Portugal is an ideal destination for a sunny holiday, with its endless coastlines, magnificent seaside resorts, and sandy beaches facing the ocean. However, the country also holds beautiful surprises in its hinterland. Often associated with the sun, beach, and sea, Portugal offers much more than that. In the Porto region, for example, vineyards thrive in the Douro Valley, providing a stunning landscape and unparalleled wine tastings. Furthermore, the capital, Lisbon, is full of architectural treasures waiting to be discovered at a leisurely pace. In this article, we offer you 6 tips to prepare your trip to Portugal.
1. Travel in June
The ideal month to go? Hard to tell, each region has its unique features. However, if you plan to explore the city of Porto, the ideal month would be June, for the end-of-St. John’s festival. An incredible celebration, the most important in Porto. People dance, share fun traditional customs, like tapping the heads of passersby with a plastic hammer for good luck. A celebration that is both pagan (the St. John’s fires) and Christian (St. John the Baptist). In Lisbon, the equivalent is St. Anthony’s Day on June 13.
2. Book your flight in advance
Want to book a flight to Portugal but don’t know how to get the best price? Don’t worry, we have the answer. The team at Partir.com has analyzed all the formulas and offers in the sky to help you find the cheapest plane ticket. We have also studied the best time to book your flights and the most convenient airports to depart. Don’t pay more than others, follow our tips to book your flight to Portugal at the best price.
3. Plan your itinerary
Traveling without planning your itinerary can be exciting, but knowing what to see and do in advance is even better. To help you choose and organize your trip, Partir.com has gathered the must-see attractions and the best experiences that Portugal has to offer. Whether you prefer to organize your trip yourself or go through a travel agency, our practical guides and exclusive maps will accompany you throughout your journey.
4. Familiarize yourself with the traffic code
Portugal, a European country with similar standards, shares an identical traffic code. Although speed cameras are not visible along the roads, they are present sporadically. The ground markings for STOP and YIELD are not very visible, making it difficult to read in advance. Speed limits are comparable, with a maximum speed of 120 km/h on motorways. However, the notable difference lies in the toll system of Portuguese highways. These utilize an automatic toll system, without tickets or cash or card payments. Residents have a recognition device that makes a bank charge when they pass under the “gantries” equipped with cameras and reading technologies. Visitors are advised to inquire with their rental agencies or use information and payment posts appropriate for border areas to travel around Portugal with peace of mind.
5. Bring a large suitcase to bring back souvenirs
Portugal is full of unique and delicious products. Among them, Portuguese wines are exceptional, particularly Porto and Vinho Verde. But don’t miss out on Ginja, a liqueur to taste in Lisbon. If you plan to fly, remember to bring checked luggage, as bottles of wine are prohibited in the cabin. Besides wine, Portugal is the world’s leading producer of cork oak, used to make various art items. You will also find fish preserves in decorated cans, flower salt from Portuguese salt pans, as well as t-shirts in artisanal typography. The country is filled with talented artisans creating varied and original objects from surprising materials.
6. Choose accommodation with air conditioning
When visiting Portugal, don’t assume that all tourist accommodations are equipped with central heating or air conditioning. Indeed, most Portuguese houses are built to stay cool in summer and retain heat in winter. Although modern hotels typically offer these services, it’s best to check with rental apartment owners whether air conditioning or a fan is available during the hot months. Don’t let the heat ruin your stay in Portugal; be prepared!