What to Wear in Portugal • The Ultimate Portugal Packing List
Are you wondering what to pack for Portugal? We share some helpful tips and products to make your trip to this beautiful country in this Portugal packing list. We share some obvious what to wear in Portugal, but as always, view this packing list as a guideline, not strict rules.
As Portugal is a long coastal country, the weather remains mild year-round, but it does vary significantly from the North to the South. The Algarve in the South of Portugal gets a lot of sunshine and enjoys an arid climate, but the North often sees gloomy winter weather. If you plan to visit both the North and South of Portugal, looking at the forecast for both regions when you pack for your trip is good.
Tip On What to Pack for Portugal
- Appearance and style are significant to Portuguese. However, they don’t all look like the inside of a fashion magazine. Instead, staple items are what you’ll find most people wear in Portugal. Evening clothes are simple. In the summer, women wear simple sundresses, and men wear a nice button-down shirt with chinos or jeans. It’s very uncomplicated and casual.
- Portugal isn’t always warm. The country does enjoy a wonderful long summer, but it has a mild, cool winter that sees some rain. It’s a good idea to pack warm clothes for a winter visit.
- There are plenty of adventure activities in Portugal, so we always recommend packing some athletic clothes and shoes.
- Pack light if you plan to travel around Portugal on your own. Narrow staircases, cobblestone streets, and uneven sidewalks are very common!
- A conservative outfit is needed if you plan to visit churches. That means both men and women cover their knees and shoulders to enter.
- Packing cubes help separate damp and dirty clothes from clean ones.
- Sun protection is always a good idea, whether sunblock, hats or UPF clothing.
- Three pairs of shoes are the max you should pack. A nice, casual/sandal, and athletic shoe for activities or hikes.
Documents To Pack For Portugal
- Passport – This is obvious, but you won’t make it far without a passport.
- Credit Cards – We always have several travel credit cards that offer purchase protection, rewards, and no foreign transaction fees.
- Visa – Make sure you have a visa if you need one. USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand receive a free 90-day visa on arrival to the Schengen Area.
- Debit Cards – It’s good to carry euros in Portugal. We never bother with money exchanges that provide awful exchange rates. Instead, we rely on the ATM when we arrive. Charles Schwab, Ally, and Capital One offer low or no foreign transaction fees.
- Driving License – If you plan to rent a car, you need your driver’s license. Plus, having a second form of I.D. never hurts.
- IDP – In addition to a driving license, you may need an IDP. However, this is super subjective to the rental agency. I’ve rented a car numerous times with and without it.
What Luggage To Bring To Portugal?
Hardshell Suitcase
Travel Backpack
I have two bag recommendations for a trip to Europe. You can opt for a traditional hardshell suitcase with four wheels or a travel backpack. Suitcases with four wheels are best as the ability to roll sideways down the aisle of a train or a sidewalk makes life a lot easier. However, if you walk to and from your accommodation in Portugal, you may want to avoid a rolling suitcase. The city streets in Portugal are not ideal for rolling suitcases.
We prefer hardshell as it does a better job at protection and security. Our favorite hardshell suitcase is the Delsey Helium Aero 25″. Travel backpacks are great for young backpackers, digital nomads, or minimalists! They are also great if you want to save on any checked bag fees your air carrier may charge. Packing cubes are phenomenal at organizing and separating dirty clothes, and our favorites are from Peak Design.
If paying for taxis or car rentals makes you hesitant, you’ll want to book accommodation near public transport or have a backpack. The Osprey travel backpacks, men’s Farpoint, and women’s Fairview are our favorites as well as the Nomatic backpack. For more suggestions, read our post on the best backpacks for Europe.
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Hardside Suitcase
Travel Backpack
Weather in Portugal
When thinking about what to wear in Portugal, check the weather around the time you are visiting. Portugal enjoys long summers and mild winters. The climate varies significantly from the Algarve to Lisbon and the Estrela Mountains in the East. Therefore, the season and where you plan to visit will impact what you pack for your trip to Portugal.
It’s best to check the weather a week before your trip to get an idea of the temperatures during your trip. Also, check all of the regions you plan to visit. Read our post on the best time to visit Portugal to learn more.
