Why Portugal Should Be Your Next Travel Destination

Tips for international visitors: cities, beaches, culture, and how to get around in comfort

Portugal has become one of Europe’s most sought-after destinations in recent years. The country combines golden sandy beaches, historic cities, award-winning cuisine, and a transport network that makes it easy to visit several regions on a single trip. Unlike destinations such as Italy or France, where the distances between points of interest demand lengthy planning, Portugal lets travelers experience Lisbon, Sintra, Porto, or the Algarve within just a few days, without sacrificing quality of experience.

This guide covers everything an international traveler needs to know before visiting Portugal: what to see, where to eat, which beaches to choose, and the best ways to move between cities with privacy and comfort.

Portugal at a glance: what to know before you travel

Information	Detail
Capital	Lisbon
Population	Approximately 10 million people
Language	Portuguese (English widely spoken in tourist areas)
Currency	Euro (€)
Time Zone	GMT (same as the UK in winter, one hour behind Central Europe)
Climate	Mediterranean, with mild winters and hot summers
Global safety ranking	One of the safest countries in the world, according to the Global Peace Index

Getting to Portugal and getting around

Portugal has four main international airports: Lisbon, Porto, Faro (the gateway to the Algarve), and Funchal (Madeira). Low-cost carriers such as Ryanair and easyJet operate frequent routes from across Europe, while TAP Air Portugal offers direct connections from several capitals as well as intercontinental destinations.

Once you land, there are several ways to explore the country, each with its own advantages depending on the type of trip:

Mode of transport	Best for	Limitations
Train	Lisbon-Porto or Lisbon-Coimbra routes, scenic views	Fixed schedules, less flexibility
Bus	Small towns with limited rail coverage	Longer travel times
Car rental	Freedom to explore remote beaches or countryside villages	Difficult parking in historic centers, driving in unfamiliar areas
Metro and trams	Getting around within Lisbon and Porto	Doesn’t cover travel between cities
Private transport with a driver	Comfort, privacy, no stress over driving or parking	Requires advance booking

For travelers visiting with family, in a group, or for business, and who value time and privacy, booking private transportation in Portugal removes the typical headaches of renting a car, such as finding parking in Alfama or driving along unfamiliar roads at night. Amiroad Luxury Transports provides professional drivers and a premium fleet for intercity travel, airport transfers, and tailor-made private tours across the country.

Must-visit cities in Portugal

Lisbon: the capital that blends history and nightlife

Lisbon is built across seven hills and combines centuries-old tiled facades with vibrant modern neighborhoods. Highlights include:

• Alfama, the city’s oldest district, known for narrow streets and live fado music
• The iconic Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites
• The historic Tram 28, which winds through the city’s most picturesque neighborhoods
• Cais do Sodré, with rooftop bars and lively nightlife along the riverfront

Travelers who want to explore Lisbon without spending time planning routes can opt for a private Lisbon tour, with an itinerary tailored to their interests.

Porto: port wine, azulejos, and the Douro River

The northern city is known for the wine that bears its name, its tile-covered facades, and its riverside scenery. Worth doing:

• Crossing the Dom Luís I Bridge for views over the Douro River
• Visiting a port wine cellar in Vila Nova de Gaia
• Exploring the historic Ribeira district
• Seeing Livraria Lello, widely considered one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world

For travelers combining a Lisbon trip with a getaway up north, a private Porto tour avoids the long public transport queues between attractions.

Sintra: palaces and an enchanted forest near Lisbon

Just over thirty minutes from Lisbon, Sintra brings together colorful palaces, lush gardens, and a cool microclimate that contrasts with the heat of the capital. It’s one of the most popular destinations for first-time visitors to Portugal, and as a result one of the busiest, which makes a private guided visit especially worthwhile. Learn more about private Sintra tours.

Coimbra: the university city

Coimbra is shaped by student life and home to one of Europe’s oldest universities. The Joanina Library, a Baroque masterpiece, is a must-see, and the traditional Coimbra fado songs give the city a unique atmosphere among Portuguese destinations.

