Surfing will teach you lessons you may have forgotten. Like how to appreciate nature and to try something new. And definitely patience. Patience with yourself as you learn, and also with your surroundings as you wait for the right conditions to ride that one wave. In Portugal you can learn to surf in Ericeira, the only European spot to earn the Surf Reserve designation.
We chose Ericeira because I always search for surfing spots when traveling. And after researching beaches near Lisbon, Ericeira seemed a bit less touristy and developed than nearby spots like Cascais.
Read on to find out how you can visit and surf in Ericeira.
(Note: This is an article on my favorite thing to to in Ericeira. Read our complete guide to visiting the townhere.)
Surf in Ericeira- How I Did It
Getting There
Getting to Ericeira was remarkably easy. From Sintra you can take a private car or bus. The bus is unsurprisingly cheaper (EUR 4.50) and only takes 45 minutes. The company Malfrense provides regular service from both Sintra and Lisbon.
We actually booked our hotel ahead of time. We chose a small local chain, Vila Ana Margarida. And we could not have done better. Vila Ana has an original aesthetic that speaks to Ericeira’s history as a fishing town, plus excellent food and a helpful staff.
Not to mention high water pressure, which I really appreciated during my hot shower after surfing in the cold Atlantic!
The Experience
It was just as easy to find a surf class as it was to arrive. One morning I simply strolled down the street and signed up for the next day’s beginner class. There are several surf schools where you can do this.
We all met the following morning at 8. Then we walked for about 10 minutes across the town plaza to a parking lot adjacent to one of the beaches. Every day instructors choose a different beach, using class size, experience level, and ocean conditions as criteria.
We put the wetsuits on and walked down to the shore, where a 15-minute lesson on surf technique, terminology and etiquette was given. Then we grabbed our boards and went in!
I hadn’t expected the water to be so cold, despite my mid-Atlantic roots. And the waves were a bit choppy. But I got in a couple decent rides and overall had a good time.
Cost
The group lesson I took cost EUR 40 per person. The whole experience was 2 hours long.
Surfing schools offer private lessons for EUR 100 plus camps and surf schools at varying costs (depending on length and number of participants).
Tips Before You Go
You don’t need any experiencein surfing to ride a wave! It was fairly easy, and your instructor will help. Everyone in my group got in at least one wave.
Take a private lesson for more time on the waves and to learn faster.
The water was chilly. Def have a warm shower available!
The water was rather rough for a beginner class. At risk of sounding obvious, make sure you are comfortable swimming in the ocean before taking a surf lesson.
Embrace surf culture and take a few days to explore and find your perfect wave. Although you CAN take a day trip from Lisbon for this experience, I recommend spending some time in Ericeira. It’s a cool, pretty town, and just jetting in to catch a quick wave cheapens the experience.
Conclusion
There is a modern problem with the commodification of everything related to surfing- from the clothes to the literal making of waves.
Conversely, there is something romantic and irreplaceable to the experience of waiting for the perfect wave, including taking time to know the people and way of life adjacent to the sea.
So stay in Ericeira for a bit, and take the time to learn surfing and the patience it involves if you’re interested.
This pint-sized country really packs a punch in responsible travel and adventure options. Because of this, it can be a struggle to come up with itineraries for Portugal. So we created this guide to narrow down what you can do in this Mediterranean marvel. Read on as we:
Answer the most common traveler questions on Portugal
Review essential information for anyone traveling there
*Note: This extensive guide is for mainland Portugal. The island of Madeira is not included since we didn’t get to visit there.*
Why Visit Portugal
There are a LOT of very excellent reasons to visit Portugal!
Because of the weather, you can comfortably bike or hike for days, or just spend your time strolling castles, surfing waves, and spending evenings listening to live music outside.
Speaking practically, it’s also a (relatively) inexpensive country with great transportation and safety ratings. Let’s start with the need-to-know and common questions on Portugal:
Create the Best Itineraries for Portugal: Basic Travel Information
Cost
Keep in mind Portugal is a cheaper European destination. So it’s not as expensive as England or Germany but is definitely more expensive than spots in Latin America and East Asia.
Some things are in fact cheaper than they are in the USA, like espresso, beer, and wine (God bless Europe!).
Here’s the rule of thumb: if you’re going to do bare-bones budget traveling then you can get by on 40-50 Euros/day. That includes lodging in dormitory hostels, cooking most of your food, and being picky on what activities to do.
