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Vacations in Portugal

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Most popular portugal flight and hotel deals, all inclusive vacation packages to portugal, last minute vacation packages to portugal, search by stars, search by review score, search by board, search by price, search by freebies, when to book a vacation in portugal, tips for finding portugal package deals.

• There are loads of types of vacations in Portugal and the cost will depend on what type of trip you’re taking and for how long you’d like to stay. Here are the latest prices for a 3 night trip for 2 travelers: Top vacation $407; Family vacation $378; Romantic vacation $462; Luxury vacation $432; Budget vacation $288.

Why should you book a vacation package to Portugal?

Portugal's main tourist areas include Lisbon, Porto, Madeira, and the Algarve, where you can balance a bustling city nightlife with relaxing beach days.

When should you book a vacation package to Portugal?

The warm, dry, coastal weather in late summer paired with the culture of hospitality and service of the locals makes it the perfect season to book your Portuguese getaway. This is also the festival season in southwestern Europe, with lots of activities to keep you entertained, including the Nos Primaveras Sound and Boom festivals.

Where should you stay in Portugal during your vacation?

For any vacation type in portugal:.

Quinta da Casa Branca is located within a dreamy botanical garden close to the Portuguese island of Madeira with it's sweeping views of the archipelago. Located 22km outside of the city center, the easiest way to reach Quinta da Casa Branca is by rental car.

The Altis Grand Hotel offers spacious modern accommodation and 19 business meeting rooms in the heart of downtown Lisbon within walking distance of the famous Liberty Avenue. The hotel's airport shuttles are available when you book your Portugal vacation package online for a streamlined travel experience.

For family vacations in Portugal:

Corinthia Hotel in Lisbon is a 5 star hotel that offers family rooms, a heated indoor swimming pool, serene gardens, and a comprehensive restaurant on-site. A rental car is the best transport option from Lisbon Portela Airport to satisfy your family's diverse needs.

Let your children roam free and explore paradise at the Pestana Village Garden Resort near Madeira which is embedded within 5,000 meters of perfectly manicured gardens and a series of outdoor swimming pools. This location will require a rental car which you can pick up from Cristiano Ronaldo Madeira International Airport.

For romantic vacations in Portugal:

Hotel Eva is a private 5 star hotel in the Algarve region of Portugal which offers spa services, a health club, and long nature walks to bring back the romance during your next visit. Faro International Airport is the closest transportation hub, with pre-arranged shuttles available for transfers from Hotel Eva.

Hotel Lisboa Plaza is the best boutique hotel in the capital city of Lisbon with easy access to the local train station for further travel within Portugal. Vacation packages may include free airport shuttle transfer to Lisbon International Airport.

For luxury vacations in Portugal:

Ria Park Hotel and Spa located in Ria Formosa Natural Park is considered the best beach hotel in the Algarve region of Southern Portugal. Sunline airport transfers will take you from Faro International Airport to Ria Park Hotel in approximately 30 minutes.

Porto Palacio Congress Hotel & Spa is a 5 star hotel in northwestern Porto which features spa facilities, a fitness center, and an on-site bar with tasteful modern décor. Porto International Airport is just 15 kilometers away and easily accessible via hotel shuttle.

For budget vacations in Portugal:

Madeira Panoramico Hotel allows you to save money without sacrificing quality with outdoor pools, sweeping views of the Atlantic ocean, and comprehensive spa packages. It's located on the western slope of the amphitheater of Funchal. Spend your hotel savings and splurge on a rental car from Faro International Airport for the flexibility to change your itinerary when travelling around Madeira.

Hotel Turim Europa offers a free breakfast with your stay in downtown Lisbon and has access to the nearby Turim Lisboa Hotel facilities, including outdoor pools. For added savings, consider taking the metro from Lisbon International Airport to arrive at the Hotel Turim Europa at the "Parque" stop.

Where to stay in Portugal

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The Cost of Travel in Portugal: My 2024 Budget Breakdown

Portugal might just be one of the greatest countries in Europe.

In fact, it took just two days for me to decide to uproot my nomadic life and move there . I’m not kidding: I rocked up in Lisbon for the first time back in 2016, fell deeply in love with the city, then began looking for an apartment two days later. I found my dream home after a month of searching, signed a lease, and the rest was history. I love this country.

To me, Portugal has it all. It’s home to a massively underrated food scene, welcoming locals, the most beautiful buildings, and fantastic weather. For a long time, it was overlooked in favour of its more popular neighbours like Italy, Spain, and France, but that’s not the case any more.

While those extra tourists have caused some prices to increase, especially since the pandemic, Portugal is still one of the more affordable countries in Western Europe — and especially when you travel outside of Lisbon and Porto. (Which you should, by the way, because Portugal has so much to offer outside of its two most famous cities.)

I’ve been recording every single dollar, peso, and baht that I’ve spent on my travels since 2011 (I now have over 65 budget breakdowns on my site !), aiming to give you an accurate picture of how much you can expect to spend in every country around the world. Today, it’s Portugal’s turn and I’m so excited to start sharing.

The Cost of Accommodation in Portugal

As always with travel, it’s possible to cut your accommodation costs down to zero if you have the time and patience to seek out an offer.

How to Save Money on Accommodation in Portugal

Housesitting  exists in Portugal, and is a fantastic option if you’re looking to save money.

This is where you’ll take care of somebody’s house for free while they’re away, and often look after their pets, too. It’s best for long-term travellers or retirees, as you can’t pick and choose dates (they’ll obviously be based on the owner’s vacation dates) so you’ll need to have a lot of flexibility as to where you go and at what time of year.

If you do have that freedom, though, it’s a wonderful way to cut down your travel expenses, soak up some home comforts, and live like a local for a while. Some of my friends have even landed housesitting gigs for castles and chateaus in Europe!  Trusted Housesitters  is the best site for getting started with housesitting.

I’m suspecting, though, that for most of you, you’re not interested in the free accommodation and just want somewhere clean, safe, and affordable to rest your head each night. If that’s the case, there are several options available for you.

Types of Accommodation in Portugal

The first of these are  hostels . In Portugal, you’ll come across hostels all over the country, finding them on tiny islands, in large cities, and even in the national parks. They’re one of your best options for saving money.

Hostels in Portugal  are on a par with the rest of major cities in Western Europe, and you can expect to spend around  €25 a night for a dorm bed  for a well-reviewed hostel in Lisbon, with the price increasing to slightly about €35 a night for the absolute best of the best.

When it comes to private rooms in hostels, you can expect to spend around  €50 a night  for a clean, basic room in a good location, so if you’re travelling with friends or with your partner, you may find it cheaper to grab some privacy over settling for two beds in a dorm room. €100 a night will get you an exceptionally well-reviewed private room in a hostel.

If you’re an older traveller and put off by the thought of nights spent in hostels, you shouldn’t be! Private rooms are usually very quiet and clean, and most hostels are modern, safe, and centrally located. They tend to have a little more personality than generic hotels, and the staff are fantastic at offering kickass travel advice. As long as you check the reviews of any hostel before booking it to make sure nobody refers to it as a party hostel, you’re all good to make a booking there.

I use  HostelWorld  to find the cheapest hostels, as they tend to have the greatest number of listings at the lowest prices.

And, of course, there are always hotels, which again will usually start at around  €50-€100 a night  for a decent, clean, mid-range property in a central location. I always use  Booking.com , as they have the most accommodation options for the cheapest prices — but more on that below.

There’s going to be no sugarcoating here: Portugal — and Lisbon, in particular — has been screwed over by the arrival of Airbnb.

Essentially: landlords in Lisbon came to realise that if they listed their properties on Airbnb, they could make more money from tourists in two months than they could from renting to locals year-round. And so began the slow transformation of Lisbon, in which locals — my friends — were forced out of their homes to make way for Airbnbs, and prices grew and grew and grew and grew.

When the average salary for locals in Lisbon is just €1,000 a month and the average Airbnb apartments are listed at well over €2,000 a month, you find yourself with a city that’s packed full of short-stay tourists with many locals pushed out into the very outer suburbs.

It’s for this reason that I want to strongly recommend that you don’t use Airbnb while staying in Lisbon and Porto.

Here’s where I do recommend you stay:

Lisbon: When friends ask me where to stay in Lisbon, I always tell them my number one rule: you must stay within a 20-minute walk of the city’s Time Out Market. If you’re inside that radius, you’ll be within walking distance of the majority of the tourist attractions. Outside of that? It’s going to be a pain in the ass.

My favourite neighbourhood in Lisbon is Principe Real, which is where I used to live. It’s easily the best area in the city — you’ve got tons of great restaurants and bars, peaceful parks to wander around, gorgeous buildings, great views over the city, and hardly any crowds because there’s close to no tourist attractions in this part of town. (But don’t worry — everything is still walkable from here.)

In terms of hotels in Principe Real, your best option is easily Toctoctoc Lisboa , a lovely boutique hotel that comes in at €225 a night for a deluxe room with garden views. This is where I always tell all of my friends and family to stay. Because is this the most gorgeous hotel ever? Yup! Seriously, the entire garden area is so beautiful. It’s in a great location but still super-quiet, has the most delicious breakfast, full of breads from the local bakery, and such tastefully-decorated rooms. It’s rated 9.5 on Booking .

Porto: We stayed in Republica 157 Guest House ( €95 a night ) during our most recent stay in Porto, and it was so lovely! It’s right in the heart of Porto but still super-quiet at night, with the sweetest owners who left treats in our room while we were out exploring and did all they could to ensure we had a great time in the city.

Coimbra: Sapientia Boutique Hotel ( €188 a night ): We stayed in this gorgeous hotel for my partner’s birthday and it was truly such a wonderful treat. It’s a literary-themed hotel, but not in a tacky way, with rooms named after famous authors, bedside lamps built from second-hand books, and minimalist decorations featuring quotes from famous works. On top of that, the staff were the best , putting together a delicious breakfast, greeting us with free glasses of port and pasteis de nata , and offering up free wine on the rooftop terrace each evening. This was definitely a splurge for me, but one of those times when it felt more than worth it.

Evora: If you love your food, I’m going to absolutely insist that you plan to spend at least a few days in Evora while you’re in Portugal. It’s easily accessible from Lisbon and the food scene is absolutely phenomenal. My partner and I splurged on this trip, too, and decided to stay in Pousada Convento de Evora at a price of €216 a night . But what an incredible property: it’s an old converted monastery, located directly opposite a Roman temple, which makes for a particularly spectacular view each morning. With a swimming pool that’s perfect for cooling off in, lovely staff, and a large breakfast, this hotel made for the perfect romantic getaway.

Average Costs for Accommodation in Portugal

If you’re on a tight budget, you’ll be looking at around €15-25 a night for a dorm room in a hostel, or €50-100 a night for a private room.

If you’re on a mid-range budget, expect to spend around €100-150 a night for a well-reviewed, modern, centrally-located hotel.

If you’re willing to go all out and splurge, you’ll be looking at around €250 a night for one of the best hotels in town.

The Cost of Transportation in Portugal

When it comes to public transportation in Portugal, there’s plenty of ways to get around. In Lisbon and Porto, you’ll most likely find yourself not needing to use it at all, as most of the attractions are within walking distance of each other.

Even while living in Lisbon, I took public transport about once every six months — and usually that’s hopping on a tram to avoid trekking up a particularly steep hill. That’s the one downside of getting around Lisbon by foot, by the way: it feels like every single street takes you up a steep incline and sometimes you just want to walk for five minutes without feeling like it’s a full-on workout.

Oh, and a word of warning: many of the streets in Lisbon are cobblestoned, so when it rains, it gets real slippery. A survey of elderly Lisbonites had them sharing their greatest fear in life is falling over on the city’s pavements . There’s a whole lot of people with fake hips in this city! Flip-flops are a definite no-no.

I feel like I’m not really selling the whole you-should-walk-everywhere-in-Lisbon-thing to you?

Here are the most common forms of transportation in Portugal: 

Metro and Tram (Lisbon and Porto) — Besides walking, one of my favorite ways to experience a city is by understanding their local metro system. Lisbon and Porto (plus Almada on the other side of the river to Lisbon) are the only cities that have one in the country, so if you don’t like to walk, you’ll probably make use of both during your explorations. 

