Trying to tour a nation as magnificent as Portugal without the right information is like attempting to dance the Vira without anytraining. Entertaining at first, but bound to end in chaos. If you’re already at the chaos stage, you can breathe now. We’ve got the best of Portugal wrapped up in this article.
From dos & don’ts and when to hire a Portugal tour guide, to food recommendations and the best travel seasons, it’s time to try a different approach. One that leaves you excited to scale the Douro Valley’s terraced vineyards, or get lost in Praia da Marinha’s limestone cliffs without a care in the world. Vamos!
In a dance between data and culture, Portugal beckons travelers, and if these numbers are anything to go by, the spell is only getting stronger. So, how many tourists visit Portugal each year? Well, in 2022, tourist arrivals in Portugal climbed to a hefty 22.3 million, despite suffering drastically low numbers in 2020 due to the global health crisis. Though this is not the 27 million tourists who showed up in 2019, it’s pretty close.
So does Portugal have a lot of tourism? Yes! Within just the first 7 months of 2023, Portugal had already set a new record for the first half of any recorded year, with 16.8 million tourists flocking to taste some salty Bifanas and relax near the Atlantic. If you’re wondering what percentage of Portugal’s economy is tourism, the pre-pandemic GDP contribution was 15%. While that’s a large contribution, this dipped in 2020 to 19.2 billion, but slowly leapt to 25.5 billion in 2021. Talk about a quick recovery. Ready to see which nations couldn’t stay away? Keep reading.
Not only is Portugal the 9th most visited European country of 2022, with its capital Lisbon as the 9th most visited city, but it’s quickly becoming Europe’s not-so-hidden travel jewel. So what nationality visits Portugal the most? Spain, The UK, France, The US & Germany all have their numbers.
Travel Trivia: Why Is Portugal so popular with Americans? American tourism in Portugal has increased. Why? The safety, ease of entry, laid back atmosphere, history, culture, great overall climate and high percentage of English speakers makes it popular. The US is now considered the most important non-European traveler market for Portugal, having brought in the largest non-European crowd in May 2023.
If there are two things you need to know about Portugal, it’s that the Portuguese have an ongoing romance with the sea, and that there’s more to this nation than the cobbled streets of Lisbon. When you touch down in Portugal, these are some must see sights, sounds, stories & tastes!
Mountainous and hilly at one end, and filled with golden beaches and rolling cliffs in another, Portugal offers a variety of landscapes that can easily fill up your itinerary. Ready to dive into some seriously stunning places? Keep reading.
Portugal is a perfect mix of modern comfort, traditional flare, and that quirky in between that are its festivals. Here are some festival dates to keep in mind.
Where: Northern Portugal
What: Known for its lively processions, traditional music, and the iconic Coca figure—a dragon also known as Saint Coca, that can either bring good or bad fortune. Locals and visitors alike come together to revel in the festive atmosphere, with lively dances, delicious local cuisine, and a strong sense of community spirit.
When: First Week of August
Where: Lazarim Village, Lamego Portugal
What: Embrace the otherworldly with this whimsical, art centered festival that takes place days before Ash Wednesday. Locals don intricately carved masks and colorful costumes, parading through the streets in a joyful display of creativity and tradition. The festivities include music, dance, and a friendly competition for the best handcrafted masks
When: February 10-13th
Where: Nationwide
What: Better known as the Festival of Popular Saints, or the sardine festival, these nationwide celebrations honor three saints: St. Anthony (Lisbon), St. John (Porto), and St. Peter. These lively festivals feature street parties, parades, traditional folk music, and the iconic "Marchas Populares," where neighborhoods compete in colorful processions. Of course, they also feature sardines grilled to perfection.
When: Mid-June
Where: Sintra, Portugal
What: As if Sintra wasn’t enchanting enough, this cultural celebration of music, dance, theater, and visual arts brings the magical Sintra to the forefront. The festival's diverse program appeals to a broad audience, making it a must-attend for those seeking a blend of culture and natural beauty.
When: Late June-Early July
Where: Fatima, Portugal
What: A spiritually significant event in the Catholic calendar, the Fatima pilgrimage celebrates the 1917 apparitions of the Virgin Mary to three shepherd children. Pilgrims from around the world gather at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima to participate in prayer, processions, and religious events.
When: 13th May
Food is the stuff of life, and the life force of any traveler’s journey, so there's no way you can touch down in the seafood capital of Europe and not enjoy these locally beloved culinary delights.
Travel Tip: Want to learn more about Portuguese cuisine? You can check out our Top 8 Most Popular Foods In Lisbon.
Alright, so you've fallen in love with the idea of sampling Portugal’s port wine, and getting lost in its lush botanical gardens. You’re not the only one. Portugal has become quite popular over the last 4 years, so if you're wondering where to go, when to go, and how to get around, we’ve got you covered.
Where To Go: Portugal’s Most Popular Regions
If we’re talking numbers, Portugal has some seriously popular attractions. Let’s take a look at Portugal’s greatest hits.
