Portugal Travel Guide
Tourist season
Are December and January good months to visit Portugal?
December
Shoulder
season
January
Shoulder
season
Did you know?
The population of Portugal is around 10.20 mil., which puts the country in 89. place in terms of population (out of 231 countries and dependent territories).
How far is it?
1. The site uses the Great Circle method of calculating distances between two points on the Earth
2. To change the cities for comparison, change Your Country in settings
The distance between Lisbon (PT) and Washington D.C. (US) is 3564 miles
To calculate distance between your location and Lisbon click here
Time • Timezone
Safety
General travel safety level in Portugal on a scale of 1 (safe) to 4 (unsafe).
Level 1 • Exercise normal safety precautions.
Update: 13 Oct 2024Currency
Euro (EUR) - rate compared to selected currencies
GBP 
USD Get ready for your next trip
With just a few clicks you can find the best accommodation, airline tickets, or buy insurance that provides comprehensive protection for your next journey.
Cities and Top Tourist Attractions
From historical cities to picturesque landmarks and fascinating places - don't miss out on these attractions when planning a visit to Portugal
| Miles | Lisbon | Porto | Braga | Cascais | Póvoa de Varzim | Funchal | Coimbra | Sintra |
| Lisbon | - | 170 | 200 | 15 | 185 | 604 | 110 | 15 |
| Porto | 170 | - | 30 | 174 | 18 | 744 | 66 | 167 |
| Braga | 200 | 30 | - | 204 | 21 | 772 | 93 | 197 |
| Cascais | 15 | 174 | 204 | - | 188 | 593 | 117 | 7 |
| Póvoa de Varzim | 185 | 18 | 21 | 188 | - | 751 | 83 | 181 |
| Funchal | 604 | 744 | 772 | 593 | 751 | - | 703 | 598 |
| Coimbra | 110 | 66 | 93 | 117 | 83 | 703 | - | 110 |
| Sintra | 15 | 167 | 197 | 7 | 181 | 598 | 110 | - |
A Brief History of Portugal
Important historical events that significantly shaped the nation's trajectory throughout the centuries
1000s B.C. - 400s B.C.
Migration and settlementPhoenicians, Celts, Greeks, and people from Carthage arrive and settle in the area, joining Iberians, the original inhabitants.
210 B.C.
The RomansThe Romans win a war with Carthage and take control of the Iberian Peninsula.
476 A.D.
The VisigothsThe Visigoths conquer the peninsula.
Early 700s
Christians & MuslimsMuslims from North Africa called Moors take control of much of the peninsula. Many Christians fight against Muslim rule. By the mid-1200s, the Christians force out the Muslims.
1143
Nation's first kingPortugal becomes independent, with Afonso Henriques as the nation's first king.
1400s
Vasco da GamaUnder the leadership of Prince Henry the Navigator, explorers sail the seas. Vasco da Gama reaches India in 1498, which is 28 years after Prince Henry's death.
1500
Colonial BrazilPedro Alvares Cabral claims Brazil for Portugal. Up through the mid-1500s, Portugal profits from the riches found in its colonies.
1580
Iberian UnionSpain takes control of Portugal.
1640
Portuguese revolutionPortugal regains its independence.
1755
Great Lisbon earthquakeA major earthquake in Lisbon kills thousands of people.
1910
First Portuguese RepublicPortugal becomes a republic, ruled by the people instead of a king.
1932
Dictator of PortugalAntónio de Oliveira Salazar is named prime minister and rules as a dictator until 1968. He is succeeded by Marcello Caetano.
1974
Carnation RevolutionA revolution overthrows the government. In 1976, a new constitution gives women the right to vote.
1986
Portugal joins EUPortugal joins the European Community, now called the European Union. In 2011, Portugal receives financial help because of its debt.
Best Ways to Experience Portugal
- Cuisine
- Art
- Animals
Practical Information for Travelers
- Budget
- Currency
- Vaccinations
- Visa
- Electricity
Determine the expenses for your travel or vacation budget, as well as the expenditures associated with residing in another country
MoreBackpacker's budget
Daily budget for one person, assuming that two people travel in a standard close to 1 star (hostels, public transport). When traveling alone, the cost may be slightly higher (hotel room) or the same (dormitory accommodation).from
Tourist's budget
Daily budget for one person, assuming that two people travel (they share the cost of a hotel room, taxis, etc.) to a standard close to 3 stars. Costs for a solo traveler will be higher.from
Currency
MoreEuro (EUR)
- EUR
- GBP
- USD
- EUR
- GBP
- USD
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Vaccinations
MoreAll travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccinations may also be required in Portugal.
Some travelers
Vaccinations and medications that may be recommended under certain conditions, depending on where you will be, the length of your stay and the nature of your stay.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a digestive disease caused by the hepatitis A virus and is closely related to a lack of good hygiene.It can be asymptomatic, moderate, or very severe.Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Eat and drink safely
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a disease caused by the hepatitis B virus.Infection occurs through contact of injured skin or mucous membranes with virus-infected blood or other secretions (e.g. during sexual contact, through contaminated needles or as a result of medical procedures).Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Avoid sharing body fluids
- Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment
With or without a visa?
Visa requirements for citizens of
- United States
visiting 
Portugal for tourism
A visa is not required.
- Allowed stay: 90 days
- 90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen Area
Electricity
230V (50 Hz)
In Portugal the standard voltage is 230V and the frequency is 50 Hz. Type C, F sockets are used.
Click on the socket icon to see more information
Type C
Type FFacts and Figures
Fundamental socio-economic statistical data pertaining to the country
Population | 89 / 231 Ranking | 10 196 709 homogeneous Mediterranean stock |
Area | 112 / 230 Ranking | 35.6 thous. mi² |
Life expectancy | 30 / 196 Ranking | 81.3 Life expectancy expressed in years.men 78.1women 84.6 |
Median age | 147 / 157 Ranking | 44.6 Average age of population expressed in years.men 42.7women 46.5 |
Population growth | 151 / 172 Ranking | -0.23% The difference between live births and deaths. A negative value means natural loss. |
Literacy | 36 / 131 Ranking | 96.1% Ability to read, write and count.men 97.4%women 95.1% |
GDP | 44 / 194 Ranking | 34 091 INT$ GDP per capita is gross domestic product converted to international dollars (Int$) using purchasing power parity rates and divided by total population. |
Spain