Summer in Portugal

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Start planning your summer trip to Portugal

Spend your summer in Portugal 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. 

Why should I visit Portugal in summer?

The sun-kissed Portuguese coast is made for summer vacations. Excellent train connect the center of Lisbon and other cities right to the beaches. 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.

Best things to do in Portugal in summer

Portugal's summers are ideal for making the most of the sunshine by the water, and savoring the country's famed delicious local wines and seafood.

Relax on the beaches of the Algarve

Faro is the renowned capital of the Algarve, Portugal's beloved southern vacation region. 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.

Go golfing on the Atlantic coast

There are a number of idyllic golf courses 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.

Explore Sintra's royal history

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 fantasy-like Pena Palace, or opt for a bus to get you there. See for miles across the surrounding woodlands from its many balconies.

Tour Porto's wine caves

Porto is a picturesque city, ideal for walks along the river and visiting its many historic churches. When you want to cool off, head into the port wine caves. 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.

Visit the ancient university city, Coimbra

Coimbra is home to one of the world's oldest universities, founded in the 13th century. It's a perfect destination for outdoor exploration, 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.

What’s the weather like in Portugal in summer?

Portugal is pleasantly warm and dry in summer, 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.

When to go in Portugal?

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The climate in Portugal is temperate and very comfortable. So there's no ideal time of year for a trip to Portugal: 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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Traveller reviews of their trip to Portugal

523 reviews
California tourist
5
After making contact through the online website, Tiago proposed an itinerary which met our needs. Prior to the trip with him, we had spent a week in Portugal, in Lisbon and Porto, touring with our son and his family. After they left, with Tiago we went to the Douro Valley, Coimbra, Nazaré, Óbidos, and other places. The hotels were excellent and Tiago took us to good restaurants. He is very knowledgeable about architecture and history.
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DreamPortugal
5
We covered the country from Lisbon in the south to Porto in the north and other cities like Sintra, Cascais, Obidos, Batalha, Guimaraes, Marvao, Boscras, Tomar, Evora, Monsaraz, Mertola, Tavira, Coimbra, the Algarves and I am sure I forgot some.
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Kitty's Kats
5
I found original destination on the internet, chosoe the Spa and later found Nunu to do transport and tours. He was most helpful and also booked Hotel in Porto. We stayed at Spa for the mineral waters and treatments then went on tour to Guimares which was great. Nuno recommended**************Hotel in Porto where we were very satisfied. On the way a trip to Quitna de Avelada which was so much more then I expected, beautiful and lunch felt like a wedding. From Porto we went to Fishing village with a trip to Sardine factory and lunch at a fish market the likes I've never seem All Spectacular.
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