Why Fly to Portugal
Portugal punches well above its weight. You get Atlantic coastline, medieval hill towns, world-class wine, and some of the best food in Europe — all at prices noticeably lower than France, Italy, or Spain. Lisbon is the headline act: a hilly, tram-threaded city where the Alfama district feels like it hasn't changed in centuries and the nightlife runs until sunrise. Porto, two hours north, is smaller and arguably more charming, with port wine cellars stacked along the Douro River and a gritty-beautiful old town that rewards slow walking. Day-trip to Sintra from Lisbon and you'll understand why it became a royal playground — palaces perched on forested hillsides, fog rolling in off the Atlantic.
Beyond the big names, the Algarve in the south delivers dramatic cliffs and warm beaches without the chaos of the Mediterranean resorts. Coimbra offers one of Europe's oldest universities and a genuinely local city vibe. The Alentejo region — cork forests, rolling plains, whitewashed villages — is where you go when you want Portugal without any other tourists. The country is compact enough that you can cover serious ground in a week, but interesting enough to justify three.
Best Time to Visit Portugal
Spring (March to May) and fall (September to October) are the sweet spots. Temperatures sit between 15–25°C, crowds are manageable, and accommodation prices haven't hit summer peaks. This is when Lisbon and Porto are most enjoyable on foot. Summer (June to August) means 30°C+ heat, packed beaches, higher prices, and queues at every major sight — doable, but go in knowing what you're signing up for. The Algarve in July and August is full but delivers on the beach promise if that's your priority. Winter (November to February) brings rain, especially in Porto and the north, but also low prices, almost zero crowds, and a string of local festivals. Lisbon winters are mild by European standards — rarely below 10°C — and the city is perfectly liveable. If you're avoiding heat and crowds, winter works.
Getting Around Portugal
Portugal is small enough that you don't need to fly domestically unless you're heading to Madeira or the Azores. Between Lisbon and Porto, the Alfa Pendular train takes around 2 hours 45 minutes and is comfortable, affordable, and the obvious choice. Book ahead on CP (Comboios de Portugal) for the best fares. Regional trains connect most cities, though schedules can be infrequent on rural routes. Buses via Rede Expressos and FlixBus fill the gaps, especially to smaller towns the trains don't reach well. Renting a car makes sense if you're exploring the Alentejo, Douro Valley vineyards, or remote coastal stretches — public transport thins out quickly once you leave the main corridors. In Lisbon, use the Metro, buses, and Uber rather than fighting for taxis. Porto is walkable in its core, though the hills will test your legs.
Visa & Entry Requirements
EU citizens enter Portugal freely with a valid national ID or passport — no visa needed. UK, US, Canadian, Australian, and New Zealand citizens, along with nationals of around 61 other countries, can visit visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date, issued within the last 10 years, and have blank pages available. From late 2026, most visa-exempt travelers will need to register for ETIAS before travel — an online authorization with a small fee and basic background questions. It doesn't change the 90-day limit, it just adds a pre-travel step. Apply before you book flights if ETIAS has launched by your travel date.
Money & Budget
Portugal uses the euro (€). Cards — especially contactless — are accepted almost everywhere in cities and tourist areas. That said, carry €50–100 in cash if you're heading to rural areas, local markets, or smaller restaurants, where card machines may not exist or fees apply. At ATMs, always choose to be charged in euros and decline any dynamic currency conversion offer — it's a reliable way to get a worse exchange rate. Budget for 1–3% card surcharges at some vendors.
- Budget traveler: €70/day — hostels, self-catering, free sights, cheap local restaurants
- Mid-range: €100–150/day — €60–100 for a hotel room, €15–25 per meal, paid attractions, Uber or Metro
- Luxury: €250+/day — boutique hotels, tasting menus, private tours, wine experiences
Top Cities to Visit in Portugal
- Lisbon: The capital — hilly, historic, and surprisingly affordable for a European capital. Base yourself here for Alfama, Belém, and day trips to Sintra and Cascais.
- Porto: Portugal's second city sits above the Douro River and is the home of port wine. Smaller and grittier than Lisbon, with some of the country's best food and a walkable old town on the UNESCO list.
- Sintra: Technically a day trip from Lisbon but worth mentioning — fairy-tale palaces, wooded hills, and the westernmost point of continental Europe nearby at Cabo da Roca.
- Faro: The gateway to the Algarve. The old town is underrated, and from here you can reach the best beaches and the protected Ria Formosa lagoon easily.
- Coimbra: Home to one of Europe's oldest universities, still very much a working student city. Less touristy than Lisbon or Porto, with great fado traditions and a real local feel.
- Évora: The best base for the Alentejo. Roman temple, medieval walls, a bone chapel, and excellent regional food and wine — all in one manageable, walkable town.
FAQ — Flights to Portugal
Which airport should I fly into for Portugal?
Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) handles the most international routes and is the best entry point for first-time visitors. Porto Francisco de Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) is well-connected to European cities and a good option if you're starting in the north. Faro Airport (FAO) serves the Algarve directly and is busy with UK and European charter and low-cost flights in summer.
How long is the flight to Portugal from the UK and US?
From London, flights to Lisbon take around 2 hours 30 minutes. From New York (JFK or Newark), expect roughly 7–8 hours direct to Lisbon. TAP Air Portugal operates direct transatlantic routes, and several US carriers including United and Delta also fly direct from major East Coast hubs.
Is Portugal expensive to visit?
By Western European standards, no. Portugal is consistently one of the more affordable destinations in the eurozone. A solid mid-range day — hotel, meals, transport, and an attraction or two — runs €100–150 per person. Budget travelers can get by on €70 with hostels and local food. Prices have risen in Lisbon and Porto over recent years as tourism has grown, but compared to Paris or Amsterdam, it remains good value.