If you are going as more of a middle-of-the-road traveler (not budget backpacking but also not luxury travel), budget out 90-110 Euros a day.
Currency
Portugal is part of the Eurozone, so they use the Euro. You may be able to pay your hotel or some services in US dollars, but in general prices and cash are handled in Euros.
The Euro has been slightly stronger than the US dollar for some years now. For reference, in June 2022, 1 USD equaled 0.96 Euros.
Food
Pastries are big in Portugal. Everyone and their mom will tell you to try the “Pastéis de Nata“. And their mom is right!
But seriously. One of these with an espresso was our preferred breakfast! These custard tarts are most popular in and around Lisbon.
Besides for butter and sugar-filled sweets, expect Mediterranean fare with a variety of delicious seafood options. Despite it being a smaller country, each region of Portugal offers local ingredients and specialties.
Portuguese are especially proud of their sardines, olive oil, cheeses and wine.
Cultural Note: The Portuguese don’t dine until late, at least compared to Americans. A couple of times we were exhausted and looking for early dinner around 6pm but nothing was open!
Language
The Portuguese are a very multilingual people! We were able to speak English everywhere we went. Also 10% of Portuguese speak Spanish according to World Atlas.
Still, people appreciate when you at least greet them in their language. Fortunately, as a Romance language, Portuguese is pretty easy to learn.
These are common greetings:
English
Portuguese
Pronunciation
Welcome
Bem-vindo(a)
baym-VEEN-du(ah)
Hello
Olá
OH-lah
Good Morning/Day
Bom Dia
bom GEE-a
Good Afternoon
Boa Tarde
boa TAHR-gee
Good Evening/Night
Boa Noite
boa NOEE-tee
See You Later
Até Logo
ah-teh-LOh-gu
Bye
Tchau!
TSHAH-u
Everything good?
Tudo bem?*
tu-du BAYM?
Yes
Sim
seem
Please
Por Favor
pohr fa-VOHR
Thank You
Obrigado(a)
o-bree-GAH-du(dah)
You’re Welcome
De Nada
gee NAH-da
*Often a person will say “Tudo bem?” immediately after a greeting. While technically it means “everything OK?”, it’s a friendly follow up that doesn’t need anything besides a “sim, obrigado!” as a response. The other person isn’t expecting a big explanation on how your day is going. Unless you really want to share something truly amazing (or terrible) that happened, which of course is ok!
I recommend learning some Portuguese if you have time. It’s a fun language and has more than 200 million native speakers. But with these simple greetings you’ll feel a bit more at home and even impress some people!
Safety
Although every place has its share of crime, Portugal is safer than most countries. Per MacroTrends the crime rate in 2018 (the latest year published) was 0.79 per 100,000 people. That is over 6 times safer than the United States’ crime rate of 4.96 per 100,000 people.
In fact, the Global Peace Index ranked Portugal as the 4th most peaceful country in the world in 2021!
Still, you will stand out as a non-local, and as a tourist the most common threat is getting pickpocketed. So keep your wits about you as you would in any new place.
Transportation
Within Portugal
Public transportation is safe, frequent and inexpensive inside Portugal. There are extensive bus and subway systems in Lisbon and Porto, and the country’s trains connect major cities and even towns like Sintra and the Algarve.
We discovered it wasn’t necessary to buy tickets ahead of time to go to the incredibly popular Sintra or to bus from there to Ericeira. In fact, some local service trains only allow purchase of a ticket at the station.
Our guides for Ericeira, Lisbon, Porto and Sintra provide more information on bus and train routes for those destinations as well as how to get around once you arrive.
To Portugal
Portugal’s train system doesn’t easily connect to the rest of Europe’s. Portuguese rail gauges are a different size because they were built around the time of the French Empire, and the Portuguese didn’t want to make a possible invasion easy.
What does that mean for the modern Napoleonic foot-soldier traveler? It means you have to take a train from Spain to the Algarve or northern Portugal (usually Porto). From there high-speed trains connect you to the rest of the country.
Of course you can also fly to the international airports in Lisbon and Porto.
What to Do in Portugal
We are always looking for fun, responsible options (and love being outside)! And fortunately Portugal offers amazing adventures for Fun & Earth-Friendly Travel.
Without further ado, here are our most-recommend activities for itineraries in Portugal:
Algarve:
The southern beaches of Portugal are beautiful and hug picturesque medieval towns. The downside is that some of these towns are a bit sprawling now, particularly the capital, Faro.
