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Introducing Portugal

From the seemingly never-ending festivals to the diverse range of cultures that have made Portugal their home over the centuries, to the simple but delightful culinary experiences, the vibrant heritage and cultural diversity of this country captivate travelers.

When is the best time to visit?
Portugal is a year-round destination, but if possible, travelers should aim to visit in the springtime when the almond blossoms and wildflowers cover the countryside. Learn more

Where should you go in Portugal?
Experience the traditional Alfama neighborhood of Lisbon before it will be absorbed by the rest of the bustling city’s culture, tour the ancient ruins of Sintra and historic Evora, walk along the bluffs of Europe’s most southwestern point at Cabo de São Vicente, and relax on the beaches of Ilha de Tavira.

How many days do I need?
There are too many destinations that are must-sees in Portugal to see the country in less than a week. At least 10 days is best. Learn more

Getting Around Portugal
Although smaller than neighboring Spain and France, distances in Portugal are still significant—traveling from Porto to Faro, for example, takes five hours by car. Flying is a quick and comfortable way to get between the country’s major cities, with the largest airport being Lisbon Airport (LIS). Going by bus or train are also options here. Learn more 

Explore trips by duration: 5 days · 6 days · 7 days · 8 days · 9 days · 10 days · 11 days · 12 days · 13 days · 14 days · 15 days · 16 days · 21 days

Portugal Tours & Itineraries

Get inspired by trips other travelers have loved
Camilo Beach in Lagos
Map of Lisbon, Porto & the Algarve - 10 Days
Lisbon, Porto & the Algarve - 10 Days

Experience three of Portugal's most iconic destinations on this 10-day trip, starting in Lisbon, where you'll tour ancient ruins, cobbled streets, and a UNESCO-listed village in the forested hills. Next, head north to Porto—famous for wine production and colorful architecture along the Douro River. The hardest decisions fall at the end, where you can choose between spectacular beaches and whitewashed villages in the Algarve.

Porto's setting along the Douro River
Map of Best of Lisbon & Porto - 7 Days
Best of Lisbon & Porto - 7 Days

This seven-day adventure is the perfect introduction to Portugal for first-timers. Over a week, you'll explore Lisbon's exciting food and culture scene, take scenic day trips to historic villages, and walk through Porto's UNESCO-listed city center. Finish in the oldest wine region in the world before returning to Lisbon by way of the country's medieval capital: Coimbra.

Madeira Island's northern coast
Map of Explore Portugal: Porto, Lisbon, & Madeira Island - 14 Days
Explore Portugal: Porto, Lisbon, & Madeira Island - 14 Days

This epic Portugal tour highlights two cosmopolitan cities and a stunning mid-Atlantic island—part of an autonomous region—known for its tropical foliage and eternal spring-like weather. You'll kick off in Porto, home of centuries-old wine production and colorful architecture along the Douro River. Then fly to Madeira Island for secluded beaches and untouristed villages waiting to be discovered. Last but not least is Lisbon's friendly, up-and-coming capital—a striking city built on seven hills.

Marinha Beach in Portimão
Map of Best of Portugal, from Porto to Algarve - 8 Days
Best of Portugal, from Porto to Algarve - 8 Days

This tour mixes Portugal's vibrant cities with the incredible natural scenery of the Algarve region, starting with guided tours of Porto and Lisbon's hilly and historic neighborhoods. Enjoy a day trip to the Douro Valley for a tasting of the region's wine and port varietals, then head south to Algarve to explore its water sports, preserved coastal parks, and endless coastline filled with sandy beaches and rock formations. Spend hours relaxing on the beach, hiking along the coast, or meandering the historic fishing villages, all before watching dramatic sunsets and experiencing the area's exceptional nightlife.

Sunset from the Cabo da Roca near Lisbon
Map of Ultimate Portugal Tour: Lisbon, Porto, The Algarve, Douro Valley & More - 14 Days
Ultimate Portugal Tour: Lisbon, Porto, The Algarve, Douro Valley & More - 14 Days

This itinerary includes Portugal's two biggest cities, a slew of historic villages, and some spectacular beaches for an epic adventure to remember. Start in up-and-coming Lisbon to explore ancient ruins and trendy districts before going north to UNESCO-listed Porto (and its nearby wine region). You'll also get time in the university towns of Évora and Coimbra—each with its medieval attractions and dining scenes—before kicking back for a few days in the Algarve.

