When to go to Portugal- Hidden Gems
Updated: Aug 30
Know before you go
December, January, and February are cold and rainy. Christmas is celebrated with family and neighbors with food and Mass. People exchange gifts, but not in large quantities. Extremely large waves in Nazare start in October and end in March.
Jackets and scarves are a must in the winter months. Mountain tops can get some snow. March is rainy.
When to travel to Portugal
When to go to Portugal- Hidden Gems
April, May, and June are warm and sunny. Spring is perfect for walking, biking, and sightseeing.
October and November are warm and sunny. The fall is ideal for train rides, wine making, visiting castles, and boat tours. July, August, and September are perfect for going swimming, walking on the beach, fishing, and attending Festas. When to go to Portugal- Hidden gems in Portugal. My favorite time to visit Portugal is April, May, and June because the weather is warm and sunny. The weather is perfect for exploring the old castles and walking the cobblestone sidewalks.
July and August are HOT!. If you want to swim in the pools, walk the beaches, and sunbathe, then July and August are ideal for you. The Algarve is the best place to swim in the ocean. Nazare is best for surfing. Cascais is nice for swimming. São Marinho Do Porto is great for swimming with kids. August is fabulous because the immigrants are all visiting Portugal and we have fun times with my husband's cousins.
My advice: My Opinion: My Thoughts:
Answer these questions, then plan the trip to Portugal
What are your interests?
Do you want to visit museums, castles, churches, palaces?
Do you want downtime?
How many people are in your group?
Are you with a family/ kids?
When are you going?
Do you like the beach?
What are your interests?
If you enjoy history, then visit Tomar, Coimbra, Obidos, Lisbon, Porto, Sintra
If you prefer the beach and pool, then go to Cascais, Albufeira, Algarve, Lagos
Are you capable of planning your own itinerary?
If you hope to see things like a local, hire a local guide, not from a generic website
Do you want to visit museums, castles, churches, palaces?
The best church is Fatima
Best castles are in Tomar, Montemor-o-Velho, Sintra, Mafra, Busaco
Best Museums are the World of Discoveries in Porto, Jeronimos Monastery, Caramulo car museum
Do you want downtime?
Walk the streets of Coimbra or Porto. Take a stroll. Stop at a cafe and have a pastry. Go to a fluvial (river beach)
Take a long train ride in Porto
Relax in Obidos
Walk the forest and trails in Luso, Busaco
How many people are in your group?
If you rent a car, make sure you have seatbelts for all passengers.
We prefer to keep our group size small
Larger groups can rent a van or use public transporation
Are you traveling with small children?
Coimbra has a child-friendly museum village to visit
Lisbon Aquarium is child-centered
Algarve kayak excursion
Dolphin watching Lisbon
Ericeira surf lesson family friendly
Scenic train tour Porto
Viseu in August and September has the São Mateus Feira/ festa with shopping, food, rides, and displays
When are you visiting Portugal?
January, Feb, March can be rainy and chilly
December is colorful but cold
Algarve is best from April- October, but the ocean water is cool
July and August are hot and perfect beach days but can be busy with tourists (no A/C in most areas of Portugal)
History buffs should visit Portugal in October, April, May when the weather is perfect for walking around castles, palaces, and aqueducts.
Do you want to pick grapes and make wine? Go in September
Do you want to pick olives on a family farm? Go to Portugal in November
Religious visitors should go to Fatima on the 13th of the month from May to October.
Easter is an amazing holiday to experience, especially in central Portugal where farmers and villages continue traditions from 100's of years ago.
Do you want to visit the tourist spots or local places?
Algarve is touristy.
Sintra is busy year-round
If you are not a good driver in your home country, don't drive in Portugal. Portugal has a high rate of automobile accidents.
Pickpockets are everywhere, including in Portugal. Be aware of your surroundings.
When to Travel to Portugal
When to go to Portugal- Hidden Gems
Clothing Essentials Packing List
Packing for Portugal requires considering your planned activities. Here are key clothing essentials:
Lightweight Clothing: Choose breathable fabrics like cotton and linen, perfect for warm summer days. For example, pack a mix of t-shirts and dresses that can keep you comfortable while exploring. Spring and Fall
Comfortable Footwear: The charming streets can be cobbled and hilly, so bring well-cushioned walking shoes or sandals for a comfortable experience. Many tourists recommend brands like Merrell or Teva for durability and comfort.
