Portugal Travel Guide

A perfect vacation to Portugal starts with knowing your preferences and what you want to see.

Whether you are a wine enthusiast, a seeker of local culture, nature lover, or a history buff, Portugal has amazing options for everyone. Read the Portugal Travel Guide for pivotal information and inspiration to get your trip planning process started right.

When you are ready to make it happen, submit a Trip Request and get connected with a travel expert who can provide you with all the details you need to get the custom vacation you want.

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Pena Palace in Sintra, Portugal

Best Time to Visit Portugal

The best time to visit Portugal is from May to June and September to October. Portugal is serene and lively, with captivating cities, exceptional scenery,...
Porto, Portugal

8 Best Places to Visit in Portugal

Whether weaving through Lisbon by tram with a warm pasteis de nata in hand or sipping traditional Port in Porto, discover the best places to visit in...
Sailing the beautiful blue bay near Lagos, in the Algarve region in Portugal

Top 8 Things to Do in Portugal

With so many spectacular highlights, Portugal is often so much more than most travelers expect with so much to see and do. The diverse landscape stretches...
Panorama of the hilltop town of Obidos surrounded by medieval wall

How to Plan a Trip to Portugal: Frequently Asked Questions

Portugal is a land of cobblestone villages, medieval castles, golden beaches, and emerald vineyards, and these are the most frequently asked questions...
Lisbon train station, Portugal

How to Get Around Portugal: Best Transportation for Travelers

Portugal is not a large country, so it is easy to travel from the mountains to the sea, the northern Spanish border to the distant southern coastline....
Douro River Valley, Portugal

Top 6 Reasons to Visit Portugal on Vacation

The top reasons to visit Portugal take you beyond remarkable diversity to immerse you in a country emerging into the spotlight. With historic cities,...
Beautiful beach with colorful boats in Carvoeiro in the Algarve region of  Portugal

Our 10 Best Portugal Itineraries

Bask in the sun setting over the Atlantic, embrace golden beaches bathed in Iberian light, and indulge in celebrated wine and cuisine with our best Portugal...
Couple in the water surrounded by limestone cliffs at Praia da Marinha in the Algarve

10 Best Beaches to Visit in Portugal

Escape to towns sewn into rugged golden cliffsides or cross the sea by private boat to secluded island shores, chasing sun and sand to the best beaches...
Vineyards in the Douro Valley wine region of Portugal

7 Best Wine Regions in Portugal

The best wine regions in Portugal share the character and charisma of the country by revealing flavorful diversity in every bottle. With vines rolling...
Female tourist enjoying hot springs pool at Poca da Dona Beija on Sāo Miguel, Azores

Top 6 Things to Do in the Azores

The top six things to do in the Azores offer a stunning mixture of culture and natural scenery, demonstrating the diversity of the Portuguese archipelago....
Medieval Castelo de Marvão and gardens in Marvão, Portugal

11 Best Castles in Portugal

From remarkable architecture to historical treasures, the best castles in Portugal capture the character of each town and reflect the cultural changes...
Medieval Town of Óbidos

10 Hidden Gems in Portugal

Portugal is a treasure trove of hidden gems beyond its popular tourist destinations. From quaint villages to breathtaking natural landscapes, the country...
Faial Island in the Azores, Portugal

Portugal in January: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, & More

Portugal in January offers mild winter weather, fewer crowds, and rich cultural experiences. From festive celebrations to cozy wine tastings, this time...
Porto, Portugal

Portugal in February: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, & More

Portugal in February offers a unique blend of cultural experiences, mild weather, and fewer crowds, making it an ideal time for enjoying a more authentic...
Portugal

Portugal in March: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, & More

Portugal in March sees the arrival of spring, bringing with it mild weather, blossoming landscapes, and fewer crowds. This month presents you with an...
Porto, Portugal

Portugal in April: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, & More

April in Portugal marks the heart of spring, offering mild weather, blooming landscapes, and cultural richness. This month presents an ideal opportunity...
Convent of Christ in Tomar, Portugal

Portugal in May: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, & More

Portugal in May is a captivating destination for travelers seeking the soothing ambiance of spring. During the month of May, Portugal's diverse landscapes...
Madeira Island in Portugal

Portugal in June: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, & More

When visiting Portugal in June, you can look forward to warm weather, cultural festivities, and fewer crowds. This early summer month is perfect for exploring...
Azenhas do Mar in Lison, Portugal

Portugal in July: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, & More

July is a fantastic time to visit Portugal, with its warm weather, vibrant festivals, and an abundance of activities to enjoy. With temperatures soaring...
Tower of Belém in Lisbon, Portugal