Beach paths along the Algarve's southern coast
Map of Lisbon & the Algarve - 7 Days
Lisbon & the Algarve - 7 Days

This weeklong itinerary covers Portugal's biggest metropolis and its southern coast for a city-beach combo that's hard to beat. Kick off in Europe's hottest capital—Lisbon—for a guided introduction to the 'City of Seven Hills', including nearby highlights like Sintra and Cascais. Then, take the train south for several days of glorious beach-hopping while based in a charming old city surrounded by stone walls: Lagos.

Make the Most of Your Time in Portugal

Have a fixed number of days? Maximize the things to see and do during your visit
Foz, Porto's Old Town
How Many Days to Spend in Portugal

Portugal's compact size means you can pack a lot into a short trip—a few days allows for exploration of Lisbon and Porto, along with a few excursions beyond city limits. With a...

Portugal Travel Advice

Read our detailed insights to make sure you have the best trip

Portugal Hotel Advice

Unique places to stay, curated by kimkim specialists
Photo courtesy of Hotel Britania Art Deco
Lisbon
Hotel Britania Art Deco
4.9
(25)
· Comfort
Step back into the 1940s in this historic Art Deco hotel located off of Avenida Liberdade, one of Lisbon's main streets that connects to downtown and the historic center. One of Portugal's most influential modernist architects, Cassiano Branco, designed this building in the 1940s, and it's the...
Photo courtesy of Cascais Miragem
Cascais
Cascais Miragem
4.8
(18)
· Luxury
Located just outside Cascais' historic center, Cascais Miragem overlooks Praia da Rata. Walk to the beach in under 10 minutes or reach the 5th of October Square in Old Town in 15 minutes, where you'll find a mesmerizing wavy mosaic design and a variety of restaurants, shops, and historic sites....
The Azores
Heritage Avenida Liberdade
4.8
(25)
· Comfort
Located in Lisbon's historic center, Heritage Avenida Liberdade Hotel is a charming boutique hotel that reflects Portugal's rich culture and tradition. You'll stay on the main avenue of Lisbon, Avenida da Liberdade, where the hotel offers easy access to the city's top shops and eateries. You'll...

Best Experiences in Portugal

Unique things to do, curated by kimkim specialists
Porto
Day Excursion to Douro Valley: Wine Tasting & River Cruise
4.9
(47)
7 hours
·
Private
Embark on a remarkable journey through the picturesque Douro Valley, where you will explore traditional wineries, savor a delicious lunch at a renowned quinta (a country estate) and unwind on a scenic river cruise. This full-day excursion offers an unforgettable experience of the stunning...
Statue at Praca do Comercio in Alfama
Lisbon
Explore Lisbon with a Private Guided Walk
4.9
(43)
3 hours
·
Private
Explore Lisbon on foot, led by an expert local guide, who will show you the highlights and history of Europe's second-oldest city. Set out with a knowledgeable guide who will take you to sites that may include the upscale shopping area around Chiado Square, the 12th-century Lisbon Cathedral, and...
Sintra's hilltop setting near Lisbon
Lisbon
Private Day Excursion: Sintra, Cascais & Estoril
4.8
(63)
8 hours
·
Private
Embark on a full-day excursion to the picturesque towns of Sintra and Cascais with a knowledgeable local guide.Begin your full-day tour of Sintra and Cascais by meeting your knowledgeable, friendly driver-guide at your hotel. From there, you'll embark on a scenic drive to the picturesque town of...

Our Latest Portugal Content

Explore the colorful houses of Largo da Pena Ventosa in Porto
Map of Authentic Portugal: Cities, Countryside & Beaches - 13 Days
Authentic Portugal: Cities, Countryside & Beaches - 13 Days

See the best of Portugal with this 13-day trip that ticks off Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve while also squeezing in lesser-known gems, nature reserves, and culinary experiences. Start in Lisbon with a walking tour, then explore Sintra by bike. Transfer north to Braga, explore medieval Guimarães, and hike through Peneda-Gerês National Park before reaching Porto. Join a cooking class here then transfer through the Alentejo countryside to Évora, and continue to Lagos on the southern Algarve coast.

