Packing List For Portugal 2025

If you are travelling to Portugal and want to know what to pack, this list features all the things I have found useful on my own trips, as well as everything that it’s safe to leave behind.

River Crossing © Terry Kearney

The Algarve has been a popular tourist resort for over 50 years, thanks to its sunny, sandy beaches. And, in the last couple of years, the excellent (and cheap) quality of life has made Lisbon a favourite for tech startups. But, despite the astonishing food and thriving pockets of culture, Portugal has remained the unknown jewel of Western Europe. Lisbon itself has a crumbling grandeur and is crammed with delightful visual detail. But the rest of the country is beautiful too.

Preparing For Your Trip To Portugal

Preparation will help you get the most from your time in Portugal. Be sure to sort these essentials out before you even think about packing.

• Flight Ticket – The cost of a flight will increase as you get closer to departure. The optimum time is about three months in advance. Skyscanner or a similar comparison flight will help you find the cheapest ticket that fits your itinerary. Print your tickets out and keep them somewhere safe. Be warned that customs officials sometimes ask to see a return ticket on arrival in Portugal.
• Bus and Train Tickets – If you’re planning to travel once you arrive, you can making savings by buying in advance. The national rail network in Portugal itself is a little sparse. Research all journeys in advance rather than assuming you’ll be able to get from A to B. You may find the coach service a better fit.
  • The Trainline is a convenient one-stop-shop for booking both trains and coaches. This easy-to-use site and phone app, finds the cheapest tickets without any extra fees or unnecessary surcharges. You can print tickets or manage and display them on your mobile device.
  • An Interrail pass is worth investigation for EU nationals making regular use of Portugal’s train network. Visitors from outside the EU should look at one of the Eurail Portugal Passes instead. Prices for both vary with the age of the traveller and number of days required.
  • Check the Rede Expressos site for coach tickets and timetables across Portugal and into Spain.
• Accommodation – Accommodation will also be cheaper and more plentiful if booked around three months before the date of travel. As with buying a flight, comparison sites like Booking.com will find you the best deals and filter exactly what you’re looking for.
• Passport – Make sure your passport has at least six months left and plenty of empty pages. A nice, strong passport cover is a good way to keep transit documents in one place and will protect everything from getting damaged.
• Do I Need A Visa For Portugal? – Those with an EU passport enjoy free movement into and around Portugal under the Schengen Agreement. Americans, Australians, Canadians, and certain other nationals do NOT need a visa for visits of up to 90 days. Further details and application forms are available from the Schengen Visa Info site.
• Activities – It’s always worth pre-planning a few adventures. GetYourGuide has a catalogue of travel activities, with real reviews and usually an option to cancel, if your plans change.

Can I Use My Mobile Phone In Portugal?

Having access to mobile data is an essential part of modern travel. EU citizens can use their existing phone and data plan in France at no extra cost. If you live in the EU, call your provider to verify that your handset is ready to roam and to find out if your contract has any limitations.

Otherwise, pre-purchasing an eSIM in advance is increasingly the simplest way for non-EU travellers to use their phones in a country not covered by an existing plan. Most newer smartphones have this ability built-in and the set-up is generally straightforward.

You can buy an eSIM for EU countries, including Portugal, via Klook and get everything set up before you even get on the plane. The site has full instructions and a detailed list of supported devices.

eSIMs are generally data only, but you can use WhatsApp or similar to make calls. Wi-Fi calling is sometimes available.

If you need a physical SIM, the main providers in Portugal are Vodafone, MEO, and NOS. You can typically purchase SIM cards at airports, mobile phone stores, and some supermarkets. Discuss your needs with a member of staff, who will help you get set up. Make sure your phone is unlocked before you travel and take your passport as proof of ID.

Also check with your phone provider before leaving to check the device is properly set up for use overseas. All contracts and SIMs issued within the EU should be valid in Portugal.

