Between the Atlantic and Mediterranean traditions, Portugal captivates with its light, heritage and warm way of life. Lisbon, built across seven hills, charms with its trams, historic quarters (Alfama, Bairro Alto), viewpoints and lively cultural scene; Porto, more intimate, lines the Douro with colourful façades and world-famous wine cellars. Farther south, Alentejo unfolds golden plains, whitewashed villages and hilltop castles, while the Algarve delivers ochre cliffs, dramatic beaches and sea caves. The country also reveals itself through azulejo tiles, UNESCO-listed monasteries (Belém, Batalha), romantic palaces (Sintra) and compact historic centres.
Portugal is an easy, generous destination year-round. Nature lovers mix coastal hikes, Atlantic surfing, vineyard walks in the Douro and island escapes to the Azores or Madeira. Cuisine — seafood, countless bacalhau variations, pastries like pastéis de nata — underpins accessible travel with manageable distances and famously friendly welcomes. Trains, scenic roads and domestic flights simplify routes, alongside a broad range of accommodation, from urban boutique hotels to charming guesthouses and eco-lodges.
🗺️ Practical information about Portugal
📍 Capital: Lisbon
👥 Population: Around 10.3 million inhabitants
💶 Currency: Euro (€)
🗣️ Official language: Portuguese (English widely spoken in tourist areas)
⏰ Time zone: UTC 0 (winter) / UTC +1 (summer); Azores: UTC −1
🌡️ Climate: Mediterranean/oceanic — hot, dry summers; mild winters
🚆 Getting there & around: Airports in Lisbon, Porto and Faro; efficient rail network; scenic roads
🏛️ Highlights: Lisbon (Belém), Porto & the Douro Valley, Sintra (palaces), Coimbra, Alentejo (Évora), Algarve (cliffs & beaches), Madeira, Azores
🏨 Find a good hotel in Portugal
Whether your itinerary focuses on major cities, the Douro Valley, the Algarve coast or Atlantic islands, you’ll find stays for every style — boutique hotels, guesthouses and nature resorts. 🌟 See the best hotels in Portugal to compare offers, reviews and prices for your travel dates.
🗺️ Articles about Portugal
Below, you’ll find our selection of articles about Portugal, followed by the latest posts, to help you plan your trip and explore the country’s most beautiful places.