Backpacking in PortugalPortugal is one of the least explored European backpacking destinations. It’s easy to assume that the only things it has to offer are the cosmopolitan delights of its capital, Lisbon, and the mass ‘package’ tourism of the Algarve region on the south. In fact, Portugal has some of the emptiest and most beautiful beaches on Europe and – if you’ve had enough of sightseeing and capital cities - can be a genuine haven. If you haven’t had enough history or sightseeing, then there’s plenty of that too! Couple this with an incredibly friendly population and one of the most dependable climates on the continent, and it’s easy to see why it’s worth having Portugal on your backpacking itinerary. Where is it and what’s there?Portugal makes up part of the ‘Iberian Peninsula’. Its western side borders the North Atlantic, and its southern coast is partly in the North Atlantic, and partly in the Gulf of Cadiz. Most of the larger towns and cities are coastal and testament to the country’s historical significance as a seafaring nations. The ‘interior’ is relatively desolate and – especially further south – sparsely inhabited.Portugal borders Spain to the north and west, with its southern Algarve coast joining up with the Mediterranean Coast which runs through to southern France. The climateThe southern coast of Portugal is amongst the most temperature regions in Europe. Summer (June – September) temperatures generally hover around the 30° mark, although often with cooling breezes from the sea, while winter averages are around 16° — which explains the countries popularity as a ‘winter getaway’ for many north Europeans.Further north and Portugal has a more seasonal climate where – through spring and autumn – Atlantic weather systems can result in prolonged periods of wetter weather. One consequence of this, however, is that there are some relatively lush areas which can be a refreshing change from the more arid south. The sea temperature in the south is pleasant for much of the year, and the further east along the Algrave coast you go the warmer it gets. The sea temperature on the west coast can be a lottery, depending on currents and prevalent winds over the Atlantic - summertime water temperatures can be anywhere between 12 and 21°, so if you’re planning any watersports you will need a wetsuit. Getting thereLisbon’s airport is an international hub, with connections across the world. It is also a major hub for European travel so is easy to get to from most other European cities. Porto is the country’s other main airport on the west coast, while Faro to the south is a hub for ‘package tours’, so can have some great deals out of the main holiday season. Portugal is well served by many of Europe’s ‘budget airlines’ too, so needn’t be an expensive backpacking stop.If you’re travelling by train then you can get to Lisbon from Vigo or Badajoz in Spain, and there are bus routes from many other Spanish cities. Getting aroundThe state owned ‘CP’ railway has effective links with larger cities throughout the country, although travelling around the south or getting to coastal regions may prove more difficult by train. Buses are also an effective way of travelling around although the number of routes varies from region to region – find the central bus station in larger towns and cities to pick up timetables and routes for particular regions.Lisbon has a very effective Metro system which is a great way to get around and a similar system is currently under construction in Porto. If you have are flying into Portugal for a short period of time, then hiring a car can be a very cost effective way of getting around. You can pre arrange car hire from any of the main airports and it can cost as little as €15 a day – which works out cheap if there are a few of you. The road network is excellent, although many of the main roads are toll roads, so you take a ticket when you join, and pay when you leave the road. If you are looking to travel to more remote areas, or around the west coast, then a car is your best option. Things to seePortugal has plenty to offer backpackers, from culturally exceptional cities (Lisbon, Porto), to classic ‘holiday resort’ towns (along the Algarve coast), to deserted postcard perfect beaches. It’s not a particularly large country either (from Lisbon to the south coast is around 5 hours), so – if you’ve got a week or two – you can get plenty done.Porto – Home, of course, to the ultimate fortified wine: Port. The city itself has an industrial look as you approach, but once you get through this and head down to the banks of the Rio Douro and the older parts it really is a stunning city (and the riverside is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site). You can visit port lodges and take a boat along the river, and there’s plenty going on after-hour too... Ericeira – This small town about an hour north west of Lisbon is home to some of Europe’s best surf, and has contests on regularly. A fantastic blend of ‘old’ Portugal; ‘Lisbonites’ who come for the weekend, and travelling surfers who make the town their home for much of the year. Sintra - The palaces and gardens of this hilltop town really are magical. You can visit the Palacio Nacional a beautiful gothic palace which is now a museum, or just wander around the beguiling (and quite confusing!) streets. Lisbon – Once one of Europe’s most important ports, the Lisbon of nowadays has plenty to offer backpackers. It is a true European centre and there is history, culture and nightlife aplenty! Getting around on the Metro is very straightforward, and you can catch the ferry to the energetic seaside resort of Caparica when you fancy a change of scene. Although often overlooked due to either the fact that it’s the most south western country in Europe (so considered inaccessible) or the fact that it’s neighbour, Spain, tends to steal the limelight, Portugal is a real European gem and backpackers who head there will find one of the friendliest and most interesting stops on their travels. Return from Backpacking Portugal to Backpacking Europe Return from Backpacking Portugal to the Home Page
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