Data is still relatively expensive for travellers, so make use of public Wi-Fi where you can. The wiman site and app lists over 260,000 free Wi-Fi hotspots in Portugal, but the simplest solution is to head for an Apple store or a branch of Starbucks or McDonald’s.

Travel Insurance For Portugal

Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.

What Do You Need To Pack For Portugal?

The Portuguese shopping experience will depend very much on where you are. Lisbon has everything you’d expect to find in a European city and most urban areas will have a shopping centre. Lisbon has a number of huge shopping malls that stay open until 10pm or later. You’ll find 24-hour pharmacies and late night corner shops for anything you need at 2am. Sunday is actually a big shopping day for families.

However, there’s an enormous charm in visiting the incredible fresh food markets and specialist shops that are still the preferred option in many towns. It’s quite possible that everything you buy was caught or picked mere hours ago and everything you drink was bottled within 20 miles of where you are. Portugal is sheer heaven for those who like to eat. Market days depend on where you are – a dedicated ‘mercado municipal’ will often be open from Monday to Saturday, but are best visited in the morning. Smaller shops will often close for lunch.

• You Won’t Need Toiletries – You’ll find everything you need in the big supermarket chains like Pingo Doce and Continente, so there’s no need to bring anything more than the basic personal care and hygiene products.
• You Won’t Need Non-Prescription Medication – Like France and Spain, Portuguese ‘farmácias’ are easily recognised by a green, neon cross and offer a range of basic medical services. You’ll generally find these are cheaper than at home and their over-the-counter range includes items that would be prescription only where you live. You can find your nearest and check for opening hours and late nights with the SAPO farmácia search engine.

What Clothes To Pack For Portugal

Portugal’s temperate climate is heavily influenced by the Atlantic Ocean. There’s a fair bit of rain, particularly in the north. And, whilst it’s generally hot in the summer, temperatures can be mild to chilly out of season, with strong winds on the coast. Even if you travel in summer, you should still pack a light sweater or blanket and something to keep you dry.

• Lightweight, Breathable Clothing – Portugal has a warm Mediterranean climate, especially in summer. T-shirts, dresses, and shorts with lightweight fabrics like cotton and linen will keep you comfortable in the heat. Good quality shorts, skirts, or trousers will stand up to daily use and regular washing. Lightweight options are appropriate throughout the year, but trousers or long skirts are also recommended out of season.
• Under Armor t-shirts are lightweight and will keep you dry. Be careful with exposed skin in the sun and cover up when out in the country.
• Shorts with zipper pockets will keep you cool in summer and make valuables harder to lose or be stolen.
• Pack some lightweight trousers, especially if you’ll be spending time in the countryside, to protect against tick-borne diseases.
• Pairs of jeans are durable and should work for the cooler months.
• Layers For Cooler Evenings – Even in summer, evenings, particularly along the coast or in the northern regions, can be cooler. A light sweater or jacket will keep you warm when the temperatures drop. Travel light but bring some warm and waterproof layers, so you can improvise around different conditions.
• Dressy Clothes For Evenings Out – Portugal has a lively nightlife, particularly in Lisbon and Porto, with upscale restaurants, bars, and clubs. A nice outfit for dinners or nights out ensures you’re prepared for different settings.
• Sun Hat Or Cap – Portugal can get very sunny, especially in the summer months. A wide-brimmed hat or a cap will help protect your face from the sun.
• Sunglasses – A pair of decent sunglasses are essential to protect your eyes. Check for quality shades on Amazon.
• Scarves Or Shawls – If you plan to visit religious sites, such as churches or monasteries, it’s polite to cover your shoulders, and a lightweight scarf or shawl is a versatile and practical solution.
• A warm, waterproof jacket is an increasingly necessary as you travel north, especially out of the summer months. You can wear it on the plane to save space. I find a ‘cag in a bag’ is a useful addition to my day bag.
• What Underwear To Pack – Under Armor underwear is a great way to stay cool and is especially recommended if you walk a lot. A lubricant like KY Jelly or BodyGlide will also help reduce chafing from walking in the heat.
• What Footwear To Pack – Portugal’s charming cities, such as Lisbon, Porto, and the historic towns, are often cobbled, which can be tough on your feet. Comfortable sneakers, walking shoes, or sandals are essential for exploring. Check Amazon for men’s walking shoes and hiking footwear for women.
  • Keen CNX hiking shoes are lightweight and breathable and perfect for hot weather.
  • Make sure your socks provide plenty of padding for your toes.
  • If your trainers or sneakers have plenty of ventilation, it will help avoid smelly feet and blisters.
  • Casual Footwear – A pair of sandals or flip-flops are perfect for the beach or relaxing in your resort.
  • Dress Shoes – If you plan to dine out in more upscale settings, a pair of dress shoes or smart sandals will make sure you’re ready for a night on the town.

