Portugal is a beautiful country with a rich history and culture, making it a popular destination for travelers. Whether you’re interested in exploring the bustling cities or the peaceful countryside, it’s important to plan ahead and know the best ways to get around. Here is a guide to help you make the most of your visit to Portugal and explore all that this beautiful country has to offer.
Getting There:
Portugal is served by several airports, with the main one being the Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS) located in Lisbon. This airport connects Portugal to many destinations around the world. The second largest airport is Porto Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) which connects the city of Porto to many European destinations. There are also several other regional airports such as Faro Airport (FAO) that connect the Algarve region to several destinations.
Getting Around:
Once you’re in Portugal, there are several options for getting around and exploring the country.
-Bus: Portugal has an extensive public bus network, connecting the different cities and towns. This can be a budget-friendly and convenient option for travelers who want to explore the country.
-Train: Portugal also has a well-connected train network, with trains running between major cities like Lisbon, Porto, and Coimbra, and also connecting to some of the smaller towns and villages. It’s a comfortable and scenic way to travel.
-Metro: The cities of Lisbon and Porto have metro systems that are efficient and easy to use.
-Taxi: Taxi are widely available in Portugal, and are a convenient way to get around. Be aware that taxi fares can be high, especially late at night and on weekends.
-Ride-sharing services like Uber are also available in major cities, and can be a convenient and cost-effective option.
-Car rental: If you prefer to have more flexibility and explore the country on your own, renting a car is a great option. Keep in mind that driving in Portugal can be challenging due to narrow roads and winding streets in some places.
What to See and Do:
-Lisbon: The capital and largest city of Portugal, Lisbon is known for its charming streets, historic landmarks, and vibrant nightlife. Must-see attractions include the Belem Tower, Jeronimos Monastery, and the Sao Jorge Castle.
-Porto: Known for its port wine, historic center, and its architecture, Porto is a beautiful city that is worth a visit. The Ribeira district is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the São Francisco Church is an interesting visit.
-Coimbra: Known for its historic university and beautiful baroque buildings, Coimbra is a charming city that is often overlooked by tourists.
-Sintra: A town located near Lisbon that is known for its fairy-tale palaces, castles, and gardens. The Pena Palace and the National Palace are must-see attractions.
-Evora: A beautiful walled city located in the Alentejo region of Portugal, known for its well-preserved Roman Temple and the Gothic Cathedral of Evora.
-Algarve: A popular tourist destination known for its beaches, historic sites, and vibrant nightlife. Cities like Faro, Lagos, Albufeira, Portimão, and Tavira are worth a visit.
-Douro Valley: Known for its picturesque countryside, the Douro Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its wine and port production.
-Azores: An archipelago located in the Atlantic Ocean, the Azores are
a group of nine islands that offer breathtaking landscapes, unique wildlife, and a laid-back way of life. The island of Pico is known for its volcano and the island of Faial for its whale and dolphin watching.
-Madeira: Another group of islands located in the Atlantic Ocean, Madeira is known for its beautiful landscapes and mild temperatures throughout the year. The island is home to the famous terraced gardens of Monte Palace and the scenic Levada walks, a network of irrigation channels that offer great hiking opportunities.
-Porto Covo: A small fishing village on the west coast of the Alentejo region, Porto Covo is known for its beautiful beaches, charming streets, and delicious seafood.
-Obidos: A medieval walled town located on the west coast of the country. Obidos is known for its beautiful streets, castle, and its traditional Christmas market, which takes place every December.
-The Minho Region: located in the northwest of the country, the Minho Region is known for its beautiful landscapes, its delicious wine, and its lively festivals. Cities like Braga and Guimarães are worth a visit.
No matter what your interests are, Portugal has something to offer. With its beautiful beaches, historic cities, charming towns, and delicious cuisine, it’s a destination that will leave a lasting impression. Plan ahead and make the most of your visit by knowing the best ways to get around and choosing the destinations that suit your interests. And don’t forget to try some of the delicious local cuisines, it’s a must.
It’s important to mention that Portugal has a great public transportation system, so it’s always an option to rely on buses, trains, and the metro. It is also a small country and driving distances are not extensive, making it easy to plan a road trip to explore different areas. Just keep in mind that traffic and parking can be challenging in the bigger cities, like Lisbon and Porto.
Overall, Portugal offers a wide variety of options for travelers, from historic cities to charming towns, beaches and islands, and beautiful landscapes. By choosing the right mode of transportation and making the right plans, you can make the most of your trip and enjoy all that this beautiful country has to offer.