How Many Days Should You 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 week, enjoy a more comprehensive route, detouring to the coast and countryside. Those with two weeks can plan a full north-to-south trip, and maybe even tack on a visit to Portugal's lesser-explored islands or neighboring Spain.

Portugal in December: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

Christmas is coming and Portugal is in full festive swing, with brightly lit towns and cities, fairs popping up everywhere and parties on the agenda. Before the holidays arrive, however, it is a quiet month, ideal for exploring hotspots that get crowded in sunnier months and taking advantage of low-season deals.

Portugal in November: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

Don't let the odd drop of rain dampen your visit to Portugal in November. With the right clothes and attitude, this can be a fantastic time to explore the cities, rural interior and coast without the crowds — and the sun shines more often than you might expect. You're going to love the peace, authentic vibe and rock-bottom prices as autumn begins to usher in winter.

Portugal in October: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

One of the finest months to visit Portugal, October brings a riot of fall colors and some glorious clear days. While rains begin to fall on the north, the south is still largely sunny, making this a terrific time for coastal hiking, slow touring in the rural interior and even the odd beach day. The crowds are drying up in the cities and at the country's Unesco World Heritage sites, too, making this the perfect month for exploring in peace.

Portugal in September: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

September is hands-down one of the loveliest months to visit Portugal. The weather is still fine (but not as hot as August), the ocean has had all summer to warm up, and the crowds are finally starting to thin. And the first whisper of fall is bringing seasonal color and new wine to regions like the Douro as the grape harvest gets underway.

Portugal in August: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

Portugal brings on the summer highs in August. Yes, you’ll have to contend with higher crowds, temperatures and prices, but there’s a delightfully upbeat mood in the air, as everyone seems to be on vacation and a stream of high-spirited festivals and late-night parties keep things nice and lively. And if the heat gets too much to handle, take the lead of the locals and head to the nearest praia (beach) for an invigorating dip in the Atlantic.