A sun-soaked land on the Iberian Peninsula with plenty to offer to both short- and long-term visitors, Portugal's greatest attraction is its gorgeous coastline. The southern region of the Algarve is a firm favourite, where an array of top-class beach resorts, once sleepy fishing villages, provide luxurious oceanside accommodation.

The region's fine, year-round climate and ease of access mean that it's a hugely popular winter sun holiday destination. Also, several low-cost European carriers provide direct cheap flights to the Algarve, making it the perfect place for a weekend getaway when the daily grind of city life becomes too much. Seaside towns such as Albufeira and Lagos are home to some of the best beach resorts in the Algarve, and provide a heady mixture of sheltered beaches, outstanding natural scenery and high-quality lodgings.

There's far more to Portugal than its beaches, however. As anyone who has ever set foot in Lisbon's historic Alfama district, or travelled to the medieval town of Evora will reveal, the country has some breathtaking architecture and cultural treasures. Notable tourist sights in Lisbon include the Jeronimos Monastery and its Manueline architecture, the iconic Monument to the Discoveries, and the most-photographed building in all of Portugal, the Tower of Belem.

Adventure lovers will find skiing opportunities at the Serra da Estrela Ski Resort. This craggy, forested mountain range is also a great area for walking and hiking trails, and is the place to go for those craving the pampering of a spa resort holiday in Portugal.

Best time to visit Portugal

Portugal has a typically Mediterranean climate, characterised by hot, dry summers, and cool, wet winters. The southern coastal region of the Algarve is more temperate than inland regions. The best time to visit Portugal is during spring and autumn, when the weather is warm and fine, and there aren't too many tourists around. However, summer is the high season, and is probably when the ocean is at its most appealing. During winter, airfares and accommodation prices are much lower, serving as a bonus for budget-conscious travellers.

What to see in Portugal

-The Azores is a remote collection of nine gorgeous islands that have, so far, been spared from the worst effects of overdevelopment and mass tourism.

-The Jeronimos Monastery in downtown Lisbon is one of the world's best examples of Manueline architecture.

-The Costa do Estoril, stretching west from Lisbon, is an area characterised by verdant hills rolling toward Blue Flag coastal beaches.

-Evora, a quaint medieval town boasting a wealth of historical sites, is fast becoming Portugal's new tourist hotspot.

What to do in Portugal

-Fly directly to the Algarve, and waste no time staking a spot on one of the region's magnificent sandy beaches.

-Jump on Electrico 28 and enjoy a historic tram ride through Lisbon's most interesting neighbourhoods.

-Take a winter sun holiday to Loule and join in the colourful Carnaval celebrations.

-Take to the streets of Lisbon's Alfama area after dark, and enjoy some local cuisine and live music at one of the city's famous Fado bars.

Holiday resorts in Portugal

Portugal has a number of popular resorts for sun-seekers looking for the perfect beach holiday. Ranging from lively nightlife scenes to secluded and remote beaches, party central to family-friendly activities, there's a place for everyone in Portugal.

Getting to Portugal

Flights to Portugal are available from a wide range of airports in the UK and USA. Several low-cost European carriers offer direct, cheap flights to the Algarve region's Faro Airport from UK destinations, while from the USA it's possible to find direct cheap flights to Lisbon or the Azores. Connections within Portugal are plentiful and affordable.

Read

Baltasar and Blimunda by Jose Saramago and The Last Kabbalist of Lisbon by Richard Zimler.

Watch

Belle Epoque (1992) and Lisbon Story (1994).

Eat

Piri-piri chicken (especially from Guia), and salted cod (bacalhau).

Drink

Red wine, port from Porto, and try the regional speciality vinho verde, a very crisp green wine that goes excellently with fish and seafood dishes.

What to buy

Iconic dolls from the Nazare region, and local Portuguese fashion, which, although not widely known, is often chic and trendy.

What to pack

Pack plenty of sunscreen for a holiday in Portugal, as well as some after-sun lotion, which can soothe the worst effects of spending too much time out on the beach.

What's on in Portugal

Carnaval (February) is a festive, colourful celebration that draws thousands of visitors each year. The well-attended Estoril Open (April to May) is one of the highlights of the international clay court tennis circuit.

Did you know?

-Lisbon's Vasco da Gama Bridge is the second longest bridge in Europe.

