Portugal

Portugal is so much more than just sun, sea and sand. From the rugged coastlines in the south to the green mountains in the north, the country is full of surprising natural areas and authentic villages. Which is the most beautiful region? You can of course decide for yourself but these are some of our favourites:

1. Algarve: more than just beaches

The Algarve is known for its golden beaches and impressive cliffs. But those who look further will also discover peaceful natural areas such as the Parque Natural do Vale do Guadiana. Here you can spot rare birds such as the Lesser and Great Bustard . For walkers, the Via Algarviana is highly recommended: a long-distance trail that leads through the Algarve's interior .

2. Alentejo: the peaceful heart of Portugal

North of the Algarve is the Alentejo, a region of vast fields, olive groves and white villages. Here you can still find authentic Portugal. Visit natural parks such as Serra de São Mamede and discover the local cuisine with dishes like ‘açorda’ and ‘migas’ .

3. Nature around Lisbon

Beautiful nature reserves can also be found near Lisbon. The Estuário do Tejo is an important bird sanctuary where thousands of migratory birds land every year. The nearby Parque Natural da Arrábida offers a combination of green hills and white sandy beaches.

Or opt for a more active holiday! Because south of Lisbon you will find the popular surfing area Costa da Caparica where you can Learning to surf at Gota Dagua.

4. Central Portugal: Serra da Estrela

In the heart of Portugal lies the Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela, the country's largest protected natural area. Here you will find high peaks, crystal-clear lakes and traditional mountain villages. In winter, you can even ski there .

5. The green north: Peneda-Gerês and more

The north of Portugal is a paradise for nature lovers. The Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês is the country's only national park and offers a mix of mountains, forests and waterfalls . The Parque Natural de Montesinho is also worth a visit, with its diverse flora and fauna .

6. Islands: Madeira and the Azores

The islands of Madeira and the Azores are ideal for nature lovers. Madeira is known for its levada walks and green landscapes . The Azores are the place to spot whales, especially around the islands of Pico, Faial and São Miguel .

We touched on it briefly above but a bit more information is never wrong.

High season (May-September): The most popular period is in summer (also the high season). Temperatures are high and you can expect endless days of sunshine. Perfect if you want to enjoy the beach. Although this period can be very busy, it is the best time for people who want to enjoy the sun, the beach and the sea.

Intermediate season (March, April, May, October, November): We think the best time is the in-between months. So our spring and autumn, when the sky is still blue but the temperatures a bit milder. It is the ideal time for a city break or for hiking and camping.

Low season (November-February): In winter, you can still enjoy the sun in most parts, unless you visit mountainous areas or the north. It is the perfect period if you want to travel on a small budget or do a full hike tour. Prices are a lot lower during this period and less crowded than other periods.

Whatever experience you are looking for, every season has something to offer. Choose the period that suits you best and enjoy a great trip!

What does a holiday or trip to Portugal actually cost? We've already given you an estimate above but are happy to dive in a little further. How much do you pay for groceries? What does a drink on the terrace cost? And how expensive is eating out? We'll explain below!

Is Portugal cheap?

Compared to other European countries, Portugal is in the middle of the pack in terms of costs. According to the Cost of Living Index life there is slightly cheaper than in Spain or Greece, and considerably cheaper than in the Netherlands, Germany or Scandinavia. Prices for food, drinks and transport are generally lower, especially outside the big cities.

What do groceries cost?

In Portugal, you can do your shopping very affordably. Basic products such as bread, fruit and vegetables are cheap, especially if you buy them at the local market. Every town or village has a market where you can find fresh, regional products at low prices. The supermarkets (such as Pingo Doce, Continente or Lidl) are well stocked and affordable.

Sample supermarket prices:

• Baguette: €0.80
• 1 litre of milk: €0.90
• 1 kilo apples: €1.30
• Bottle of olive oil (1L): €4.00

What does a drink on the terrace cost?

A cup of coffee with a pastel de nata on a terrace? For less than €2.00, you'll be fine. Portuguese coffee culture is strong, but prices are soft. Whether you're in a big city or a small village, you rarely pay more than €1 for an espresso.

