Head south to the golden beaches of the Algarve at one of these seaside retreats. Whether you stay in charming Tavira, along the cliffs of Carvoeiro, or at a wellness retreat just off the Ponta da Piedade, these hotels range from former convents to sprawling resorts and can provide a vacation for any taste.
If you're prepared for the cooler temperatures and spontaneous showers, January can be a great month to see a low-key, untouristy side to Portugal, with fewer crowds, lower prices and some excellent deals available. The beach might be a no-go, but this is a terrific time to hit the cities or embark on a trek in the warmer south of the country.
Most people visiting the Algarve spend about 9 to 11 days in Portugal, which usually includes some time in Lisbon and Porto as well. For travelers wanting to visit the Algarve exclusively, plan five days to a week for a well-paced trip. Even travelers with limited time can see the highlights in as few as four days. For the best itineraries, including Algarve, keep reading below.
While the weather can be cool and wet, a trip to Portugal in February means that you’ll be able to dodge the crowds in the sight-crammed cities, and get the beaches, mountains and trails virtually all to yourself. The cost of flights and hotels plummet, making for some tempting deals. And things heat up events-wise with carnival festivities up and down the country.
The key to a stay in the city of Lagos is easy access to the sea. If you want to stay within the city, a spot along the marina will give you water views and easy walking access to shops and restaurants, or go just a bit farther along the cliffs to immerse yourself in a wellness retreat.
For most travelers, 10 to 13 days is the perfect time for a Portugal trip with stops in Lisbon, Porto, Évora, and the Algarve. It's possible to hit the highlights in eight or nine days if you don't mind a fast-paced journey. With more time, you can enjoy extra activities at each stop or a few days in another region like Cascais, Coimbra, or the Douro Valley. See below for more itinerary ideas for Lisbon, Porto, Évora, and the Algarve.
With longer days, plenty of sunshine and temperatures climbing steadily higher, May is a fantastic month to explore Portugal’s coast and cities, not to mention the vineyards and mountains that ripple across the hinterland. Go now before the big crowds of summer begin to show up.
Portugal's compact size means you can pack a lot into a short trip—a few days allows for exploration of Lisbon and Porto, along with a few excursions beyond city limits. With a week, enjoy a more comprehensive route, detouring to the coast and countryside. Those with two weeks can plan a full north-to-south trip and maybe even tack on a visit to Portugal's lesser-explored islands or neighboring Spain.
Follow the sounds of fado through Lisbon's streets to one of these hotels in neighborhoods across the city. Stay near the sophisticated Avenida Liberdade and Marquês de Pombal area, celebrate the arts on Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro Square, or take in the Bairro Alto from a rooftop at these standout spots.
You can feel the history that overflows in Évora at every turn, especially in its lodgings. The best hotels in the city and its surroundings have impressive histories of their own, ranging from noble houses to olive oil production facilities to famous historic convents. Choose whether you want to stay in the city center or out in the Alentejo countryside, and see where the story takes you.