-Portugal's University of Coimbra was established in 1290, making it one of the oldest universities in Europe.

-In 2007, Portugal's national rugby team became the first all-amateur team to ever qualify for the Rugby World Cup.

-As of 2018, football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has won the Ballon d'Or, the annual award for the world's best player, five times.

A final word

Whether travellers choose to relax on one of its golden beaches, or head inland and do a little exploring of the country, they're bound to have a rich and rewarding experience travelling through Portugal.

Things to do in Portugal

Portugal welcomes visitors with sunny skies, picturesque harbours and a warm local spirit. The vast, northern Atlantic shimmers before its serene coastline and has always told its story, with the Algarve's golden beaches and dramatic cliffs drawing millions of travellers each year. From lively resorts and the peaceful beauty of Parque Natural da Ria Formosa in the south to the historic charm of Porto in the north, Portugal offers a perfect blend of energy and tranquility.

The trademark seven hills of Portugal's capital city, Lisbon, stand over a colourful city. Visitors can wind their way through Lisbon aboard the famous Tram 28, and experience mournful Fado music in the Alfama district. Not to be missed is a day trip to the picturesque town of Sintra, which is nestled in the mountains north of Lisbon. Equally impressive is the walled town of Obidos, with its hilltop castle now turned into a luxury pousada (inn).

The mysterious megalithic monuments of the Cromeleque dos Almendres aren't far away, and are situated just outside the vibrant university town of Evora. Porto, in the north, is an edgy city boasting a historic centre and great food and drink, as well as being a gateway to the famous Port-producing region of the Douro Valley. On the way north to Porto, visitors should stop to take in the atmosphere in Coimbra, former medieval capital of Portugal and home to the country's oldest university, which dates back to the 13th century.

Portugal's historic seafarers uncovered yet more delights in their travels west. The tiny island of Madeira is known as a 'floating garden', hiding a botanical wonderland and famous fortified wine behind its soaring ocean cliffs. Further west lies the Azores, dramatic island landscapes shaped by geological forces within the earth. Visitors can indulge in watersports, see whales and dolphins, hike to volcanic craters and explore the lush scenery.

Portugal travel info

Electricity

The electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. Round two-pin plugs are used.

Language

Portuguese is the official language, but English is widely spoken and understood.

Money

The official currency is the euro (EUR), which is divided into 100 cents. There are numerous banks, bureaux de change and ATMs available in main cities and tourist destinations. Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change and automatic currency exchange machines. Banking hours are generally 8.30am to 3pm Monday to Friday. Major credit cards are widely accepted; digital wallets such as Apple and Google Pay are supported.

Tipping

Service charges aren't usually added to hotel and restaurant bills but it's customary to leave a 10 percent tip. Bar staff and taxi drivers also expect tips, which usually entails rounding up the bill to the nearest euro.

Health

There are no major health risks in Portugal, and the country has good healthcare facilities. Travellers should get a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before visiting, or a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) if they're UK residents, so that they're covered for necessary state healthcare while there. Dental care and repatriation costs aren't included in this, so it's a smart move to get travel insurance as well.

Safety

Generally, safety isn't a problem for travel in Portugal but visitors should exercise a reasonable degree of care. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, occurs and thieves are very skilled and often work in groups. Travellers should be especially vigilant in public areas such as beaches, restaurants, hotel lobbies, restaurants, transportation hubs (including bus and train stations), and all tourist sites and attractions.

If possible, travellers should only carry the travel documents, cash and belongings they'll need for the day, and leave all other items in a hotel safe. They should also pay attention to their surroundings and avoid wearing or carrying things such as expensive watches, jewellery or cameras.

Vehicle break-ins are frequent, with rented vehicles being a target of choice. Visitors should leave nothing in view in their vehicle, use secure parking facilities and beware of any person who waves at them to stop on the highway.

It's best to never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers, and to be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances. These items may contain drugs that could put travellers at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

Every year, people drown in the sea and in swimming pools in Portugal. For safety reasons, travellers should avoid swimming at beaches that connect to or from rivers as they can have strong undercurrents. They should also avoid swimming at any beach without lifeguards, and avoid diving into unknown water as hidden rocks or shallow depths can cause serious injury or death.

Hiking in Madeira and the Azores can be challenging; travellers should choose paths that suit their fitness and experience.

