top of page
  • Writer's pictureKatrina Julia

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 Things to Do
Portugal Things to Do

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.



Algarve Coast Alvor Town


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




Alvor, Portugal


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



Alvor, Portugal



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.