It’s usually easiest and cheaper to get a day pass if you plan on spending a day sightseeing in these cities. In Lisbon, a day pass on the public transportation system costs €6.80 , or €10.80 if you want to go further out to places like Sintra. In Porto, it’s €7.50 .

Of course, if you’ve seen any classic photos of Portugal, you’ll have probably noticed the famous, historic trams. These are traditional electric cars from a bygone era. Nowadays, they’re not so much a main method of getting around as they are an experience. I would recommend riding one early in the morning to avoid the midday tourist crowds. Number 28 is the iconic route: just be sure to watch your bags, as pickpockets are active on the trams. You can use your metro day pass or buy a one-way fare onboard for €3.10.

Train — You’ll be happy to hear that most cities and towns are connected by Portugal’s train system: Comboios de Portugal . You’ll be even happier to know that train tickets in Portugal are fairly inexpensive. I’ve taken the train all over Portugal, from Lisbon to places like Coimbra, Evora, and Porto, and booking tickets is always a breeze. There are four different types of trains within Portugal’s network: 

• Regional Trains (R) (Regionais): shorter distances, make lots of stops, and tend to be slower
• Intercity Trains (IC) (Intercidades): for between major cities and towns; they make fewer stops, and tend to be faster
• Alfa Pendular (AP): a high-speed train that goes the fastest, connects all the major cities, and runs the length of the entire country from north to south
• Urbanos (U): subway systems within individual cities 

The cost of a train depends on the date and time you’re traveling, and the type of train. To give you an idea of prices, here are some standard one-way train fares for the most popular routes. There are often also promo fares that give big discounts when booked in advance: I’ve grabbed one-way fares from Lisbon to Porto for as little as €10. 

• Intercity: €26.85
• Alfa Pendular: €33.90
• Intercity: €25
• Alfa Pendular: €26.45
• Intercity: €14.60
• Alfa Pendular: €18.70

Bus : Bus services in Portugal include both regional and local buses, as well international coaches — I took a coach from Porto to Madrid several years ago, and a local bus between Porto and Braga for a day trip, and both were comfortable, easy rides. There are frequent coach services between all Portuguese cities and a network of the national and several private bus companies covering most of Portugal. 

You’ll usually have the option of either an express or slower bus service, and prices will vary according to distance, time, and company. Generally, fares will start at €5 but shouldn’t cost more than €20 for a journey. 

RedeExpressos is the largest bus company in the country, followed by Rodonorte (which covers the north) and Eva Transportes (which covers the south).

Plane : Portugal is a small country, so I don’t recommend flying if you’re going to be travelling around the mainland — by the time you get to the airport and wait around for your flight and go through all of that hassle, you’d probably already be at your next destination if you’d gone by train. It takes just four hours to get from Lisbon to Porto on the train, for example.

If you’re going to be heading to Madeira or the Azores, flying is the only option. I use Skyscanner for finding the cheapest flights, and you can expect to pay around €60 return from Lisbon to either Funchal (Madeira) or Ponta Delgada (the Azores).

The Cost of Food in Portugal

One of my greatest joys to come from living in Portugal was the food . Portuguese food is such an underrated cuisine and it’s one of my favourites in all of Europe. It’s so much more than just salted cod and sardines.

Of course, there are pasteis de nata — Portuguese egg tarts — if you know anything about Portuguese cuisines, it’s most likely that these little treats are absolutely delicious. Fun fact: if you go to an El Corte Ingles department store in Portugal and tell the information desk that you’re a tourist, they’ll gift you with a free tart and glass of port!

If you want to sample the best of the best, though, head to either Pastéis de Belém or Manteigaria — they’re popular for a reason. Expect to pay between €1 and €1.50 for one pretty much anywhere in town.

If you want to eat local, head to a less-popular neighbourhoods and look for the signs advertising a prato do dia — you’ll usually pay around €10 for a three-course meal with a glass of wine and the food will be so fresh and tasty. It’s a great way to stay on budget while also eating well.

Another well-known dish from Portugal is the Francesinha, which is typically only found in Porto. It’s… um… a lot. It’s an enormous multi-layered sandwich filled with steak, sausages, and ham, that’s then covered in cheese, placed in a pool of tomato-based gravy, with fries swimming in the sauce and a fried egg on top. Yeah, it’s typically something that tourists only opt for once — and I recommend sharing one with somebody. You’ll pay around €10 for one in Porto and most likely be full for the rest of the day after finishing.

If you choose to visit Lisbon during June, and particular between the 12th and the 14th: you’re in luck! The sardine-themed festival of St. Anthony takes place in June and with it, comes a month-long celebration that sees the country devouring six sardines a second. The older neighbourhoods in Lisbon light up their grills, throw down their sardines, barbecue them up with a sprinkling of basil, and the city fills with smoke, music, and parties for one whole month. You’ll pay €1 or so for a sardine sandwich and they’re a lot tastier than you’re thinking.

The two best places for food in Portugal is archipelago of the Azores and inland town of Evora — I ate unbelievably well in both spots. The Azores has a sunny climate and fertile land, which means the islands are all sufficient and don’t need to import food from mainland Portugal in order to survive.

The most famous dish of the Azores — and one of my favourite meals — is  cozido das furnas,  a stew that’s cooked inside a volcano! Some of my other food highlights from the islands included sampling the strong Azorean cheese, drinking as much high-quality Azorean wine as my body could handle, swooning over the juiciest pineapples of my life, and snacking on unusual seafood whenever I had the opportunity to. I averaged €5 for breakfast, €12 for lunch, and €15 for dinner while in was in the Azores. 

The international food scene is fantastic in Lisbon, and if you’re keen to sample as much of it as possible, I recommend heading to Principe Real: the neighbourhood I can’t stop talking about. I chose to live there simply because it has some of the best food in the city. Some of my recommendations are Atalho Real, ZeroZero, Koppu Ramen, Lost In, A Cevicheria, Gin Lovers… Basically, walk down the main street in Principe Real and pick a place: every single eatery on this street is epic. You’ll get a main for €15-20 , with a glass of wine or beer for a couple of Euros extra.

Every time a friend or family member came to visit me in Lisbon, I took them to one of two places: the city’s Time Out Market or the streets of Principe Real. The former is always guaranteed to wow you; an enormous food hall — a higher-end food court — featuring stalls that are run by some of the best restaurants in the city. It’s a great way to sample some of the city’s favourite eateries without having to hop all over Lisbon to get to them. Plus, there’s so many options, you can satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. I recommend O Prego da Peixaria, Pizzeria ZeroZero, Miguel Castro e Silva, Croqueteria, and Ground Burger.

What about drinks?

When it comes to alcohol, you’re most likely thinking of Port and you’d be right to do so: port is a Portuguese fortified wine that’s absolutely delicious and can be found all over the country — expect to pay a couple of Euros for a glass in a restaurant or around €7-10 for a mid-range bottle in a supermarket. Oh, and if you think you don’t like port, I’d still recommend signing up for a tasting while you’re in Porto: it’s all so good! I paid €20 for a tasting at Taylors in Porto, with an audio tour and two glasses of port to sample.

If you already know you love port, you’ll want to head to the Douro Valley, just outside of Porto, and spend a day or two winery-hopping around the region. I took a day trip out to the Douro while I was in town — amazing and so beautiful! — paying €124 for a full-day tour that took us to two wineries and finished it all off with a river cruise.

Don’t forget to try a cool glass of vinho verde for a couple of Euros while you’re in Portugal either! While the name translates to green wine, it’s actually a young wine, and can be white, red, or rose; some sparkling, some not. It’s great to drink on, hot sunny days either way!

The Cost of Activities and Entrance Fees in Portugal  

Portugal has tons to see and do, and plenty of day trips to fill your time with.

One of the best ways to enjoy cities such as Lisbon and Porto is having the day to walk around neighbourhoods aimlessly while window-shopping and stopping for food and drink breaks. On one of my first days in Lisbon, I took a walking tour with Hi Lisbon Walking Tours to get a feel for my surroundings and to learn more about the history. In Porto, I jumped on a tour called The Worst Tour (yes, really), that takes tourists on a tour of Porto’s most interesting abandoned buildings. It was so fun!

A stand-out experience for me was taking a day trip from Lisbon to Sintra (45-minute train ride). Sintra is a charming, medieval town with fairytale castles, mansions, and gardens. It’s one of those places that lives up to the hype when you’re there — I felt like I had stepped right back a few centuries. King Consort Ferdinand II and his wife Queen Maria II of Portugal were the ones that transformed Sintra into a wonderland of European Gothic architecture in the 19th century, and it makes for such a beautiful scene.

Within Lisbon itself, there’s so much to keep you busy: the Lisbon Oceanarium, that’s ranked best in the world, the Lisbon flea market, which had some seriously cool treasures (held every Tuesday and Saturday), the decadent weekend brunch at the Four Seasons that’s a fabulous way to treat yourself, and the Lisbon tile museum, for those of you who can’t get enough of that Portuguese architecture.

Here’s a breakdown of my favourite attractions in Portugal and their respective costs: 

• Pena Palace (Sintra) : €20
• National Azulejo (tile) Museum (Lisbon) : €8
• Lisbon Oceanarium : €25
• Lisbon Castle entrance fee : €15
• Jeronimos Monastery entrance (Belem ): €12
• Torre de Belem entrance (Belem) : €8
• Santa Justa Lift, in Lisbon: €5.30
• Livraria Lello Bookstore fee (Porto) : €8, credited towards a book if you buy one

The Cost of Miscellaneous Expenses in Portugal

eSIM or SIM card: I made the switch to eSIMs a few years ago, and it’s a simple thing that’s greatly improved my travels.

I hated having to spend my first few hours in a country wandering around trying to find a way to get connected. SIM cards are usually expensive at the airport (if they’re even available), but if I didn’t get it there, it was just such a hassle finding somewhere to buy one, dealing with language barriers and registration and scams and… well, it was time-consuming, frustrating, and not how I wanted to start my trip.

These days, I get an eSIM in advance from aloSIM instead. They sell local e-SIMs for travellers, so I just buy one for Portugal or wherever before I get there, and then just turn on my phone and be online before the plane’s even come to a halt. It’s worked flawlessly for me in over a dozen countries so far.

I paid $10 ( € 9 ) for 5GB of data for 30 days in Portugal . Readers of Never Ending Footsteps can get a 5% discount on aloSIM eSIMs by using the code FOOTSTEPS .

If you do want a physical SIM card though (maybe your phone is an older one that can’t use eSIMs), Portugal at least isn’t as bad as some countries when it comes to prices or effort. Vodafone has little kiosks in both Lisbon and Porto airports, and tourist SIMs with 10GB of data plus 500 texts or calling minutes costs €20 for 30 days.

Travel insurance:  I’m all about ensuring that every single one of my readers understands the importance of travel insurance. When you work in the travel industry, as I do, you’re inundated with news of destitute backpackers on GoFundMe who fell ill while travelling, didn’t have travel insurance, and now can’t afford the hundreds of thousands of dollars needed to be airlifted home for medical care. It happened to an old school friend of mine just last year. In short, if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel.

Travel insurance  will cover you if your flight is cancelled and you need to book a new one, if your luggage gets lost and you need to replace your belongings, if you suddenly get struck down by appendicitis and have to be hospitalised, or discover a family member has died while you’re overseas and need to get home immediately. If you fall seriously ill, your insurance will cover the costs to fly you home to receive medical treatment.

I use  SafetyWing  as my travel insurance provider, and recommend them for trips to Portugal. They provide worldwide coverage, don’t require you to have a return ticket, and even allow you to buy coverage after you’ve left home. Finally, they have a clear, easy-to-understand pricing structure, which is always appreciated.

How Much Does it Cost to Travel in Portugal? 

It’s time to tally up all of my expenses to see my total travel costs! 

• Accommodation: €100 per day
• Transportation: €5 per day
• Food/drink: €40 per day
• Activities/Entrance Fees: €20 per day
• eSIM: €1 per day

Average amount spent in Portugal: €166 a day!

These prices should be about right for most people, but you’ll save quite a bit on accommodation if you’re part of a couple staying in budget or mid-range places, or are happy to stay in dorm rooms in hostels as a solo traveller.

Have you been to Portugal? How much did you spend while you were in town?

