Tours in Portugal

Portugal (Mainland)
Whether you want to explore the colourful city of Lisbon, cycle along the Algarve or walk the dramatic coastline of Ponta de Piedade, the best months for comfortable weather and fewer crowds are in the Spring (March to May) or Autumn (September to October). These months are particularly suited to active travellers enjoying the wonderful walking and cycling on offer. The summer months are equally as wonderful, but the temperatures will be higher and rainfall scarce. Portugal is ideal for family holidays – find out more here.

Azores
The Azores has a mild climate year-round. Hop between the lush islands of the Azores from May to October for the best weather, with lots of sunshine, comfortable temperatures and very little rainfall. There will be plenty of whale-watching boat trips at this time of year too, and the aquamarine seas will be calmer. Read our ultimate guide to the Azores here.

Madeira
Madeira is a year-round destination with warm and sunny weather throughout the year. Due to Madeira’s mountainous topography, the north of the island gets more rainfall than the south, and the south typically has more hours of sunshine each year. Explore the Levada trails of Madeira in the spring to see a spectacular display of exotic flowers burst into bloom, and to avoid the busy summer crowds. Read Lisa's first-hand account here.

For the most part, Portugal has a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. Overall, the northwest of the country is cooler and the southern Algarve region is warm year-round. We've detailed more about Portugal's weather below:

 

Spring: March, April and May make up the spring season in Portugal. Average daily temperatures range between 14°C to 21°C, with mild temperatures and more sunshine, although rainfall is still common (especially in March). There are both pros and cons to travelling at this time: the weather might impact some of the views, but you'll also be visiting at a time when colourful flora comes into bloom and there are fewer crowds. Spring is one of Portugal's two shoulder seasons and offers a different perspective into the country from the typical summer months.

Summer: Portugal is at its hottest between June to September, with temperatures often reaching 25–35°C. There's minimal rainfall, so understandably summer is arguably the best time to visit Portugal. Activities and experiences are in full swing, although this also marks the busiest time to visit. Our family tours to Portugal are ideal for those looking for trips during the school summer holidays – find out more here. 

Autumn: The end of September and into November forms Portugal's autumn season, with temperatures ranging from 19-26°C at the start of the season to milder 15-20°C at the end. This marks Portugal's other shoulder season, with milder temperatures and fewer crowds, with regional differences between the likes of Porto in the north and the Algarve in the south.

Winter: Mid-November, December, January and February make up Portugal's winter season. Average daily temperatures during this time range between 11-16°C in the north (including Lisbon) and 16-18°C in the south. There's significant rainfall, mostly in the north, and while snow is rare in the cities it can be more common in mountainous areas.

Travelling alone? You’re in the right place! All of our Portugal trips are perfect for solo travellers. Many of our customers come along on their own so you’ll be in good company and you’ll most likely make new friends along the way. Let us take away the stress and worry and look after all of the logistics so you can relax and enjoy your adventure. 

 

Portugal is one of Europe's safest countries, with low crime rates – you should always exercise caution wherever you travel. The public transport is easy to navigate, with reliable buses and trains connecting major cities and towns. It's an affordable destination, too, and there's so many different experiences to choose from, whether you want an island escape on Madeira, walking on the Azores or seeing historical sites in mainland Portugal. 

Citizens of the UK, US, Canada and many other countries can travel visa-free to Portugal as a tourist (up to 90 days in any 180-day period). We always recommend seeking official advice – relevant government website links for UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens are available on our Travel Safety page.

You have lots of options for reaching Portugal, no matter where you are travelling from. Portugal has multiple major international airports, spread across mainland Portugal and its islands. Lisbon, Porto and Faro have large air hubs, while on Madeira you'll fly into Cristiano Ronaldo Madeira International Airport in Funchal, and the likes of Ponta Delgada for the Azores archipelago.

It's not all about flights – you can also travel by train; check out partnership with International Rail who can help you create your itinerary to the start (and/or end) of your trip. 

Getting around Portugal is relatively straight forward too, with a well-connected public transport system of high-speed train services, punctual long-distance buses, metros, trams, funiculars and buses (especially in the larger cities). Our Portugal small group trips use a mix of public and private transport, including ferries, allow you to travel at ease knowing that all the logistics have already been organised for you!

Pastel de Nata. Bacalhau. Port wine. Portugal may not be the biggest country, but its culinary reputation is anything but. From rich seafood dishes to hearty meat-based meals, Portuguese cuisine is celebrated worldwide for its bold flavours. The country is also renowned for its wine – especially its iconic Port from the Douro Valley. Even the Azores contribute their own distinctive white wine. 

 

For vegetarians and vegans, you'll find a growing number of plant-based options in major cities like Lisbon and Porto. Faro and the Algarve region are also increasingly catering to dietary preferences, with more restaurants offering meat-free menus. Local markets offer an abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables, too.

 

Do you have allergy or dietary requirements? Please let us know when you book your trip, and be sure to remind your tour leader on the first day of your trip so we can help ensure your needs are met throughout the journey. 

Yes, Portugal is one of Europe's top destinations for family travel. It's a safe, accessible country with plenty to see and do for all ages, from younger years spotting dolphins from a catamaran to teenagers whizzing down a toboggan ride. Find more inspiration with our Family Madeira Adventure tour (suitable for children over 7).