Seasons in Portugal
| Spring | Early spring is very similar to the mild winter, with average temperatures in the teens. It starts to warm up around April and May, and days become sunnier. It may not be the perfect beach weather yet, but it’s a beautiful time to visit Lisbon and Porto. |
| Summer | Summers are warm and sunny! The average temperature for the entire country is a warm 28°C. These hot summer days make going to the beach a great idea. |
| Fall | Fall is our favorite time to visit Portugal and the easiest to pack. Warm sunny days and cool evenings. Temperatures vary between 60°F and 75°F (16°C and 24°C). It gets increasingly rainy as winter is the wettest season as the weather cools. |
| Winter | Winter is cool and grey in Portugal. Average temperatures are around 11°C. Due to the wet climate, places like the capital, Lisbon, can get chilly. However, that doesn’t stop the sun from shining in the south, which remains warm and dry. |
What to Wear in Portugal
Linen Shirt
There is probably no look more synonymous in Europe in the summer than a linen shirt, and it should be one of your top packing list items when considering what to wear in Portugal. Since Portugal enjoys such a long summer, it’s a wardrobe staple, and we bring it almost every time we visit the country. Linen is as practical as it is stylish. It’s great as it tends to dry faster, feel lighter, and cope with sweat better than its cotton counterparts.
Pair a linen shirt with sandals, shorts, jeans, and shoes, or go barefoot. It will always work. A versatile piece of clothing that looks good on both sexes and works anywhere. A linen shirt is a timeless look that will never go out of style. It’s tough to find decent linen shirts online, but I love the quality of J. Crew’s or Everlane’s linen shirts.
Linen Shirt Recommendations
Women’s
Men’s
T-Shirt or V Neck
A classic tee will never go out of style. We suggest sticking with solid colors like black, white, or grey. We recommend you keep it simple when it comes to tees. Our favorite color is a light heather grey as it’s easy to stain white. One of our favorite menswear companies, Western Rise, creates tremendous travel shirts. They utilize synthetic and natural materials for travel apparel that holds up to the rigors of travel.
The X Cotton Tee looks like a classic cotton tee, but the synthetic materials in the fabric allow it to stretch and resist odors. However, their latest wool shirt, the StrongCore Merino Tee, brings all the advantages of natural wool. Wool is a worthy investment and makes for one of the best pieces of travel clothes. Wool shirts stay fresh longer and do an excellent job at temperature management. Women should check out Unbound Merino for their wool t-shirts.
Chinos
A pair of chinos work for both sexes. It’s a classic look when combined with a sweater, dress shirt, t-shirt, or blouse. When it comes to color choice, try to match the destination—darker colors in cooler and lighter colors in warm seasons.
Our favorite travel pants for men are the Western Rise Evolution 2.0 pants. The pants look exceptional and hold up well to the rigors of travel. They also have slick features, such as a hidden zipper pocket for security. I live in these pants on the road; they’re lightweight, comfortable, packable, and sharp. I guarantee they will become your most worn pants at home and abroad.
Check Out Our Recommendations
Women’s
Men’s
Shorts
It can get warm in the summer in Portugal, and you’ll want to pack a pair of shorts. The Portuguese have no problem wearing shorts in hot temperatures because pants would be almost unbearable during the day. Style is very similar to anywhere else, and I’d advise against cargo shorts. Both of us love Lululemon shorts. They last forever and look good weather, enjoying a casual beach day or going out to eat after a night on the town!
Check Out Our Recommendations
Women’s
Men’s
Sundress
This one is for the ladies! For those Portuguese summers, it’s a wonderful idea to have a sundress. Choose a classic dress like an exposed shoulder top, slip, maxi, or favorite summer dress. It will most likely be your most worn outfit in the summer, as summers are too hot for pants.
You can also opt for a more boho style, which I love! Right now, my favorite summer dresses come from Salty Crush. Their prints match perfectly with the beautiful Azulejo tiles of Portuguese homes. My other favorite dress brand to shop and travel with is Lulus!
Sundress Recommendations
Jeans
In cooler weather, locals turn towards jeans. Jeans go with anything; despite the notion that they are “American” casual, the right pair is attractive. You’ll find plenty of Portuguese in well-cut jeans that match current fashion trends. We stick with the classic look in jeans. That means fitted jeans that are a dark color. No fades, light blues, or rips! Of course, what’s in style is constantly changing.
Jean Recommendations
Women’s
Men’s
Warm Fleece
Portugal gets cold, too, so consider a fleece when thinking about what to wear in Portugal, especially outside of summer! A warm fleece or lightweight jacket is perfect for that evening stroll along the ocean. If you visit Portugal in the shoulder seasons, you’ll likely face some cool weather. For those days warm clothes are nice to have.
