When to Go & Travel Tips
Portugal is mild for much of the year, hot in midsummer, and greener and rainier in the north. Seasons, trains, driving and entry rules are here.
When to go
April to June
Warm, sunny days and green countryside before the summer rush. One of the best times for cities and the coast alike.
July and August
Hot and busy, especially on the Algarve. Inland areas can be very hot, and wildfires are a summer risk.
September and October
Still warm, with fewer crowds and the grape harvest in the Douro Valley.
November to March
Mild and quiet on the coast, with more rain, especially in Porto and the north. A good time for city breaks.
Getting there and entry
- Lisbon is the main gateway, with Porto and Faro also served by international flights. Non-stops from Canada run to Lisbon and some to Porto, many of them seasonally.
- Portugal is in the Schengen Area. Canadians do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days in any 180 days in the Schengen Area, and the EU Entry/Exit System registers you at the border. ETIAS is not in operation yet.
- Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the date you plan to leave the Schengen Area.
Getting around
- Trains link Lisbon and Porto in about three hours, and Lisbon and the Algarve in roughly the same. Book Alfa Pendular trains ahead for the best fares.
- A car is useful for the Douro Valley and the quieter Algarve. Traffic keeps to the right, a Canadian licence is accepted for visits, and most motorways have electronic tolls, so ask the rental company about a toll transponder.
- In Lisbon and Porto, walking, trams, the metro and taxis are easier than driving.
Practical notes
- The currency is the euro (EUR).
- Lisbon and Porto add a small per-night tourist tax to hotel stays.
- Pickpocketing is common in Lisbon and Porto, especially on crowded trams.
- Rip currents cause drownings every year. Obey the beach flags.
- Dial 112 for emergencies.
Entry rules and advisories change. Before you book and again before you fly, check travel.gc.ca.
Portugal planning questions
Do Canadians need a visa for Portugal?
Not for a holiday of up to 90 days in any 180 in the Schengen Area. You will be registered in the EU Entry/Exit System at the border. ETIAS is not in operation yet. Check travel.gc.ca before you book and again before you fly.
When is the best time to visit Portugal?
April to June and September to October bring warm weather without the peak crowds. July and August are hot and busy, especially on the Algarve, and winter is mild but rainier, particularly in the north.
How far is Porto from Lisbon?
About three hours by fast train. It is an easy and comfortable trip, and most travellers spend a few nights in each city.
Do I need a car in Portugal?
Not for Lisbon, Sintra and Porto, which are well connected by train. A car helps in the Douro Valley and for exploring the Algarve. Most motorways have electronic tolls, so ask your rental company about a transponder.
Can I visit Sintra as a day trip from Lisbon?
Yes. The train takes about 40 minutes. Book timed palace tickets in advance and start early, because Sintra gets very busy, especially in summer.
Let’s plan your Portugal trip
Tell me when you’d like to go, how long you have, and whether you want cities, coast or wine country. I’ll plan the route and book the stays, trains and flights.
The initial 30-minute consultation is complimentary. The professional research fee is $50 per traveller aged 2 or older, paid before research begins.