Portugal is an amazing travel destination for all the travel enthusiasts out there with its gorgeous beaches, breathtaking cityscapes, welcoming locals and delicious European cuisine. If you are traveling to Portugal for the first time, you will surely fall in love with the place. It has many beautiful destinations worth visiting and with it the best Portugal travel advice Mentioned below, your trip to the country will definitely be Be more fun and comfortable. Take a look at our list of Portugal travel tips to make the most of your vacation in Portugal!
14 top tips for traveling to Portugal
Our top 14 Portugal travel tips will come in handy on your next EuroTrip trip. Take a look and take notes to plan a flawless vacation with your loved ones.
1. Travel outside of peak season
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Although June through September is the best time to visit Portugal, the beautiful beaches and tourist attractions are usually crowded during this time of the year, so the best thing to do is visit Portugal during the shoulder season such as autumn when the beaches are generally hotter. General less crowded during these times and thus you can enjoy a quiet time on the beaches and relax in peace.
Must read: Top 9 churches in Lisbon that will make your vacation in Portugal unforgettable
2. Keep important documents
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Before traveling to Portugal, make sure your passport is up to date and you may need at least six months if you are visiting Portugal from any part of the non-EU. Also under Portuguese law, you are required to always carry a photo ID such as a driver’s license during your trip to Portugal.
If you are a resident of the European Union, you are required to bring your European Health Insurance Card.
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3. Be careful on the beach
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Cities in Portugal like Ericeira, Peniche and Nazare are back popular surfing destinations and it’s not for nothing. The beaches in these locations are notorious for producing giant waves and some can be so maliciously large that they can knock adults over. So, while you are on these beaches, be careful and watch your kids and don’t let them go near the water’s edge.
Suggested reading: The Azores: A Handy Guide To This Wonderful Natural Marvel In Portugal
4. Travel light to Lisbon
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While traveling to the beautiful capital of Lisbon, the Portugal travel tips to remember would be to wear comfortable shoes. Now, this may sound a bit silly but especially if you are visiting the beautiful mountain city of Lisbon, the streets are cobblestone which can create unstable ground and make the roads quite slippery. You also need to carry on most of your outings on foot, so make sure your pair of shoes is the most comfortable.
Another pro tip for traveling to a major destination like Lisbon, pack light. Carrying cumbersome luggage with you can be very tiring. You can find pretty much anything you need in Lisbon, so a good idea is to just carry a travel backpack with the essentials in it.
Suggested reading: 10 amazing Portuguese islands that one must visit in 2022
5. Vegetarians – beware of soups
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Vegetarian options in Portugal restaurants are very limited indeed. You must be prepared to eat a lot of salads. A very popular soup that you will find on many restaurant menus is “Coldo Verde” a very popular, tasty and traditional dish in the country. Although the soup is considered vegetarian and the waiters will also tell you the same, there are often a few pieces of sausage in the soup.
Suggested reading: Lisbon Nightlife: Top 10 Places to Enjoy Portugal Nights to the Fullest
6. Use sun protection
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If you are visiting Portugal, you are definitely going to visit the beaches. Whether you’re lounging on the sand, lounging on the beach, or simply strolling around town, don’t forget to use sunblock, especially between the hours of 12pm and 3pm. This is the hottest time of the day and you need to protect yourself from the hot sun.
7. Brush up on your Portuguese
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Although English is widely spoken in many regions of Portugal including Lisbon, the Algarve, and Porto, it is not possible for everyone you encounter in Portugal to be well-versed in English, and as you move out of these major regions, you will be less and less. He speaks English. Therefore, it is recommended that before you travel around Portugal, your Portuguese speaking skills.
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8. Check the travel time between locations
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If you plan to visit more than one site, it is essential to check the travel time and distance between the sites you visit. It makes no sense to spend your entire vacation rushing between destinations due to incorrect knowledge of the travel route.