What to Do: Chill in one of the 16 towns, located in one of the warmest regions in Europe. Eat some epic seafood, visit magnificent shores to catch some waves, and slow down a bit in the beautifully warm Mediterranean climate.
How to Arrive: Take a train/bus from Spain or a train from Lisbon (2 hrs, 50 minutes)
Arouca Geopark:
Not far from Porto are excellent hiking trails in Paiva Gorge and this Geopark, which features the longest pedestrian suspension bridgein the world at 516 meters (1,692 feet) long!
What to Do: Get in some excellent hiking next to the Paiva River and test your fortitude for heights on the suspension bridge! There are also boating opportunities.
How to Arrive: You can take the Route 9 bus to Sebolido or the Line 15501 train to Recarei-Sobreira. From either Sebolido and Recarei-Sobreira you’ll have to take a taxi to Passadicos do Paiva, which is 7.5m (12km) west of Arouca. If you drive from Porto the 46 mile (74km) trip will take about an hour and a half.
Don’t have a car and don’t want to transfer? Or do you prefer going with someone knowledgeable about the area? Then you can hire a local expert to take you to Paiva.
Camino de Santiago:
It’s not just France and Spain! Although it is a religious pilgrimage trail, today adventurers and lovers of the outdoors also populate the Camino de Santiago.
What to Do: Portugal’s is the 2nd-most popular Camino at 162-174m (260-280km) long. It actually refers to 3 different paths. One hugs the coastline, another goes inland through small rural towns, and another starts inland before connecting with the coastal route. You can walk or bike either one, and even try out one section at a time. Lodging in towns is normally easy to find, and people are accustomed to Camino travelers.
How to Arrive: Technically you can start anywhere on the Camino. Most travelers start in Porto, although some start in Lisbon and go north from there. The coastal route hugs the coastline towards Vigo, Spain. From there you’ll go through Pontevedra and arrive at Santiago de Compostela. The Litoral route starts inland then joins the Coastal route. The Central route is the most popular and stays inland, hooking up with the other routes in Redondela, Spain, right before Pontevedra.
For a thorough guide on taking the Camino de Santiago in Portugal, I refer to Stingy Nomads.
Just over an hour from Lisbon is a Surf Reserve with dozens of perfect, horseshoe-shaped beaches.
What to Do: Surf! If you are a newbie, take a lessonand you’ll ride gentler waves in a small class. For extra you can get a private lesson. An overlooked activity is to bike the Lizandro cliffs (book a ride in advance). Or just chill in a pretty beach town, it’s all good.
How to Arrive: The bus company Malfrense leaves Lisbon’s Campo Grande station at regular intervals and costs 6.50 Euros. The ride takes 1 hour, 40 minutes. From Sintra, take Malfrense from the Portela de Sintra station. That trip takes 50-60 minutes.
We finished our trip here and fell in love with the waves and the town. Before going to Ericeira, read our travel guide.
Nothern Portugal’s biggest city offers great city walking, a cool arts district, inexpensive port wine tastings, and views of the Douro River.
What to Do: Get your literature on at Livraria Lello! It’s dubbed the World’s Most Beautiful Bookstore for a reason. Tours of the 6 bridges and wine tastings are popular and fun, too. Read our guide for visiting Porto to learn more about this beautiful city.
How to Arrive: Trains from other spots in the north, Lisbon, and Spain arrive frequently. There’s also an international airport.
The nightclubs in Lisbon are famous in Europe, and we found the streets of Alfama really came to life once the sun set. Of course, as Portugal’s biggest city, there is a LOT to experience for history, culture, being outdoors, and food. Read our guide for visiting Lisbon for more info.
What to Do: The nightclubs, particularly those next to the river, are highly recommended for partiers. But for something more intimate, stroll the streets of Alfama and you’ll come across a slew of outdoor Fadó concerts and the wonderful ginjinha ladies.
How to Arrive: Trains and buses constantly arrive from nearby towns, and also from Algarve and Porto. The international airport is Portugal’s main hub.
I don’t know where to begin with Sintra. It has a special, addictive energy, and its castles and palaces bring you back centuries. It’s one of our favorite places and MORE than worth a day trip from Lisbon (we recommend more time if you have it!)
What to Do: Oh my. For starters there’s the mysteriousQuinta da Regaleira,popular palaces like Pena, and a hiker’s option with the Castle of the Moors. Find out the best things to do in Sintra with our article here.
