trip to portugal from uk

Miranda do Douro
Viana do Castelo
Corvo, The Crow Island of the Azores
Faial, The Blue Island of Azores
Flores, The Yellow Island of Azores
Graciosa, The White Island of the Azores
Pico, The Black Island of Azores
Santa Maria, The Sunshine Island of the Azores
São Jorge, The Brown Island of Azores
São Miguel, The Green Island of Azores
Terceira Island, The Festive Island of Azores
Central Portugal
Lisbon and Tagus Valley
Porto & Northern Portugal
Portugal Survival Guide
Entering Portugal
Guide to Learning Portuguese
Portugal Holidays
Average Temperatures in Portugal
Weather in Portugal
Portugal Visa Guide
Golden Visa Portugal
Portugal Digital Nomad Visa 2023
D7 Visa Guide
D2 Visa Guide
Food & Drink
History and Culture

19 Best Places to Eat Pastel de Nata in Lisbon

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While we always recommend spending as much time as possible in Portugal, 5 days is plenty of time to see the largest two cities – Porto and Lisbon.

Our 5-day Portugal itinerary starts in the beautiful city of Porto, early in the morning. We recommend flying here instead of Lisbon as flights tend to be cheaper, particularly from the US and UK.

This breathtaking city of Porto lies along the Douro river and is home to Port wine, iconic historical monuments, and francesinhas, a meat and cheese sandwich with a delicious beer sauce.

After two days in Porto, you will head to the capital of Portugal, Lisbon . The birthplace of Amália Rodrigues, the iconic Fado singer, Lisbon is rich in culture, history, and striking views.

Let’s take a look at our very own 5-day Portugal itinerary so you can make the most out of a short trip to Portugal!

Day 1: Porto

One of the oldest in Europe, Porto’s old town in the city center is a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1996, so we recommend starting there! Head to the Clérigos Tower where after climbing the steps you can enjoy a 360 view of the city.

Then take a short walk to Livraria Lello, one of the oldest bookstores in the country with over a century of history. Although it used to be free, tickets now cost €5. Kids under 3 years old have free entrance.

For lunch, check out our favorite restaurants in Porto. We recommend starting out your Porto cuisine experience with a francesinha at Casa Guedes or Tasquinha Ze Povinho.

After lunch, it’s time to unwind. Take a walk along Ribeira to enjoy the views of the Douro river. Then head to the Dom Luis I bridge that connects the Ribeira district to Vila Nova de Gaia.

Built in 1886 by designer and co-founder of the Eiffel company Théophile Seyrig, visitors can walk across the 60-meter-high bridge on the upper level of the bridge.

Walking through the 1-kilometer bridge, you will have one of the best views of the Douro river, as well as easy access to Vila Nova de Gaia.

In Vila Nova de Gaia, head to a wine tasting in a Port cellar. Caves Ferreira is one of our favorite places. Founded by a family of winemakers in 1751, Caves Ferreira is the only wine company from Porto that has always remained Portuguese throughout its history. They offer port tastings at different prices but a great option is a Classic visit for €15 per person.

For a unique experience, stay in Vila Nova de Gaia for dinner. We recommend having dinner at sunset time in the Yeatman’s restaurant. Located in a luxurious 5-star hotel, the Yeatman restaurant has 2 Michelin stars and offers one of the best views of Porto across the Douro river.

Guide to Porto

Top Hotels in Porto

NH Hotel Porto Jardim : This four-star hotel feels like its five stars. It has a 70 cm deep outdoor people, a spa a few meters away, and a gym. It is located within walking distance of main attractions like Bolhão market, Aliados Avenue, and Ribeira. If you have a dog or cat, this hotel is pet-friendly.
Vila Gale Porto : Vila Gale is a well-known chain of hotels in Portugal and is always a safe option. This one was built in 1999 and recently renovated. The hotel has a spa with an indoor pool, a gym, a restaurant, and two bars.
Hotel Premium Porto Downtown : Located in the old town, this modern 4-star hotel has a sun terrace with views of the city of Porto, the perfect place to enjoy some port wine. You’ll be close to everything you need, Santa Catarina street, Aliados Avenue, and the cathedral.

Book Tours & Activities in Porto

Day 2: Porto

Start your second day in Porto with breakfast at Confeitaria Cristal in Cedofeita, a pastry shop. We recommend the courgette and ginger cookies, as well as the classic pastel de nata with an espresso.

After breakfast, head to Aliados Avenue, one of the most popular streets in Porto. Some call it Porto’s Champs Elysées, featuring luxurious cafes and spots, such as Guarany, a famous piano bar.

The avenue also features a statue of D. Pedro IV to symbolize his battles for liberalism and courage, the perfect spot for a touristy photo.

Walk for less than 10 minutes to Igreja do Carmo. A combination of two buildings, the church is one of the oldest buildings in the historical center of Porto, one built in the 1600s and one in the 1700s. The church is built in baroque style and features blue azulejo tiles.

You can enter the church for free! However, to visit the museum, catacombs, and Casa Escondida, there is a fee of €3.50.

Then walk for less than five minutes to the Clérigos Tower where after climbing the steps you can enjoy a 360 view of the city.

For lunch, head to Chama, which offers a unique gastronomical experience. This place primarily serves grilled food and “sustainable slow-burning food.” Alternatively, head to a Cozinha do Manel, a family-run restaurant that opened in 1989. With a rustic appeal, they specialize in meat and fish dishes.

We recommend booking a tour for the afternoon. This private boat tour allows you to see the Douro river with up to four people, passing through Porto’s historic bridges and Gaia’s caves. A welcome drink is included.

Alternatively, this Porto walking tour delves into the history of Porto with a professional guide. You will get to see the UNESCO World Heritage city center in more detail and learn how Port is made.

For dinner, head to Cantinho do Avillez, founded by the famous Portuguese Chef Jose Avillez. Cantinho do Avillez is incredibly well decorated, with a retro feel and a homely environment. The restaurant offers main courses such as risotto and octopus, as well as shared tapas.

After dinner, head to a Fado house to listen to the iconic style of Portuguese music. Most fado houses offer you a Port wine glass to enjoy with the live show. Book this Fado Live Show in Porto for an intimate setting in Casa da Guitarra near Sé.

Tomorrow morning you are off to Lisbon bright and early!

Day 3: Lisbon

Get the train early to Lisbon Santa Apolonia. If you are in the historical center, you can get a ticket from Sao Bento train station to Santa Apolonia. However, the train does not go directly to Lisbon, it first rides for 5 minutes to Campanha. Alternatively, get the train directly from Campanha. The train is around 3 to 4 hours, and the tickets cost around 30 euros.

You’ll probably arrive hungry so it’s time to head for lunch. If you’re in the mood for pizza, CasaNova is a 2-minute walk from the station. This place serves delicious pizzas cooked on a wood-burning stove and offers a terrace with views of the Tagus river. Take a look at the best restaurants in Lisbon here if you are looking for alternatives.

After lunch, walk a few more minutes to Terreiro do Paco, the harbor-facing plaza and one of the largest in Portugal. Here, you can visit the Wines of Portugal Tasting Room , a large modern tasting room with shared tables and wine starting at €1.

Then, head to Alfama. The oldest neighborhood in Lisbon and the home of fado, as well as Amalia Rodrigues’ birthplace. Explore the neighborhood and look out for Fado spots, as well as historical monuments such as the Lisbon Cathedral, the Convent of the Grace, and more.

Book a wine tasting in Lisbon

Walk towards Castelo de São Jorge, a medieval castle that overlooks the historical center of Lisbon from the fifth century. During the reign of Afonso I of Portugal in the twelfth century, it was altered and made into an official Royal Palace. It was then completely restored in 1938 by the dictatorship of Salazar as part of a commemoration of Portuguese patriotism and independence. Book a ticket to skip the line .

Take tram 15E from Praca Figueira, a 10-minute walk from the castle, towards Belem. The 20-minute tram journey stops at some iconic spots such as Praca do Comercio and Santos.

Belem lies along the Tejo Estuary and is home to two UNESCO sites, Torre de Belem and Mosteiro dos Jeronimos.

Mosteiro dos Jerónimos is a former monastery in Belém constructed in Portuguese Late Gothic Manueline style and you can visit the church for free.

A 2-minute walk from the monastery, head to Pasteis de Belem where the traditional Portuguese custard tart was first invented.

Then walk towards Torre de Belem. The 30m Belem Tower was built in the 1500s in Manuelino style, like the Jerónimos monastery. It was also declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.

Belem has some great dinner spots, particularly for a sunset dinner. Portugalia Cervejaria is a classic franchise restaurant in Portugal that has tasty steak with a variety of sauces.

Alternatively, take the 30-minute train along the coast from Belem to Cascais for dinner. Head to Marisco na Praca in Cascais Marina, which serves quality seafood and fish dishes. Alternatively, at a more expensive price but even higher quality, Mar do Inferno in Boca do Inferno is one of the best seafood restaurants in Cascais, with views of the ocean.

Guide to Lisbon

Day 4: Lisbon

To start your last day in Lisbon, head to A Brasileira in Chiado, the heart of the city. A Brasileira is one of the oldest cafes in Lisbon that is still active. While it is expensive, having a coffee and toast on the terrace is a must-see experience in Lisbon for first-timers.

This main street in Chiado has many stores and boutiques for shopping, as well as Livraria Bertrand. Livraria Bertrand holds the Guinness world record for the world’s oldest bookstore still in operation, founded in 1732.

Then walk for 5 minutes towards Santa Justa Lift, also known as Elevador do Carmo, a 45m tall elevator built by Raoul Mesnier in 1902, an architecture student of the man who built the Eiffel Tower. Its purpose was functional, but now it has turned into one of the most popular tourist attractions. From the top of the lift, you can enjoy a view of the Baixa Pombalina.

For lunch, go to Cevicheria, a restaurant specializing in Portuguese cuisine and the traditional Peruvian dish, ceviche. We recommend trying the Portuguese ceviche, with octopus, codfish, and potatoes, as well as the tuna and foie gras ceviche.

For a more authentic Portuguese restaurant with a more relaxed environment, head to Adega da Tia Matilde, a Lisbon local favorite for decades. Well-known for its friendly hospitality, Adega da Tia Matilde has some of the best duck dishes and large shrimps in the city.

After lunch, book a guided tour of the city so you can see as much as possible in the little time you have in Lisbon.

This 3-hour tuk-tuk tour of the city goes through the city’s oldest neighborhoods and main attractions, riding up and down the hills of Lisbon (which you do not want to walk).

If you want more flexibility, book this 24-hour bus ticket in the morning which allows you to visit different routes and hop in as you would like.

After your tour, head to Principe Real to explore. One of the trendiest neighborhoods in Lisbon, Principe Real has the best restaurant, bars, and art galleries in the city, as well as stunning nineteenth-century buildings and plenty of green spaces.

Have dinner at BouBou’s in Principe Real, a restaurant offering a variety of international dishes from pork belly, and octopus to lamb kebabs. This place has an outdoor patio with sparkling lights and banana trees, perfect for enjoying one of their cocktails.

After dinner, walk to Bairro Alto, the most popular bar area where the nightlife comes to life. We recommend Ze dos Bois Gallery, a musical center that has live music and serves tasty drinks.

Top Hotels in Lisbon

Inspira Liberdade Boutique Hotel: Awarded the Best Luxury Green Hotel in 2019, Inspira Liberdade provides a relaxing Feng-Shui vibe for its guests. The hotel has a SPA, fitness room, bar, and a restaurant with Portuguese food called Pen Brasserie Mediterrânica.
Selena Secret Garden : The hostel also has a rooftop deck, CoWork space for professionals, and a movie room. In the heart of Cais do Sodre, you are close to contemporary art galleries, bars with riverfront views, and within walking distance to Chiado.
Bairro Alto Hotel: This hotel is situated in the best location in Lisbon, between Bairro Alto and Chiado, in an 18th-century building in central Lisbon. The hotel features a restaurant with award-winning Chef Nuno Mendes and Executive Chef Bruno Rocha.

Day 5: Fly Back!

You can fly back home from Lisbon Airport, or you can take the train back to Campanha and fly from Porto Airport. If you’ve enjoyed your trip so much you want to come back soon for longer, take a look at our 14-day itinerary to Portugal.

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Information for Travelling to Portugal from UK

Anyone travelling to Portugal from UK and other Schengen countries will have to apply for an ETIAS Visa Waiver. This change will also apply to all visa-exempt countries, beginning in 2025.

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Welcome to Europe

What do I need to know when Travelling to Portugal from UK?

All visitors travelling to Portugal from UK will need to use the newly updated travel authorization system called ETIAS. For a complete list of the eligible countries, please visit our homepage. Portugal is one of the most visited countries in the world. There are many reasons for this. Portugal attracts close to 30 million tourists annually due to its rich history, vibrant culture, and fascinating architecture. Portugal has been deemed one of the best countries to travel to in Europe. Thanks to its stunning coastline and diverse cities, there’s so much to look forward to on a trip to Portugal. The stunning cities of Lisbon, Oporto, and Braga, as well as the incredible landscapes of Lagoa, are just a few of the many attractions that Portugal has to offer. Lisbon is the most visited place in Portugal. Every year, Lisbon draws more than 6 million tourists from around the world. Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in Europe and ranks high on the list of Europe’s most beautiful cities. Tourists love to visit the Torre de Belem and the newly designed MAAT museum. They also enjoy shopping at Mercado da Ribeira and taking in the stunning views from the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte. And why not visit nearby Sintra and Cabo de Roca, some of the most scenic places in Europe?For many years, Portugal has been a popular vacation spot for Britons and international tourists from all over the globe. British citizens previously just needed a valid passport biometric to obtain visa-free entry into Portugal. All British citizens and foreign travellers must now submit an ETIAS visa waiver request online and get confirmation before traveling to Portugal.

Due to the ongoing global COVID-19 epidemic, the Government of Portugal may impose further travel and border restrictions and restrictions. These changes to Portugal’s border security policy will be made without regard to the ETIAS travel authorization program. Regardless, you can be sure that we are committed to all international travellers who have placed their trust in us. We will continue to put in great effort so that our website always has the most current information.

Why should you be travelling to Portugal from UK?

Portugal is one of the most famous destinations for international travellers to Europe. Britons, Spaniards, and Brazilians love the country’s atmosphere and culture. Portugal is also one of the top countries in the world for quality of living. It means that the country offers great outdoor activities, a healthy lifestyle, and delicious cuisine for locals and foreigners alike. Moreover, Portugal is much cheaper than other Southern European countries like France, Spain, or Italy. Visitors travelling to Portugal from UK adore it’s sandy beaches and sunny weather. Algarve is one of the most renowned vacation spots on the continent, with cities such as Albufeira and Faro known for their vistas and idyllic coastlines. But Portugal is also an incredibly history-rich country. Once asprawling, seafaring empire, Portugal displays the wealth and pride of a former superpower. Cities like Lisbon and Porto offer tasteful urban landscapes and architectural jewels. There are dozens of museums rated among the top in the world in the country.Portugal also has a long artistic tradition in literature, painting, technology, and architecture.British citizens looking to travel to Portugal will undoubtedly enjoy the sunny days and sightseeing of the main attractions. The cuisine is simply exquisite, merging different styles and influences from local and foreign traditions. Seafood is ubiquitous, and the world-known Pasteis de Nata delicacies are an absolute treat for your taste buds!

Portugal ETIAS FAQ

These are quick answers to many frequently asked questions regarding the ETIAS Visa Waiver Program that will be available in 2025. Are you having trouble finding what you are looking for? Don’t hesitate to reach out! Our Customer Support team is always available to assist you.

Do I need ETIAS when travelling to Portugal from UK?

Yes. When you are travelling to Portugal from UK you must submit an electronic application via the Portugal ETIAS website before travelling to Portugal and other countries in the Schengen region. This will be required as soon as the new visa waiver program becomes compulsory in 2025. There will be an initial grace period of six months for both international travellers as well as border officials to help them get to know the changes in the Schengen policy. International travellers without valid ETIAS authorisation will be denied entry into Portugal and other countries ETIAS Portugal countries after the initial grace period ends.

Do minors also need an ETIAS when travelling to Portugal from UK?

Yes. Minors and children travelling to Portugal from UK require an ETIAS Application Portugal to enter the Schengen area country. The new Portugal ETIAS travel authorization process applies to minors and children as well. The only difference is that the parent or guardian of the travelling child must submit an ETIAS form on their behalf.

How can I obtain my ETIAS authorization when travelling to Portugal from UK?

