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Introducing Portugal

From the seemingly never-ending festivals to the diverse range of cultures that have made Portugal their home over the centuries, to the simple but delightful culinary experiences, the vibrant heritage and cultural diversity of this country captivate travelers.

When is the best time to visit?
Portugal is a year-round destination, but if possible, travelers should aim to visit in the springtime when the almond blossoms and wildflowers cover the countryside. Learn more

Where should you go in Portugal?
Experience the traditional Alfama neighborhood of Lisbon before it will be absorbed by the rest of the bustling city’s culture, tour the ancient ruins of Sintra and historic Evora, walk along the bluffs of Europe’s most southwestern point at Cabo de São Vicente, and relax on the beaches of Ilha de Tavira.

How many days do I need?
There are too many destinations that are must-sees in Portugal to see the country in less than a week. At least 10 days is best. Learn more

Getting Around Portugal
Although smaller than neighboring Spain and France, distances in Portugal are still significant—traveling from Porto to Faro, for example, takes five hours by car. Flying is a quick and comfortable way to get between the country’s major cities, with the largest airport being Lisbon Airport (LIS). Going by bus or train are also options here. Learn more 

Explore trips by duration: 5 days · 6 days · 7 days · 8 days · 9 days · 10 days · 11 days · 12 days · 13 days · 14 days · 15 days · 16 days · 21 days

Portugal Tours & Itineraries

Get inspired by trips other travelers have loved
Camilo Beach in Lagos
Map of Lisbon, Porto & the Algarve - 10 Days
Lisbon, Porto & the Algarve - 10 Days

Experience three of Portugal's most iconic destinations on this 10-day trip, starting in Lisbon, where you'll tour ancient ruins, cobbled streets, and a UNESCO-listed village in the forested hills. Next, head north to Porto—famous for wine production and colorful architecture along the Douro River. The hardest decisions fall at the end, where you can choose between spectacular beaches and whitewashed villages in the Algarve.

Porto's setting along the Douro River
Map of Best of Lisbon & Porto - 7 Days
Best of Lisbon & Porto - 7 Days

This seven-day adventure is the perfect introduction to Portugal for first-timers. Over a week, you'll explore Lisbon's exciting food and culture scene, take scenic day trips to historic villages, and walk through Porto's UNESCO-listed city center. Finish in the oldest wine region in the world before returning to Lisbon by way of the country's medieval capital: Coimbra.

Madeira Island's northern coast
Map of Explore Portugal: Porto, Lisbon, & Madeira Island - 14 Days
Explore Portugal: Porto, Lisbon, & Madeira Island - 14 Days

This epic Portugal tour highlights two cosmopolitan cities and a stunning mid-Atlantic island—part of an autonomous region—known for its tropical foliage and eternal spring-like weather. You'll kick off in Porto, home of centuries-old wine production and colorful architecture along the Douro River. Then fly to Madeira Island for secluded beaches and untouristed villages waiting to be discovered. Last but not least is Lisbon's friendly, up-and-coming capital—a striking city built on seven hills.

Marinha Beach in Portimão
Map of Best of Portugal, from Porto to Algarve - 8 Days
Best of Portugal, from Porto to Algarve - 8 Days

This tour mixes Portugal's vibrant cities with the incredible natural scenery of the Algarve region, starting with guided tours of Porto and Lisbon's hilly and historic neighborhoods. Enjoy a day trip to the Douro Valley for a tasting of the region's wine and port varietals, then head south to Algarve to explore its water sports, preserved coastal parks, and endless coastline filled with sandy beaches and rock formations. Spend hours relaxing on the beach, hiking along the coast, or meandering the historic fishing villages, all before watching dramatic sunsets and experiencing the area's exceptional nightlife.

Sunset from the Cabo da Roca near Lisbon
Map of Ultimate Portugal Tour: Lisbon, Porto, The Algarve, Douro Valley & More - 14 Days
Ultimate Portugal Tour: Lisbon, Porto, The Algarve, Douro Valley & More - 14 Days

This itinerary includes Portugal's two biggest cities, a slew of historic villages, and some spectacular beaches for an epic adventure to remember. Start in up-and-coming Lisbon to explore ancient ruins and trendy districts before going north to UNESCO-listed Porto (and its nearby wine region). You'll also get time in the university towns of Évora and Coimbra—each with its medieval attractions and dining scenes—before kicking back for a few days in the Algarve.