How to Arrive: It’s a 45-minute train ride from Lisbon to the end of the line, Sintra station. You have to start at the Oriente or Rossio stations in Lisbon. Tickets are EUR 2.30 one-way. Keep in mind the Rossio route gets crowded mid-day.
How Much Time do You Need to Visit Portugal?
Ok. Slow travel is the BEST travel, no doubt. Not just for the environment but also because you will have a much better and “real” experience when you take time to settle in an area for a while.
You’ll find the secret spots that most travelers pass by or never learn about. And locals will get to know you, so everyone has a more personable and fulfilling experience.
But. If you can’t just plop down in Sintra for a few weeks, consider we did this itinerary in 10 days:
We were only in Porto for a night, which wasn’t enough. And going from there to Sintra is not easy because you have to go through Lisbon. So ideally we’d have had another day in Porto and another in Sintra at a minimum.
If you only have a week to ten days: Because Portugal’s a long country (north-south), you’re best off picking either the North (Porto/Arouca Geopark and surroundings, with a possible trip to Lisbon) or the South (starting in the Algarve). This will help to avoid spending a lot of time traveling.
It’s over 4 hours from Lisbon to Porto by train to give a point of reference.
If you want to see EVERYTHING on the list of what to do in Portugal (above), from the Algarve up to Paiva Gorge, 3 weeks is the minimum time you’d need to really enjoy every spot.
The Best Time to Visit Portugal
Obviously you need to know when is the best time to visit in order to brainstorm itineraries for Portugal.
Fortunately, the country is nice to visit year-long because of its mild Mediterranean climate. Its capital, Lisbon, is the sunniest in Europe.
But it does get cold in the winter months, especially in Northern Portugal. The colder months also have more precipitation. So the best time to go for warmer, sunnier days is from May to September.
These are the average temperatures in Lisbon and Porto:
Lisbon Average Temperature by Month in F (60F = 15.5C; 80F =5.6C)
Porto Average Temperature by Month in F (50F = 10C; 70F = 21C)
Keep in mind much of Europe vacations in August, and that the Algarve and beaches near Lisbon (Ericeira, Cascais) are VERY popular spots.
Conclusion
This was everything we could think of to help someone create the best itineraries for Portugal. Of course, our thing is Fun & Earth-Friendly travel, so we’re biased towards cultural and outdoor experiences. But we’re convinced your trip will be most excellent with these tips.
Let us know if you’re going to Portugal, or if you have something to add from a recent trip there!
And if you haven’t yet, sign up to our email list (top right corner) and follow us on Pinterest to stay informed on the latest in responsible travel :)
It’s hard to believe that of the 10 surf reserves in the world, there is one just an hour from a European capital. But Ericeira isn’t a secret for vacationers, and for good reason. It’s a pretty whitewashed town and bountiful in beautiful beaches. We learned Ericeira isn’t just for surfing (although you should try it here!). Find out how to start your trip with our Ericeira travel guide!
What to Do
The Popular Stuff
Surfing: There are 7 beaches within the Surf Reserve and each offers excellent waves depending on ocean conditions. If you’re new-ish at all to surfing, I recommend a 2-hr lesson to start off like I did. Book a lesson with a local here :)
Beach Town Fun: You know, like walking from beach to beach, dancing late into the evening, and enjoying happy hours at sunset. It’s a sunny beach town, so take advantage!
Other Outdoors Adventures
Bike Tour of Lizandro Cliffs: A sweet option if you want to skip the shore and still keep moving outdoors. Book a ride here.
What to Eat
Ice Cream: Ericeira has several highly-rated ice cream shops. Our personal favorite? Veneza, located right in the plaza. They’ve got deserts and espresso drinks too!
Seafood: To no one’s surprise, the seafood in this town was outstanding! Get a fixed price lunch for the freshest, best bang for your buck.
Where to Stay
There are countless hotels and vacation homes to rent out in Ericeira. We stayed at a locally run spot, Villa Ana Margarida. It was close to everything, decorated with a uniquely fun ocean theme, and had great breakfast options.
Surfers should consider Chill in Ericeira Surf House, which is walking distance to Futuro beach. They offer massages and yoga lessons in addition to surf lessons! See/book here.
What to Pack
Bring stuff for being outside, especially the beach, and for sunny Mediterranean weather:
Bathing suit
Wetsuit (you can also rent one; this part of the Atlantic is not warm!)
