Portugal
Portugal is a small country in southern Europe, but it offers a wide range of travel experiences. It is easy to get around, the pace of life is relaxed, and distances between places are short. This makes Portugal a good choice for both first-time visitors and repeat trips, whether you are planning a short city break or a longer road trip.
Portugal also stands out for its variety. Along the mainland, you will find historic cities and a long Atlantic coastline. Beyond this, Portugal includes island regions in the ocean, such as the Azores and Madeira. From places like Porto and Braga to the Algarve, Fátima, and the Azores, each region offers something different while still feeling distinctly Portuguese.
Main Regions of Portugal
Portugal is divided into clear regions, each with its own character. Travelling between them is easy, but the feel of each place changes quickly. This variety is one of the reasons Portugal suits so many different types of trips.
Northern Portugal is known for its green landscapes, historic towns, and deep-rooted traditions. Cities like Porto and Braga sit in this region, along with vineyards and river valleys. The north feels more traditional and is often quieter than the south, especially outside the main cities.
Central Portugal is home to historic cities and important religious sites. Places like Fátima attract visitors from around the world, while smaller towns offer a slower pace of travel. This region works well if you enjoy culture, history, and less crowded destinations.
The Lisbon Region combines city life with easy day trips. You can explore the capital, then head out to nearby towns, beaches, or historic sites without long travel times. It is a good base if you want variety without moving accommodation too often.
Alentejo is wide, open, and calm. It is known for rolling countryside, whitewashed villages, and quiet roads. This region suits slow travel and is ideal if you want to step away from busy tourist areas.
The Algarve sits in the south of Portugal and is best known for its beaches, cliffs, and coastal towns. It also has inland villages and historic sites, which add depth to a trip. The Algarve works well for both relaxed holidays and more active travel.
Beyond the mainland, Portugal includes island regions in the Atlantic Ocean. The Azores are made up of volcanic islands with lakes, green landscapes, and strong links to nature. Madeira has a mild climate all year and dramatic scenery, with cliffs, mountains, and coastal views. Each island region offers a very different experience from mainland Portugal.
Each region suits a different kind of trip, which makes Portugal easy to return to and explore in stages.
The Algarve. Southern Portugal
The Algarve is one of the most visited regions in Portugal. It stretches along the southern coast and is known for its warm weather for most of the year. Many travellers choose the Algarve for its mix of beaches, easy travel, and relaxed pace. It works well whether you are visiting for a few days or planning a longer stay.
The coastline is the Algarve’s biggest draw. You will find long sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and clear Atlantic water. Coastal towns sit close together, which makes it easy to explore more than one place in a single trip. This is also why the Algarve suits first-time visitors to Portugal.
But there is more to the Algarve than the coast. Inland towns and villages offer a quieter and more traditional side of the region. Here, you will find local markets, small museums, and everyday Portuguese life. This balance between beach areas and inland towns adds depth to any Algarve trip.
The Algarve is also easy to explore. Roads are good, distances are short, and planning does not feel stressful. You can keep things simple or build a varied itinerary with beaches, towns, and experiences spread across the region.
Algarve Itineraries
A road trip is one of the best ways to see the Algarve. The region is compact, and drives between towns are short. This allows you to mix beach time with town visits without feeling rushed.
A 6-day Algarve itinerary gives you enough time to explore the coast, visit inland towns, and still slow down. You can spread out activities and avoid packing too much into one day. The Algarve rewards a relaxed pace.
Flexible planning works well here. You can adjust plans based on the weather or how you feel. This makes the Algarve an easy and enjoyable region to travel through.
Towns and Places in the Algarve
Faro is often overlooked, but it is worth a proper visit. As covered in my guide on what to do and where to go in Faro, the city has a compact old town, historic walls, and a calm feel. It is also the main gateway to the Ria Formosa lagoon, which adds a natural side to the city.
Albufeira is one of the most popular towns in the Algarve and works well as a base. My Albufeira travel guide covers how the town combines beaches, old streets, and easy access to activities. From here, you can also join a caves and dolphin watching tour from Albufeira, which is one of the most popular experiences in the region.
