Portugal Travel Guide

Portugal enchants hearts and minds with its rich heritage and diversity of breathtaking landscapes. From the lush Douro Valley to the stunning beaches of the Algarve to the historic centres of Lisbon and Porto, this captivating country offers travellers a unique balance of history, culture, and Portuguese art of living.

Top cities to visit

  • Sunset over Belém Tower overlooking the Tagus River in Lisbon, Portugal.

    Lisbon

    Lisbon is the vibrant capital of Portugal, where cosmopolitan energy and authentic hillside village charm blend seamlessly. With its historic neighbourhoods, lively nightlife, colourful markets, and stunning views of the Tagus River from its miradouros, Lisbon truly has it all.
  • Colourful Ribeira district in Porto, Portugal, illuminated at dusk with reflections shimmering on the Douro River.

    Porto

    Porto is a city of timeless charm. Its historic heart, the Ribeira, stretches along the Douro River and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Renowned wine cellars spill the secrets of Port wine, while medieval, neoclassical, and baroque architecture catches the eye at every turn.
  • Arco da Vila in Faro, Portugal, with blooming trees and a clear blue sky framing the historic whitewashed architecture.

    Faro

    Faro, the sun-kissed capital of the Algarve, is Portugal’s southernmost city and enjoys a mild, inviting climate year-round. Its old town, enclosed by ancient Roman walls, transports visitors back in time with its narrow cobblestone streets and weathered-tile façades steeped in history.
  • Courtyard of the University of Coimbra in Portugal, featuring its historic clock tower and baroque architecture.

    Coimbra

    Coimbra, a medieval university city along the banks of the Mondego River, embodies Portugal’s cultural soul. Its UNESCO World Heritage university, built on the site of a former royal palace, overlooks winding medieval streets and romantic gardens that make the city truly unique.
  • Roman Temple of Évora, Portugal, featuring well-preserved Corinthian columns beside a white and yellow church.

    Évora

    Évora is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a treasure of the Alentejo. As you wander through the cobblestone streets of this open-air museum, you will encounter gothic cathedrals, elegant palaces, serene convents, the famous Chapel of Bones, and the ancient Temple of Diana.
  • Sunset over Belém Tower overlooking the Tagus River in Lisbon, Portugal.

    Lisbon

    Lisbon is the vibrant capital of Portugal, where cosmopolitan energy and authentic hillside village charm blend seamlessly. With its historic neighbourhoods, lively nightlife, colourful markets, and stunning views of the Tagus River from its miradouros, Lisbon truly has it all.
  • Colourful Ribeira district in Porto, Portugal, illuminated at dusk with reflections shimmering on the Douro River.

    Porto

    Porto is a city of timeless charm. Its historic heart, the Ribeira, stretches along the Douro River and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Renowned wine cellars spill the secrets of Port wine, while medieval, neoclassical, and baroque architecture catches the eye at every turn.
  • Arco da Vila in Faro, Portugal, with blooming trees and a clear blue sky framing the historic whitewashed architecture.

    Faro

    Faro, the sun-kissed capital of the Algarve, is Portugal’s southernmost city and enjoys a mild, inviting climate year-round. Its old town, enclosed by ancient Roman walls, transports visitors back in time with its narrow cobblestone streets and weathered-tile façades steeped in history.
  • Courtyard of the University of Coimbra in Portugal, featuring its historic clock tower and baroque architecture.

    Coimbra

    Coimbra, a medieval university city along the banks of the Mondego River, embodies Portugal’s cultural soul. Its UNESCO World Heritage university, built on the site of a former royal palace, overlooks winding medieval streets and romantic gardens that make the city truly unique.
  • Roman Temple of Évora, Portugal, featuring well-preserved Corinthian columns beside a white and yellow church.

    Évora

    Évora is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a treasure of the Alentejo. As you wander through the cobblestone streets of this open-air museum, you will encounter gothic cathedrals, elegant palaces, serene convents, the famous Chapel of Bones, and the ancient Temple of Diana.

Useful information

Official language(s)

Portuguese 

English is well understood, especially in tourist areas and among the young generations.