Layers: Even on summer evenings, the air can be cool, especially near the coast. A light sweater or jacket is advisable for enjoying coastal sunsets. Winter
Swimwear: If beach time is on your itinerary, include a swimsuit, beach towel, and flip-flops for relaxation on the sandy shores. Sunscreen, sun hat, beach towel
Rain Gear: If traveling in winter, a compact umbrella or waterproof jacket can save you from unexpected downpours. About 87% of winter rain falls from October to March
Shopping
Tax-free shopping in Portugal
How to Enjoy Tax-Free Shopping in Portugal
Tax-free shopping in Portugal
Shopping in Portugal. Tax-free shopping in Portugal. Global blue tax-free shopping PORTUGAL TAX-FREE SHOPPING. How to shop tax-free in Portugal? What is the VAT in Portugal? Are the sales taxes in Portugal high? How to get a tax refund in Portugal? How much do I have to spend in Portugal to get the tax-free shopping? Where to eat in Portugal on a budget? What is the best ATM to use in Portugal?
Tax-free is only for items that are tangible, such as jewelry, clothing, jerseys, and shoes.
What is VAT?
Value Added Tax (VAT) is a consumption tax levied on goods and services in many countries around the world. The national tax systems of Europe, Canada, Japan, and Australia allow for a refund of VAT to most non-resident business entities worldwide.
How to Enjoy Tax-Free Shopping in Portugal: A Complete Guide
Step 1: Eligibility
Who is eligible for tax-free shopping in Portugal? Outline the criteria that tourists need to meet.
Anyone not an EU citizen who purchases items in Portugal.
Did you know? $$$$$$
Global Blue /Tax-Free Shopping in Portugal
As an American, I can purchase items over 61.50 euros in a store that will fit in my suitcase. and get a tax refund
(Any non-EU resident can purchase items at a tax-free store)
Step 2: Making Purchases
Identifying participating stores and making purchases eligible for tax refunds
You need the receipts.
You need a form completed by the store.
Where to shop tax-free in Portugal?
Look for stores with tax-free signs in the window all around Portugal
(FYI, almost all of the shops at the Lisbon airport participate in Global Blue)
Make sure you tell the store clerk that you want the tax-free forms and receipts.
It is important to have the forms filled out the same day you purchase the items. You have to show your non-EU passport and have a current email.
Most cities and medium to large towns have tax-free shopping.
Tax is 23% in Portugal on most goods, ie, jewelry
There is a tax break for expats who move to Portugal to live
Is there a Global Blue website?
https://www.globalblue.com/tax-free-shopping
PORTUGAL TAX-FREE SHOPPING.
How to shop tax-free in Portugal?
Packing List
Portugal is warm and sunny. The farther south you travel, the warmer the climate. The area below Lisbon is flatter and contains some mountains. Beaches surround the coastline of Portugal. As you travel north, more and more terrain is mountainous. The climate is unique. If you are in the sun, it's warm and hot. If you shelter yourself from the sun, it's more comfortable. The mountain towns can be cool as the night appears. It's best to carry a sweater for chilly evenings. Most of Portugal does not use air conditioning.
women | men | children |
Comfortable shoes I prefer sneakers socks | Casual suit Pants and jacket | Sneakers Sandals with a back |
Dress for church or eating out With a sweater Slip | Bathing suit | Sweater hoodie |
Shirts, short and long Easy to wear No iron needed | hat | Comfortable clothing |
shorts | sunglasses | Bathing suit |
capris | Electronics chargers | Books for bedtime |
Under garments | shorts | electronics |
hat | jeans | snacks |
sunblock | sweater | PJs |
Bathing suit | Tee shirts | |
sunglasses | Button-down shirts casual | |
Hard candy snacks | ||
Medicine Tylenol tums | ||
Be aware of the Portuguese holiday schedule for shopping and public places. This includes some public buildings, such as castles, the Pena Palace, and monuments.
Most places are closed on Saints' Days
New Year’s: 1 January
Freedom Day April
Easter
Good Friday
Labor Day, May 1
Portugal Day, June 10th
Corpus Christi, June 19
Assumption of Mary, August 15
Republic Day, October 5
All Saints' Day, Nov 1
Immaculate Conception, 8 December.
Christmas: 25 December
Also, Most businesses close for lunch between 1-3 pm. Lunch is served between 1-3pm, and dinner is served between 8-11 pm. If you don't eat during these times, it can be difficult to get a full meal. Touristy sections don't always close. On Sundays, most stores are closed. Outside of the Algarve and Lisbon, most stores close on Saturdays at 12 noon.
Top Places to Visit in Portugal
Top Attractions in Portugal
Castelo De São Jorge. Lisbon https://castelodesaojorge.pt/
Torre de Belém. Lisbon https://www.museusemonumentos.pt/pt/museus-e-monumentos/torre-de-belem
Dom Luís I Bridge. Porto https://www.portugalvisitor.com/portugal-city-guides/portugal-attractions/ponte-luis
Praca do Comercio Lisbon https://www.visitlisboa.com/pt-pt/locais/praca-do-comercio-terreiro-do-paco
Bairro Alto. Lisbon https://www.lisbonportugaltourism.com/guide/bairro-alto.html
Praia da Falésia. Algarve https://www.algarve-tourist.com/guides/praia-da-falesia-beach-algarve.html
Monte Palace Madeira.