Patagonia’s Synchilla Snap T Pullover fleece is a great fleece for the beach. The fleece has a classic, relaxed cut with a timeless look for walking on the beach or at an evening bonfire. It’s a double-sided fleece that provides plenty of warmth while remaining soft and comfortable.
See Our Recommendations
Activewear
Many outdoor activities in Europe require some activewear to enjoy. So, when you’re wondering what to wear in Portugal, consider packing at least one active outfit. Not to mention, it’s great to stay in shape while traveling. Bring a good hiking backpack or vest if you plan to hike.
Several daypacks for travel will work nicely on a hike or in the city. As for the shoes, we’re pretty loyal to Salomon and have covered hundreds of miles in the shoes. Keep clothes lightweight with Lululemon leggings and shorts such as Arc’teryx’s Aptitn Shorts and Outdoor Research’s Echo shirts.
See Our Recommendations
Sports/Travel Underwear
You should try to pack several pairs of sports underwear. In general, we’ll pack five to seven pairs of underwear for a typical trip. We recommend at least several pairs of underwear made from wool or a synthetic material.
These materials are antimicrobial, so they stay fresh longer and can dry quickly overnight if you hand wash them. It’s best not to wear your typical cheap cotton undies for women. Women’s hygiene is essential, so antimicrobial undies are a lifesaver when active in the heat.
Check Out Our Recommendations
Women’s
Men’s
Bathing Suit
You’re going to Portugal! A swimsuit is a must unless you’re going to some nudist beach. We like to travel with two swimsuits to know we always have an extra dry one. Londre makes amazing swimsuits for women that fit as nicely as they look. Many of their pieces are stylish yet supportive. For men, the Quicksilver’s Amphibian shorts are tremendous. The material looks like heavy cotton, but they’re lightweight and durable. Best of all, they look great on the beach or in town.
Swimsuit Recommendations
Women’s
Men’s
Sandals
Sandals are meant for the beach in Europe, especially for men. Many wear sandals, especially in seaside towns, thanks to Portugal’s gorgeous beaches and surf culture. It is a very laid-back place that caters to tourists in the hot summer so you won’t feel out of place.
We both travel with Rainbow leather sandals, and Tasha loves her Sanuk yoga slings – both have lasted for years. It’s a simple leather sandal that doesn’t look overly cheap and feels stylish enough. They’re super comfortable, too!
Sandal Recommendations
Simple Sneaker
For everything outside of the beach, a simple sneaker is excellent! Many brands make light and airy sneakers that aren’t overly flashy, match a wide range of outfits, are comfortable for all-day wear, and remain cool in hot weather. We’ve tried various travel shoes and love Allbirds Tree Runner in warm weather.
Allbirds Tree Runners
Women
Men
Leather Boots
These are great all year round as you can never go wrong with leather boots. Women can wear them with a pair of chinos and a blouse, while men can pair them with just about anything from jeans to a suit. These are a staple and our primary footwear during the cooler months if visiting in winter. Our leather boot of choice is a pair of Blundstones.
The 550 and 585 are considered Blundstone’s most classic boot designs. It’s tough to tell the difference in the design because there is none. The difference has to do with the leather upper leather of the boot. 550 boots feature full-grain leather, while 585 have suede nubuck leather.
Blundstone BL550
Portugal Packing List Accessories
Sunglasses
The white-washed buildings of Portugal see plenty of sunshine, so a stylish pair of sunglasses is an excellent addition to an outfit. Everyone owns at least one pair of sunglasses. However, it’s best to make sure they have UV protection for the health of your eyes. We love quality polarized sunglasses like SMITH Optics Lowdown 2. Polarization is also super helpful in reflective environments like the sea.
Lowdown 2 Sunglasses
Sunhat
If you consider what to pack for Portugal, we recommend picking up a stylish sunhat! You’ll want some hats for walking around all day in the hot sun. I’d recommend a hat with a brim.
Sun Hat Recommendations
Daypack
Our daypack was handy every day in Portugal. You’ll need something to stash your photography gear, hand sanitizers, papers, phones, and anything else that you need for a full day out when traveling. Check out our favorite day packs here.
See Our Recommendations
Belt Bag
Do yourself a favor and get yourself a Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag for when you travel to Portugal! I bought one a year ago and now go everywhere with it. Before, I was stuffing my phone in whatever pocket I had, or in my bra, or even worse – my husband’s pocket. I couldn’t stash all my cards and makeup because I didn’t want to travel with a large purse.
