Christmas is coming and Portugal is in full festive swing, with brightly lit towns and cities, fairs popping up everywhere and parties on the agenda. Before the holidays arrive, however, it is a quiet month, ideal for exploring hotspots that get crowded in sunnier months and taking advantage of low-season deals.
Get in touch with Coimbra's history and famous university by staying at a hotel within its UNESCO World Heritage city center. Whether it's a cozy residence, literature-inspired guesthouse, or 18th-century palace, these options will have you sleeping in style.
Seven to eight days is a great length for a Portugal trip with stops in Lisbon, Porto, and Sintra. Travelers with less time can hit the route's highlights in five or six days, which makes for a fast-paced journey. Travelers with more time can enjoy extra sights and activities at each stop, or explore more of the country—some of our favorite itinerary extensions include Lagos, Évora, or Nazaré. Get inspired with our Lisbon, Porto, and Sintra trip ideas below.
Visiting the Douro Valley is about getting close to its famous wines. While many visitors come to the area as a day trip, if you want to linger a little longer, stay on-site at one of the wineries, which offer manor houses, cozy bed and breakfasts, and modern touches for a memorable stay—complete, of course, with river views and plenty of time in the estate cellars.
Eight to 12 days is an excellent length for a Portugal trip, with stops in Lisbon, Porto, Évora, and the Douro Valley. If you don't mind a fast-paced adventure, you can see the highlights of this route in less time—as few as a week. Alternatively, extend your trip and explore more of the country—some of the best-loved trip extensions include Lagos, Tomar, or Coimbra. Get inspired with the Lisbon, Porto, Évora, and Douro Valley trip ideas below.
Portugal brings on the summer highs in August. Yes, you’ll have to contend with higher crowds, temperatures and prices, but there’s a delightfully upbeat mood in the air, as everyone seems to be on vacation and a stream of high-spirited festivals and late-night parties keep things nice and lively. And if the heat gets too much to handle, take the lead of the locals and head to the nearest praia (beach) for an invigorating dip in the Atlantic.
Spring has finally sprung, the countryside is blooming, there’s lots of sunshine between the showers, and Easter is on the way, making April one of most enticing Months to visit Portugal. Avoid the school holidays and you can still bag a good deal (and beat the crowds).
Most travelers to Portugal will find that 10 to 13 days is perfect for a well-paced trip with stops in Lisbon, Porto, and São Miguel. It's also possible to hit the highlights in nine days if you like a fast-paced journey. With more time, however, you can enjoy extra activities at each stop or a few days in another region like Coimbra, Douro Valley, or Évora. Keep reading for more inspiring Lisbon, Porto, and São Miguel itineraries.
For most, 9 to 10 days is ideal for a Portugal trip, with stops in Lisbon, Porto, Lagos, and Sintra. With more time, you can enjoy extra activities at each location or a few days in another region, like Évora in the Alentejo. Read below for more inspiring Lisbon, Porto, Lagos, and Sintra itineraries.
One of the finest months to visit Portugal, October brings a riot of fall colors and some glorious clear days. While rains begin to fall on the north, the south is still largely sunny, making this a terrific time for coastal hiking, slow touring in the rural interior and even the odd beach day. The crowds are drying up in the cities and at the country's Unesco World Heritage sites, too, making this the perfect month for exploring in peace.