Health And Grooming Items To Pack For Portugal

Shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel are generally included with your accommodation but you’ll need to provide your own dental care items and deodorant, either by packing your preferred brands or buying locally.

• Sunscreen – It’s easy to get caught out when you’re not used to a Portuguese summer. Protect yourself thoroughly and frequently. Neutrogena SPF 45 Drytouch stays water resistant for about an hour.
• Aloe Vera Gel – If you happen to get sunburned, aloe vera gel will provide relief and help soothe your skin.
• Insect Repellent – Depending on the time of year and your location, mosquitoes or other insects may be present. In rural areas or near water, insect repellent will keep you comfortable.
• Lip Balm With SPF – Protect your lips from the drying effects of sun and wind, especially during long sightseeing days. A lip balm containing SPF will stop them getting burnt.
• Refillable Water Bottle – Summers can be brutally hot in Portugal, especially in the south, where it’s drier. A water bottle means you can stay hydrated throughout the day. The Nalgene OTF was especially designed with travel in mind.
• Antihistamine Tablets – As well as combating a high pollen count, popping an antihistamine before a long flight can help with the sneezing caused by recycled cabin air.
• Ear Plugs – Essential for any long journey or a good night’s sleep, Moldex ear plugs are cheap but are definitely do the job.
• Moisturiser – A quick slather of face moisturiser is the secret weapon for travellers who need a quick pick-me-up. Upmarket brands like CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion and Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream really do seem to feel better than cheaper alternatives.
• Tissues – A pocket-sized pack of tissues are negligible to carry but are useful in so many situations. Keep a small bottle of hand sanitiser and a small pack of wet wipes in your day back as well.
• Quick Dry Towel – It’s a good idea to bring your own towel, even if they are supplied with your accommodation. Sunland towels are light and compact, so you don’t need to carry something bulky, damp, and smelly around with you.

Electronic Devices To Pack For Portugal

• Mobile Phone Accessories To Pack – We have a section above on buying SIM cards and data in Portugal. Here are a few other things to think about:
  • If your existing mobile phone is locked to a contract, you can buy a cheap handset to take with you.
  • Pack your charger! It’s very easy to leave it plugged into the wall at home.
  • Cushion your device from travel damage with the Otterbox range of Defender cases.
  • Keep a fully-charged power bank in your day pack, as your battery is bound to drain when you’re out and about.
  • Back up photos and data to Google or another cloud service. Also copy pictures to an SD card or USB stick and store this safely. Finally, back everything up to a laptop if you’re travelling with one.
• Plug Adaptors – For charging USB devices, it’s useful to get a Småhagel 3-port USB charger from IKEA.
  • Portugal mainly uses the same 2-pin plug as many other European countries, including Spain and Germany. The ‘Type F’ (or ‘Schuko’ plug), it has round terminals and grounding pins on the side. The related ‘Type C’ and ‘Type E’ plugs also work in these sockets.
  • If you’re coming from the US, you may need an adaptor with a build-in voltage converter for electrical items like hairdryers. The safest solution is to get a universal power adaptor. Check that any valuable electronics like laptops have surge protection.
• Camera – A standalone camera still has advantages over using your phone. You won’t drain your battery and you can get better results. The well-priced Canon Powershot is compact and easy to use.
  • A great alternative is the GoPro. They’re waterproof, so you can take them places no smartphone should go.
  • Make sure you pack a bunch of memory cards. These have a high-failure rate, so swap them out regularly and transfer images as soon as possible.
• Noise-cancelling headphones – Some comfortable noise-cancelling headphones can bring an extra level of comfort during long journeys or when you want to unplug for a while.
• Kindle – Kindle readers are great for killing time in airports. They’re super light but hold hundreds of books. Don’t forget your charger!

