If you haven’t been to Portugal before… what have you been waiting on, girlfriend? Portugal is full of amazing scenery, unique cities, and incredible wine. From the north and the Duoro Valley to the South, known as the Algarve – this tiny country packs a powerful punch, and there is truly something for everyone. This Portugal travel guide is going to help you figure out where to go in Portugal, what to DO in Portugal, and most importantly, where to stay and EAT and DRINK in Portugal!
I first went to Portugal in March of 2022 for a work trip – I worked with one of our preferred partner companies in conjunction with Explorateur Travel to go on a Familiarisation (aka FAM) trip to help me help YOU learn all about Portugal! So, when I write this Portugal travel guide, know that I am writing it after having traveled and trained with the experts, and am giving you the absolute very most of my knowledge, and theirs!
I hope you find this Portugal Travel Guide useful in helping you plan your upcoming trip. I know travel can be a bit overwhelming at times, so if you need any help planning at all, don’t hesitate to send me an email or find me on Instagram and slide into those DMs.
PORTUGAL TRAVEL GUIDE – NEED TO KNOW:
BEST TIME TO TRAVEL TO PORTUGAL
April – June, September, and October. AVOID July and August if you aren’t a fan of big crowds and massive heat. Tourists come to Portugal from all over—many from Germany, England, and Spain—and the US market is growing rapidly!
CURRENCY
Portugal uses the Euro. How can I spend money and avoid ridiculous fees?! I have a Revolut Bank account to easily transfer currencies and see current exchange rates—it’s like an amazing version of Paypal and Venmo all at once! Sign up here!
WEATHER
Portugal has, on average, more than 300 sunny days per year. So while you likely won’t encounter rain, the winters do tend to lean on the side of wet. Summers are hot, dry, and everything you dreamed European summer would be!
LANGUAGE
Portugal’s official language is Portuguese, but almost everyone speaks Spanish, many speak English, and a few even know German!
AVERAGE COST OF ACCOMMODATION
Portugal is a much more economical destination than Spain and many of its European counterparts. However, with Portugal’s rise as a destination for American travelers, expect this to change in the upcoming years.
The average nigthtly cost for a hostel will start around €15 a night.
Starting prices for hotels: 1* €50, 2* €80, 3* 100-150, 4* Hotels €200-300, 5* Hotels €300+
Are you looking for help planning your dream getaway? If you’re feeling overwhelm at all the options on the internet, or just don’t have the time to get into planning your dream trip – I really encourage you to check out my travel planning services! You can download my “How We Work” guide here – or submit your enquiry here!
PORTUGAL TRAVEL GUIDE
– BEST TOURS IN PORTUGAL –
SUNSET SAILING EXPERIENCE IN LISBON
DUORO VALLEY SAILING AND WINE DAY
– BEST REGIONS TO VISIT IN PORTUGAL –
PORTO
LISBON
ALENTEJO
ALGARVE
DOURO & THE NORTH
WHAT TO EAT IN PORTUGAL
These classic Portuguese dishes and drinks are a sure way to put a smile on your face! Any of these local staples are traditional and known in Mallorca…so enjoy the cuisine!
CATAPLANA
OYSTERS
MUSSELS
CLAMS
COD (BACALAO)
PORTO
PORTUGUESE WINE – RED, GREEN. WHITE, ROSE
WHERE TO STAY IN LISBON
Six Senses Douro Valley
For an eco-conscious trip to wine country, Six Senses Douro Valley ticks all the boxes. Localness, freshness, and quality go into its cultivation of wine, food, and overall well-being. Go canoeing, kayaking, and tree climbing, or get grounded with yogic detox programs and an alchemy bar for blending body treatments. The grape rules here, with a wine library for tastings and a seemingly neverending cellar. Discover citrus-based spa treatments, or take a river cruise or a helicopter tour to fully absorb the Douro.
EXCLUSIVE BOHO & EXPLORATEUR PERKS 2022
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Complimentary Buffet Breakfast daily for two guests per bedroom
- $100 USD equivalent Resort or Hotel credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
- Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
USE THIS LINK TO BOOK WITH PERKS
Douro 41 Hotel and Spa
The Douro41 Hotel & Spa is a contemporary hotel in harmony with its amazing natural surroundings. Inspired by the experiences of the Douro Region, it recreates the terraces that have characterized and molded the slopes of the region for centuries. The Douro41 Spa is stunning and vivacious, with specialized therapists. The spa boasts a fresh approach to treatment, outfitted rooms, an indoor panoramic swimming pool, and a hydrotherapy circuit.
EXCLUSIVE BOHO & EXPLORATEUR PERKS 2022
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Daily breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, breakfast served in the hotel restaurant
- Complimentary 50-minute massage per person for up to two guests per booking, once during the stay
- Early check-in / Late check-out, subject to availability
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
USE THIS LINK TO BOOK WITH PERKS
Olissippo Lapo Palace Lisbon
Sitting regally on a hilltop overlooking dreamy Lisbon and the River Tagus, Olissippo Lapa Palace offers just 109 guest rooms in an intimate, elegant atmosphere. Aristocrats, politicians, and celebrities have long been drawn here for the views as well as the plush accommodations. Whether you choose the original palace or the garden wing, each room has a terrace that overlooks the garden or the river. Chef Antonío Pimenta waits to impress you at the Lapa Restaurant with his rich Mediterranean cuisine, incorporating the best local products.
