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What you need to know about Portugal

Lisbon

Capital City

(GMT+1)

Local Time

Euro

Local Currency

Bacalhau

National Dish

Lisbon

Largest City

When to go

  • Best
  • Good
  • Mixed
  • Jan
  • Jul
  • Feb
  • Aug
  • Mar
  • Sep
  • Apr
  • Oct
  • May
  • Nov
  • Jun
  • Dec

Best Time to Visit

Why We Love Portugal

From

Molly

FOOD & WINE

Often disregarded as a food and wine destination in Europe, Portugal holds its own. One hundred traditional pasteis de natas custard tarts in Lisbon and a couple of glasses of port from Porto makes for a wonderful mini-break before taking in the sights and sounds. Catch a hot air balloon over the Alentejo region for an exclusive perspective of the wine estates and after, tickle your taste buds by tasting their fantastic food and wine.  Similarly, head to Porto for wine-tasting with the city’s top vintner and pair it with typical Portuguese cuisine. 

RUGGED COASTLINE

Portugal is primarily a coastal destination and it plays the role of fresh fish, salty hair and sand incredibly well everywhere. The Algarve is famous for its sandy cliff backed beaches and coves. Alternatively, on the west Atlantic coast lies the long sandy coastline of Comporta, an ideal location for surfing, dolphin spotting or simply catching sand between your toes.  The hidden paradise of Costa da Caparica, near Lisbon, similarly boasts an ever-expansive stretch of sand dunes and beaches.

BITESIZE CITIES

Cities can be overwhelming, grappling with crowds, foreign transport systems and a list of landmarks scattered at alternate sides. Portugal’s cities, on the other hand, are manageable. The tram in Lisbon is a joy and route 28 is an excursion through the highlights of the quainter quarters of the city with no need to hop off. Further up north, Porto’s cobbled streets are designed for getting lost in and are littered with cafés to rest weary legs.

WILD ISLANDS

Deep into the Atlantic lies the windy islands of Madeira and the Azores. The Azores islands promise all the elements of ‘off the beaten track’ Europe, as they are hard to get to and completely unspoilt. Owing to where the islands lie, it is full of mud pots, hot springs, forests surrounding blue lakes, wetlands and 30 Blue Flag beaches. Out on the high seas live up to a third of the world’s dolphins and whales.

Sarah & Michael

We went to Portugal to experience the Douro Valley, but True Travel delivered so much more than that. We loved the experiences we requested, but it was their extra suggestions which made the trip extra special – the Presidential Train was a highlight.

Independent guest reviews

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The TRUE rating

INDULGENT:

These accommodations are the best of the best, showcasing top hospitality, exceptional design and world-class food, in the most exclusive locations around the world.

EXCEPTIONAL:

A very high standard of five-star properties, with top-notch service and a wide range of amenities and experiences ensuring an unforgettable stay.

EXCELLENT:

These four to five-star accommodations offer the high level of service that our team look always look for, with a range of facilities on offer.

CLASSIC:

Four-star properties which offer enough amenities for a comfortable stay. We may offer these for a more price-competitive option, or in more remote areas which don't offer the most luxe hotels.

EXPERIENTIAL:

These properties won't necessarily offer all of the typical luxurious facilities, but will always provide memorable experiences, from camping out in the bush to climbing up to a treehouse.

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