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).
The Portuguese have a well-known aversion to the cold weather, and this becomes particularly evident in the month of April. You can witness this aversion through the growing number of smiles that begin to appear as people eagerly anticipate the arrival of brighter, sunnier, and significantly warmer days that are just over the horizon. It is generally considered the perfect time to finally ditch the heavy winter coat, and perhaps exchange the bulky sweaters for lighter layers that are more appropriate for the gradually improving weather. However, it is still wise to keep an umbrella close at hand, as April can still bring its fair share of unexpected showers.
In the vibrant capital city of **Lisbon**, the average daily temperature hovers around a pleasant 59°F (15°C). The temperatures can climb to highs of up to 68°F (20°C), offering a taste of the warmer days to come. Despite the improving weather, showers are still quite common, with an average of around seven days experiencing some rainfall. Moving north to **Porto**, the temperature is only slightly cooler than **Lisbon**. Here, you can expect highs of up to 64°F (18°C), but with a slightly increased chance of rain, averaging around nine rainy days throughout the month. If you are looking for the mildest weather in Portugal during April, head south to the **Algarve**. This region enjoys an average temperature of 61°F (16°C), with daily highs reaching a comfortable 73°F (23°C). This warmth makes it ideal for wearing T-shirts during the day, although the sea is still likely to be too cold for swimming for all but the most hardy.
While the large crowds that typically characterize the summer months are still some time away, the number of visitors begins to steadily increase throughout April. This is particularly noticeable in popular hotspots such as the **Algarve**, where the milder temperatures and the increased exposure to sunshine begin to make the beautiful beaches appear increasingly tempting to tourists from around the world.
The ever-popular cities of **Lisbon** and **Porto** are also preparing for the influx of tourists, by offering extended opening hours at many of the most popular sights and attractions. These longer hours make exploring these historic cities that much more appealing. Travelers can still find some reasonably priced deals on flights and hotels at this time of year, but with one significant exception. During Easter week, when schools are typically on vacation, prices for flights and accommodation tend to be significantly higher due to increased demand.
April is an absolutely fabulous month to embark on a slow and leisurely tour of Portugal, and to experience all that it has to offer. The **Algarve**, located in the south of the country, is particularly beautiful at this time of year, as it bursts into life with a vibrant display of colorful wildflowers. This makes it a wonderful time to enjoy a refreshing hike along its stunning coastline, which is characterized by dramatic cliffs and golden sandy beaches. Alternatively, you could take an unforgettable road trip through the region’s hilly interior, which is covered in picturesque cork oak woodlands. Along the way, be sure to stop at some of the charming little villages that dot the landscape. For those seeking a more tranquil and peaceful experience, the **Alentejo** region offers a great alternative. This area is ideal for travelers who are interested in gentle rambles through the countryside, staying at charming farm stays, and indulging in hearty, home-cooked food.
While it’s advisable to be prepared for the occasional shower, the mild, and not overly hot days of April make it an ideal time to explore some of Portugal’s most beautiful cities and towns on foot. In addition to the well-known appeal of **Lisbon** and **Porto**, consider visiting places such as **Braga**, the country’s spiritual capital, known for its oldest cathedral and a remarkable collection of baroque churches. Then there’s the walled medieval town of **Évora**, a true jewel in the **Alentejo** region, boasting impressive Roman remains and a fortress-like cathedral. And let’s not forget the historic and lively university city of **Coimbra**.
If you are an enthusiast for outdoor activities, then April is undoubtedly the month you have been eagerly waiting for. With the arrival of longer, brighter, and warmer days, it is an ideal time to engage in activities such as hiking, cycling, and more adventurous pursuits, including canyoning, climbing, kayaking, and diving.
Consider tackling a long-distance trail, either in part or in its entirety. One option is the Portuguese section of the **Camino de Santiago** pilgrimage route, stretching 371 miles (598km) from Santiago in Spain to **Lisbon**. Another is the 186-mile (300km) **Via Algarviana** down south, offering a beautiful combination of coastal and rural scenery. You could also venture along the Alentejo’s 75-mile (120km) **Rota Vicentina Fisherman’s Trail**, which reveals a staggeringly lovely, and relatively unknown, stretch of the Atlantic coast.
With crowds still relatively thin, April presents a great opportunity to visit popular Unesco World Heritage sites. These include **Sintra**, near **Lisbon**, a fairy-tale town filled with whimsical castles and palaces. There’s **Braga** in the far north, where a striking baroque staircase ascends to the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte. Then there is the exquisite Manueline monastery of **Batalha** in central Portugal.
**Semana Santa**, or Holy Week (the week leading up to Easter), is a significant event in Portugal. During this time, you will find fairs, festivals, and captivating religious parades, often costumed, torchlit, and cross-bearing, reflecting the Catholic faith throughout the country. The most impressive of these celebrations takes place in **Braga**, Portugal’s spiritual center, featuring elaborately decorated churches, Gregorian chants, and a moving parade of barefoot, black-hooded penitents carrying torches as they make their way through the medieval streets.
**Ovibeja** showcases the **Alentejo** region at its rural finest. **Beja** goes all out for this grand, five-day agricultural fair held in late April, which features displays of prized animals, engaging workshops, informative exhibitions, and, of course, an abundance of delicious farm-to-fork food.
**International Chocolate Festival**: There is perhaps no better time to visit the charming medieval walled town of **Óbidos** than in late April. This is when it becomes the backdrop for the irresistible International Chocolate Festival, where visitors can indulge in chocolate tastings, attend cookery classes, admire chocolate sculptures, and much more.
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