Portugal Travel Blog

Portugal is an incredible country located in Southwest Europe. In fact, Portugal is one of the most popular destinations in Europe. It has something for everyone – backpackers, couples, solo travelers, luxury travelers, digital nomads, etc.

Portugal offers several experiences – from surf camps to road trips, from vineyards to medieval castles, from epic festivals to relaxing holidays, from gorgeous landscapes to colorful cities – you should find something that suits your needs and interests.

If you’re planning your first trip to Portugal, this guide should answer any questions you may have. We’ll talk about travel facts, the best destinations, travel costs, travel essentials and how to prepare for your trip.

Information Portugal
Language Portuguese
English-friendly Yes
Currency EUR (Euro)
Internet reliability Great

 

Top Destinations in Portugal

Porto

Douro Valley

Lisbon

Lagos

Sintra

Portugal Travel Tips & Costs

 

In this section, you’ll find general information on costs and how to prepare for your trip. Finally, you will find a table that will provide an overview of cost and options depending on your travel budget.

 

Accommodation

 

In Portugal, you’ll find several options when it comes to accommodation. Whether you’re a budget traveler or not, you will be able to find options. You can find dorms starting at $6 per night, but it does depend on the city.

 

Food

 

When it comes to food, you should try the famous Pastéis de nata. It’s the world-famous small egg custard tart and it’s delicious! If you’re on a budget, make sure to book accommodation with a kitchen, so you can cook your own food. Otherwise, you should be able to find a meal starting at EUR 10.

 

Activities

 

Some activities such as hiking or beach bumming are free. Although, if you’re planning on visiting museums, joining a surf camp, going to a vineyard or learning to cook traditional dishes, you will have to pay for it. You can browse activities in Portugal here to have an idea of the costs.

 

Transportation

In general, it’s really easy to get around Portugal. You can either take a bus or a train, or rent a car to reach your destinations.

To book your transport between destinations, you can book via RailEurope or Busbud.

 

 

Travel Cost Budget travel Mid-range Luxury
Accommodation $6-20 per night $20-80 per night $80+
Meal $8-15 per meal $15-25 per meal $25+
Activities Focus on free activities Mixing free activities & mid-range $30+ per day
Transport By bus, by train By bus, by train By car, by flight

Safety In Portugal

 

Overall, traveling around Portugal is pretty safe. Of course, you should always lock your valuables especially if you’re staying in a hostel.

Use common sense and keep your valuables off-sight especially in crowded touristy areas.

What to Pack for Europe

 

Apart from the travel essentials, here are the things you should absolutely bring along with you in Europe. Click on the images to shop on Amazon.

Visa for Europe

 

Depending on your nationality, you may need to apply for a visa. Otherwise, you should know that Portugal is in the Schengen zone, so you can have a free entry up to 90 days every 180 days.

You can verify your visa requirements here.

 

Preparing Your Trip to Europe

Skyscanner

Browse flights on Skyscanner to find deals.

Go To Skyscanner

SafetyWing

Book your travel insurance for as little as $42/month.

Go To SafetyWing

Booking.com

Find accommodation anywhere in the world.

Go To Booking.com

iVisa

Check the visa requirements and apply for a visa if needed.

Go To iVisa

Worldpackers

Volunteer abroad in exchange for free accommodation.

Go To Worldpackers

Viator

Book transfers, tours, and activities in advance.

Go To Viator

Portugal eSIM Plans

It’s hard to find a good data plan when you’re traveling. You have to research the best deals, go to a store, and hope they have a prepaid SIM card for travelers and tourists.

And if they don’t? You could be without service for the rest of your trip. Not only is that frustrating, but it can also be time-consuming.

eSIMs are the solution to your travel woes. With an eSIM plan, you can stay connected no matter where you go. Plus, there are no contracts or cancellation fees, so you can change your plan whenever you want.

If you’re looking for an eSIM plan while in Portugal, then be sure to check out the providers below. They all offer great plans that will keep you connected while you’re there.