Sample terrace prices:

• Espresso: €0.70 - €1.00
• Glass of wine or bottle of beer: €1.20 - €2.00
• Soft drinks: €1.00 - €1.50

The Algarve, according to the Worldwide Holiday Costs Barometer even voted the cheapest beach destination in Europe.

What does eating out in Portugal cost?

Eating out is surprisingly affordable, especially if you choose local restaurants. Many places offer a prato do dia to (daily menu), including soup, main course, drink and dessert for around €10. For a three-course menu for two, you pay an average of €30 in a normal restaurant. And the food is good: fresh fish, meat from the grill and simple, tasty dishes.

Sample dining out prices:

• Prato do dia: from €7.50
• Three-course menu for two: approx. €30
• Tipping: 5-10% (not compulsory, but common)

Here we cannot give a very clear answer. Whether you have a weekend, months or three weeks: Portugal is easy to adapt to your travel plans. Below are three sample itineraries for 1, 2 or 3 weeks.

Itinerary: 1 week

• Za: Arrival in Porto
• Sun-Ma: Explore Porto
• Di: Trip to Cascais
• Wed: Enjoy the coast in Cascais
• Do-Fr: Discover Lisbon
• Za: Departure

Itinerary: 2 weeks

• Za-Ma: Porto
• Di-Wo: Peniche (surf or relax)
• Do-Vr: Cascais
• Za-Ma: Lisbon
• Di-Za: Algarve (e.g. Lagos or Tavira)
• This way: Departure from Faro

Itinerary: 3 weeks

• Za-Ma: Porto
• Di-Wo: Peneda-Gerês National Park
• Do: Douro valley (wine tasting)
• Fri-Sun: Monsanto and Óbidos
• Ma-Di: Peniche and Ericeira
• Wo-Fr: Cascais and Lisbon
• Za-Zo: Algarve
• Mon: Departure

For shorter routes, travelling by train or bus is fine. For longer routes (2 or 3 weeks), a rental car is recommended, especially in rural areas and natural parks.

Unique, adventurous or sporty travel itineraries or holidays!

But as we said, THE answer is not that easy! It depends entirely on your interests. Maybe you don't want to follow the well-known route from Lisbon to Porto or from the Algarve to the north at all. In fact, Portugal also lends itself perfectly to unique, adventurous or sporty holidays!

But as we said, the answer is not that easy! After all, you can also do unique routes like Priya's. She made a wine tour of Portugal, from the Douro valley to Porto! Or how about an eco-friendly road trip through the Alentejo, sleeping on sustainable farms, tasting olive oil from local producers and ending with a night under the stars in the interior? And for the really adventurous, there are even trail-running or cycling routes right through natural parks such as Peneda-Gerês or the lesser-known Montesinho.

In short: Portugal offers more than one way to travel. Take inspiration from others, but feel free to put your own spin on the itinerary.

Planning your transport to and in Portugal takes no time at all, as you have several options. Opt for plane, car or even train!

Plane: With numerous international airports spread across the country, flying is the obvious choice for many travellers. Opt for major international airports like Porto and Lisbon or go for regional airports like Madeira and Faro.

Rental car: Want to have a bit more freedom and flexibility? Then renting a car is an excellent option. With companies such as Sunny Cars you can easily book a reliable hire car and explore the many attractions at your own pace. Whether you want to drive along the beautiful coastlines, meander through quaint mountain villages or discover the hidden gems of the countryside, with a hire car you have the freedom to go wherever you want.

With these various transport options, nothing stands in your way of making it an unforgettable trip.

Portugal is bursting with impressive places you will want to have seen. From charming cities full of history to breathtaking natural areas and sun-drenched beaches, the country has something for every traveller. Whether you love culture, nature or gastronomy, these sights will give you a perfect impression of all that Portugal has to offer. Below, we list the best places not to miss during your trip (although this list could have been infinitely long):

• Porto: historic city with character and port wine cellars
• Douro valley: vineyards, boat trips and viewpoints
• Guimarães & Braga: medieval charm and student life
• Peneda-Gerês: impressive natural park in the north
• Monsanto: rock village with unique architecture
• Óbidos: walled city full of culture
• Lisbon & Sintra: city, beach and palaces in one trip
• The Algarve: Relax on Europe's most beautiful beaches