And that’s where a travel belt bag came in. These small belt bags are perfect for going through the airport or venturing around a new city. There are many colors to choose from, and although they don’t look as stylish as a purse, they don’t look out of place. Plus, they are much more secure than a traditional purse, as the way they wrap around the torso would detract from any pickpockets.
Everywhere Belt Bag
Portugal Guidebook
We love to have a physical guidebook when traveling. We spend enough time attached to our phones in everyday life and planning our trips. Once we reach a destination like Portugal, we put the phone away and pick up a guidebook to help with our trip.
Guidebooks Recommendations
Travel Pillow
We’ve suffered through enough red-eye flights never to forget to pack a travel pillow for international flights. My favorite travel pillow is the Cabeau Evolution Pillow, but we break down more of our favorite travel pillows here.
Packing Cubes
Packing cubes are great for any backpack or suitcase. They keep all of your clothes and toiletries organized. I’ve had these Eagle Creek cubes for three years now and think they were worth the investment to stay organized and create space in my luggage. Our current favorites are from Peak Design.
Packing Cubes Recommendations
Passport Holder
I suggest traveling with a black and stylish theft-proof purse to hold belongings for the women. Cameron has an excellent passport wallet with his passport and credit cards, so he never leaves it anywhere. No matter what, we recommend traveling with some protection for your passport to save it from wear or any unforeseen accidents.
See Our Recommendations
Hanging Toiletry Bag
Keeping your toiletries organized and separated from your clothes is always good. So we love always travel with a toiletry bag; however, bathrooms are small in Europe. If you have little counter space, buying a hanging toiletry bag is a great option, as it saves space.
See Our Recommendations
Travel Adapter
You will need an adaptor for your electronics on your packing list for Portugal. We always keep one handy in our carry-on bags. That way, we can charge electronics on arrival or at the airport. Outlets in Portugal use the Europlug, and I recommend getting one before you land.
Travel Adapter
Kindle Paperwhite
While I love having a good physical book when I travel, sometimes it’s just not practical because of the weight — keep them at home. If you plan to island-hop, you’ll want to pack pretty light. We switched to a Kindle Paperwhite for travel because it is small and compact and has a backlight for reading at night without a harsh glare. The Paperwhite version is excellent as it mimics an actual book; you can read it in the sun.
Kindle Paperwhite
Power Bank
I love traveling with a power bank to make sure my phone never dies. I usually don’t need to use it on long flights as some airlines provide entertainment systems with USB ports! We also make sure to find a charging point during layovers, but getting to a new city without your hotel reservations and map can be a significant pain in the ass.
Power Bank
Sunscreen
Skin cancer is for real! Don’t forget your SPF when traveling around Portugal, as you spend a lot of time outside. We recommend ordering some online before leaving the house, as you need it underneath the sun. We highly recommend getting an eco-friendly sun cream that does not contain harmful chemicals. They’re mineral-based and usually only cost a few dollars more to help protect our oceans. If you’re not going to swim in the sea, go with a reliable name brand.
Natural Sunscreen
You Need This To Travel in Portugal!
Travel Insurance
We never travel without travel insurance with Heymondo. Natasha is a bit worried and would rather be safe than be sorry. Heymondo offers incredible flexibility and great plans! You never know if the worst could happen while you’re abroad, and your insurance plan at home often will not cover medical emergencies abroad. Having the peace of mind that we have a good backup plan helps us sleep at night.
Shop For Travel Insurance
What NOT to Pack for Portugal
Heavy Items
Leave the heavy items at home like a hairdryer, books, and multiple shoes. You may find yourself carrying luggage up a flight of steps or along a cobbled street, and you’ll regret any heavy luggage.
Heels
Most towns and cities have hills with old cobbled streets or uneven surfaces. Unless you’re staying within a hotel, you’ll place your ankles at risk by wearing heels around.
Silly Travel Accessories
Don’t fall for silly travel accessories that are unnecessary expenses like a neck wallet, jet lag pills, charcoal tablets, or a female urination device. If you plan to invest in travel accessories, stick with the classics. Valuable investments for travel are quality luggage, packing cubes, a toiletry bag, power bank, adapters, or noise-canceling headphones. We use eye masks and earplugs all the time as well!
The Kitchen Sink
It’s easy to overpack when you’re getting ready for a trip. When you travel, you’ll often gravitate towards only a few staple items. It means you end up reaching for the same things over and over because they’re most practical, fitting, or stylish. Try to think about what you wear in a week for everyday life. Also, don’t forget Portugal has plenty of shops and chic boutiques for shopping.
