Practical tips
Best time
Spring (April–June) and early autumn (September–October) are ideal: mild weather, fewer crowds. Summer is hot and busy, especially in the Algarve. Lisbon and Porto are worth it year-round; the islands have a mild, oceanic climate.
Languages
Portuguese is the official language — a huge advantage for the Lusophone corridor. English is widely spoken in tourism, in Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve; French and Spanish are often understood too. At home, you feel among family right away.
Etiquette
Friendliness and patience open doors; a “bom dia” and an “obrigado/a” are expected. Meals are long and social — the couvert (bread, olives) is charged. Tipping isn’t mandatory, but rounding up or leaving 5–10% is appreciated. The pace is relaxed: don’t expect rush.
What to see & culture
Places
In Lisbon, the Belém Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery, Alfama and the Senhora do Monte viewpoint; Sintra and its enchanted palaces; Porto and the wine cellars in Gaia; Óbidos, Évora and the Algarve coast; and, in the Atlantic, Madeira and the Azores.
Culture
Fado, UNESCO Intangible Heritage, is the melancholic soul of Lisbon and Coimbra; azulejo tiles tell history on the walls. The culture blends the Atlantic, the Age of Discovery and a strong link to the former colonies — the Lusophone world lives in the streets, music and food.
Food
Salt cod in a thousand recipes, grilled sardines of the summer street festivals, Porto’s francesinha, Bairrada suckling pig — and the warm pastel de nata with cinnamon. Drink a vinho verde, a Douro or a Port, and finish with a bica (espresso).