Best of Portugal

With little over 10 million residents, this deceivingly small country offers a remarkable wealth of nature, culture, and history. From rugged inland mountains to serene coastal reserves, Portugal unfolds along the Atlantic, its identity deeply shaped by a seafaring past. History reveals itself in layers, from the Roman ruins in Évora to the azulejo-lined streets of Lisbon and Porto and the vineyards carved along the terraces of the Douro Valley, the world’s oldest demarcated wine region.

There’s plenty to experience in this little corner of Europe, but to truly understand the Portuguese soul and what that feeling of saudade entails, you need local connections. With the architect tracing the capital’s ancient heritage, the people tending the land, and hauling in the fresh Atlantic catch, the artisans preserving centuries of handmade crafts from north to south, and the fado singers retaining the country’s memories in their soulful songs. Fernwayer retrieves what modern travel seems to have lost – the ability to deeply immerse yourself in a place through experiences rather than simply ticking off boxes. 

Whether you’re drawn to its seaside towns, historic cities, or rich cuisine (yes, wine included), here are the best things to do in Portugal.

OUR PORTUGAL DESTINATIONS

Lisbon | Porto | Douro Valley | Algarve | Evora

Fernwayer's Things To Do in Portugal

Let us take you across Portugal’s most compelling destinations, from the vibrant capital of Lisbon to the romantic city of Porto. Venture through the protected vineyards of the Douro Valley, explore the timeless streets of Évora, discover the rural side of the Algarve, or hop to the island of Madeira. Our experiences range from guided wine tastings to walking and driving tours led by cultural experts, historians, and architects, taking you inside palaces, artisan workshops, and contemporary museums.

Lisbon

What to do in Lisbon?

Capture Lisbon’s breathtaking viewpoints with a photographer familiar with the city’s streets, discover the roots of fado on a night out through Alfama, sail along the Tejo from Belém to Terreiro do Paço, or follow the history of the azulejo with an architect by your side. Support a local association that brings together a generation of crafty grandmas, or experience the city’s modern art scene with an art curator. Roll up your sleeves as you prep a traditional Portuguese meal with a local chef, or sample regional wines alongside an award-winning sommelier. There are also plenty of opportunities for a day trip, from venturing through the majestic kingdom of Sintra, with exclusive access to the Pena Palace, to discovering the UNESCO heritage monasteries of Alcobaça and Batalha.

How long should I stay in Lisbon?

Plan at least three days in Lisbon to experience the city’s full character. This gives you enough time to explore historic neighborhoods like Alfama and Chiado and visit landmarks such as the Jerónimos Monastery in the Belém district, where you’ll also find Lisbon’s original custard tarts. With a bit more time, you can squeeze a couple of day trips to discover places like Sintra, Tomar, or the Arrábida Natural Park.

Porto

What to do in Porto?

Porto is known for its eye-catching tiled facades, riverside promenade, and hearty cuisine, which includes the infamous francesinha (a multi-layered meat sandwich). Join a food tour passing through the city’s oldest market or head to Matosinhos to see the fishermen in action.  You can also follow in the footsteps of an architect, admiring the historic district of Ribeira or the modern art center of Serralves, or let an art historian guide you through the city’s iconic tiled buildings. Set out on a cruise along the Douro River with time for a Port wine tasting or venture further out to explore the national park of Gerês, discover the artisan heritage of Barcelos, or the folk traditions of Miranda do Douro.

How long should I stay in Porto?

Two to three days is ideal to capture Porto’s romantic atmosphere. You can wander through the Ribeira district, visit iconic landmarks like Sé do Porto and Palácio da Bolsa, tour the Port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, and enjoy the city’s rich cuisine, from petiscos to seafood. An extra couple of days can be spent exploring the surroundings, from the Douro Valley to Portugal’s wild northeast.

Douro Valley

What to do in the Douro Valley?

The Douro Valley is renowned for its vineyards. Cascading across terraced slopes, they’re a sight to behold, whether you’re on a river cruise heading to a wine estate or getting driven along windy roads towards a panoramic viewpoint. Get to know the region with a guided tour of Museu do Douro, followed by a tasting, have an exclusive private dinner inside an 18th-century palace, or meet the artisans in Bisalhães who continue to preserve the region’s distinctive black pottery. And if you’re here between mid-August and October, be sure to join our seasonal experience following the grape harvest rituals.