You will need a valid passport when travelling to Portugal from UK. You also need an email address to confirm your ETIAS rejection or approval. You will also need to pay the processing fee for your Portugal ETIAS request using a credit or debit card.You will also be required to provide your full legal name, address, and other personal information during the ETIAS visa waiver online application. The system will present you with a few security questions about your travel history and criminal records. Please visit our Requirements page for a complete list and description of all the documents you will need for your ETIAS application.The online ETIAS Visa Portugal will take less than 10 minutes for most applicants. Most travellers will be notified by email within 24 hours of submitting their application. Border officials may flag a new application as suspicious only on rare occasions. These officials may request additional information or supporting documents, or even a face-to-face interview, in rare instances. For your ETIAS visa waiver to be processed, please allow at least 96 hours (4 days) to ensure safety. This will ensure that you have enough time to address any issues that might arise during the application process.

Is it possible to study or work using my Portugal ETIAS visa waiver?

No. The Portugal ETIAS visa waiver does not constitute a visa for the Schengen area. You must apply to your local consulate for the proper work visa if you plan to work in Portugal or another Schengen country. The same applies to student visas to Portugal.

Can UK residents travel to Europe?

UK residents can generally travel to Europe, but entry requirements differ between countries, especially in light of the pandemic. Some European countries may require a visa, proof of vaccination, negative COVID-19 test results, or quarantine upon arrival, so it’s essential to research each destination’s specific regulations.

How long can UK visitors stay in Portugal?

UK visitors can stay in Portugal for up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism, family visits, or business purposes without needing a visa. If you wish to stay longer or for a different reason, you may need to apply for a visa or residence permit.

Can I work in Portugal as a UK citizen?

As a UK citizen, you can work in Portugal, but you’ll need to obtain the appropriate work visa or residence permit. Since the UK is no longer part of the EU, you’ll need to follow the procedures for non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals, which may include securing a job offer and meeting certain criteria before applying for the necessary permits.

Is Portugal cheap or expensive?

Compared to many Western European countries, Portugal is relatively affordable. The cost of living, including accommodation, dining, and transportation, is generally lower than in countries like the UK, France, or Germany. However, prices can vary depending on the location within Portugal. Major cities like Lisbon and Porto or popular tourist destinations in the Algarve region can be more expensive, while smaller towns and rural areas tend to be cheaper. As a traveler, your expenses will depend on your preferences, itinerary, and the level of luxury you desire during your trip.

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Flights to Portugal

It’s impossible to imagine Portugal without thinking of Lisbon, its effortlessly cool capital city. But there’s so much more to this magical country than meets the eye. From fairytale medieval castles to verdant vineyards, dramatic cliffs and sun-kissed golden beaches, Portugal’s mix of contemporary influences and old-world European charm is irresistible.

Our cheapest flights to Portugal

A cultural feast for the senses.

British Airways makes it easy to explore the best of Portugal with direct flights to popular destinations.

Take an old bright-yellow wooden tram through Lisbon on your way to a Portuguese tapas feast, or fly direct to Porto and walk along the Douro River, stopping for a tasting at one of the city’s famous port lodges.

If you’re looking to truly unwind on holiday in portugal , head to the calm blue waters and sandy beaches of the Algarve , where luxurious resorts and quaint fishing villages meet to offer delicious food and beautiful scenery. Or immerse yourself in tranquility with the lush botanical gardens and dramatic landscapes of Madeira , often voted one of Europe’s top island destinations. Book your flights to Portugal with us today.

Flight time

Portugal flight faqs.

While the average flight time from London to Lisbon is 2 hours and 30 minutes, the flight to Faro or Porto is only 2 hours and 20 minutes. Flights to Madeira take a little longer at just under 4 hours.

We frequently fly to Portugal from London Heathrow Airport (LHR), with a number of different flight times every week.

The cheapest month to fly to Portugal is generally January. Keep an eye out for our special offers or search our low fare finder.

One of the most affordable European countries to visit, Portugal’s hilltop villages, charming cities and golden beaches offer a range of experiences at a variety of price points. Local cuisine is simple but delicious, featuring plenty of seafood and authentic fare at reasonable prices.

It’s relatively easy to travel around Portugal, even without a car, and Lisbon and Porto are both compact cities that are perfect for walking. A scenic train ride from Lisbon to Porto takes only three hours or sit back and let us take care of everything with one of our exciting Portugal holiday packages.

If you want to go off the beaten path and explore Portugal in your own time, hire a car with British Airways and collect Avios on every rental..

You can book a hand baggage-only ticket or make the most of our generous baggage allowance. If you choose economy standard or one of our British Airways Holidays’ packages, each passenger can check in a bag weighing up to 23kg – in addition to a handbag, laptop case or other small bag. Families travelling in any cabin with younger children can also check in one car seat and one fully collapsible pushchair. Read more about baggage allowances for children .

If you’re flying in our business cabin, you can check in two bags weighing up to 32kg each. Read our baggage guide for full details.

If you travel to Portugal with a valid British passport and stay for less than 90 days, a visa is not required. For more visa information, visit the IATA Travel Centre .

Discover outstanding service from the moment you book. Choose to fly with hand baggage only or pick a price that includes a 23kg checked baggage allowance and free seat selection 24 hours before you fly. On board you’ll find HEPA-filtered air, quality on-board catering and a warm, uniquely British welcome.

Simply relax and let us take care of you, every step of the way.

Portugal highlights

Spend an afternoon exploring the narrow lanes of Alfama, the city’s oldest neighbourhood
Have an authentic pastel de nata ( the original custard tart) at the iconic bakery Pastéis de Belém
Take the scenic route and ride the yellow number 28 tram through Lisbon’s historic sites
Ride the cable car from Funchal to Monte and explore the magnificent Monte Palace Tropical Gardens
Go for a ‘Skywalk’ on the cliffs of Cabo Girão and see the most incredible views of the Madeira coastline
Watch the sunrise from Pico do Arieiro, Madeira’s third highest peak
Go for a port wine tasting and tour of the historic wine lodges across the River Douro
Explore the Casa de Serralves, a contemporary art museum with extensive gardens
Sample the freshest seafood at Matosinhos, a fishing village and beach popular with locals

All our cabins offer the same great – and uniquely British – experience. Choose your perfect way to fly, from economy to business.

Our Euro Traveller cabin offers all the touches you need to enjoy your flight at an affordable price.

Work or relax in our Club Europe cabin and enjoy lounge access, a dedicated check-in area and more personal space.

Top 20 Portugal Travel Tips Every Visitor Should Know

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Life in Portugal , Lifestyle and culture

Top 20 Portugal travel tips
Portugal is a top European destination

Travelling to Portugal is exciting and intriguing because the culture and the language might not be what you are used to. Here you will find the 20 most useful tips for planning your trip to Portugal. I’ll give you tips on moving around the country or the city, what to do and what to eat, staying safe and what to do when you have to sadly leave the country.

When and where to go

1. avoid july and august.

Due to Portugal’s mild climate and proximity to the ocean, the summer vacation season is by far the most popular among travellers. You can clearly witness this in July and August, especially in Lisbon and in the Algarve, as the city centres get packed to the point that it is almost impossible to pass through the narrow Portuguese sidewalks (“calçadas”). A good time to travel to Portugal is around May, June, September and October, when the sun is not excessively hot, but the weather is warm enough to go to the beach or simply visit the historical sites without overheating. Moreover, the amount of tourists will be significantly lower and you will be able to enjoy the sights without having to queue up for ages.

2. Book accommodation and flights in advance

Partially due to the previously discussed reasons, but also due to the size of the main attraction points, such as Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve, the number of accommodation options is rather limited compared to the amount of visitors, especially during the peak season. Therefore, we highly recommend you to arrange a place as much in advance as possible. You will also save money by booking a rare and affordable find which is usually occupied throughout the year. The same go for long-distance transport and international flights to Portugal . Momondo , the travel comparison website, offers an insight tool that indicates the cheapest periods to travel to Lisbon (or any other worldwide destination), how many days in advance you should book and what’s the best day of the week to travel. The website is available in several languages and from different destinations by changing the settings on the bottom right corner of the page.

3. Ask for a ventilator (fan) in the summer and a heater in the winter

While this might seem like an obvious add-on for any tourist accommodation, don’t take this for granted when visiting Portugal! Most of the houses were built to stay cool in the summer and keep the heat in the winter, therefore it’s not customary to have central heating or air-conditioning installed in most buildings. Usually modern hotels will include this service, though if you’re staying in a rented apartment it is best to double-check with the landlords if air-conditioning or a ventilator are provided during the hot months and a heater is available during the winter months. This way you will avoid unpleasant stays in overly hot or cold apartments!

4. There is more to Portugal than Lisbon

We know, we know… Lisbon is highly spoken of on many media channels and strongly recommended by almost anyone who visits it. However, it is not the only great place that Portugal has to offer. Other very worthwhile destinations in the north of Portugal are:

Guimarães ;
Vila Real ;
Bragança ; and

For the south, you should try:

Costa Vicentina; and

And of course not forgetting the stunning archipelagos of Madeira and the Azores in the Atlantic Ocean. Since these alternatives are usually smaller cities compared to Lisbon, you could opt for organising a multi-city trip with one day stays, rather than spending an entire week in the same place. Continental Portugal is well-connected with smooth highways as well as long-distance train and bus routes. However, there are some hard to reach places such as Gerês and Costa Vicentina, for which we suggest renting a car or a van . The same goes for the archipelagos, which do not have a well developed public transport system, though would require at least three days for visiting.

5. If you still decide to go to Lisbon…

…then be prepared for massive amounts of people in the city centre and the tourist attractions especially in the warmer months and peak season. Lisbon is definitely a must-visit place in Portugal and in recent years it has gone through a lot of changes due to increased tourism, which has also contributed greatly to the local economy. However, the streets and houses weren’t built to host such large crowds, so you will very likely find yourself queuing just to cross the street. How do you escape the tourist crowds? Here are some not so well-known areas where you can enjoy the same cultural spirit of Lisbon. Start from the area called Avenidas Novas with its wide avenues and neoclassical architecture style until you reach Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian , where you can enjoy a beautiful garden and fascinating art galleries; continue walking westbound until you reach the top of the vast Parque Eduardo VII, from where you can admire an endless viewpoint across the city, the river and Almada . Then take the yellow (“amarela”) Metro line from Marquês de Pombal to Rato and walk up to Jardim da Estrela, a lovely oasis in the middle of old Lisbon, and then go to the nearby Basílica da Estrela, one of the most beautiful churches in Lisbon. The next stop is the lookout (“miradouro”) at Panorâmico de Monsanto, a restaurant built in the 1960s on top of a large green hill, then abandoned due to bankruptcy and recently reopened to the public. We recommend taking a taxi up there, the view is really worth it. When you head back down, finish off the day by visiting the Palácio Nacional da Ajuda , which stands at the foot of the hill and is the former residence of the Portuguese royal family. Bonus tip for the tireless ones is the Museu Nacional do Azulejo , also known as the National Tile Museum. It is surprisingly one of the most interesting and beautiful museums in Lisbon, which tells the story of the traditional Portuguese tiles, their production and style over the centuries.

Getting around the country or the cities

6. rent a car if you’re planning a multi-city trip.

This tip is partially related to visiting more than just Lisbon, but it’s also valid if you want to want to organise a road trip across continental Portugal. Those who live here will know that having a car can unlock many hidden gems that would otherwise be hard to reach with public transport. Some of the suggested routes are: A southbound journey along the coast from Lisbon all the way until the Algarve . A city-hopping trip among the northern Portugal cities like the ones mentioned in tip number four. A tour through one of the several natural parks, such as:

Parque Nacional Peneda-Gerês ;
Parque Natural do Douro Internacional;
Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela ;
Parque Natural da Serra de S. Mamede; and
Parque Natural do Vale do Guadiana.

Visiting a vineyard for a day in the Setúbal, Alentejo or Douro region. You may need to find a designated driver for this trip if you plan to taste some of the sumptuous Portuguese wines . You can easily rent a car directly from any Portuguese airport, however there are some restrictions which you can check in our article: Car Rentals in Portugal: Expert Advice to Save You Time and Money

7. Get a rechargeable Metro card if in Lisbon or Porto

If you’re visiting Lisbon or Porto, which happen to be the only two cities in Portugal with a Metro system, we highly advise that you to use local public transport to move around the city rather than driving a car, as traffic can get pretty intense and finding parking may turn into an Odyssey. The main advantage of the rechargeable Metro card is that you can use the same one on the Metro, local trains, buses, trams and even the ferry in Lisbon. The disadvantage is that you can only charge it in specific authorised points, such as newspaper kiosks and Metro stations. However, if you know someone in Portugal, they can charge your card at a Multibanco machine or for Lisbon’s Viva cards, they can charge it at home via the Viva website. So make sure to top it up with some extra cash or simply pick the daily pass. Just keep in mind that you can use only one card per person and ticket controls are rather frequent. In Lisbon, it is worth buying a 7 Colinas or a Viva Viagem card, which can be bought in any Metro station. The reusable 7 Colinas card can be purchased for one or five days. Both of these cards are valid for a whole year so hang on to it if you are planning on coming back to Lisbon. Each trip is about Є1.45 by using these cards and an average price per day would be about Є3.15.

8. Relax and learn how to be patient

This might sounds strange to some of you, but it actually is a very important tip: be patient and do not put other people in a rush. Portuguese people like to take things easy (especially in the countryside) and do not have an elaborate concept of doing things in a fast manner, which might be irritating for some people at first. Instead try to embrace the slow pace of the Portuguese culture and use it as an excuse to unwind from the fast city life rhythm. You’ll find yourself slowly strolling through the streets while embracing the magical light of Portugal, spending three hours at the restaurant finishing off a delicious meal with a glass of Port wine or a brandy (“aguardente”), or simply enjoying an espresso at a viewpoint while gazing into the horizon. One thing is guaranteed: going back to work will be very, very hard upon your return.

9. Pack comfortable shoes

We previously mentioned the sidewalks in Portugal (“calçada portuguêsa”), so here’s a little tip related to it: it’s not the most friendly type of pavement, so pack your sneakers and leave your high heels at home. Pavements in Portugal are usually made of small square cobblestones. The streets are covered in beautiful mosaic patterns symbolising the elements of nature and history of the country. This type of construction has the purpose of being highly resistant to direct sunlight and heat, however, they get extremely slippery when wet or just on a steep hill. We recommend you watch your step and wear your most comfortable pair of shoes while in Portugal.

10. Be careful of the strong sun

This tip is especially directed to the fair skinned traveller, like myself, who easily burn in the sun. Be prepared: the Portuguese sun can be very strong even in the winter! So if you’re one of those who become red as lobsters after five minutes in direct sunlight, we suggest to stay in the shadows, use sunscreen with protection 50+ in the summer, and wear a hat and sunglasses especially if you’re spending the entire day out. You can usually buy sunscreen at any pharmacy, supermarket or night shop, however a flask of 200 ml can cost more than €10, so it might be better to bring some from home in your checked in luggage.

What to do and what to eat

11. museums are free on the first sunday of the month.

Many Portuguese cities have great museums with unique collections of art from ancient history to modern art. We recommend you to check their schedules beforehand as they’re often closed on Mondays and stop admitting visitors between 5 and 7pm. What’s good to know is that many of them are free on the first Sunday of the month, though you should still check this information per museum as they do have exceptions. For visitors to Lisbon, you might like: Top 15 Museums in Lisbon: For Lovers of History and Art

12. Avoid the tourist trap restaurants

This is particularly true for bigger tourist destinations, such as Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve, however with the increasing amount of visitors, you can notice the prices rising in many parts of Portugal. How do you recognise a tourist trap restaurant? They will usually have a very insistent host who will chase you down the street just to get you to eat at their restaurant, they will have a poorly translated menu with pictures of the food hanging at the door and completely inflated prices for drinks and side dishes or no prices displayed at all. If you’re not sure whether the restaurant that you want to go is a tourist trap or not, always ask the price of anything that you order or is brought to your table and thoroughly check the bill at the end of the meal. Tourists traps are easily spotted in the city centres and crowded streets and squares.

13. Couverts are not for free

As a continuation to the previous tip, you should know that the bread, cheese and olives waiting for you at the table at not for free. Ever! If you decide to touch any of it, it counts as a consumption, so if you don’t want to pay for them, kindly ask the waiter to take them back. Some restaurants will count the couvert per person, so make sure to check the prices on the menu in case you can’t keep your hands away from these tasty little appetisers.

