Best Time To Visit Portugal
Plan ahead and make the most out of your trip! The question is: when is the best time to visit Portugal? Let’s find out.
Article by Viv Europe - Official Legal and Relocation Partner to KipperTree
February 2024
Read the full article here
Info for Expats
To truly achieve the ultimate Portuguese experience, full of adventure and tranquillity, you’ll find planning your journey itself an exploration. Almost 90% of future expats ask us the same questions, and it’s time we created a guide to help you. With the unique needs of expats in mind, this article will delve into the best time to visit Portugal, allowing you to make an informed decision.
As we unfold all the considerations you must take, get ready to take some notes! We’re sure you will get more out of this guide than you thought you would. But why is planning your trip so important? Why can’t expats do an impromptu exploration trip and call it a day?
To make the most of your stay, you must synchronize with the seasons that unveil Portugal’s distinct charm and have rentals available. By strategically choosing the right time, you not only escape the tourist throngs but also bask in the authentic essence of this European gem. Now, let’s discover the best months to visit, the top cities, culture, and much more about Portugal. Happy reading!
Why do you need to plan ahead?
Planning well is a strategic no-brainer for expats, and here’s why!
You wish for budget-friendly flights, accommodation, and activities to do. But sometimes, due to the high influx of tourists, you can only avail of these options if you pre-book them months in advance. This is also the time to choose which month you want to visit. Different months offer different charms of weather, crowds, and festivals.
For example, the tourist season between May and July tends to get crowded, making it difficult to find appropriate flights or short-term rentals. So, you should get detailed information on which weeks are ideal for the best time to visit Portugal. Whether you’re in for a quick stay in a temporary city or plan to unpack for the foreseeable future entirely, you’ll have to secure your spot early. We will discuss each of these reasons in much more detail, so keep reading the article to find out more!
Expats Plan Scouting Trips
Some expats like to go for a scouting trip to help plan for their official moving trip. But you must consider the best time to visit Portugal to make the most out of your scouting strategy.
If you time your trip in spring or fall, you can dodge the tourist surge and experience the everyday essence of life in Portugal. Also, costs are lower in these seasons, making your trip more economical.
When you’re in the country, pay special attention to the rentals and neighbourhoods. For example, if you’re moving with children, are renowned schools in the short-listed neighbourhoods? Or how far would your workplace be from your accommodation, and which transport routes would work well for you?
Here are the Top 7 Tips For Your Scouting Trip To Portugal to help you figure out the details on timing, costs, and making the most of your mission.
Top Cities For Expats
Let’s talk about the cities expats love the most!
Lisbon is a popular expat choice for those looking to work or those with school-going children. Its expanding tech industry provides stable job opportunities, and renowned schools ensure quality education.
Second on the list, generally speaking, comes Porto. This city appeals to picturesque landscape lovers. It offers a reliable metro service to facilitate easy travel. Porto also offers job prospects through its thriving business sector and is home to International schools that cater to expat families.
Another expat gem is Faro, which is nestled in the Algarve region. With beaches, a laid-back lifestyle, and reliable local buses, the city offers many opportunities for tourism-related jobs. You can also find excellent International Schools for your children.
Another coastal gem, Cascais, offers a relaxed and luxurious atmosphere. Its reliable commuter trains link it to Lisbon, and job opportunities in tourism and hospitality secure a living.
Lastly, Aveiro, the “Venice of Portugal”, is an academic hub. The University of Aveiro attracts academic opportunities, and reliable regional trains connect the city for easy travel.
Even though these are the top cities, you’ll find expats in many other regions of Portugal.
Cheapest Cities In Portugal
Braga, Coimbra, and Évora take the lead in this category.
Located in Northern Portugal, Braga is still not quite as popular as Porto, which is one reason to love it more. It’s often described as the perfect place to raise a family, with a low cost of living and immense tranquillity.
Coimbra is a city that hosts many International students, so it naturally offers budget-friendly living with a vibrant atmosphere. The nightlife is exciting, and you’ll always have something fun to do, especially if you’re young.
Lastly, Évora’s medieval charm combines history with affordability. These cities allure expats with lower living costs compared to the larger metropolitans of Lisbon and Porto.
Check out the table below to get an estimate of rent prices:
City Monthly price per 50m²
Braga €425
Coimbra €490
Évora €515
Estimates are taken from Idealista (as of January 2024).
Manage Finances Better
Planning your trip also helps to manage your finances better. This means creating a budget and setting a limit on exactly how much you wish to spend on your trip.
To do that, you’ll need to determine your expenses and settle on a city or region. For example, while transport may be more accessible in one city, the next may offer less expensive education. So, assess where more of your income or savings will go, and then take the next step accordingly.
This is also a great time to explore what the daily cost of living will be like for you. By exploring local markets, using public transportation, and looking around for rentals, you can manage your finances better after you relocate.
It is a great idea to open your local bank account to streamline transactions. Don’t worry if you don’t understand the process yet. Viv Europe can help you open your bank account for you!
To find out all about the cost of living in Portugal, read the full article here.