Portugal Trip Planning: How I Help My Friends Plan!

Table of Contents - Portugal Trip Planning

Why Listen To Me
Step 1: Planning When and Where
1. Best Time to Visit Portugal
2. Visa Requirements
3. Picking Locations (Lisbon, Porto, Algarve, Central, Madeira, Azores)
Step 2: Booking Your Trip
1. Flight Reservations
2. Hotel Booking
3. Experiences to Book Ahead
4. Getting Around Portugal
Step 3: Knowing ahead of time
1. What to Eat and Drink
2. eSim recommendations
3. Packing Tips
Portugal Itineraries

This website uses affiliate links to Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com, GYG and Amazon Associates. I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, thanks!

Why Listen to Me on Portugal Trip Planning

Planning a trip to Portugal? You’re in for something special. With friendly locals, a stunning coastline, rich history, and great value, Portugal blends old-world charm with modern ease. Whether you're craving a romantic escape, a solo adventure, or a family-friendly getaway, this country offers something for everyone — from vibrant cities to golden beaches and peaceful countryside. After spending a lot of time exploring Portugal’s neighborhoods, hidden gems, and local favorites, I’ve learned what really makes a trip here smooth and unforgettable. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to plan an amazing holiday — without the stress.

Step 1: Portugal Trip Planning When and Where

When is the Best Time to Visit Portugal?

When it comes to the best time to visit Portugal, the truth is there's no bad season.

Spring (March to May) brings colorful wildflowers, mild weather, and fewer crowds, making it perfect for city exploring and coastal hikes.
Summer (June to August) is vibrant and sunny, filled with festivals and beach days, especially in the Algarve.
Fall (September to November) is one of my favorite times, with grape harvests in the Douro Valley, warm ocean water, and golden light that lingers well into October.
Winter (December to February) offers cozy charm, festive lights, and mild weather compared to much of Europe, especially if you're visiting Lisbon or the southern coast.

Keep in mind that Porto and the north tend to be cooler and wetter, while the Algarve stays warm and dry. And if you're island-hopping to Madeira or the Azores, pack for quick weather changes. Need help with what to bring? Check out my Packing List for Portugal by Season to get it right.

Visa Requirements Traveling to Portugal

For most travelers, visiting Portugal is refreshingly straightforward. Citizens of the U.S., Canada, the UK, Australia, and most European countries can enter Portugal without a visa for tourism or short visits of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date.

Beginning in mid-2025, travelers from visa-free countries (including the U.S.) will need to complete an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) form before arrival — a quick online process similar to the U.S. ESTA.

Here’s a quick checklist to make sure you’re ready:

Passport valid for 3+ months beyond your return date
Return or onward ticket
Proof of accommodation (occasionally requested)
Travel insurance recommended (and sometimes required by airlines)
ETIAS form (once it becomes active)

For longer stays, remote work, or dual citizenship questions, different rules apply — but for a short holiday, the entry process is easy and welcoming.

Picking Where to Go on Your Portugal Trip

Portugal is compact but incredibly diverse, which is part of what makes it so fun to explore. Depending on your interests, you can soak up big-city energy, wander medieval alleyways, lounge on sunny beaches, or hike through subtropical mountains—all in a single trip. Here’s a region-by-region breakdown to help you decide where to go, how long to stay, and where to rest your head.

Lisbon & Surroundings

Suggested stay: 3 to 4 days in Lisbon, plus 1 to 2 days for day trips

Lisbon is colorful, historic, and full of life. It’s a perfect starting point for any Portugal itinerary. Wander through Alfama, take in the views from Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, and enjoy a sunset cruise on the Tagus River. For day trips, visit the whimsical palaces of Sintra or soak up the beach-town charm of Cascais.

More Blog Posts:

Porto & the North

Suggested stay: 2 to 3 days in Porto, plus 1 day for the Douro Valley

Porto is soulful and a bit more laid back than Lisbon, with colorful riverside neighborhoods, beautiful azulejo tiles, and a deep connection to wine culture. A scenic day trip to the Douro Valley is a must, with terraced vineyards, boat rides, and wine tastings with a view.

More Reading: One Week in Portugal Itinerary for Lisbon, Porto, Sintra 2025

The Algarve

Suggested stay: 3 to 5 days, or more if beach time is a priority

The Algarve is all about sunshine, sea cliffs, and a relaxed pace. Great for families and couples alike, you’ll find swimmable beaches, fresh seafood, and charming towns like Lagos, Carvoeiro, and Tavira. It’s a great region for renting a car and hopping between beaches.

Central Portugal

Suggested stay: 2 to 4 days, depending on how many towns you visit

This often-overlooked region is full of culture and hidden gems. Coimbra buzzes with student energy, Tomar is rich in Templar history, and Óbidos is a magical walled town perfect for slow wandering. Some towns can be done as day trips from Lisbon, or you can create a scenic road trip loop.

The Islands: Madeira & the Azores

Suggested stay: 4 to 7 days per island, or longer if you prefer to travel slowly

Madeira is lush, hilly, and perfect for a mix of hiking and relaxing. The climate feels like eternal spring. The Azores are more rugged and wild, ideal for volcano lovers, waterfall seekers, and anyone craving off-the-beaten-path adventure. Frequent and affordable flights connect both island groups to Lisbon.

More Reading:

Step 2: Booking Your Trip to Portugal

Once you’ve picked your dates, it’s time to start booking. I always recommend locking in a few key pieces early to get the best prices and avoid last-minute stress. Here's how I like to approach it.

