Have you booked your flights, sorted out your accommodation, and planned your itinerary for your trip to Portugal? Great! It’s time to pack your bags!
Whether you’re struggling with an empty suitcase or trying to squeeze everything in, don’t fret. I’m here to help.
Personally, I believe in packing light. But, whether you’re travelling with just hand luggage or preparing for any situation, make sure to pack these essential items for your trip to Portugal.
What to pack for a trip to Portugal
1. Comfortable walking shoes
Leave your heels behind when packing for Portugal. Trust me on this one. While the calçada portuguesa decorative cobblestones add character to the streets, they also make them quite slippery, especially when wet. This combined with Lisbon’s steep hills can lead to some nasty falls.
So, if you plan on walking beyond a short distance, wear comfortable trainers or walking shoes.
2. Light jacket (summer)
Travelling to Portugal in the summer? You’ll probably get a bit sweaty while exploring the sights during the day. However, as the sun sets and the sea breeze starts to cool the air, the evenings turn cool. Bring a light jacket to throw on once the sun goes down.
3. Rain jacket (winter)
Even during the winter months, Portugal can surprise you with beautiful, sunny days that make you question whether it’s warm enough to take a swim.
However, it’s also capable of days of non-stop rain. Generally, the winter season in Portugal tends to be wet and humid. So, pack a rain jacket and an umbrella if you’re travelling between November and April.
4. Modest clothing
Portugal is home to some breathtaking churches and religious sites. Pack some modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees if you plan on visiting any of them. A scarf or shawl over your shoulders will sometimes do if you’re stuck.
5. Swimwear
Unless you’re visiting during the coldest months of winter, you’ll likely have plenty of chances to get wet in Portugal. From surfing to wild swimming, watersports are a popular activity in Portugal. However, the water temperature can be surprisingly chilly. Bring a wetsuit if you have one, or plan to rent one if you plan on spending a lot of time in the water.
6. Beach shoes
While there are many sandy beaches in Portugal where flip-flops will suffice, some of the most beautiful secluded beaches require a bit of a trek along steep rocky paths. Once you arrive, these beaches may be covered in rocks and stones that can be unforgiving on bare feet.
To spare yourself the discomfort, it’s recommended to bring a pair of water shoes that you can wear while walking along the shore. Your feet will surely thank you!
7. Plenty of sun protection
Maybe it’s because I grew up in Australia, where sun protection is drilled into us from a young age. But I think it’s important to be aware of the strong sun in Portugal. Anyone with fair skin like mine can quickly turn bright red within just a few hours of sun exposure.
To protect myself, I always wear a hat, apply sunscreen, and wear light, long clothing when out in the sun. I also like to stay under an umbrella when at the beach. Of course, if you’re looking to work on your tan or have skin that can handle the heat, feel free to ignore my advice.
8. The usual stuff
Assuming this isn’t your first time travelling, you’re likely familiar with the essential items to pack for any trip. Make sure you have your passport and/or ID, credit card, cash, device chargers, camera, toiletries, medication, water bottle, and so on. Portugal uses the EU electric plug with two round pins, so if your electronics are from outside the EU, you’ll need to bring an adapter.
Portugal is a very safe country, so I’ve never felt the need to use a concealed money belt. However, be aware of petty theft and keep a close eye on your belongings. Having copies of important documents can be helpful in case something does happen.
While ATMs and EFTPOS (multibanco) are widely available for paying by card, it’s always a good idea to have some euros on hand. Not all establishments accept card payments and some may only accept Portuguese bank cards.
9. Whatever else you need
It’s your vacation, so bring whatever makes you happy and comfortable! Whether it’s a whole wardrobe of shoes or just a swimsuit, it’s up to you. Consider what activities you have planned and what the weather will be like. Don’t forget any personal items that you can’t live without.
Is there anything else you need to pack for a trip to Portugal? Get in touch to let me know!