Special Items For Specific Activities

• Swimwear To Pack – If you’re headed for one of Portugal’s glorious beaches, don’t forget to pack a quality bikini or pair of swimming trunks.
• Portuguese Phrasebook – Outside the resorts, there will definitely be circumstances where a phrasebook is useful. Get familiar with pronunciation before you go, especially if you’re used to Spanish, and learn the basic greetings.
• Journal – I always keep a journal when I travel. They’re useful to stuff full of maps, drawings, and other bits of printed memorabilia you pick up on the road. I use Leuchtturm1917’s A5 dotted notebooks. They’re not cheap but they’re gorgeous and you’ll appreciate all the thoughtful details.

Other Documents To Prepare For A Visit To Portugal

• Document Scans – Take photos of your passport, cards, and any other important documents, then save them the JPEGs to an online account like Gmail or Dropbox. If you lose anything, you’ll have documentation on your phone and via an internet connection. Keep a contact list of banks and medical numbers, as well, so you know how to reach organisations in an emergency.
• Student Card – If you’re in education or under 30, apply for an International Student Identity Card which offers many discounts and travel savings.
• Driving Licence – The RAC website has a clear checklist of driving regulations in Portugal – check this carefully as there are some specific requirements. You’ll need a valid licence with photograph or an International Driving Permit and be over 18. You should also be fully insured.

Luggage For A Visit To Portugal

• Backpack or Suitcase – You can get some very good bargain backpacks from Amazon, but try to try these out in a shop before you buy. Your backpack needs to feel comfortable, with the harness giving full support on your hips and not your shoulders. Look for a trusted brand like Osprey.
  • If you’re going for a suitcase instead, choose something of durable quality. It should have room for all your packing and some extra space for items you pick up en route. Consider airline restrictions as you buy, especially if you intend to only take cabin luggage.
  • A day bag is vital for a water bottle, battery pack, and other daily essentials.
  • Travel Wallet – The Lewis N. Clark RFID Security Wallet will keep your passport, cards, cash, and other valuables safe, but still be comfy under your shirt.
• Travel Cubes – Grouping luggage into easy-to-identify travel cubes is a real time saver and will help you stay organised. Alternatively, use Ziploc bags or even carriers.
• Wash Bag – A leak-proof holder for bathroom items is essential. The Magictodoor travel kit is a reasonably-priced wash bag, designed with the traveller in mind.
  • There is a 100 mL restriction on liquids for cabin bags, so pack any larger bottles securely with your hold luggage, or transfer liquids into small, clear bottles and keep together in a transparent holder.
• Luggage Locks – Luggage locks can help keep your packing safe from interference. Be sure to get TSA-approved luggage locks when moving in or out of the United States.