Local customs

Family plays a huge role in Portuguese society, often coming over work, and it's quite common for employers to hire family members because they trust them and feel comfortable around them. Appearance also matters a lot, with locals taking pride in dressing well for any occasion. Since Portugal is predominantly Roman Catholic and has conservative values, foreigners who come across as too loud or over-the-top might not be well-received. Similarly, being late or not following proper etiquette is generally seen as rude.

Doing business

Business culture in Portugal tends to follow a clear hierarchical structure, where authority is respected and subordinate employees are expected to follow instructions. Building strong business relationships is key, and trust between colleagues (and personal connections) plays an important role.

While business etiquette is formal, it's also fairly relaxed. It's customary to address people as 'Senhor' or 'Senhora' unless told otherwise, and it's important to show respect to those in positions of authority. Meetings should always be scheduled in advance, as impromptu visits are rare.

When it comes to dress, Portugal has a strong emphasis on looking smart and professional. The general business hours are from 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM, and then from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, Monday to Friday.

Duty free

Travellers over 17 years arriving from non-EU countries do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarrilos, 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco; 4 litres of wine, 16 litres of beer and 1 litre of spirits over 22 percent or 2 litres of liquor less than 22 percent volume; 50g of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette; other goods up to the value of €430 for air and sea travellers.

Communications

The international access code for Portugal is +351, and WiFi is available in most hotels, cafes and restaurants throughout Portugal. Travellers can purchase local prepaid SIM cards for unlocked phones or use eSIMs if their cellular providers support it on their networks.

Passport & Visa

All visitors, except EEA member states, must hold tickets and documents for their return or onward journey, and proof of paid accommodation (equivalent in convertible currency accepted). The borderless region known as the Schengen area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lichtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. All of these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option that allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all. It's highly recommended that travellers' passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry requirements

US nationals do not require a visa for a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. A passport valid for at least three months beyond period of intended stay is required.

UK nationals do not require a visa for a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. A passport valid for at least three months beyond period of intended stay is required.

Canadians do not require a visa for a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. A passport valid for three months beyond period of intended stay is required.

Australian nationals do not require a visa for a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. A passport valid for three months beyond period of intended stay is required.

South African nationals require a passport valid for at least three months beyond period of intended stay, and a Schengen visa.

Irish nationals do not require a visa to visit Portugal. A passport valid on arrival is required.

New Zealand nationals do not require a visa for a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. A passport valid for three months beyond period of intended stay is required.

Useful contacts

Institute of Portugal Tourism, Lisbon: +351 211 205 050 or www.visitportugal.com

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Embassies / consulates in other countries

Portuguese Embassy, Washington, United States: +1 202 350 5400.

Portuguese Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 207 235 5331.

Portuguese Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 729 0883

Consulate General of Portugal, Sydney, Australia: +61 2 9262 2199

Portuguese Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 12 341 2340

Portuguese Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 1 412 7040

Portuguese Consulate, Auckland, New Zealand: +64 9 255 2569

Embassies / consulates in Portugal

United States Embassy, Lisbon: +351 21 727 3300

British Embassy, Lisbon: +351 21 392 4000

Canadian Embassy, Lisbon: +351 21 316 4600

Australian Embassy, Lisbon: +351 21 310 1500

South African Embassy, Lisbon: +351 21 319 2200

Irish Embassy, Lisbon: +351 21 330 8200

New Zealand Consulate, Lisbon: +351 21 314 0780

Climate in Portugal

The weather in Portugal is among the warmest in Europe, with an average temperature of around 55°F (15°C) in the north, and 64°F (18°C) in the south. The average annual rainfall is as high as 118 inches (300cm) in the northern mountains, but countrywide is closer to 43 inches (110cm).

Southern Portugal has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters. There's very little rain and summers are warm, but refreshing sea breezes make for pleasant conditions. Summer temperatures in the Algarve can pass 86°F (30°C), and reach as high as 116°F (47°C) in the Alentejo. In the north, the weather is wetter, particularly in winter, and cooler, with temperatures influenced by Atlantic currents and the Spanish Meseta. The climate of the Azores and Madeira is subtropical with some variation from island to island. Much of the Azores experiences dry summer months with warm temperatures year-round.

The best time to travel to Portugal is during spring (April and May) and autumn (September and October), when days are pleasantly sunny and warm but tourist areas are relatively quiet. These seasons also offer cheaper rates at hotels and less crowded beaches, restaurants and golf courses.