Silves (pictured below) feels more historic and local compared to the coastal resorts. The castle is the main attraction, and the town has a slower pace. In my Silves travel guide, I also cover the creative side of the town, including the painted electricity boxes in Silves, which add colour and character to the streets.
São Brás de Alportel sits inland and offers a quieter experience. In my article on why you should visit São Brás de Alportel, I share why this town gives a good insight into everyday Algarve life. A key highlight here is the Museu do Traje (Algarve Costume Museum), which focuses on local traditions and history.
Alte is often described as one of the prettiest villages in the Algarve. In my guide on visiting the village of Alte, I cover its white houses, natural springs, and slow pace. It is an ideal stop if you want to see a more traditional side of the region and escape the busier coastal towns.
Northern and Central Portugal Highlights
Northern and central Portugal feel more traditional than the south. These regions are often quieter, especially outside peak season, and daily life feels less shaped by tourism. This makes them a good choice if you enjoy history, culture, and slower travel.
The north is green and shaped by rivers, old towns, and long-standing traditions. Central Portugal blends historic cities with important religious sites and small towns that are easy to explore. Together, these regions add depth to a Portugal itinerary and balance out coastal travel.
Both regions work well for short breaks or as part of a longer trip. Distances are manageable, and it is easy to combine cities with nearby towns and countryside.
Porto
Porto is compact and full of character. The historic centre and riverside area are highlights, with narrow streets, tiled buildings, and views over the Douro River. It is a city that feels lived in rather than staged, which adds to its appeal.
A long weekend works well in Porto, as covered in my weekend guide to Porto. Most of the main sights are close together, making it easy to explore on foot. Porto also offers good food, local wine, and a relaxed pace.
Braga
Braga is one of the oldest cities in Portugal and has a strong religious and historical identity. Churches, squares, and historic buildings shape the city, but it still feels lively and local rather than tourist-heavy.
A 2-day itinerary in Braga gives enough time to explore the main sights without rushing. The city is compact and easy to walk, which suits a slower pace of travel. Braga works well as a standalone trip or as part of a wider northern Portugal itinerary.
Fátima
Fátima is one of the most important religious destinations in Portugal and attracts visitors from around the world. The sanctuary is the main focus, but the town itself is well organised and easy to navigate.
A short visit works well here, especially as part of a wider route. In my Fátima and beyond 2-day itinerary, I cover how nearby towns and sites add balance to the trip. This approach gives context and makes the visit feel more rounded rather than rushed.
The Azores. Portugal’s Atlantic Islands
The Azores are very different from mainland Portugal. They sit in the Atlantic Ocean and feel quieter, greener, and more remote. Life here moves at a slower pace, and nature plays a central role in daily life and travel. This makes the Azores ideal if you enjoy open landscapes and calm surroundings. We thoroughly enjoyed our holiday in the Azores and it is one place we would go back to in the blink of an eye.
There are nine islands in the Azores, each with its own character. São Miguel is the largest and most visited, while islands like Pico, Faial, and Terceira offer different landscapes and experiences. Flores and Corvo are known for their wild beauty, while Santa Maria and Graciosa feel drier and calmer. This variety allows travellers to choose an island that suits their style.
For many people, the Azores are about slowing down. Walking, short drives, and nature-based stops shape most itineraries. It is a destination that rewards patience rather than rushing from one place to another.
São Miguel Island. The Green Island
São Miguel is the largest island in the Azores and is often the first choice for a visit. It offers the widest range of experiences without the need for long journeys. This makes it easy to explore different parts of the island while staying in one place.
The island is often called the Green Island, and the name fits well. Rolling hills, lakes, and lush vegetation dominate the landscape. Volcanic activity has shaped both the scenery and daily life, creating hot springs, fertile land, and dramatic viewpoints.
Nature is the main highlight of São Miguel. Green hills, crater lakes, and coastal viewpoints are spread across the island. Many natural spots are easy to reach by car and do not require long walks.
Places like Parque Natural da Ribeira dos Caldeirões in Nordeste show how accessible the island’s beauty is. Short paths, waterfalls, and shaded areas make it suitable for all fitness levels.
