Portugal is a land of contrasts. Between the steep valleys of the Serra d'Estrela and its snow-covered passes, the heavenly beaches and coves of the Costa Vicentina, the endless plains of the Alentejo, the sun on all or almost all the sea fronts... Portugal is indeed a plural country. In terms of cities, the choice is also wide: Lisbon the enchanting, festive and fashionable; Coimbra and its hordes of students, whispering a centenary fado; Evora, a museum city with the sunny cobbled streets of the heart of the country; Porto, with its rich architecture and famous vineyards... Expect to make your taste buds travel too, there are countless regional specialities and by following the indications of the tourist guide on Portugal, you are likely to enjoy yourself. From the fresh fish just caught by the sailors of Nazaré to the famous 365 cod recipes, not to mention the tasty pasteis of Belém, get ready to make some great discoveries. A city steeped in history like Braga will enrich your stay in Portugal. Feel free to discover the country by venturing inland. The Douro Valley, for example, is a treasure with the natural beauty of the country; it is one of the must-see sites (a UNESCO World Heritage Site! The beautiful beaches of the Azores archipelago will delight surfing fans. With your travel guide, discover this country of the Iberian Peninsula and its tourist attractions without further delay.
If you have the choice, the best periods to spend a holiday in Portugal are spring and especially the month of June (popular festivals), the beginning of summer (many festivals) before August (the time of holidays for the Portuguese, therefore higher prices) and the beginning of autumn (before the rains). Summer is of course the great season for festivals. June is one of the most interesting months for the feasts of St. Anthony, St. John and St. Peter, which are among the main events of the month. There are also the Santiago de Setúbal Fair (late July, early August), the Bullfighting Culture Week in Vila Franca de Xira (June), the Almada Theatre Festival (July), the Harvest Festival in Palmela, the Seixal Jazz Festival (October) and the many contemporary summer music festivals
Officially, the climate is temperate oceanic. So, soft and humid.... and subject to the vagaries of the weather. Minimum temperatures range from 7.5 to 13°C and maximums from 17 to 31°C. Overall, winters are never too cold (average temperatures between 5 and 12°C) and summers are moderately hot (average temperatures between 21 and 25°C). Your seaside pleasure is guaranteed given the number of resorts along the Atlantic coast. In general, when it comes to the spring season, there is little concern about the climate.
Portugal is in the euro zone. Life is still a little cheaper in Portugal than in France, for example. However, do not get excited too quickly, prices tend to increase in the country and Lisbon is increasingly charging a high price. You will also have to adjust your budget according to the tourist season. As a result of a high tourist influx during the high season, prices increase by an average of 5% in July, 15% in August and 10% in September, which is even more obvious in terms of accommodation. Tips for use.
For European Union nationals, an identity card or passport (even if it has expired less than five years ago) is sufficient to travel to Portugal. For unaccompanied minors, an exit permit is required (forms in town halls or police stations). Canadians are not required to obtain a visa for Portugal if their stay is less than three months. For Swiss citizens, it is necessary to present a valid identity card or passport. For students, an international student card (ISIC card) can provide you with many discounts (transport, accommodation, leisure, culture) worldwide, including in Portugal.
No particular risk for your holidays in Portugal. Tap water is drinkable. Wherever you are in Portugal, in case of an emergency, call 112 (a free number that even works on all mobile phones as soon as a network is within range), you will be put in contact with INEM.
Tour operators specialized in Portugal for stays in Portugal produce their own trips and are generally very good advisors because they know the region inside out. It should be noted that their rates are often slightly higher than those of general practitioners. Stays in Lisbon can be combined with Porto and Faro. Get ready for great discoveries!
Discover our selection of travel agencies for this destinationThere are many direct flights to Lisbon for prices ranging from a single to a quadruple depending on the season. It should be noted that the price variation depends on the company borrowed but, above all, on the time required to book. To obtain attractive rates, it is therefore often essential to do so in advance. The country being very close, you can enjoy it during one of your weekends. From Paris, we are only 2h30 flight from the Portuguese capital.
In Portugal, the train and bus network is extensive and cheap. To go faster, you can take domestic flights that are very fast because of the short distances. However, the best way to travel throughout the country, including in remote areas, is by rental car. Many families of Franco-Portuguese origin do not hesitate to take the road to Portugal. By car or motorhome, the journey is similar to a road-trip, but it is easier to travel inland later on. This is a possible solution for a family stay. By choosing this option, you increase the chances of discovering beautiful places like picturesque little villages, which will change you from big cities.
One week in the Algarve
Grand tour of the Algarve
If you have the choice, the best periods to spend a holiday in Portugal are spring and especially the month of June (...
Read more about it
Officially, the climate is temperate oceanic. So, soft and humid.... and subject to the vagaries of the weather. Min...
Read more about it
Portugal is in the euro zone. Life is still a little cheaper in Portugal than in France, for example. However, do not...
Read more about it
For European Union nationals, an identity card or passport (even if it has expired less than five years ago) is suffi...
Read more about it
No particular risk for your holidays in Portugal. Tap water is drinkable. Wherever you are in Portugal, in case of an...
Read more about it
There are many direct flights to Lisbon for prices ranging from a single to a quadruple depending on the season. It s...
Read more about it
Tour operators specialized in Portugal for stays in Portugal produce their own trips and are generally very good advi...
Read more about it
In Portugal, the train and bus network is extensive and cheap. To go faster, you can take domestic flights that are v...
Read more about it
Once again this summer, the Portuguese capital will live to the rhythm of festivals. For its 10th European anniversary "Rock in Rio" will once again welcome a host of international artists. From May 25th to June 1st, the Rolling Stones, Robbie Williams or Justin Timberlake will set the big stage on fire. And, while jazz concerts will take place every Sunday from May to September in emblematic places in Lisbon, as part of the "Out Jazz ...
June is the month of Lisbon's festivities, but all summer long there's an air of festivity in the air. It is not uncommon to attend free open-air jazz concerts in the public gardens, or to stumble upon a "guinguette" at the bend in the street in the historic districts. The highlight of the festivities is on June 13th during the feast of Saint Anthony, patron saint of the city, a moment without equal! On the evening of the 12th, the alleys of ...
Visiting the Douro at this time is an opportunity to get to know the special character of Port wine. Staying in a Quinta is the ideal way to enjoy this unique regionwww.quintadotedo.comwww.quintadoportal.com/pt/quinta_do_portal Afterwards, why not take a tour in the north of Portugal where the grape harvest is also very present (famous vinho verde) and make a stop in Viana do Castelo.www.hotelflordesal.com/ Then passing through the city of ...
At Easter, it is an opportunity to admire the festivities organized around the world to celebrate the resurrection of Christ. From the most colorful to the smallest, many countries make Easter the most expected Christian celebration of the year.