14. Tascas are a lifestyle

Tasca is a Portuguese word for “tavern” or “bar” which is very specific to our country due its distinguishing traits. For example, a Tasca is usually a small family run business with a grumpy, yet charming older lady as the cook and a seemingly rude but caring husband running the front bar. The type of food you can expect is what a Portuguese person eats at their grandmother’s house in a small setting that resembles a living room. Another recognisable element of a Tasca are the incredibly cheap prices. In Lisbon you can easily find a Tasca with a lunch menu for €7 including a main dish, a drink and a coffee! While in Porto and other cities, the price can get as low as €5. Disclaimer: if you’re not a meat or fish lover, then you’re probably going to have to settle with an omelette or a salad!

15. Vegetarians be careful!

As mentioned in the last point, unfortunately there aren’t that many options when it comes to vegetarian (not to mention vegan) food. While this type of cuisine is gradually evolving more and more in the bigger cities, don’t expect to find any vegetarian options in the countryside or small towns. Moreover, be sure to ask for the ingredients of any dish that you order, because even vegetable soups are sometimes made with “chouriço”, a traditional Portuguese sausage used to give flavour. Great vegetarian and vegan options can be found in the supermarket/cafeteria chain “Celeiro” in the main cities. For more on vegan food, you might like: Being Vegan in Lisbon, Your Plant-based Food Guide for Portugal’s Capital

16. Enjoy the fresh fish and seafood

If you’re ok eating fish and seafood , don’t miss the chance to try them in Portugal! It’s the paradise for foodies thanks to the ample choice of products freshly delivered on the day even to the smallest Lisbon restaurants . The most commonly known dish is “Bacalhau à Brás”, made from shredded salted cod, which is ironically imported from Norway yet considered to be the national Portuguese dish eaten throughout the year and especially on Christmas Eve. Other options include:

Creamy seafood risotto, usually made with the catch of the day such as shrimps and varieties of fish;
Orata or bream, known in Portuguese as “dourada”; and
Snook, called “robalo” by the locals.

If you happen to be in Lisbon around June, you must try grilled sardines, the symbol of the city and typically consumed on a piece of bread during the Popular Saints festivals (“Festas dos Santos Populares”).

Staying safe in Portugal

17. beware of pickpockets.

This is strongly notable in Lisbon, but can also happen elsewhere, that pickpockets are wherever the tourist goes. In order to avoid unpleasant situations, make sure you do not put any valuables in the pockets of your pants or jacket, avoid using open handbags, and keep an eye on your backpack. Pickpockets in Portugal are not likely to be aggressive, but in case you catch one during the act, the best thing to do is not to fight them and simply call for help. In the unfortunate event of losing a valuable belonging, immediately go to the local police. In some cases they might be able to retrieve a stolen wallet with your documents inside (though it will be cashless).

18. Parking helpers expect money

So you decided to rent a car in the city and now you’re on the Odyssey of finding a parking spot. First of all, we wish you the best of luck! Secondly, be careful of the people who volunteer to help you park. They are expecting money in return for their kind gesture. Unless you really can’t find any other place where to park, our personal advice is to give them some coins to avoid any bad reaction from their side, such as a scratched car or a broken window.

When you are leaving Portugal

19. avoid long queues at the airports.

It’s the end of your stay and you’re already starting to miss your vacation in Portugal. Oh, how much “saudade”! Be prepared though, the airport controls are still ahead. Many flights connecting to the Lisbon , Porto and Faro airports are operated by low-fare airlines, which means they’re located in small and not so efficient terminals. If you’re travelling during the high season, make sure to arrive at the airport at least three hours in advance as the queues for the security check in might be extremely long. It often happens that visitors do miss their flight because of this and you definitely don’t want to be one of them (unless you’re subconsciously trying to remain in the county, in which case we totally get you).

20. The best souvenirs are cheese, wine and olive oil

Forget about fridge magnets and bottle openers, the best souvenirs you can bring back home are food and drinks! We strongly recommend you to spend a little extra on the checked-in luggage and go crazy on your food shopping in a local market, rather than buying the same products at the airport for double the price. Make sure, though, that the cheese is vacuum packed as it can be confiscated at the security check. Portugal produces great creamy and curated cheeses. A must-try is Queijo da Serra and Queijo da Ilha, both commonly available in the supermarkets.

Bonus tip: Learn some survival Portuguese

You’ll be positively surprised at the level of English the younger generations of Portuguese people speak. In fact, TV shows in Portugal are not dubbed and therefore their English language education starts at an early age, so you’ll have no problem communicating with the locals. However, they will really appreciate it if you could say at least a few words in their language as it shows an effort of understanding the Portuguese culture. Here are some useful words and sentences for your stay in Portugal: Hello = Olá Good morning = Bom dia Good afternoon = Boa tarde Good evening/night = Boa noite How are you? = Tudo bem? Goodbye = Adeus or Tchau! See you later = Até já Thank you = Obrigado if you are a man or Obrigada if you are a woman You’re welcome = De nada Help me = Ajuda-me Please = Por favor Sorry = Desculpe Excuse me/Pardon me (to ask to pass by someone) = Com licença I don’t speak Portuguese well = Eu não falo bem português I don’t understand = Eu não percebo Do you speak English? = Fala inglês? How much is it? = Quanto custa? Where is…? = Onde é…? Today = Hoje Tomorrow = Amanhã Yes = Sim No = Não One = Um for a masculine object and Uma for a feminine object Two= Dois for masculine objects and Duas for feminine objects Three = Três Breakfast = Pequeno-almoço Lunch = Almoço Dinner = Jantar The bill please = A conta por favor If you would like to learn a few more Portuguese phrases, check out: Learning Essential Phrases in Portuguese for Your Visit to Portugal

Portugal has become one of the most popular European destinations in the last years thanks to its favourable climate, affordable prices and timeless beauty. With over 23 million visitors in 2017, the main cities have quickly started to adapt for welcoming an increasing amounts of travellers. That’s it for the 20 tips of travelling in Portugal! We truly hope that you will find them useful and enjoy your stay in this beautiful country. Did this article help you plan for your trip to Portugal? Let us know in the comments below if you have any more tips for fellow readers. Be sure to catch all the latest tips and advice from bePortugal for your visit to Portugal by subscribing to our FREE newsletter .

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Train travel in europe..., train travel in asia..., train travel in africa..., train travel in america..., train travel in australasia, london to lisbon by train, train times, fares, tickets.

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Interactive map: click a route, useful country information, london to lisbon & porto.

This used to be easy, using the famous Sud Express sleeper train from the French border to Lisbon. However, the Sud Express was suspended in March 2020 due to the pandemic, Renfe (Spanish Railways) used that as an excuse to discontinue it and another famous train name disappeared from the timetables after 134 years. A fast Madrid-Lisbon daytime train may appear in 2027 using new & rebuilt high-speed lines, but in the meantime there are just two cross-border routes between Spain & Portugal: The Celta regional express from Vigo to Porto and a twice-daily railcar from Badajoz to Entroncamento which form part of a slow but interesting 3-train combo from Madrid to Lisbon . Journeys from the UK to Portugal currently have to use one of these trains, or a bus from Seville to Faro .

Which route to choose?

For Lisbon, option 1 via Barcelona & Madrid is fastest and easiest. However for Porto, it's better to use options 2 or 3 via Vigo. Going via Barcelona & Vigo is arguably easier, going via San Sebastian & Vigo often has cheaper fares, both take more or less the same time. Your choice of route may also depend on where you want to stop off, Barcelona or San Sebastian are both great cities. By all means go out one way, back the other!

Option 1, London to Lisbon via Barcelona & Madrid

This is the fastest route to Lisbon. You can travel from London to Lisbon with just one overnight stop in Barcelona if you don't mind early starts and late arrivals, or you can spread it out over 2 nights with overnight stops in Paris and Madrid. I explain both 1-night and 2-night journeys below. You can stop off in Paris, Barcelona or Madrid if you like, it makes no difference to the price.

London ► Lisbon (overnight in Barcelona)

Day 2, travel from Barcelona to Madrid by Ouigo high-speed train , leaving Barcelona Sants at 06:15 arriving Madrid Atocha 09:15.

Ouigo is a lo-cost operator, check luggage limits carefully. Fares start from only €9.

Alternatively, on Mondays-Fridays you may prefer to use a full-service Iryo high-speed train leaving Barcelona Sants at 05:45 arriving Madrid Atocha 08:28. Or on Mondays-Saturdays, a full-service Renfe AVE leaves Barcelona Sants at 05:50 arriving Madrid Atocha 09:10. It's your call!

See the Barcelona-Madrid page for more about these trains & operators . I'd allow at least 1 hour in Madrid between trains.

Day 2, travel from Madrid Atocha to Lisbon Santa Apolonia as shown here using the daily 10:55 departure from Madrid Atocha via Badajoz & Entroncamento, arriving Lisbon Santa Apolonia 22:25.

London ► Lisbon (overnights in Paris & Madrid)

The last Eurostar leaves London St Pancras at 20.01 arriving Paris Gare du Nord 23:18, but by all means book an earlier one.

Eurostar has two cafe-bars, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. Standard Premier & Business Premier fares include breakfast.

Day 2, travel from Paris to Barcelona by TGV Duplex , leaving Paris Gare de Lyon at 09:42 and arriving Barcelona Sants at 16:31.

This impressive 320 km/h (199 mph) double-deck TGV Duplex has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. It's a comfortable & scenic journey - I recommend an upper deck seat for the best views as the train speeds along the scenic Rhône valley past pretty French villages & picturesque churches, then look out for colonies of flamingos on the étangs in southern France, click here for the sights to see from the train on the way .

Day 3, travel from Madrid to Lisbon by a 3-train daytime combo, leaving Madrid Atocha at 08:50 daily except Sundays via Badajoz & Entroncamento, arriving Lisbon Santa Apolonia 17:00 or leaving Madrid Atocha 10:55 every day, arriving Lisbon Santa Apolonia 22:25, as explained on the Madrid to Lisbon page .

See map of Lisbon showing Santa Apolonia & Oriente stations .

Lisbon ► London (overnight in Barcelona)

Day 1, travel from Lisbon to Madrid by 3-train combo, leaving Lisbon Santa Apolonia at 08:00 daily, changing at Entroncamento & Badajoz, arriving Madrid Atocha at 19:44, as explained on the Madrid to Lisbon page .

Day 1, travel from Madrid to Barcelona by AVE , leaving Madrid Atocha daily except Saturdays at 21:10, arriving Barcelona Sants 23:40.

On Saturdays (or any day of the week if it has cheaper fares), leave Madrid Atocha at 20:40, arriving Barcelona Sants 23:55.

Lisbon ► London (overnight in Madrid)

Or there's a later departure leaving Lisbon Santa Apolonia at 12:20 daily except Saturdays, change Entroncamento & Badajoz, arriving Madrid Atocha 22:04, also explained on the Madrid to Lisbon page .

How much does it cost ?

London to Paris by Eurostar starts at £52 one-way or £78 return in standard class, £97 one-way, £168 return standard premier (1st class).

Paris to Barcelona by TGV starts at €39 each way in 2nd class, €59 in 1st class. More details here .

Barcelona to Madrid by AVE starts starts at €17.05 in standard class or €68.05 in comfort class. Fares vary like air fares.

Barcelona to Madrid by lo-cost operator Ouigo starts at as little as €9.

Madrid to Lisbon by 3-train combo costs around €59 each way, more details here .

How to buy tickets

When do reservations open?

Madrid-Badajoz trains often only go on sale only weeks ahead, this is normal for Renfe, go ahead and book the other trains and leave this till last. Badajoz-Lisbon trains open 60 days ahead. You can book hotels risk-free before booking trains using www.booking.com with free cancellation.

Before you start, note down each specific individual train you need and the travel date, using the information above.

How to buy tickets by phone

It's better to book online. But to buy tickets by phone, call International Rail on 0844 248 248 3, lines open 09:00-17:00 Monday-Friday. Overseas callers call +44 844 2482483. For more about buying European train tickets, see the How to buy European train tickets page .

Or let Byway arrange it

Byway ( Byway.travel ) is a UK-based eco-holiday firm with a 5-star TrustPilot rating . If you're nervous about booking train travel yourself, book a UK-Portugal train trip through Byway as a package, including hotels and starting from any British station you like. Byway includes package protection, a 100% Covid refund guarantee, free disruption & re-planning and on-demand WhatsApp support while you're away.

To see pre-configured packages from London to Faro, Porto or Lisbon, use the journey planner on their website .

What's the journey like?

1. London to Paris by Eurostar

Eurostar trains link London & Paris in 2h20, travelling at up to 300 km/h (186 mph). There are two bar cars, power sockets at all seats and free WiFi. Standard Premier and Business Premier fares include a light meal with wine (or breakfast, on departures before 11:00). There's a 30-minute minimum check-in as all border formalities are carried out before you board the train. More about Eurostar & check-in procedure . St Pancras station guide . Paris Gare du Nord station guide . How to change trains & stations in Paris by metro or taxi .

2. Paris to Barcelona by TGV See video guide . More information about this journey.

TGV Duplex at Paris Gare de Lyon. These 320 km/h double-deckers link Paris with Barcelona. Watch TGV Duplex video .

Mt Canigou & the Pyrenees. One of the highest peaks in the mighty Pyrenees, the 2,784m (9,137 feet) high Mt Canigou dominates the skyline on the right all the way from Perpignan to Girona, see en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canigou .

3. Barcelona to Madrid

This high-speed journey takes as little as 2h30 at up to 320 km/h (199 mph). The photos below show a full-service AVE with 2 classes and cafe-bar. If you use a lo-cost Ouigo train, see the photos here . More about Barcelona-Madrid trains & journey . Barcelona Sants station guide . Madrid Atocha station guide .

A Barcelona-Madrid AVE (type S103) at Barcelona Sants. See virtual tour

Scenery from the high-speed AVE between Barcelona & Madrid. Courtesy of DiscoverByRail.com .

Madrid Atocha station : One of my favourite stations, the old trainshed has been preserved and turned into a tropical garden, see Madrid Atocha station guide .

4. Madrid to Lisbon

This is a slow but scenic & interesting 3-train combo across rural Spain and Portugal. For full details see the Madrid to Lisbon page .

Changing trains at Badajoz station. The express from Madrid to Badajoz is on the left, the single-car Allan Railcar from Badajoz to Entroncamento is on the right. Photo courtesy of Giles Baker .

The Badajoz to Entroncamento railcar pauses at wayside stations with lovely tiling. Courtesy of DiscoverByRail.com .

Option 2, London to Lisbon via Barcelona & Vigo

This is the fastest route to Porto, although it's a slower route to Lisbon. Option 3 has similar timings, but can work out a bit cheaper simply because SNCF often price up Paris-Barcelona international TGVs well beyond the starting price. Their domestic TGVs from Paris to Hendaye (for San Sebastian) are usually cheaper!

London ► Porto, Lisbon

Day 2, travel from Barcelona to Madrid by AVE S103 high-speed train , leaving Barcelona Sants at 09:00 & arriving Madrid Atocha 11:45.

The AVE train has a cafe bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.

Have lunch in Madrid and transfer to Madrid Chamartin by suburban train .

Day 2, travel from Madrid to Vigo by high-speed Alvia train , leaving Madrid Chamartin at 16:00, arriving Vigo Urzaiz at 20:12.

The Alvia train has power sockets at all seats & cafe-bar.

Alternatively, a direct Alvia train links Barcelona with Vigo three times a week, leaving Barcelona Sants at 09:05 on Wednesdays, Fridays & Sundays arriving Vigo Guixar at 23:35. It's usually cheaper and there's no need to change in Madrid, but it's a slower journey.

Lisbon, Porto ► London

Day 2, travel from Vigo to Madrid by AVE S106 high-speed train , leaving Vigo Urzaiz at 09:28 and arriving Madrid Chamartin 13:34.

The AVE train has a cafe bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.

Have lunch in Madrid and transfer to Madrid Atocha by suburban train .

Day 2, travel from Madrid to Barcelona by AVE S103 high-speed train , leaving Madrid Atocha at 15:30 and arriving Barcelona Sants 18:42.

Alternatively, a direct Alvia train links Vigo with Barcelona three times a week, leaving Vigo Guixar at 07:20 on Mondays, Thursdays & Saturdays arriving Barcelona Sants at 21:35. This is usually cheaper and there's no need to change in Madrid, but it's a slower journey.

How much does it cost?

Paris to Barcelona by TGV starts at €39 each way in 2nd class, €59 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares.

Madrid to Vigo by AVE or Alvia starts at €33 in standard class or €40 in comfort class. Fares vary like air fares.