Related Articles on Portugal 🇵🇹 After 70 Countries, Why I Moved to Lisbon, Portugal 💚 The Best Things to Do in Lisbon, Portugal ❤️ 28 Best Things to Do in Porto, Portugal 🏝 13 Reasons to Plan a Trip to the Azores 🏚 Exploring the Abandoned Monte Palace Hotel in Sao Miguel

Lauren Juliff

Lauren Juliff is a published author and travel expert who founded Never Ending Footsteps in 2011. She has spent over 12 years travelling the world, sharing in-depth advice from more than 100 countries across six continents. Lauren's travel advice has been featured in publications like the BBC, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Cosmopolitan, and her work is read by 200,000 readers each month. Her travel memoir can be found in bookstores across the planet.

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12 comments.

I love these Portugal guides! I can really sense your passion for the country in your writing and it makes me want to go to see why you love it so much. It’s an added bonus that it’s so affordable in comparison to other places in Western Europe!

This is very helpful. Portugal is becoming so popular these days. I hope the prices don’t go up!

You estimated travel cost for one or two persons together?

Awesome article! I, too, love Portugal since I visited with my daughter’s high school trip five years ago. I returned with my wife to Cascais in 2020, then again a few weeks ago (March 2022) to Leiria and Lisbon. Now I’ve spent the last half hour googling Toctoctoc Hotel and Sapientia Hotel in Coimbra, and Evora, dreaming of our next visit! Sure hope I can squeeze in another trip or two before I get much older! Thanks so much for the suggestions!! -Clinton T. from USA

…and Yes, travel costs… taxis, buses, Metro and trains, are very reasonable!

Hi the hotel toctoctoc lisbon is not available on the dates that we are going this december.. is there another hotel you can recommend for us? this is our 1st time to go and want to maybe go live there. any lawyer you can recommend to us in case we love it and need to find information how to go live there since we are US citizens. I love your website and all the info you provide. Thank you.

Anywhere in the Principe Real neighbourhood would be a great location — you can search using a map on Booking.

Unfortunately, I don’t have any lawyers to recommend, as I was an EU citizen when I moved to Portugal, so didn’t need a visa. But best of luck with your scouting mission and hope you fall as hard for Lisbon as I did! :-)

Would the average costs per day be a lot different in 2023?

These articles should always be up-to-date whenever you read them — I update prices every 3-6 months to ensure they’re always kept accurate!

Is it difficult to travel in Alentejo without a car? How would you recommend seeing that area?

Actually no! We didn’t have a car in Portugal and were able to get around just fine. We mostly used the train and found it took us to all of the destinations we wanted to see in Alentejo. There are buses, too, which are also easy to use.

Just in the beginning stages of hopefully planning a trip to surprise my daughter when she graduates high school in June. I don’t know if I can afford it and hoped to spend a bunch of time at the beach as I imagine that’s cheaper than shopping 😆 Any great beaches you could recommend? I’d the weather good there in June or should i plan for September instead?

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Portugal on a budget

May 20, 2023 • 6 min read

These are the best ways to stretch your wallet in Portugal © Westend61 / Getty Images

Portugal once enjoyed a reputation as one of Europe’s most affordable destinations.

While prices have been on the rise in recent years (thanks in part to the nation’s growing popularity), you can still travel inexpensively.  Portugal’s parks and nature reserves are all free to visit , as is the wide array of trails and greenways.

Starting the day with a bica (espresso) and a creamy pastel de nata (custard tart) will only set you back a few euros. The country also has many free museums and inexpensive attractions, from medieval architecture to cutting-edge contemporary art. If you’re thrifty, you can get by on as little as €50 a day. Here are some other key ways to cut costs while traveling in Portugal .  

Figure out the cheapest way to reach Portugal

Portugal has international airports in Lisbon , Porto , and Faro . Be sure to check prices at each before booking, as you may find better deals arriving in one or the other. If you’re considering combining a trip to Portugal with Spain, you may find cheaper rates flying into Madrid or even Sevilla , which is a two-hour train ride away from Tavira in southern Portugal.   

Take public transportation from the airport

Save some cash as soon as you land by foregoing a pricey taxi ride and taking a bus or the metro to your destination . Handy metro service runs to city centers from Lisbon (red line) or Porto (violet line E). Faro’s airport has a quality bus service operated by Vamus Algarve . The Aerobus runs into Faro and also to Albufeira , Portimão , and Lagos .

Ditch the car and get around by train or bus

The high cost of rental cars coupled with soaring fuel prices can make for a pricey trip to Portugal. Save money (and lower your carbon footprint) by traveling around by train and bus. Portugal’s rail line connects major cities from Valença in the north down to Faro in the south, running through Porto, Coimbra and Lisbon. Portugal’s bus network helps fill in the gaps and connects smaller towns.

Ticket prices are reasonable. For instance, the second-class train fare from Lisbon to Lagos (a 4.5-hour journey) is around €25, which is not much more than the price you’d pay on tolls alone by taking the A2 to get there. 

Visit from October to April to save on lodging

In spring and autumn, you’ll generally find pleasant weather in Portugal, with blooming wildflowers in March and April and changing leaves in October in some parts of the country. You’ll also notice thinner crowds and lower rates when it comes to accommodation. Prices are typically around 25% off high season rates. 

Save even more by visiting from November to February. This is the cheapest time of the year to visit Portugal, and many hotels slash their rates by 50% or more. Just be sure to pack for the weather. Bring a rain jacket, scarf and warm layers for Porto and other destinations in the north. In the south, you’ll still find plenty of sunshine in the Algarve, with mild temperatures for outdoor activities like hiking and biking. 

Make lunch your biggest meal 

Many restaurants in Portugal offer good-value lunch specials. Always ask if there's a menu do dia (fixed menu) or prato do dia (daily special). Even high-end restaurants typically have lower-priced lunch menus.  

In the evening, why not forego conventional dining for a picnic in the park, at a viewpoint or by the sea. A loaf of fresh bread, cheese, olives and a bottle of wine makes the perfect accompaniment to the sunset.  

Consider staying in a hostel

Portugal has many of Europe’s most stylish hostels, some of which are set in historic buildings and feature upscale amenities like roof terraces, art-filled lounges or swimming pools. Rates start at around €22 per night ­– big savings over a traditional hotel. Many hostels also offer budget-friendly activities, like free walking tours or pub crawls, and free or low-cost rentals of bikes, surfboards and other gear. Some even host communal dinners, which are a great way to meet others.  

Plan your itinerary around less expensive destinations

Don’t rule out visiting Portugal’s most appealing cities. Places like Lisbon and Porto have a wide range of accommodations, and you can find excellent prices if you’re willing to stay outside the center (or in a more centrally located hostel). You can also find inexpensive activities (free museums, neighborhood exploring ), and you don’t need to spend much on transportation. 

The Algarve also has good deals if you know where to look. If you don’t want to stay in a hostel, you’ll find some decent room prices in Faro and Portimão . The Algarve is also among the best places for budget-friendly activities: scenic walks along headland trails above the beach and frolicking in the waves don’t cost a thing. 

Dine in a tasca , adega and other local haunts

No matter where you roam, you can eat well in Portugal without breaking the bank if you know where to look. Among the key places to seek out is the tasca , an old-fashioned eatery (often with a loyal local following) that serves up excellent daily specials (which are not always listed on the menu) as well as classic staples like bacalhau (codfish) served in a variety of ways. Slightly more convivial are adegas , usually decorated with wine casks and serving up hearty, inexpensive meals along with carafes of very affordable wine.

Become a picnic expert

Sprinkled throughout Portugal, you’ll find mercados (markets), where you can browse for cheeses, charcuterie, baked goods and other fare. When no market is near, head to the nearest supermarket, where you can also score Portuguese produce at rock-bottom prices. With a bit of strategic planning, you can make a fun day out of your food shopping and sightseeing, stopping at a scenic spot for a picnic along the way.  

Plan your days around free and low-cost activities 

Some of the best things to do in Portugal won’t set you back much. A tram trip around Lisbon or Porto offers a great view of dynamic neighborhoods without the cost or hassle of taking a guided tour. Many churches are free to visit, as are parks and miradouros (viewpoints). 

In the Algarve, indulge in a day of beach hopping, followed by sunset viewing at one of the region's fabled overlooks (like the Cabo de São Vicente ). You can also explore the islands of the eastern Algarve via inexpensive ferries from Faro, Olhão and Tavira .

Order the house wine

Portugal has some excellent, affordable wines you can enjoy over dinner by ordering the vinho da casa (house wine). Order by the glass or jarro (carafe) ranging in size from 0.25 liters (around two glasses) to 0.75 liters. At many family-run eateries, a glass of house wine costs about the same as a bottle of water. 

Take a hike

Mountains and rugged coastlines make a memorable backdrop to one of Portugal’s greatest free outings: hitting the trail. You can plan a whole trip around a famous multi-day walk – like the Rota Vicentina , which passes along sea cliffs and over deserted beaches on Portugal’s southwest coast. Another option is to base yourself in easy reach of one of Portugal’s nature reserves, such as Parque Nacional Peneda-Gerês in Portugal’s northeast.

Daily costs

• Hostel room: €22-35
• Basic room for two: €50-80
• Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb): from €80
• Lisbon metro ticket: €1.50
• Meia de leite (café latte): €2-3
• Bifana (pork cutlet sandwich): €3-5
• Dinner for two: from €30
• Beer at the bar: €2-4.50
• Average daily cost: €50-75

This article was first published September 2022 and updated May 2023

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Your Portugal Vacation

Embark on your next thrilling adventure with a Portugal vacation package, and leave knowing the finer details are taken care of. Plus with the ability to customize your escape, you know it'll be one to remember! A well-thought-out itinerary is a must for your trip to Portugal. Lisbon District , Porto and Lomba de Égua are among the top cities here. When you're ready to stop dreaming and start packing, Expedia will help turn your Portugal vacation into a reality.

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Portugal Vacation

Whether you’re trying to tick off as many UNESCO World Heritage sights as you can, sampling a famous pastéis de nata (Portuguese custard tart) in the lively city of Lisbon or learning to surf in Ericeira, your trip to Portugal is sure to be unforgettable.

Portugal Hotel + Flights

Here, there are 53,566 hotels starting at $130 a night. Lisbon is one of the most affordable European capitals to visit, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t save some cash when you can. The best way to stretch your budget is to bundle your hotel and flights into a neat Portugal Vacation Package. On top of this, you can also add experiences and car packages — your itinerary will be sorted in no time. If you love exploring medieval castles, why not add a tour of Castelo de São Jorge to your booking?

Your Portugal Vacation Itinerary

Day 1-3: Ride a tram up the picturesque hills of Lisbon for a stunning view of the port below. Tour some of the city’s best sights, such as Castelo de São Jorge, Mosteiro dos Jerónimos and Oceanário de Lisboa.

Day 4: Rent a car and take a short drive to the fairy-tale town of Sintra. The National Palace of Pena, the Castle of the Moors, and Quinta da Regaleira are must-sees.

Day 5-6: From Sintra, it’s about a 3 hour drive north to Porto, a charming city with plenty of culinary delights on offer. Wander around admiring the stunning architecture before spending a romantic evening watching the sunset along Cais da Ribeira.

Portugal Information

If you’re a fan of good food, music and dancing, you’ll love Carnival in Portugal. These lively celebrations take place before Lent, which is usually during the month of February.

Lisbon Vacation Packages are the way to go if you’re planning on exploring the delights of Portugal’s capital.

If you’re after the most stress-free vacation possible, check out our All Inclusive vacations in Portugal .

Top Vacation Destinations in Portugal

Embrace nature and fun with Sao Miguel Island vacation packages

When you visit Sao Miguel Island, you can enjoy a wide variety of attractions, though Terra Nostra Park tends to stand out from among the offerings. While the preserved nature area is certainly impressive, you can also find centuries-old architecture and pristine beaches. Several golf courses are also available, alongside lakes that offer some alluring tranquility and opportunities for exciting watersports.

Explore history with Algarve vacation packages

Algarve is an impressive destination where you'll find many historical sites, including ancient castles. Many of the historical sites here date back centuries, but that's just the beginning of what this region has to offer. You'll also find luxurious and pristine beach resorts and world-class golf courses, so it's easy to feel pampered with a more refined vacation experience offered here.