Flight duration

Direct flight: Approximately 6h30  
Connecting flight: 9h to 15h (depending on connection times)

Time zone difference

Portugal time zone: UTC+0 (winter) and UTC+1 (summer)
5h ahead of Quebec (EST)
4h ahead of Quebec (EDT)

Currency

Euro (EUR) 

Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, etc.) are accepted in most restaurants, hotels, shops, and supermarkets. However, some small businesses and markets operate on a cash-only basis, so it’s recommended to keep euros on hand.

Tips

A tip of 5% to 10% is customary in restaurants and cafés if service isn’t already included. For taxis, rounding up the fare is common practice.

Safety

Portugal is safe destination. Still, like in any major city, beware of pickpockets and minor scams. On the road, stay alert—Portuguese drivers can be fast and unpredictable, particularly in urban areas. 

Before any foreign trip, visit the Government of Canada’s Portugal Travel Advice page to find out about the current situation in the country.

Top things to do and see

  • Take a scenic cruise on the Douro River.

  • Attend a live fado performance, the soulful traditional music of Portugal.

  • Relax on the spectacular beaches of the Algarve.

  • Visit the enchanting Pena Palace in Sintra.

  • Taste Portugal’s iconic Port wine in the cellar of a quinta.

Hidden gems to discover

  • The Medieval Town of Óbidos

    The medieval town of Óbidos is one of Portugal’s most beautiful, fortified villages. Its narrow cobblestone streets and whitewashed houses draped in flowers make it truly unique. Whether you wander its alleys, tour its castle, or taste its local ginjinha, Óbidos will make you travel back in time.

  • Mateus Palace and Gardens in Vila Real

    Mateus Palace is a gem of Portuguese Baroque architecture, renowned for its elegant façade perfectly reflected in a water mirror. Behind the palace lie meticulously maintained gardens, adorned with hedges and statues. Visitors can enjoy the famous Mateus wines produced in the Douro region.

  • The Fishing Port of Nazaré

    The fishing port of Nazaré, located on Portugal’s Atlantic coast, is authentic and surrounded by spectacular scenery. Among the colourful boats, you can watch the daily work of local fishermen, visit the fish market, and taste regional specialties.

  • Celorico da Beira

    Celorico da Beira is a small, authentic, and little-known town in Portugal. It is the perfect place to discover the traditional process of making Serra da Estrela cheese, visit the town’s historic castle, explore the surrounding villages, and enjoy the beautiful scenery. 

  • The Medieval Town of Óbidos

    The medieval town of Óbidos is one of Portugal’s most beautiful, fortified villages. Its narrow cobblestone streets and whitewashed houses draped in flowers make it truly unique. Whether you wander its alleys, tour its castle, or taste its local ginjinha, Óbidos will make you travel back in time.

  • Mateus Palace and Gardens in Vila Real

    Mateus Palace is a gem of Portuguese Baroque architecture, renowned for its elegant façade perfectly reflected in a water mirror. Behind the palace lie meticulously maintained gardens, adorned with hedges and statues. Visitors can enjoy the famous Mateus wines produced in the Douro region.

  • The Fishing Port of Nazaré

    The fishing port of Nazaré, located on Portugal’s Atlantic coast, is authentic and surrounded by spectacular scenery. Among the colourful boats, you can watch the daily work of local fishermen, visit the fish market, and taste regional specialties.

  • Celorico da Beira

    Celorico da Beira is a small, authentic, and little-known town in Portugal. It is the perfect place to discover the traditional process of making Serra da Estrela cheese, visit the town’s historic castle, explore the surrounding villages, and enjoy the beautiful scenery. 

Highlights

  • Warm, welcoming nature of the Portuguese people.

  • Renowned Port wine vineyards and cellars.

  • Rich cultural and historical heritage recognized by UNESCO.

Keep in mind

Portuguese people speak little French. English is widely used, and while they generally understand Spanish well, it is less commonly spoken than English.

Top pick

“Visiting the Óbidos Mercado Medieval felt like stepping back in time. It was a unique, unforgettable experience. Everything is in place to immerse you in the atmosphere of the Middle Ages: locals wearing period costumes, parades, medieval combat, and traditional meals cooked the old-fashioned way and served with wooden utensils—a must-see event!”

Gloria VazTravel Counsellor, Boisbriand Travel Centre

Local food and gastronomy

  • Pasteis de nata

    Pastéis de nata are small puff pastry tarts filled with a creamy egg and milk custard, lightly caramelized during baking. Traditionally served warm and sprinkled with cinnamon or powdered sugar, they are an iconic Portuguese pastry.