How long should I stay in the Douro Valley?

Plan at least a full day in the Douro Valley to take in its terraced vineyards and cruise along the river. Visit historic quintas for Port and wine tastings and enjoy leisurely meals overlooking the valley. Get the train directly from Porto or rent a car to explore at your own pace.

Évora

What to do in Évora?

Portugal’s biggest region is the Alentejo, a place where oak trees give out cork and vineyards spread as far as the eye can see. The main gateway to the region is Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1986. An historian will give you a grand tour of the city, capturing its various chapters from the Romans to the medieval era. Along the outskirts, a maths teacher turned olive oil producer gives you a tour of his farm before settling down for a tasting, while another local takes you around their herb farm, creating art with your findings.

How long should I stay in Évora?

One or two days is enough to cover Évora’s main landmarks, including the Roman temple and the cathedral. With a bit more time, you can explore the surrounding farms and vineyards. Évora is also a great entryway to explore the rest of the Alentejo, from lake-facing Monsaraz to the museum town of Mértola.

Algarve

What to do in the Algarve?

Known for its paradisiacal beaches, the Algarve has long attracted a sun-loving crowd who come here to get tanned, play golf, and feast on seafood. But there’s more to the region than its coast. We’ll introduce you to the Algarve’s ancestral artisans and the living market town of Loulé. A natural lover will guide you through rural paths that wind up in fields of wild orchids and bee trails. While a cultural host reveals the region’s rich cuisine from the black pig and salt harvest of Castro Marim to the freshly-caught oysters from Ria Formosa and organic treats from a farm in Aljezur. There’s also time to explore the region’s capital, Faro, and learn to cook your own cataplana (seafood stew).

How long should I stay in the Algarve?

Five days will give you enough time to hit some of the popular towns, including Faro, Loulé, and Lagos. Starting in Faro, you can travel west all the way to Sagres, the region’s westernmost point, or east towards Tavira and Castro Marim. A good itinerary covers both the coast and some inland areas, giving you a balanced view of the region.

Madeira

What to do in Madeira?

In Madeira, life revolves around nature, but Funchal deserves more than a passing visit. Explore the island’s capital with a local photographer, starting at the marina and weaving through the old town, the bustling Lavradores Market, and the cathedral, with time to slow down and sample local treats. Hike through the lush indigenous forest or up to the mountain peaks, taste Madeira’s fortified wines, or enjoy a scenic ride along the coast with the Atlantic always in sight.

How long should I stay in Madeira?

You’ll need at least four days to experience Madeira. Spend time in Funchal exploring its monuments and botanical gardens, then venture out for a hike along the island’s levadas or a tour of its viewpoints. Experience the microclimates, from the southern coast of Calheta to the mountain breeze of Pico Ruivo, the island’s highest peak, taste the fortified Madeira wine, and witness the island’s iconic festivals from the colorful Carnival parade to the infamous New Year’s fireworks.

THE PORTUGAL LOOKBOOK: CURATED ITINERARIES

Plan your tour of Portugal with Fernwayer's Journeys − curated itineraries that blend high-end guided experiences with opportunities to explore independently. Take inspiration from our expertly designed trips and book your favorite experiences directly from the itineraries. By downloading the Fernwayer iOS app, you can save and modify each itinerary to your needs.

WHEN TO GO

Portugal has a busy agenda throughout the year, with festivals taking over the streets of cities and remote villages where ancient folk traditions are still alive. Our experiences offer you an exclusive insight into the changing seasons, from rare orchids blooming in spring to the grape harvest that draws many to the heart of the Douro Valley come autumn.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. What is the best time of year to visit Portugal?

If you want to avoid the crowds, you’re best off visiting in the shoulder seasons between March and May or September and November. The weather is still relatively pleasant, and you can catch orchids blooming in spring, though November brings some rainy days. Summer is the peak season, but it’s also when most festivals are on, especially in June, when Lisbon and Porto throw their big street parties. As fall comes around, the Douro Valley begins its annual grape harvest. Winter can bring snow in areas like Serra da Estrela and further north, but the south is usually clear. Around February, many towns host carnival celebrations.

