Packing List for Portugal Table of Contents
- Essentials for Every Trip
- What to Wear by Season
- Packing for Portugal by Region
- What NOT to Pack for Portugal
- Free Printable: Packing List for Portugal PDF
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This is at no extra cost to you. Thanks!
Hi! I’m an American mom who's visited Portugal over a dozen times, I’ve packed (and repacked) for just about every kind of adventure here — city strolls in Lisbon, beach days in the Algarve, rainy hikes in Sintra and weekend getaways up north. Whether you're planning a summer escape or a cozy winter trip, this packing list for Portugal will help you feel prepared, not overpacked or caught off guard.
Let’s get into what you actually need to bring to Portugal — from clothing tips to must-have gear, broken down by season, region, and family needs.
The Essentials Packing List for Portugal
No matter when or where you go, these basics belong in every Portugal packing list.
- Passport + travel documents - The State Department has good info on Portugal travel visas and visa-free entry info (90 days for US passport holders).
- Universal power adapter – Portugal uses the standard EU plug. I have this one from Amazon and have used it all over Europe!
- Daypack or crossbody bag – perfect for exploring cities or day trips. I have not had any problems with pick pockets but I have heard stories in the tourist areas of Lisbon. Good to put your purse or bag in front in these cases.
- Refillable water bottle – tap water is safe and free.
- External battery - I always run out of battery when I'm out taking a ton of photos and videos of the beauty of Portugal! This battery one my sister-in-law got me for Christmas is great because it has the cord built in!
- Compact umbrella or lightweight rain jacket – especially in spring or fall. I remember seeing a bunch of Portuguese families all have jackets with them at the height of summer... and when the sun went down I quickly realized why!
- Sunglasses & sunscreen – year-round essentials.
- Comfortable walking shoes – Portugal’s cobblestones and hills will humble you. I wrote about my favorite travel footwear here.
- A little cash in euros – most places take cards, but some cafés and markets still prefer cash. Here are my tips for Families Traveling to Portugal including ATMs to avoid.
✨ Related: 4 Days in Lisbon Itinerary with Maps and Hidden Gems and 1 Week in Portugal Itinerary (Lisbon, Porto, Sintra)
Portugal Packing List by Season
I actually wrote a whole blog post of month by month what to pack for Portugal here! It also has average rainfall and temperatures for each season. But for a brief overview:
Spring Packing List for Portugal (March–May)
Spring is beautiful — sunny days, cool evenings, and the occasional rain shower.
- Light layers (sweater + T-shirt)
- Jeans or linen pants
- Waterproof jacket
- Closed-toe sneakers or low boots because the calçada portuguesa are very slick!
Summer Portugal Packing List (June–August)
It gets hot, especially in Lisbon and the south. Pack breezy clothes and stay sun-smart.
- Linen dresses or breathable tops
- Shorts or flowy pants
- Sandals that can handle hills
- Swimsuit + beach cover-up
- Sunhat and sunglasses - I've had this 50 UPF for years and it's great!
Fall (September–November)
September feels like summer, but temps cool fast in October.
- Short sleeves with light sweaters or cardigans
- Jacket for chilly mornings or evenings
- Comfortable closed shoes
- Windproof Umbrella and packable raincoat
Winter (December–February)
Mild winters with damp chill in the north. Many homes don’t have heating, so pack warm layers.
- Warm coat or packable puffer jacket - I was surprised by how cold it can feel in Portugal, especially anywhere on the coast with the ocean wind and no insulation in the homes!
- Sweaters, long pants
- Scarf and maybe gloves
- Waterproof boots or sneakers
Regional Packing List for Portugal
Even though Portugal isn’t a huge country (roughly the size of Indiana), I’ve found that what you pack really depends on where you’re headed. What I wear in Lisbon is totally different from what I bring to the beachy Algarve or the lush, ever-changing weather in Madeira. Here’s how I think about packing by region—whether I’m wandering through city streets, spending the day seaside, or exploring island trails.
Packing for Lisbon & Cascais
The vibe here is stylish but relaxed. You’ll want comfortable yet polished outfits.
- Neutral-toned layers you can mix and match
- Stylish sneakers or sandals (I have worn these exact rubber soles ALL around Lisbon, Cascais and the Algarve and I don't slip on the cobblestones!)
- Swimsuit for spontaneous beach stops
- Light scarf or shawl
- Special note: Sintra is one of our families favorite locations and while less than an hour from Lisbon, it has its own microclimate! Lots of fog and wind but adds to the mystic! Make sure to bring a windbreaker.
✨ Related: 2 Days in Lisbon and 20 Amazing Spots in Sintra
Porto & Northern Portugal Packing List
Porto is rainier, cooler, and less predictable — even in summer.
- Waterproof layers
- Sweater or hoodie for cooler evenings
- Sturdy walking shoes
- Umbrella (yes, again)
The Algarve Parking List - We've been 4 times and loved it!
Sunshine, beach towns, and family resorts — it’s the place for flip-flops and swimsuits.
- Swimsuits + lightweight cover-ups
- Sandals or beach shoes
- Wide-brim hat
- Casual dresses or shorts
✨ Related: Best Family Hotels in Portugal
The Azores & Madeira
The weather shifts fast in the islands — you need to be prepared for everything.
- Waterproof hiking boots - these are my favorites I've worn in Portugal and Switzerland
- Quick-dry clothing
- Packable rain jacket
- Layers for temperature changes
✨ Check out my Madeira Family Travel Guide and the great All Inclusive Family Hotel we stayed at!
What Not to Pack for Portugal
After traveling all over the country with kids in tow, I’ve definitely overpacked (and under-packed) enough times to learn what not to bring. Here are the things I now leave at home when packing for Portugal:
- High Heels: Trust me, the cobblestone streets here are beautiful but brutal. Even in cities like Lisbon or Porto, you’ll want supportive shoes, not stilettos.
- Bulky Winter Gear: Unless you’re heading to the Serra da Estrela mountains in the dead of winter, you don’t need thick coats or snow boots. A good layerable jacket usually does the trick.
- Too Many Electronics: Wi-Fi is widely available, and you probably won’t need your laptop, tablet, Kindle, and backup phone. I stick to my phone, charger, and maybe a camera.
- Hair Tools That Don’t Work with Voltage: Portugal uses 220V outlets. If your curling iron or straightener isn’t dual voltage, leave it — or risk frying it.
- A Packed Schedule: Okay, this isn’t a physical item — but Portugal isn’t a “check it off the list” kind of country. Leave some wiggle room to wander, nap, and enjoy long meals.
Free Printable: Packing List for Portugal PDF
In the works!
