Read More about Lisbon to Nazaré Day Trip – Plan the Perfect Nazaré Day Trip from Lisbon!

If you’re planning to spend one week in Portugal, but aren’t sure where to go or what to see, you’ve come to the right place! In this Portugal one week itinerary I will list everything you need to know to spend seven amazing days in Portugal. However let’s start with the premise that seven days …

Read More about One Week in Portugal Itinerary: Two Sample Itineraries for 7 Epic Days in Portugal

Looking for the best places to stay in Porto, Portugal? You just found them! Porto is one of the most popular destinations in Portugal. With its cute cobbled streets, countless “azulejos” tiles, jaw-dropping views and unique architecture, it’s easy to see why.  Porto is a fairly small city, with most of its attractions all located close …

Read More about Where to Stay in Porto, Portugal – Best Places, Areas, and Accommodation in Porto for Every Budget

Looking the best day trips from Porto? You just found them! Porto is a beautiful city in Northern Portugal, and its surroundings are just as picturesque. There are many unique destinations in this part of Portugal that you can visit on a day trip from Porto. Whether you’re searching for a beach getaway, a day …

Read More about Best Day Trips From Porto – 13 Amazing Porto Day Trips

Need help planning your Lisbon to Evora day trip? You’ve come to the right place! Evora is the capital of the Alentejo region in Portugal. The city has a beautiful and very well preserved historic centre, home to many interesting attractions like the ancient Roman Temple, the Chapel of Bones and Evora Cathedral. Many travellers …

Read More about Evora Day Trip From Lisbon – Everything You Need To Know