Portugal is a true treasure for any traveler because it offers incredible nightlife, fine wine, and beaches with gold-like sand and turquoise clear waters. However, what is the best time to travel to Portugal? How long should your vacation last and what cities should you visit? Let’s find out!

For how many days to visit Portugal?
The golden mean for a vacation duration is usually 8-10 days because it allows you to recharge batteries fully and adapt to the environment in which you relax. During the first days, travelers usually feel anxious because of new surroundings and thoughts about work. As time passes by, the “level of happiness” rises and reaches its climax on the 8th day, followed by a sudden “happiness level” drop the next day. It happens because the thoughts about routine and work activate, making you anxious again.

So how long should you stay in Portugal? We advise you to estimate the approximate number of days you need to get to and from the country and add 8 days of actual vacation activities. The final number of days will be enough to achieve all the wellness benefits from your trip. Just make sure to plan all activities beforehand in order to try them all on time.

What is the best month to visit Portugal?
There is no definite best time to visit Portugal because the country is marvelous all year round. Any season might suit you, as well as the month, so choose it according to your preferences and expectations about your vacation.
If you wish to escape to the hot embrace of the Mediterranean climate and explore the cities of Portugal under the scorching sun – visit in May, June, or July. Autumn months like September and October suit budget journeys because the hotels drop their prices (plus the ocean water is superb for surfing). Even December and January have something in the bag – most of the attractions are open, there are no crowds, and the celebration of Christmas in Portuguese style will not leave you indifferent.

What cities to visit in Portugal?
You have decided when is the best time to go to Portugal for you – great! Now let’s get acquainted with the must-visit destinations for your vacation. Scroll down to learn about the most famous and picturesque cities in Portugal!

Porto

It is the second largest city in Portugal, with a population of around 1,325,000 (according to Macrotrends), which is 1,676,000 people less than in Lisbon – the country’s capital. Porto is famous for its ‘vinho do Porto’ – a sweet red wine that Douro Valley produces and then shares with the whole world through Porto.

As a travel destination, this city offers picturesque landscapes, brilliant architecture, and natural attractions. Come here to stroll alongside the Douro River – the longest river in Portugal. Meanwhile, the Atlantic coastline will greet you with more than 15 magnificent beaches, like Praia de Espinho or Praia da Sereia. If you rent a car in Portugal, you can easily access other famous city tourist spots, like:

 

• Lello Store
• Ribeira Square
• Clérigos Tower
• Porto Cathedral
• São Bento Train Station

Also, upon arrival, do try Francesinha – a local sandwich with melted cheese and different kinds of meat, including linguiça – a smoked sausage.

Lisbon

Lisbon belongs to the best cities to visit in Portugal and has a population of around 3,001,000 people. The capital of Portugal serves as a transportation hub between Europe, Africa, and the USA, which is why the city’s role in Europe’s economy is significant.

Lisbon is a diverse city with brisk nightlife and rich historical and cultural background, which you can easily explore with affordable vehicle hire from Rental24h.com. Gather friends, book one of the best car rentals in Lisbon, and rush into a new adventure full of prominent places:

 

 

• Torri de Belem Tower will expose the beauty of Manueline style and let you feel the energy of the 16th century
• Lisbon Oceanarium will introduce you to the enchanting world of more than 450 marine species
• The Puppet Museum will showcase an extensive collection of puppets from all over the world
• Mosteiro dos Jerónimos will amaze you with Portuguese Gothic Manueline style

Sintra

Adorn your journey with the most picturesque town in Portugal – Sintra.

It takes only one hour to get here from the country’s capital, and upon arrival, you realize that you have entered a fairytale world. The views of the curved Serra De Sintra (local mountain range) captivate your mind, while the outstanding Pena Palace amazes you with its extraordinary outer design. There are plenty of other attractions, like Castelo dos Mouros or Cape of the Rock, so do not miss it!

 

Faro
Our list of top cities in Portugal would be incomplete without Faro – the coastal city with lots of sunshine throughout the year. Have you ever thought about a place where historical heritage attractions coexist with bustling nightlife and stunning seashore? Well, this is all about Faro. There are more than 20 beaches in the city, and you can visit most of them if you try renting a car with an automatic gearbox for fast and convenient movement. With an affordable 7-seater, you can gather friends and visit Praia da Barrinha – a virgin beach with golden sand and turquoise waters. While traveling with kids, consider approaching one of the 3 beaches suitable for minors – Praia de Quarteira, Barranco das Belharucas, and Praia dos Alemães.

Coimbra
From the 11th to 12th century, Coimbra served as the capital of Portugal, and nowadays, it serves as the center of culture and historical heritage. Travel here to see the architecture of different periods, from the Roman era cryptoporticus and aqueduct constructions to Baroque masterpieces, like Biblioteca Joanina. Other prominent buildings include:

• Machado de Castro National Museum
• Fado ao Centro
• Santa Clara-a-Nova Monastery
• Coimbra’s Old Cathedral
• Seminário Maior de Coimbra

If you are keen on foreign history and culture – you will love it in Coimbra!