Sunblock
Hat
Sunglasses
Sandals
Walking shoes (sneakers are fine)
A couple sets of clothes for warm weather but also some pants and long sleeved shirts for cooler evenings
Sweater and rain-jacket if going in the winter
What to Buy
There is actually a number of good, unique shops for souvenirs here. If you’re looking for surf clothes/gear/etc, Ericeira’s the place.
Transportation
How To Get To Ericeira
You can easily get to Ericeira by bus. The company Malfrense has 1-2 buses per hour from about 7am to 11 pm daily. From Campo Grande metro station in Lisbon, the ride takes between one hour to one hour and forty-five minutes.
If you’re in Sintra, the same company has frequent buses to Ericeira and the ride takes about an hour. Buses leave from the Portela de Sintra train station. I recommend avoiding this station at night, as it seemed a bit desolate and sketchy.
In both cases you buy the ticket from the bus driver. A ticket costs EUR 6.40. It’s only a 10-15 minute walk from the stop in Ericeira to the beaches.
Finally, Ericeira is only an hour’s drive by car.
Getting Around Ericeira
Ericeira is small enough to walk around, so that was our only way of transportation. If you have a car, know that many streets are bumpy and narrow with lots of curves.
We spent the final days in Portugal here and couldn’t have been happier. Despite its massive popularity with European vacationers, Ericeira keeps a chill vibe. Definitely go for some relaxing and outstanding outdoor fun!
One of our favorite places of all time! There are colorful castles, hikes with history, and a healthy dose of mystery here. It’s said Sintra has a different kind of energy, and we agree. Since it’s only 45 minutes from Lisbon, a Sintra, Portugal day trip is more than easy, it’s necessary!
What to Do
Castles are the name of the game! Each one is a totally different experience and worth a visit.
However, deciding on which to visit can be a little overwhelming. So we’ve provided descriptions and links for tickets to each attraction below :)
The Most-Visited
Pena Palace
View from the walkway at Pena Palace
Pena Palace: Ok, technically not a castle. The incredibly colorful Pena is just as inspiring indoors, where the old Portuguese royalty’s furniture and artwork still reside. Take a minimum of 1-2 hours to walk around the palace and park. Tickets
National Palace: A well-preserved palace in the middle of Sintra (making it the most accessible), created in the most awesome Gothic style. Tickets
The Hiker’s Option
Castle of the Moors: This 10th-century building is composed of a long wall, battle towers and a chapel. Expect to take a few hours here if you walk the whole way along the wall. It’s about 1/2 km (1/3 of a mile) from the center of Historic Sintra. You can take tourist bus, #434, to get here. Tickets
Nature and Palaces Combine!
The stairway at Quinta da Regaleira
Quinta da Regalia: Our FAVORITE spot, where nature and architecture meld and history mixes with rumors and myth. Go down the underground tower near sunset, just before the park closes. Tickets (along with Pena Palace)
Where to Stay
We had trouble finding a reasonably-priced spot close to the historic center, which is another reason we didn’t stay in Sintra. But we’d like to camp at a little-known farmstay like Sintra Vintage Tentnext time.
Sintra Vintage Tent provides free bike rentals and a pool. Unfortunately, we only discovered this spot AFTER our trip!
What to Pack
Pretty much the same things you need for a day out in Lisbon. Think sneakers, a daypack, water bottle, and hat and sunglasses. Also layered clothing!
And charge your phone or camera before you go. You’ll want to take all the photos!
What to Buy
Unless you find something special that really stands out, I’d stay away from souvenir shopping in Sintra. It’s too magical of a place to spend your time inside a store!
Transportation
Getting to Sintra
It’s a simple trip from Lisbon. Sintra is end of the train line- you’ll likely take the Rossio-Sintra route from Rossio station.
The exception is if you’re coming from the airport, in which case you’d take the Oriente-Sintra route from Oriente station.
Both routes take between 40-50 minutes and trains leave regularly until the evening. You can’t buy tickets ahead of time.
Getting Around Sintra
Sintra is beautiful and incredibly fun to walk around! But you’ll likely need a tuk-tuk at some point (we took one from the train station to Pena Palace). We zipped through winding roads going uphill in a fantastically fun ride!
You’d also likely use a combination of walking and tuk-tuk. Another option is the 434 tourist bus. This goes from the train station to the historic center, then Pena Palace and the Castle of the Moors, before ending at the train station again.
When to Visit Sintra (Including Weather)
Sintra is great for visiting year-round, although it’s not as sunny as nearby Lisbon. It gets rainy in the winter but the average temperatures are relatively mild, around 55-60 F (13-15.5 C).
