Europe · Southern EuropeUsable guideCountry in Southwestern Europe
Photo: CIA, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Portugal is a modern country with strong links to its past and people of a friendly and hospitable nature. It has become an acclaimed international tourist and vacation destination due to its many beautiful beaches and long warm summers, a rich gastronomy, historical and cultural heritage. Its fabulous golf courses, giant surf waves at Nazaré, and religious pilgrimage to Fátima are very popular with visitors. Surprisingly, in winter several ski resorts are open for business in the Serra da Estrela region.
Answers to what travellers most often look up about Portugal.
Cards and cash
ATMs/cashpoints (labelled Multibanco or ATM Express) accepting international cards can be found everywhere, and, contrary to Spain, are mostly without an extra machine fee (apart from what your bank charges you back home).
Tipping
Tipping is generally not expected in Portugal, but it is certainly appreciated if you have received exemplary service.
Portuguese
Portuguese (português) is the official language of Portugal. Portuguese is one of the world's major languages, ranked 6th according to number of native speakers (approximately 250 million).
Mobile networks
Portugal adheres to all international protocols and guidelines concerning consumer products and health care.
It is not unusual for women to sunbathe topless on the beaches of Portugal, and there are several nudist beaches too. Thong bikinis are acceptable throughout the country's beaches.
Covered in the guide
Attractions, food, stays and travel essentials, with ratings, reviews, opening hours and directions.
national capital, city of the seven hills, home to Belem which is a
one of three capitals of the Azores, its town centre is a
the "Venice" of Portugal
city of archbishops, home to Bom Jesus do Monte which is a
home of the ninth oldest university in the world which is a
"Museum City", Alentejo regional capital,
the capital of Madeira
the founding place of the nation,
, where wine, including the world-renowned Port wine (vinho do Porto), has been produced for 2,000 years
the westernmost point of mainland Portugal and European continent, in Sintra near Cascais
prehistoric archaeological area and a registered
a laurel forest, home to unique plants and animals
Portugal's only national park
Continental Portugal's highest mountain range
Places in Portugal on the World Heritage List.
Jerónimos Monastery
Batalha Monastery
Listed 1983
Convent of Christ
Listed 1983
Prehistoric Rock Art Sites in the Côa Valley
Listed 1998
Palace of Mafra
Listed 2019
Alto Douro Wine Region
Listed 2001
Bom Jesus do Monte
Listed 2019
Landscape of the Pico Island Vineyard Culture
Listed 2004
Laurisilva of Madeira
Listed 1999
Garrison Border Town of Elvas and its Fortifications
Listed 2012
Historic Centre of Guimarães and Couros Zone
Listed 2001
Centro Histórico de Angra do Heroísmo
Listed 1983
List from Wikidata (CC0). Photos from Wikimedia Commons.
A historic region that is considered the birthplace of the nation. It includes the second largest city, Porto. The region is famous for its natural reserve of Gerês, Vinho Verde (green wine), the Douro river valley steep slopes covered in stepped wine cultivations, isolated mountain regions and archaeological prehistoric sites around the Mogadouro area.
Portugal's central region includes Coimbra, which houses one of the oldest universities (since 1290) in Europe, the Catholic pilgrimage site of Fátima, and several mountains such as Serra da Estrela, the highest mountain in continental Portugal, Serra da Lousã, Serra do Montemuro, and Serra do Caramulo. Visit São Pedro do Sul and Caldas da Felgueira for their thermal spas. The major wines are Bairrada and Dão. The region is home to the Mondego river system.
Much more than just Lisbon, the capital and largest city, the densely-populated region around the mouth of the River Tagus at the Atlantic Coast includes such famous tourist destinations as Sintra, Cascais, and the South bank regions of Montijo, Barreiro, Setúbal, Palmela and the beach resort town of Tróia. Access to the southern side can be through the 25 de Abril suspension bridge on the west side or via the Vasco da Gama bridge in the east, spanning the Tagus estuary over 15 km in length, as well as on boats, known as the "Cacilheiros".
Estremadura, Greater Lisbon, Oeste, Setúbal Peninsula, Ribatejo
The region literally called "beyond the Tagus River" is sparsely populated, known as the warmest in the country with the flattest terrain, celebrating its slow pace of life. While largely rural with large agricultural estates amidst rolling prairies, cork oak forests and olive tree groves, interesting cities and towns like the regional capital Évora dot the countryside. Also, there are some prehistoric, Celtic-Iberian and Lusitanian culture archeological sites and monuments like menhirs and "Antas".
