Portugal

Many years ago, as a young backpacker, I made plenty of mistakes when traveling around Since becoming both an honorary Lisboeta (Lisbon resident) and Tripeiro (Porto dweller), I have learned some essentials about the country. From the best methods for getting around to wardrobe essentials. Here are the key tips to help you make the most out of your trip to Portugal. Combine some time in a city like Lisbon (pictured) or Porto with day trips to nearby regions © TomasSereda / Getty Images Decide where to go The mountains, the seaside, cobblestone-lined city streets? Portugal has plenty of options when it comes to travel. With a week at your disposal, you can combine a bit of urban adventure with scenic getaways nearby. If you have A great northern itinerary combines Book your accommodation well in advance Portugal’s growing popularity means some of the best places to stay get booked up months in advance. This is especially true if you’re traveling in The best, and often more spectacular way, to get around in the city is by public transport © Alexander Spatari / Getty Images Don’t bother taking a taxi from the airport Speaking of trains and buses, as soon as you arrive, you can save money and cut down on CO2 emissions by hopping on public transport from the airport. Portugal’s three international airports all have good options for whisking you into town. The Lisbon metro’s linha vermelha (red line) can get you into the center, as can the speedy Aerobus, while Porto’s metro (vi...

It may be a relatively small country, but to determine the best times to visit Portugal, you have to take into consideration the great variety of landscapes that influence weather, events, activities, and peak times. Between the mountains of the Estrela Range in the north, the beaches of the Algarve in the south, and the island groups of the Azores and Madeira in mid-Atlantic, each region has its own perfect time to visit. Fall is harvest time (mid-September to mid-October) when the valleys of the Douro and Dao become a hive of activities during the grape harvest. Chestnut trees are blooming, giving the countryside a lot of lovely colors. If you like to hike in the mountains, fall is the time to visit the Minho and Tras-os-Montes regions with average temperatures of 55 degrees F. It’s a lot colder in the winter (between January and March), especially in the Estrela Range, where it will snow, so skiers head to one of several sports centers in the region. If you are a keen surfer, head for Ericeira or the Atlantic coast (Costa Verde) in the months from November to February, where waves reach records heights of 80 feet. Again, the best times to visit are spring and fall. The summers in the Algarve get very hot, easily up to 104 degrees F and crowded, which is reflected in the highest prices for accommodation and food. Winter, which lasts from Dec. 21 to March 20, is the season where costs are lowest. There are the occasional rainy days, especially in winter, but the Algarve h...