Sintra temperature by month, in Fahrenheit. (60 F= 15.5 C, 80 F = 25.6 C)
You’ll also get more rain if you visit during the cooler months of November through March. There won’t be many daylong storms, but bring a rain jacket if visiting in the winter.
Conclusion
Sintra is at the top of most travel guides to Portugal for good reason. You can visit multiple places and castles in just an afternoon, and each one is completely unique from the rest. So do what we did- hop on an early train and make the most of your day!
Make sure to read our article on Lisbon so you’re ready for the trip!
When I was tasked with writing a travel guide for Porto, I thought of wine, cobblestone, Harry Potter, and adventure. And if any of those interest you, I’d recommend you check out this city in northern Portugal!
What to Do
The Popular Stuff
6 Bridges Tour: A 50-minute tour on the Douro River that follows the path of Portuguese wine merchants. You’ll be sailing on the traditional “Rabello” boats. Buy tickets here
Bridges walk: From any major neighborhood you can reach one of the famous bridges. The most famous is the double-decker Dom Luis I, connecting the Ribeira neighborhood with the wine lodges of Vila Nova de Gaia.
Port Tasting: Portugal’s most famous wine gets its name from this city. We recommend walking over the bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia and having your choice of tastings at any time of the day :)
Cultural Experiences
2nd floor at Livraria Lello
Stairs at Livraria Lello
Livraria Lello: Any travel guide for Porto has to mention this place! You must buy tickets online to enter, and the difference in price is taken out when you buy something. This is the official site for tickets. Also get the ice cream next door.
Harry Potter Tour: The idea that JK Rowling took inspiration from Porto is more than a fan theory- she actually lived here! If you’re a lover of the series check out the spots that inspired the author. You can buy tickets ahead of time here.
Outdoor Adventures
Arouca Geopark: Arouca is just an hour from Porto and this adventure park includes the Aguieires waterfall and trekking in Paiva Gorge. In 2021 it became home to the world’s longest suspension bridge too (516 meters, or 1,692 feet long)! Stay in Arouca or take a day trip. Tickets include a few options: hiking Paiva Gorge (no bridge), a hike + walk over the bridge, or hike+bridge with a traditional boat tour.
What to Eat (and Drink!)
Port wine: Because it’s Portugal’s wine, and specifically Porto’s wine! And because it’s everywhere here.
Francesinha: This is a Porto specialty. A sandwich that you need a spoon or fork to eat with, this has layers of meat and cheese and is topped with a tomato sauce. It’s often served with fries.
Where to Stay
Baixa: The downtown location means you can walk anywhere and are in the middle of the city’s best night life! Porto’s main cathedral and Livraria Lello are here. The downside is that it can get noisy.
Cedofeita: This is unofficially Porto’s Arts district, with a great museum and lots of art studios. It’s walking distance to the center of action but quieter. If you’re looking for a nice guesthouse start here.
Ribiera: This whole area is a UNESCO world heritage site! It’s right along the river and includes the Dom Luis I bridge.
Vila Nova de Gaia: Ok, this is technically outside Porto, but its ridiculous amount of port wine lodges makes it worth considering! It’s connected to Porto via the Dom Lius I bridge. You’ll also get great views of the city from here.
We always recommend Hotelscombined for finding where to stay. They guarantee best prices and even let you filter out big hotels for a more authentic stay in a locally-run house.
What to Pack
Your packing list would be similar to that for Lisbon:
Light layers for the Mediterranean weather.
A jacket for cooler winter months
Sunblock (in summertime)
Hat
Sunglasses
A good walking backpack. You don’t a heavy-duty hiking backpack; a small one-day pack is perfect.
Good walking shoes. Again, not for major hikes, but have a good pair of sneakers.
A rainjacket, especially if you visit between November and March
Of course you’ll need outdoor sport clothes if you hike in Arouca. Bring everything in the above list plus these:
Solid hiking shoes
A sturdy backpack instead of a smaller daypack
Large water bottle and snacks
Basic first aid kit if not going with a guide
Comfortable clothes that you can walk for hours in
What to Buy
There are fortunately not too many tacky tourist shops in Porto. For an authentic Porto gift or souvenir, look around the Art District of Cedofeita or buy a book at Livraria Lello like we did!
