Are you trying to plan your next summer vacation but do not know which country to visit? The perfect destination is Portugal, a country where you can have a memorable experience without emptying your pockets.
Budget Travel Portugal is not only possible, but it’s also one of the best ways to explore this stunning and culturally rich country.
Portugal is a country full of ancient history, beautiful landscapes, castles, and a unique culture that millions of tourists want to explore every year.
Portugal is where your travel dreams meet financial reality. Located in the western part of Europe, the country has beautiful scenery, delicious traditional cuisine, a Mediterranean climate in the south and a more temperate, humid climate in the north.
It is a place to have a budget-friendly experience and memorable adventures when compared to neighbouring countries like France, Italy, or Spain. This has made it one of the most popular destinations in Europe for tourists who want an affordable vacation.
In this blog, Unify Holidays has carefully selected the most affordable places to visit in Portugal for an unforgettable experience. We will also highlight tips on how to spend wisely on your trip. So let's get into all the details you need to enjoy your stay in Portugal!
Why Portugal Is Budget-Friendly for Tourists
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Portugal is one of the countries in Europe where you get value for every euro you spend. While popular tourist destinations such as Paris, Rome, and London can be very expensive, especially during peak season, Portugal allows you to enjoy your stay without spending all your money.
In the country, you can survive on a daily budget of €40–€60. For example, you can get a comfortable hostel with free breakfast, food from local shops, and public transport such as trains, buses, or metros. With this, tourists, no matter their budget, are able to have a fulfilling trip.
Affordable Accommodations
From beachside hostels to comfortable guesthouses, there are different accommodation options all over the country, no matter your preference and budget. There are also rooms with kitchens, free breakfasts, and social events. For families that want more privacy, there are guesthouses, often called “Alojamento Local” that are given to families.
Cost-Effective Food and Drinks
Portuguese traditional cuisine is full of flavour, and the best part is that it is very affordable. Whether you're dining in a local food stall or buying snacks from a street vendor, you will rarely feel overcharged. Many restaurants also have a full lunch menu that is quite affordable.
Portugal Budget Travel Guide
Visit During Off-Season
If you want to pay less for your flights, accommodations, and everything you are going to do in the country, visit during the off-season. Do not visit during public holidays such as Easter and Christmas to avoid paying high price.
Also, avoid annual festivals, such as June's Festas dos Santos Populares in Lisbon and Porto, as many people visit the country, increasing the price of everything. Avoiding peak periods will also save you from paying for parking, and half-price train or bus tickets are easier to secure.
Use Local Transport
Transportation across Portugal by bus or metro is efficient and surprisingly affordable. Bus companies offer comfortable and inexpensive transportation between cities and towns. You can also book your tickets online in advance to receive more discounts.
Trains are another great option, especially if you plan to visit places like Coimbra, Braga, or Évora. Portugal’s rail network is reliable and very comfortable. Plus, you get to have a beautiful view of the landscape.
Within the cities, you can purchase 24-hour transport passes that provide unlimited access to metros and buses. Renting a bicycle is also a great way to explore the city without spending a lot.
Book Ahead
Plan (months, not weeks) your accommodation, flight tickets, or entry to popular attractions ahead to save a lot of money and avoid last-minute price hikes. Many flights and hotels offer discounts or flexible cancellation options for people who book early, directly through their websites.
Not to mention the fact that train tickets are very affordable when booked weeks in advance. Some attractions centres are also cheaper when reserved online before your trip. Booking ahead also helps you avoid stress during your vacation, has your favourite spot might sell out quickly or become more expensive
Eat At An Affordable Restaurant
Many local restaurants also called tascas serve authentic Portuguese dishes in large portions at a very low price. You can also order “prato do dia” also called the dish of the day, it includes a main dish, a side, and sometimes a drink or dessert. All this often costs less than ten euros for a single person. You can also get bakeries and pastelarias for a quick and affordable breakfast or snack.
The Best and Affordable Destinations in Portugal
Immerse in the Beauty of Lisbon
Lisbon is the capital of Portugal and also known for its hilly area, rich history, culture and city lifestyle. It is one of the world’s oldest cities in the country where you can start your day by strolling around the city to enjoy its beautiful views, historical landmarks, and watch train rides.
Surprisingly, it is a very affordable city to explore when compared to some of the major European cities. Public transportation is cheap and convenient, especially when using the 24-hour pass. There are also affordable eateries known as tascas that sell local food such as grilled sardines, bifanas (pork sandwiches), and caldo verde soup.
Enjoy Wine at Porto
Are you looking for a more quiet and laidback destination in Portugal? Porto, in the north, offers a rich blend of culture, history, and beautiful landscape without the bustling crowd of the city. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage site and also popular for its stunning architecture, world-famous Port wine, and unique history.
Porto has many tourist places such as the Duoro Valley, colourful towns, Ribeira, Torre dos Clérigos, and many more. Walk across the Dom Luís I Bridge to have a spectacular view of the city. Enjoy your evenings by going for a wine tasting at beautiful wineries.
Explore Ancient Wonders in Évora
Évora is one of the best places to visit if you want an affordable Portugal vacation. Located in the heart of the Alentejo region, a UNESCO World Heritage site, it is perfect for slow-travel lovers. The city is filled with Roman ruins, and the famous Chapel of Bonesall, which you can visit at prices far lower than similar attractions in the country.
Visit the museums and eat at traditional restaurants where three-course meals are budget-friendly. With calm streets and relaxed locals, you can enjoy the rural life of the Portuguese. History lovers can visit the age-old mediaeval buildings such as the Templo Romano, Sé Cathedral, and Igreja de São Francisco.
Enjoy a Canal Ride in Aveiro
With many canals and colourful boats called moliceiros, Aveiro is a picture-perfect and affordable destination for a one-day trip. Also called the Venice of Portugal, the city is filled with a network of canals and beautiful Art Nouveau buildings.
Take a relaxing boat tour through the canals or rent a bike to ride around the town and nearby beaches. Visit the local museums and try traditional pastries such as Ovos Moles de A.veiro, which you can find in the bakeries.
The Bottom Line
Exploring Portugal gives you a combination of affordability, diversity, and unforgettable experiences, making it perfect for tourists who want to see more and spend less. The country shows you don’t have to spend all your savings to enjoy your vacation.
Unify Holidays is a company that helps tourists explore the world without emtying their pocket. Our Budget Travel Portugal itinerary and other curated affordable travel packages ensure you enjoy everything Portugal has to offer on a smart budget.