National Tile Museum. Lisbon https://www.museunacionaldoazulejo.pt/
Lisbon Airport
Lisbon Airport
You need 3 plus hours to comfortably pass through the Lisbon airport
Why?
1. The parking/drop off is busy
2. The airline check-in could be on any floor
3. Portugal security check-in with your carry-on bags is in one location for all airlines.
The line is always long for @1 hour
4. You have to walk through a huge wrap-around duty-free store that is crowded (to get to the gates)
5. You have to walk the hallway, passing name-brand stores, shops, a food mart, and crowds
6. Lots of walking
7. Passport check is after the stores
But before your gate
In the USA, the passport is checked at check-in when you hand in your checked bags
8. A random number of people on each flight are chosen for additional screening - you will know because your boarding pass will be stamped
Which takes extra time-
You have to remove your shoes, take your carry-on bags off cell phones off, have your carry-on bags checked, and have your hands swabbed
This takes time ( only a few people per flight)
9. Then, in Portugal, most airplanes are not at the gate; the passengers are bused to the airplane in stages.
This means the gate closes 30 minutes before takeoff
I love Portugal. It’s my favorite place to go, and I think it’s helpful to know the situation. My flights are usually around 11 am, so that could be why the crowds are large.
Lisbon airport
The airport can be busy one day and not so busy another day. The day of the week and time of departure or arrival matter.
Arriving at the Lisbon airport for a departure, allow 4 hours for non-Schengen destinations and 3 hours for Schengen ones. If you are returning a rental car at the airport, allow an extra 30 minutes for its return near Terminal 1.
Upon reaching Terminal 1, a large plasma screen in the main entry area informs you of your flight's check-in area. Each airline has a designated check-in area labeled A, B, C, D, E, F, with corresponding numbers. Some airlines will only check you in 3 hours before the flight.
For checked luggage, follow your airline's assigned letter and number to the specific check-in line. If you have carry-on only, check in online or use the self-check-in kiosk to get your boarding pass. We usually fly on American Airlines. The staff is extremely helpful. After we check in and drop off the checked bags, we head to the AA lounge upstairs above the food court.
After check-in, follow signs for the "Boarding Gates". You will only need your boarding pass to enter these gates. You will then join the line to clear carry-on security. These lines can be long. There is a sign stating the approximate minutes to clear security. The line zigzags back and forth. This is only checking you and your bags. You still need to clear passport security after the food court.
After carry-on bag security clearance, you enter a large food court and duty-free shops. The airline lounges are upstairs. The lounge has a plasma illuminated screen telling you which flights are boarding. Flight gates and locations are displayed there. Gates for USA or Canada flights (N41-47) are past the food court; Do not hang around the food court for long, as Non-Schengen travelers will have to undergo passport control, sometimes taking 30-45 minutes. Terminal 1 gates are divided into S7-26 for Schengen and N41-47 for non-Schengen. The new e-gates have opened, allowing for passport checks to be quicker than before. I think there are more than 50 kiosks to check your passport.
E-passport kiosks at passport control are available if all travelers are over 18, Portugal was the Schengen entry point, and you have an electronic passport. All USA passports are electronic. My husband is a Portuguese citizen, so I go with him, and we can remain as a group. He has an EU passport.
Post-passport control, you enter the "non-Schengen" transfer area near the gates, featuring smaller cafes and shops.
Heads up: There is a hidden passport check for travelers going to the USA. If your boarding pass has a red circle on the bottom left, you will have additional screening at the gate. I was randomly picked last year. This took an additional 25 minutes to board the airplane. I had to have all of my bags checked, passport screened, and I even had to remove the case on my cell phone for scanning.
Things I do not like about the Lisbon Airport:
Random extra screening at the gate
Departing passengers and arriving passengers are in the same areas.
Passport check is after the food court and shopping areas.
There is a lot of walking to get to the gate when you are departing.
It feels like you're in a loud maze when you arrive at the airport from your airplane.
People are in line to enter their airplane; people are strolling around the airport; other passengers are trying to exit the gate, get their checked bags, and exit the airport.
Things that I like about the Lisbon Airport
You can purchase a Vodafone SIM card in the baggage claim area for your travels within Portugal. I paid $35 euros for unlimited data for 30 days.
The restaurants are reasonably priced, and the food is good.
Taxis are in front of the airport. You can't miss them.
It is clean.
The staff is friendly and helpful.
Comments