See wildlife on a Azores vacation

The Azores is an iconic region of Portugal that's best known for its natural features and diverse wildlife. It's one of the most popular destinations for whale and dolphin watching with some opportunities to swim with the dolphins if you visit during the right time of year. The immense waters and greenlands are impressive enough to warrant some outdoor adventure.

Explore the capital district with Lisbon District vacation packages

The Lisbon District is one of the most populous districts in the country, as it's home to the capital city of the same name. When you visit, you'll find beaches and coastal splendor alongside dense urban areas. Historical sites are available throughout, but they tend to concentrate in Lisbon itself for the most part. Don't forget to check out the local villages if you want charm away from crowds.

Taste refinement with a Madeira Island vacation

Madeira Island is best known for its wine. A good distance away from the Portuguese mainland, this island is famous around the world for its impressive winemaking, and you can visit local vineyards for a tour and tasting if you like. Aside from the wine, you'll find stunning natural features, viewpoints, and beaches here, so there's always something fun to do.

Enjoy the wineries of a Porto vacation

Porto is a city in northeastern Portugal known for its rich history and impressive winemaking. Port wine is the staple for the city, and you won't want to visit this town without trying some if you're interested in wines. Additionally, you'll find well-preserved historical sites here, as the city's historic center is officially designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Where to go when

Frequently asked questions, discover the most popular places to visit in portugal, albufeira old town square.

Framed by bars, galleries and shops, this leafy plaza is a great starting point for exploring the treasures of Albufeira’s historic center.

Rossio Square

See the people-packed central square whose swirling wave-patterned cobbles are thought to have inspired copycat pavements across the rest of Portugal and beyond.

Falesia Beach

Pine groves crown the scorched red-orange cliffs edging this long and wide beach, complete with comfortable amenities, watersports options and lifeguard patrols.

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Budget Tours & Trips to Portugal

Discover a varied offer of Portugal budget adventures that will take you through some of the most renowned destinations such as Lisbon and Porto. Each affordable tour will provide you with great experiences for some of the lowest prices on the market.

34 cheap Portugal tour packages with 250 reviews

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Highlights of Portugal W/Hanging Garden of Europe

We now booked a second trip with Wonderful Holidays in November - this time, it was a trip to Portugal. The price was good and the hotel & food was top class. Given the high level of service your team provides, we will not hesitate to book through you again and recommend you to our friends. best Mr Mohan

Lisbon, Porto And Azores

Enchanting Portugal Trio: Porto, the Azores, and Lisbon

Lisbon Porto and Madeira

• In-depth Cultural

Madeira Island Discovery

Excellent guide, great group.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Discovery of Portugal - 7 Days

Overall the trip was great. It was well organized and everything went smooth. A few sugestions -The city tour in Porto was supposed to be a half day, but it ended up being a full day. THe stays in porto left no time for free time to explore. Either add another day to porto and one less day at Lisbon or make the city tour a half day. -Seven bridges tour was a waste of time. Especially since we have the Douro river tour. Should have skipped that and had free time to explore the inside of the sites the guide showed us. He just said, "I recommend you go inside," but everything was booked so tight we didn't' have time to go inside and look at anything. Just to much time sitting in a van driving around. -The lunch on the Porto city tour was absolute TRASH. Restaurante Fanceshinhas was horrible. Bad atmosphere, HORRIBLE service, and food barely good. So many other neat places to eat in better locations. Yuck. -Our driver on the Porto city tour was wonderful! -Porto hotel was WAY TO FAR AWAY from anything city center. Not convenient at all. Very nice hotel, breakfast was top notch, great accommodations, but location was to far away. -Douro valley tour was lovely. No need to have 2 tours. Maybe just lunch and tastings at the first one, then a tour of the 2nd winery. After having a winery tour and tasting in porto, 3 places telling us how to make port was redundant. The Croft winery was beautiful, would have loved to have just enjoyed the grounds a bit longer and drink wine. However, there was no time. -Guide on the Douro river tour was wonderful. -Lisbon was great. We didn't realize that Pena was not part of our Sintra tour. So disappointing, but we did go back on our own. Pena would have been a nice addition. We could have skipped the trip to Cascais. Our bus had mechanical problems so we got there at dark. Sight seeing the ocean in the dark???? The Pena Castle would have been better. -Hotel in Lisbon was AMAZING. Staff was wonderful, as were the accommodations. Loved the complementary port and ginjha. We did have a great time event though my suggestion list seems long. It was well organized, clear communication, and everything went smooth. Would book with Tour Radar again.

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Walking the Island of Madeira

Beautiful island, interesting walking and good meals. Great company and caring guiding.

Highlights of Portugal

I would highly recommend this tour to anyone who is energetic and mobile enough to walk up and down the cobbled streets of the cities. It was a great group of 8 plus our very spectacular tour guide, Siri Barretto. The only part of the itinerary that we thought should be eliminated was the boat trip at Pinhao. It was a very long day and we would have rather had time to enjoy the lovely hotel by the river. All hotels were very well located in the heart of the cities. Breakfast was good with plenty of choices at each hotel. Our airport transfer driver was still waiting for us even after it took 2 1/2 hours to get through customs. Every place that Siri recommended or took us to for meals was outstanding and very fairly priced. She paid attention to detail and got every question answered. She also told us a lot about the history as we went along and kept us informed of all meeting times and went over upcoming itinerary each day. I would highly recommend Explore tours and Siri Barretto as a tour guide. Siri was the very best one I've ever had the pleasure of touring with.

Treasures of Portugal - 8 Days

This was a great tour at a great price.

Wonders Of South Portugal

• €50 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

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Food & Wine Tours in Portugal - From Lisbon to Porto with Douro Post-Tour Extension

Christina the guide was excellent Arrangements for transport were good and each day we'll planned

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Rota Vicentina - the Fishermen's Trail

5 Days Lisbon and Fatima City.

Madrid and Lisbon

The tour was a good value and enjoyable. There was a good balance of tours and free time. The hotels were nice and in good locations. Our local guide in Madrid, Julieanna, was excellent. She made sure that full instructions were given and repeated several times and she was available for suggestions and questions. The second part of the trip, to Lisbon, was not as good given that most narration was in Spanish. Our guide, Pedro, did his best to repeat what was said in English, but I feel we might have missed some things. Touring was done via coach with very short stops outside of the bus, no additional tours were included (museum, walking, etc.). Pedro was very helpful with things to see and do in our free time. I do feel that the tour was a good value and highly recommend Tour Radar and EuropaMundo.

Budget Tours & Trips to Portugal Reviews

We now booked a second trip with Wonderful Holidays in November - this time, it was a trip to Portugal. The price was good and the hotel & food was top class. Given the high level of service your team provides, we will not hesitate to book through you again and recommend you to our friends. best Mr Mohan

Overall the tour was good. Our drivers arrived on time and our tours were scheduled appropriately. I did couple of large bus tours, which I would have preferred to be a smaller group. The hotels were good and the breakfast were great. I would have preferred to pick out the hotels myself to stay in. The location of the hotel in Lisbon could have been closer to the City Centre instead of where we stayed. Also the hotel in Porto would have been better if it were closer to the River, where there was a lot of activity.

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• How much do I need for a trip to Portugal?
• Accommodation, Food, Entertainment, and Transportation Costs
• Travel Guide

How much does it cost to travel to Portugal?

You should plan to spend around $148 (€136) per day on your vacation in Portugal. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

• $44 (€40) on meals
• $29 (€27) on local transportation
• $128 (€118) on hotels

A one week trip to Portugal for two people costs, on average, $2,067 (€1,908) . This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

• Travel Style: All Budget (Cheap) Mid-Range Luxury (High-End)
• Average Daily Cost Per person, per day $ 148 € 136
• One Week Per person $ 1,034 € 954
• 2 Weeks Per person $ 2,067 € 1,908
• One Month Per person $ 4,430 € 4,089
• One Week For a couple $ 2,067 € 1,908
• 2 Weeks For a couple $ 4,135 € 3,817
• One Month For a couple $ 8,860 € 8,178

Help other travelers! Answer some quick questions about your past travels. Click here: let's do it!

How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Portugal cost?

A one week trip to Portugal usually costs around $1,034 (€954) for one person and $2,067 (€1,908) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Portugal on average costs around $2,067 (€1,908) for one person and $4,135 (€3,817) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Portugal will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Portugal on average costs around $4,430 (€4,089) for one person and $8,860 (€8,178) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.

Organized tours are usually more expensive than independent travel, but offer convenience and peace of mind that your trip has been planned by a travel expert.

The average price for an organized tour package in Portugal is $245 per day. While every tour varies by total price, length, number of destinations, and quality, this is the daily average price based on our analysis of available guided tours.

• Portugal North and South, Self-drive 8 Days - 16 Destinations $ 1,286
• Portugal in Depth 11 Days - 16 Destinations $ 2,699

Independent Travel

Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.

All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.

Portugal is a moderately priced destination to visit. It's about average with most other countries for travel costs. The prices for food, accommodation, and transportation are all fairly reasonable.

Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Portugal is moderately priced compared to the other countries. The overall cost of travel here is comparable to Sweden or Belgium.

For more details, see Is Portugal Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Portugal?

The average Portugal trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Portugal travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers.

Accommodation Budget in Portugal

Average daily costs.

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid for one person for accommodation in Portugal is $64 (€59). For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price paid for a hotel room in Portugal is $128 (€118). This cost is from the reported spending of actual travelers.

• Accommodation 1 Hotel or hostel for one person $ 64 € 59
• Accommodation 1 Typical double-occupancy room $ 128 € 118

Hotel Prices in Portugal

Looking for a hotel in Portugal? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Actual Hotel Prices The average hotel room price in Portugal based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $99. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.

Recommended Properties

• O Monte da Estrada Budget Hotel - Kayak $ 110
• Quinta Jardins do Lago Luxury Hotel - Kayak $ 183

Local Transportation Budget in Portugal

The cost of a taxi ride in Portugal is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $29 (€27) per person, per day, on local transportation in Portugal.

• Local Transportation 1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc. $ 29 € 27

Recommended Services

• Faro airport - Carvoeiro: Private Return Transfer Viator $ 169
• Tours and Transfers Viator $ 89

What did other people spend on Local Transportation?

Typical prices for Local Transportation in Portugal are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Local Transportation prices in Portugal, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• Taxi Ride € 6.50

Food Budget in Portugal

While meal prices in Portugal can vary, the average cost of food in Portugal is $44 (€40) per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in Portugal should cost around $17 (€16) per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in Portugal is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.

• Food 2 Meals for one day $ 44 € 40

Recommended

• Lisbon: Guided Walking Food Tour Viator $ 75
• The Most Delicious Private Food Tour of Faro: 6 or 10 Tastings Viator $ 83

What did other people spend on Food?

Typical prices for Food in Portugal are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Food prices in Portugal, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• Lunch for Two € 13
• Coffee € 1.40
• Coffee € 2.50
• Pizzaria Lunch (for 2) € 15

Entertainment Budget in Portugal

Entertainment and activities in Portugal typically cost an average of $24 (€22) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

• Entertainment 1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc. $ 24 € 22

Recommended Activities

• Private Terceira Island Full Day Tour Viator $ 131
• West Side Private Full Day Madeira Tour Viator $ 196

Tips and Handouts Budget in Portugal

The average cost for Tips and Handouts in Portugal is $11 (€10) per day. The usual amount for a tip in Portugal is 5% - 15% .

• Tips and Handouts 1 For guides or service providers $ 11 € 10

Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps Budget in Portugal

Unfortunately, bad things can happen on a trip. Well, you've just got to deal with it! The average price for a scam, robbery, or mishap in Portugal is $4.19 (€3.87), as reported by travelers.

• Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps 1 $ 4.19 € 3.87

Alcohol Budget in Portugal

The average person spends about $18 (€16) on alcoholic beverages in Portugal per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

• Alcohol 2 Drinks for one day $ 18 € 16
• Douro Valley Prime Tour: Wine Tasting, Boat and Lunch from Porto Viator $ 152
• Lisbon Northern Region Wine Tasting Private Tour Viator $ 125

Water Budget in Portugal

On average, people spend $1.71 (€1.58) on bottled water in Portugal per day. The public water in Portugal is considered safe to drink.

