Tips for Traveling to Portugal

Planning a Trip to Portugal? Here’s Your Ultimate Packing Guide!

Portugal is a stunning destination filled with culture, history, and delicious local products. To ensure you have space for unique gifts or locally recommended products, pack strategically and avoid overpacking. Here’s how to plan and organize your suitcase for a smooth trip.

Essentials to Bring to Portugal

Documents:

• Flight Details: Print or save copies of your e-tickets, as they may be required.
• Insurance Information: Keep a copy of your travel insurance handy.
• Passport: Verify it’s valid for the duration of your trip.
• Vouchers: Bring any prepaid accommodation or tour confirmations.

Key Items:

• Camera: Capture beautiful memories with extra memory cards and batteries.
• Travel Adapter: Portugal uses Type F plugs (a Conair Worldwide Adapter works great).
• Cash & Cards: Bring both for convenience and emergencies.
• First-Aid Kit: Include essentials like lip balm, sunscreen, basic medications, and prescriptions.
• Bag Locks: For added security.
• Personal Entertainment: Books or music for downtime.
• Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated while reducing plastic waste.

What to Wear in Portugal

Footwear:

Portugal is famous for its calçada portuguesa (traditional limestone pavements). They are beautiful but can be slippery, uneven, and tough on your feet—especially after rain.

Our Recommendations:

• Sneakers or tennis shoes with good grip (non-slip soles are essential!)

• Waterproof sneakers → perfect for rainy days & winter trips

• Well-cushioned walking shoes → comfort for long sightseeing days

• Avoid high heels or thin-soled shoes (they’re uncomfortable and unsafe on cobblestones)

Tip: If you’re packing just one pair, choose a comfortable, waterproof sneaker with a strong, non-slip sole.

Clothing Essentials:

• Sun Hat & Sunglasses: For protection against the sun.
• Lightweight Shirts & T-Shirts: Opt for breathable materials.
• Pants/Jeans: Comfortable options for walking and cooler weather.
• Sweater or Fleece: Perfect for evenings or chilly days.
• Shorts/Skirts: Longer options work well for comfort and modesty.
• Winter Coat (if traveling in colder months).
• Shawl or Scarf: Versatile for warmth and style.

Tips for Packing Efficiently

• Roll your clothes instead of folding them to save space and avoid wrinkles.
• Pack versatile items that can be layered.
• Leave extra space in your suitcase for souvenirs or local products your guide may recommend, like wine, olive oil, or handmade crafts.

Enjoy Your Adventure in Portugal!

Packing smart will make your trip stress-free and leave room for the unique treasures you’re sure to find. This guide will prepare you for a comfortable and memorable journey.

In Portugal, tipping is not a customary practice, and there’s no strict etiquette or obligation to do so. However, if you receive exceptional service and wish to show your appreciation, offering a gratuity is a thoughtful gesture.

Here are some suggested guidelines for tipping in Portugal:

Tour Guides
Tipping your guide is not expected but always appreciated for outstanding service. Gratuity typically ranges between €10 and €50. However, a positive review on platforms like Google can be just as valuable, if not more so, than a monetary tip.

Drivers
For drivers who provide good service, a tip of €10 per day is considered appropriate.

Restaurants
Tipping is entirely optional in restaurants. A 5% tip is considered generous, especially in higher-end or Michelin-starred restaurants. It’s common to round up the bill to the nearest euro for casual dining, but it’s not necessary for small purchases like a cup of coffee or a drink. If you’re paying with a credit card, it’s recommended to leave a cash tip, as the gratuity might not reach the staff.

Hotels
– Housekeepers: Leave between €2 to €5 per day, typically at the end of your stay.
– Room Service: Tip €1 to €2 unless a service charge is included.

Spas and Resorts
Tipping is not expected, but you can leave 5% to 10% of the bill for exceptional service. Check with the spa or resort for any specific tipping guidelines.

Taxis and Ride-Hailing Services (Uber)
Taxi drivers typically expect a tip of 5% to 10% of the fare, or you can round up to the nearest euro.

In summary, although tipping is not expected in Portugal, expressing your gratitude for excellent service through a gratuity or a positive review can be a meaningful way to show appreciation.

Credit cards and debit cards are handy for cash advances. Visa and MasterCard are the most widely accepted cards. No one accepts American Express cards here in Portugal!

While ATMs are widely available. There are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will work in Western Europe. Please check with your bank! You should be aware that to purchase products or services on a credit card, a fee of 5%-10% usually applies.

A combination of Euros and cards is best. Please also ensure you access at least an additional USD 200 (or equivalent) as an emergency fund.

Visit this website.

