Rick Steves' Favorite Time To Visit Portugal Has Lower Prices And Fewer Crowds

Have you been dreaming of taking the ideal European vacation? Portugal is a magical destination on the continent's southern end, but its growing popularity in recent years comes at a cost. More crowds and higher prices during the peak summer season can make Portugal harder to visit if you're looking for a quiet spot where you can get good deals with fewer crowds. Luckily, the trusted European travel advisor Rick Steves has some great advice on visiting Portugal at just the right time to ensure you get the most from your trip. The travel guru himself wrote on his website, "Spring and fall offer the best combination of good weather, long days, and plenty of tourist and cultural activities." 

Planning your stay during Portugal's shoulder seasons between May and June or September and October typically gets you cheaper rates on hotels. In fact, this is Rick Steves' favorite time to visit Portugal because of the lower prices and fewer crowds. Visiting the beautiful Iberian country in early summer allows you to experience nice weather, so you can comfortably stroll along one of the sparkling Algarve beaches or enjoy the sights of Lisbon without bundling up. Scheduling a fall stay isn't a bad idea either, as the weather remains mild and many attractions and shops are still open for business. Rick says that many popular Portugal towns can be "dreary and pretty lifeless in the winter," but Christmas festivities and Carnival can bring some excitement during the colder months.

If you're looking for more of a festive celebration during your travels, Steves also recommends scheduling a trip to Lisbon during Holy Week in order to partake in the city's fabulous mid-June festivals. This can include viewing the alluring parade of popular marches along Avenida da Liberdade in the evening or watching the procession dedicated to St. Anthony as it winds its way through the streets the following afternoon. However, for some, this might not be the most cost-efficient or crowd-friendly option.

Make sure you research when special events or festivals are happening in Portugal, such as Porto's St. John's Day and the many music and dancing festivities that take place in Lisbon's oldest neighborhoods, and around the country. These can significantly increase the cost to visit a specific area, and crowds will be larger, too, which may not be worth the hassle for those looking for a more relaxed experience during their trip to Portugal. If you do want to explore during a big event, remember that you'll need even more advanced notice for booking in order to secure the best deals.

Ideally, you should plan your trip to Portugal well in advance. Even if you're visiting the country during one of the shoulder seasons, it's always advisable to book your stay early. Finding the right accommodations at least a few months before you want to travel can help reduce costs. Flights to Portugal are also typically a better deal if you can snag them at least three months early.

Decide on the must-see attractions you just have to experience as well, like the National Museum of Ancient Art or the National Tile Museum, and get your tickets in advance. They may not always come at a lower price, but it can certainly reduce the stress of missing out on an adventure because the venue is sold out. While many attractions and sights will be open during shoulder seasons, looking into the details ahead of time can prevent you from being disappointed if specific locations close early or open late in the season. This goes for restaurants as well because Rick Steves also mentions that during the off-season you can, "Expect shorter hours, more lunchtime breaks at sights, and fewer activities," This is mostly from November through March, but it's always best to be prepared.