Évora: Roman history at the heart of the Alentejo

Évora is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the Roman Temple and the haunting Chapel of Bones. It also serves as the gateway to the Alentejo region, known for its full-bodied wines and traditional cuisine. The region can be explored through a private Évora tour.

Madeira and the Azores: nature at its finest

For travelers seeking natural landscapes off the traditional route:

• In Madeira, hiking along the levadas or swimming in natural lava pools are one-of-a-kind experiences
• In the Azores, volcanic landscapes and crater lakes create scenery that feels otherworldly

Beaches and nature: over 800 km of coastline

Mainland Portugal has more than 800 kilometers of coastline, with different beach types depending on the region:

Region	Characteristics	Best for
Algarve	Golden cliffs, turquoise water, towns like Lagos, Albufeira, and Tavira	Families and guaranteed sunshine seekers
Costa Vicentina	Wild, dramatic landscape	Surfers and nature lovers
Comporta and Tróia	Elegant, quiet beaches south of Lisbon	Travelers seeking discreet sophistication
Nazaré	Giant waves, among the largest in the world	Experienced and curious surfers alike

For nature lovers, three destinations stand out: Peneda-Gerês National Park, Portugal’s only national park, Serra da Estrela, with snow in winter and breathtaking views, and the Douro Valley, with terraced vineyards and river cruises.

Food and wine: what to try in Portugal

Portuguese cuisine is one of the main reasons many travelers return to the country. Among the most popular dishes:

• Seafood and fish: grilled sardines, octopus, clams (amêijoas à Bulhão Pato), and codfish, prepared a thousand different ways
• Petiscos: chouriço, cheeses, and croquettes, made for sharing
• Pastel de nata: the country’s most famous pastry, best tried at Pastéis de Belém, in Lisbon

As for wine, Portugal offers significant variety: port wine, produced in the Douro region, vinho verde from the north, Alentejo reds, full-bodied and earthy, and Madeira wine, unlike anything else.

Portuguese culture and traditions

Fado, a traditional, melancholic style of music, is a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage and is best experienced live in a small tavern in Alfama or Coimbra. Throughout the year, several popular festivals mark the Portuguese calendar:

• Santo António, in Lisbon, in June, with street parties, grilled sardines, and dancing
• São João, in Porto, with bonfires, fireworks, and the traditional plastic hammer fights
• Carnival, in February, particularly lively in Madeira and Torres Vedras

Portugal is also home to 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Sintra, Tomar, Alcobaça, and Guimarães.

What to bring back from Portugal

Travelers looking for an authentic souvenir have several options: cork products, such as wallets, bags, and shoes, made sustainably, hand-painted azulejo tiles, ceramics and pottery, especially from the Alentejo, and of course, a bottle of port wine.

Practical information for international visitors

Topic	What to expect
Language	English widely spoken in cities and tourist areas
Tipping	Not mandatory, but rounding up the bill or leaving 5 to 10% is appreciated
Safety	Portugal consistently ranks among the safest countries in the world
Internet	Free Wi-Fi is common, tourist SIM cards are affordable and reliable
Cost of living	Lower than most Western European countries
Pace of life	Longer meals, shops that may close for lunch, time running on “Portuguese rhythm”

Why visit Portugal now

Compared to more traditional European destinations like Italy or France, Portugal offers a similar diversity of experiences, beaches, historic cities, nature, and gastronomy, within a more compact territory and with fewer crowds. It’s also a country where innovation coexists with tradition, drawing everyone from backpackers and honeymooners to remote workers.

For travelers who want to make the most of each region without losing time on transport logistics, pairing private tours with reliable airport transfers is the most efficient way to experience Portugal from end to end.

Ready to explore Portugal in comfort and privacy?

Amiroad Luxury Transports organizes tailor-made tours and private transfers across the country, with professional drivers and a premium fleet designed for travelers who value comfort. Check out our fleet of vehicles or contact us directly to plan your trip.