• Water 2 Bottled water for one day $ 1.71 € 1.58

Related Articles

Portugal on a budget.

Top Tourist Attractions

Popular foods, more related articles.

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MyPortugalHoliday.com

The best independent guide to Portugal

Where to go in Portugal? - Top 10 Portugal – Portugal's best beach – 1 week suggestions – A weekend in Portugal

Portugal on a budget

Portugal is an outstanding holiday destination especially if you are travelling on a tight budget or are a backpack traveller. Portugal is one of the cheapest countries in Western Europe, but still offers stunning beaches and fascinating cities.

Overall Portugal has inexpensive public transport, reasonably priced accommodation (if booked well in advance) and good value food, if you know where to look. This article will provide a guide to visiting Portugal on a budget, along with practical tips to make your money stretch that bit further.

Travel like a local, not act like a tourist…..

Portugal can be an inexpensive country for a holiday, this is due to the average wage being only €620 a month. The key point for an inexpensive holiday to Portugal is not to act as a tourist but live like a local. Travel by public transport, shop at local markets and eat in cafés or supermarkets. Insight: English is much more widely spoken in Portugal than in Spain, France or Greece. Language will rarely be a barrier when trying to live like a local.

It is very possible to visit Lisbon or Porto on a budget of €40 a day (€17 dorm room, €15 food and €8 entertainment & transport) or find an out of season holiday to the Algarve for less than €300 (two people, 1 week, flights and accommodation).

The season is important for budget travel

Portugal along with the whole of southern Europe, is a summer holiday destination. At the height of the summer flights will be at their most expensive, hotels fully booked, and good value rental rooms/villas sold out.

If you are forced to have a holiday in the summer, due to work or school commitments, always book everything as far in advance as possible. Another summer tip is to look for lesser known holiday locations, or places the Portuguese go on holiday. Why head to the expensive Algarve when the western Portuguese coastline offers much better value (places such as; Sesimbra, Nazaré, Espinho, Costa Nova or Povoa de Varzim).

Note: The Algarve is still considered as one of the cheapest package holiday destinations in Europe. Research conducted by the Post Office (UK) concluded it was the second cheapest holiday destination, only being beaten by Sunny Beach in Bulgaria: https://www.postoffice.co.uk/dam/jcr:3fc064dc-67b8-4df7-a956-2a906ea6877e/holiday-costs-barometer-2019-tables.pdf (link opens new tab and is a PDF so it may download on certain mobile phones)

A much cheaper season to visit Portugal is during the spring or late autumn. May and June are a great time for a beach holiday while the spring months and October are an ideal time for a city break or touring holiday. Lisbon and Porto are bustling cities and can be visited almost year-round, so long as you can accept the possibility of the odd day of rain in the winter months.

Advice: The weather is suitable for spending time on the beach from late May until the end of September. The Algarve should never be considered as a winter sun holiday destination, but it does have the best weather of mainland Europe in December and January

The average weather of Lisbon

Where to go on a budget?

There are three main tourist centres of Portugal, focused around the three airports ; the Algarve, Lisbon and Porto. The beautiful southern coastline, known as the Algarve, is the most popular destination with tourists but tends to be the most expensive, especially in the summer.

Outside of the summer there are fantastic deals in the larger resorts, and it is possible to have a budget holiday. Our personal favourite destinations in the Algarve are Tavira (charming and traditional) and Lagos (lively beach resort). Related articles: Tavira gruide - Lagos guide

The beautiful beaches near Lagos

Lisbon has a surprising amount to offer visitors: historical monuments, great nightlife, wonderful beaches and interesting day trips. Year-round Lisbon offers a range of good value hotels/hostels and it is possible to eat cheaply. Overall Lisbon is a good destination for budget travellers and probably the best location if you wish to visit during the summer.

Porto is rapidly becoming a popular tourist destination, in part due to the number of low-cost airlines flying into Porto. Porto is either unknown or under rated as a holiday destination but Porto is a good budget destination for a holiday with beaches, sights and enjoyable day trips.

Lisbon is regarded as having the better beaches, weather and sights but Porto does make for a good budget destination for the more intrepid visitor. Related articles: Lisbon guide - Porto guide

Braga a popular day trip from Porto

Tips for a cheap holiday to Portugal

The following section details our hints and tips for a budget holiday to Portugal:

Never hire a rental car, even if it seems like a bargain price. Portugal has excellent and inexpensive public transport around the main tourist areas. There is a regional railway that extends the length of the Algarve and Lisbon/Porto’s metro and railways serve all the interesting locations. For all car rentals in Portugal there is always additional “option” insurance to cover the €6,000 excess, this hidden fee works out at €15 per day.

The charming centre of Tavira

For meals always eat where the locals do. Some of the best value eating establishments are often found in the food courts of the large shopping centres. Along with the obligatory fast food chains, are great value restaurants that serve traditional Portuguese dishes often for less than €7.50 for a full meal.

For lunch head to the cafes and coffee shops, most will serve a great value lunch time menu that will be a fraction of the cost of a restaurant. When purchasing a coffee (or tea) from a café always ask for a glass of water, (the Portuguese are never shy of asking for a free water!).

For flights to Portugal always consider the larger established airlines for cheaper flights. There was a time when the low-cost airlines were the cheapest to fly with but nowadays fares are almost equivalent. The national airline of Portugal is TAP air.

Take public transport from the airport to your hotel. Public transport is excellent from Lisbon and Porto airports and taxis are notorious for over charging tourists. Faro airport is the exception with a very poor bus service and most visitors must travel to into Faro for bus and rail onward travel. Never skimp on travel insurance, you never know when an issue may occur.

Discover more of Portugal with our guides

Top 10 Portugal

Which are the best 10 towns and cities in Portugal?

Suggested itineraries for a week holiday and tour of Portugal

Discover the finest beaches in Portugal

Portugal weather

When is the best time of year to visit Portugal?

The vibrant and dynamic capital of Portugal

Historic districts and port wine tasting in Portugal’s second city

History, beaches, and nightlife - Lagos is rightful popular!

The most charming town of the eastern Algarve

The religious centre of Portugal and likeable city

Extravagant palaces, opulent villas, and stunning scenery

Delightful beach town, which is a favourite with the Portuguese

The classic Portuguese walled town, owned by the Queen of Portugal

V ila Nova de Milfontes

Authentic Portugal on the undiscovered Alentejo coastline

Experience true Portugal in this busy fishing port

A charming town, famed for the world’s highest surfing waves

Viana do Castelo

The charismatic and undiscovered north of Portugal

The finest resort town of the Lisbon coastline

The ancient stronghold of the Knights Templar

The capital of the Alentejo region is steeped in history

The largest and liveliest resort town of the Algarve

The birthplace of Portugal and pretty city

A complete list of all of our guides to Portugal

• Tomar Introduction
• Things to see in Tomar
• Lisbon to Tomar
• Obidos Introduction
• Things to See in Obidos
• Obidos day trip
• Lisbon to Obidos
• Evora Introduction
• Evora Things to See
• Day Trip to Evora
• Lisbon to Evora
• Capela dos Ossos
• Evora or Sintra?
• The Alentejo region
• Fatima introduction
• Lisbon to Fatima
• Mafra Introduction
• Lisbon to Mafra
• Ericeira introduction
• Lisbon to Ericeira
• Ericeira beaches

Central Portugal

• Alcobaça monastery
• N2 road tour
• São Martinho do Porto

Portugal Guides

• Where to go in Portugal
• 1 week in Portugal
• A weekend in Portugal
• When to visit?
• Portugal's best beaches
• Portugal airports
• Portugal for families
• Lisbon to Porto tour
• Where to live in Portugal
• Portugal in January
• Portugal in February
• Portugal in March
• Portugal in June
• Portugal in July
• Portugal in August
• Portugal in September
• Portugal in November
• Portugal in December
• Portugal in the winter
• Sintra introduction
• Sights of Sintra
• Day trip to Sintra
• Lisbon to Sintra
• Sintra beaches
• Sintra tourist bus 434
• Palacio da Pena
• Palácio de Monserrate
• Quinta da Regaleira
• Parque da Pena
• Castelo dos Mouros
• Cascais introduction
• Day trip to Cascais
• Cascais beach guide
• Cascais sights
• Cabo da Roca
• Lisbon to Cascais
• Sesimbra intorduction
• Sesimbra sights
• Sesimbra's beaches
• Lisbon to Sesimbra
• Cabo Espichel
• Setubal introduction
• Setubal sights
• Day trip to Setubal
• Setubal's beaches
• Serra da Arrabida
• Peninsula de Troia

Near Lisbon

• Costa da Caparica
• Fonte da Telha
• Lagoa de Albufeira
• Praia das Macas

Lisbon Guides

• Lisbon introduction
• Lisbon top 10
• Secret Lisbon
• Lisbon beach guide
• 24 hours in Lisbon
• 48 hours in Lisbon
• 3 days in Lisbon
• Lisbon in 5 Days
• 1 Week Lisbon
• Lisbon day trips
• Where to stay?
• Lisbon shopping
• Lisbon Parks
• Lisbon on a wet day
• Museums and galleries
• Alfama District
• Baixa District
• Belem District
• Parque Nações
• Alcântara District
• Graça District
• Cais do Sodre
• Lisbon airport
• Lisbon Metro
• Castelo de São Jorge
• Elevador Santa Justa
• Torre de Belem
• Elevador da Bica
• Elevador do Lavra
• Elevador da Gloria
• Praça do Comercio
• Mosteiro dos Jerónimos
• Padrão dos Descobrimentos
• Lisbon Viewpoints
• Miradouro da Graça
• Sao Pedro de alcantara
• Senhora do Monte
• Lisbon to Belem transport
• Costa da Caparica Portugal
• Lisbon at Christmas
• Santos Populares
• Lisbon for Families
• Lisbon for Seniors
• Cristo Rei Christ
• Lisbon Markets
• Ponte 25 de Abril
• Príncipe Real
• Free Lisbon
• Is Lisbon Walkable
• Lisbon Budget
• Driving in Lisbon
• From the airport
• To Cristo Rei
• Lisbon to Porto
• Lisbon tram guide
• Lisbon Ferrys

Other Destinations

Albufeira Alvor Aveiro Braga Faro Guimarães Lagos Madeira Porto Praia da Luz Praia da Rocha Sagres Silves Tavira Vilamoura Viana do Castelo

Portugal on a budget © 2024 MyPortugalHoliday.com - Privacy Policy

Magnificent monastery and site of Portugal’s most important battle

The Algarve

Glorious beaches loved by foreign tourists

Holidays in Portugal

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• There are loads of types of holidays in Portugal and the cost will depend on what type of trip you’re taking and for how long you’d like to stay. Here are the latest prices for a 3 night trip for 2 travellers: Top holiday €190; Family holiday €191; Romantic holiday €186; Luxury holiday €231; Budget holiday €102.

Why should you book a holiday package to Portugal?

Portugal's main tourist areas include Lisbon, Porto, Madeira, and the Algarve, where you can balance a bustling city nightlife with relaxing beach days.

When should you book a holiday package to Portugal?

The warm, dry, coastal weather in late summer paired with the culture of hospitality and service of the locals makes it the perfect season to book your Portuguese getaway. This is also the festival season in southwestern Europe, with lots of activities to keep you entertained, including the Nos Primaveras Sound and Boom festivals.

Where should you stay in Portugal during your holidays?

For any holiday type in portugal:.

Quinta da Casa Branca is located within a dreamy botanical garden close to the Portuguese island of Madeira with it's sweeping views of the archipelago. Located 22km outside of the city center, the easiest way to reach Quinta da Casa Branca is by rental car.

The Altis Grand Hotel offers spacious modern accommodation and 19 business meeting rooms in the heart of downtown Lisbon within walking distance of the famous Liberty Avenue. The hotel's airport shuttles are available when you book your Portugal holiday package online for a streamlined travel experience.

For family holidays in Portugal:

Corinthia Hotel in Lisbon is a 5 star hotel that offers family rooms, a heated indoor swimming pool, serene gardens, and a comprehensive restaurant on-site. A rental car is the best transport option from Lisbon Portela Airport to satisfy your family's diverse needs.