Off The Beaten Path: A Closer Look At Portugal
After you’ve explored Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve, you can unwind with these lesser crowded yet equally breathtaking destinations.
Travel Quick Facts: What Are Portugal’s Tourism Trends?
Average Time Spent In Portugal: 4.1 days.
Overseas travelers spent an average of 7.2 nights
Top Reason for travel: leisure, recreation & holiday, which accounted for 12.4 million trips in 2019.
Second-largest reason: Visiting relatives or friends, which brought in 9.2 million tourist trips.
With over 200 days of sunshine, and that envious Mediterranean climate, Portugal is nearly perfect all year long. Lisbon has 2,800 hours of sunshine yearly, but what about the rest of the country? Here's a breakdown of the weather patterns and the best times to visit, along with activities you can enjoy throughout the calendar year.
Spring (March to May):
Weather: Spring is a pleasant time to visit Portugal, with mild temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F).
Activities: Ideal for hiking and exploring the countryside. It's also a good time to visit cities and cultural sites without the peak tourist crowds.
Summer (June to August):
Weather: Hot and dry weather during the summer, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F) and sometimes reaching even higher.
Activities: This is the peak tourist season, and the beaches along the Algarve coast become popular for sunbathing and water sports. Festivals and outdoor events are also common during this time.
Autumn (September to November):
Weather: Autumn sees a gradual cooling down, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). Rainfall increases towards the end of the season.
Activities: Autumn is an excellent time for wine enthusiasts to visit, as it coincides with the grape harvest season. You can also enjoy hiking and exploring nature, taking advantage of the milder temperatures.
Winter (December to February):
Weather: Winters in Portugal are mild compared to many other European destinations, with temperatures rarely dropping below 5°C (41°F) in coastal areas.
Activities: Winter is a great time for exploring Portugal's cities, visiting historical sites, and enjoying local cuisine. While the coastal areas remain relatively mild, the interior regions, especially in the north, may experience colder temperatures.
So when is the best time to visit Portugal? Honestly, it depends. If you enjoy warm weather and beach activities, June to August are ideal. Spring and Autumn offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. Winter is perfect for those who are looking for a cooler climate and want to explore cities and cultural attractions without the tourist rush.
Portugal is magical, but you can’t just float around the nation. Here are some key transport methods to remember.
Você fala inglês? Tackling Language In Portugal
Alright, so we’ve established that Spanish is a no-go in Portugal, but what about English? Well, if you’re looking to stick to major cosmopolitan areas like Lisbon, Portugal, Madeira, Vila Nova de Gaia and their surrounding areas, you can rest easy knowing that most people will be able to understand English. In fact, Portugal overall has a high English proficiency of 607, making it the 8th most English proficient country in the world.
Ficando Seguro: Staying Safe In Portugal
Alright, now that we’ve got an idea of how our Portuguese adventure will look, let's tackle one major topic, safety. So is Portugal a safe place? Absolutely! Portugal is one of the safest, most peaceful countries in the world, with a Global peace index ranking of 7th place, beating out Australia, Canada, France and Germany.
When it comes to everyday living, Portugal has a low crime index of 29.2 and a high safety index of 69.3. This means that unless you’re in heavily crowded metro areas like Lisbon or Porto, there is little to nothing to worry about when it comes to pickpockets, scams and social unrest. With that said, Portugal’s regions carry specific safety advice, so let’s dive a little deeper to make sure you stay safe no matter where you are.
Ocean Safety in Algarve: To stay safe, always adhere to posted warning signs, especially regarding strong currents. Choose beaches with lifeguards, and if you're not a strong swimmer, opt for sheltered coves. Be cautious of sudden waves, and keep a close eye on changing weather conditions.
Driving Vigilance in Lisbon: Lisbon's narrow, winding streets and hilly terrain can be challenging. Watch out for trams, pedestrians, and fellow drivers. Park in designated areas to avoid fines, and be mindful of pickpockets in popular tourist spots. Familiarize yourself with local traffic rules and signage.
Trail Safety in Madeira: When hiking, stick to marked trails, carry sufficient water, and inform someone of your hiking plans. The island's weather can change rapidly, so pack layers and rain gear. Respect local wildlife, especially in protected areas, and follow the Leave No Trace philosophy. Check for trail conditions and closures, and avoid risky paths during adverse weather.
Street Smart in Porto: Porto's historic districts can be crowded, making it an ideal environment for pickpockets. Keep your belongings secure, use anti-theft bags, and be cautious in crowded places. Opt for well-lit streets at night, and avoid poorly lit or deserted areas to ensure a safe and enjoyable exploration of the city.
Conclusion
As the perfect fusion between old world charm and modern magnetism, Portugal proves itself as Europe’s next greatest destination. Ready to join in on the fun? Get in touch with one of our Portugal tour guides and let the laughter commence, and the Portuguese escapade unfold!
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon, Portugal