 

Airalo

$3 OFF with promo code: MELISS2943

190+ countries and regions

Go To Site

Read Review

Holafly

5% OFF with promo code: ABROKENBACKPACK

130+ countries and regions

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Nomad

No offer

100+ countries and regions

Go To Site

Read Review

Portugal Blog Posts

Is Porto Safe? Here’s What You Need To Know

Is Porto Safe? Here’s What You Need To Know

As with any destination, there are always safety concerns to consider before planning a trip. But let's clear one thing up right off the bat: Porto is safe for travelers. That being said, it's always important to practice common sense and awareness while traveling...

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Madeira SIM Cards: Everything You Need To Know

Madeira SIM Cards: Everything You Need To Know

Visiting Madeira soon? Make sure to know what to expect when it comes to purchasing a Madeira SIM card. Fortunately, Europe is one of the best places where you can buy a SIM card easily. You should be able to find a cheap SIM card pretty much anywhere in Europe. In...

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Azores SIM Cards: Everything You Need To Know

Azores SIM Cards: Everything You Need To Know

Visiting the Azores soon? Make sure to know what to expect when it comes to purchasing an Azores SIM card. Fortunately, Europe is one of the best places where you can buy a SIM card easily. You should be able to find a cheap SIM card pretty much anywhere in...

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How Many Days In Lagos Is Enough?

How Many Days In Lagos Is Enough?

Planning a trip to Portugal soon? You might be wondering how many days in Lagos is enough. The answer, of course, depends on what you want to do and see while you're in the area. If you're interested in exploring the region, we suggest spending at least three or four...

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How Many Days In Faro Is Enough?

How Many Days In Faro Is Enough?

Planning a trip to Portugal soon? You might be wondering how many days in Faro is enough. The answer, of course, depends on what you want to do and see while you're in the area. If you're interested in exploring the city and also having a relaxing sun holiday, we...

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Is Madeira Worth Visiting?

Is Madeira Worth Visiting?

Made up of two islands in the Atlantic Ocean, the Portuguese archipelago consists of the main island Madeira, and a smaller island Porto Santo. It is located a 90-minute flight from Lisbon and is close to Morocco and the canary islands. Madeira is an extremely...

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Complete Guide: Best Towns In The Algarve

Complete Guide: Best Towns In The Algarve

The Algarve region in southern Portugal is known for its beautiful coastline, warm weather, and charming towns. In fact, the Algarve’s charming towns are one of the country’s top highlights, drawing in tourists and travelers from all over the world. When it comes to...

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Is Faro Worth Visiting?

Is Faro Worth Visiting?

Faro is a charming city located along the coast of the Algarve region in southern Portugal. It is known for its wonderful beaches, many historic landmarks, and vibrant cultural scene. However, if you are planning your next Portugal trip, you might ask, is Faro worth...

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Is Aveiro Worth Visiting?

Is Aveiro Worth Visiting?

Aveiro is a charming small city based on the west coast of Portugal located near the beach. It is home to a network of canals and is set along a lagoon called Ria de Aveiro. Aveiro is popular for its colorful traditional moliceiro boats that navigate the canals to...

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Is Coimbra Worth Visiting?

Is Coimbra Worth Visiting?

Coimbra is a riverfront city based in the Southern European country of Portugal. On the banks of the Mondego river, this charming city is known for being home to one of the oldest universities in Europe and was once the former capital of Portugal. Coimbra is uniquely...

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Is Cascais Worth Visiting?

Is Cascais Worth Visiting?

If you're looking for a place to escape the hustle and bustle of Lisbon, then Cascais is the perfect spot. Although it's only a short train ride away from the city, Cascais feels like a world away. This charming town is situated on Portugal's stunning coastline,...

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Portugal SIM Card: Everything You Need To Know

Portugal SIM Card: Everything You Need To Know

Visiting Portugal soon? Make sure to know what to expect when it comes to purchasing a Portugal SIM card.  In this guide, we’ll explain where to buy a SIM card in Portugal in person and online. We'll also discuss prepaid SIM cards and eSIMs if your mobile...

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