Name: Portugal in May
Brand: Evaneos
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Portugal

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Design your perfect trip to Portugal in May with a local expert

Trips in May

The best tailor-made trips to visit Portugal in May, created by a local travel agency. Request a local expert to create your perfect trip.

Portugal in May

The best local travel agencies in Portugal for trips in May

In south-west Europe, nestling between Spain and the Atlantic is one of the least well known destinations on the continent: <strong> Portugal</strong>. Land of history, with a rich, superbly well-preserved <strong>heritage</strong> that is nevertheless resolutely modern, the things you can do in this little country (a sixth the size of France) will astonish you, as well as <strong>how welcoming its inhabitants are, its food and its traditions </strong>. There are lots of ways to explore Portugal! <strong>From Lisbon to Porto</strong> via the Algarve coast, everything encourages you to relax, and enjoy. From the big towns to the small, remote villages, local dances and dishes that are known the world over, you will be constantly surprised and astonished by the way the Portuguese <strong>manage to conserve their customs </strong> while making them a natural part of a modern way of life. Add to that its natural beauty and countryside like nowhere else and you have a wonderful cocktail that is bound to please. Travel freely around the country during car tour of Portugal. It's a particularly good place for it ! <br>So, do you want to go <strong>on a trip to Portugal</strong> ?

Tour ideas for visiting Portugal in May

The climate in Portugal is temperate and very comfortable. So there's no <strong>ideal time of year for a <a target="_blank" data-mce-href="https://www.evaneos.fr/portugal/" data-place-id="11481" data-internal-link="place">trip to Portugal</a></strong>: temperatures are favourable all year round. All the same, it's more pleasant to travel there in Spring or Autumn. In truth, winter can be cold inland, and summer is very hot almost everywhere. To make the most of this temperate country, then, we advise you travel in mid-season. The Algarve region, the furthest South in the country, can definitely be visited all year round. It offers splendid beaches, and temperatures never fall below 10 degrees!

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The best local travel agencies in Portugal for Summer vacations

Summer tour ideas in Portugal

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">Spend your summer in <strong><a data-destination-id="15" data-internal-link="destination" href="/portugal/">Portugal</a></strong> and you'll soon fall in love with this dazzling corner of Europe. Its extensive coastline is made for long lazy days by the sea, especially at its popular beach resorts. Many travelers come to Portugal in summer seeking adventure, whether through surfing or discovering hilltop castles. Whatever you choose to do, a summer vacation in Portugal will be one to remember. </span></p><h3>Why should I visit Portugal in summer?</h3><p>The sun-kissed <strong>Portuguese coast is made for summer vacations</strong>. Excellent train connect the center of Lisbon and other cities right to the <strong><a href="https://www.evaneos.com/portugal/tours-beaches/" target="_blank" data-mce-href="https://www.evaneos.com/portugal/tours-beaches/">beaches</a></strong>. Portugal's central and southern regions are among the warmest areas on the continent, too. Savor the balmy summer nights on restaurant terraces with a bottle of local wine, or perhaps by the pool at your own villa.<br></p><h3>Best things to do in Portugal in summer</h3><p>Portugal's summers are ideal for making the most of the sunshine by the water, and savoring the country's famed delicious <strong><a href="https://www.evaneos.com/portugal/tours-food-and-wine/" target="_blank" data-mce-href="https://www.evaneos.com/portugal/tours-food-and-wine/">local wines and seafood</a></strong>.<br></p><h4>Relax on the beaches of the Algarve</h4><p>Faro is the renowned capital of the Algarve, <strong>Portugal's beloved southern vacation region</strong>. Spend the morning swimming at Faro Island Beach, a long stretch of golden sand. Later, have lunch outdoors at a restaurant in the old town.<br></p><h4>Go golfing on the Atlantic coast</h4><p>There are a number of <strong>idyllic golf courses</strong> between Faro and Lagos, perfect for teeing off in the sunny summer weather. A number of fine country hotels and villas are located beside them, perfect for a luxurious break with easy access to the country's best golf courses.<br></p><h4>Explore Sintra's royal history</h4><p>The gorgeous town of Sintra is just a 30-minute train journey from the capital, Lisbon. Take the train early and stop off for a queijada, the delicious local cheese pastry. If you're feeling up for a workout, climb the steep paths leading up to the <strong>fantasy-like Pena Palace</strong>, or opt for a bus to get you there. See for miles across the surrounding woodlands from its many balconies.<br></p><h4>Tour Porto's wine caves</h4><p>Porto is a picturesque city, ideal for walks along the river and visiting its many historic churches. When you want to cool off, <strong>head into the port wine caves</strong>. This legendary fortified drink is one of the country's main exports, and after a tasting you’ll need to make room in your luggage to bring a bottle home.<br></p><h4>Visit the ancient university city, Coimbra</h4><p>Coimbra is home to one of the world's oldest universities, founded in the 13th century. It's a perfect destination for <strong>outdoor exploration</strong>, with attractions like the University Botanical Garden and Mermaid's Garden. Don’t miss a tour of the university itself, including its stunning Joanina Library.<br></p><h3>What’s the weather like in Portugal in summer?</h3><p>Portugal is pleasantly <strong>warm and dry in summer</strong>, particularly as you head south. Be sure to pack plenty of sunscreen, and seek shade around midday. Expect temperatures of 80°F or more in Lisbon and around 90°F in Faro. If you prefer slightly cooler temperatures, head further north to cities like Porto.</p>

