Portugal
Perched on the Atlantic on the far edge of Europe, Portugal preserves a salty, traditional culture. Gnarled fishermen still mend their nets, and rustically clad women sell fish and produce in markets.
But along with the old, you'll also find the modern, especially in the culturally rich capital of Lisbon and the second city of Porto. If your idea of good travel includes friendly locals (who generally speak English), a rich culture, affordable prices, a thriving urban scene, seaside resort towns, exotic architecture, windswept castles, and fresh seafood with chilled wine on a beach at sunset…you've chosen the right destination.
Classic Discovery of Portugal
This 10-day itinerary covers the highlights of Portugal. We have also provided additional info on the cities you can explore further if you have time.
You can also combine this with Azores and Madeira island to take your vacation to the next level.
High Level Itinerary
- Day 1, 2, 3 -- Lisbon
- Day 4, 5, 6 -- Algarve
- Day 7, 8 -- Porto
- Day 9, 10, 11 -- Central Regions
+ Madeira Island (2-3 days)
+ Azores (4-5 days)
Spring and fall offer the best combination of good weather, long days, and plenty of tourist and cultural activities.
The summer months are the most crowded and expensive in the coastal areas. Those same towns delight in the shoulder season (mid-May–June and September–mid-October).
Portugal uses the Euro. The currency code is EUR. Exchanging currency before your trip is a common option, but you can also exchange upon your arrival at the airport or withdraw money from ATMs during your stay.
Aeroporto Internacional Humberto Delgado in Lisbon, Aeroporto Internacional Francisco Sá Carneiro in Porto, Aeroporto Internacional de Faro in Faro
2019
January 1: New Year's Day (closures)
January 6: Epiphany (Dia de Reis; bands of carolers go from house to house)
February–March: Carnival (a.k.a. Entrudo, particularly vibrant in Lisbon and Algarve towns, some closures on March 5 for Shrove Tuesday)
March 1–9: Fantasporto International Film Festival, Porto
March 17: Lisbon Half Marathon
March 19: St. Joseph's Day (Dia de São José), Santarém
April 4–14 (likely): Lisbon Fish & Flavors (a.k.a. Peixe em Lisboa, gourmet seafood festival)
April 12–21 (likely): Óbidos International Chocolate Festival
April 14–20: Holy Week (Semana Santa, religious processions, especially in Óbidos and Porto)
April 19–April 21: Easter weekend (Good Friday through Easter Sunday; closures)
April 25: Liberty Day (parades, fireworks; closures)
May–September (weekends): Out Jazz Festival (free outdoor concerts; includes soul, funk, hip-hop), Lisbon
May 1: May Day/Labor Day (closures)
May 2–May 12: Indie Lisboa International Independent Film Festival
May 6–11: Queima das Fitas, Coimbra ("burning of the ribbons": graduation festivities)
May 13: Major pilgrimage to Fátima (Peregrinação de Fátima)
Throughout June: Festas de Lisboa, Lisbon (series of festivals with celebrations peaking on St. Anthony's Day)
Early June (9 days): National Agriculture Festival, Santarém (dancing, bullfights, bull-running)
June 6–8: Nos Primavera Sound, Porto (indie music festival)
June 10: Portuguese National Day (Dia de Camões; closures)
June 12–13: St. Anthony's Day (Dia de Santo António), Lisbon (processions and dancing)
June 13: Minor pilgrimage to Fátima
June 20: Corpus Christi (closures)
Late June (1 day): Arraial Pride, Lisbon (LGBT pride festivities)
June 23–24: St. John's Day (Dia de São João), Porto (fireworks, dancing)
Late June (2 weekends): Rock in Rio, Lisbon (outdoor rock concerts)
June 29: St. Peter's Day (Dia de São Pedro), Évora (dancing, processions)
July 13: Minor pilgrimage to Fátima
August 6–10: Sudoeste Festival, Zambujeira do Mar (rock festival)
August 13: Minor pilgrimage to Fátima
August 15: Assumption Day (religious festival; closures)
August 19: Minor pilgrimage to Fátima
September 8: Our Lady of Nazaré Festival (procession, concerts, folk dancing, bullfights, fairs)
September 13: Minor pilgrimage to Fátima
September–October (3 weeks): Festival de Sintra (classical music and opera)
October 5: Republic Day (closures)
October 13: Major pilgrimage to Fátima (Peregrinação de Fátima)
2018
November 1: All Saints' Day (closures)
December: Vila Natal, Óbidos (Christmas lights, ice rink, performances)
December 1: Restoration of Independence Day (closures)
December 8: Feast of the Immaculate Conception (Imaculada Conceição, closures)
December 24: Christmas Eve (Véspera de Natal, midnight mass then feast)
December 25: Christmas Day (Natal, closures)
December 31: New Year's Eve (Noite de Ano Novo, fireworks, banging of pots and pans)
