Portugal: What to see and do?
Portugal is an increasingly popular tourist destination for travelers from around the world. This small country located on the west coast of Europe is rich in history, culture, cuisine and incredible scenery. Here are the main sights to see in Portugal:
Lisbon: The capital of Portugal is a city full of charm, color and life. There are so many things to see in Lisbon, such as the famous Belem Tower, St. George's Castle, the Alfama district and its narrow streets, or the Trade Square and its impressive arch.
Porto: Portugal's second largest city is famous for its port wine, but it also offers many tourist attractions such as the Clerks' Tower, the Dom Luis I Bridge, Porto Cathedral and the Palácio da Bolsa.
The Algarve Coast: Portugal's southern coast is famous for its golden sand beaches, crystal clear waters and impressive rock formations. The Algarve's seaside resorts such as Lagos, Albufeira and Faro are ideal destinations for swimming and water sports enthusiasts.
Coimbra: Located in the center of Portugal, this university city is one of the oldest and most beautiful in the country. It is home to the oldest university in Portugal, the Joanina Library and the Sé Velha Cathedral.
Sintra: Located only 30 kilometers from Lisbon, Sintra is a charming city with a rich historical and cultural heritage. It is known for its palaces, castles and lush gardens. The Pena Palace, the Moorish Castle and the National Palace of Sintra are major tourist attractions.
Madeira and Azores Islands: These islands located off mainland Portugal are popular destinations for hiking, nature and adventure lovers. They offer incredible landscapes, waterfalls, volcanoes and spectacular panoramic views.
To get around Portugal, there are many transportation options such as train, bus, metro and streetcar. It is also possible to rent a car or take a cab to get between cities and tourist sites more easily. Domestic flights are also available for those who wish to travel quickly between the different regions of the country.
Portugal is thus a rich and diverse tourist destination, offering attractions for all tastes and ages. Travelers can enjoy Portugal's rich history and culture, tasty cuisine, breathtaking scenery and warm Portuguese hospitality.
Portugal: How to get around the country?
Portugal is a beautiful country full of charming cities and spectacular scenery. If you're a tourist looking for adventure and discovery, you're probably wondering about the best ways to get from one city to another. Don't worry, we've got you covered!
Portugal has a very well-developed public transport network, giving you plenty of options for exploring the country. Here are some of the main modes of transport you can use:
Trains: Portugal's railroads, known as CP (Comboios de Portugal), offer an excellent option for traveling between cities. Trains are fast, comfortable and allow you to admire the picturesque scenery along the way.
Buses: Portugal's well-developed bus network offers connections between the country's main cities. Bus companies such as Rede Expressos and Flixbus offer regular, comfortable services. You can book your tickets online in advance on Vivanoda.
Planes: If you're planning to travel long distances, flying may be a faster and more comfortable option. Portugal has several international airports, including Lisbon, Porto and Faro. Airlines such as TAP Air Portugal, Ryanair and EasyJet offer regular flights between Portuguese and European cities.
In addition to these public transport options, you can also rent a car to explore Portugal at your own pace. Major car rental companies, such as Avis, Europcar and Hertz, are easily accessible in major cities and airports. Bear in mind, however, that driving in Portugal is often hectic and parking can be difficult in city centers.
Here are a few useful tips for getting from one city to another in Portugal with ease:
- Plan ahead: Check train and bus timetables, and book tickets in advance whenever possible. This will help you avoid delays or running out of seats.
- Be flexible: If you have the choice, avoid peak travel times to reduce waiting times and crowds.
- Download transit apps that will help you plan your routes, check real-time schedules and get real-time information on disruptions.
- Ticket prices may vary depending on the type of transportation and destination. Be sure to check fares and understand refund or exchange policies before booking.
- Whichever mode of transport you choose, keep your camera handy to capture Portugal's beautiful scenery on the move.
Portugal: When to visit?
If you're planning to travel to Portugal, it's important to choose the best season to suit your climatic preferences. Portugal enjoys a Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.
The best time to visit Portugal is generally from May to September. During these months, the country enjoys pleasant temperatures, with an average of 25 to 30 degrees Celsius in the hottest months (July and August). Sunny days are ideal for enjoying the country's many magnificent beaches, such as the Algarve in the south.
In autumn, from October to November, Portugal is also an attractive destination. Temperatures start to drop slightly, but are still mild, averaging between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius. This is an excellent time to explore the cities, visit the vineyards and discover Portugal's rich gastronomy.
The winter months, from December to February, can be wetter and colder, especially in the northern parts of the country. Average temperatures fluctuate between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius, which can be ideal if you prefer to avoid the tourist crowds and take advantage of more affordable rates for accommodation and flights.
Spring, from March to April, offers a mild and pleasant climate, with temperatures between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius. Landscapes come to life in bright colors as flowers bloom, making it an ideal time of year for hiking and photography enthusiasts.
If you're looking for warm, sunny weather, plan your trip between May and September. If you prefer to avoid the tourist crowds and take advantage of lower prices, consider traveling in autumn or winter. Whatever the season, Portugal's rich cultural and natural heritage makes it an attractive destination all year round.