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The best tailor-made trips to visit Portugal in Summer, created by a local travel agency. Request a local expert to create your perfect trip.

Design your perfect summer vacation in Portugal with a local expert

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The best local travel agencies in Portugal for history and heritage trips

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Tour ideas for visiting Portugal's historical sites

<p>From Sagres in the south to Braganca in the north, travelers wishing to visit<strong> Portugal's historical sites</strong> are spoiled for choice. Sites range from much-visited destinations such as the Monasterio de Jeronimos in <strong>Lisbon</strong> and <strong>Sintra</strong>'s Palace de Pena to hidden-away gems such as the boulder-strewn village of Monsanto or the medieval architecture of Tomar.<br></p><h3>What makes Portugal a great destination for history lovers?</h3><p>Portugal was settled in turn by Celts, Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, and Moors before becoming a kingdom in 1139 under King Afonso Henriques. These settlers shaped the country's culture and landscape leaving traces still visible today. Also influential was Portugal's part in the Age of Exploration. From the 14th-century onwards, explorers such as Vasco da Gama brought back untold wealth to the country.<br></p><h3> The best historical sites in Portugal to visit</h3><p>As the country with the oldest borders in Europe, the historical sites of <strong><a data-destination-id="15" data-internal-link="destination" href="/portugal/">Portugal</a></strong> don't disappoint. Cobbled city streets are lined with historic buildings while many tiny villages are dominated by centuries-old castles or towered over by imposing churches. Here are five<strong> Portuguese historic sites</strong> to tempt you.<br></p><ul><li><h4>Coimbra, the home of fado</h4><strong>Coimbra</strong> is the birthplace of <em>fado</em> and home to Portugal's oldest university. Houses line the banks of the river, climbing up the hillside via small lanes and staircases. Nearby is Condeixa-a-Nova, one of <strong>Portugal's best-preserved Roman sites</strong>.<br><br></li><li><h4>Follow in the footsteps of the Templar Knights at Castelo Branco<br></h4>Near the Spanish border is <strong>Castelo Branco</strong>, a quiet town often overlooked by travelers. Towering over it is the 12th-century castle and walls built by the Knights Templar. The town is a maze of cobbled alleys with street names that tell a story such as the Rua dos Peleteiros, or Street of the Furriers.<br><br></li><li><h4>Guimarães - the birthplace of a nation<br></h4>From 'county' to 'country', <strong>Guimarães</strong> is where Portuguese independence started and the birthplace of King Afonso Henriques, Portugal's first king. The Palace of the Dukes of Bragança showcases the town's medieval history. The banqueting hall's ceiling was designed to look like a ship's upturned keel.<br><br></li><li><h4>Defending the Alentejo - Marvão<br></h4>Straddling a massive geological formation is <strong>Marvão</strong>. Its castle dominates the landscape and for centuries protected the settlements of the <strong>Alentejo</strong>. Walk along its impressive walls for spectacular views across Portugal and Spain.<br><br> </li><li><h4>The mysterious Alentejo Megaliths</h4>Across the Alentejo are striking megalithic sites giving a historic mystery to the region. One of the most important in Europe is the Almendres Cromlech, an oval-shaped megalith made up of 95 stones.</li></ul><h3>Tips for planning a historical tour of Portugal</h3><p>Lisbon and <strong>Porto</strong> are always popular with visitors but once away from the city centers, there are fewer crowds and pleasantly quiet roads. Fly into <strong>Lisbon</strong> or Porto airports where you will find a good choice of car rental providers. <br><br>At Evaneos, we can help to connect you with English-speaking <strong>experts on Portuguese history</strong>, while also helping you plan a circular itinerary, tailoring a tour of <strong>Portugal historical sites</strong> that meets your needs exactly.</p>

Start planning your historical tour of Portugal

The best tailor-made trips to see Portugal's historical sites, created by a local travel agency. Request a local expert to create your perfect trip.

Design your perfect history tour with a local expert in Portugal

Historical sites in Portugal

History & Heritage

The best local travel agencies in Portugal for one week trips

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One week tour ideas in Portugal

The best one week trips to explore Portugal, created by a local travel agency. Request a local expert to create your perfect trip.

Portugal in May

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