What’s the best time of year to visit Portugal?

It depends what you’re looking for. Beach retreats are best in summer (June-August) when the weather is very hot, but if you’re looking at city-breaking then the slightly cooler springtime (March-May) months might be better. The weather remains pretty pleasant through autumn, so if you’re not too bothered about tanning there are some cheap, crowd-avoiding options all year round.

What’s the climate like in Portugal?

Classically Mediterranean – hot, dry summers, pleasant spring and autumn months, winter is mild if a little wet.

What is the time difference in Portugal?

The time zone in Portugal is Western European Time (UTC+0), which is the same as in London, 5 hours ahead of New York and 8 hours ahead of LA. The Azores are one hour behind and use Azores Time (UTC-1).

Major Airports in Portugal:

Lisbon Airport (LIS) Porto Airport (OPO) Faro Airport (FAO), Algarve Madeira Airport (FNC) Ponta Delgada-João Paulo II Airport (PDL), Azores

What are the top destinations to visit in Portugal?

Lisbon – the capital is a pretty, laid-back city with a rich cultural scene Porto – the country’s second city is just as vibrant Azores – a bright green adventure playground in the middle of the Atlantic Douro Valley – for riverside cycling, peaceful boat rides and world-renowned wineries Sintra – a fairytale town in the hillsides west of Lisbon

What are the top five local dishes to try?

Pasteis de Nata – scrumptious egg tarts, perfect accompaniment to an afternoon coffee Caldo Verde – simple but tasty soup often eaten on celebratory occasions Bifanas – marinated pork sandwiches packed with flavour Bacalhau – dried and salted cod, a staple of Portuguese cuisine Port – fortified wine from the Douro Valley, usually red, sweet and often served with dessert

Best Portugal Trips & Tours: Lisbon, Porto & Wine Country

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Elaine - April 14, 2025

"Beautiful Portugal"

My daughter and I had a wonderful time exploring Portugal 's many wonders. Our guide Joao was a walking encyclopedia when it came to Portugal and it's rich history. I do think that the amount of walking during the trip and the hilliness of Porto and Lisbon are not stressed enough. Our group averaged 6 miles of walking a day! That's a bit more than moderate and although at 75 I managed it I was not always comfortable with it. Overall though I enjoyed the trip. Our accomodations were top shelf especially Mama Shelter in Lisbon. I'm very glad that I took the tour.

Anonymous - April 14, 2025

"No public review"

Described as portugal by train. The walking on the first day with a 75 year old in the group was 8 miles (mostly steep up hill and down) before we said no more. We had to ask for a break after 3 hours as it wasnt scheduled. We had to call the uber...the guide didnt.... when we said no more walking. Also it was described as a 3 on the 1 to 5 scale for physical stamina. Portugal is higher than that. This set the tone and hurt morale. The rest of the trip was better but morale was off.

Anonymous - April 9, 2025

"I had a great time. I will use this service again!"

The hotels we stayed in were very good. Our guide took good care of us. We got to see many different places.

WHY BOOK A TRIP TO PORTUGAL

The Portuguese lifestyle represents everything special about southern Europe – a cuisine that’s aged like a fine glass of port, beautiful beaches that bask in the sun, and an enviably laid-back population.

This country is all about the undiscovered, the discovered and how they intersect. The capital, Lisbon, welcomes millions of visitors every year; and yet, there is always something new to explore. Meanwhile Porto, in the north, is one of the most underrated cities in Europe, full of trendy cafes and bookshops. Both cities represent the country’s ability to remain hip, as contemporary cultural scenes constantly emerge on the foundations of centuries of history.

There’s a similar duality to the Portuguese countryside. While the Algarve is deservedly one of the most popular beach destinations on the continent, you can also escape to the Douro Valley wine lands or even the Azores, an archipelago that fulfils the fantasies of any outdoor adventurer. The thing that unites the country is a passion for all things food and drink. Any trip to Portugal is incomplete without a fair share of wine, coffee and pastéis de nata.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best time of year to visit Portugal?

It depends what you’re looking for. Beach retreats are best in summer (June-August) when the weather is very hot, but if you’re looking at city-breaking then the slightly cooler springtime (March-May) months might be better. The weather remains pretty pleasant through autumn, so if you’re not too bothered about tanning there are some cheap, crowd-avoiding options all year round.
What’s the climate like in Portugal?

Classically Mediterranean – hot, dry summers, pleasant spring and autumn months, winter is mild if a little wet.
What’s the currency in Portugal?

Euro
What language is spoken in Portugal?

Portuguese
What is the time difference in Portugal?

The time zone in Portugal is Western European Time (UTC+0), which is the same as in London, 5 hours ahead of New York and 8 hours ahead of LA. The Azores are one hour behind and use Azores Time (UTC-1).
Major Airports in Portugal:
- Lisbon Airport (LIS)
- Porto Airport (OPO)
- Faro Airport (FAO), Algarve
- Madeira Airport (FNC)
- Ponta Delgada-João Paulo II Airport (PDL), Azores
What are the top destinations to visit in Portugal?
- Lisbon – the capital is a pretty, laid-back city with a rich cultural scene
- Porto – the country’s second city is just as vibrant
- Azores – a bright green adventure playground in the middle of the Atlantic
- Douro Valley – for riverside cycling, peaceful boat rides and world-renowned wineries
- Sintra – a fairytale town in the hillsides west of Lisbon
What are the top five local dishes to try?
- Pasteis de Nata – scrumptious egg tarts, perfect accompaniment to an afternoon coffee
- Caldo Verde – simple but tasty soup often eaten on celebratory occasions
- Bifanas – marinated pork sandwiches packed with flavour
- Bacalhau – dried and salted cod, a staple of Portuguese cuisine
- Port – fortified wine from the Douro Valley, usually red, sweet and often served with dessert

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