Let your children roam free and explore paradise at the Pestana Village Garden Resort near Madeira which is embedded within 5,000 meters of perfectly manicured gardens and a series of outdoor swimming pools. This location will require a rental car which you can pick up from Cristiano Ronaldo Madeira International Airport.

For romantic holidays in Portugal:

Hotel Eva is a private 5 star hotel in the Algarve region of Portugal which offers spa services, a health club, and long nature walks to bring back the romance during your next visit. Faro International Airport is the closest transportation hub, with pre-arranged shuttles available for transfers from Hotel Eva.

Hotel Lisboa Plaza is the best boutique hotel in the capital city of Lisbon with easy access to the local train station for further travel within Portugal. holiday deals may include free airport shuttle transfer to Lisbon International Airport.

For luxury holidays in Portugal:

Ria Park Hotel and Spa located in Ria Formosa Natural Park is considered the best beach hotel in the Algarve region of Southern Portugal. Sunline airport transfers will take you from Faro International Airport to Ria Park Hotel in approximately 30 minutes.

Porto Palacio Congress Hotel & Spa is a 5 star hotel in northwestern Porto which features spa facilities, a fitness center, and an on-site bar with tasteful modern décor. Porto International Airport is just 15 kilometers away and easily accessible via hotel shuttle.

For budget holidays in Portugal:

Madeira Panoramico Hotel allows you to save money without sacrificing quality with outdoor pools, sweeping views of the Atlantic ocean, and comprehensive spa packages. It's located on the western slope of the amphitheater of Funchal. Spend your hotel savings and splurge on a rental car from Faro International Airport for the flexibility to change your itinerary when travelling around Madeira.

Hotel Turim Europa offers a free breakfast with your stay in downtown Lisbon and has access to the nearby Turim Lisboa Hotel facilities, including outdoor pools. For added savings, consider taking the metro from Lisbon International Airport to arrive at the Hotel Turim Europa at the "Parque" stop.

Where to stay in Portugal

Portugal holiday information, other popular package holiday destinations.

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Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

Portugal Travel Tips

Last Updated: September 1, 2023

I’ve been to Portugal many times over the years and I never tire of it . It’s one of the most unappreciated countries in Europe and sees a fraction of the tourists that its neighbors do.

Sure, in recent years Lisbon has become a hub for digital nomads, expats, and retirees thanks to its low cost of living. But, in the rest of the country, not much has changed.

Best of all, fewer crowds mean a better, more local experience that won’t break the bank.

This Portugal travel guide can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your time in this stunning and underrated European gem!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Portugal

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in portugal.

1. Admire Lisbon

Lisbon is gorgeous. I instantly fell in love with it. It has mystique, history, and great food. Take a trip to the Castle of St. George, see the 16th-century UNESCO Belem Tower, admire the churches (specifically the Sé de Lisboa Cathedral), listen to some traditional Fado music, and enjoy the delicious cuisine. It’s one of the most affordable and underrated capitals in Europe!

2. Visit Batalha Monastery

Batalha is a town located just 90 minutes by car from Lisbon. The town is home to Batalha Monastery, officially known as the Monastery of Saint Mary of the Victory. Built in 1388, it’s one of Europe’s greatest Gothic masterpieces and makes for a popular day trip from Lisbon. The monastery took 131 years to build and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walking through the gigantic gothic doorway and seeing the towering interior (which is lined with 16th-century stained-glass windows) is absolutely breathtaking. Admission is 6 EUR, but you can also purchase a combo ticket to see The Convent of Christ in Tomar and The Abbey of Santa Maria for 15 EUR.

3. Explore the Azores

These 9 islands lie 1,500 kilometers (930 miles) from Lisbon in the Atlantic Ocean. Each of the islands offers a slow-paced way of life, unique wildlife, and stunning beaches. These islands are very off the beaten track and a good “out of the way” place to go. São Miguel is great for hiking and road trips, Pico has great wine, and São Jorge has incredible nature, but you can’t go wrong with any of the islands here!

4. Party in Lagos

Lagos is the place people go to party in Portugal. It’s an excellent destination to soak up the sun. During the summer, this is one of Europe’s premier party destinations for young travelers. there are also incredible beaches, great surfing, and lots of historic churches here. The city is also home to Europe’s first slave market, a sobering sight that dates back to 1444.

5. Enjoy Porto

Porto is one of Portugal’s most colorful cities. Spend some time getting lost and meandering the narrow alleyways and steep staircases that lead to the scenic Douro River. Hop on a river cruise, visit the iconic Lello & Irmão bookstore, tour the museums, and visit the surrounding Duoro Valley and its many vineyards (this is the region where port wine comes from, hence the name). It’s also one of the main launching points for the famous Camino Portugues hike that leads to Santiago de Compostella in Spain (which takes 10-14 days, though you can definitely just do a day hike or a smaller section of the trail).

Other Things to See and Do in Portugal

1. journey to evora.

One of Portugal’s many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Evora is a small town that offers an array of beautiful and historic buildings. Located 90 minutes east of Lisbon, Evora’s most famous landmark is the Temple of Diana, a Roman temple and UNESCO site from the 1st century. But there is also the Praça do Giraldo, the town’s main square, which is a charming spot to people-watch and embrace the local pace of life. This is small-town Portugal at its best.

2. See the Religious Monuments in Braga

Located one hour north of Porto, the beautiful city of Braga boasts numerous Baroque monuments, including one of the country’s best-known sights: the Bom Jesus Sanctuary (a Catholic shrine and pilgrimage site). The old and the new city are connected by the main square, Praça da Republica, which is a great place for a stroll. The city’s cathedral is also very much worth a visit, as it is the country’s oldest (construction started in 1509).

3. See the Abbey of Santa Maria

Located between Lisbon and Porto, the Abbey of Santa Maria is Europe’s largest Cistercian building (the Cistercians are a Catholic order of monks and nuns, founded in 1098). You can wander around the abbey at your leisure to learn more about its cloisters, dormitories, library, and more. The church is free to enter but the monastery costs 6 EUR. You can save money by purchasing a combo ticket to the Convent of Christ in Tomar and the Batalha Monastery for 15 EUR.

4. Head to Sintra

Lord Byron, an English poet writing in the 18th century, said that Sintra was “perhaps in every respect the most delightful [place] in Europe.” If you are visiting Lisbon, you should definitely make an effort to come here to see its palaces, wonderful views, and museum collections. It’s one of the most beautiful places in the entire country. The train takes about an hour from Lisbon and costs under 5 EUR.

5. Learn about the Knights Templar in Tomar

The big attraction in the town of Tomar is the Templar Castle and Convent of Christ. It was the headquarters for the Knights Templar in the 12th century (they were a Catholic military order founded in 1118 that fought in the Crusades). The castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was an important defensive stronghold against the encroaching Moors (Muslims from North Africa who eventually conquered parts of Spain and Portugal). Admission is 6 EUR or 15 EUR with a combo ticket.

6. Hit the water

Aveiro, located 72 kilometers (45 miles) south of Porto, lies on what’s known as the Silver Coast. This small university town has a historic center built on canals, giving rise to its nickname “the Venice of Portugal.” The winds here create good opportunities for windsurfing and surfing too. You can rent surfboards for as little as 15 EUR per day, while kitesurfing and windsurfing rentals around 50 EUR. If you want lessons, most two-day courses cost around 130 EUR.

7. Get lost in Coimbra

Another university city, Coimbra is located between Lisbon and Portugal and is home to one of the world’s oldest universities (the university was founded in 1290 and moved to Coimbra in 1537). There is a famous and beautiful old library that you can tour, but the real thing to do in Coimbra is just wander through its many historic streets. There are plenty of churches and gardens to take in as you stroll around soaking up the history. It’s a postcard-perfect destination.

8. Attend a Fado performance

Fado is a local type of music that originated in Lisbon. It’s a rather haunting, mournful style often focused on the hardships of the poor or life at sea. The music first appeared in the 19th century and was popular with the working class (especially sailors). The word “fado” likely stems from the Latin word for fate, which is why many of the songs focus on the inevitability of misfortune and suffering. While melancholic, the music is also beautiful and poetic.

9. Check out Faro

Faro is a common starting point for tours of the Algarve region, a southern region brimming with great beaches, tasty seafood, and plenty of tourists. Faro itself isn’t a beach city, but has a lovely old town and is a great place to spend a day before you explore the coast. Don’t miss the cathedral and the municipal museum to learn more about the city.

10. Stand at the edge of Europe

Cape Sagres is the most southwestern point on the European continent. It was here that Henry the Navigator, one of Portugal’s most revered figures during its empire, had his famous navigation school. He was one of the central figures to kick start the Age of Discovery in the 15th century that put Portugal on the map (literally). His development of lighter caravel ships allowed explorations in West Africa, which also launched the slave trade.

11. Try a Pastéis de nata

This pastry is a Portuguese staple. You’ll find these delicious custard-filled tarts at every bakery. They’re a must for an authentic food experience and cost around 1 EUR.

12. Walk the Templar Stairs

Located in Sintra, Quinta da Regaleira is a UNESCO World Heritage Site composed of several historic buildings, including a huge palace and chapel. But the highlight is the Initiation Wells, two massive wells that stretch far underground. They were built by the Templars for their initiation rituals. Would-be knights would have to travel down a winding staircase into the massive wells blindfolded and navigate a labyrinth before coming back to the light. Today, you can tour the wells and explore them yourself. Admission is 10 EUR.

The Camino Portugues (The Portuguese Way) is a pilgrimage trail that stretches from Lisbon to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. It’s the second most popular Camino, after the main French Way, though it sees a fraction of pilgrims compared to the main route. Most hikers start in Porto, with the 280 kilometers (173 miles) journey taking around 10-14 days, though it’s also possible to start in Lisbon for a longer trek.

For more information on other destinations in Portugal, check out these guides:

• Lagos Travel Guide
• Lisbon Travel Guide
• Porto Travel Guide

Portugal Travel Costs

For those traveling with a tent, camping is available around the country for 10-20 EUR per night for a basic tent plot without electricity.

A room in a two-star budget hotel costs between 40-75 EUR per night. Expect basic amenities like free Wi-Fi and TV. Free breakfast is sometimes included as well.

On Airbnb, private rooms start at 30-50 EUR per night while entire homes/apartments average around 100 EUR.

Food – Fish and seafood form the backbone of Portuguese cuisine (Portugal eats the most seafood per capita in Europe). Cod, sardinhas assadas (grilled sardines), sea bass, and shellfish are some of the most common staples. Other popular dishes include cozido à portuguesa (boiled stew), peixinhos da horta (breaded and fried vegetables), and cured ham. Be sure to also try the prego (beef sandwich) or the bifana (pork sandwich). You can find them at local cafes for just 5 EUR.

You can find snacks in bakeries for 2 EUR or less, light meals and sandwiches for around 8-10 EUR, and fast food for around the same price.

If you want a three-course meal with drinks, you’re looking at spending closer to 20 EUR. After that, the sky is the limit!

For a casual restaurant meal, expect to pay around 10 EUR.

Beer is around 3 EUR while a latte/cappuccino costs around 2.50 EUR. Bottled water is less than 1 EUR.

If you’re cooking, groceries cost around 35-45 EUR for a week’s worth of food. This includes staples like pasta, rice, produce, and some meat or seafood.

Backpacking Portugal Suggested Budgets

On a backpacker budget, you can visit Lisbon for around 45 EUR per day. On this budget, you’ll be staying in a hostel dorm room, cooking all of your meals, limiting your drinking, using public transportation to get around, and sticking to free activities like free walking tours, enjoying the beaches, and exploring the Old Town. If you plan on drinking, add 5-15 EUR per day to your budget.

On a mid-range budget of 125 EUR per day, you can stay in a private Airbnb or private hostel room, eat at cheap local restaurants and cook some meals, use public transportation and take the occasional taxi, visit paid attractions like the botanic gardens and Belem Tower, and enjoy some drinks at the bar.

On a “luxury” budget of 235 EUR or more a day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for every meal, drink what you want, rent a car to explore the region, and visit as many museums and attractions as you’d like. This is just the ground floor for luxury though — you can easily spend more if you really want to splash out!