Other Health Considerations For A Visit To Portugal

• Prescription Medicines – Make sure you have enough prescription medicines to cover your entire visit. Keep these sealed with the prescription label attached. Alternatively, carry written documentation. See above for details of Portuguese ‘farmácias’.
• Vaccinations – Portugal is a safe country so it is generally enough to be up to date with routine vaccinations. Get advice from a doctor or nurse about 6 weeks before you leave. You may want to consider a Tetanus jab and, for high-risk individuals, Hepatitis A and B.
• EU citizens should carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which gives the holder the same state-provided healthcare as any domestic citizen. The accompanying phone app will help you navigate the whole process.
• Non-EU travellers should be clear on what is required by their travel insurance provider before departure. Keep all emergency numbers close to hand and get in touch as soon as any emergencies arise. Keep all receipts to claim against.
• Travel First Aid Kit – A small, well-designed first aid kit with plasters and disinfectant means you can quickly treat cuts and scratches and stop them getting infected. Be sure to include pain relief medication, for headaches and any physical discomfort you might experience while trekking.
• Dial 112 for English-speaking emergency services.
• There’s less risk than in more moderate climates but protect against tick-borne diseases if you’re spending time in the countryside. Cover exposed limbs and use insect repellent.
• Travellers to Madeira should protect against mosquitos, as there is a slight risk of dengue fever.
• Protect yourself from the sun by protecting skin and eyes, and drinking plenty of fluids, especially during the hottest parts of the day.
• Hydration Tablets Or Electrolyte Drinks – If you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors, hydration tablets or electrolyte drinks can help prevent dehydration, especially when traveling in hot weather.
• The FitForTravel website has the most up-to-date advice for travel to Portugal.
• Allergy Card – Carry a statement in Portuguese with you to warn restaurants of any food preferences. Select Wisely has allergy cards for major allergies in a number of languages.

Money For Visiting Portugal

Portugal uses the Euro, the same currency of many other countries in the European Union. This is particularly helpful if you are also travelling to nearby countries like Spain and France. The currency will be freely available with a good exchange rate and low commission before you depart. Change about €100 in advance to start with and don’t carry much more than this amount on you. It’s worth noting that many places, including some supermarkets, still have a minimum transaction fee for cards, so it’s definitely worth having enough cash in your wallet to cover purchases.

On arrival, it will be cheaper to withdraw from ATMs instead of changing more money, especially with a no-fee debit card. Ask if your bank has a presence in Portugal – Barclays has branches, for example – or is partnered with a local equivalent. Use these for cheaper withdrawals. Otherwise, make sure of ATMs in major banks or post offices, which will exchange at the market rate. These are easy to use and will usually offer the option for English instructions. Always choose all financial transactions at the EUR rate rather than in your native currency, as this is the cheaper option.

Inform your bank of your travel plans and never assume that your plastic will work abroad, even if it has in the past. Make sure you have either Visa or Mastercard debit and / or credit cards, with chip and four-digit PINs. Your bank may also offer a card designed specifically for overseas use. All banks have a break down of travel fees to clarify before you leave.

On arrival, you may find that your cards don’t work. Keep a record of card details, including the contact number on the back. You can safely keep photos of these in a cloud account and on a locked phone. You can call the number to get your card unfrozen. It’s also wise to carry a backup card from a different account with full access to online banking. This has gotten me out of some potentially serious scrapes.

The Best Time To Visit Portugal

Although the spring and autumn months of March to May and September to November are the most comfortable time to visit Portugal, there are reasons to visit at other times of the year. The huge Atlantic coastline makes it particularly popular with surfers during the winter. And, in spite of wet weather, The Algarve remains a winter getaway for many Northern Europeans. Beware of holidays, such as Easter and Christmas, as the costs will spike. The beaches will also be expensive during the summer, particularly in August, but you may still find a bargain in the city.

Planning What To Do And Where To Go In Portugal

• Portugal Guidebook – A guidebook is an invaluable research tool for planning ahead and provides a convenient place to collect all your information and notes as you travel. I usually to go for Lonely Planet Portugal or an equivalent for a specific city or area.
• Portugal Maps – Download a Google Map for offline use when you have access to free Wi-Fi and pick up free maps from hotels and tourist information centres.