743 Travel reports · 132 travel bloggers · 15.7K photos · Best time to travel: February & April · Create a travel blog · About Vakantio
Portugal is a compact yet remarkably varied destination, making it especially rewarding for travelers who want history, coastline, cuisine, and culture in one easy-to-navigate trip. From Lisbon’s hilltop neighborhoods, tiled facades, and nostalgic tram rides to Porto’s riverfront charm and famous port wine cellars, the country offers a rich sense of place without the crowds and distances found in some larger European destinations. Travelers are often drawn to Portugal’s warm hospitality, Atlantic beaches, soulful fado music, and excellent food, from fresh seafood and grilled sardines to pastel de nata and regional wines.
Beyond its major cities, Portugal’s highlights include the golden cliffs and beach towns of the Algarve, the fairytale palaces of Sintra, the terraced vineyards of the Douro Valley, and medieval towns such as Óbidos and Évora. Outdoor lovers can surf along the western coast, hike coastal trails, or take scenic drives through wine country, while culture-focused visitors can explore monasteries, castles, and lively local markets. Practical tips: public transport is reliable between major destinations, but renting a car is useful for rural areas; comfortable walking shoes are essential for steep, cobbled streets; and booking accommodations early is wise in popular areas. Learning a few Portuguese phrases is appreciated, and meals tend to start later in the evening than in some other parts of Europe.
April is the strongest month in the popularity data, with February and March also performing well, making late winter through spring the best time to visit. These months likely offer a great balance of pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and strong access to Portugal’s cities, coastal areas, and cultural sights.
Day 4 - 7 Day 4: Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço On the fourth day of my Madeira trip, I took the bus from Funchal to São Lourenço to hike the most popular and famous trail in...
In the morning, we went to Belem, where the great explorers of Portugal set off on their journeys. At 11 o'clock, a free tour in English started every day at Jardim Afonso de...
Before our hosts came back, we took a nice hike with Naomi and our foster dog to a lake in the mountains. This time we got a little lost and even encountered a snake along the...
Since yesterday, we've been alone here at our Workaway job. Our two hosts took the opportunity to travel around Portugal for a few days while we take care of everything here...
The first two days after Porto we spent on a super nice rest area with a large grill in the forest, where we were alone all the time. From there we also had a great view of the...
Today I walked from Porto to the 'City Beaches' Praia do Caneiro and Praia de Matosinhos (30,956 steps) to say goodbye to the Atlantic for now ☀️ and then took the historic tram...
Arrived in the capital and checked into the hostel. Still a bit overwhelmed by the many impressions and people, but happy to be able to explore the city in the coming days☺️
Today I took an Uber(taxi) and am giving myself a rest day to process the fisherman’s path and allow my body and mind to recover ☺️
My last leg (34,888 steps in the sand 😉) on the Fisherman's Trail....starting tomorrow I'm heading away from the sea and further inland ☀️
Leg 2 (27,080 steps) started from Luz. To the beautiful Burgau and then after a coffee, continuing to the even more beautiful Salema. Tonight I will be sleeping in a tipi at the...
I'm sending lots of love and a new blog to you in Portugal
I reach the sea again over a few hills. And after what feels like an eternity, I arrive in Arrifana.
Over the Rio Mira, past cork oaks and fields, I reach more amazing views and arrive at my destination for the day, Almograve, after about 16 kilometers.
In exactly one week, Leon and I will shoulder our backpacks and leave Lisbon for the time being. The last few weeks have been very beautiful and super intense. After visiting...
We decide to stay another day in Golega. Golega is the home of the Portuguese horse breed Lusitanos, which are spirited and docile horses of medium size. Horses are omnipresent...
Unfortunately, the weather has worsened. Rain is forecast, so we say goodbye to the sea for the time being and head inland. Not far from our campsite in Marinha Grande, we want...
We say goodbye to Porto and drive along the coast. This works mostly until we get to Granja, but then we miss a diversion sign and end up in a dead end because of a construction...
The N 103 takes us along the lake with fantastic views. We turn off towards Mentosa and then we go down a very steep road to Vila Gueres in an hour and a half. My back already...
Today we continue on the N 103 along the Parque Natural de Montesinho. A fantastic route. One bend follows the next with new, amazing views every time. Luckily we are almost...
Our second stage is also beautiful. After a chilly night in Fatima's somewhat musty-smelling but well-equipped Airbnb apartment in Vila Nova de M., we had a good breakfast under...
Finally, a holiday with a bit of an adventure feeling again. Yesterday my travel partner Doris and I met in real life for the first time at Lisbon airport. We arranged to meet...
Portugal gave us an incredibly friendly welcome. Last night the people sitting next to us at the restaurant let us have their food (we actually just wanted to know what the fish...
Hiking with a lot of imagination.
The day started with a magnificent sunrise over the country, which was partly shrouded in fog. At breakfast we enjoyed this heavenly silence again. The path took us further...
Journey from Lagos to Dubai
Starting at 9 o'clock in the morning, we embark on an open jeep tour that takes us to the west of the island. Our first stop is in Ponta do Sol, where Sergio familiarizes us...
Enough with fog and rain - I need vitamin D! And that's why Bine is flying alone to the south, with a stop in Vila Nova de Milfontes; a small, not overcrowded tourist town with...
Here we are in one of the most beautiful capitals in the world and we are exploring the public transport network... How to get from the Guincha campsite to the airport quickest?...
Aveiro - the Venice of Portugal ... the boats resemble each other, but that's about it. Aveiro has a few beautiful art nouveau houses and is located on a river delta. The Romans...