Is North or South Portugal better?

Winter: If you don't like the heat, the North is your number one choice. The climate is Atlantic, which means the sea moderates the presence of the heat so it'll never be too hot. And so, you can enjoy and visit monumental cities as Viseu, Aveiro and Porto without a drop of sweat. Summer: So, you're a Summer lover…



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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.

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The south western part of the Algarve is probably my favorite area in the Algarve. It's less touristy but (partly) does have the beautiful iconic coastline and great Algarve weather!

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The Algarve region, at the southern end of Portugal, is famous for its amazing coastline and beautiful beaches. Its natural wonders are the star attractions, including great surfing spots, towering cliffs, hidden bays and bird-filled lagoons.

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Porto is more compact. So it's a good choice for long weekends. Larger Lisbon needs longer to explore. Alternatively, do both.

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Lisbon is in or near the warm temperate dry forest biome whereas Porto is in or near the warm temperate moist forest biome. The average annual temperature is 2.3 °C (4.1°F) warmer. Average monthly temperatures vary by 0.8 °C (1.4°F) more in Lisbon.

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11 Most Beautiful Places in Portugal
  • Belém Tower, Lisbon.
  • Sete Cidades, Azores.
  • Jerónimos Monastery, Lisbon.
  • Madeira Botanical Gardens, Funchal.
  • Peneda-Gerês National Park, Porto.
  • Monserrate Palace, near Sintra.
  • 25th April Bridge, Lisbon.
  • The Douro Valley, Porto.


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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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We recommend spending at least two days in Porto for a slightly more relaxed pace. You can take your time to explore the city's charming streets and neighbourhoods, visit some of the top museums and cultural attractions, and perhaps take a day trip to nearby towns or beaches.

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Which Algarve cities are most sought after by celebrities? Portimão and Albufeira are very popular amongst celebrities who bought homes in Portugal. They are close to the best casinos, can dock their yachts in a wonderful port, and can buy a mansion in Vilamoura.

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Because Algarve, unlike Andalucia, is not in the Mediterranean sea: it's in the Atlantic Ocean. Furthermore, sea currents are really complex, so just because Atlantic Ocean may feel “warm” somewhere else, doesn't mean around Algarve it will be the same.

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