Portugal
Lisbon, Sintra and Sao Miguel
I love Portugal. Lisbon in three days, a day trip to Sintra, then the Azores, still my favourite place I've ever been.
Best time: April, May, June, July, August and September
Good to know
- Capital
- Lisbon
- Currency
- Euro (€)
- Language
- Portuguese
- Say hello
- OláThank you: Obrigado (obrigada if you are a woman)
- Plugs
- Type C and F (two round pins)
- Tap water
- Safe to drink
When to go
- January: low season
- February: low season
- March: good
- April: best
- May: best
- June: best
- July: best
- August: best
- September: best
- October: good
- November: low season
- December: low season
Spring to early autumn; the Azores are at their best from June to September.
Where to go in Portugal
Day trips
Easy escapes from a city base, usually without a tour.
Itineraries
Day-by-day routes from my own trips.
More guides
Visa & entry
- Portugal is in the Schengen area. EU citizens only need a passport or ID card.
- UK, US and many other passports can stay visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180 days, counted across the whole Schengen area.
- Since April 2026 non-EU visitors are registered (photo and fingerprints) in the new Entry/Exit System (EES) at the border, so allow extra time.
- ETIAS, a paid online travel authorisation for visa-free visitors, is expected to start in late 2026. Check before you book.
- Indian passports need a Schengen visa.
- Portugal visa portal (foreign ministry)
- EU official site: EES and ETIAS
- EU list: who needs a Schengen visa
- UK government travel advice
- US government travel advice
General info for the most common passports, checked November 2026. Rules depend on your passport and can change at short notice, so always confirm on the official site before you book.
Portugal FAQ
When is the best time to visit Portugal?
Spring to early autumn; the Azores are at their best from June to September.
What currency does Portugal use?
Euro (€).
What language do they speak in Portugal?
Portuguese. Hello is "Olá" and thank you is "Obrigado (obrigada if you are a woman)".
Can you drink the tap water in Portugal?
Safe to drink.
What plugs does Portugal use?
Type C and F (two round pins). Pack a universal adapter if yours are different.
Do I need a visa for Portugal?
Portugal is in the Schengen area. EU citizens only need a passport or ID card. UK, US and many other passports can stay visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180 days, counted across the whole Schengen area. Rules change, so check the official site (https://vistos.mne.gov.pt/) before you book.