You can use the chart below to get an idea of how much you need to budget daily. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you spend more, some days you spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in EUR.

Portugal Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

For the most part, Portugal is an incredibly affordable destination. Food, accommodation, wine – it’s all very cheap (especially when compared to other EU countries). As long as you’re not splurging on a ton of booze or eating at the overpriced tourist restaurants, you’ll find it easy to save big while still enjoying yourself. Here are a few more ways to save money in Portugal:

• Look for free museum visits – Some museums are free on Sundays. Check with the local tourism board or the museum’s website for more information on free/discounted hours.
• Skip the taxis – Taxis add up so if you’re on a budget, skip the taxis and use the metro or bus system to go where you need to.
• Say “no” to bread – When eating out, a selection of bread and olives may be brought to your table before your meal. These aren’t free, so just say no if you’re on a budget.
• Stay at a pensão – These family-run inns offer decent lodgings for very little money and are a great alternative to hotels.
• Get a tourist card – Certain cities, like Porto and Lisbon, offer tourist cards that provide unlimited access to public transportation (normally for one, two, or three days) and free or discounted access to museums and monuments. If you plan to see lots of sites, be sure to go to the local tourism office and pick up one of these cards!
• Stay with a local – If you plan ahead, you can usually find Couchsurfing hosts all throughout the country. This way, you not only have a free place to stay but you can connect with a local who can share their insider tips and advice. Just send your requests early in the summer.
• Cook your meals – Restaurants here are cheap, but eating out all the time adds up. Visit the local market to stock up on groceries and cook a few meals. You’ll save a ton!
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Portugal

Budget accommodation is plentiful in Portugal. Here are my suggested places to stay:

• Lookout! Lisbon Hostel (Lisbon)
• Lisboa Central Hostel (Lisbon)
• Yes! Lisbon Hostel (Lisbon)
• Rising Cock Party Hostel (Lagos)
• Gold Coast Calm Hostel (Lagos)
• Casa D’Alagao (Faro)
• HI Hostel Faro (Faro)
• Rivoli Cinema Hostel (Porto)
• Gallery Hostel (Porto)
• Pilot Design Hostel & Bar (Porto)

How to Get Around Portugal

Train – Portugal has a great rail system. Tickets are affordable, with a ride from Porto to Lisbon costing around 25 EUR. Even the high-speed rail is affordable (unlike in many other European countries); it’s about the same price between Porto and Lisbon as the regular train. A train trip between Braga (in the far north) to Faro (at the southern tip) costs between 65-75 EUR.

Bus – Buses are the cheapest way to explore, and they’re also not super time-consuming since Portugal isn’t a huge country. A cross-country bus from Lisbon to Lagos costs between 15-20 EUR, while an eight-hour journey from Braga to Faro costs around 30 EUR.

Lisbon is the main hub for budget-friendly Flixbus routes around the country. It’s the cheapest way to get from Portugal and into the rest of Europe. A bus to Madrid, Spain costs around 30 EUR.

Flying – Flying is the best way to get to the Azores, though it’s likely not worth it for getting around the mainland. A flight from Lisbon to the Azores costs as little as 50 EUR, while Lisbon to Madeira starts at about 40 EUR. TAP Air is Portugal’s official airline.

Taxis – Taxis start at 3.50 EUR and go up by about .80 EUR per kilometer. Skip them if you can as they add up fast!

Ridesharing – Uber is available in Portugal’s larger cities but it’s not much cheaper than taxis. I’d still skip ridesharing altogether if you’re on a budget.

Bike rental – Locals like to get around by bike and bike rentals are available in all the major cities. You can rent a basic city bike for around 10-15 EUR per day.

Car rental – Car rentals cost as little as 25 EUR per day for a multi-day rental. It’s a super affordable way to explore if you have someone to split the cost with (especially in the Azores). Drivers need to be at least 18. For the best rental car deals, use Discover Cars

When to Go to Portugal

Peak season in Portugal is during the summer months of June-August. Temperatures hover around 23°C (74°F) and popular destinations like Porto and Lisbon experience an influx of visitors. Prices increase during this time as well. But the overall atmosphere and weather are great, so it’s still worth visiting during peak season.

Personally, I think the best time to visit Portugal is the shoulder season in the spring and fall (April-May and September-October). Temperatures range from 18-22°C (65-71°F) so it’s still warm enough to explore and enjoy the outdoors. There aren’t as many crowds and prices are cheaper, making it an ideal time for budget travelers.

Winter is from November to February. It gets cold and tourist crowds thin out considerably. Temperatures vary quite a bit from place to place, but overall, the temperature averages around 12°C (53°F). I’d avoid visiting in the winter if you can, however, if you’re on the continent already Portugal is one of the warmer places to spend the winter.

How to Stay Safe in Portugal

Portugal is very safe for backpacking and solo travel as violent attacks are uncommon. Pickpocketing is the most common crime and can occur in touristy areas and on public transportation. Be aware of your surroundings when you’re in markets, on busy streets, and when using the metro. Always keep your valuables secure and out of sight just to be safe.

Drugs here have been decriminalized, but it’s best to avoid them as selling drugs is still illegal. If approached and offered drugs, politely decline and continue on your way

You won’t find a lot of travel scams in the country but read this article on common travel scams to avoid just to be safe.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, don’t walk home alone at night if intoxicated, etc.).

If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

Remember: always trust your gut instinct. If a taxi driver seems shady, stop the cab and get out. If your hotel is seedier than you thought, get out of there. You have every right to remove yourself from the situation. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Portugal Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!

Portugal Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Portugal travel and continue planning your trip:

The 4 Best Hostels in Lagos, Portugal

The Best Walking Tours in Lisbon

Where to Stay in Lisbon: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The 9 Best Hostels in Lisbon

When Three Days Is Not Enough Time

Lisbon: Even Better the Second Time

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Holidays in Portugal

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• There are loads of types of holidays in Portugal and the cost will depend on what type of trip you’re taking and for how long you’d like to stay. Here are the latest prices for a 3 night trip for 2 travellers: Top holiday £193; Family holiday £167; Romantic holiday £219; Luxury holiday £237; Budget holiday £131.

Why should you book a holiday package to Portugal?

Portugal's main tourist areas include Lisbon, Porto, Madeira, and the Algarve, where you can balance a bustling city nightlife with relaxing beach days.

When should you book a holiday package to Portugal?

The warm, dry, coastal weather in late summer paired with the culture of hospitality and service of the locals makes it the perfect season to book your Portuguese getaway. This is also the festival season in southwestern Europe, with lots of activities to keep you entertained, including the Nos Primaveras Sound and Boom festivals.

Where should you stay in Portugal during your holidays?

For any holiday type in portugal:.

Quinta da Casa Branca is located within a dreamy botanical garden close to the Portuguese island of Madeira with it's sweeping views of the archipelago. Located 22km outside of the city center, the easiest way to reach Quinta da Casa Branca is by rental car.

The Altis Grand Hotel offers spacious modern accommodation and 19 business meeting rooms in the heart of downtown Lisbon within walking distance of the famous Liberty Avenue. The hotel's airport shuttles are available when you book your Portugal holiday package online for a streamlined travel experience.

For family holidays in Portugal:

Corinthia Hotel in Lisbon is a 5 star hotel that offers family rooms, a heated indoor swimming pool, serene gardens, and a comprehensive restaurant on-site. A rental car is the best transport option from Lisbon Portela Airport to satisfy your family's diverse needs.

Let your children roam free and explore paradise at the Pestana Village Garden Resort near Madeira which is embedded within 5,000 meters of perfectly manicured gardens and a series of outdoor swimming pools. This location will require a rental car which you can pick up from Cristiano Ronaldo Madeira International Airport.

For romantic holidays in Portugal:

Hotel Eva is a private 5 star hotel in the Algarve region of Portugal which offers spa services, a health club, and long nature walks to bring back the romance during your next visit. Faro International Airport is the closest transportation hub, with pre-arranged shuttles available for transfers from Hotel Eva.

Hotel Lisboa Plaza is the best boutique hotel in the capital city of Lisbon with easy access to the local train station for further travel within Portugal. holiday deals may include free airport shuttle transfer to Lisbon International Airport.

For luxury holidays in Portugal:

Ria Park Hotel and Spa located in Ria Formosa Natural Park is considered the best beach hotel in the Algarve region of Southern Portugal. Sunline airport transfers will take you from Faro International Airport to Ria Park Hotel in approximately 30 minutes.

Porto Palacio Congress Hotel & Spa is a 5 star hotel in northwestern Porto which features spa facilities, a fitness center, and an on-site bar with tasteful modern décor. Porto International Airport is just 15 kilometers away and easily accessible via hotel shuttle.

For budget holidays in Portugal:

Madeira Panoramico Hotel allows you to save money without sacrificing quality with outdoor pools, sweeping views of the Atlantic ocean, and comprehensive spa packages. It's located on the western slope of the amphitheater of Funchal. Spend your hotel savings and splurge on a rental car from Faro International Airport for the flexibility to change your itinerary when travelling around Madeira.

Hotel Turim Europa offers a free breakfast with your stay in downtown Lisbon and has access to the nearby Turim Lisboa Hotel facilities, including outdoor pools. For added savings, consider taking the metro from Lisbon International Airport to arrive at the Hotel Turim Europa at the "Parque" stop.

Where to stay in Portugal

Portugal holiday information, other popular package holiday destinations.

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When booking your holiday, if you choose accommodation that is non-refundable and non-amendable, then:

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When booking your holiday, if you choose a holiday with Aer Lingus flights, there will be no fee to change your flights until the following dates:

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Cheap Portugal holidays from Click&Go

Portugal holidays.

Part of the Iberian Peninsula teetering on the edge of Europe, Portugal bravely faces the Atlantic head on and consequently enjoys the most amazing rugged coastline indented with private coves and stunning golden beaches with their trademark dramatic outcrops. Beauty is evident not just in the lovely countryside but in the friendly locals whose mentality is extremely close to our own in terms of sense of humour, joie de vivre and generosity of spirit. A real land of contrasts, Portugal’s capital city, Lisbon, is an architectural delight with the nearby chic resort towns of Cascais , Estoril and Sintra . The magnificent island of Madeira is the Atlantic’s floating garden and, of course, the Algarve where seaside towns, legendary golf courses and fantastic attractions for children is a popular destination for Irish family holidays. For cheap Portugal breaks, Click&Go offers a wide selection of three, four and five-star hotels in the many resorts in the Algarve , including:

• Praia da Rocha
• Lagos  

Holidays to Portugal from Ireland include Aer Lingus flights, accommodation and transfers.

Top Destinations in Portugal

The algarve.

Vacations in Portugal

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Search and compare hundred of travel sites at once for vacation packages in Portugal

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Cheap Portugal package deals

Most popular portugal flight and hotel deals, all inclusive vacation packages to portugal, last minute vacation packages to portugal, search by stars, search by review score, search by board, search by price, search by freebies, when to book a vacation in portugal, tips for finding portugal package deals.

• There are loads of types of vacations in Portugal and the cost will depend on what type of trip you’re taking and for how long you’d like to stay. Here are the latest prices for a 3 night trip for 2 travellers: Top vacation C$ 633; Family vacation C$ 544; Romantic vacation C$ 610; Luxury vacation C$ 556; Budget vacation C$ 488.

Why should you book a holiday package to Portugal?

Portugal's main tourist areas include Lisbon, Porto, Madeira, and the Algarve, where you can balance a bustling city nightlife with relaxing beach days.

When should you book a holiday package to Portugal?

The warm, dry, coastal weather in late summer paired with the culture of hospitality and service of the locals makes it the perfect season to book your Portuguese getaway. This is also the festival season in southwestern Europe, with lots of activities to keep you entertained, including the Nos Primaveras Sound and Boom festivals.

Where should you stay in Portugal during your holidays?

For any holiday type in portugal:.

Quinta da Casa Branca is located within a dreamy botanical garden close to the Portuguese island of Madeira with it's sweeping views of the archipelago. Located 22km outside of the city center, the easiest way to reach Quinta da Casa Branca is by rental car.

The Altis Grand Hotel offers spacious modern accommodation and 19 business meeting rooms in the heart of downtown Lisbon within walking distance of the famous Liberty Avenue. The hotel's airport shuttles are available when you book your Portugal holiday package online for a streamlined travel experience.