2. How many days do you need for a trip to Portugal?

We recommend at least two weeks to travel across Portugal. Begin in Lisbon, exploring the capital’s classical landmarks, then plan a few day trips to towns like Sintra and Évora. Spend some time in the Algarve, and be sure to visit the northern city of Porto, leaving at least a day to venture through the Douro Valley. If you’re looking for a slow-paced adventure, though, you can easily extend your trip by planning a five-to-seven-day itinerary around the big cities.

3. What is the best way to travel between Portuguese cities?

There are several ways to travel around Portugal. The country’s railway system, run by CP, primarily operates along the coast, linking the major cities of Lisbon and Porto, as well as the towns along the Algarve coast. Other remote areas can be accessed via local buses. That said, if you’re planning on doing a longer trip, renting a car might be the best option to save time. If you’re sticking to a specific city, though, you can easily walk and avoid the hassle of parking.

4. How do I avoid tourist traps in popular Portuguese cities?

Look out for local insight as much as possible. In Lisbon, explore Alfama with an architect uncovering the neighborhood’s rich past, or experience a private tour of landmarks like the Jerónimos Monastery and lesser-known sites such as the Ajuda Palace for deeper context. In Sintra, gain exclusive early access to the Pena Palace before opening hours or opt for an atmospheric evening visit to the  Biester Palace without the crowds. Avoid tourist-driven restaurants, particularly places with aggressive street promoters, and instead follow trusted local recommendations. Even better, experience the cuisine through curated activities: sample traditional petiscos in Porto, learn to cook a Portuguese meal alongside a local chef, or meet the producers behind regional ingredients on visits to local farms. These experiences offer a deeper connection to Portugal’s food heritage, far beyond the standard tourist menu.

5. Can I use my credit card everywhere in Portugal, or do I need cash?

Credit cards are widely accepted across Portugal, especially in cities, hotels, and larger restaurants. However, some smaller establishments may only accept Portuguese cards or require a minimum spend for card payments. It’s also common for cafés, markets, and local eateries, particularly in rural areas, to prefer cash. Always carry a small amount with you just in case.

6. What are the must-try regional foods in Portugal?

Much of Portugal’s cuisine is influenced by the sea, with must-try dishes including bacalhau (salt cod, prepared in countless ways). Though this particular ingredient doesn’t come from the Portuguese coast, it has become a staple ingredient here, especially at Christmas time. Sardines (including canned), cuttlefish, and octopus are also popular, and in the Algarve, a seafood stew known as cataplana takes center stage. Black pig is a specialty across the Alentejo and the Algarve. Porto is famous for its francesinha and delicious range of petiscos (small dishes to share), and Lisbon is the birthplace of the pastel de nata (custard tart), though you can find this sweet treat anywhere in the country. Olive oil is also part of the local diet, and many meals are paired with a glass of local wine.

7. Is Portugal safe for tourists?

Portugal is one of the safest countries in Europe, often ranking among the top 10. That said, petty crime and pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded areas such as trams and around popular landmarks. Always keep a close eye on your belongings and avoid walking past poorly lit streets when you’re on your own.

8. Do I need to speak Portuguese to travel in Portugal?

No, you don’t need to speak Portuguese to travel in Portugal. English is widely spoken, with Portugal ranking among the highest nations with English proficiency in Europe. That said, learning a few basic phrases is always appreciated and can enhance your experience, particularly in smaller towns where English may be less common.

9. What should I pack for a trip to Portugal?

While it’s sunny most of the time in Portugal, some areas get particularly cold in winter, especially in the north and the center. The lack of insulation in many buildings means you may need to layer up even if you’re staying inside. With that in mind, pack a few layers and comfortable shoes to tackle those traditional cobblestones. A hat, sunscreen, and a swimsuit are also essential if you’re planning to hit the beach or one of the country’s numerous trails in summer

10. Do I need a visa to travel to Portugal?

EU citizens and travelers from visa-exempt countries such as Australia, Canada, and the United States do not require a visa for short stays in Portugal (up to 90 days within a 180-day period). Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your departure date. From late 2026, travelers will need to obtain an ETIAS travel authorization prior to arrival. For longer stays or specific requirements, consult the Portuguese embassy or consulate in your home country.