9. Portugal money
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Money is important in Portugal and it is a great destination for traveling on a budget. There are ATMs at all international airports in Portugal from which you can withdraw euros directly. Credit cards are accepted in the majority of the country, but small shops prefer to take cash only. Also keep in mind the fact that every purchase you make on your debit card will be charged to you, so it is imperative that you keep a tab on your expenses.
Suggested reading: 11 best places to visit in Portugal, the hidden gem of Europe
10. Safety
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Although Portugal is one of the safest places around the world, it never hurts to take some precautions and know where to seek help. If you need any emergency medical service or contact the police, dial 211. It is the equivalent of 911 in Portugal and this number is also free and does not incur any charges.
11. Make use of your GPS
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Portugal is a beautiful location to explore. But you also have to be prepared to get lost in the middle of nowhere, especially people traveling from overseas countries, who are not used to driving on European roads and can easily get confused by road signs and signs. GPS comes in handy in such situations as you can weave out of nowhere and find the way back to your destination.
Suggested reading: 14 amazing things to do in Portugal to enjoy the rich Portuguese flavour
12. Choose transportation wisely
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If you are traveling on a budget, then you need to make wise decisions while choosing the right mode of transportation for your trip. While car rentals and other modes of transportation can be quite expensive, you can choose to travel via the relatively cheaper rail links and save a lot of your money.
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13. Dine like the locals
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Portuguese cuisine is generally very high quality and great value, so you can without a doubt stick to anything that is grown or made locally. The fish and seafood in Portugal are also very fresh and flavorful. Not to mention the equally excellent local wine. So while you are in Portugal, you can count on the local Portuguese food and drinks to enjoy a good meal.
14. Plan at the best time
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Although you can visit Portugal all year long depending on your preference but if you want to have a lot of outdoor fun and hang out around the beaches then you should avoid visiting Portugal during the winter months. The best time to visit Portugal would be in the summer months between June and September when the weather is warm and the ocean temperature is also relatively warm, so you can enjoy your visit to Portugal to the fullest.
read more: 31 festivals in Europe that will make your European tour fun in 2022
Traveling to Portugal can be a very interesting and worthwhile experience. You can relax on the scenic beaches and wander around the major cities to explore the beauty of the country. So, make sure you take note of these tips to plan a perfect Europe trip with TravelTriangle with your loved ones.
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please note: Any information posted by TravelTriangle in any form of content is not intended as a substitute for any kind of medical advice, and one should not take any action before consulting a professional medical expert of his or her choice.
Frequently asked questions about Portugal travel advice
When is the best time to visit Portugal?
The best time to visit Portugal is between March to June and September to November. During these times, you can enjoy warm weather, fewer crowds, and great deals on flights and hotels.
What are the best places to visit in Portugal?
Some of the famous places to visit in Portugal for an amazing vacation are:
1. Jeronimos Monastery
2. Lisbon Aquarium
3. News Museum
4. Porto Bridge
5. Case da Ribera
What should I know before traveling to Portugal?
Some useful things that you should know before traveling to Portugal are:
1. Don’t assume appetizers are free
2. Local food is preferred because it will be fresh, healthy and inexpensive.
3. You prefer to travel during the shoulder season when you can get the best deals on hotels and flights.
4. Not all vegetarian soups in Portugal are actually vegan and you can find small pieces of sausage in them.
Should you tip in Portugal?
You are not required to tip in Portugal and it is a matter of your choice. If you want to tip the staff present at the restaurant for their excellent service, the tip amount of 10% of the total bill is what can be expected as a tip.
What are the places to avoid in Portugal?
Places like Libson are the places where you can meet drug dealers and it is advisable that you avoid any conversation or eye contact with them and if possible avoid visiting this place alone at night.
Is it safe to travel in Portugal for single female travelers?
Portugal is considered the safest place for solo travelers and if you are planning to travel on your own, you can be sure that you have nothing to worry about as crime rates in Portugal are very low.
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