Thinking of travelling to Portugal? You'll find beautiful sandy beaches, dramatic waves and picturesque villages. On this page, you'll find our top tips for travelling to Portugal.
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Travelling to Portugal - guides, reports and tips
Portugal, in Southern Europe, is a great destination for sunbathing and swimming, but also for surfing and other nature experiences. Portugal also offers charming towns and villages. Here you will find lots of tips for travellers to Portugal.
Portuguese Food – 22 Classic Dishes You Must Try
Porto - a gem in Portugal
Moving to Portugal - Kristina's story
Guest of the Week: Anna and Jan Nordfors, settlers in Portugal
Guest of the Week: Åsa Winald, Swedish expatriate in Portugal
Portugal or Spain – which country suits you best?
Things to do in Tavira in Portugal – 10 attractions and experiences
Things to do in Vilamoura in Portugal – 10 attractions and experiences
Things to do in Lagos on the Algarve Coast – 12 attractions and experiences
Cabo de São Vicente in Portugal – Europe's most south-western point
Praia da Galé – one of the Algarve's most beautiful beaches
Motorhome parking in Albufeira – on the Algarve coast in Portugal
Things to do in Albufeira on the Algarve coast – 8 tips
Things to do in Lisbon – 14 attractions and experiences
Cabo da Roca – the westernmost point of mainland Europe
Nazaré in Portugal - the city of the seven skirts
Things to do in Caminha in Portugal - sights and tips
Good to know before travelling to Portugal
Fast facts about Portugal
- Capital city: Lisbon
- Currency: Euro (EUR)
- Language: Portuguese
- Time zone: GMT (one hour after Sweden)
- Population: about 10 million
- Electricity: 230V (European plugs work)
- Go ahead: right side
Frequently asked questions about Portugal
When is the best time to travel to Portugal?
Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) are often the best periods. Summer is good for sun and swimming, especially along the Algarve coast.
Do you need a visa for Portugal?
No, as a Swedish citizen you do not need a visa to travel to Portugal.
How long should I stay in Portugal?
One weekend is enough for Lisbon or Oporto, but 7-10 days provide the opportunity to combine city, coast and countryside.
Is Portugal an expensive destination?
Portugal is generally an affordable destination compared to many other Western European countries.
How to get around Portugal?
Trains and buses work well between major cities. For exploring the coast and smaller towns, a car or motorhome is an excellent option.
Is Portugal safe to travel to?
Portugal is a safe destination with low crime rates.
What are the top destinations in Portugal?
Lisbon and Oporto offer city life and culture, while the Algarve has beaches. The Douro Valley offers wine country, and the Atlantic coast offers surfing and nature.
Do you need a vaccine before travelling to Portugal?
No, no specific vaccinations are required beyond basic protection.
What to consider culturally in Portugal?
Portugal has a relaxed lifestyle and strong links to traditions, food and music. The pace is often slower than in many other European countries.
What is the food like in Portugal?
Portuguese cuisine is known for its seafood, simple dishes with high quality and local ingredients. Wine and pastries are also an important part of the experience.
Similar destinations in Europe
If you like Portugal, there are several destinations in Europe that combine sun and coast with culture, nature and a relaxed lifestyle.
- Spain - sun, swimming and bustling coastal towns
- Italy - coast, culture and strong food culture
- France - variation between coastal, rural and wine regions
- Greece - islands, history and a slower pace
- Croatia - clear waters, historic cities and coastal experiences
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