Our Guide to Traveling in Portugal

From Paris, it takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes to fly to Lisbon and 2 hours and 30 minutes to Porto. Round-trip tickets generally range from 80 to 250 euros, depending on the season and the airline. Many low-cost airlines fly to Portugal from several French cities. It is also possible to travel there by train or car, although the journey takes longer.

A 2- to 3-day city break is ideal for discovering Lisbon or Porto over a weekend and enjoying their unique atmosphere. To explore more of the country, such as the Algarve or the Douro Valley, a longer stay is recommended so you can take the time to tour these regions.

The official language is Portuguese. The Portuguese are generally very welcoming and friendly toward tourists. English is widely spoken in tourist areas and among the younger generations. 

Some useful words in Portuguese:

• Obrigado / Obrigada: Thank you (depending on gender)
• Bom dia: Good morning (morning)
• Good afternoon / Good evening: Good afternoon / Good evening
• Please : Please
• Desculpe: I'm sorry / Excuse me
• Yes / No : Yes / No
• Onde fica...?: Where is... ?
• The check, please : The check, please

Portugal uses the euro (€), the same currency as France. No currency exchange is necessary. Credit cards are accepted at the vast majority of establishments. It may be helpful to carry some cash for local markets, small cafés, or public transportation.

Portugal enjoys a mild, sunny climate year-round. Spring (April–June) and fall (September–October) are ideal times to visit Lisbon, Porto, and the countryside, with pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists. Summer is perfect for the Algarve and the beaches, but expect large crowds and high temperatures. Winter remains mild and ideal for city breaks.

Mainland Portugal is one hour behind France, both in summer and winter. For example, when it is 12:00 p.m. in France, it is 11:00 a.m. in Lisbon or Porto. The Azores are an additional hour behind France, due to their location in the Atlantic Ocean.

Portuguese cuisine is simple, hearty, and deeply rooted in local traditions. It features cod in numerous recipes, grilled sardines, and traditional stews. It’s often paired with the famous Port wine, an iconic product of the country’s north, as well as the must-try pastéis de nata for dessert.