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How to plan a trip to Portugal: the complete guide - part 2: from the decision to initial planning and booking a flight

Updated: 6 days ago

The complete guide - Part 2: How to plan a trip to Portugal

Portugal is calling you! Planning a dream trip to the land of discoveries? You have come to the right place.

After you have read the first part and realized that Portugal is the perfect destination for you, there are

A few more things that are important to take care of as part of the planning for the trip.

In this guide": How to plan a trip to Portugal: The complete guide - Part 2: From the decision to initial planning and booking a flight

You will find everything you need to know - from the perfect weather, through choosing accommodation to renting a car and planning the perfect route.

Get all the tips that will help you plan an unforgettable trip in Portugal, easily and fun!


Douro Valley

When to go to Portugal?

Portugal weather and seasons

When planning a trip to Portugal with children, the choice will often be limited to school holidays. Popular periods are

  • April (Passover)

  • July-August (the long holiday)

  • October (Tishrei holidays)

If dates are flexible for you, you should also consider the

  • November - March:


airport lisbon

Flight tickets to Portugal

Before you start planning your trip, it is important to understand the options you have in terms of arriving in Portugal:

  • Lisbon Airport (Lisbon Portela Airport)

  • Airport in Porto (Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport)

  • Airport in Faro (Faro Airport)

Each of these airports has direct flight options from Israel, but there are also flights with connections in a variety of European destinations such as Madrid, Paris or Frankfurt. Another option is to land in

If you are looking for cost savings, you should also check

Choosing a place to stay is a critical decision that greatly affects your travel experience. Portugal offers a wide variety of accommodation options, so everyone can find what suits them:

  • Vacation apartments

  • Hotels

  • Quinta

When booking a place to stay in Lisbon or Porto, keep in mind that staying in the city centers will be more expensive, and the hotels will be smaller and more crowded. On the other hand, staying in areas far from the center will give you a more spacious and pleasant accommodation experience, but will require the use of public transport or taxis to reach the city centers and attractions.


Portugal map
Portugal map

Planning a geographic route

There are three main approaches to planning the itinerary in Portugal:

  • Star trip

  • A rolling trip

  • A circular trip

If you are planning a short trip of up to five days, a star trip can be very suitable. However, on longer trips it is recommended to combine additional centers. Portugal has a lot to offer - from the vibrant cities of Lisbon and Porto, to the rural areas of Alentejo, central Portugal and the Slate Mountains.

car rental

In Portugal, there are many car rental options at airports, international train stations and in central towns and cities, making getting around the country convenient and efficient for tourists.

Pre-order

Especially during the peak seasons, it is recommended to book the car well in advance, and choose large and reliable rental companies such as SIXT, AVIS or Europcar, to ensure good service and a well-maintained car. Pre-ordering will help you choose the right vehicle for your needs and avoid a situation of vehicle shortages.

special services

In Portugal, you can rent vehicles adapted for special needs, such as automatic and manual vehicles, or vehicles adapted for drivers with mobility difficulties. These services allow flexibility and comfort for all types of travelers.

Car rental requirements

Renting a car in Portugal requires meeting several conditions:

  • Minimum age

  • Driver's license

  • International driver's license

Issuance of an international driver's license

An international driver's license can be issued at authorized stations in Israel. The service is provided at a cost of 8 NIS (or 6 NIS in Eilat), and it is recommended to obtain the license before the trip. For more information and locating the issuing stations, visit the link:

Recommendation for car rental companies

Well-known international car rental companies, such as SIXT, AVIS and Europcar, are known for a high level of maintenance and reliability. Choosing these companies guarantees professional customer service and vehicles in excellent condition, which gives peace of mind during the trip.

Insurance and car rental

I recommend adding full insurance (Zero Risk), which covers all possible damages to the car. Such insurance will guarantee you a worry-free driving experience and allow you to enjoy the trip with peace of mind.

Via Verde - toll roads

If you plan to use the highways, you should request the Via Verde service - an automatic payment system for toll roads in Portugal, similar to Route 6 in Israel. The service saves time and payments at the toll stations and enables smooth and fast travel on the main roads.


For more information about transportation in Portugal,


After you have closed all the practical details with the help of the guide

How to plan a trip to Portugal: the complete guide - part 2: from the decision to initial planning and booking a flight

It's time to move on to the next step: planning the days of the trip and building a personalized plan that will make your experience in Portugal especially amazing.


Trip planner Trip planner

Nice to meet you, I'm Ilanit, owner of ILANITRAVEL, a Portugal travel specialist. I accompany families, couples, and individuals in planning their perfect vacation.


I entered the tourism industry out of my love for movement, new experiences, and getting to know cultures and people from around the world. I'm here to help you turn your dream into an unforgettable vacation.


My Services:

Digital Travel Guide to Portugal: Love planning independently? My comprehensive digital guide centralizes all the essential information, tips, and recommendations in one place. Discover Portugal your way, at your pace. [Click here for more details about the digital guide]


Personalized Itinerary Planning: Prefer professional guidance in planning your trip? I'll be happy to create a personalized itinerary based on my experience and deep familiarity with Portugal. [Click here for more details about itinerary planning]


Focused Trip Planning Session: Already started planning and want to fine-tune your route? Book a one-hour personal planning session to get answers, recommendations, and tips that will help you continue planning with full confidence. [Click here for more details about planning sessions]


Come discover the magic of Portugal with me - from the stunning Douro vineyards, through Lisbon's enchanting sunsets, to the endless ocean beaches! 🌟

Ilanit

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