Quick Guide: Portugal

The diverse and dynamically changing coastline where Portugal meets the ocean, is more incredible and beautiful than any pictures can depict.

Table of Contents

What we think you NEED to know

The mainland of Portugal is actually a fair bit cheaper than other countries in South Europe, like e.g. Spain, Italy, or Greece. This applies to both accommodation, food, car rental, and gas.
For some reason we don’t understand, Portugal is less touristed compared to many other European countries. Although there of course will be a lot of other tourists in high season still.
If you are visiting the far South of Portugal like the Faro District, “low season” doesn’t equal low temperatures as in most of Europe. You can be lucky with temperatures above 20°C/68°F.
On mainland at least, it is easy to drive yourself, as there really isn’t any mountain-driving, the roads are in fine shape, signing easy to follow, and locals in general drive good.

Our key moments

Finding accommodation several places along the coastline from Faro to a bit further than Odeceixe, giving ourselves the chance to hike and more fully explore the nature.
Hiking almost all our chosen trails without meeting any people, having the opportunity to enjoy the pure nature.
Booking the trip completely spontaneous only a few days before departure, leaving us with no expectations at all.
Renting a car the whole trip, so we could do our own planning, not having to follow any fixed schedule and such.

High season: June-August

Low season: November-March

Currency: Euro (EUR)
1 EUR = 1,8 USD

Population: 10,7 million people living on 92,212 km²

Location: is a southern European country on the Iberian Peninsula, bordering Spain

Weather: mild, and sunny climate with regional variations

Different seasons:

We were there in mid- late November. The weather was very nice, and pretty warm. One day the temperature even reached 25°C/77°F. Therefore, it was no problem doing activities outside. This will be NICE to know

Although some outdoor activities is best around the high season, due to ocean temperatures, more stable and calm weather. Like bathing or swimming. Or kayaking and canoeing which are the primary way to explore caves.

This will be NICE to know

If you are into hiking, you might have heard of the 226 km/140 miles long Fisherman’s Trail. Stretching along the Southwest Atlantic coastline of Portugal. A lot of the pictures below are from that exact trail.
Going in Fall or Spring can be a good idea, if you want to save a bit of money, avoid some tourists, and still get the warmer, milder weather.
Portugal is known for their seafood which should be really delicious (none of us eat seafood, so we just spread the word of others).
There is several Portuguese islands in the Atlantic, such as the Azores, offering completely different landscapes and experiences!

Different seasons:
We were there in mid- late November. The weather was very nice, and pretty warm. One day the temperature even reached 25°C/77°F. Therefore, it was no problem doing activities outside. This will be NICE to know

Our favorite locations

The landscape near Praia da Rocha Baixinha. We for some reason just have something special for the red, more deserted looking cliffs.
Praia de Marinha is absolutely beautiful, offering fascinating cliff formations and arches in various forms. For sure a must visit!
The entire West coast is amazing. The landscape is so different from the South. The cliffs are steeper, more black and brown colors. Both the waves and cliffs a lot bigger too. Very cool landscape to explore.

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Quick Guide: Portugal

This Quick Guide is just a glimpse of Portugal. Mainland is definitely worth a visit – but we are also dreaming of a trip to some of the islands, especially Madeira, paradise for hikers apperently.