Portugal Travel Guide
Whether you're looking for history, nature, culture, or simply a relaxing beach getaway, there are plenty of things to do and places to visit in Portugal.
Located on the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe, Portugal is the westernmost country of mainland Europe, being bordered to the west and south by the Atlantic Ocean and to the north and east by Spain. The country also contains the Atlantic archipelagos of the Azores and Madeira, both autonomous regions with their own regional governments. The country has a population of 10 million, its capital and largest city is Lisbon, and the official language is Portuguese.
Sun seekers will be delighted with the Algarve region as it boasts superb beaches with quaint villages dotting the coastline. In the cosmopolitan capital of Lisbon, history buffs can learn more about the country’s significant maritime history at the Belem Tower, a fortress used by Portuguese explorers and a symbol for Europe's Age of Discoveries. Visitors to Porto can enjoy the city's famous port wine, tour its wine cellars, explore its historic centre, a UNSECO World Heritage Site, and take a stroll along the charming Douro riverfront. The enchanting island of Madeira offers incredible natural landscapes, picturesque villages and a superb climate all year round.
We've outlined some top tips and recommendations below that may help you plan for your next holiday to Portugal.

Time Zone & Currency
Mainland Portugal and Madeira is on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) throughout the year. The currency in Portugal is the Euro.

Weather In Portugal
Portugal experiences a typical Mediterranean climate with warm summers and wet winters. The summer heat is cooled by sea breezes making the conditions extremely pleasant. Maximum temperatures reach approximately 25°C and the country experiences about 11 to 12 hours of daylight per day during this season.

Reading For Your Trip To Portugal
Night Train to Lisbon by Pascal Mercier
Port and the Douro by Richard Mayson
The Unknown Islands by Raul Brandão
Best time to go to Portugal
September to November are the most popular times for Portugal holidays, as well as March to June.
Top Tourist Attractions In Portugal
Why you need to visit Lisbon
The capital of Portugal, Lisbon is a colourful city which offer the perfect combination of history, culture and cuisine. From seeing the iconic landmark of Belem Tower to sampling tasty Pastel de nata, which were invented in Lisbon.

Top regions in Portugal to visit

5 Things to do in Madeira
Madeira is a Portuguese island located over 600 miles away from the mainland in the Atlantic Ocean. It's known as the 'Pearl of the Atlantic' due to its majestic scenery and natural landscapes.
Food and drink in Portugal
While in Portugal you can enjoy delicious food matched with excellent local wines at very reasonable prices. Alongside famous dishes like Piri Piri chicken, you’ll find local favourites such as fresh sardines cooked on an open air grill, bacalhau (salted cod, cooked in several ways), caldo verde soup (the ultimate comfort food, involving potatoes, kale and local sausage), slow-cooked Alentejano pork and the soft sheep's-milk cheese Queijoda Serra. Vinho Verde is a refreshing, slightly sparkling white wine which is light in alcohol and a perfect match for grilled fish, while wines from Portugal’s Douro Valley as well as the Dão and Alentejo regions are world-renowned. Don’t miss the famous little custard tarts called Pasteis de Nata. These deliciously soft, sweet tarts are practically a cult in Lisbon, where they originated in the Monastery of Jerónimos and are baked to this day in the legendary Pastéis de Belém bakery and café, using a recipe that has been a secret since 1837.
Portugal Travel Guide FAQs
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Do I require a holiday visa to travel to Portugal?
Is it safe to tour Portugal
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What advice do you have for tipping in restaurants while in Portugal?
What kind of plugs / sockets are used in Portugal?
Useful Links
- For up-to-date information regarding entry into Portugal please see: www.dfa.ie
- Official Portuguese Tourism Board: www.visitportugal.com