Beach paths along the Algarve's southern coast
Map of Lisbon & the Algarve - 7 Days
Lisbon & the Algarve - 7 Days

This weeklong itinerary covers Portugal's biggest metropolis and its southern coast for a city-beach combo that's hard to beat. Kick off in Europe's hottest capital—Lisbon—for a guided introduction to the 'City of Seven Hills', including nearby highlights like Sintra and Cascais. Then, take the train south for several days of glorious beach-hopping while based in a charming old city surrounded by stone walls: Lagos.

Make the Most of Your Time in Portugal

Have a fixed number of days? Maximize the things to see and do during your visit
Foz, Porto's Old Town
How Many Days to Spend in Portugal

Portugal's compact size means you can pack a lot into a short trip—a few days allows for exploration of Lisbon and Porto, along with a few excursions beyond city limits. With a...

Portugal Travel Advice

Read our detailed insights to make sure you have the best trip

Portugal Hotel Advice

Unique places to stay, curated by kimkim specialists
Photo courtesy of Hotel Britania Art Deco
Lisbon
Hotel Britania Art Deco
4.9
(36)
· Upscale
Vintage style reigns supreme at Hotel Britania Art Deco, a lovingly restored historic property located just off Lisbon's Avenida da Liberdade. Landmarks like the Lisbon Cathedral and São Jorge Castle are a quick metro ride or a 30-minute walk away, and the hotel's spacious rooms showcase original...
Photo courtesy of Cascais Miragem
Cascais
Hotel Cascais Miragem
4.8
(32)
· Luxury
Overlooking the golden sands of Praia da Rata and the Atlantic coast, Hotel Cascais Miragem features spacious rooms and suites, many with balconies and sweeping sea views. Travelers are within easy walking distance of Cascais' historic center and the palm-lined boulevards of Estoril, but there's...
Photo courtesy of Heritage Avenida Liberdade
Lisbon
Heritage Avenida Liberdade
4.8
(31)
· Upscale
Housed in an elegantly restored 18th-century townhouse, the Heritage Avenida da Liberdade's powder-blue facade hides one of Lisbon's most charming boutique hotels. Its prime location on the tree-lined Avenida da Liberdade puts neighborhoods like Bairro Alto and Chiado within easy strolling...

Best Experiences in Portugal

Unique things to do, curated by kimkim specialists
Porto
Day Excursion to Douro Valley: Wine Tasting & River Cruise
4.9
(55)
7 hours
·
Private
Embark on a remarkable journey through the picturesque Douro Valley, where you will explore traditional wineries, savor a delicious lunch at a renowned quinta (a country estate) and unwind on a scenic river cruise. This full-day excursion offers an unforgettable experience of the stunning...
Statue at Praca do Comercio in Alfama
Lisbon
Explore Lisbon with a Private Guided Walk
4.9
(44)
3 hours
·
Private
Explore Lisbon on foot, led by an expert local guide, who will show you the highlights and history of Europe's second-oldest city. Set out with a knowledgeable guide who will take you to sites that may include the upscale shopping area around Chiado Square, the 12th-century Lisbon Cathedral, and...
Cascais
Hike to the Gems of Sintra
4.9
(27)
8.5 hours
·
Private
Hike around the hills of Sintra with an expert guide on this excursion that will bring you into close contact with one of Portugal's most iconic locations. This 6-mile (10-km) journey will take you through the dense forest of this green landscape, and will include stops at the 8th-century Moorish...

Our Latest Portugal Content

Mountainous Peneda-Gerês National Park sits pretty in the north of Portugual
Portugal FAQ

Heading to Portugal? This charming country offers everything from historic cities and scenic coastlines to delicious cuisine and welcoming locals. To help you plan your adventure, we've answered some of the most common questions travelers have about Portugal, including the best way to get around, what the weather's like, and how to navigate local customs.

Explore the colorful houses of Largo da Pena Ventosa in Porto
Map of Authentic Portugal: Cities, Countryside & Beaches - 13 Days
Authentic Portugal: Cities, Countryside & Beaches - 13 Days

See the best of Portugal with this 13-day trip that ticks off Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve while also squeezing in lesser-known gems, nature reserves, and culinary experiences. Start in Lisbon with a walking tour, then explore Sintra by bike. Transfer north to Braga, explore medieval Guimarães, and hike through Peneda-Gerês National Park before reaching Porto. Join a cooking class here then transfer through the Alentejo countryside to Évora, and continue to Lagos on the southern Algarve coast.

Sample local favorites like Portuguese-style clams on this gastronomic adventure across the Iberian Peninsula
Map of Flavors of Portugal & Southern Spain - 10 Days
Flavors of Portugal & Southern Spain - 10 Days

Spend 10 exciting days on a culinary journey across Portugal and southern Spain. This food-filled itinerary starts in Lisbon with a tasty tour and ends in Seville with a tapas crawl. In between, you'll visit vineyards, sit down for lunch with a sommelier, wander forests where black pigs roam, and sample sherry at the source. You'll also learn about the local culture and history, joining walking tours that reveal the architecture and stories of the places you visit.

