Our blog posts about traveling in Portugal
Below are blog posts about our travels in Portugal.
Subjects include Lisbon, Porto, Fatima, Nazare, Obidos, São Jorge Castle, Belem, Aveiro, and the Douro Valley.
Useful info about visiting Portugal
Weather in Portugal:
Great weather is one of the main reasons to visit Portugal.
Summer temperatures average 82°F to 90°F in Lisbon in Porto, while winter temperatures average 57-59°F. The spring and fall high temperatures often reach 74°F, so it’s a perfect time to visit.
On our recent trip, we visited for New Year’s and the weather was delightful. A medium fleece jacket and a packable rain coat worked perfectly.
Currency and Payments:
The currency is the Euro (EUR).
While credit cards are accepted in many places, especially Visa and Mastercard, it's wise to carry some cash. We needed to pay the tax on our VRBO in cash when we received the key, so we picked up some Euros before leaving home.
ATMs are readily available. Look for an ATM that’s physically attached to a large bank.
Tipping is not mandatory, but rounding up the bill at restaurants or leaving a euro or two for good service is a common practice.
Language:
English is widely spoken in all the areas you might visit in Portugal. We found that locals appreciate it when you use a few Portuguese words.
"Olá" (hello), "Tchau" (goodbye), "Por favor" (please), and "Obrigado" (thank you) are useful phrases to know.
Always remember they speak Portugese - not Spanish.
Do I need a car in Portugal?
If you are just visiting Lisbon and Porto, we’d advise against renting a car. The high-speed train service between the two cities is excellent (by American standards). Also, there are many organized day trips available for attractions outside both cities.
Both Porto and Lisbon have an overwhelming amount of transportation options - subways, taxis, cheap Ubers, street cars, old trolleys, tuk tuks, and funiculars.
If you are also visiting the Algarve and other areas in Portugal, you might consider renting a car.
Videos about visiting Portugal
Aveiro is a great day trip from Porto. It is reached easily by train, and offers all the charms of an upscale seaport town. Famed for its canals, colorful boats, salt flats and proximity to beautiful beaches, Aveiro is a beloved destination for locals and travelers alike.