Portugal Travel Guide

A perfect vacation to Portugal starts with knowing your preferences and what you want to see.

Whether you are a wine enthusiast, a seeker of local culture, nature lover, or a history buff, Portugal has amazing options for everyone. Read the Portugal Travel Guide for pivotal information and inspiration to get your trip planning process started right.

When you are ready to make it happen, submit a Trip Request and get connected with a travel expert who can provide you with all the details you need to get the custom vacation you want.

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Pena Palace in Sintra, Portugal

Best Time to Visit Portugal

The best time to visit Portugal is from May to June and September to October. Portugal is serene and lively, with captivating cities, exceptional scenery,...
Porto, Portugal

8 Best Places to Visit in Portugal

Whether weaving through Lisbon by tram with a warm pasteis de nata in hand or sipping traditional Port in Porto, discover the best places to visit in...
Sailing the beautiful blue bay near Lagos, in the Algarve region in Portugal

Top 8 Things to Do in Portugal

With so many spectacular highlights, Portugal is often so much more than most travelers expect with so much to see and do. The diverse landscape stretches...
Panorama of the hilltop town of Obidos surrounded by medieval wall

How to Plan a Trip to Portugal: Frequently Asked Questions

Portugal is a land of cobblestone villages, medieval castles, golden beaches, and emerald vineyards, and these are the most frequently asked questions...
Lisbon train station, Portugal

How to Get Around Portugal: Best Transportation for Travelers

Portugal is not a large country, so it is easy to travel from the mountains to the sea, the northern Spanish border to the distant southern coastline....
Douro River Valley, Portugal

Top 6 Reasons to Visit Portugal on Vacation

The top reasons to visit Portugal take you beyond remarkable diversity to immerse you in a country emerging into the spotlight. With historic cities,...
Beautiful beach with colorful boats in Carvoeiro in the Algarve region of  Portugal

Our 10 Best Portugal Itineraries

Bask in the sun setting over the Atlantic, embrace golden beaches bathed in Iberian light, and indulge in celebrated wine and cuisine with our best Portugal...
Couple in the water surrounded by limestone cliffs at Praia da Marinha in the Algarve

10 Best Beaches to Visit in Portugal

Escape to towns sewn into rugged golden cliffsides or cross the sea by private boat to secluded island shores, chasing sun and sand to the best beaches...
Vineyards in the Douro Valley wine region of Portugal

7 Best Wine Regions in Portugal

The best wine regions in Portugal share the character and charisma of the country by revealing flavorful diversity in every bottle. With vines rolling...
Female tourist enjoying hot springs pool at Poca da Dona Beija on Sāo Miguel, Azores

Top 6 Things to Do in the Azores

The top six things to do in the Azores offer a stunning mixture of culture and natural scenery, demonstrating the diversity of the Portuguese archipelago....
Medieval Castelo de Marvão and gardens in Marvão, Portugal

11 Best Castles in Portugal

From remarkable architecture to historical treasures, the best castles in Portugal capture the character of each town and reflect the cultural changes...
Medieval Town of Óbidos

10 Hidden Gems in Portugal

Portugal is a treasure trove of hidden gems beyond its popular tourist destinations. From quaint villages to breathtaking natural landscapes, the country...
Faial Island in the Azores, Portugal

Portugal in January: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, & More

Portugal in January offers mild winter weather, fewer crowds, and rich cultural experiences. From festive celebrations to cozy wine tastings, this time...
Porto, Portugal

Portugal in February: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, & More

Portugal in February offers a unique blend of cultural experiences, mild weather, and fewer crowds, making it an ideal time for enjoying a more authentic...
Portugal

Portugal in March: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, & More

Portugal in March sees the arrival of spring, bringing with it mild weather, blossoming landscapes, and fewer crowds. This month presents you with an...
Porto, Portugal

Portugal in April: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, & More

April in Portugal marks the heart of spring, offering mild weather, blooming landscapes, and cultural richness. This month presents an ideal opportunity...
Convent of Christ in Tomar, Portugal

Portugal in May: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, & More

Portugal in May is a captivating destination for travelers seeking the soothing ambiance of spring. During the month of May, Portugal's diverse landscapes...
Madeira Island in Portugal

Portugal in June: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, & More

When visiting Portugal in June, you can look forward to warm weather, cultural festivities, and fewer crowds. This early summer month is perfect for exploring...
Azenhas do Mar in Lison, Portugal

Portugal in July: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, & More

July is a fantastic time to visit Portugal, with its warm weather, vibrant festivals, and an abundance of activities to enjoy. With temperatures soaring...
Tower of Belém in Lisbon, Portugal

Portugal in August: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, & More

Portugal in August is a destination brimming with vibrant energy, warm weather, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you're drawn to the stunning beaches,...
Praia da Rocha in Algarve, Portugal

Portugal in September: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, & More

When you visit Portugal in September, you will experience mild weather and quiet streets in the country’s must-see destinations. City boulevards and lanes...
Autumn in Douro Valley, Portugal

Portugal in October: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, & More

October is a fabulous time to visit Portugal. Brilliant fall colors blanket the landscapes and crowds are fewer for an authentic taste of local life....
Yellow tram in Lisbon, Portugal

Portugal in November: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, & More

Portugal in November offers a unique blend of mild weather, fewer crowds, and authentic cultural experiences, letting the country's inherent charm shine...
Christmas tree and lights at Rossio square in Lisbon, Portugal

Portugal in December: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, & More

Portugal in December echoes with joyful fado music, the warm glow of twinkling lights, and the postcard-worthy beauty for which the country is known....
Warm and sunny weather in Lisbon.

