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Portugal Trips & Tours

Ponta da Piedade Lagos Beach in Portugal
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Visit this culture capital of Europe with Gap 360 - Portugal. This Iberian wonder is high of many travellers to see list. Spend summers lazing on the golden beaches of the Algarve, stroll the winding alleys and gothic streets of Lisbon, visit the home of Port in Porto for some exceptional food and hike along rugged coastlines.

Read more in our Portugal Travel Guide.

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Portugal Facts

Capital City

Lisbon

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Language

Portuguese

Dialling Code

+351

Plug Type

C and F

Portugal Highlights

Lisbon street in Portugal

Lisbon

Lisbon is a magical kind of place. Bright yellow trams glide along the tracks, whisking past timeless neighbourhoods where every street tells a story. Gaze out onto ocean views as you climb between Lisbon’s best viewpoints, reaching sunset-coloured rooftops. Portugal’s capital is about to take your breath away (we don’t just mean those hills!).

Praia do Camilo Beach in The Algarve, Portugal

The Algarve

The Algarve is Portugal’s southernmost region, where you can escape to dreamy beaches from one end to the next. Iconic for a reason, it’s got everything you imagine when you picture Portugal. Rugged cliffs and sea caves. Blue skies and even brighter seas. Nights that spill effortlessly from sunset drinks to clubbing. Ready for it?

Douro River in the historic Ribeira District of Porto, Portugal

Porto

Tap into Porto’s potential to become your new happy place. Café-hopping, sunset picnics overlooking the river, colourful local markets and buzzing nightlife set the scene for this undeniably stunning city. From live music to famous bookshops, there’s something for every taste here. Porto doesn’t do boring!

Sintra Portugal Europe Castle

Sintra

Not a believer in ‘Love at first sight?’ Step into Sintra, Portugal’s enchanted fairytale setting, and all of that is about to change. Wander through emerald gardens and gaze down at wishing wells. Get lost inside hilltop castles that feel straight out of a fantasy. No wonder it’s such a popular Lisbon day trip!

Surfing at the beach in Ericeira Portugal

Surfing

Ask any surfer where you’ll find the best waves in Europe… The answer is always Portugal! From sheer variety to record-breaking heights (whatever you’re picturing right now, double it), no other country comes close. Portugal is also home to beginner-friendly waves, perfect for giving it a go yourself on a lesson led by the experts.

Portugal Travel Advice

Bright purple flowers on top of white building in traditional street with blue skies

Climate & Weather

Portugal enjoys a Mediterranean climate with over 300 days of sunshine every year. Summers are hot and dry, especially further south in the Algarve Region. Whereas winters are milder with more rain up north.

January is typically Portugal’s coldest month, as temperatures average between 5℃ and 15℃ depending on where you are in the country. Meanwhile, July through August is when temperatures peak, averaging at least 25℃ to 30℃.

Lagos Algarve Beach in Portugal

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit on our Portugal tours comes down to preference. Summer (June to August) is the most popular season, and is perfect for escaping to Portugal’s stunning beaches or enjoying the city nightlife in Lisbon or Porto.

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) can also be amazing for sightseeing in cooler temperatures, whilst still enjoying the sunshine. Winter (December to February) is also favourable for budget travel.

Lisbon Portugal

Customs & Culture

Portuguese culture is relaxed and welcoming. Cultural customs are similar to those in the UK, although with a more laid-back attitude to punctuality. When visiting religious sites in Portugal, covering your knees and shoulders is encouraged.

Major highlights of visiting Portugal include trying the local cuisine, which changes depending on whether you are based in the north or south of the country, from stews to seafood. Fado music and football are also long-standing traditions.

Red and blue british passports

Passports & Visas

Entry requirements and visa regulations are different for every destination and your purpose of travel. We recommend staying updated on the latest official information before you go travelling. Your passport should be undamaged and have enough blank pages for stamps and visas. Many countries require your passport to have at least 6 months of validity beyond the date of entry.


For more information and resources regarding entry requirements, check out our Visa Advice page.

Bright blue ocean and sky with rugged cliffs and a few boats in the Algarve

Health & Safety

At Gap 360, your safety and well-being are our top priorities. From the moment your trip is confirmed until you arrive back home, you'll have access to a 24/7 emergency contact number for any urgent issues. For anything non-urgent, our friendly team is also available during office hours to help.

We strongly recommend checking the FCDO advice for Portugal, as it's regularly updated with the latest safety and travel information, and you can even sign up for email alerts to stay informed of any changes. In addition, you can check the FCDO general travel advice for British nationals abroad.

Frequently Asked Questions

It’s up to you! Portugal is one of the best countries to visit during Euro Summer, as you can enjoy hot, sunny days. Visiting during shoulder season months, like May and September to October, can also be fantastic for travellers on a budget.

Yes! Portugal is one of our favourite travel destinations in Europe. From surfer beachside towns to buzzing cities and fairytale castles, exploring Portugal is both relaxed and exciting.

Portugal is most famous for its golden beaches, surfing, football, historic cities and, of course, pastel de natas!

Yes! Portugal is Europe’s number one surfing destination, home to some of the world’s biggest waves in Nazaré! Joining a beginner-friendly surfing lesson is highly recommended, as you can find waves to suit every ability level.

Portuguese cuisine is so delicious and a real highlight of visiting here. From fresh seafood and spicy chicken to vegetable stews, franceshinas (aka the craziest sandwich you’ve ever tried!) and custardy pastel de natas, you’re spoiled for choice.

Flights to Portugal from the UK take around 2 and a half hours.

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