Sample local favorites like Portuguese-style clams on this gastronomic adventure across the Iberian Peninsula
Map of Flavors of Portugal & Southern Spain - 10 Days
Flavors of Portugal & Southern Spain - 10 Days

Spend 10 exciting days on a culinary journey across Portugal and southern Spain. This food-filled itinerary starts in Lisbon with a tasty tour and ends in Seville with a tapas crawl. In between, you'll visit vineyards, sit down for lunch with a sommelier, wander forests where black pigs roam, and sample sherry at the source. You'll also learn about the local culture and history, joining walking tours that reveal the architecture and stories of the places you visit.

Relish the medeival and Romanesque buildings of Guimarães on a multicountry itinerary that includes Spain
Map of 16 Days in Portugal - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
16 Days in Portugal - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With 16 days to spend in Portugal, you can explore three to six destinations, even choosing to add a trip to nearby Spain. In Portugal, culture and food lovers will enjoy Lisbon, Porto, and historic Coimbra, as well as sampling wine in the Douro Valley. Nature lovers can see Madeira's lush green landscapes via 4WD tours and go beach hopping and whale watching in the Azores or via a relaxed self-drive tour to the Algarve's beaches. Or, add six iconic Spanish cities for a multicountry adventure.

Portugal Travel Maps

Get the lay of land, and understand distances between the places you want to visit
Map 7 Days in Portugal - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas
7 Days in Portugal - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas
View article
Map 5 Days in Portugal - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas
5 Days in Portugal - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Map 14 Days in Portugal - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
14 Days in Portugal - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
View article

Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for Portugal
Travel specialist Marina Courtaut

Marina Courtaut

Can you think of a better way to live adventures than traveling? When we travel we open our minds to new experiences and learn new cultures by making the destination we visited our home for a...

read more...
Travel specialist Beatriz De Pablo Rocha
active 10 hours ago

Beatriz De Pablo Rocha

The combination of the two places where I grew up (Madrid and a small village in Badajoz, Extremadura) has made me a passionate traveler almost from birth. Unknown destinations visited by travelers...

read more...
Travel specialist Pedro Luis
active 7 hours ago

Pedro Luis

Hello everyone :) Every single time I have the opportunity to travel, my goal is to fully experience the destination. I truly believe that the essence, the context & the materialization are the...

read more...
Travel specialist Marta Trzeciakowska
active 14 hours ago

Marta Trzeciakowska

From a very young age, I have grown up in an international environment since my parents moved to Spain from Poland. This meant that every year we traveled across Europe to visit our family and...

read more...

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Why travelers love kimkim

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Authentic travel experiences

Kimkim’s local specialists ensure that you will have the best experience based on up-to-date local insights. On top of that, the vast majority of your money will go straight to support and grow local economies.

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Local support during your trip

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Trip Reviews for Portugal

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Awesome trip to Portugal
Portugal | Nov 3 - Nov 16, 2024

Samantha
Samantha S.
Canada | Reviewed on Nov 20, 2024
We had an amazing trip to Portugal. We don't usually do trips like this (booked by a travel agent with guided excursions), but Helena found great local guides who were very knowledgeable, and willing to take us off the beaten path. In many cases, it felt like going on a day trip with an old friend. The drivers who transported us to and from the airport and between cities were also great - punctual, very friendly, and helpful. And the hotels were amazing - very nice and in great locations! It... Read more

We had an amazing trip to Portugal. We don't usually do trips like this (booked by a travel agent with guided excursions), but Helena found great local guides who were very knowledgeable, and willing to take us off the beaten path. In many cases, it felt like going on a day trip with an old friend. The drivers who transported us to and from the airport and between cities were also great - punctual, very friendly, and helpful. And the hotels were amazing - very nice and in great locations! It was such a relief to have all of these details planned for us, plus helpful tips provided to us for restaurants, sights, and travelling in Portugal in general. There were a couple of hiccups with the bookings but the folks at Kim Kim were very responsive when we contacted them and it didn't adversely impact our overall experience. It is hard to pick a favourite day, but we'd have to pick our trip to Sintra - our guide recognized we were stronger hikers who liked to get away from the crowds, so he took us to the coast down some more technical hiking trails to a (relatively) quiet beach where we had a picnic and watched the sunset. Absolutely stunning!