EXCLUSIVE BOHO & EXPLORATEUR PERKS 2022
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Daily Buffet breakfast in the Monsanto Breakfast Room for two guests per bedroom or Continental breakfast in the Guest Room
- $100 USD equivalent Food & Beverage credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
- Welcome Port wine with Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
BOOK YOUR STAY AT OLISSIPPO LAPA PALACE
Tivoli Avenida Liberdade
With a guest list that includes everyone from royalty to heads of state (and a history that dates back to 1933), Tivoli Avenida Liberdade is Lisbon’s place to see and be seen. This elegant, urban hotel features 285 rooms and suites outfitted with custom toiletries and oversized bathrooms, plus two exclusive restaurants and three bars, including the rooftop venue, Sky Bar. There’s also a full-service spa dedicated to celebrity-worthy treatments like lifting facials and signature treatments to help recover from jet lag or a simple walk around the city.
EXCLUSIVE BOHO & EXPLORATEUR PERKS 2022
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Daily Buffet breakfast in the Monsanto Breakfast Room for two guests per bedroom or Continental breakfast in the Guest Room
- $100 USD equivalent Food & Beverage credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
- Welcome Port wine with Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
BOOK YOUR STAY AT TIVOLI AVENIDA LIBERDADE
WHERE TO STAY IN PORTO
Intercontinental Porto
The InterContinental Porto offers a perfect location right in the heart of the city of Porto, Only steps away from the city’s main attractions, the hotel inherits the elegance and history of an iconic 18th-century palace. Inside the hotel, guests can relax in the wellness center and the intimate library bar..
EXCLUSIVE BOHO & EXPLORATEUR PERKS 2022
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Full breakfast daily for two guests per bedroom in the hotel restaurant
- Complimentary lunch or dinner for two people/room, once during stay, excluding alcohol, taxes, and gratuities (minimum 3 courses & value of $100USD)
- Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
Pur Boutique Hotel Oporto
This small boutique hotel is perfect for those who have an ideal hotel location in the charming area of Santa Caterina. This bespoke hotel offers comfort, and most rooms have a balcony.
BOOK PUR BOUTIQUE HOTEL OPORTO
9-Day Sample Itinerary Though Portugal
Day 1-3
Day 1: Fly into Lisbon. Check into your hotel and get accustomed to your surroundings. Spend the afternoon on a private tram tour of the city and get acclimated to the city on foot with an afternoon/evening walking tour.
Day 2: Visit St. Jerome’s Monastery and the famous Pasteis de Belem shop next door. In the afternoon, take a sailing cruise from Lisbon harbor.
Day 3: Check out of your hotel and take a private transfer to Porto
Day 3-6
Day 3: Check into your hotel and enjoy a glass of wine at the bar. Spend your first evening in Porto on a walking food tour of the city.
Day 4: Explore all of Porto’s nooks and crannies on foot.
Day 5: Invite your senses for an experience at Casa de Chá da Boa Nova, a 2-star Michelin Restaurant. Reservations at this seaside restaurant are required and can be made here.
Day 6-9
Day 6: Pick up your car rental or hire a private driver to take you to Duoro Valley at the end of your stay. Have the driver go ahead as you hop aboard a boat on the River Duoro to sail right up to your hotel.
Day 7: Spend the day on a wine tour with your own private sommelier, learning about and tasting the wines of this stunning region in Portugal.
Day 8: Relax by the pool, take a cooking class, and enjoy the fabulous food and wine at your hotel!
Day 9: Head back to Porto or Lisbon in the morning for shopping before your final departure!
Portugal Travel Guide Quick Tips
- Trains – The intercity trains in Portugal are very reliable, and so is the internet. The small cost of upgrading to a first-class cart is worth it.
- Ubers – Ubers are available in the major cities in Portugal.
- Visiting – Portugal is a stunning destination mostly filled with other European tourists; Americans are not yet flocking there by the hundreds. This allows Portugal to still be a relatively more economical country compared to its more popular counterparts like Spain and Italy.
- Seafood – I hope you like seafood because the Portuguese are obsessed with it! You will also find amazing delicacies like chorizo, black pork, and more.
- Gender Tips – ObrigadO is thank you for men, and ObrigadA is thank you for women!
- The Extras – Like most European countries, you will have to pay for water and bread baskets.
- Payment – Bring cash! Many artisans will not take cards, and unlike in Spain, cash will be the only currency accepted in shops and markets.
- Tipping Culture – Tipping isn’t expected, though it is always appreciated. 10% is more than sufficient.
UNFORTUNATELY, AS RABBIE BURNS ONCE WROTE, EVEN THE BEST-LAID PLANS OF MICE AND MEN OFTEN GO AWRY. THAT IS WHY WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND TAKING OUT TRAVEL INSURANCE TO COVER ALL EVENTUALITIES. OUR PARTNER, TRAVEL INSURED, IS OUR PREFERRED VENDOR FOR OUR CLIENT AND PERSONAL TRAVELS.