And of course there’s always Port wine :)
Transportation
How to Get to Porto
Most visitors by train come from Lisbon (a 4 hour-is ride depending on service) and it’s also only a 2.5 hour trip from Vigo in Galicia, Spain.
If you’re road tripping, take highway A1 from the south or E1/A28 from the north. (I recommend the A28 since you’ll see the coastline!). And make sure you understand Portugal’s toll system too!
Finally, Porto has an international airport that connects it to the rest of Portugal and Europe. It’s a 55 minute flight from Lisbon.
Getting Around Porto
Much like Lisbon, Porto is SUPER walkable! It’s actually smaller than the capital and still offers great weather for being outside.
Unfortunately, Porto’s metro doesn’t make it to most tourist spots. You can take the trams (trolleys), but they are just as much for the experience as a mode of transportation.
There is a bus system too, but we really recommend just walking or in worst-case scenarios, taking a taxi.
One very mentionable exception is for visiting Vila Nova de Gaia. If you don’t want to walk over, a 1.85 EUR bus ticket will take you from Porto to the doorstep of de Gaia’s best wine lodges. The buses operate from 6am to 1 am.
When to Visit Porto (Including Weather)
Really, you can visit Porto all year. Just be prepared for cool days and cold nights from November until March, and expect warm days and evenings from June until September.
The only other thing to consider is the rain. While in July Porto averages 5 days with rain, the winter months of December and January have an average of 18 rainy days.
Note: 50 F = 10 C; 70 F = 21 C
Conclusion
The ceiling at Livraria Lello
Porto’s another great city that you can explore on foot. We reached the Cathedral, Livraria Lello, Dom Luis I Bridge, and Vila Nova de Gaia all on foot in just one day.
Plus, nearby are the world’s longest suspension bridge and Paiva Gorge in Arouca. So you can get your culture and adventure on even if you’re short on time!
Dance and clap with strangers to traditional Fadó with the sound of glasses clinking late into a Tuesday night. And spend the day wandering through bright cobblestoned streets on the way to a castle. This is an old Mediterranean city with a young soul. We loved it here, which made this travel guide to Lisbon, Portugal a blast to write!
It may sound weird but Lisbon didn’t SMELL like an old city. The air is crisp and full of evidence that people are enjoying themselves. Think alcohol, espresso, salt air, and sometimes a slight scent of cigarette smoke. It’s also not a huge capital city (half a million people live there), so it’s easy to escape to famous beaches and outdoor adventures.
What to Do
The Popular Stuff
Commerce Square: Lisbon’s huge main plaza is surrounded by cafes, restaurants and the Tagus River. The Square’s Rua Augusta Arch and statue of King Joseph I are highlights. But our favorite was walking along the river at evening, drinking piña coladas from a pineapple!
Lisbon card: This includes entrance to the most popular attractions and public transportation (including to Sintra and the nearby beach, Cascais). It’s super convenient and pays for itself if you stay at least a few days. Buy it here.
Sao Jorge Castle: The castle is perched above the rest of the city. You’ll get great views, walk on medieval walls, and visit an archaeological museum. The line gets long so get your ticket ahead of time.
Tram No. 28: Lisbon’s most famous trolley is a fun blast from the past. It runs all day, connecting Commerce Square with neighborhoods uphill both on the eastern and western parts of town.
Cultural Experiences
Go for a walk! Lisbon is one of Europe’s sunniest cities and the weather is quite perfect. There are public gardens and squares all over town, where you can enjoy a drink or pastel de nata (see below) to break up the day.
Check out the museums. If you’re looking for something uniquely Portuguese, I recommend the Fado museum in the Alfama neighborhood
Fado night! Any night of the week you can walk around Alfama and stumble upon multiple shows. Try a ginjina while you’re at it
Nature/Wildlife/Outdoors
Night time e-bike tours. E-bikes still need you to pedal and are nice for Lisbon’s hills and cobblestoned streets. You can get tickets ahead of time here
Sintra Day Trip: Sintra’s eccentric castles, nestled in nature, are a 1-hour train ride from Lisbon. Trains leave throughout the day. This is included in the Lisbon Card
Urban parks hike: Stroll through the Parque Eduardo VII and its famous greenhouse. From there you can take the 1.6-mile hike to Lisbon’s largest park, Monsanto Forest Park. Take the marked hike named Corredor Verde de Monsanto.
What to Eat
Ginjinha: After sunset the ginjinha ladies come out, God bless them. For just 1 Euro try a shot of this cherry-like liquor. Even better, pay the extra 50 cents for the chocolate shot glass!