Vigo to Porto costs €15.90, fixed price.

Byway ( Byway.travel ) is a UK-based eco-holiday firm with a 5-star TrustPilot rating . If you're nervous about booking train travel yourself, book a UK-Portugal train trip through Byway as a package, including hotels, starting from any British station you like. Byway includes package protection, a 100% Covid refund guarantee, free disruption & re-planning and on-demand WhatsApp support while you're away.

4. Madrid to Vigo

These comfortable Alvia trains have standard & comfort class, a cafe-bar and power sockets at all seats. They travel at up to 250 km/h (155 mph) on high-speed lines and can change gauge when necessary, from standard gauge (4' 8½") used for most Spanish high-speed lines to Iberian gauge (5' 6") used on the main Spanish network.

Above left, comfort (1st) class seats on an Alvia S730 train, recently refurbished in tan leather.

The cafe-bar. Above right, an Iberico meal deal from the cafe-bar on an Alvia train.

Above left, boarding at Madrid Chamartin. Above right, standard (2nd) class seats on an Alvia S730 from Madrid to Vigo.

Scenery at high-speed, north of Madrid.

Scenery between Madrid & Vigo, a little way south of Ourense.

5. Vigo to Porto by Celta regional express

The train is comfortable and air-conditioned, 2nd class only, there are toilets but no catering so bring your own food & drink. In theory, you get a reserved seat, but it's seldom busy so you can move if you like. More about the Celta regional express and the Vigo-Porto journey .

Above, the Celta train at Vigo Guixar . Below, the train crosses the Minho river, which forms the border between Spain and Portugal.

Option 3, London to Porto & Lisbon vi a San Sebastian & Vigo

This route takes 2 nights with overnight hotel stops in San Sebastian and Vigo. It's slower but usually cheaper than option 1, but as fares are dynamic like air fares this isn't always so. San Sebastian is well worth a longer stop and Porto is worth a stop, too. There's great scenery crossing Spain.

At Hendaye the Euskotren station is just 50m from the mainline SNCF French Railways station, but allow plenty of time between trains. The friendly Cafe Olé directly across the road from Hendaye SNCF station does excellent coffee and the best pain au chocolat you'll ever taste.

It's better to book online. But to buy tickets by phone, call International Rail on 0844 248 248 3, lines open 09:00-17:00 Monday-Friday. Overseas callers call +44 844 2482483. Unlike some other agencies, International Rail are equipped with both the French and Spanish rail ticketing systems, so can sell the cheapest fares for all the trains from the UK through Spain to Portugal. They charge a £10 booking fee for bookings under £100, £20 for £100-£300, £30 above £300. Eurostar, TGV & Trainhotel tickets will usually be emailed to you as e-tickets, so there's no postage fee or delay. For more about buying European train tickets, see the How to buy European train tickets page .

2. Paris to Hendaye on the Spanish border by TGV

Most Paris-Hendaye trains are double-deck TGV Duplex, usually with the Océane interior as shown below. There are power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.

A TGV Duplex at Paris Gare Montparnasse .

Boarding at Paris Montparnasse. Note the automatic ticket gates at the entrance to the platforms, just scan the QR code on your ticket.

TGV Océane cafe-bar on the upper deck in car 4 or 14 (above left) and 2nd class seats (above right).

TGV Océane 1st class seats . All 1st class seats (except the end ones) rotate to face direction of travel. There are USB & 2-pin outlets above each drop-down table.

3. Hendaye to San Sebastian Amara by Euskotren

After a dash across France at up to 300 km/h, the TGV arrives at Hendaye. Incidentally, Hendaye station is where Hitler met Franco on 23 October 1940 . You'll be treading the same platforms!

There are now two platforms. It's where the trains start, so no worries, you can't get on the wrong train, they all go to San Sebastian-Donostia Amara ! These air-conditioned metro trains leave every 30 minutes, a turn-up-and-go metro service . There's plenty of space for luggage and they even have a wheelchair-accessible toilet.

4. San Sebastian to Vitoria by Intercity and Vitoria to Galicia by Alvia

The connection at Vitoria-Gasteiz: On the right, the Intercity train from San Sebastian has arrived at Vitoria/Gasteiz. On the left, the Alvia train from Barcelona to Galicia picks up passengers. These Alvia S130 trains are nick-named Patito (little duck) by staff, no prizes for guessing why. They have adjustable axles so can run on standard-gauge high-speed lines at up to 250 km/h or on Iberian broad gauge classic lines at lower speed. Photo courtesy of Ekain Munduate.

Comfort (1st) class seats on an Alvia train. Above right, a menu Iberico meal deal from the cafe-bar.

The cafe-bar and standard (2nd) class seats on an Alvia train.

Scenery as the train enters Galicia on its way to Vigo. Photo courtesy of Martin Hill.

6. Porto to Lisbon by Alfa Pendular or Intercity train

These are CP's premier trains, and very classy indeed. They're fully air-conditioned 6-car electric trains which reach 220 km/h (136 mph) on some sections of the Lisbon-Porto route. Built by FIAT, they tilt into the curves, enabling them to go faster than conventional trains. They have 1st & 2nd class and a cafe-bar. There's free WiFi & power sockets at all seats. They are shown in the booking system as AP. See Alfa Pendular seat map .

Alfa Pendular train to Lisbon at Porto Campanhã .

An Alfa Pendular from Porto, arrived at Lisbon Santa Apolonia . The large numbers on the side of each car are car numbers, not class!

London to Faro & the Algarve

You can easily reach the Algarve by train from London, either by train all the way via Lisbon, or by train to Seville then bus to Faro.

Option 1, London to the Algarve via Seville

London ► faro & algarve.

Day 2, travel from Seville to Faro by bus, an Alsa-Rede Express bus usually leaves Seville Santa Justa at 15:30 arriving Faro 18:00.

Faro & Algarve ► London

Barcelona to Seville by AVE type S103, seen here at Barcelona Sants. See virtual tour

Scenery from the high-speed AVE between Barcelona & Seville. Courtesy of DiscoverByRail.com .

An Alsa bus from Seville to Faro & Lagos, at its departure point right outside Seville Santa Justa station .

The bus crosses the Guadiana river, which forms the border between Spain and Portugal at this point.

An Alsa-Rede Express bus to Seville at Faro's Eva bus station, next to the Eva Senses Hotel & 2 minutes walk from Faro station.

Option 2, London to the Algarve via Lisbon

The sleeper trains to Lisbon have been discontinued, and until links between Spain & Portugal are improved, this is now the slower option.

London ► Albufeira, Lagos, Faro

Faro, albufeira, lagos ► london, london to madeira.

Until the pandemic, a weekly summer-only ferry service used to link southern Portugal (Portimao in the Algarve) with Funchal on Madeira. The ferry crossing took 24 hours. However, at present there seems to be no ferry service at all linking mainland Europe to Madeira.

G uidebooks

Click the images to buy at amazon.co.uk, european rail timetable & maps.

Traveller's Railway Map of Europe - buy online

Rail Map Europe is the map I recommend, covering all of Europe from Portugal in the west to Moscow & Istanbul in the east, Finland in the north to Sicily & Athens in the south. Scenic routes & high-speed lines are highlighted. See an extract from the map . Buy online at www.europeanrailtimetable.eu (shipping worldwide) or at www.amazon.co.uk (UK addresses).

Hotels in Lisbon, Porto, the Algarve

Backpacker hostels: www.hostelworld.com.

www.hostelworld.com : If you're on a tight budget, don't forget about backpacker hostels. Hostelworld offers online booking of cheap private rooms or dorm beds in backpacker hostels in Paris and most other European cities at rock-bottom prices.

H olidays to Portugal by train

Railbookers, railbookers.co.uk.

Railbookers can tailor-make a holiday or city break to Portugal for you, with train travel, transfers & hotels, leaving on any date you like. If you tell them what you want, they'll advise you on the best trains, routes & hotels and sort it all out for you. They get a lot of repeat business!

Byway, byway.travel

Byway ( Byway.travel ) is a UK-based eco-holiday firm with a 5-star TrustPilot rating . If you're nervous about booking train travel yourself, they'll book a holiday to Spain for you as a package, including train travel from the UK and hotels, starting from any British station you like.

They can build a trip to your requirements if you phone 0300 131 7173 (open 09:00-17:00 Monday-Friday, from outside the UK call +44 300 131 7173) or email them or use this contact form . Please say you heard about them from Seat 61.

Byway includes package protection, a 100% Covid refund guarantee, free disruption & re-planning and on-demand WhatsApp support while you're away.

Tailor Made Rail, tailormaderail.com

Tailor Made Rail also offers packages from the UK to Portugal by train which can be customised your own requirements, one-way or round trip, with any stopovers you want. Or they can organise a trip entirely based on your own requirements, indeed they welcome complex itineraries! As it's a package, they'll take care of you if anything happens on one part of the trip, for example, a national strike. They're TTA-protected - like ATOL, but not only for agencies that sell air travel.

Call their dedicated seat61 phone line 020 3778 1461 and quote seat 61 when booking. From outside the UK call +44 20 3778 1461. Lines open 09:00-17:30 Monday-Friday. Their website is www.tailormaderail.com/destinations/switzerland .

Travel insurance & other tips

Always take out travel insurance.

You should take out travel insurance with at least £1m or preferably £5m medical cover from a reliable insurer. It should cover trip cancellation and loss of cash & belongings up to a reasonable limit. These days, check you're covered for covid-19-related issues, and use an insurer whose cover isn't invalidated by well-meant but excessive Foreign Office travel advice against non-essential travel. An annual policy is usually cheapest even for just 2 or 3 trips a year, I have an annual policy with Staysure.co.uk myself. Don't expect travel insurance to bail you out of every missed connection, see the advice on missed connections here . Here are some suggested insurers, I get a little commission if you buy through these links, feedback always welcome.

Get an eSIM with mobile data package

Don't rely on WiFi, download an eSIM with a European mobile data package and stay connected. Most newer mobile phones can download a virtual SIM including iPhone 11 & later, see device compatibility list . There's no need to buy a physical SIM card! Maya.net is a reliable eSIM data retailer with a 4.5 out of 5 Trustpilot rating and a range of packages including unlimited data .

Get a Curve card for foreign travel

Most banks give you a poor exchange rate then add a foreign transaction fee on top. A Curve MasterCard means no foreign transaction fees and gives you the mid-market exchange rate, at least up to a certain limit, £500 per month as I write this. The money you spend on your Curve card goes straight onto one of your existing debit or credit cards. And you can get a Curve card for free.

How it works: 1. Download the Curve app for iPhone or Android . 2. Enter your details & they'll send you a Curve MasterCard - they send to the UK and most European addresses. 3. Link your existing credit & debit cards to the app, you can link up to two cards with the free version of Curve, I link my normal debit card and my normal credit card. 4. Now use the Curve MasterCard to buy things online or in person or take cash from ATMs, exactly like a normal MasterCard. Curve does the currency conversion and puts the balance in your own currency onto whichever debit or credit card is currently selected in the Curve app. You can even change your mind about which card it goes onto, within 14 days of the transaction.

I have a Curve Blue card myself, it means I can buy a coffee on a foreign station on a card without being stung by fees and lousy exchange rates, just by tapping the Curve card on their card reader. The money goes through Curve to my normal debit card and is taken directly from my account (in fact I have the Curve card set up as payment card on Apple Pay on my iPhone, so can double-click my phone, let it do Face ID then tap the reader with the phone - even easier than getting a card out). I get a little commission if you sign up to Curve, but I recommend it here because I think it's great. See details, download the app and get a Curve card , they'll give you £5 cashback through that link.

Get a VPN for safe browsing. Why you need a VPN

When travelling you may use free public WiFi which is often insecure. A VPN encrypts your connection so it's always secure, even on unsecured WiFi. It also means you can select the geographic location of the IP address you browse with, to get around geoblocking which a surprising number of websites apply. See VPNs & why you need one explained . ExpressVPN is a best buy with a 4.7 out of 5 Trustpilot ranking which I use myself - I've signed up as an ExpressVPN affiliate, and if you go with expressvpn.com using this link you should see a special deal, 3 months free with an annual subscription. I also get some commission to help support this site.

Carry an Anker powerbank

Tickets, reservations, hotel bookings and Interrail or Eurail passes are often now held on your mobile phone. You daren't let it run out of power, and you can't always rely on the phone's internal battery or on being near a power outlet. I always carry an Anker powerbank which can recharge my phone several times over. Buy from Amazon.co.uk or buy from Amazon.com .

Touring cities? Use hill walking shoes!

One of the best things I've done is swap my normal shoes for hill-walking shoes, in my case from Scarpa. They're intended for hiking across the Pennines not wandering around Florence, but the support and cushioning for hiking works equally well when you're on your feet all day exploring foreign cities. My feet used to give out first and limit my day, now the rest of me gives up before they do!

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£18 Find cheap flights from London to Portugal

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a kayak user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from london to portugal departing on 1/10. fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. click the price to replicate the search for this deal., search hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to portugal.

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Best Portugal Flight Deals

Cheapest return prices found by our users on KAYAK in the last 72 hours

Good to know - Cheap tickets from London to Portugal

Faqs - booking portugal flights, can i fly directly from london to portugal.

You can fly directly from London Stansted Airport (STN) to Porto Airport (OPO) on Ryanair several times a day. Alternatively, there are non-stop flights from London Luton Airport (LTN) and Gatwick Airport (LGW) to Lisbon or Porto. From Heathrow Airport you can fly directly to Lisbon or Porto too.

Which Portuguese city should I choose to land in?

The three major Portuguese Airports are rather neatly distributed. Faro Airport (FAO) is on the southern coast in the Algarve region, Porto Airport is in the north-west, while the capital of Lisbon is in the middle of the country on its west coast, served by Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS).

How should I choose my departure airport in London?

Given that you can get direct flights from most London airports, your decision will come down to where in London you’re coming from. Heathrow is on the western outskirts, while Gatwick is a way south near Crawley. Stansted lies on London’s north-east outskirts near Bishop’s Stortford, and Luton Airport is to the north-west.

Can I save carbon emissions on flights from London to Portugal?

Your best way of reducing carbon emissions when you fly to Portugal is to choose one of the direct morning flights from Heathrow to Lisbon. These flights emit just over half the carbon of the other flights flying this route. Later BA flights also offer significant reductions, albeit about 10% less than the morning flights.

Does Portugal have child seat laws?

All children under the age of three must travel in a child seat in the back of the car, or in the front seat if you deactivate the airbags. Choose the back seat for more peace of mind. All children up to the age of 12 must also travel in child seats, in the front or the back.

Do I need a visa to enter Portugal?

As Portugal is in the Schengen visa area, you won’t need a visa to enter the country and stay there for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. You can visit multiple times until you reach this limit. Just bear in mind that if you visit any other European countries in the Schengen area, these visits will also count towards your 90-day limit.

How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from London to Portugal?

KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights from London to Portugal.

How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket from London to Portugal?

KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to Portugal from London is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

What is the Hacker Fare option on flights from London to Portugal?

Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional return ticket. You could then fly to Portugal with an airline and back to London with another airline.

What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight from London to Portugal?

Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying to Portugal from London up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

Top tips for finding a cheap flight from London to Portugal

Morning departure is around 7% more expensive than an evening flight, on average*.
If you live in the Greater London area, your best bet is to fly from Heathrow Airport (LHR) – it’s only 15min from Paddington Station on the Heathrow Express train.
All London airports have dedicated, personalised limited mobility and hidden disability assistance services, from the parking lot to your seat on the aircraft, by prearrangement.
To explore the interior of Portugal, choose Lisbon as your arrival city. From here you can more easily reach inland cities like Evora and Santarem.
If you’re catching an onward flight to Portugal from Heathrow Airport, you can book a sleeping cabin to have a refreshing nap while waiting for your flight.
Car hire is easily available at all the major Portuguese international airports – you can book online in advance or hire one on arrival at one of the terminal kiosks.

Top 5 airlines serving from London to Portugal

An hour late. Plus literally everything was unavaiable for food and beverage service. Will never fly again. Ever.

Everything went very well. I would like to acknowledge the politeness and professionalism of the staff—they are superb. No complaints.

Plane was late and they forced us to take the stairs (no elevator available) to catch the bus to the plane. My wife was carrying a baby and fell. Terrible experience and terrible air line. Constantly late and conditions seem to be getting worse every time I have to use them.

I fell from the stairs while carrying a baby on the way to the bus to take us to the plane because TAP is too cheap to pay for a proper gate on their hub airport (not even an elevator). Plus, they were late (which they always are). Terrible airline.