Hotel Reviews
PortoBay Hotel Teatro
Porto

Great location, very friendly and helpful staff, clean and modern

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Mondego
Coimbra

Great location, staff were very friendly and helpful, room had a small balcony which was really nice to have for a sit outside to watch the city go by. Has a rooftop bar which is amazing for a night cap.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Évora Olive Hotel
Evora

Great location, staff were very friendly and helpful, great bar/lounge for an after-dinner night cap. The balcony with the room and the hotel pool were a nice touch. We didn't make an appointment but there is a spa where you could book a massage or treatment if you'd like.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Portugal Boutique Hotel
Lisbon

Beautiful hotel in an amazing location in Lisbon. We were upgraded to an incredible suite with a sitting area where we could enjoy a nice glass of wine and some pastries - so lovely! Staff were very friendly and helpful.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Douro Valley Excursion with Wine & Olive Oil Tastings & River Cruise
Douro Valley Excursion with Wine & Olive Oil Tastings & River Cruise
Porto

We saw two great wineries, learned about the history and process of port and wine-making in the area, and had a lovely boat ride on the Duoro. The visit to the first winery also included an olive oil tasting and they had gluten-free bread available for me (I have celiac disease). Our lunch stop was a small unassuming place that made amazing food. Our guide, Pedro, took great care of us and was very patient as we stopped to pet all of the friendly dogs we met :)

Hiking & Cultural Excursion in Peneda-Gerês National Park
Hiking & Cultural Excursion in Peneda-Gerês National Park
Porto

Our guide, Emanuel, was very knowledgeable, friendly, and funny. He knew a lot about the local flora and fauna, and the history of the area we were in. Despite him believing the water was too cold, he was happy to let me go for a swim in some waterfalls :). We had a great visit in a local village and enjoyed some drinks at a small pub to cap off the day.

Adventure through the Schist Villages of Lousã (with hiking)
Adventure through the Schist Villages of Lousã (with hiking)
Coimbra

This is a beautiful region and I highly recommend visiting. Sergio, our guide, was very knowledgeable and friendly, and took us on some great trails and to two beautiful Schist Villages. He was able to find a restaurant in Lousa that could accommodate my gluten allergy (celiac) and offer traditional regional dishes (chanfana and wild boar). It was really fun exploring the mountains in the area in his jeep, and meeting some of the locals who still live in the villages.

Private Transfer {{start_location}} to {{end_location}} via Tomar
Private Transfer {{start_location}} to {{end_location}} via Tomar
Portugal

Pedro, our driver, was very friendly and a great companion for the drive. He did not rush us at all as we visited the Convento de Cristo, Castelo de Tomar, and the Castelo de Almourol. We were able to find a lovely little cafe in Tomar for lunch - Insensato cafe and livraria - that made us the perfect lunch and had gluten-free options (I am a celiac).

Quality of Experience
While the convent and the castles were very beautiful and the history very interesting, it did make for a long day and in hindsight it might have been better to have less time in the convent and castles and more time in Evora.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Pedro was very friendly, did not rush us at all, and was a pleasure to go on a long drive with!
Transport
Sintra Heritage Hike: Hidden Secrets
Sintra Heritage Hike: Hidden Secrets
Portugal

This was our favourite day of the trip! We hiked lots, and our guide Felis knew how to get us off the beaten path. We had a wonderful, quiet lunch spot on the trails with a stunning view of the palace. We explored the Pena Palace, the Moorish Castle and the Quinta da Regaleira (including the caves/tunnels). We were able to add on another hike at the end of the day, a trip to the coast to go to Praia da Ursa to drink wine, eat cheese and watch the sunset on the beach. I can't think of a more perfect way to end the day!

Private Cooking Class with Market Visit
Private Cooking Class with Market Visit
Lisbon

Artur was SO lovely, it was like cooking lunch with an old friend. We visited the market and shopped for fresh ingredients, learning some tips on how to find and store the ingredients properly. We walked back to Artur's house where he has a well-appointed and cozy kitchen and learned some of his techniques, and how to get the best flavour out of fresh, simple dishes. We enjoyed a lunch of roasted tomatoes, sea bass, asparagus, pinto beans, mushrooms, suckling pig ribs, roasted almonds, mango, and queso fresco (and of course vino verdhe!) This was a highlight of our trip for sure!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
We were told that pickup would be at our hotel, but it turned out transportation had not been booked. We were able to take a taxi to the market but this did result in us being late to meet Artur. Overall, our experience was still amazing and we were grateful that we could still proceed with the cooking class and market visit!
Fado Dinner Experience
Fado Dinner Experience
Lisbon

The fado singers were absolutely incredible! We had an amazing table, right up front, where we could fully appreciate the musicians and singers. The talent of these artists cannot be understated. The restaurant service was very prompt and friendly, the food was decent, and they were able to accommodate my gluten allergy (celiac).