Portugal in Summer: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, & More

Vibrant festivals, warm weather, and endless opportunities for outdoor adventures await you in Portugal in summer. During summer in Portugal, you can...
View of the National Pantheon in Lisbon, Portugal

Portugal in Winter: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather & More

Portugal in winter, in contrast to some of its Mediterranean neighbors, offers plenty of sunshine and fewer crowds, and our ideas of the best places to...
Pena Palace, Sintra, Portugal.

Top 5 Sintra Castles to Explore When Visiting Portugal

Enjoy the history and architectural splendor of the top Sintra castles to explore when you visit Portugal. Observe opulence and grandeur as you absorb...

4.9

Reviews of Zicasso's Portugal Tours & Vacations

Based on 692 verified traveler reviews.

Spain, Portugal Luxury Travel Review: Wine and Food Tastings, Cooking Class, Flamenco, City Tours, 12 Nights
"It was an absolutely amazing and unforgettable trip. Our travel company made all the dreams come true, and in only a handful of messages and phone calls."

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Portugal Travel Review: Lisbon, Sintra, Nazare, Coimbra, Douro Valley, Azores, Porto, 16-Day Tour
"We thoroughly enjoyed our trip. Zicasso’s travel agency did a great job of arranging gorgeous hotels and top-notch tour guides."

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Luxury Portugal Vacation Review, Evora to Douro Valley, Lisbon to Algarve, Cork Factory, Historical Sites, Waterfalls & Beaches
We did a two week Portugal adventure traveling from Lisbon to Algarve to Evora to Fatima to the Douro Valley to the Geres Mountains to Guimaraes to Porto.  The hotels were fantastic, many of them being converted monasteries, and the tour guides in the Geres Mountains and in Porto/Douro Valley were exceptional.  Portugal has challenging roads, especially in Lisbon, Porto and the Geres Mountains.  Our drivers were safe, efficient and timely.  We visited a cork factory, multiple vineyards, historic sites, beaches, caves, water falls, religious sites, castles, and much, much more.  

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Luxury Portugal Travel Review: Porto, Lisbon, Duoro Valley, Sintra, Cascais, Farm Visit, Chef Experience, Local Markets

We had a terrific trip to Portugal visiting Porto, Lisbon, and the surrounding areas. This travel company specializes in Portugal and was very responsive to both our budget parameters as well as to our unique interests in food, art, and culture. 

Everything from the lodgings to the tours to the guides and drivers was extremely professional. We stayed in the cities and did day trips in Porto to the Douro valley and in Lisbon to Sintra, Cascais, and to an organic farm on the outskirts of the city. Each outing was well planned making optimal use of our time. We didn't need to think about ground transportation or timing and our travel planner even allowed for sufficient free time so that we could explore the cities on our own.

Our visit was slightly complicated by requirements for EU proof of vaccination (as opposed to CDC vaccination documentation). However, nothing was insurmountable and our travel planner facilitated testing appointments for our return to the USA (72 hours in advance was required).

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Portugal Trip Review: Convent, Castle, Library, Douro Valley Grape Harvest, Hiking, Port Cellar Tour, Local Cuisine, 18 Days
"Our travel agents made sure the trip went flawlessly. The attention to detail was unsurpassed. They deserve more than five stars."

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Portugal Travel Review: Waves of Nazare, Obidos, Alentejo Region, Cork Factory Tour, Local Artist, Food & Drink
I booked this trip before the CoVid pandemic. We postponed the original trip scheduled in March of 2020 to December of 2021. I just returned from Portugal with my daughter. The trip was amazing! We were fully vaccinated and boosted and Portugal is doing an excellent job with safety! Testing was frequent and everyone was masked. We spent three nights in Porto and five in Lisbon. The waves at Nazare are a sight to behold as are the towns of Obidos, Sintra, and many more. Be sure to have a cherry drink of Jinha served in a chocolate cup! The Alentejo (wow, cork factory tour pretty cool) and Douro regions (the winery!) provided delicious wines and Ports as well! Oh and the food…delicious! I cannot say enough about the kind, warm people we met and our guides were amazing! If you go in December, the Christmas lights, roasted chestnuts and shopping are all incredible. The hotels that Zicasso/the travel company chose were above and beyond also! They clearly know the area and provided a top notch experience to us. We will be traveling with this company again! Thank You!

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