Tap being tap...the company had better days, service is terrible, not comfortable at all...

No legroom, have to pay for everything including water?!? Water is more expensive than beer?

TAP is a good, decent airline for international journeys. No complaints about the service, the crew, the comfort, or the baggage handling.

Flight was delayed, landed with short, but just adequate, time to make connection. TAP knew three from Rome were rushing to connect. Tap transfer agents repeatedly refused to expedite business class pax at any point thru the one long immigration line (while they did for other flights) which resulted in us unable to reach the connecting gate before it closed. TAP staff unconcerned, unwilling to investigate options, and no ticketing assistance available airside which is inexcusable.

The staff were great - very friendly and chatty. I checked in online at 9.30am, when check in had opened at 1.30am, and choices were already very limited, so act fast.

A bit disappointing. Our business class seats were not cleaned from previous flight. They were also missing headphones and bottled water. Dining options were not always available.

Kayak sent several notifications that the flight was late. This contradicted the information on the airport boards. This was extremely confusing and we very nearly missed the flight purely because we double checked with the info desk when the flight stays said’closed’. Kayak notifications are therefore unreliable and pointlesa

Usual issues with flight delay. Perennial problem of travel by plane.

Delayed almost 2 hours sitting on plane. No updates at all from flight deck and virtually no updates from cabin crew

I was charged at the gate for bags I had already paid for. There was no other option. I am trying diligently thought easyJet website but making no progress HELP!

Be sure to check bags for 23 kg,.(50 lbs) Coming from US I chose the wrong size luggage weight when I checked in on my phone, and had to pay more when I dropped it off

The flight was delayed for over 1 hour. The boarding process is appalling making you wait for 30 minutes in the passage leading to the outside door without any seats.

The on board air steward really made the journey. He was very entertaining

I was disappointed there was a 40 minute delay to flight

Well Is extra charge for everything and other companies include that and the price.

The trip itself was good. I have given only good as rating, because my first flight has been cancelled by a different airline and that caused disruption in my trip. I spent over ten hours in Luton airport and that caused me high tiredness, sickness, because of the very early initial trip. easyJet staff has been professional and friendly.

Good service for a budget trip. No problems at all

Well... Our flight departed with more than 3 hours delay from Beauvais.

Keep track of your departure times and communicate in Airport. I could have spend an hour more in my lounge

Great flight very short… no food drink or tv but too quick to matter… I would recommend.

Never have real problems...very ho prices for good the rest is all great

It was fine. Communication was great as we were delayed

I haven't had a ok flight with Ryanair in so long!

The worst experience ever, really. First we had booked a flight at noon with about 6 months in advance. A month before the flight they cancelled it and rescheduled us on a flight a 21:00 hs which would ruin our day completely. Nevertheless, we had no option but to accept as any other option was economically unviable with so short notice. We arrived on time as requested to the airpor. Actually arrived 3 hours earlier. We waited there and it started to be delayed a few minutes, then an hour and a half and so son. Flight ended up boarding at 23:15. Once the doors were closed, the captain announced 1:30 more hours delay to start our trip. Also, as per “international rules” they said they couldn’t offer water or anything alike. After about 30 minutes, and against those rules, they started SELLING WATER BOTTLES FOR 3€ each. 500ml bottles. Flight departed at about 01:44 am and after a go around in Bergamo because he was at about 700 feet AGL and still not stable, the pilot performed a go around, landing at the same runway minutes later. Crew, both pilots and flight attendants, were professional and I told them I feel sorry for them having to deal with this everyday as it’s not their fault, but they’re the visible side of the airline to the passengers. Bags arrived promptly but we took our Uber at 03:55 am. Ryanair, never again! (It could be their slogan, but it’s probably too good for them).

Ryanair is always shite. Slowest boarding possible in the most uncomfortable way. It’s like they are are tad sadistic.

Flight was delayed which happens but walking 15 mins to one gate to be then told it’s now changed to one 15 mins back then other way was frustrating

I never was able to take this cancelled flight…all flights from Zagreb were cancelled at 3:30 AM of departure day 9/8!

The flight was good, my only complaint is that we were delayed in leaving by a significant amount of time.

Flight on time. Food was poor - low quality and hard to eat due to poor layout

Experience was probably the best I’ve had on BA for a long time. Only thing is A380 is old now and it needs upgrading. The en re attainment screens are very small and the touchscreen barely works.

Unreliable for flight to and from Paris - taken 6 flights this year and delayed on the way back every single time - very frustrating. And to top it all up - baggage delays are horrendous

Disaster out of City Airport with our flight cancelled and very little help.

The onboard service makes it extremely difficult and slow to go to the toilet

Flight OK but they only loaded half of the checked bags on. This they only told us on arrival

Flight cancelled! Rebooked by circuitous routing although there were seats available on other nonstop flights.

My experience was very disappointing. Firstly I was unable to check in using the kiosks. Secondly even though I purchased a flight with one checked bag, I was told at the counter that a checked bag was not included in my flight booking. And I had to pay for my bag. At the check in counter, the airline representative was very arrogant and demeaning. She insisted on charging me £140 for the luggage. And said it was an automatic charge calculated by the scale. This didn’t make sense to me. As it was 0.5 kg overweight. Which only required me to remove 2 bottles of water. Having an extensive flight schedule that involved multiple flights included NY and Brussels, this leg of my flight was the most stressful and unpleasant.

Half an hour delay. Squeezed into a small Departure Lounge with very few seats. Noisy flight with screaming unruly kids. Loud IPads and Phones. Heaven!

Were delayed in the airport for 5 hours with no explanation. Flight kept getting delayed by an hour at a time and wizz air staff were no where to be found

The flight was delayed 5 hours and I'm and invalid,I wan a refund for this

The cabin crew on that flight were super fantastic and super helpful. They were so polite and considerate that i felt i travelled with a 5star airline.

Delayed delayed delayed - always with Wizzair. Staff were friendly and well mannered but clearly the company is unorganized and the aircrafts are outdated.

It's a budget airline. Great for short flight. Smooth landing.

4 hr delay and only told less than 2hrs before. Only given water and nuts on the flight as complimentary service. Left to wait in rain before boarding.

To be honest I did not like anything. Communication to why my flight was cancelled mid air 2 and half hours into my flight. Customer service desk were not helpful with providing information or a solution on what can be done.

I have been treated unacceptably by WizzAir aircraft crew in a previous flight, they threatened me and abused me, and I received an OFFICIAL written apology, but only two (2) months later. This flight had no such unacceptable behaviour, but it's not nice to be left waiting in the walkway (from gate to aircraft) for a long time, just so that the 'boarding' appears to be early, even if actual departure is not.

What I liked new airplane Sitting was extremely uncomfortable! Crew not smiley at all Always chewing gum

Book cheap flights from London to Portugal

Cheapest flights to Portugal from London found in 2024 and 2025

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14 things Portugal locals want you to know before you visit

Feb 25, 2024 • 7 min read

Learn how to act like a local in Portugal by following these key tips © AnnaTamila / Shutterstock

Many years ago, as a young backpacker, I made plenty of mistakes when traveling around Portugal – from trying to see everything on one trip to indulging in free appetizers that weren’t really free.

Since becoming both an honorary Lisboeta (Lisbon resident) and Tripeiro (Porto dweller), I have learned some essentials about the country. From the best methods for getting around to wardrobe essentials. Here are the key tips to help you make the most out of your trip to Portugal.

Don’t try to see it all in one trip

Portugal is a small country – roughly the size of the state of Indiana in North America and slightly larger than Scotland. But there’s a lot to see here , from hilltop villages in the Alentejo to remote UNESCO World Heritage sites , not to mention over 100 beaches in the Algarve. A rookie mistake is trying to see all of Portugal during one visit. Even if you have a few weeks to spare, you won’t be able to visit everything in this diverse country. Instead, pick one or two regions and focus your trip there, allowing yourself time to see both highlights as well as local markets, vineyards and other less-visited attractions.

Famous arch at the Praca do Comercio, Lisbon, Portugal

Decide where to go

The mountains, the seaside, cobblestone-lined city streets? Portugal has plenty of options when it comes to travel. With a week at your disposal, you can combine a bit of urban adventure with scenic getaways nearby. If you have Lisbon in mind, you can spend several days there, along with day trips to Cascais , Sintra and the beach-dotted Setúbal Peninsula , or spend a couple of days in Évora or on the lovely Alentejo coastline.

A great northern itinerary combines Porto with some vineyard visits along the picturesque Douro River . Beach lovers might skip city life altogether and spend their time in the Algarve , checking out cliff-backed beaches, hidden coves and quiet fishing villages. If you have something more active in mind, plan a hiking outing in the mountains of the Serra da Estrela , which you can pair with time spent exploring craggy villages like Manteigas and Linhares, as well as the university town of Coimbra .

Book your accommodation well in advance

Portugal’s growing popularity means some of the best places to stay get booked up months in advance. This is especially true if you’re traveling in the peak months of June through August . Once you have your itinerary organized, reserve your lodging. If you’re traveling off-season (November through March), you’ll have much more flexibility – so you can book your first few nights and plan your other nights on the go.

Lower your carbon footprint by traveling on trains and buses

You can go green by ditching the car and getting around by public transportation. Portugal has a decent train network that connects major cities like Lisbon, Porto, Coimbra and Faro. Buses help fill in the gaps to smaller towns across the country. Service has expanded in recent years, particularly in the south, where the new Vamus Algarve covers just about every part of the Algarve, from tiny beach villages on the central coast to the soaring sea cliffs near Sagres . Skipping the car rental also means you won't have to hassle with parking, toll roads and heavy traffic, among other things.

Bica Funcilar on the street of Lisbon old town, Portugal

Don’t bother taking a taxi from the airport

Speaking of trains and buses, as soon as you arrive, you can save money and cut down on CO2 emissions by hopping on public transport from the airport. Portugal’s three international airports all have good options for whisking you into town. The Lisbon metro’s linha vermelha (red line) can get you into the center, as can the speedy Aerobus, while Porto’s metro (violet line E) runs from the airport to the heart of town. From Faro airport in the south, you can take the Vamus Algarve Aerobus, which shuttles into Faro and also to the key towns of Albufeira , Lagoa, Portimão and Lagos .

Remember the cardinal rule of dining in Portugal: nothing is free

Servers often bring bread, butter, olives and even cheese or other appetizers to diners before their meal. Keep in mind that these unordered items will always be added to your bill if you choose to partake. If you don’t want them, just send them away – a polite "no thank you" ( não obrigado/a ) will do the job. Prices for couvert range from €2 per person and upwards.

Bring a few smart-casual outfits

Shorts are fine on the beach, but if you wear them around the city, you’ll quickly brand yourself as a tourist. At nicer restaurants, bars and nightclubs, you’ll want to follow the local lead and dress things up a bit.

Old city houses over Douro river and many tourists having lunch at outdoor restaurant

Become an expert on tipping etiquette

At restaurants in Portugal, many locals don’t tip at all or simply round up when paying for a meal. In more tourist-oriented establishments, a tip is more common – usually around 10% – and may even be added as a service charge. Tipping is not expected in cafes or bars. However, if you’re in a fancy high-end place, you should plan on tipping (along the lines of €1 for a specialty cocktail). Rounding up the fare is also common practice when taking a taxi or rideshare.

Bring your own bag to the market

Portugal has huge markets where you can see stalls of fresh fruits and vegetables as well as charcuterie, cheeses, olives, bakery items and other fare. Amid such culinary largesse, you can assemble a first-rate picnic, just be sure to bring your own bag to the market. You might want to throw in a corkscrew so you’re always prepared to pop open a bottle of vinho verde , an Alentejo red and other good-value Portuguese wines.

Pack sturdy shoes

Even if you limit your travels to the city, you’ll want to have good shoes. You’ll find steep streets, loose cobblestones and uneven sidewalks in Lisbon, Porto, Coimbra and many other towns. Save the heels and dress shoes for nicer restaurants and nightclubs. Good shoes will also come in handy when you want to take a walk beyond the town. Across the country, Portugal has some magnificent hikes , like the stunning clifftop trail of Percurso dos Sete Vales Suspensos – not difficult to do, but you need proper footwear.

Dress modestly when visiting churches

Save the shorts, short skirts and tank tops for the beach – keep things covered up when visiting the cathedrals ( Sés ) and monasteries of Portugal.

And don’t forget to throw in the swimsuit

No matter where you roam in Portugal, you’re never far from the beach or a sparkling inland lake or river. Porto and Lisbon both have lovely beaches within easy reach of the city center, while remote corners of Portugal – like Peneda-Gerês National Park have waterfalls and natural pools. It would be a mistake not to bring your swimsuit, even if you think you won’t need it.

Learn some Portuguese and use it

Outside of Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve, you might encounter people with limited English. For smooth sailing, it helps to learn some Portuguese. If nothing else, locals appreciate the effort to speak their language, however rudimentary your accent. When entering a room, it’s polite to say " bom dia " (good day) or " boa tarde " (good afternoon) to those around you.

Be mindful of petty crime

Portugal is generally a safe country to visit with a low overall crime rate – violent crime is extremely rare. Pickpocketing and bag-snatching are the main concerns to keep in mind, especially when traveling on the trams and metro in Lisbon or Porto. Avoid moving around during the crowded peak times, and don’t zone out on your phone. At night, be cautious walking around empty streets wherever you are: you’re better off taking a taxi.

Car break-ins can also happen, and rental vehicles are sometimes targeted. Don’t leave anything of value in your car, and it's best not to leave luggage or other items in the trunk/boot of your vehicle (yet another good reason to embrace public transportation).

This article was first published Aug 9, 2022 and updated Feb 25, 2024.

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Ferry to Portugal from the UK

All ferries to portugal from the uk.

FerryGoGo » Ferry to Portugal » Ferry to Portugal from the UK

Portsmouth-Santander

Plymouth-santander, portsmouth-bilbao, travel to portugal by ferry from the uk.

As alternatives to this possible future direct crossing to Portugal, some ferries are landing pretty close by.

From the South of England, from Plymouth and Portsmouth, ferries sail to the Northern regions of Spain, from where it's a relatively short drive to Portugal. Both Santander and Bilbao are options you could consider if you want to travel by ferry to Portugal.

These ferries between the UK and Spain , and then to Portugal, are either one or two-night crossings and are a comfortable way of starting your trip to Portugal.

There are several different routes from the UK to Portugal. When you choose to sail to Spain all your options are operated by Brittany Ferries . You could however also choose to take another ferry, from the UK to France for example, and then drive further to Portugal, this would be however a long drive.

Depending on where you live and where you want to travel you can choose which is the most suitable crossing for you. The routes and ships are not that different. So it doesn't matter which ship you take, on the shorter crossings to France there is a bit less onboard entertainment and facilities in general, but you'll be less long on the vessel.

Map with all routes from the UK to Portugal

It’s best to book your ferry ticket as far in advance as possible.

The price of ferry tickets increases as more passengers book their spots. So, if you want to save money and secure your desired crossing, booking your tickets as soon as possible is best. That way, you can take advantage of the lower prices and avoid the disappointment of a fully booked ferry.

Option 1: travelling from the UK to Portugal via Spain

Ferries from portsmouth to santander or bilbao and then to portugal.

Your most logical choice would be to travel to Santander from the UK , as Santander is located somewhat more to the west coast as Bilbao and therefore closer to Portugal.

From Portsmouth ferries are sailing to Santander. The other option is to travel from Portsmouth to Bilbao and incorporate Bilbao into the journey to Portugal. Both crossings departing from Portsmouth to Spain are 2-night crossings.

The ferries sail 2 times per week from Portsmouth to Santander , 2 times per week from Portsmouth to Bilbao , and 2 times per week from Plymouth to Santander. The sailing time differs from 20 hours (Plymouth) to Santander up to 36 hours from Portsmouth to Bilbao.

For the crossings departing from Portsmouth , you'll be boarding the ferry in the evening and arriving in the morning 2 days later. You can book a cabin and restaurants in advance. Onboard there is a lot of entertainment, shopping, and kids' play centers.

You can bring your car, bike, or camper along on this crossing. Prices start around €275 for 1 person + car, in peak season costs will rise typically.

From Santander, it is still a 6-hour drive to for example Porto and an 8-hour drive to Lisbon.

Ferry Plymouth – Santander (faster route)

Sailing from Plymouth to Santander is your quickest option. On this route, Brittany Ferries sails with their flagship Pont Aven . This is the fastest ferry crossing (20 hours) from the UK to Spain and is a one night crossing. Plymouth is located in South-West England in Devon.