The beaches and sun of Southern Portugal and Sagres in the southwestern tip, chosen by Prince Henry the Navigator, to set up his headquarters and launch Portugal's maritime adventure.
A group of islands in the Atlantic Ocean. Pico, the highest mountain in Portugal, stands on the island with the same name.
A sub-tropical archipelago that is made up of two populated islands, Madeira and Porto Santo, and two groups of unpopulated islands called the Desertas and Selvagens Islands.
Public transport and paid services in Portugal.
By train
Rail travel in Portugal is usually slightly faster than travel by bus on most routes, but services are less frequent and cost more.
By bus
The rail network does not reach all corners of the country, so you may find yourself busing about to get anywhere off the beaten path.
By taxi
Taxis are either light beige or black with green roofs. They have meters, but prices for rides beyond the city limits are often negotiated. Major cities have taxi stands.
By car
You can reach almost all major cities in Portugal with ease, either via motorway or modern roads.
Apps for booking a taxi or a ride in Portugal.
Finding apps for Portugal…
Operators checked against their official websites in October 2026; services that have stopped running are not listed. Logos and Wikipedia links: Wikidata (CC0)
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Lisbon · International · LIS
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Calculated from climate averages: mild daytime highs and lower rainfall. It does not account for festivals, crowds or prices.
Average conditions in Lisbon
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. high | 15° | 15° | 16° | 17° | 19° | 21° | 22° | 23° | 22° | 21° | 17° | 15° |
| Avg. low | 11° | 11° | 12° | 13° | 15° | 17° | 18° | 18° | 18° | 17° | 14° | 12° |
| Rainfall (mm) | 65 | 51 | 60 | 54 | 31 | 11 | 3 | 6 | 25 | 79 | 92 | 64 |
| Humidity | 81% | 80% | 80% | 80% | 79% | 80% | 81% | 81% | 81% | 81% | 80% | 82% |
Choose your passport and destination to see whether you need a visa.
Budget
$65
Per person, per day
Mid-range
$180
Per person, per day
Luxury
$460
Per person, per day
| Budget | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $30 | $100 | $270 |
| Food and drink | $15 | $40 | $90 |
| Local transport | $10 | $15 | $40 |
| Activities | $10 | $25 | $60 |
Estimate from World Bank price levels (2025). Actual costs vary by city and season. World Bank
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We do not label countries as safe or unsafe. Below is the official advice from two governments, with the date it was last updated. Always read the full advice before you travel.
US Department of State
Level 1 of 4Exercise normal precautions
Exercise normal precautionin Portugal. Portugal is generally a safe destination for travelers. Travelers should remain vigilant against petty theft, particularly in crowded tourist areas and on public transportation. Review our travel guidance for Portugal to learn how to prepare for a safe trip.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
No advice against travel. Read the full advice before you go.
This travel advice also covers Madeira, Porto Santo and the Azores. Wildfires in Portugal There is a high risk of wildfires during the summer season from April to October. For advice, visit the wildfires section on the Safety and security page. Before you travel No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: see general advice for women travellers read our guide on disability and travel abroad see general advice for LGBT+ travellers read about safety for solo and independent travel see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad Travel insurance If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency. About FCDO travel advice The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about the risks of travel, to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice. Get travel advice updates Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. Follow FCDO: travel advice on X travel advice on Facebook Travel Aware on Instagram
Stories, itineraries and practical advice for travelling in Portugal.
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Culture & historyThe Portuguese Empire (O Império Português) was, or is, one of the longest-lived colonial empires.
Wikivoyage
Food & drinkPortuguese cuisine comes from mainland Europe's westernmost country. Portugal's Atlantic coast and the Age of Discovery have left their marks on the nation's cooking.
Wikivoyage
Travel tipsAlthough Portugal has a good railway network and extensive coach bus coverage, some travellers prefer to drive through the country.
Wikivoyage
ItinerariesThe Portuguese Way (Portuguese: Caminho Português, Galician: Camiño Portugués, Spanish: Camino Portugués) is the collective name for the various routes of the Way of St.
Wikivoyage
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