Portugal in August: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, & More

Portugal in August is a destination brimming with vibrant energy, warm weather, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you're drawn to the stunning beaches,...
Praia da Rocha in Algarve, Portugal

Portugal in September: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, & More

When you visit Portugal in September, you will experience mild weather and quiet streets in the country’s must-see destinations. City boulevards and lanes...
Autumn in Douro Valley, Portugal

Portugal in October: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, & More

October is a fabulous time to visit Portugal. Brilliant fall colors blanket the landscapes and crowds are fewer for an authentic taste of local life....
Yellow tram in Lisbon, Portugal

Portugal in November: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, & More

Portugal in November offers a unique blend of mild weather, fewer crowds, and authentic cultural experiences, letting the country's inherent charm shine...
Christmas tree and lights at Rossio square in Lisbon, Portugal

Portugal in December: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, & More

Portugal in December echoes with joyful fado music, the warm glow of twinkling lights, and the postcard-worthy beauty for which the country is known....
Warm and sunny weather in Lisbon.

Portugal in Summer: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, & More

Vibrant festivals, warm weather, and endless opportunities for outdoor adventures await you in Portugal in summer. During summer in Portugal, you can...
View of the National Pantheon in Lisbon, Portugal

Portugal in Winter: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather & More

Portugal in winter, in contrast to some of its Mediterranean neighbors, offers plenty of sunshine and fewer crowds, and our ideas of the best places to...
Pena Palace, Sintra, Portugal.

Top 5 Sintra Castles to Explore When Visiting Portugal

Enjoy the history and architectural splendor of the top Sintra castles to explore when you visit Portugal. Observe opulence and grandeur as you absorb...

4.9

Reviews of Zicasso's Portugal Tours & Vacations

Based on 963 verified traveler reviews.

Olivia L.
Portugal, Spain Tour Review: Porto, Cangas de Onis, Sidecar Tour, History, 10 Days

The planning experience was wonderful overall. From the initial conversation about what my family was looking for to the final touches to the itinerary, Zicasso's travel expert was engaging, responsive, and helpful.

The accommodations he selected for us exceeded expectations; they were spacious, beautiful, and well-located. The tours/activities suggested were really fun and gave us a sense of the locale in a unique and memorable way that fit our family well. Once we were in-country, communications were easy and helpful. We felt very well cared for.

Payment to our travel company was easy and it was a real pleasure once we were in-country to have all the identified items already paid for. I would definitely book a trip with them again.

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Kate O.
Portugal Vacation Review: Porto, Lisbon, Sintra, Cascais, 1 Week

Zicasso's travel company, especially our agent, did a fantastic job! They listened to our preferences and planned an unforgettable itinerary. We would absolutely use them again.

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Amy V.
Portugal Travel Review: Lisbon, Algarve, Sintra, Douro Valley, Boat Ride, Wine Tour, Local Cuisine, Castle, 15-Day Trip

Our trip to Portugal was wonderful. The itinerary was well planned. Our Zicasso coordinator was in contact with us throughout and listened to our goals for the trip. We feel like we saw all the highlights, while getting to do a deep dive on selected items, for example, the Douro Valley and wine tours.

The hotels were perfect for our family; welcoming, spacious, and centrally located.

Our guides were premium! A wealth of knowledge. They were flexible to our schedule/needs and ensured we had all of the necessary experiences (best pastry shops and other unique culinary delights).

Thank you for a wonderful trip.

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Julie H.
Portugal Family Trip Review: Lisbon, Douro Valley, Food Tour, Fado Experience, Boat Ride, Cooking Class, Winery, 9-Night Tour

Zicasso's travel agent was very easy to work with. She put together a great itinerary for our family vacation. She listened to our interests and also included some unique experiences for us that we would never have been able to set up on our own. She was also very quick to take care of some miscommunication at one of our hotels when we got to Lisbon and quickly got it resolved for us. Her communication was great and she took good care of us.

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Diwya R.
Spain, Portugal Tour Review: Porto, Douro Valley, Winery, Local Cuisine, 19 Days

We had a great trip! We had a few glitches, but they were taken care of quickly! We would definitely use Zicasso's travel company again!

Thanks!

You did a great job!

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Theresa M.
Portugal Trip Review: Cascais, 12-Night Trip

Zicasso's travel expert made the trip seamless and easy, from greeting us at the airport to providing drivers and guides for our excursions, selecting beautiful hotels in fantastic locations, and sending us off at the airport. I would highly recommend her to anyone traveling to Portugal.

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