This ship takes you 20 hours to Spain and is a one-night crossing. The costs for 2 adults + a car in peak season are about €450,- in total.

UK ⇔ Spain ⇔ Portugal

Option 2: travelling from the uk via france to portugal, ferries from the uk to france and then to portugal, uk ⇔ france ⇔ portugal.

Dover Calais

Portsmouth-cherbourg, portsmouth-caen, portsmouth-le havre.

Newhaven-Dieppe

Plymouth-roscoff, travelling from france to portugal.

Travelling in France is very pleasant. In combination with the ferry, most people will drive by car further south. Unfortunately, the best roads where you can drive a bit faster are not always free.

In France, you travel a lot on toll roads, offering benefits in time and a comfortable ride. Toll roads do not cost much in themselves, but the amount can add up considerably over a long drive to the South.

In google maps, a function allows you to avoid toll roads . Maybe that's useful.

Travelling to Portugal and staying in Portugal

Portugal is a popular destination for British tourists. For tourists, there is a lot to see and taste 🙂 Try local delicacies such as the Vinho Verde wine, Pastel de Nata with your morning coffee, or Francesinha for lunch that helps you through the day.

Or visit and see vibrant cities such as Porto, Lisbon, and the Algarve region. These cities and regions offer a lot to see and do for various passengers. Porto and Lisbon are beautiful in that both have a unique historic centre with many terraces, shops, restaurants, and lively squares with many people.

The Algarve region feels more like a big vacation resort with cosy beach restaurants and somewhat smaller historical Portuguese cities.

Frequent Asked Question ferries to Portugal from UK

If you want to travel by ferry to Portugal you don't have the luxury of a direct crossing. You could choose to travel via Spain to Portugal, then you have 6 weekly choices. Brittany Ferries sails on these crossings from the ports of Plymouth and Portsmouth to either Santander or Bilbao. You could also look into the possibility of sailing first to France and then traveling further from there to Portugal. This will be a long ride though, so the ferry to Santander would be your best choice if you'd ask us.

There is no direct crossing to Portugal but the fastest ferry to get close to Portugal is the ferry from Plymouth to Santander. This ferry takes you in around 20 hours to the city of Santander, this is a one-night crossing. On this crossing, you'll be sailing with the flagship of Brittany Ferries the Pont-Aven. If you're sailing from Portsmouth you can either sail to Santander or Bilbao. Both ferries are 2-night crossings and depending on which ferry you board these trips take you from 28 hours and 30 minutes to 33 hours and 30 mins to the Northern coast of Spain.

Ferry talk: Share your questions and opinions

Ask, answer, and explore ferry routes with the community's expertise!

Are there any plans for a ferry route from Santander to southern Portugal around Albufeira

Thanks for your question, at the moment there is no ferry from Santander to Portugal. There are however trains that will take you from Santander to the Algarve region, or Lissabon and Porto.

When there is news about this we will inform you.

Thank you for this article, very imformative.

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How to Drive to Portugal from the UK or Ireland

Every year, thousands of people drive from the UK to Portugal and back again. Some people come for their holidays, but it’s especially common with Brits that have moved to Portugal .

While it’s usually cheaper to fly than drive (although that depends on how many are in your group), there are also a lot of benefits to driving to Portugal.

You save money on car rental (if visiting)
You can bring a lot of your possessions over (if moving)
You can bring the cat and the dog (a bonus for both visiting and moving)

Unfortunately, there isn’t a direct ferry between the UK and Portugal. If you want to drive to Portugal, you can either drive through France of take a ferry to the North of Spain and drive from there. There are pros and cons to both but, for most people, it normally comes down to a question of time and money.

Which option is cheaper and which option is easier?

The easier option is to take an overnight ferry from Ireland or the UK (depending where you’re driving from) and cut out the French leg of the journey. This normally arrives into Northern Spain in the morning and you can complete the last leg in 1 or more days, depending on how many stops you want.

The cheapest option is to drive across France. Most people need an overnight, which means hotel costs, and you do need to factor in the tolls costs, but it usually works out cheaper. Autoroutes is a useful website for estimating driving costs.

Which option is faster? It does depend on where you’re starting your journey in the UK, but if you drive non-stop it’s usually a few hours faster than taking the ferry. However, most people won’t drive non-stop and will need an overnight break, which means the ferry is the faster option.

Spain or Portugal?

Once you arrive in Spain, regardless of whether you arrive by ferry or by driving through France, you’ll need to decide how you want to get to Portugal: through Spain or through Portugal.

Driving through Spain is typically faster and, thanks to minimal tolls, cheaper than driving through Portugal. Obviously, this blog would recommend you see Portugal rather than Spain, but Spain is usually the easier option.

If you’re arriving into a ferry port in Northern Spain (e.g. Santander or Bilbao) or from France, Salamanca is a great stopping point. It’s located roughly half-way along the route and there’s enough culture and historical attractions to make it a good stop-off for at least a night if not 2.

Tip: Hotel Salamanca Montalvo offers free parking (a novelty in Spain) and is just a short walk or taxi ride from the city centre, making it a great hotel for overnight stops.

If you’re driving to the Algarve the fastest route Google Maps suggests takes you around Seville. While this is the fastest route, it does mean you miss out on Portugal completely – and have to drive around Seville’s bypass, which isn’t the most fun. Another option would be to move over to Portugal around Badajoz and drive through the Alentejo. Many of the small towns here, like Evora, Beja, and Vila Viçosa are worth visiting, even if it’s just for a few hours.

Travelling with Pets?

If you’re travelling with pets, there are a few extra things to think about, like:

Pet-friendly Accommodation: Booking.com is good for finding pet-friendly accommodation: simply select “pet friendly” under facilities on the left-hand menu.
Pet-friendly Cabins or Kennels : Some ferries have pet-friendly cabins while others have kennels where the dogs stay for the duration of the trip. In the Eurotunnel, the dog stays in the car with you and, in some ferries, pets stay in the car.
Journey time: Travelling with a pet, particularly a dog, means that you’ll have to break up the journey a lot more for toilet and walk breaks.
Pet passport: And, don’t forget that your pet will need to be vaccinated and micro chipped (see the full list of rules ). For UK travellers, there are also Brexit-specific guidelines here .
Booking.com – For hotels for overnight stops, booking.com is very useful. Usually a hotel or motel is much easier than getting an Airbnb as these often involve a lot of back and forth with the owner and having to tell them when you’re arriving
Direct Ferries (UK) – Shows a list of ferry routes from the UK to Spain , UK to France , and Ireland to Spain

Can I drive to Portugal from the UK?

Yes, you can drive to Portugal from the UK. You can either take the ferry or Eurotunnel and drive through France or you can take a ferry to Northern Spain.

Is there a ferry between the UK and Portugal?

No, there is not a ferry between the UK and Portugal. There are ferries between the UK and Northern Spain, however, so you can take the ferry to Spain and then drive onto Portugal.

Which is better, driving through France or taking the ferry to Spain?

We estimate that driving through France is likely to be cheaper, but that taking the ferry to Spain is going to be the faster option.

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A guide to driving from England to Portugal

Updated On 7th December, 2021

Portugal is one of the most beautiful corners of Europe to explore, particularly if you’re an ocean lover and keen for an active holiday. Saying that Portugal is also very ready for you to come and check into one of its many oceanside hotels for complete relaxation.

Do you know what it’s also epic for? A road trip!

I’m guessing you’ve arrived at this post because you’re thinking of doing the drive from England to Portugal but have a few questions or concerns about it? I know I did beforehand! Driving England to Portugal by car is a mission indeed but it can also be broken up and turned into an extended adventure. In this post, I am going to answer the following questions that you may have on your mind…

What happens when I reach the borders of France? Of Spain? Of Portugal?

What do I need to take with me?

How easy is the drive?

Where should you stop off along the way?

What you should remember to take with you when you drive from England to Portugal by car?

What do you need to be careful of?

I’ve got great news for you, we are going to run through all of the above in this guide to driving from England to Portugal by car.

At the beginning of September, I drove from England to Portugal in my converted VW transporter, spent 7 weeks exploring and living the dream and then a couple of weeks ago I did the big drive back. So from my first-hand experience, here are my top tips for you!

Portugal Google Map Legend

With this Google Map, you can have all my tips and recommendations at the touch of your fingertips. These are all the things I wish I knew and spent a lot of time researching before my Portugal adventures. This Google Map Legend includes:

Best walks, hikes, viewpoints and activities
Best waterfalls, beaches and coves to visit
Road trip tips (campsites, laundrettes, lunch spots)
My favourite places for coffee, brunch and dinner
Things you must add to your bucket list!
Travel guide links within each location

Driving from England to Portugal

The distance = 2,043km, planning the drive.

When planning the drive from England to Portugal the first thing to consider is which ferry route you’re going to take from England because, of course, you need to cross the channel to arrive in mainland Europe.

Popular ferry options:

Dover to Calais (France)
Portsmouth to Le Havre (France)
Portsmouth to Santander (Spain)

There are many other ferries that run but in my knowledge, these are the most popular.

See my experience taking the ferry from Dover to Calais here.

Driving via France vs. driving via Spain

Which route has the least driving.

If you can get a ferry from Portsmouth to Santander (Spain) then the time you will be physically driving on the road will be significantly reduced. I think from Santander to Lisbon it’s only around 853km (8 hours) as opposed to 2,043km (19 hours) from Calais when you take the France route.

Which ferry is the quickest?

Though the ferry from Portsmouth to Santander will cut your driving time significantly shorter, the crossing itself is a lot longer than the Dover to Calais. Portsmouth to Santander is a 24-hour overnight ferry and the Dover to Calais is 1.5 hours.

I met people that had encountered a pretty rough 24 hours on the ferry because of the weather so if you’re inclined to get seasick, the long drive and short ferry option may be better suited to you, just incase.

Which route is the cheapest?

It completely depends on when you book. If you can get a good deal on the Santander ferry then, of course, you will be spending way less on tolls and fuel. However, if like us, you book last minute and the Santander ferry is £400-500 (inc. cabin) then the £120 average ferry from Dover to Calais plus petrol and tolls will work out around the same.

As an example, driving back from Portugal to England I spent:

£130 on the ferry ticket, £130 on tolls and £200 on diesel. Totalling £460.

We may have saved a bit of money here (once you take into account the petrol cost on top of the Santander ferry) but we actually went for the drive option because we wanted to break up the journey and see a little bit of France along the way. Plus pick up some wine!

Things to remember before you leave for the ferry:

Any forms for boarding (ferry company should send an email within 48 hours of departure)
2 types of card for toll payment (back up essential)
Euros (cash) for tolls. Double back up.
European driving kit
All your legal vehicle documents.

When driving in another country it is important that you arrange, in advance, with your insurance and breakdown cover to make sure that you are covered in the desired countries. I have RAC breakdown cover in the UK and extended it to Europe 1 week before my trip.

Check the documents you need to have with you when driving in Europe here.

When setting out on big drives like this one it’s also really important to make sure your vehicle has been thoroughly checked (MOT and service are up to date) and to make sure all the fluid levels in your vehicle are topped up. Particularly that windscreen fluid, long drives at speed = lots of squished bugs dirtying your vision.

Watch my video below and make sure you’ve covered all the essential checks before you set off.

What route did I take?

We decided to head back to England from Portugal on a bit of a mission and left the drive until the very last minute. Why? Because the universe delivered THAT big swell at Nazaré on the day we were due to leave. See the images from once we witnessed in Nazaré here .

I wouldn’t advise rushing the drive back in any way as you really need to allow time for you to be tired when you’re tired and for you to stop lots on the way. Responsible driving always. We didn’t drive dangerously but we did drive some extremely long drives powered by caffeine.

Nazaré – Deba (860km / 8 hours)

Deba – Hossegor (120km / 1.5 hours)

Hossegor – Vouillé (418km / 4.5 hours)

Vouillé – Calais ferry port (630km / 6 hours)

Places to stop along the way if you drive through France...

When driving through France from Calais there are lots of places to consider stopping off in to add some adventure to your road trip…

Normandy region – a short detour but a beautiful coastline to explore.

Consider a seafood dinner in Fécamp, the famous chalk cliffs and L’Aiguille formation in Etretat and the gorgeous town of Honfleur. The Saturday market is a gorgeous French experience, a perfect excuse to pick up a croissant and wander!

See my 3-day Normany road trip itinerary and images here.

Épernay – the capital of champagne.

Stopping here will take you a different route to ‘the quickest route’, adding around an hour to the total journey. However, if you’re keen to adventure it’s the perfect place to toast to your road trip with a glass of the finest bubbles!

See my 3-day road trip itinerary via Epernay here.

Bordeaux – for obvious reasons.

Bordeaux, famous as a wine-growing region, is a city on the Garonne River in southwestern France. Stop at a vineyard, pick up some wine to take with you or have dinner and a glass of the finest.

Hossegor – world-class surf spot

If you’re heading to Portugal for the surf, why not stop on the way at another world-class destination? Hossegor is a beach resort set amongst the pine trees of Landes just 30km north of Biarritz in south-west France. Hossegor is one spot along 150km of golden sands on this coastline reaching north to Arcachon. Hossegor’s vibe has that Byron Bay come SoCal feel to it. If that’s your vibe, you have to stop here.

There are surf outlets here to shop in, gorgeous cafes, restaurants and bars. We stopped here at Waxed coffee, a great place to grab coffee, work and shop!

Biarritz – elegant surf town

Another dreamy surf spot on southwestern France’s Basque coast. It’s been a popular holiday destination for European royalty for years – evident in its array of gorgeous dining options and hotels. A great place to grab a surf lesson or some beautiful cuisine on the coast!

Places to stop along the way if you drive through Spain...

To be honest, if you take the route from Portsmouth to Santander and you drive the fastest route, I don’t have any suggestions unless you take a little detour and visit San Sebastian. Which is absolutely worth visiting…

San Sebastian – a short detour

San Sebastian is a resort town on the Bay of Biscay in Spain’s mountainous Basque Country. I am yet to visit here but I have heard so many amazing things. It’s said to be extremely picturesque and the perfect place to spend a few days, eating and drinking well in the old town and beyond.

There are however places worth stopping off in inland Portugal, depending on where you’re heading first?

Mountain villages like Monsanto and Sortelha to name a few.

See my top things to do and see in Portugal here.

Where to head to first in Portugal?

Okay so you’ve booked your ferry, have landed in mainland Europe from England and you’re approaching Portugal’s borders.

Where should you spot first in Portugal?

It depends on what kind of trip you’re after, what time of year you’re visiting and how long you have?

I had 6/7 weeks to play with so I headed straight for Ericeira and then drove slowly south down the coast through the likes of Guincho, Cascais, Sintra, Carcavelos, Lisbon and Caparica before heading down to the Algarve.

Take a look at my Portugal travel guides here for help planning your itinerary.

If you’re starting in the capital city, see my travel guide to Lisbon here.

If you’re heading to the Algarve, check out my travel guide to Lagos here.

A backpacker’s guide to Madeira, Portugal

The Best things to do in the Algarve, Portugal

6 Best Day Trips From Lisbon, Portugal

Best things to do on the West Coast of Portugal

A 3-day Lisbon Itinerary, Portugal

A Holistic Approach to Healing Eczema

The best things to do in Lisbon, Portugal

The best budget-friendly things to do in Porto

The best things to do in Madeira, Portugal

A 7-day itinerary for Madeira, Portugal

Have you driven from england to portugal.

Where did you stop off? Anything you’d add?

Love as always and happy adventuring,

Founder of Where’s Mollie / We Are Global Travellers, content creator, photographer and videographer. I am certainly no stranger to adventure, outward and within. I thrive in nature, with nature and by recognising my true nature in the midst of it all.

See all of Mollie’s adventures and guides here.

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A guide to driving from England to Portugal

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11 days | dive into the highlights of portugal and spain, from mountain ranges to thriving city nightlife.

A traditional tram travelling through the streets of Lisbon, Portugal.

This 11-day adventure from Lisbon to Barcelona is the perfect introduction to two countries packed with natural scenery, cultural city life and delicious cuisine. Soak up the rocky coastlines along the Algarve, head out for some optional kayaking or boat rides, then dive into Spain for tapas, churros and hiking. Enjoy the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains on a hike, see some street art and dive into the local culture of Seville, Granada, Madrid and Barcelona. This trip has heaps of free time to choose your own adventure, making sure you see all the iconic sights on your list, with a handy local leader to show you the way.