That is rare to snow in Portugal. The last time was in 2006!
We sometimes have snow in Serra da Estrela. It’s the highest mountain range in Continental Portugal. The highest point is 1993 meters (6539 feet).

Winter in Portugal:
Winter, from December to February, is mild on the coast, even in the northern part, since the average temperature in January is around 9 °C (48 °F) in Porto and 11 °C (52 °F) in Lisbon.
In winter, there are periods of good weather when the Azores Anticyclone settles in the country. For example, on February 27th, 2019 was 22º C (71 °F) in Porto! But there are also waves of bad weather, with rain and wind.

Yes, if you book a one-week vacation in Portugal, our driver will be waiting for you at the airport arrivals with a sign displaying your name.

The driver will be waiting for you inside the airport.

After you pick up the luggage, you will pass the glass door and turn right. My company name (EcoTrilha) can be seen in the “Meeting Point n.º 1” area. If you don’t see this paper, please use WhatsApp (M: +351 927771815). The airport has free wifi.

The staff in the meeting point area will ask you for the travel agency’s name. This person will take you to your driver.

If your flight was canceled, please get in touch with us. We can reschedule your transfer (we need the new number of flights).

While it’s entirely possible to get by in English in the major tourist areas. Learning a few simple phrases in Portuguese.

Please don’t speak Spanish! Do you want to say thank you in Portuguese? It’s Obrigado if you’re a man. And, Obrigada, if you’re a woman, by the way.

If you’re feeling unwell during your trip to Portugal, it’s important to know where to go for medical help. Public healthcare services, like the Centro de Saúde or public hospitals, are reserved for residents of Portugal. Travelers and non-residents should visit private clinics or private hospitals for treatment.

For a fast and convenient solution, we recommend checking out DoctorSa. This platform helps you find private doctors and clinics near you, with options for booking appointments easily online.

Travel tip: Always carry your travel insurance details and keep a list of emergency contacts handy to ensure a stress-free experience while seeking care. Stay safe and enjoy your trip!

The average food costs in Portugal are usually reasonable and affordable for most visitors. The price depends on the type of restaurants and the part of the city you are dining in since restaurants in the city center tend to be more expensive.

If you are on a budget, don’t worry. The price in a casual restaurant is around 10€ to 35€ per person.

It’s standard practice for waiters to bring you little dishes of olives, bread, butter, shrimp, etc. However, they are not freebies. If you don’t want them, politely send them back untouched, and you won’t be charged. Please avoids confrontation. You can ask before how much are the appetizers.

Please continue to read here our Portugal Tips Travel.

In Lisbon: Read here.

In Porto: Read here.

In Braga: Read here.

Yes, you can. Unlike the USA, there are no open carry laws in Portugal.

Our trips are not appropriate for vegetarians/vegans.

Unfortunately, there aren’t that many options when it comes to vegetarian food. In contrast, this type of cuisine is gradually evolving more and more in the bigger cities. However, don’t expect to find many vegetarian options in the countryside or small towns.

We can’t guarantee a special 100% vegan meal during our trips. The Portuguese pastries always have sweet egg cream. Moreover, even vegetable soups (e.g., caldo verde)include some slices of chorizo, a traditional Portuguese sausage used to give flavor.

Food is essential to most Portuguese people, and lunchtime is respected with a sit-down meal from 12h00.

During the working week (Monday to Friday), many restaurants offer a menu do dia.  It is a set 2 or 3-course menu that usually includes drinks for a reasonable price.

Shops and public services, especially in smaller towns or during low season, may close between 12:00 and 14:30. So check opening times and plan accordingly. We don’t have a Siesta in Portugal!

Dinner time in Portugal. Restaurants usually open at 7:30 or 08:00 pm.

Wondering About Drinking Tap Water in Portugal?

Traveling to Portugal and curious about whether you can drink tap water? We’ve got you covered with all the essential information you need to stay hydrated safely.

The Safety of Tap Water in Portugal

Can You Drink Tap Water in Portugal?
Yes, you can drink tap water in Portugal. The country has high standards for water quality, making it safe and healthy to drink. This applies to both Porto and Lisbon, two of the most visited cities.

Is Porto Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Absolutely. The tap water in Porto meets all safety standards and is perfectly safe to consume. Many locals and tourists drink it without any issues.

Is Tap Water in Lisbon Safe to Drink?
Indeed, the tap water in Lisbon is safe to drink. You can fill your water bottle straight from the tap with confidence.

Benefits of Drinking Tap Water

Drinking tap water in Portugal not only saves you money but also helps reduce plastic waste. Bottled water is readily available, but opting for tap water is an eco-friendly choice. A 5-liter bottle of mineral water might cost around €1.89, but by using tap water, you contribute to a healthier environment.