Portugal Travel Maps

Get the lay of land, and understand distances between the places you want to visit
Map 7 Days in Portugal - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas
7 Days in Portugal - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas
View article
Map 5 Days in Portugal - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas
5 Days in Portugal - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Map 14 Days in Portugal - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
14 Days in Portugal - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
View article

Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for Portugal
Travel specialist Beatriz De Pablo Rocha
active 14 hours ago

Beatriz De Pablo Rocha

The combination of the two places where I grew up (Madrid and a small village in Badajoz, Extremadura) has made me a passionate traveler almost from birth. Unknown destinations visited by travelers...

read more...
Travel specialist Marina Courtaut
active 20 hours ago

Marina Courtaut

Can you think of a better way to live adventures than traveling? When we travel we open our minds to new experiences and learn new cultures by making the destination we visited our home for a...

read more...
Travel specialist Pedro Luis
active 33 mins ago

Pedro Luis

Hello everyone :) Every single time I have the opportunity to travel, my goal is to fully experience the destination. I truly believe that the essence, the context & the materialization are the...

read more...
Travel specialist Yassine Echcherki
active 4 hours ago

Yassine Echcherki

I'm originally from Fes, Morocco, a historic city known as the cultural and spiritual heart of the country, renowned for its ancient medina, vibrant souks, and rich architectural heritage. In 2010,...

read more...

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Trip Reviews for Portugal

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Amazing Trip to Portugal!
Portugal | Aug 24 - Sep 2, 2025

Shivani
Shivani M.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Sep 09, 2025
João was wonderful to work with, he was extremely knowledgeable and helped steer us in the right direction in terms of tours and main attractions. He was also very responsive and helpful whenever I had any questions or comments both prior to the trip and during the trip, which was much appreciated! He provided a clear and transparent Road Book that listed all the activities with guide names and contact information, which made it very easy to find the right people (in a foreign country) and... Read more

João was wonderful to work with, he was extremely knowledgeable and helped steer us in the right direction in terms of tours and main attractions. He was also very responsive and helpful whenever I had any questions or comments both prior to the trip and during the trip, which was much appreciated! He provided a clear and transparent Road Book that listed all the activities with guide names and contact information, which made it very easy to find the right people (in a foreign country) and helped us plan out our day. Lastly, he personally drove from Lisbon to Lagos to pick us up, which we greatly appreciated and helped us maximize our time in Lagos stress-free. It was a pleasure working with him and I would reach out to him again the next I'm in Portugal.

We worked with very knowledgeable guides in each city, which helped us feel more connected to the people and culture of Portugal. Francisco in Lisbon was a great guide who was very knowledgeable about the history of the city and provided useful tips to help us avoid major tourist lines and optimize our time. He also recommended a wonderful restaurant that turned out to be our favorite meal of the trip. He accompanied us to Sintra and was a huge asset in helping us navigate crowded sites and optimize our day. He provided a ton of interesting background information on Pena Palance and Quinta de Regalaeria, which helped us appreciate the experience much more. He also insisted we try the local pastries in Sintra (which was a highlight of the day) and advised us to tour the National Palace of Sintra, which is a must-see and not too crowded.

In Porto, we worked with Manuel, who was very passionate about Porto and very eager to show us his home city. He gave us great advice on what to see or do in our down time and is very knowledgeable of the history of Porto. We felt very comfortable with and thought he was very patient with us as we took our multiple photos! He even gave me a small token to remember my trip, which I greatly appreciated the thought and gesture. In Porto, we did a Duorro Valley wine tour and had the best driver/guide Andres. He had such great energy, and was funny, lively, and passionate about the port wine industry! He gave us great tips of what to see and overall made our Duorro Valley experience more enjoyable!

Overall, we had a great time booking with Kim Kim, which allowed us to work with local experts on planning a customized action-packed itinerary. Kim Kim also took care of most of our transportation needs to and from the airport, train station, and hotels, which made our vacation much more enjoyable and comfortable. Lastly, all the guides were very knowledgeable, professional, and passionate about their job, which added to our overall experience! We would definitely work with Kim Kim again.

