When to go to Portugal- Hidden Gems

mcoelho813
Oct 14
5 min read

Updated: Oct 22

When to travel to Portugal

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. Mountains' 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. The 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.

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 from 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.