Trip overview

Tick off all the popular spots and enjoy unique local experiences

Affordable trips with the freedom to choose how you spend your time

Connect to the places you go and the communities at the heart of every Intrepid experience

Take a day trip out to Monachil in Spain and hike the Los Cahorros trail near the Sierra Nevada mountains. You’ll walk along suspension bridges, through waterfalls and soak up the beautiful natural landscape.
Feast on the delicious food in two countries known for their cuisine, with a tapas tasting of local favourites in Seville and a churros sampling in Madrid (don’t forget to eat countless pastel de natas during your time in Lisbon!).
Wander the colourful streets of the multicultural Lavapies neighbourhood in Madrid during a street art tour with a local guide and graffiti enthusiast. This company supports sustainable tourism and promotes social projects within the local community.
See the incredible views from the Ponta da Piedade trail in Lagos – this stretch of endless coastline boasts beautiful natural scenery, rock caves, grottoes, and crystal-clear waters.
Carve your own adventure with tonnes of free time for activities you want to do – maybe go kayaking in Lagos, see the sites in Barcelona, or simply chill out on the beach in the Algarve.
It’s bunking season! As accommodation on this trip is multi-share, solo travellers will share a room with other travellers of the same gender, an excellent opportunity to get to know other like-minded people. Travellers on the same booking may be split between rooms due to the single gender dormitories.
Summer temperatures can be very high in many of the regions visited (over 40°C), which can be uncomfortable. It’s important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat, and drink plenty of water. Please keep in mind that many European hotel rooms are not equipped with air-conditioning. In Winter, warm layers will be needed as snow can be expected in some regions. Carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season.
We recommend packing light for this trip as you'll be required to carry your own luggage between train stations, buses and hotels, which can include going up and down multiple flights of stairs, and across cobblestones. A travel towel can come in handy too when staying in European hostels. You can find specifics under ‘Packing’ in the ‘Essential trip information’ section.

Ola! Welcome to Portugal. Your adventure officially kicks off in Lisbon with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, maybe head to one of the many outdoor cafes and soak up the city’s energy. You could ride on the Gloria cable car – this bright yellow funicular is one of Lisbon’s most photographed images! Explore the trendy neighbourhood of Bairro Alto or try a pastel de nata (a sweet and delicious custard tart and Portugal’s most famous pastry). After your meeting tonight, maybe head out to the Miradouro de Santa Catarina with great views of the city and listen to the street performers play as the sun goes down.

Hostel (multi-share) (1 night)

There are no meals included on this day.

Lisbon - Gulbenkian Museum - EUR10
Lisbon - National Art Museum - EUR6
Lisbon - Belem Tower and Monastery - EUR20
Sintra - Day Trip - EUR10
Lisbon - Ginginha Tasting - EUR2
Lisbon - Naval Museum - EUR7
Lisbon - Oceanarium - EUR25
Lisbon - Experience Lisbon Walk Urban Adventure - EUR45
Lisbon - Folk Art Museum - EUR5
Lisbon - Puppet Museum - EUR5

It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

As this trip doesn’t spend much time in Lisbon, it’s highly recommended that you arrive a few days early to explore all this great city has to offer.

This morning, you’ll say goodbye to Lisbon and head to Lagos by public transport. Set on the banks of the Rio Bensafrim, Lagos has a temperate Mediterranean climate, many beaches and a rich cultural heritage. When you arrive, take an orientation walk with your leader to get your bearings before heading to the water along the Ponta da Piedade trail. A small section of the popular Fisherman’s Trail, the walk gives you great views of the natural arches, towers, grottoes and caves that have been eroded into this limestone coast. This afternoon you’re free to feast on freshly caught fish at a restaurant overlooking the water or to watch the sunset before throwing yourself into the pumping local nightlife.

Lagos - Walk the Ponta Da Piedade Trail
Lagos - Orientation Walk

Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.

You have a free day in Lagos today to take on some fun, optional activities. After breakfast, maybe head out for a kayaking adventure and paddle through the clear water, natural rock archways and gorgeous coastal scenery. You could also take a 1-hour boat tour around the Algarve Caves, sailing along the coast and soaking in the landscape.

Lagos - Algarve Caves Boat Tour - EUR20
Lagos - Kayak Tour - EUR35

After breakfast, you’ll travel to your first stop in Spain – Seville. If the legends are to be believed, this city was founded by Hercules and its origins are linked with the Tartessian civilisation. Seville is famous for its oranges, tapas and flamenco, all three of which are ingrained in the city’s proud people. When you arrive, you’ll get your bearings with an orientation walk. Then, the rest of the evening is free. Maybe explore shaded Barrio Santa Cruz or San Jacinto – the bustling main street of the Triana quarter.

Seville - Orientation Walk

Your travel time today will be approximately 7.5 hours.

Today is a free day to wander Seville at your own pace. Check out the world's largest Gothic cathedral and maybe climb the adjoining Moorish tower known as La Giralda. While you might have to line up, it's well worth it for the views over the city! Perhaps visit the Alcazar – a complex of palaces used by Moorish and Christian rulers through the ages, now gaining international fame as a shooting location for ‘Game of Thrones’. If you’re a museum buff, maybe head to the Museum of Fine Arts or the Archaeological Museum. As Seville is the tapas capital of Spain, you’ll link back up with your group this evening for a tasting tour with your leader. Sample some of the tasty morsels on offer in one of the city's many tapas bars. After, maybe keep the night going and catch a local flamenco performance.

Seville - Tapas Tasting
Seville - Museum of Art & Popular Customs - EUR2
Seville - Andalusian Contemporary Art Centre - EUR3
Seville - Cathedral & Giralda Tower - EUR12
Seville - Flamenco Show (from) - EUR25
Seville - Casa de Pilatos - EUR10
Seville - Archaeological Museum - Free
Seville - Torre del Oro - EUR3
Seville - Royal Alcazar of Seville - EUR14
Seville - Santa Paula Convent - EUR3
Seville - Museum of Fine Arts - EUR2
Seville - Indias Archive - Free

If you wish to visit the Royal Alcazar of Seville, it’s best to pre-book your tickets before the tour. Check https://www.alcazarsevilla.org/en/ for updated information on availability.

Take a local bus to Granada today. Sitting at the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Granada is packed with Moorish architecture, great tapas bars and natural beauty. When you arrive, take a walk with your leader to get your bearings. After, you’re free to maybe climb the steep streets up to the Mirador de San Nicolas for sunset views over the famous Alhambra. You may also want to pass by the old Arab quarter of the Albaicin – a labyrinth of alleys, fountains, plazas and whitewashed houses.

Granada - Orientation Walk

Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

This morning you’ll journey to Monachil, where you’ll set off on a hike through the scenic Los Cahorros trail. This exciting hike features long rope bridges, swimming holes, waterfalls and a few narrow paths that require the use of handles in the rock. After, take the bus back to Granada for a free evening. If you like, you can visit the Alhambra Palace to discover the 11th-century marvel and its red fortress towers and gorgeous gardens. Explore the fountains and pools, centuries-old defensive walls, and the viewpoints overlooking Granada. Tonight, maybe wander down Carrera del Darro or grab some local bites with your group.

Monachil - Los Cahorros Hike
Granada - Alhambra Visit - EUR20
Granada - Mirador de San Nicolas - Free
Granada - Catedral de Granada - EUR6
Granada - Capilla Real - EUR6

Your travel time today will be approximately 1 hour. Your hiking time will be approximately 4 hours.

If you wish to visit Alhambra, it’s best to pre-book your tickets before the tour. Please make sure you book tickets after 5 pm if you plan to visit today. Check https://tickets.alhambra-patronato.es/en/ for updated information on availability.

Travel to the bus station to start your journey to Madrid – the Spanish capital known for its boulevards, architecture, cuisine and manicured parks. When you arrive, check into your hotel and then head out on an orientation walk tonight with your leader to get your bearings. You’ll stop along the way for some churros (fried doughnuts), a staple snack in Spain and Portugal. Then why not ask your leader the best spot for dinner and head out with your fellow travellers.

Madrid - Churros Snack
Madrid - Orientation Walk

Your travel time today will be approximately 5.5 hours.

Head out on a street art tour today with a local guide. You’ll walk through the streets of Madrid’s Lavapies neighbourhood and explore the district to really experience the art culture like a local. Learn some backstories of local artists and maybe even try your hand at some stencil graffiti too (if you’re lucky)! The afternoon is then free for you to explore how you wish. Maybe hang out in El Retiro Park or explore Prado Museum’s works by Goya, Velazquez and other Spanish masters. You might also want to check out the Royal Palace of Madrid – the official residence of the Spanish royal family.

Madrid - Street Art Tour
Madrid - Royal Palace - EUR14
Madrid - Tapas Urban Adventure - EUR99
Madrid - Museo Reina Sofia - EUR10
Madrid - Museo del Prado - EUR15
Madrid - Real Jardín Botánico - EUR6
Madrid - Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza - EUR13

If you wish to visit the Royal Palace or Museo del Prado, it’s best to pre-book your tickets before the tour. Please make sure you book tickets after 2:30 pm if you plan to visit today. Check https://www.patrimonionacional.es/en/visita/royal-palace-madrid and https://www.museodelprado.es/en for updated information on availability.

Today you’ll head to Barcelona, where Catalan cuisine, an eclectic art scene, Gothic architecture and non-stop nightlife are just some of the many highlights. When you hop off the train, check into your hotel, recharge, then head out to walk the streets with your leader. This afternoon, you’ll have some free time to maybe check out the iconic Sagrada Familia – the largest unfinished Catholic church in the world, designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi. Tonight, why not head out on the town with your group to a local restaurant and toast to a trip well-travelled.

Hotel (multi-share) (1 night)
Barcelona - Orientation Walk

If you wish to visit La Sagrada Familia, it’s best to pre-book your tickets before the tour. Please make sure you book tickets after 5 pm if you plan to visit today. Check https://tickets.sagradafamilia.org/ for updated information on availability.

With no further activities planned, your adventure comes to an end this morning. If you’d like to extend your time in Barcelona, and it’s recommended that you do, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.

Barcelona - National Art Museum of Catalonia - EUR12
Barcelona - Museum of City History - EUR7
Barcelona - Old Santa Creu Hospital - EUR16
Barcelona - Museum of Gaudi - EUR6
Barcelona - Ethnological and World Cultures - EUR5
Barcelona - Guell Palace (must be prebooked in advance) - EUR12
Barcelona - Contemporary Art Museum - EUR12
Barcelona - Cable car to Montjuic (one way) - EUR10
Barcelona - Picasso Museum - EUR14
Barcelona - La Sagrada Familia (must be prebooked in advance) - EUR26
Barcelona - Casa Batllo (advance booking required) - EUR29
Barcelona - Barcelona Cathedral - EUR11
Barcelona - Tapas Tour in El Raval Urban Adventure - EUR99

If you want to spend more time exploring Western Europe, we recommend checking out our Barcelona to Paris (ZMRE) or Barcelona to Berlin (ZMRGC) trips!

5 breakfasts, 1 dinner

Train, metro, public bus

Multi-share Hostels and Hotels (10 nights)

Dates and availability

Important notes.

A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Days 4, 5, 6 & 7 (multi-share hostels) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Check back later or explore reviews for similar trips.

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Need a holiday? How to take advantage of the September slump and nab a bargain trip before Christmas

Exclusive: a week on albania’s adriatic coast in november is all yours for £135 per person, article bookmarked.

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The September slump in holiday prices is well under way, with proper package holidays in the rest of the month available for £300 or less.

Later in the autumn and early winter, an escape to the Mediterranean , Adriatic or Atlantic is even more beneficial. Once the October half-term holiday is out of the away, prices fall still further. An all-inclusive package in Turkey is available for just £50 per day, and a DIY week on the coast of Albania for an absurd £135.

These are the best deals I have found this week. All are based on two people travelling together. Apart from the last one (Albania), they are all proper package holidays, including flights (with luggage), transfers and accommodation (room-only, unless specified otherwise).

Departing from London Stansted on 20 September, Tui has a package holiday to Zante at £217 per person for a week – that’s only £31 per day, staying at the Angela Hotel in the main resort of Laganas.

The likely weather is about 10 degrees warmer than Stansted, with rather more prospects of sunshine.

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The UK is expanding its ETA requirement to more visitors: Here’s what you need to know and how CIBTvisas can help.

By: Paul Buckley

September 12, 2024

In a significant development, the UK Government has announced the expansion of its digital travel authorization scheme, known as the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), to a broader group of international visitors. This move aims to streamline entry processes and strengthen border security as part of the UK’s broader immigration strategy.

What’s new with the UK ETA expansion?

The UK has just announced that it is expanding its digital travel system to include travelers from various nations who were previously exempt from visa requirements. From November 27, 2024, citizens from countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and other non-European visa-exempt countries will need to apply for an ETA before entering the UK. This requirement will gradually extend to all visitors who do not require a visa for short stays, including visitors from Europe.

The ETA functions similarly to the U.S. Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) or the European Union’s upcoming ETIAS system, allowing the UK to prescreen visitors for security and immigration purposes. The expansion is part of the UK’s efforts to enhance its border security. With this new system, the government seeks to balance security measures with a streamlined entry process, ensuring legitimate travelers can enter the UK with fewer complications.

Background to the UK ETA

The UK ETA was first introduced in early 2023 for travelers from select countries, including some Middle Eastern nations. Its expansion represents a crucial shift in the way the UK manages its borders and immigration processes.

The system is designed to be quick and straightforward. Travelers must apply for the ETA online before their trip, providing personal details, passport information, and travel plans. Once granted, the ETA will be electronically linked to the traveler’s passport and allow them to visit the UK for short stays, including tourism, business, and family visits. The ETA will typically be valid for multiple visits over a period of time.

How CIBTvisas can help secure your UK ETA

Navigating the new travel requirements can be complex, but CIBTvisas is here to assist you every step of the way. With years of expertise in visa and travel documentation, CIBTvisas can simplify the process of obtaining an ETA, ensuring that travelers meet all necessary criteria and avoid potential issues.

Here’s how CIBTvisas can support you:

Guidance on eligibility: As the UK gradually rolls out the ETA, CIBTvisas can help you determine whether you need to apply and what the timeline looks like based on your nationality and travel plans.

ETA application assistance: Our experts can handle the entire application process on your behalf, reducing the risk of delays or errors that could prevent your entry to the UK.

Comprehensive travel documentation: In addition to helping with ETAs, CIBTvisas offers a wide range of services to assist with visas, passport renewals, and other documentation needed for international travel.

Timely updates: The UK government is continually refining its travel and immigration policies. We keep you informed of any changes to ensure your documentation is always up to date.

Whether you are a frequent business traveler or planning a one-time visit, CIBTvisas is equipped to make the application process seamless, allowing you to focus on your travel plans with confidence.

The UK’s expansion of the ETA system is a significant step in modernizing its border control processes. While it introduces new requirements for millions of travelers, with the right support, it doesn’t have to complicate your plans. CIBTvisas is committed to helping travelers navigate this new system efficiently, ensuring that your journey to the UK is as smooth as possible.

Visit our dedicated UK visa page for more information or to get started with your ETA application, contact CIBTvisas today.

Read next: Europe has announced a firm date for the introduction of the Entry/Exit System.

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The best cities for solo travellers, according to an expert

Offering the perfect blend of culture and cosmopolitan comforts, a city break is a great trip for solo adventurers, says Tracey Davies, editor of 101 Singles Holidays

Travelling on your own can be one of life's most enriching experiences, which is why I love my job as editor of solo travel guide 101 Singles Holidays . Offering freedom, independence and the opportunity to live to the beat of your own drum, going solo is one the fastest growing sectors in the travel industry.

New to travelling alone? City breaks are a great way to begin your solo journey. Whether it's exploring the intoxicating Medina in Marrakech , the bohemian fado bars of Bairro Alto in Lisbon or the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, stay in the heart of a city and you'll be within easy reach of the key attractions, landmarks, museums and nightlife.

Travelling solo doesn't have to mean spending all your time alone, however. The solo travel industry is booming right now and there are numerous singles tours and group holidays on offer that appeal to all interests and ages. It can be a great way to meet and explore with a bunch of like-minded folk.

So, whether you’re looking for some pure alone time or wanting to explore as part of a bigger group, here are the best cities for solo travel…

Vienna, Austria

Beautiful, safe and friendly, Vienna is one of Europe's best cities for solo travel. Activity-wise, relax in Mozart's favourite coffee house, feast on frisbee-sized schnitzels in a leafy beer garden or catch a classical music recital.