In my article on the natural wonders of São Miguel, I cover why the island feels so varied despite its size.
For many travellers, photos are enough to spark interest. The visual side of the islands speaks for itself - take a look at these 25 photos that will make you want to visit the Azores. The Azores are a place where nature is not just a backdrop but the main reason to visit. It is one place that I highly recommend to everyone!
Ponta Delgada
Ponta Delgada is the main town on São Miguel and the arrival point for most visitors. It has a relaxed feel and offers a good balance between local life and tourism. You will find restaurants, cafés, shops, and seafront walks here.
As covered in my guide on what to see and do in Ponta Delgada, the town is easy to explore on foot. It works well as a base, with many parts of the island reachable within a short drive. Staying here makes planning simple and flexible.
Furnas Area
Furnas is one of the most distinctive areas on São Miguel. Volcanic activity shapes the landscape and daily life here. Steam vents rise from the ground, and the smell of sulphur is part of the experience.
The area is known for its geothermal activity and thermal bathing. The volcanic complex of geothermal springs in Furnas is a key stop, offering a clear look at the island’s volcanic nature. Nearby, Terra Nostra Botanical Garden and Thermal Pools combine landscaped gardens with a warm thermal pool, which is especially popular with visitors.
Ribeira Grande
Ribeira Grande sits on the north coast of São Miguel and feels less busy than Ponta Delgada. The town has a local atmosphere and works well for a short visit or half-day stop.
In my Ribeira Grande travel guide, I cover how the town combines coastal views with historic streets. It fits easily into a wider island itinerary without feeling rushed or crowded.
Portuguese Culture and Souvenirs
Portugal places strong value on tradition, and this is easy to see as you travel around the country. Food plays a central role in daily life, with simple dishes made from local ingredients. Crafts, tiles, and design elements appear in towns and cities, from church walls to everyday buildings. These traditions are still part of modern life, not just something preserved for visitors.
Souvenirs in Portugal often reflect this cultural heritage. Decorative tiles, food items, and locally made products are among the most popular things to buy. You will find them in markets, small shops, and city centres across the country. Choosing items made or produced in Portugal is a good way to take a small part of the culture home with you.
Airports and Getting Around
Portugal is easy to reach from many parts of Europe and beyond. Most international visitors arrive by air, and the main airports are well connected. Lisbon Airport and Porto Airport serve the north and centre of the country, while Faro Airport is the main entry point for the Algarve. Ponta Delgada Airport is the key airport for the Azores and connects the islands with the mainland.
Getting around Portugal is straightforward. Trains link major cities and are reliable and affordable. They work well for routes such as Lisbon to Porto or Lisbon to Faro. Buses cover smaller towns, though journeys can take longer.
Driving gives the most flexibility, especially if you plan to explore the Algarve, rural areas, or smaller villages. Roads are generally in good condition, and signage is clear. Flights connect mainland Portugal with the Azores and Madeira, making island travel simple.
On all the occassions we have travelled to Portugal, we hired a car and loved the flexibility it offered especially in exploring smaller villages.
Currency and Practical Info
Portugal uses the Euro, which makes travel easy if you are visiting from elsewhere in the Eurozone. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in cities, hotels, and restaurants. Contactless payment is common in most tourist areas. We used our Caxton Travel Money Card for big purchases without any problems.
For smaller purchases we used cash. Cash is still useful, especially in smaller towns, local cafés and rural areas. It is worth carrying some euros for local markets and parking.
Portugal is part of the Schengen area, which allows easy movement for many travellers. Overall, it offers good value compared to many European destinations,
particularly for food, accommodation, and transport.
Portugal offers a rare balance. It is diverse without feeling overwhelming, and it allows you to combine cities, coastline, villages, and islands within one country. Travel feels easy, and the pace encourages you to slow down and enjoy where you are.
The Algarve brings sunshine, beaches, and variety, while the Azores offer nature, open space, and calm. Cities like Porto, Braga, and Lisbon add history and culture, giving depth to any trip. Portugal is a country many travellers return to, and once you visit, it is easy to understand why.