In nine to 12 days, you can expect to see a generous chunk of all that Portugal has to offer, from its most sensational cities to sublime vineyards and beaches, on a north-to-south trip.
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How many days in Portugal is enough? Depending on your travel style and the type of trip you're planning, 7, 10 or 14 days is enough time to visit Portugal. If you want to drive around the country, plan to set aside at least 2 to 3 weeks.
In 10 days you can see a lot of the highlights, including Lisbon, Sintra, Porto, the Douro Valley, and more. If you want to see even more (including the Algarve or any of Portugal's islands), you'll need at least 2 weeks.
The cost of living in Portugal is generally considered about 46 percent cheaper than in the United States. This, coupled with the country's excellent quality of life, beautiful beaches, stunning mountain ranges, reliable public transport, and rich history and culture, make it very easy to fall in love with Portugal.
When is the best time to visit Portugal? Where is this? The best time to visit Portugal is in spring (March-May), when the country is in bloom and waking after the winter. You could also go in fall (between September and October) when the sun is still shining, the weather is warm, and many of the crowds have dispersed.
Big sister Lisbon is twice the size, more cosmopolitan, faster paced and 200 miles further south, so in summer it can be sweltering. Compact, walkable Porto has a more traditional feel and is cooled by Atlantic breezes through summer, though fog and rain can roll in via the same route during the winter.
While the cost of living can vary depending on location and personal preferences, Portugal tends to be slightly cheaper than Spain for accommodation, food, and transportation. Both countries offer beautiful scenery, rich culture, and delicious food, making them great destinations for travelers on a budget.
If you are lucky enough to spend 5 days in Lisbon you have the chance to get to know the city in depth. And do it calmly, having plenty of time to see and enjoy its monuments and with the possibility of making excursions to the most interesting places in the surroundings.
In fact, just walk into the charming, medieval Alfama neighborhood without a good map, and you could probably spend your week just finding your way out again. (But you'll have a good time doing so.) A week is perfect for Lisbon, especially considering one or two days spent day-tripping.
As I hope you've now realized, Portugal's cities, landscapes, culture and prices make it perfect for a one-week trip. Even though there is still much more to see and do after this itinerary, it's a great start to exploring the country's main highlights.
While there are definitely far more beautiful places to see in Portugal, from Óbidos to the Berlengas Islands to Monsanto and beyond, there's no doubt that you can cover a bigger percentage of Portugal's top destinations in one trip than you can Spain's.
The verdict. Deciding which country has the best beaches for you really depends on what you're looking for. Whereas Spain is graced by the warmer waters of the Mediterranean and the chilled-out beach life that comes with it, Portugal benefits from the lively waters of the Atlantic and some truly epic scenery.
Yes, Lisbon is walkable. While it has a reputation for being hilly, Lisbon's historic streets are indeed walkable. There is no need to rent a car, just remember to pack some good walking shoes!
Lisbon is, among other things, known for its unique historical center, stunning architecture, colorful azulejos (ceramic tiles), and fantastic food. It also has a fascinating history, filled with rulers, invasions, destructions, and re-constructions. History aside, Lisbon is a fantastic place to visit.
Rainfall. In Lisbon rainiest months of the year are December and November during which monthly rainfall average reaches 128 mm. On the other side, driest months are August and July when the average rainfall is reduced to 4 mm per month.
Portugal's rainy season begins in November and December, meaning fewer sunny days, but the country still experiences more sun than rain and warmer temperatures than much of Europe. The Algarve usually remains especially pleasant and sunny and can attract European visitors looking for a winter getaway.
January is the coldest month with an average temperature of 52ºF (11ºC). It's rare for it to get colder than 41ºF (5ºC). In summer, the warmest month is July with average temperatures of 74ºF (24ºC). However, it can get much hotter with temperatures over 86ºF (30ºC) and lows of 62ºF (17ºC).