Portugal Travel Guide A Vagabond Life
Portugal Travel Guide
Welcome to Portugal, a country that promises travelers an enchanting journey through its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. Nestled on the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal boasts a captivating past that stretches back millennia.
Portugal’s history is a tapestry of conquests, exploration, and innovation. It was in the 12th century that Portugal established its independence from neighboring Spain, marking the beginning of its maritime adventures. During the Age of Discovery in the 15th and 16th centuries, Portuguese explorers like Vasco da Gama and Ferdinand Magellan set sail to chart new territories, connecting Europe to the rest of the world. This period of exploration ushered in a golden era for Portugal, as Lisbon became a global trading hub.
Today, Portugal’s historic legacy is evident in its picturesque cities and charming villages, where cobblestone streets wind through medieval quarters, and ornate Manueline architecture stands as a testament to its seafaring past. The nation’s culture is a captivating fusion of influences from its Moorish, African, and Brazilian connections, offering a unique blend of music, cuisine, and traditions.
From the sun-kissed beaches of the Algarve to the historic streets of Porto and the rolling vineyards of the Douro Valley, Portugal beckons travelers with its diverse landscapes and warm hospitality. Join us on a journey through this captivating country, where the past seamlessly intertwines with the present to create a one-of-a-kind travel experience.
Portugal Travel Guide
Portugal Travel Map
Five Quick Facts About Travelling In Portugal
- Portugal is a safe country to travel in with a low crime rate however do apply common sense when travelling.
- Portugal has a train network servicing the coastal towns and a reasonably good bus system to get around the country. It is important to understand while a relatively small country Portugal has large areas that are sparsely populated and remote and as such if travelling on PT you will need to have a bit of a plan. If you are wanting to explore the Portuguese interior hiring a car might be the best idea. See Getting Around Tab for more information
- English is spoken in main cities and tourist areas however inland and in less populated areas English is not as common. As always it is polite to learn a few basic works of the language.
- Portugal is part of the Schengen Visa Area. See the Visa Tab for further details.
- Health in Portugal is good so by exercising a normal hygiene regime, staying away from stray animals and eating well the risk to health while travelling in Portugal is low (although always have travel insurance just in case).
Portugal is a great place to travel to at any time of the year. Here is a guide to the different seasons and times of year.
High Season (July & August)
- The weather is hot.
- The Algarve and beach areas are heaving with people.
- Prices increase for accommodation.
Shoulder Season (April to June & September to November)
- Milder weather
- Wildflowers are in bloom in spring.
- Busy but less crowded.
Low Season (November to March)
- Cold rainy weather with freezing temperatures in the mountains.
- Fewer people around and no crowds.
- Some attractions are open shorter hours or are closed.
Portugal Currency
The currency in Portugal is the Euro which is the currency of the 24 other EU member states plus Andorra, Kosovo, Monarco, Montenegro, San Marino and the Vatican.
ATMs can be found throughout Portugal. It is advisable to always carry a small amount of cash as no all eftpos maching accept foreign cards.
Portugal Visa Policy
Portugal is part of the Schengen Area Visa Policy.
Nationals / Citizens from Schengen States have right of movement and entry without a visa but will need a passport as proof of identity.
The policy applies to the Schengen Area which is 22 E.U member states and 5 non E.U states which are part of the EFTA – Iceland, Liechenstein, Norway and Switzerland. Bulgaria, Cyprus, Croatia and Romania are not part of the Schengen Area but have visa policies based on Schengen acquis.
For more information on travelling in the Schengen zone read our in depth article here
Train
Portugal has a limited train network. Areas around Lisbon and Porto have good services and the coast is serviced by a high speed train as shown in the below photo.
Trains also run from Lisbon and Porto to Spain.
Portugal Train Route
Bus
The main intercity bus company is Rede Expresso which has buses running between main towns and cities and into more remote villages.
What To Pack In Portugal
Packing List
Clothing
1 pair jeans – I know they are heavy and take ages to dry but I wear them constantly and find them comfortable
1 pair black travel type pants – Black pants are little smarter than jeans so good if going somewhere a little dressier. Mine is the lightweight fabric in the style of jean,
2 x pair of shorts. 1 denim and one lightweight travel fabric
2 x singlets – good for layering and sleeping in
4 x short sleeve cotton shirts, lightweight and breathable
1 x long sleeve sloppy joe.
1 x zip-up shell jacket
1 x lightweight raincoat – packable version that packs down into a small bag.
5 x socks
5 x underpants
2 x bras
Shoes
1 x pair walking or hiking shoes.
1 x pair slip on flats
1 x pair flip flops (great for hostel showers)
Toiletries
Shampoo & Conditioner
Bar of Soap
Deodorant
Razor
Tweezers
Brush / Comb
Hair Ties
Electronics
1 x Earbud headphones.Light and small,
1 x IPad
1 x 6S iPhone
Charging leads for above
2 x USB
1 x power bank
1 x Cable organiser which keeps everything tidy
1 x 14” laptop – we run a business so this is essential for us.
Photography
This year I have left behind my DSLR and lenses to travel only with a GoPro and a LUMIX TZ80. At the end of the day it came down to weight when travelling a long way and having to carry a pack – so let’s see how we go….
1 x GoPro Hero 5
2 x Spare GoPro Batteries
1 x LUMIX TZ80
Spare micro SD Cards
Other Stuff
1 x padlock
1 x headlight or torch
1 x Swiss knife
1 x medical kit
Ziplock bags
Portugal Travel Stories
Lisbon Portugal
Lisbon Portugal We caught the bus from Merida to Lisbon, it is a pretty trip which takes about 4 hours. We arrived mid afternoon and