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Portugal

What can you expect from Portugal

Portugal is a country that seamlessly combines its rich history with diverse landscapes and warm hospitality. From ancient castles perched on hilltops to cobbled alleyways in charming towns, this Iberian gem (I’m proud to call home) is packed with cultural treasures.

The pace of life can be slow in the countryside and vibrant in the cities, giving you a varied experience in one compact destination. Whether you’re exploring coastal villages, sipping port wine in the Douro Valley, or enjoying a pastel de nata in Lisbon, you’ll be captivated by Portugal’s authentic character.

Travelers can expect year-round sunshine, affordable prices, and a mix of old-world charm and modern future. The Portuguese people are welcoming and proud of their heritage, eager to share their cuisine, music, and stories.

With world-class surf breaks, UNESCO-listed cities, and a growing reputation for adventure and sustainable tourism, Portugal will definitely suit you.

Things to See and Do in Portugal

Explore the historic quarters of Lisbon and ride tram 28
Visit the fairytale palaces of Sintra
Discover the wine cellars of Porto and cruise the Douro
Surf the world-famous waves of Nazaré or Ericeira
Hike Algarve's dramatic cliffs and beaches
Wander through the Roman ruins of Évora
Experience the volcanic beauty of the Azores Islands
Discover the Laurisilva forest and levadas in Madeira
Listen to Fado music in a traditional Lisbon restaurant

Typical Costs When Traveling

Accommodation: Budget hostels can go from $16–$38 per night. Mid-range hotels and guesthouses average $54–$108, and higher-end boutique hotels and resorts can exceed $160.

Food: A meal at a budget restaurant costs around $11–$16, while a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant is around $22–$32. Groceries are relatively inexpensive, and local markets offer fresh produce at good prices.

Transportation: Public transport is affordable and reliable. A metro ticket in Lisbon or Porto costs around $2 (one-way). Long-distance buses start at $6.50–$13, and renting a car will set you back $32–$65 per day.

Suggested Daily Budget

$38–$65 USD

(Note: This is a suggested budget assuming you’re staying in a hostel or budget guesthouse, eating out a little, cooking most of your meals, and using local transportation. Using the budget tips below, you can always lower this number. However, if you stay in fancier accommodation or eat out more often, expect this to be higher!)

Money-Saving Tips

1
Travel off-season Prices drop significantly outside the summer months (especially in spring and autumn).
2
Eat where the locals eat Small ``tascas`` and local bakeries offer delicious and cheap meals.
3
Use public transportation Trains and buses connect most regions and are much cheaper than taxis or car hire.
4
Get tourist passes City passes in Lisbon and Porto offer discounted access to transport and museums.

MY MUST HAVE GUIDES FOR PORTUGAL

Everything you need to know.

Travel Tools & Resources for Portugal

Book your flights with Skyscanner for the best deals into Lisbon, Porto, or Faro. For local transport, apps like Moovit and CP Comboios are very handy.

Use Booking.com or Hostelworld to find centrally located accommodation.

Consider an eSIM like Holafly (-5%) to stay connected without roaming charges, and don’t forget to get travel insurance with Heymondo (-5%) for peace of mind throughout your trip.

These are the platforms I trust and use on my travels, and some include exclusive discounts for my readers!

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05/27/2025

Marlene is the creator of Marlene On The Move. A journalist by profession, she created the blog to share her adventures around the world. It is not unusual for her to set off to discover new countries and cultures with a surfboard as luggage.

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