Stay at the Anantara Palais Hansen on the city’s famous Ringstraße boulevard, which gives you easy access to grand imperial palaces, a multitude of world-class museums and Vienna State Opera.

Good Housekeeping's four-day guided city break in Vienna includes a live show by Dutch violinist and conductor André Rieu and his Johann Strauss Orchestra in the opulent 19th-century Stadthalle.

FIND OUT MORE

Venice, Italy

Although considered one of the most romantic cities in Europe, Venice is perfect for exploring alone.

On your own time, you can sail down the many canals on vaporettos (water buses), wander between the different neighbourhoods, and enjoy aperitivo hour in a cicchetteria , the Venetian tapas bars dotted all around the city.

Steeped in Renaissance and Gothic architecture, be sure to visit the art galleries and vintage boutiques of Dorsoduro as well as the palazzos and piazzas of San Marco.

For a dreamy solo stay, book a room at Hotel Fenice et Des Artistes , a charming independent hotel near St Mark's Square, which has a clutch of single rooms, a private garden and a bar.

Alternatively, GH's eight-day Venice river cruise explores more of the Venetian lagoon, including the islands of Burano and Mazzorbo. Foodies will be excited to hear that the sailing also includes a live Q&A and gala dinner with acclaimed chef James Martin, too.

If you're a music lover, don't miss this Good Housekeeping island hopping river cruise around Veneto, which includes a rare and intimate performance by world-famous tenor Russell Watson at the grand Scuola Grande dei Carmini.

Istanbul, Turkey

In a list compiled by Wizz Air based on 2023 Tripadvisor reviews, Istanbul ranked third in the 'Top 20 European Cities for Solo Travellers,' thanks to an abundance of sights and welcoming restaurants.

In the city where East meets West, pick up a trinket in the maze-like Grand Bazaar, catch the hypnotic twirl of the Whirling Dervishes at a local folk show, or even cruise along the Bosphorus Strait over to Asia.

Stay at the Hagia Sofia Mansions, Curio Collection by Hilton , which is within easy reach of Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque (pictured) and has a fabulous spa.

To really make the most of your time in Turkey , why not double up with a few days in historic Cappadocia, a semi-arid region famed for its fairy chimneys and rock formations. Friendship Travel , who are specialists in relaxed singles holidays, offer a six-day trip combining three nights in Istanbul and three nights in Cappadocia.

Athens, Greece

Friendly, accessible and packed with landmark sights, Athens is one of the best cities for solo travel in Europe.

You don’t need companions to climb up Acropolis hill and explore the ancient site of the Parthenon, hit the beaches of the Athenian Riviera, potter around Monastiraki’s flea market or scoff souvlaki from a street food vendor.

Promising one of the finest views of the Acropolis, book a stay in the NYX Esperia Palace Hotel Athens by Leonardo Hotels, which has a rooftop pool overlooking the Parthenon.

If you’re interested in exploring with like-minded solo travellers, this seven-night trip to Greece with Solo Holidays begins with two days in Athens before heading to the ancient towns of Epidaurus, Delphi and Olympia.

Lisbon, Portugal

Yellow trams, fado music and pastéis de Belém (the city’s famed custard tarts) are three good reasons to choose Lisbon for a solo city break.

A warm, welcoming city spread across seven hills, visit the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte (one of the highest peaks in Lisbon) for panoramic views or simply potter around the bohemian neighbourhoods of Bairro Alto and Alfama.

If you time your trip right, you could also catch one of the local festivals – like Lisbon Sardine Festival – which pop up throughout the summer.

For easy access to all the main attractions, the riverside and the verdant Jardim de Estrela, stay at the charming boutique hotel Dear Lisbon Gallery House in Bairro Alto.

For a singles-friendly group holiday in Lisbon, this eight-day escorted tour by solo travel specialist Just You Holidays takes in Sintra, Cascais and Porto, as well as packing in plenty of time to enjoy the Portuguese capital.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Polished limestone streets, peaceful beaches and plenty of sunset bars in the cliffs overlooking the Adriatic Sea make Dubrovnik utterly charming. The Croatian city is also one of the best spots for single travellers, too.

Walk the around the medieval walls of the Old City, dine out in the many friendly restaurants, or hop on a speed boat and sail out to the surrounding islands of Lokrum, Daksa and Lopud. Of course, Dubrovnik will always be King's Landing to Game of Thrones fans, for whom there are plenty of GOT -themed walking tours on offer.

Slightly away from the main hustle and bustle, the Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik is located just outside the Old Town walls. The grand hotel has a swimming pool, spa and striking views over Fort Lovrijenac and the sea beyond.

Just You offer an eight-day tour of Dubrovnik and the Dalmatian Coast , which includes a cruise to the Elaphiti Islands and a trip to the fortified town of Kotor in Montenegro, just across the border.

Seville, Spain

One of the most beautiful cities in Spain , Seville is a great choice for your first solo city break. With a compact centre and old town, Seville is one of the easiest Spanish cities to explore on foot.

Spend your days wandering around the jasmine-scented streets of Barrio Santa Cruz or climbing up La Giralda, Seville's landmark Gothic bell tower, while at night you can visit the hole-in-the-wall tapas bars in Alameda and Macarena for plates of succulent caracoles (snails coked in broth) and glasses of cava.

For a central stay, consider the beautiful Hotel Fernando III in the historic Santa Cruz district, which boasts a rooftop pool with a birds-eye view of La Giralda.

If you want to share the experience with a group, award-winning escorted tours company Newmarket Holidays offers an eight-day stay in the Andalusian city of Antequera, which includes guided day trips to Seville, Cordoba and Granada.

Dublin, Ireland

If you're looking for a good time, look no further than Dublin, easily one of the most sociable cities in the world.

One of the best ways to see Ireland’s capital is via a walking tour, like a literary-themed one that takes in Oscar Wilde's old haunts, or a boozy one that stops at Guinness Storehouse and some of the city’s most lively pubs.

For accommodation worth writing home about, book at room at The Clarence on Wellington Quay. Once owned by Bono and The Edge of U2, this boutique hotel is one of Dublin's most iconic places to stay and is only a two-minute walk from the lively Temple Bar district.

For an extended taste of the Emerald Isle, On The Go escorted holidays offers a brilliant three-day tour for solo travellers that takes in Dublin, winds past the Cliffs of Moher and Connemara National Park, and spends a day in lovely Galway.

Valletta, Malta

The smallest capital city in Europe just so happens to be one of the most beautiful – and perfect for single explorer.

Malta was under British rule until the 1960s and the Maltese archipelago still has plenty of Anglo influence – English is widely spoken and there’s even a Marks & Spencer!

Pincered by two harbours, the tiny 16th-century walled city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its criss-crossed, sand-coloured streets are lined with boutique shops, coffee houses and an array of fine restaurants. Don't miss peeking into 16th-century St John's Co-Cathedral to spy Caravaggio's masterpiece, the Beheading of St John the Baptist .

For a solo traveller’s treat, book a stay at Rosselli AX Privilege in the heart of Valletta. This swanky five-star hotel is housed in a 19th-century baroque building, which was once owned by the Knights of Malta.

Alternatively, this eight-day guided trip to Malta by Saga Holidays includes a day’s tour of Valletta as well as a trip to the neighbouring island of Gozo to see the ancient Ġgantija temples.

More travel inspiration:

- The best solo travel destinations

- The best cruises for solo travellers

- The 2025 holidays worth booking in advance

- 17 European holidays worthy of your bucket list

- The best luxury train holidays

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Plan a Road Trip to Portugal from the UK
Plan a Road Trip to Portugal from the UK
Helpful Tips for Traveling to Portugal from the UK
How to Drive to Portugal from the UK or Ireland
Driving to Portugal from UK
Portugal Road Trip: Itinerary & Planning Tips for 2024

VIDEO

ROAD TRIP PORTUGAL EN PORTUGAL 🇵🇹💕😍
WE TOOK A LAST MINUTE TRIP TO PORTUGAL!
Traveling to Portugal: where to go, what to see, and how to get around
Buy a Own House in Portugal with 35000 Euro
PORTO VLOG

COMMENTS

Entry requirements
Children aged 17 and under travelling to Portugal alone, or with a person who is not their parent or legal guardian, must either: be met at the airport or point of entry by their parent or ...
Portugal travel advice
Travelling to Portugal. FCDO travel advice for Portugal. Includes safety and security, insurance, entry requirements and legal differences.
London to Portugal
You can take a train from London St Pancras Intl to Lisboa Santa Apolonia via Paris Nord, Paris Gare De Lyon, Barcelona-Sants, Vigo Guixar, and Porto Campanha in around 32h 52m. Alternatively, TAP Portugal, British Airways, and two other airlines fly from London Heathrow (LHR) to Lisboa (LIS) hourly. Rome2Rio's Travel Guide series provide vital ...
£20 Cheap Flights to Portugal
The cheapest ticket to Portugal from the United Kingdom found in the last 72 hours was £17 one-way, and £27 round-trip. The most popular route is London Gatwick to Lisbon Humberto Delgado and the cheapest round-trip airline ticket found on this route in the last 72 hours was £41.
Portugal travel advice: Can I travel to Portugal from the UK ...
Unvaccinated passengers. STEP 1: Up to four days before your flight you need to fill in Portugal's online passenger locator card - as above. STEP 2: You need to present a negative Covid-19 test to travel to Portugal. This can either be a lateral flow test taken within 48 hours of entry or a PCR test taken within 72 hours of entry.
5-day Portugal Itinerary: Make the most out of a short trip to Portugal
While we always recommend spending as much time as possible in Portugal, 5 days is plenty of time to see the largest two cities - Porto and Lisbon. Our 5-day Portugal itinerary starts in the beautiful city of Porto, early in the morning. We recommend flying here instead of Lisbon as flights tend to be cheaper, particularly from the US and UK.
Travel Information for travelling to Portugal from UK
Yes. When you are travelling to Portugal from UK you must submit an electronic application via the Portugal ETIAS website before travelling to Portugal and other countries in the Schengen region. This will be required as soon as the new visa waiver program becomes compulsory in 2025. There will be an initial grace period of six months for both ...
Cheap Flights to Portugal from £29 Return
from £29. Lisbon.£31 per passenger.Departing Sun, 1 Dec, returning Wed, 4 Dec.Return flight with Ryanair.Outbound direct flight with Ryanair departs from Manchester on Sun, 1 Dec, arriving in Lisbon.Inbound direct flight with Ryanair departs from Lisbon on Wed, 4 Dec, arriving in Manchester.Price includes taxes and charges.From £31, select.
Travelling to Portugal
Requirements, paperwork and processes for weddings and civil partnerships overseas - registration, restrictions, fees. Portugal travel advice. FCDO travel advice for Portugal. Includes safety and ...
Cheap flights United Kingdom to Portugal from £29
The cheapest flight deals from United Kingdom to Portugal. Faro.£29 per passenger.Departing Wed, 16 Oct, returning Thu, 17 Oct.Return flight with Ryanair.Outbound direct flight with Ryanair departs from Bristol on Wed, 16 Oct, arriving in Faro.Inbound direct flight with Ryanair departs from Faro on Thu, 17 Oct, arriving in Bristol.Price ...
Cheap flights from London to Portugal from £30
Compare cheap London to Portugal flight deals from over 1,000 providers. Then choose the cheapest plane tickets or fastest journeys. Flight tickets to Portugal start from £14 one-way. Flex your dates to secure the best fares for your London to Portugal ticket.
Flights to Portugal 2024/2025
Portugal flight FAQs. While the average flight time from London to Lisbon is 2 hours and 30 minutes, the flight to Faro or Porto is only 2 hours and 20 minutes. Flights to Madeira take a little longer at just under 4 hours. We frequently fly to Portugal from London Heathrow Airport (LHR), with a number of different flight times every week.
Top 20 Portugal Travel Tips Every Visitor Should Know
13. Couverts are not for free. As a continuation to the previous tip, you should know that the bread, cheese and olives waiting for you at the table at not for free. Ever! If you decide to touch any of it, it counts as a consumption, so if you don't want to pay for them, kindly ask the waiter to take them back.
London to Lisbon & Portugal by train
Byway (Byway.travel) is a UK-based eco-holiday firm with a 5-star TrustPilot rating. If you're nervous about booking train travel yourself, book a UK-Portugal train trip through Byway as a package, including hotels and starting from any British station you like. Byway includes package protection, a 100% Covid refund guarantee, free disruption ...
£20 Cheap Flights from London to Portugal
Prem Econ Class flights to Portugal from £362. Economy class flights to Portugal from £42. Flights. Worldwide. Europe. Portugal. Find flights to Portugal from £20. Fly from London on Wizz Air UK, easyJet, Ryanair and more. Search for Portugal flights on KAYAK now to find the best deal.
Portugal Holidays 2024 / 2025 from £140
Flight time from the UK: The flight time to Portugal is 3 to 4 hours depending where you're flying to. Tourist Information: Further Portugal tourist information can be found at the official website for tourism in Portugal. Visas / Health: Before you travel, check the latest advice from The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.
Portugal Holidays 2024/2025
Papers and visa: UK citizens can visit Portugal for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. Currency: Euro (€) is the currency. Getting around: Portugal has an extensive public transport system, including buses, trains, and metros in larger cities. Electricity/plugs: The standard voltage is 230V with Type F plugs, the same as in ...
14 things to know before going to Portugal
Be mindful of petty crime. Portugal is generally a safe country to visit with a low overall crime rate - violent crime is extremely rare. Pickpocketing and bag-snatching are the main concerns to keep in mind, especially when traveling on the trams and metro in Lisbon or Porto. Avoid moving around during the crowded peak times, and don't ...
Ferry to Portugal from the UK (all options)
Keep in mind when you travel via France to Portugal from the UK, you'll be on the road, after crossing the English Channel, somewhere around 15 hours to get to Porto and Lisbon (17 hours) from the Caen and Le Havre Region. From Calais to Porto is a drive of around 18 hours, and from Calais to Lisbon will be a 19 hours drive plus-minus.
How to Drive to Portugal from the UK or Ireland
The easier option is to take an overnight ferry from Ireland or the UK (depending where you're driving from) and cut out the French leg of the journey. This normally arrives into Northern Spain in the morning and you can complete the last leg in 1 or more days, depending on how many stops you want. The cheapest option is to drive across France.
Best Portugal Tours & Holidays 2024/2025
Enjoyed visiting the two main cities of Portugal as well as prominent country areas. Felt like we did so much in the 8 days yet the trip went so quick. I felt really relaxed at the end of the trip Ending the trip with a stay at Douro Valley wine country, then 2 days in the exciting city of Porto left a feeling of wanting to revisit Portugal again.
A guide to driving from England to Portugal
Things to remember before you leave for the ferry: Passport. Any forms for boarding (ferry company should send an email within 48 hours of departure) 2 types of card for toll payment (back up essential) Euros (cash) for tolls. Double back up. European driving kit. All your legal vehicle documents.
Portugal Forum, Travel Discussion for Portugal
Train travel in Portugal; The train less travelled; Portugal Destination Experts. Claudia N. 5,419 forum posts. cubsur. 89,084 forum posts. Welshtraveller111. 20,283 forum posts. Members who are extremely knowledgeable about this destination and answer travellers' questions frequently.
Essential Spain and Portugal
Affordable travel packages and the experience of a lifetime. Book an Intrepid tour today. My Wishlist My Booking 0808 274 5111 Destinations ... Lisbon, Portugal Finish Barcelona, Spain Theme 18 to 35s Destinations Spain, Portugal Physical rating. Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. ...
5 bargain holidays to book during the September slump
I am a fan of the resort of Armacao de Pera on Portugal's Algarve coast. Jet2 will take you from Birmingham on 8 December for a week for £282 per person, including flights to Faro, transfers ...
The UK is expanding its ETA requirement to more visitors
By: Paul Buckley September 12, 2024. In a significant development, the UK Government has announced the expansion of its digital travel authorization scheme, known as the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), to a broader group of international visitors. This move aims to streamline entry processes and strengthen border security as part of the UK's broader immigration strategy.
The best cities for solo travel, according to an expert
In a list compiled by Wizz Air based on 2023 Tripadvisor reviews, Istanbul ranked third in the 'Top 20 European Cities for Solo Travellers,' thanks to an abundance of sights and welcoming restaurants.
Move to Portugal from the UK in 2024
Moving to Portugal from the UK has been quite popular for many years now, whether it's to enjoy a milder climate, retired life, or even to start a new business. Brits have always considered Portugal a holy grail destination.With the changes brought about by Brexit, the process of moving to Portugal in 2024 requires more careful preparation, with the main add-on being having to get a ...