Portugal
Portugal is located in southern Europe, right on the Atlantic Ocean and whatever you look for in travel, Portugal really does have it all. Beach goers are often drawn to the beautiful sandy beaches in the Algarve, sightseers enjoy weekends away in Lisbon, and if it’s food and wine you are after, then Porto is a great place to start. The best time to visit Portugal is generally in the Spring and Summer months (March to September); but locations, like the Algarve, can be welcoming as early as February (and much cheaper). Find out more about some of Portugal’s most popular locations below:
Algarve
The Algarve is the southernmost region of Portugal; it is well known for its beautiful beaches, golf resorts, and a wide array of water sports. It is an ideal location for families, couples, large groups, and solo travellers. Generally, the best time to travel to the Algarve is between March and September; however, February is known to be appealing to visitors because it is much cheaper than peak season and is beginning to warm up. The busiest, and likely most expensive, time to visit is July and August when temperatures are at their highest.
Faro is one of the most popular locations within the Algarve and here you will find stunning golden beaches, quaint fishing villages, and plenty of historic landmarks. Not too far from Faro, you will find a very lively Albufeira, incredibly popular for its nightlife.
For any location within the Algarve, you will be looking to fly into Faro Airport (FAO), which will be around a 3-hour flight from a UK airport.
Lisbon
Lisbon, the capital city of Portugal, has long been a popular destination for sightseers and urban explorers. It is packed full of history and culture, so you will have plenty to keep you occupied; it is the perfect city break location. The most popular time of year to visit Lisbon is between April and September when the weather is warm and dry.
The city is famous for its windy and hilly streets, its tram lines and its iconic Tram 28, and its delicious Pastéis de Nata (Portuguese Custard Tarts). Even though Lisbon is very much a city break destination, you can also find beaches nearby; a popular beach location is Cascais, around a 30 – 40 minute drive from Lisbon. For more to explore in Lisbon, scroll down for must-see sights.
Lisbon has its own airport, Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS); the airport is located around 15 – 20 minutes drive to the centre of the city. From a UK airport, the flight time would be around 2.5 – 3 hours.
Porto
Porto is the second largest city in Portugal and is located in the North region; it sits at the mouth of the Douro River, where it meets the Atlantic Ocean. The city is famous for its wonderful wine cellars, brilliant Baroque architecture, and of course its local football team, FC Porto.
The colourful coastal city is the 3rd oldest city in Portugal so you will definitely find plenty of historic buildings. It is a great city-break location and perfect for anyone wanting to explore the Portuguese history and culture. Porto is home to some incredible restaurants serving traditional Portuguese food and there a number of Port wine cellars that cannot be missed. One of Porto’s most famous exports is Port wine produced in the Douro Valley.
Porto has its own airport, Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport or just Porto Airport (OPO), and it is located approximately a 15-minute drive from the centre of Porto. A flight from a UK airport would take around 2.5 hours.
Check Portuguese entry requirements here before travel. You should also check travel advice in your home country.
Sights to See in Lisbon
Belém Tower
Torre de Belém
The Belém Tower is a 16th century fort originally built to defend Lisbon; it stands on the Tagus River and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. Nowadays, the fort is one of the most popular sights to visit in Lisbon.
Commerce Square
Praça do Comércio
In Commerce Square, you will find the Equestrian Statue of Joseph I, a Portuguese King (from 1750-1777) and Rua Augusta Arch. The Square is built on the site of the old Royal Palace, which was destroyed in the 1755 earthquake.
Pink Street
Rua Nova do Carvalho
The Pink Street was once Lisbon’s Red Light District, but now is full of trendy clubs and bars and is a popular nightlife location in Lisbon. It is a much quieter scene during the day, but this can be a good time to have a look around.
Rua Augusta Arch
Arco da Rua Augusta
Located at Praça do Comércio, Rua Augusta Arch is probably one of Lisbon’s most recognisable structures. It was completed in 1873 and was built to acknowledge rebuilding the city following the 1755 earthquake, also known as the Great Lisbon earthquake.
Santa Justa Lift
Elevador de Santa Justa
Santa Justa Lift stands at around 45 metres tall and its architectural design is based on the Eiffel Tower. It is one of Lisbon’s most popular tourist attractions as there is a viewing platform providing wonderful panoramic views of the Baixa neighbourhood in Lisbon.
