Best time to visit Portugal

If you are planning your Portuguese getaway, you might be wondering 'when is the best time to visit Portugal? Portugal is a large and diverse country, with many different travel destinations to explore. The best time to visit Portugal depends on where you're planning to go. Generally, though, the best time to travel to Portugal is during the spring, when you can enjoy warm temperatures, beautiful spring booms and rising sea temperatures. Here's a more detailed look at the best times to visit Portugal, depending on where and why you are traveling.

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Best time to visit Lisbon

Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is home to the most impressive landmarks in the country. From the famous Belem Tower to the historic streets of Alfama, a trip to Lisbon is great at any time of year. On the other hand, the summer months are known for their hot temperatures and crowds, so it might not be the best time to visit Lisbon. Instead, opt for the cooler months of March and April or September and October. You'll still be treated to pleasant weather, plus you'll be able to enjoy the sights without the crowds. If you're longing to visit Lisbon's nearby beaches, early September is a great time to visit to combine sightseeing with sunbathing!

The Azores are a volcanic archipelago and an autonomous region of Portugal. Composed of nine unique islands, a visit to the Azores is sure to captivate you with its idyllic natural landscapes. The best time to visit the Azores is in the summer, between June and September. At this time of year, you can make the most of this natural paradise. Go whale-watching, swim in the sea, explore the volcanic landscapes on a hiking trip or spot unique birdlife. It is mostly dry during the summer so this is the perfect time to get into the great outdoors and discover some of the most unique landscapes in Portugal.

Best time to travel to the Algarve

The Algarve region is the most popular vacation destination in Portugal. Filled with sandy beaches and bathed in glorious sunshine, Lagos and Albufeira are the most popular destinations for a beach break. The best time to visit Portugal for a beach break in the Algarve is during the summer. Long sunny days and warm nights ensure a perfect vacation experience. Expect relaxing days spent lounging on the beach and balmy evenings sampling the delicious local cuisine and wines. Despite this, the Algarve is a beautiful place to visit at any time of year. As well as golden beaches, the region boasts idyllic mountain scenery and plenty of charming villages to explore. If you're not interested in getting a tan, consider visiting the Algarve outside of the summer months to take advantage of lower accommodation prices.

Best time for surfing in Portugal

You can't mention a vacation to Portugal without mentioning surfing! Portugal is well-known as one of the best-surfing destinations in the world, or at least in Europe. Its rugged Atlantic Coastline is a paradise for surfing enthusiasts, in particular the town of Nazare and the coastal region of Ericeira. For experienced surfers, the best time to visit Portugal to catch great waves is during the winter. At this time of year, you will find huge swells and exciting surfing conditions. If you're not a surfer but enjoy watching the sport, this is also a great time of year to see some of the world's best surfers in action! If you're a beginner surfer, stick to the summer months, when the waters are warm and the waves are smaller, perfect for learning this challenging sport!

Creating unforgettable memories, one traveler at a time

Sintra · Portugal

Portugal

Incredible value!

There is no way we could have booked this trip for less money than Exoticca charged. We upgraded the hotel option and it was well worth it! Our guide was very knowledgeable and efficiently took us to all the best sites. It was the perfect balance between guided tours and time on our own.

Lisbon · Portugal

Portugal

Portugal tour

The tour covered a large part of the country from Lisbon to Porto and many points in between. Our tour guide, Eric, was extremely knowledgeable, passionate about his country, and made the tour even better. I typically tour on my own; however, I will definitely consider another Exoticca tour.

Porto · Portugal

Portugal

I highly recommend Exoticca for your future travels.

I had a great time exploring Portugal and I am glad I tried Exoticca. From booking to our actual trip, it was close to perfect. The hotels are very close to the city center and very clean. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable in showing us the beauty of Portugal.

Fátima · Portugal

Portugal

Book Exoticca...you will not be disappointed!

My wife and I have avoided group tours because we felt they were too limiting. This was not! We took a chance and were blown away. We will now only book a guided vacation when traveling to Europe. It's the best way to see the country, learn the history, and not have to worry about the logistics.

Obidos · Portugal

Portugal

Great trip!

Professional services, great tour guide (Anton) beautiful bus with Wi-Fi, very professional transfers. Covid tests were arranged on the bus on the last day which was great. Overall it was fantastic and I highly recommend Exoticca. We have another trip booked to Jordan and Egypt and I can’t wait!

Porto · Portugal

Portugal

We just returned from Portugal

The whole trip was great including our tour guide Eric. We enjoyed the culture, sceneries and food in Portugal. We will recommend Exoticca to our friends and family.

Lisbon · Portugal

Portugal

We had a wonderful experience

From booking to flights, hotels, bus tours, walking tours and tour guides. All of them are fantastic. My group of friends are extremely satisfied with our trip to Portugal. Not only were our eyes and stomachs full, but even our imaginations were also filled with historical events.

Lisbon · Portugal

Portugal

Guided trip to Portugal

Honestly, from the minute I landed to the time I left Portugal, I felt like I was treated like a VIP. It was wonderful to see. Well organized, exceptional customer service, and professional staff throughout the trip.

Fátima · Portugal

Portugal

The best history lesson of Portugal

Exoticca Travel tour of Portugal is the best history lesson of Portugal I have been exposed to. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable about Portugal. Our driver was patient and very skilful. The customer service was excellent. They are always available to answer questions.

Porto · Portugal

Portugal

Portugal trip Nov 2021

Good choice of hotels we stayed in with good breakfast had an excellent tour guide Anton who kept it lively and ongoing for the entire tour. Overall was a great experience and an excellent choice of sightseeing places in Portugal covered the main spots.