Tap Water in Restaurants
When dining out, it’s common for restaurants to serve bottled water by default. However, you can always request tap water. Simply ask the waiter, and they will be happy to oblige.

Stay Hydrated and Eco-Friendly

Make a positive impact on both your health and the environment by drinking tap water during your stay in Portugal. Carry a reusable water bottle and fill it up directly from the tap. Enjoy your travels, knowing you are making a sustainable choice.

Taking Food & Drink from Portugal

UK:
You will not be able to take meat, milk, or products containing them into EU countries. For example, there are some exceptions. Specific amounts of powdered infant milk, infant food, or pet food are required for medical reasons.
You can take:
– beer – 42 liters
– wine (not sparkling) – 18 liters
You can also bring in either:
– 4 liters of spirits OR 9 liters of sparkling wine, fortified wine, or any alcoholic beverage less than 22% ABV.

USA:
It is illegal for travelers under the age of 21 to import alcohol – even as a gift.
You can take:
– 1 liter of spirits over 22% volume, or non-denatured ethyl alcohol with more than 80% volume; or
– 2 liters of spirits or aperitifs made of wine or similar beverages less than 22% volume, or sparkling wines or liquor wines; or
– 4 liters of wine.

Portugal’s long coastline is bathed by the Atlantic Ocean, bringing Portugal closer to other peoples and cultures.

The sun fills the beautiful white sands of our beaches with light and joy. Whether they are immense stretches of sand as far as the eye can see or little coves sheltered by rocks, each beach has its own dazzling and surprising beauty. Please read our article.

In general, Portugal is a safe place to travel. According to the World Economic Forum, it is one of the 20 safest countries. Still, it would help if you kept your guard up, especially in tourist areas and crowded trains or buses.

Please inform us in advance. We have a car chair for children between 15 kg to 36 kg.
Any child under 135 cm (or less than 36kg) must use an appropriate car seat (child restraint system) for the weight and height.

Public restrooms are rarely available throughout Portugal. You might have to pay a small fee (0,50€ per person) to use the restroom or purchase something from the restaurant in some places.

It is your responsibility to have the correct travel documentation. We provide the following information in good faith. You must check yourself and understand that you are fully responsible for your visa requirements.

All visitors to the EU (European Union) and EEC (European Economic Community) countries require a valid passport (with a minimum of 6 months validity on an adult or child passport). USA, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand passport holders do not need a visa to visit the Schengen area. However, they may not stay longer than three months.

As a tour booking website, Eco Trilha cannot organize passenger visas as the visa requirements are continually updated and vary from one traveler’s nationality to the next. For this reason, we recommend you contact your local embassy or consulate website for the latest information.

Portugal uses a standard voltage of 220 AC 50 Hz. The wall outlets are two-pin. Please bring a converter or transformer.

Where can I buy an adapter for the electricity?

You can order on the internet in advance, or buy it at the airport.

No, we don’t celebrate Thanksgiving.

Are you planning to visit Portugal during your Thanksgiving holiday?

Please take a look at our vacation packages over Thanksgiving. See the packages: Portugal Food Tours and Portugal Vacation Package.

The church started to condemn the pagan Celtic festival during the Middle Ages. The catholic church decided to establish a new date for honoring the dead – All Saints’ Day on November 1.
Day of the dead in Portugal is a public holiday. Cemeteries are often filled with families who leave fresh displays of flowers on the gravestones of their loved ones.
However, parties and events have started popping up in cities and towns similar to America and the United Kingdom. You can easily buy costumes in the shops.

Sven days in Portugal should be a minimum to explore the local culture, cuisine, and traditions. If you have more time, we advise you to travel further afield or stay longer in one city. See our tours and plan your trip to Portugal today!

It is cheaper to fly to Lisbon than Porto. We have more offers to Lisbon Airport. See here: How can you get to Portugal?

What to buy in Portugal. We recommend Portuguese wine, cheese, cork products, tiles, pottery, shoes, canned sardines, soaps, etc.

Continue to read our suggestions about what souvenirs to buy in Portugal.

Tiles (called azulejos) are a constant feature in Portuguese architecture and pride. There is no other country where you will see them used to. Such an extent to adorn the interiors, ordinary houses, park seats, fountains, shops, and train stations. Of Muslim origin, the production of tiles in Portugal began in the late 15th century. But it reached its peak in the 17th century, with blue and white tiles. And other colors after the earthquake in Lisbon (1755), the idea was to cover the facades’ cracks.

You can learn about the history of tiles at the National Tile Museum in Lisbon.

Plan a trip is not an easy task. It involves so many services and activities. Let us handle the details. Contact us. We provide custom-designed private tours in Portugal.