Europe
Portugal
Europe
Portugal
Updated Jan 04, 2025
Overview
Portugal captivates with its stunning coastline, historic charm, and culinary delights. Lisbon's colorful streets and Porto's wine cellars offer urban adventures, while the Algarve's golden beaches provide perfect relaxation. Explore medieval towns like Óbidos, hike in the lush Douro Valley, or discover hidden gems in the Azores islands. Indulge in fresh seafood, pastéis de nata, and world-class wines. With its friendly locals and affordable prices, Portugal offers an authentic European experience that's both accessible and unforgettable.
Best time to visit. Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer ideal weather and fewer crowds. These shoulder seasons provide pleasant temperatures for sightseeing and outdoor activities, while avoiding summer's peak tourist influx and higher prices.
Cities
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Country stats
Population
10,343,066
88th
Land area
57,298 sq. mi.
109th
Highest elevation
7,713 ft
Currency
Euro
Generally accepted payment methods
Mobile, Card, Cash
Total GDP
$298.949 billion
47th
GDP per capita
$28,969
39th
Year founded
1143 CE
Official langauge
Portuguese
English speaking
Spoken in major cities
European Union
Yes
Schengen Area
Yes
Human development index
0.874
42nd
Timezone
Western European, Atlantic/Azores (UTC-1 to +0)
Driving side
right
Capital
Lisbon
Website
Google Maps link
| Month | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 59°F - 47°F | 57°F - 44°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:52 am | 5:39 pm | 12 days 4.4 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| February | 61°F - 48°F | 59°F - 45°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:28 am | 6:13 pm | 11 days 3.6 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| March | 65°F - 51°F | 64°F - 49°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:46 am | 6:43 pm | 9 days 2.8 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| April | 68°F - 54°F | 67°F - 52°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:57 am | 8:13 pm | 9 days 2.5 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| May | 72°F - 58°F | 71°F - 57°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:23 am | 8:41 pm | 7 days 1.9 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| June | 77°F - 63°F | 77°F - 62°F | Sunny | 6:12 am | 9:02 pm | 4 days 0.9 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| July | 82°F - 66°F | 82°F - 66°F | Sunny | 6:26 am | 9:01 pm | 2 days 0.3 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| August | 82°F - 66°F | 83°F - 66°F | Sunny | 6:53 am | 8:33 pm | 2 days 0.3 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| September | 79°F - 64°F | 79°F - 63°F | Sunny | 7:19 am | 7:49 pm | 5 days 1.3 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| October | 72°F - 59°F | 71°F - 57°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:45 am | 7:01 pm | 9 days 3.3 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| November | 65°F - 53°F | 64°F - 51°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:16 am | 5:24 pm | 11 days 4.4 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| December | 60°F - 49°F | 58°F - 46°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:45 am | 5:17 pm | 12 days 4.8 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| Name | Date | Description | Travel rating | Closure rating | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 | Celebration of the new year with family gatherings, fireworks, and special meals. | Avoid travel, most places closed. | ||
| Carnival | February or March (varies) | Festive celebration before Lent with parades, costumes, and street parties. | Fun atmosphere, but expect crowds. | ||
| Good Friday | March or April (varies) | Christian observance of Jesus' crucifixion with solemn processions and services. | Quiet day, limited services available. | ||
| Easter Sunday | March or April (varies) | Christian celebration of Jesus' resurrection with church services and family meals. | Festive atmosphere, some closures. | ||
| Freedom Day | April 25 | Commemoration of the 1974 Carnation Revolution that ended dictatorship in Portugal. | Interesting time to visit, some closures. | ||
| Labor Day | May 1 | Celebration of workers' rights with rallies, demonstrations, and family gatherings. | Limited services, peaceful atmosphere. | ||
| Portugal Day | June 10 | National day celebrating Portuguese culture, history, and the poet Luís de Camões. | Patriotic events, some business closures. | ||
| Assumption Day | August 15 | Catholic observance of the Virgin Mary's ascension to heaven with religious services. | Religious events, some closures. | ||
| Republic Day | October 5 | Commemoration of the 1910 overthrow of monarchy and establishment of republic. | Historical significance, some closures. | ||
| All Saints' Day | November 1 | Catholic day honoring saints and deceased loved ones with cemetery visits and masses. | Solemn atmosphere, some closures. | ||
| Restoration of Independence Day | December 1 | Celebration of Portugal's 1640 independence from Spain with patriotic events. | Minimal impact on travel, some closures. | ||
| Immaculate Conception | December 8 | Catholic celebration of the Virgin Mary's conception with religious services and events. | Religious observances, some closures. | ||
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Christian celebration of Jesus' birth with family gatherings, special meals, and masses. | Festive but quiet, most places closed. |
1 | Learn basic Portuguese phrases like 'obrigado' (thank you) and 'por favor' (please). Locals appreciate the effort, even if your pronunciation isn't perfect. |
2 | Dinner is typically served later in Portugal, around 8-10 PM. Don't be surprised if restaurants are empty before 8 PM, as locals usually eat later than in North America. |
3 | Tipping isn't as common in Portugal as in the US. In restaurants, rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% for exceptional service is sufficient. |
4 | Portuguese people are generally more reserved than North Americans. Avoid overly loud behavior in public spaces, as it may be seen as disrespectful. |
5 | When greeting, a handshake is common for first meetings. Friends often greet with two kisses on the cheek, starting with the right. Men usually only shake hands with other men. |
6 | Don't confuse Portugal with Spain. They have distinct cultures and languages. Avoid comparing them or assuming similarities, as it may offend locals. |
7 | Be patient with service. The pace of life is slower in Portugal, and this extends to restaurants and shops. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere rather than expecting rush service. |
8 | Dress modestly when visiting churches or religious sites. Cover shoulders and knees out of respect. Some places may provide shawls for visitors if needed. |
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