Local specialist: João Daniel
João
João Daniel
Local specialist in Lisbon | Replied on Sep 09, 2025

Hi Shivani, thank you so much for your detailed review! I’ll reach out to Francisco, Manuel, and André and share your words with them - they will be happy.
I really enjoyed our trip together to Lisbon - it was fun to pick your father’s brain on all energy related topics.
Hope to see you again :)

5 star trip to Portugal!
Portugal | Aug 21 - Aug 30, 2025

Kimberly
Kimberly A.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Sep 08, 2025
João planned an amazing trip for my group for our first time to Portugal! Originally we were supposed to be 2 people, but then added my mom halfway through the planning process and he was very accommodating in adjusting the reservations. He kept in contact with us the entire time we were there and was very knowledgeable everywhere we went. The excursions were perfect for our group and a great balance between activity/free time enjoying the cities we were in. We can’t wait to go back and thank... Read more

João planned an amazing trip for my group for our first time to Portugal! Originally we were supposed to be 2 people, but then added my mom halfway through the planning process and he was very accommodating in adjusting the reservations. He kept in contact with us the entire time we were there and was very knowledgeable everywhere we went. The excursions were perfect for our group and a great balance between activity/free time enjoying the cities we were in. We can’t wait to go back and thank you again to João for making our first trip to Portugal unforgettable!

Hotel Reviews
Eurostars das Artes
Porto
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Lisboa Plaza
Lisbon
Authenticity & Character
Location
No
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Villa Zawaia B&B
Lagos

Beautiful hotel but staff wasn’t consistently there to assist.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Someone being present more often throughout the day
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
Cave Boat Tour
Cave Boat Tour
Portugal

Nice easy way to see the beautiful caves in Lagos! Not too long of a tour so you still have the rest of your day to explore!

Quality of Experience
No
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: João Daniel
João
João Daniel
Local specialist in Lisbon | Replied on Sep 08, 2025

Hi Kimberly, glad you, your sister, and your mother enjoyed the trip. I'm also glad that you wrote "our first trip to Portugal"!
We'll be here waiting for your second trip :)

We had an amazing time visiting Portugal! Our...
Portugal | Aug 25 - Sep 4, 2025

M
Mary N.
Boston, MA | Reviewed on Sep 08, 2025
We had an amazing time visiting Portugal! Our travel Guide, João was the best and helped us plan the perfect trip! He was very knowledgeable and helpful in all our planning and was very accessible via text to answer any questions throughout our trip.
He was also our guide in Lisbon which was wonderful!
We couldn’t have had a better experience!
Read more

We had an amazing time visiting Portugal! Our travel Guide, João was the best and helped us plan the perfect trip! He was very knowledgeable and helpful in all our planning and was very accessible via text to answer any questions throughout our trip.
He was also our guide in Lisbon which was wonderful!
We couldn’t have had a better experience!

Hotel Reviews
Belmar Spa & Beach Resort
Lagos

Great resort with beautiful rooms, 3 pools , a nice gym, and beach access! Breakfast was great! Very friendly and helpful staff. Would definitely stay there again!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Lisboa Plaza
Lisbon

Located in the center close to shopping, and most of the sights you would want to see in Lisbon. Staff was friendly and helpful. Great breakfast!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Casa dos Lóios by Shiadu
Porto

Very nice boutique hotel. The staff was very friendly and helpful, and spoke English which was a plus!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Within walking distance to most everything!
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Algarve Caves Boat Tour
Algarve Caves Boat Tour
Portugal

A must when you are in Lagos! Loved it!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Cascais & Sintra Guided Visit
Cascais & Sintra Guided Visit
Portugal

Our guide João drive us out to Cascais and Sinatra and even booked a lunch for us at this very quaint restaurant on the beach! It was amazing! The beaches in Cascais are beautiful!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Dinner with Live Fado Music
Dinner with Live Fado Music
Lisbon

João planned this for us and it was a great experience! The food was authentic Portuguese food that was delicious! The Fado was amazing!

Quality of Experience
K
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Half-Day Guided Tour of Lisbon
Half-Day Guided Tour of Lisbon
Lisbon

João our guide was excellent! Got a very nice tour of the city, and a lot of the history of Lisbon.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Port Wine Tasting Tour
Port Wine Tasting Tour
Porto

Visited Ferreira winery and loved it! The Port wine tasting was excellent and brought a bottle home!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Six Bridges Douro Cruise
Six Bridges Douro Cruise
Porto
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Food Tour
Food Tour
Porto

Our guide Andre was great! Very knowledgeable and did a great job explaining the history of Porto and the wine and food we tried! Loved it!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: João Daniel
João
João Daniel
Local specialist in Lisbon | Replied on Sep 09, 2025

Hi Mary, it was a pleasure to show you and Marc some parts of Portugal. I'm happy that you liked your stay here. Hope to see you again soon :)

Why travelers love kimkim

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