Cascais, Portugal

Flight Reservations for Portugal

I usually start with flights. Lisbon and Porto are the two main international hubs, and both are great entry points. If you're visiting the Algarve or the islands, you might also look at flights into Faro, Funchal, or Ponta Delgada. I like to use Booking Flights to compare prices and track changes.

Be flexible with your travel dates
Midweek flights (especially Tuesdays and Wednesdays) are often cheaper than weekend departures. I like using Google Flights or Skyscanner’s calendar view to spot the cheapest days in a given month. Even flying one day earlier or later can make a big difference.
Fly into different airports
Most travelers head straight for Lisbon or Porto, but don’t overlook Faro in the Algarve or even Ponta Delgada in the Azores. Depending on where you're starting your trip, flying into a smaller airport can sometimes cut your fare or at least save you time and transfers.
Book early—or watch for last-minute sales
If you're flying during summer or around holidays, I try to book 2 to 4 months in advance for the best prices. For off-season trips, I sometimes find great last-minute deals. Set up price alerts and check regularly for flash sales from airlines like TAP, Iberia, or even budget carriers like EasyJet and Ryanair. Our family have flown both and while they are budget level they are safe and so affordable!
Consider nearby European hubs
Sometimes it’s cheaper to fly into a major hub like Madrid, Paris, or London, then book a separate low-cost flight into Portugal. Just be sure to leave enough time for layovers if you book tickets separately. I’ve done this a few times and made a stopover part of the adventure.
Use points, miles, or credit card perks
If you have any travel rewards or airline miles, Portugal is a great destination to use them. I’ve found good redemption rates with United, Delta, and Air France. Some travel credit cards also cover checked bag fees or give you access to better deals through their portals.

Hotel Booking for Your Portugal Trip

https://familytripguides.com/best-hotels-in-portugal-for-family/

Portugal has everything from boutique hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses and beautiful resorts. I personally love places with local character and walkable locations, especially in Lisbon and Porto. The earlier you book, the more likely you are to find those charming stays in the best neighborhoods. If you're visiting during popular times like Easter, summer, or Christmas, definitely book hotels a few months in advance. I always read recent reviews to make sure the property still meets expectations.

I have all my favorites in blog post above and organized below:

Tickets to Book Ahead for Your Portugal Trip

Some things are better reserved ahead of time, especially during peak travel seasons of April to September. I like using platforms like GetYourGuide.

Below are the ones I know for sure you have to book ahead:

Wine tastings in the Douro Valley
Pena Palace in Sintra - Get Your Guide Tours from Lisbon and if you want to do it by yourself, all my Sintra Parking Tips!
São Jorge Castle in Lisbon - When we went in April we purchased while in a very long. If going any later, must get ahead of time!
Jeronimos Monastery - Such a long line even with tickets but important to get ahead or else they sell out.

Getting Around Portugal

Portugal is pretty easy to navigate, but how you get around depends on your itinerary. The train system is reliable and scenic for major cities like Lisbon, Porto, and Coimbra. Buses work well too, especially for towns that aren’t on the train line.

For more flexibility, especially in the Algarve or when exploring smaller villages, I recommend renting a car. We've rented about 10 different times mostly from the Lisbon Airport and it worked great. Booking.com has great Rental Car comparison tool.

I also suggest checking if your hotel offers parking, as some city centers can be tight on space. If you're just staying in one city, public transportation, Uber, and walking are often all you need.

I also have more tips in the blog post below!

Getting Ready for Your Portugal Trip!

What to Eat and Drink

One of my favorite parts of any trip to Portugal is the food. Whether you're in a small inland village or a seaside town, there’s always something delicious to try. Start your day with a pastel de nata and a strong espresso. For lunch or dinner, you can't go wrong with grilled fish, especially sardines in the summer. If you're in Lisbon, try a bifana sandwich or head to a local market for petiscos, which are small plates similar to tapas.

Don’t miss out on trying bacalhau (salted cod), which is prepared in endless ways. And of course, Portugal is famous for its wine. Even if you are not heading to the Douro Valley or Alentejo, you’ll still find affordable and excellent wines on every menu. If you prefer something sweet, sip a glass of port or try ginjinha, a cherry liqueur served in tiny cups. For kids or anyone who prefers non-alcoholic drinks, Sumol (a fizzy fruit soda) is always a hit.

I will have a full blog post on this soon but this should get you started!

eSim Recommendations for Portugal

If you want to stay connected during your trip, getting an eSim is one of the easiest options. I’ve found that Airalo and Holafly both work well in Portugal. You can install them on your phone before you even leave home, so you’re connected as soon as you land.

Just make sure your phone is eSim compatible and unlocked. I like that I can keep my home number active (for iMessage or WhatsApp) while using the eSim for data. Coverage is solid in cities, towns, and even along the coast. If you need more data later, it’s easy to top up through the app.

I've used and had multiple family and friends Simoptions.com and it worked great. You just activate with a code while in the US (you don't have to change your actual sim card. Check out their FAQ section.) Then you have calling/data when you land. Currently, it's $22.90 for 30 days (calling and data 10 GB) or if you don't need calling it's $4.50 for 7 days/1GB of data to text people. We have fast wifi in the house but this is for calling/texting outside of wifi.

Portugal Packing Tips

Portugal’s weather can be surprisingly different from one region to another, even during the same season. I have 2 whole blog posts about this below which I highly recommend you checking out!