Why Spring Was the Best Time to Visit Portugal

A Few Stories From My Trip

I didn’t expect to fall in love with Portugal.

Don’t get me wrong—I knew I’d like it. I’d seen the photos: the golden beaches, tiled buildings, pastel pastries. But “like” turned into “I never want to leave” somewhere between a bite of warm pastel de nata in Lisbon and a quiet morning walk on the cliffs in the Algarve.

If you’re thinking of going, I can’t recommend it enough. And here’s my honest take: spring is the best time to visit Portugal. Not just because of the weather (which was amazing), but because the whole country feels… awake. But not chaotic.

Let me tell you what it was like.

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Lisbon: Bright Tiles, Hilltop Views, and Pastéis Everywhere

I arrived in Lisbon in mid-May. It was warm enough for short sleeves, but I still needed a jacket at night—exactly how I like it. The air smelled like sea breeze and grilled sardines. My Airbnb was in Alfama, and walking through those twisty, narrow streets each morning felt like stepping into a painting.

I got addicted to pastéis de nata within two days. I told myself I’d only have one or two the whole trip. I had one or two per day instead.

Lisbon is hilly—like, San Francisco-level hilly. My legs were not ready. But the views? Worth it. I remember standing at Miradouro da Graça around 7 PM, wine in hand, watching the city glow gold as the sun went down. There was a guy playing fado on a guitar, and I just stood there for 20 minutes, grinning like an idiot.

And here’s the thing—it wasn’t packed. Sure, there were tourists. But not the shoulder-to-shoulder, queue-for-everything kind. May felt like the city was buzzing just enough to be exciting, but still relaxed. Honestly, the best time to visit Portugal if you want to actually breathe in the cities.

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A Day in

Sintra (Where I Almost Cried at a Palace)

Okay, Sintra is a fairytale. Like, I kept saying “This doesn’t even look real” out loud. I caught an early morning train from Lisbon and headed straight to Pena Palace. I got there just as they opened and beat the worst of the crowd.

That palace is bonkers—in the best way. Yellow and red towers, winding staircases, views all the way to the sea. I don’t even know how to describe it. Magical? Dramatic? Instagram bait? All of the above.

Later, I wandered through the gardens at Quinta da Regaleira, which had secret tunnels and moss-covered fountains. It started to drizzle a bit, but I didn’t care. The flowers were blooming, everything smelled green and earthy, and I just felt… happy. And calm.

Also: I wore the wrong shoes. Learn from my mistake.

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Porto: Wine, Fog, and the Prettiest River I’ve Seen

Next up was Porto, and I fell hard for it. It’s quieter than Lisbon, a bit moodier, but so charming. The buildings are covered in those gorgeous blue tiles, and the streets feel like they’ve seen centuries of stories.

I took a boat ride down the Douro and did a day trip out to the valley for some wine tasting. It’s hard to describe how peaceful it was out there—rows of vines climbing the hills, the river winding through it all, and that golden late afternoon light. Just… stillness. The kind that makes you put your phone away and sit with your thoughts.

If you’re into wine, or even just views, go in spring. It’s honestly the best time to visit Portugal’s wine country.

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Lagos and the Algarve Coast (Where I Finally Slowed Down)

The last few days were for the south—Lagos in the Algarve. And let me tell you, I wish I’d stayed longer.

I thought the beaches might be overrated. They’re not. Praia do Camilo, Praia Dona Ana, those towering cliffs and turquoise water… absolutely stunning.

And again—quiet. Locals told me that July and August are wild down there, with every beach packed and restaurants booked solid. But in May? I had entire stretches of coastline almost to myself in the mornings. I’d walk the cliffs, eat grilled fish for lunch, and read on the beach all afternoon. It was the first time in months I actually felt rested.

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So, What’s the Best Time to Visit Portugal?

For me, it’s May. No contest.

Here’s why:

• The weather’s perfect: Warm, sunny, not sweaty.

• It’s not too busy: You can get into restaurants, snap photos without 50 heads in the way, and locals aren’t overwhelmed by tourism yet.

• It’s cheaper: Flights and accommodation were way more affordable than peak season.

• Everything’s in bloom: The parks, gardens, even balconies full of flowers.

If May doesn’t work for you, I’ve heard great things about late September too. But personally, I think spring is the best time to visit Portugal because you get the best of both worlds—sunshine and serenity.

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A Few Quick Tips From Me to You

• Download a map for offline use. Lisbon’s streets can get confusing fast.

• Try the bifana. It’s a pork sandwich that looks basic, but will blow your mind.

• Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll walk way more than you plan.

• Say “obrigado” (or obrigada if you’re female). It goes a long way.

• Slow down. Portugal isn’t a rush-through-it kind of place. It wants you to linger.

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If you’ve read this far, thank you. I hope my ramblings gave you a little taste of Portugal and maybe convinced you that spring—especially May—is the best time to visit Portugal.

Got questions? Planning a trip? Drop a comment or send me a message. I’d love to chat.

Até logo (see you later),