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Summer is upon us and the mere thought of going on holidays sends shivers of excitement down most people’s spines. There are so many options of summer destinations that it makes total sense if you feel a bit overwhelmed and unable to make up your mind where to go. You don’t have to worry about it anymore as this article is here to help you out. We’ll start by taking it for granted that you will go to Portugal this summer.
Portugal is one of the top-rated European destinations thanks to its laid back and beautiful cities and its clear water beaches. The fact that it is not a huge country offers the option of a road trip. You can hire a modern car and go on a memorable adventure with your family, friends or on your own. Where should you go? You should definitely visit one, two or all of the famous cities below.
When is the best time to visit Portugal?
In my view – although I only visited Portugal in at Christmas and New Year and then in early spring – I adore Winter in Portugal. Less tourists, not as hot as in summer.
When planning a trip to Portugal, many people wonder when the best time to visit. The ideal timing can greatly differ for everyone.
The best times to visit Portugal are generally during the spring (March to June) and fall (September to October). During these months, the weather is pleasantly warm without being overly hot, making it perfect for sightseeing, hiking, and outdoor activities. In the spring, you’ll witness beautiful wildflowers in bloom and enjoy less tourists as families with children are still in school.
Autumn offers a similar environment, as the summer crowds begin to dwindle, leaving you with more space to explore Portugal’s historic cities, such as Lisbon and Porto, and its stunning coastline. Plus, harvest season means delicious wines are abundant, particularly in the Douro Valley.
If you’re a sun-seeker, summer (July and August) is a popular time to visit, as days are warm and perfect for beach lounging along the Algarve’s shores. However, be prepared for larger crowds and higher prices, especially in coastal areas and major tourist destinations. And heat. Portugal gets very, very hot in summer.
Winter (November to February) is the least popular time to visit, primarily due to cooler temperatures and increased rainfall. However, if you don’t mind the chill (chill is a strong word, you still get early teens and sometimes near 20C), this can be a wonderful time to explore cultural attractions, play golf and stay in a fab golf hotel for really cheap rates, and enjoy traditional Portuguese cuisine in a cozy setting.
Overall, the best time to visit Portugal largely depends on your preferences for weather, crowd levels, and activities. Consider what you hope to get out of your visit, and plan accordingly.
City 1: Lisbon
It is not right to visit a country and not go to its capital, especially if it is your first time in the particular country. Lisbon is the capital of Portugal, and this is why it is always included on lists about places to visit in Portugal, or in Europe in general. The Belém Tower, the National Tile Museum, the Lisbon Oceanarium and the Monastery of Jerónimos are just a few of the iconic and historical buildings and attractions that everyone should visit there.
City 2: Porto
One more city that has managed to gain worldwide recognition is Porto. It is the second largest city in Portugal, which is a great indicator of the plethora of cool things people can do there. Porto is mainly famous for the Port wine, which of course got its name from the city. If you find yourself in the area, you should definitely visit Vila Nova de Gaia where the cellars for this exquisite wine are. Porto is also known as one of the oldest cities in Europe. This explains why there are so many historic buildings and palaces from a wide range of eras and architectural movements.
City 3: Faro
Besides Lisbon, the Algarve area is the one that attracts the most tourists. This does not come as a surprise since this area consists mainly of coastal towns, which translates into magnificent beaches, in the south of Portugal. Faro is the capital of the Algarve. Although it is not as well known as the other two cities mentioned above, there are many spots that are worth visiting in Faro, such as the Faro Cathedral, the Arco da Vila and the Capela dos Ossos, or the Chapel of Bones in English.
City 4: Évora
Another historical place that dates back to Roman times is Évora. The beauty of the city with its white houses, stone-paved allays, narrow streets and vibrant squares will leave you speechless. The greatest thing about Évora is the scattered ancient and historic monuments all around the city. It is worth exploring the city on foot so that you don’t miss a thing.