Pastries: Everyone told us to try the pastries, especially the pastel de nata, and they were right! Pastel de nata is a custard tart with cinnamon and is most popular at breakfast.
Seafood: It’s probably not a surprise, but there are many fresh seafood options in Lisbon. Try the escabeche de polvo (octopus salad), really! Locals enjoy sardines on bread, and we recommend trying them with someone who knows what they’re doing.
Where to Stay
There are LOTS of good neighborhoods to stay in Lisbon, and each has its own charm and character. The most-visited ones include:
Barrio Alto: You’ll probably end up here even if you don’t stay here. The city’s best nightlife is in Barrio Alto, as well as the admittedly touristy Bica Funicular.
Chiado: Elegant and full of stores and cafes, Chiado also is home to the National Museum of Contemporary Art and the famous Cafe Brasiliero. Chiado has arguably the best views of the city too.
Parque da Nações: This residential neighborhood is good for longer term stays and families.
These are all great spots, but if we had to choose ONE neighborhood to recommend, it would be Alfama. Alfama is Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood and walking distance to most major attractions such as the Sao Jorge castle and Commerce Square.
Plus, walking around Alfama is a trip on its own! The cobblestone streets turn into a collection of outdoor and indoor Fado concerts at night, and during the day you’ll wander among traditional restaurants, cafes, and avenues that stand out solely for the azulejos.
Since it’s in the city, there are no ecolodges but plenty of locally-owned bed-and-breakfasts and apartments for staying in Alfama. We use HotelsCombined to find such locally-owned spots. That’s because you can filter out hotels, and HotelsCombined uses a unique algorithm to find popular spots at good prices.
Bring clothes for Mediterranean weather. That means:
Light layers, since it will be sunny and warm during the day and cool at night.
Sunblock.
Hat
Sunglasses
A good walking backpack. You don’t a heavy-duty hiking backpack; a small one-day pack is perfect.
Good walking shoes. Again, not for major hikes, but a good pair of sneakers are perfect for Lisbon.
A rainjacket, especially if you visit between November and March
What to Buy
Lisboans REALLY love their seafood! So much that you can buy canned sardines and other seafood as a souvenir. The cans are beautifully designed and nothing like the ones at your local supermarket.
Plus, the Portuguese sardine fishery is a good sustainable model to support :)
If you try and like the ginjinha, bring a bottle of that home too!
There are also many, MANY small shops selling all types of products for tourists. These can range from personalized artisanal products to dime-a-dozen magnets and other cheap stuff likely not even made in Portugal. These places are concentrated in high tourist traffic areas such as next to Sao Jorge castle. Don’t look for them; they’ll find you.
Transportation
How to Get To Lisbon
Every travel guide to Lisbon, Portugal needs to mention this: it’s a little tricky if you’re coming from outside Portugal.
See, Portugal’s train system doesn’t easily connect to the rest of Europe’s. For example, you’d have to change trains at least twice to visit from Madrid in next-door Spain.
Simply put, you have to arrive to Portugal- either in the north (to Porto for example) or the Algarve down south. And then you’ll find regular, fast trains to Lisbon.
Trains from the Algarve can take as little as 2 hours, 50 minutes, and from Porto expect a trip of just under 4 hours.
Getting Around Lisbon
Since Lisbon’s weather is so nice and the city’s not too big, walking was our preferred method of travel.
But if you’re in a rush, the trams (trolleys) and metro system will get you to where you need.
A single fare on the metro costs 1.50 Euros. A 24-hour card is 6.40 Euros.
You can also take the metro (or a taxi outside) from the airport to any major neighborhood.
When to Visit Lisbon (Including Weather)
Lisbon is great to visit year-round, since it’s one of the sunniest cities in Europe. It does get cooler in the winter but is still very mild. Average temperature in winter months hovers around 55-60 F (13-15.5 C).
Lisbon temperature by month, in Fahrenheit. (60 F= 15.5 C, 80 F = 25.6 C)
BUT keep in mind you’ll get more rain if you visit during the cooler months of November through March. There won’t be torrential downpours, but bring a rain jacket if visiting in the winter.
Conclusion
A handsome man leaping for joy at Commerce Square/Praça do Comércio
This travel guide to Lisbon, Portugal is just the beginning. We’ll be adding more on the country in future posts.
But to sum it up, Lisbon is AWESOME! It was the beginning of our trip in Portugal and the perfect introduction to a new country. Que legal!