For family holidays in Portugal:

Corinthia Hotel in Lisbon is a 5 star hotel that offers family rooms, a heated indoor swimming pool, serene gardens, and a comprehensive restaurant on-site. A rental car is the best transport option from Lisbon Portela Airport to satisfy your family's diverse needs.

Let your children roam free and explore paradise at the Pestana Village Garden Resort near Madeira which is embedded within 5,000 meters of perfectly manicured gardens and a series of outdoor swimming pools. This location will require a rental car which you can pick up from Cristiano Ronaldo Madeira International Airport.

For romantic holidays in Portugal:

Hotel Eva is a private 5 star hotel in the Algarve region of Portugal which offers spa services, a health club, and long nature walks to bring back the romance during your next visit. Faro International Airport is the closest transportation hub, with pre-arranged shuttles available for transfers from Hotel Eva.

Hotel Lisboa Plaza is the best boutique hotel in the capital city of Lisbon with easy access to the local train station for further travel within Portugal. holiday deals may include free airport shuttle transfer to Lisbon International Airport.

For luxury holidays in Portugal:

Ria Park Hotel and Spa located in Ria Formosa Natural Park is considered the best beach hotel in the Algarve region of Southern Portugal. Sunline airport transfers will take you from Faro International Airport to Ria Park Hotel in approximately 30 minutes.

Porto Palacio Congress Hotel & Spa is a 5 star hotel in northwestern Porto which features spa facilities, a fitness center, and an on-site bar with tasteful modern décor. Porto International Airport is just 15 kilometers away and easily accessible via hotel shuttle.

For budget holidays in Portugal:

Madeira Panoramico Hotel allows you to save money without sacrificing quality with outdoor pools, sweeping views of the Atlantic ocean, and comprehensive spa packages. It's located on the western slope of the amphitheater of Funchal. Spend your hotel savings and splurge on a rental car from Faro International Airport for the flexibility to change your itinerary when travelling around Madeira.

Hotel Turim Europa offers a free breakfast with your stay in downtown Lisbon and has access to the nearby Turim Lisboa Hotel facilities, including outdoor pools. For added savings, consider taking the metro from Lisbon International Airport to arrive at the Hotel Turim Europa at the "Parque" stop.

Where to stay in Portugal

Portugal vacation information, other popular package vacation destinations.

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Top vacation destinations in Portugal

Lisbon District

Ponta Delgada

Top Portugal Vacation Deals

Pestana Alvor South Beach

Reviewed on Sep. 27, 2022

Old City Design Apartments

Reviewed on Apr. 14, 2024

Cathedral Design Apartments

Reviewed on Apr. 22, 2024

Pestana Casino Park Ocean and SPA Hotel

Reviewed on Mar. 4, 2024

Pestana Royal All Inclusive Ocean & Spa Resort

Reviewed on Apr. 13, 2024

Portugal Vacation

Whether you’re trying to tick off as many UNESCO World Heritage sights as you can, sampling a famous pastéis de nata (Portuguese custard tart) in the lively city of Lisbon or learning to surf in Ericeira, your trip to Portugal is sure to be unforgettable.

Portugal Hotel + Flights

Here, there are 53,566 hotels starting at CA $178 a night. Lisbon is one of the most affordable European capitals to visit, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t save some cash when you can. The best way to stretch your budget is to bundle your hotel and flights into a neat Portugal Vacation Package. On top of this, you can also add experiences and car packages — your itinerary will be sorted in no time. If you love exploring medieval castles, why not add a tour of Castelo de São Jorge to your booking?

Your Portugal Vacation Itinerary

Day 1-3: Ride a tram up the picturesque hills of Lisbon for a stunning view of the port below. Tour some of the city’s best sights, such as Castelo de São Jorge, Mosteiro dos Jerónimos and Oceanário de Lisboa.

Day 4: Rent a car and take a short drive to the fairy-tale town of Sintra. The National Palace of Pena, the Castle of the Moors and Quinta da Regaleira are must-sees.

Day 5-6: From Sintra, it’s about a three-hour drive north to Porto, a charming city with plenty of culinary delights on offer. Wander around admiring the stunning architecture before spending a romantic evening watching the sunset along Cais da Ribeira.

Portugal Information

If you’re a fan of good food, music and dancing, you’ll love Carnival in Portugal. These lively celebrations take place before Lent, which is usually during the month of February.

Lisbon Vacation Packages are the way to go if you’re planning on exploring the delights of Portugal’s capital.

If you’re after the most stress-free vacation possible, check out our All Inclusive Resorts in Portugal .

Portugal Hotel Deals

Reviewed on Apr. 20, 2024

Reviewed on Apr. 23, 2024

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Frequently asked questions, discover the most popular places to visit in portugal, albufeira old town square.

Framed by bars, galleries and shops, this leafy plaza is a great starting point for exploring the treasures of Albufeira’s historic center.

Rossio Square

See the people-packed central square whose swirling wave-patterned cobbles are thought to have inspired copycat pavements across the rest of Portugal and beyond.

Falesia Beach

Pine groves crown the scorched red-orange cliffs edging this long and wide beach, complete with comfortable amenities, watersports options and lifeguard patrols.

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Cost of a Trip to Portugal & the Cheapest Time to Visit Portugal

The average price of a 7-day trip to Portugal is $1,233 for a solo traveler, $2,017 for a couple, and $1,905 for a family of 4 . Portugal hotels range from $45 to $199 per night with an average of $75, while most vacation rentals will cost $140 to $480 per night for the entire home. Average worldwide flight costs to Portugal (from all airports) are between $725 and $1,190 per person for economy flights and $2,277 to $3,737 for first class. Depending on activities, we recommend budgeting $35 to $71 per person per day for transportation and enjoying local restaurants.

See below for average , budget , and luxury trip costs. You can also look up flight costs from your airport for more tailored flight pricing.

The Cheapest Times to Visit Portugal

On average, these will be the cheapest dates to fly to Portugal and stay in a Portugal hotel:

• January 1st to April 1st
• April 30th to May 13th
• October 1st to December 16th

The absolute cheapest time to take a vacation in Portugal is usually late January and early February .

Average Portugal Trip Costs

Average solo traveler.

The average cost for one person to visit Portugal for a week is $973-$2,110 ($139-$301 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $35 to $71 per day for one person’s daily expenses

Flights : $398 to $1,031 for economy

Lodging : $55 to $71 per night for one 2 or 3-star hotel room

or $79 to $97 per night for a 1-bed vacation rental

Average Couple’s Trip

The average cost for a couple to visit Portugal for a week is $1,616-$3,638 ($231-$520 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $70 to $142 per day for two people’s daily expenses

Flights : $796 to $2,062 for economy

Average Family Vacation

The average cost for 4 people to visit Portugal for a week is $3,231-$6,982 ($462-$997 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $140 to $284 per day for four people’s daily expenses

Flights : $1,591 to $4,124 for economy

Lodging : $110 to $142 per night for two 2 or 3-star hotel rooms

or $120 to $145 per night for a 2-bed vacation rental

Traveling Cheap to Portugal

How cheap can you make a vacation to Portugal? The cheapest trip to Portugal is about $106 per person per day for travelers willing to take standby flights, deal with inconvenience, and otherwise limit travel expenses. About 2% of rentals are available in the $0 to $100 range for an entire place, and vacation rentals can be booked for as low as $19 per night. These inexpensive rentals must be booked as early as possible and may not be in the most desirable areas. 1-star hotels are more likely to be available, with rooms starting at around $38.

Even cheaper trips are possible depending on where you live and whether you can drive. Check the cheapest times to fly for more saving ideas.

Budget Solo Traveler

The lowest cost for one person to visit Portugal for a week is $745-$1,816 ($106-$259 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $17 to $35 per day for one person’s daily expenses

Lodging : $38 to $45 per night for one 1-star hotel room

or $59 to $90 per night for a 1-bed vacation rental

Budget Couple’s Trip

The lowest cost for a couple to visit Portugal for a week is $1,269-$3,085 ($181-$441 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $35 to $69 per day for two people’s daily expenses

Budget Family Vacation

The lowest cost for 4 people to visit Portugal for a week is $2,530-$5,907 ($361-$844 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $69 to $139 per day for four people’s daily expenses

Lodging : $76 to $90 per night for two 1-star hotel rooms

or $89 to $135 per night for a 2-bed vacation rental

Overall it is very possible to travel to Portugal cheaply.

The Cost of a Luxury Portugal Trip

There is no true ceiling on the cost of a luxury trip, so our estimates are based on what most people do in Portugal.

Luxury Solo Traveler

The high-end price for one person to visit Portugal for a week is $2,072-$9,310 ($296-$1,330 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $71 to $143 per day for one person’s daily expenses

Flights : $987 to $2,579 for first class

Lodging : $98 to $199 per night for one 4 or 5-star hotel room

or $476 to $955 per night for a preferred vacation rental

Luxury Couple’s Trip

The high-end price for a couple to visit Portugal for a week is $3,549-$12,883 ($507-$1,840 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $141 to $285 per day for two people’s daily expenses

Flights : $1,974 to $5,158 for first class

Luxury Family Vacation

The high-end price for 4 people to visit Portugal for a week is $7,093-$22,917 ($1,013-$3,274 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $282 to $570 per day for four people’s daily expenses

Flights : $3,949 to $10,317 for first class

Lodging : $195 to $397 per night for two 4 or 5-star hotel rooms

or $714 to $1,435 per night for a preferred vacation rental

Portugal Hotel Prices

The cost of staying in Portugal is slightly lower than the average city. On average hotels are less expensive than vacation rentals. Luxury vacation rentals are more expensive in Portugal due to very high property costs. The graphs below show how much cost can vary depending on the type of experience you’re looking for.

Portugal Lodging Cost by Star Status

The average price for the class of hotel is on the (y) axis. The hotel class (out of 5 stars) is on the (x) axis.

Prices are based on Portugal hotel averages and may not reflect current prices. In some cases, we extrapolate prices to estimate costs, and hotels with your desired star rating may not be available.

Vacation Rental Prices

The percent of vacation rentals in the price range is on the left (y) axis. Price range is on the bottom (x) axis.

There are a healthy amount of vacation rentals serving all budgets in Portugal.

Flight Costs to Portugal

Averaging flights around the world, prices go from a high of $1,190 average in early August to a low of $725 in late January and early February. Median flight price is $785. These prices are based on millions of flights. For Portugal our data includes thousands of originating airports, and hundreds of airlines. The area has more variance in price compared with other locations.

Average Flight Cost by Season

Average flight cost by day of week.

The cheapest day to fly in is typically Tuesday, and the cheapest day to fly back is usually Tuesday. Click here to see data for the cost of flights from your airport. In Portugal, the difference between the cheapest and the most expensive week is about $465, so you can easily save about 64% simply by using our free flight guides and booking in advance.

Daily Expenses Budget

Daily vacation expenses vary more based on what you’re interested in doing. A fine dining restaurant with drinks around Portugal can easily cost $259 per person or more, while a standard nice meal might be about $17 per person. Private tours can cost $519 per day, but self-guided tours to see the outdoor sights can be free. Costs vary wildly, so recommendations are made based on the cost of living and averages we see for this type of vacation.

Other Portugal Guides

Travel costs nearby.

• Peniche, Portugal
• Sintra, Portugal
• Mafra, Portugal
• Cascais, Portugal
• Lourinha, Portugal
• Torres Vedras, Portugal
• Oeiras, Portugal
• Queluz, Portugal
• Amadora, Portugal
• Obidos, Portugal

Travel Costs in Popular Places

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Portugal Holidays 2024/2025

Lisbon is a great city-break destination, with jolly yellow trams, eccentric elevators, and delicious seafood. You may prefer to relax on the beach or play golf in the Algarve . Albufeira is a popular stop for both, and offers Atlantic Ocean beaches and high-end resorts. Or maybe Porto and the Douro Valley are more your speed. Spend your time drifting down rivers and tasting wine!

Whatever you fancy, we've put all our best deals to Portugal right here in one place, so you can see the best offers around. We've even thrown in Madeira for good measure.

Want to broaden your search? Try our Europe holidays page . We also have plenty of Spain holidays .

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