Top 10 Portugal Things to Do
Updated: May 24, 2022
Portugal is known for finding the first global empire, being one of the most peaceful countries in Europe, City of Seven Hills, and cavern-like beaches along the world-famous Algarve Coast. With my travel to 7 continents reaching 33 countries in 5 continents now, my spirit and soul drew me to stay on the Algarve Coast in Portugal for a month,
During my one month on the Algarve Coast in Portugal, I stayed in Alvor and visited Lagos, Faro, Portimao, and Lisbon. Beyond the incredible sites of the Grand Canyon meets the Atlantic, my time in Portugal was extra special because I spent a week with my parents in Portugal after not seeing them for over two years.
It is time to put Portugal on your bucket list.
Portugal is known for its incredible fishing towns like Lagos, 7 wonders, and housing the oldest bookstore in the world in Lisbon. The Portuguese embrace diverse passions from loving being a football nation to producing the most cork in the world. The coast of the Algarve is world famous for its cliff-like Grand Canyon beaches along the Algarve Coast with Mesozoic sedimentary rocks and limestone cliffs along the south coast from 20 to 250 million years old.
Portugal History
Portugal is becoming a popular destination for tourism for great reason. With a rich history, colorful cities like Lisbon, and breathtaking towns along the 400 mile stretch on the Algarve Coast, is no surprise.
Portugal is the oldest country in Europe. It has maintained the same defined borders since 1139. Portuguese is the official language of 9 countries with 230+ million people speaking around the world.
Whether you will spend one day in the Algarve Coast and Portugal, or a month like I did, you will love it.
It's not easy to narrow down Algarve Coast in Portugal to a Top 10 Things to Do, but here goes!
Portugal Top 10 Things to Do
Stay on the Algarve Coast
Visit Beaches of Algarve Coast
Walk in Villages like Alvor, Lagos, Faro, and Ferragudo
Take a Boat Ride from Lagos
Visit Algar Seco Cave
Marvel at Sand City
Take a Day Trip to Lisbon
Ride in a TukTuk in Lisbon
Go Souvenir Shopping in Lagos in Lisbon
Enjoy foodie favorites like seafood, juices, and coffees
Algarve Coast, Portugal
Algarve Coast is the world-famous 400+ mile southern coastline of Portugal. It is immersed in beautiful fishing villages, cliff-like sandy beaches, and incredible weather most of the year.
Language
Portuguese. English is spoken everywhere as well.
Climate
It has a Mediterranean climate with warm summers and mild winters. The maximum temperatures are 61 degrees to 84 degrees in July and August. In Lisbon and other cities inland, temperatures may be higher.
Currency
Euro
Banks
Debit and credit cards are accepted almost everywhere. Mostly souvenir and street food stands take only cash. You may find ATMs virtually everywhere. Look for ATMs with the MB sign for Portuguese national bank for lower fees.
Highlights
Oldest country in Europe
Same defined borders since 1139
Portuguese is official language with 9+ countries
400+ mile southern coastline along Algarve Coast
Lisbon is City of Seven Hills
Portugal houses oldest bookstore in the world in Lisbon
More than 600,000 expats live in Portugal
May live comfortably on about $1,400 monthly
Average rent is about $700 monthly
All shots are my own on Canon EOSM100, Sony A330, and/or my iPhone 13 or via Airbnb.
Travel to Portugal
Travel to Portugal may be with a number of flights to Lisbon and Faro airport in the Algarve Coast. I flew to Lisbon Airport from US. My mom and dad flew in and out of Faro Airport. Depending on where you are traveling from, check both airports. From the Algarve Coast, I took a bus from Portimao for three hours to/from Lisbon for $30 USD.