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Things to do in Portugal

7 destinations in Portugal, when to visit each, and what a trip actually costs.

Places to visit in Portugal

Best time to visit Portugal

When flights to each destination are cheapest.

Algarve
Flying in November through February cuts fares by 40-60% versus July-August peak, with transatlantic fares sometimes dipping below $500 round-trip from the US East Coast; shoulder season (May or October) offers the best balance of warm weather and fares roughly 25-35% below summer highs.
Azores
Fly in May, early June, or October for the lowest fares, expect to save 30-45% versus July and August peak summer prices. Mid-week departures (Tuesday/Wednesday) consistently come in $50-100 cheaper than weekend flights on Azores Airlines.
Faro
The cheapest months to fly to Faro are November through February, when round-trip fares from major European hubs can be 40-60% lower than July-August peak, and transatlantic fares dip significantly too. Shoulder season (late March-May and late September-October) offers warm weather with 20-30% savings versus summer while avoiding the peak crowds.
Lisbon
Late January through early March and November are the cheapest windows, roughly 30-45% below the June-August peak. Flying mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) saves another 10-15%.
Madeira
January through March and late October through November are Madeira's cheapest flight months, with fares often 30-40% lower than the July-August and Christmas peak periods. Flying midweek (Tuesday or Wednesday departures) adds another 10-15% saving on top.
Porto
January through March and November are Porto's cheapest months to fly, with round-trip fares from major US hubs running 30-40% lower than summer peaks. Midweek departures (Tuesday/Wednesday) consistently beat weekend prices by $50-100 per person even in shoulder season.
Sintra
The cheapest flights to Lisbon (and thus Sintra) are found in January, February, and early March, when fares can run 30-45% lower than summer peak prices. Mid-week departures (Tuesday-Wednesday) consistently undercut weekend prices by an additional 10-20%.

Is Portugal expensive?

A day on the ground for one person travelling alone, before flights: somewhere to sleep, food, something to do and getting around.

Algarve
About $45 a day on a shoestring, about $255 comfortably.
Azores
About $43 a day on a shoestring, about $250 comfortably.
Faro
About $44 a day on a shoestring, about $225 comfortably.
Lisbon
About $80 a day on a shoestring, about $303 comfortably.
Madeira
About $45 a day on a shoestring, about $255 comfortably.
Porto
About $44 a day on a shoestring, about $235 comfortably.
Sintra
About $48 a day on a shoestring, about $232 comfortably.

Set your dates, budget and home airport on any destination below for a total that includes flights.

Free things to do in Portugal

  • Algarve: Praia da Marinha Beach Walk Hike the clifftop trail between Lagos and Portimão for postcard-perfect views of the most photographed coastline in Portugal.
  • Azores: Lagoa do Fogo Hike A pristine volcanic crater lake inside a nature reserve, reached by a free and stunning trail above the clouds.
  • Faro: Stroll the Faro Old Town walls Walk the Roman and Moorish fortifications for free panoramic views over the lagoon and rooftops
  • Lisbon: Miradouro da Senhora do Monte The highest viewpoint in the city, free at sunset
  • Madeira: Levada do Caldeirão Verde Hike A free jungle-like levada walk through laurisilva forest to a spectacular waterfall
  • Porto: Wander the Bairro da Sé (Cathedral Quarter) Free medieval streets, the dramatic Sé Cathedral exterior, and sweeping views over the Douro from the terrace.

Cheap eats in Portugal

  • Restaurante Churrasqueira Valdemar (Lagos) in Algarve, Frango grelhado (grilled chicken) with fries and salad, a legendary local lunch stop Plates $7-11
  • Tasca Kasa (Ponta Delgada) in Azores, Alcatra beef stew with crusty bread Plates $8-13
  • Restaurante Fim do Mundo in Faro, Cataplana de marisco (seafood stew) and grilled sea bream Plates $9-14
  • Time Out Market in Lisbon, Share a couple of small plates from the best stalls Plates $6-12
  • Tasca Literária in Madeira, Espada (scabbardfish) with banana and passion fruit sauce Plates $8-13
  • Tasca do Chico in Porto, Bacalhau à brás (salted cod with eggs and fries) Plates $8-12

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