Portugal travel guide
Portugal packs an Atlantic coastline, old cities and rich food into a country you can cross in a few hours. You can ride a tram through Lisbon, taste port in Porto, walk among palaces in Sintra, and swim in golden coves on the Algarve, all within one trip. The distances are short, so variety comes easily, and the food, from grilled fish to custard tarts, is a reason to travel in itself. Choosing between regions is part of the fun. Lisbon and Sintra suit culture and architecture, Porto and the Douro valley bring wine and river scenery, Coimbra and Óbidos offer university and medieval charm, and Madeira adds garden-covered mountains and levada walks. The north is greener and the south sunnier. Spring and early autumn are the best time to travel to Portugal, with warm weather and fewer crowds, while summer suits the beaches. It suits couples, families, food lovers and walkers alike. Plan your Portugal itinerary city by city with Zippy Trips.
Capital: Lisbon.
Visa for Indian passport holders
Visa required, apply before you fly.
Before you go to Portugal
- Currency
- EUR €
- Bargaining
- Not expected
- Card networks
- Visa, Mastercard
- ATM fees
- No surcharge at Multibanco ATMs (EUR 200/txn cap)
Cities in Portugal
- Porto Portugal's second city, famed for the Ribeira riverfront, port-wine cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia, azulejo-tiled churches and the Douro…
- Sintra Romantic hill town near Lisbon studded with palaces and estates — Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira and the Moorish Castle — set in a UNESCO…
- Funchal Capital of Madeira — subtropical gardens, Monte toboggan run and cable car, levada walks and a lively old-town seafront.
- Lagos Algarve resort town of golden cliffs and grottoes — Ponta da Piedade, Praia Dona Ana and boat trips to the Benagil sea cave.
- Coimbra Historic university city on the Mondego — the UNESCO-listed University of Coimbra, Joanina Library and fado de Coimbra.
- Faro Capital of the Algarve, gateway to the Ria Formosa lagoon and its islands, with a walled old town and cathedral.
- Braga One of Portugal's oldest cities, a religious centre known for the Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary and baroque churches.
- Lisbon Capital of Portugal, a hilly Atlantic city of trams, tiled facades and the historic Belem district.
- Óbidos Picture-perfect walled medieval town famous for its castle, whitewashed lanes and ginjinha cherry liqueur served in chocolate cups.
Frequently asked questions about Portugal
- Do Indian citizens need a visa for Portugal?
- Visa required, apply before you fly.
- What currency is used in Portugal?
- The currency in Portugal is the Euro (€). €1 is about ₹107.
- Can I use cards and ATMs in Portugal?
- Accepted card networks: Visa, Mastercard. Typical ATM fees: No surcharge at Multibanco ATMs (EUR 200/txn cap). Decline dynamic currency conversion at ATMs and card machines.
- Can I get a SIM or eSIM in Portugal?
- SIM cards available in Portugal.
- What is the capital of Portugal?
- The capital of Portugal is Lisbon. Time there: IST - 4 h 30 min.