  • Caldo verde

    This traditional soup from northern Portugal is made with potatoes, finely shredded cabbage (couve galega), and a drizzle of olive oil. It is often served with slices of chouriço, a type of Portuguese sausage. 

  • Cozido à portuguesa

    Cozido à portuguesa is a traditional Portuguese stew made with a variety of meats (pork, beef, chicken, sausage), vegetables (cabbage, carrots, turnips, potatoes), and sometimes rice. This hearty, generous dish is slow-cooked in a flavourful broth.

  • Grilled fish

    Grilled fish is a must-try dish in Portugal’s coastal villages. Sardines, sea bream, sea bass, or tuna are seasoned with salt and a drizzle of olive oil, then cooked over charcoal or wood grills. This cooking method gives the fish its distinctive smoky aroma and flavour.

  • Port wine

    Port wine is a fortified wine produced exclusively in the Douro Valley. It is known for its rich aromas; natural sweetness; and wide range of styles, including fruity ruby, nutty and caramel-flavoured tawny, fresh and floral white, and complex and powerful vintage.

  • Pasteis de nata

    Pastéis de nata are small puff pastry tarts filled with a creamy egg and milk custard, lightly caramelized during baking. Traditionally served warm and sprinkled with cinnamon or powdered sugar, they are an iconic Portuguese pastry.

  • Caldo verde

    This traditional soup from northern Portugal is made with potatoes, finely shredded cabbage (couve galega), and a drizzle of olive oil. It is often served with slices of chouriço, a type of Portuguese sausage. 

  • Cozido à portuguesa

    Cozido à portuguesa is a traditional Portuguese stew made with a variety of meats (pork, beef, chicken, sausage), vegetables (cabbage, carrots, turnips, potatoes), and sometimes rice. This hearty, generous dish is slow-cooked in a flavourful broth.

  • Grilled fish

    Grilled fish is a must-try dish in Portugal’s coastal villages. Sardines, sea bream, sea bass, or tuna are seasoned with salt and a drizzle of olive oil, then cooked over charcoal or wood grills. This cooking method gives the fish its distinctive smoky aroma and flavour.

  • Port wine

    Port wine is a fortified wine produced exclusively in the Douro Valley. It is known for its rich aromas; natural sweetness; and wide range of styles, including fruity ruby, nutty and caramel-flavoured tawny, fresh and floral white, and complex and powerful vintage.

Good to know

  • Portugal’s oldest university is located in Coimbra. Its historic campus is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • Praia do Norte beach in Nazaré is famous for having the world’s biggest waves. They are caused by the geological formation of an underwater canyon.
  • Portugal’s beaches are renowned for their excellent surf conditions, but strong currents and riptides demand caution.

What to bring back?

  • Azulejos (traditional ceramic tiles)

  • Galo de Barcelos (the Portuguese rooster)

  • Cork bag

  • Chocolate sardines

  • Colourful terra-cotta ceramic tableware

Frequently asked questions

The best time to visit Portugal is in the spring (April to June) or early fall (September to October), when the weather is nice, and there are fewer tourists. June and July can get very hot, especially inland. Winter is mild (around 16°C to 18°C) in this coastal country at the gateway to Europe.

In Portugal, public transportation is one of the most efficient ways to get around. Buses, trains, and trams—including the renowned Tram 28—are efficient and widely available. Major cities such as Lisbon and Porto are also served by well-developed metro systems. For those wishing to explore rural areas, renting a car is a convenient option that allows greater flexibility and access to remote destinations. 

10 to 14 days. 

It is the perfect length for exploring the country at a relaxed pace because the country offers a wide variety of landscapes and experiences.

  • Festa de São João in Porto (night of June 23 and 24): This is one of the country’s biggest celebrations. Expect fireworks, music, dancing, and the playful tradition of gently tapping people on the head with plastic hammers!

  • Carnaval de Torres Vedras (held annually in Lisbon, the week before Mardi Gras): Often described as the most authentically Portuguese carnival, this event features a lively, satirical atmosphere; colourful parades; festive crowds; and decorated floats.

  • Nos Alive festival
  • Le Mercado Medieval d’Obidos

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