Quality of Experience
Food
Local specialist: Helena Fernández
Helena
Helena Fernández
Local specialist in Madrid, Spain | Replied on Nov 20, 2024

Hi Samantha,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience! It’s wonderful to hear that you enjoyed your time in Portugal and felt so well taken care of by our local guides and drivers. 😍

I’m happy to know you went back home with such memorable moments, especially the hike in Sintra! 😊

I’d love to assist in planning your next adventure! What about Spain, Morocco, or Italy? 🤩
Wishing you many more amazing travels ahead!

Warmest regards,
Helena

Portugal is Amazing!
Portugal | Oct 28 - Nov 10, 2024

S
Stephanie N.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Nov 17, 2024

Across Portugal was fantastic! The tour groups they hired for us were all amazing! Everything went very smooth from planning to the day of.

Local specialist: Marisa Agulhas
Marisa
Marisa Agulhas
Local specialist in Lisbon | Replied on Nov 18, 2024

Dear Stephanie,

Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that your experience exceeded your expectations. It’s our goal to ensure every part of your journey, from planning to the actual experience, goes smoothly, and we're so happy we could deliver that for you.

Thank you once again!
Marisa & Across Portugal Team

Dream Honeymoon!
Portugal | Sep 30 - Oct 6, 2024

Tara
Tara D.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Nov 15, 2024
I found KimKim to plan my honeymoon to Portugal. I didn't have the bandwidth to plan a trip in addition to my wedding and I also had never been to Europe (and, frankly, didn't know where to begin). We had an unbelievable time. Tiago was so flexible and understanding of our budget, where American travel agents were uniformly pressuring me to double (!!!) the amount I wanted to spend. All of the excursions Tiago booked for us were divine and luxurious. The roadbook was so thorough and detailed.... Read more

I found KimKim to plan my honeymoon to Portugal. I didn't have the bandwidth to plan a trip in addition to my wedding and I also had never been to Europe (and, frankly, didn't know where to begin). We had an unbelievable time. Tiago was so flexible and understanding of our budget, where American travel agents were uniformly pressuring me to double (!!!) the amount I wanted to spend. All of the excursions Tiago booked for us were divine and luxurious. The roadbook was so thorough and detailed. We enjoyed every single recommendation---from restaurants to historical landmarks. I can't believe the amount of money we spent for what we got in return. It was a dream, romantic, adventurous and high-end honeymoon for a reasonable price. Can not recommend the sunset sailboat cruise around Lisbon enough. Absolutely stunning.

Tiago is an incredibly hardworking person and a very nice guy. He did a phenomenal job. He was very active and present throughout the duration of the trip to ensure we had everything we needed. Thank you so much, Tiago, for giving us the honeymoon of our dreams!

10000/10

Local specialist: Tiago Filipe
Tiago
Tiago Filipe
Local specialist in Lisbon | Replied on Nov 16, 2024
Hi Tara! So nice to hear from you!! We had already spoken about your trip and I was happy enough realizing that you truly had enjoyed your trip like you personally told me so I was really not expecting a review! But I truly and heartfeltly appreciate that you took the time to do it! Thank you so much! And I can say that I was lucky enough not only to have organized the tour for you but also to have met you and Scott in person. I only regret that we didn't spend more time together! I'm not... Read more

Hi Tara!

So nice to hear from you!! We had already spoken about your trip and I was happy enough realizing that you truly had enjoyed your trip like you personally told me so I was really not expecting a review! But I truly and heartfeltly appreciate that you took the time to do it! Thank you so much!

And I can say that I was lucky enough not only to have organized the tour for you but also to have met you and Scott in person. I only regret that we didn't spend more time together!

I'm not sure if I told you how much I liked your film "A moment of clarity"? It's so relaxing!!

Please do not forget to send me some pictures of wildlife when you come across it in your or Scott's hikes in the nature!!

Happy life for both of you!!

Best,

Tiago