7 Essential Travel Tips for Portugal

Câmara de Lobos on the Madeira Islands

So you want to go to Portugal?

Throughout the pandemic, Hannah Ayla saw a notable influx of digital nomads relocating to Portugal. Additionally, Hannah also noticed that Portugal was becoming a very popular vacation destination for friends and family alike. After immersing herself in the country's diverse landscapes and experiences for nearly a month, it's no wonder why so many people have fallen in love with Portugal, Hannah Ayla included.

Portugal is a country teeming with history, culture, delectable cuisine, and breathtaking natural beauty. If you're someone who finds yourself doom scrolling on social media, it’s highly likely you've stumbled upon videos showcasing the many marvels of Portugal. Whether you lean towards outdoor adventures, historical exploration, museum visits, gastronomic delights, exquisite wines, or a bit of everything – Portugal has it all.

Whether you're embarking on a 7-day journey, a 2-week vacation, or making a permanent move, Hannah Ayla has curated a few essential tips so you can make the most of your time in this beautiful country.

Desfrute!

Don’t forget to make a quick pit stop at Azenhas do Mar for this gorgeous view!

1. Try to avoid the high season: If you are planning a trip to Portugal and have some flexibility…try and go during the off-season! March to May is often a great time to go, while July and August tending to be hotter, busier and more expensive.

2. Tap water: The tap water in Portugal adheres to the same standards of water treatment as the EU so it is perfectly safe to drink. If you want to save some money, ask restaurants for tap water instead of paying for a bottled water.

3. Pick your shoes carefully! Much of Portugal is built on very hilly terrain and you may find yourself on your feet more than your average beach vacation. Highly recommend getting a good pair of walking shoes! These are my favorite travel sneakers if you’re in the market for some great ones.

4. Transportation: Depending on where you are in Portugal, accessibility to public transportation can vary. In major cities such as Lisbon or Porto, public transportation is affordable and convenient. However, for areas such as Madeira Islands or Douro Valley, it may be advisable to rent a car or organize tours with transportation included.

5. Air conditioning: Depending on the time of year, Madeira is often very warm and humid. Consider getting accommodations with air conditioning in the summer months.

6. Don’t assume the starters are free: In many Portuguese restaurants, they will serve you starters as you decide what you want. These items are not complimentary; everything you consume will be reflected on your bill. Politely decline these starters if you are not interested. If you are unable to decline them, luckily they are generally very affordable.

7. To tip or not to tip: For most Portugese locals, tipping is not a common habit when dining out. Often locals do not tip at all, or simply round up when paying for the bill. However, in more touristy areas, tipping is much more common. Although tipping is not expected in cafes or bars, in higher-end establishments or fancier bars, it is often customary to add 10% to the bill or €1 per drink.

Portugal restaurant tip: Don’t assume the starters are free!

Unsure of where to go?

Check out Hannah Ayla’s travel guides on Portugal.

• Madeira Island

• Caiscais, Corales & Sintra

• Lisbon

• Porto

• Douro Valley