I’ve been writing quite a lot lately about travelling in Portugal, and whilst I do have a lot of content left to publish from my recent trip to Central and South America, I’ve really been enjoying writing about my home(ish) country.
I say home(ish) because although I have lived in Portugal for three years, and it very much feels like home to me, I am not Portuguese (I’m British).
I have solo travelled in Portugal, travelled around Portugal in a group with my friends, and done just about everything there is to do in Lisbon, which is where I call home these days.
Your packing list for travelling to Portugal will vary quite a lot based on whether you’re planning on relaxing on the beaches of the Algarve or hiking in Serra da Estrela, but I’ll run through everything in this guide to make sure you don’t miss anything!
If you’re feeling pretty prepared already, click here to jump straight to the Portugal packing list.
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Things to Think About Before You Pack
I’ll write a little more about what kind of bag to take below (hint: choose anything with wheels at your own risk!), but what’s probably even more important for your Portugal packing list is how much you want to pack. Do you want to pack light and just take a carry-on? Or go all-out and take hold luggage, too?
Remember that there’s sometimes an extra cost for large luggage on intercity busses and trains, so check your ticket before you go! My parents got caught out by this the last time they came to visit, and ended up getting fined for not pre-booking their luggage.
There’s also not usually much room for luggage if you’re using ride sharing, like BlaBlaCar, too.
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The Weather in Portugal
Portugal in the summer months (May to September ish) can be brutally hot, especially if you are inland or down south in the Algarve. Expect to see it regularly hit over 40 degrees! In Lisbon you will find that it’s a little cooler, especially during the evenings, thanks to that lovely Atlantic breeze, but it can get over 40 here in the summer, too.
Wherever you’re going, I’d recommend to pack warm clothes (or warm ish clothes) for the cooler evenings, even during the summer.
In the north of Portugal it is usually a little cooler and greener, but don’t expect too much variation as Portugal is quite a small country.
Portugal in the winter (November to March ish) gets cold by my standards, but if you’re coming from more northern countries (like me, coming back to Lisbon after I’ve been home for Christmas!) then it will feel pretty mild at this time of year. It doesn’t usually fall much below ten degrees celsius, even at nighttime.
What Kind of Bag or Suitcase to Take to Portugal
As I mentioned before, the cobblestones in Portugal are no joke! Especially in and around Lisbon, there are steep hills paved with uneven cobblestones, and there are often holes and cracks, too. I wouldn’t recommend taking a wheelie suitcase if you can help it, because dragging them through these narrow streets can be a real pain.
I am biased, because I almost always travel with a backpack (and I like to go on about how this is the easiest way to travel), but in this case I really do mean it!
If you really need to bring a lot of luggage with you, make sure to plan your trip to and from the airport (and between stops, if you’re making several) with cobblestones in mind.
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Portugal Packing List
As usual, I’ve broken this list down into sections based on how I like to pack, but you can rearrange it to suit yourself! When I talk about a “carry-on bag”, I mean my smaller bag of essentials, and when I talk about “hand luggage” I’m talking about the larger bag I usually try to pack with the intention of keeping it closed throughout the trip.
What to Pack in Your Carry-On Bag
- Wallet, money, purse, credit cards, debit cards – all of your money things!
- Important documents like your passport, boarding pass, travel insurance, etc.
- A reusable water bottle
- Tissues (I know I sound like an old lady now, but you never know when you’re going to need them)
- Power bank & its charger (I use this one)
- Plug converter (I use this one)
- A book/kindle/tablet/etc – something to keep you occupied in-flight
- Any medication or painkillers
- Sunglasses, and regular glasses if you use them
Clothes to Take to Portugal
- Underwear
- Socks
- Bras, if you use them
- Tank tops (more during summer, less during winter)
- T-shirts
- A linen shirt or over shirt
- Long-sleeved shirts or t-shirts
- A light rain jacket
- A heavier jacket (winter only)
- 2 pairs of comfortable shoes (but wear one for travelling)
- Flip flops or sliders
- Trousers (more for winter, less for summer)
- Shorts (more for summer, less for winter)
- Clothes to sleep in
- Workout clothes
- Bathing suits
- A cover-up (for the beach)
- A beach hat (for the beach)
Toiletries to Take to Portugal
Of course, whatever you keep in your toiletries bag will come down to what you want to take with you! I usually separate my liquids and non-liquids to make it easier to get through airport security.
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Liquids
- Toothpaste
- Body wash
- Face wash
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Moisturiser
- Gel/creme for your hair
- Deodorant
- Suncream
- Lip balm
- Perfume
Non-liquids
- Any prescription medications you need
- Contraception, if you need it
- Painkillers or any other first aid items you usually carry
- Toothbrush
- Makeup
- Hair brush
- Hair ties
- Cotton pads
- Razor
- Tweezers
- Nail scissors or clippers
- Tampons/pads/cup if you use them
Other Things to Take to Portugal
- A sunhat
- A bath towel, if you’re staying in hostels or simple accommodation that won’t provide them
- A beach towel
- A day bag
- Specifics things for your activities, like hiking shoes or surfing equipment
FAQs about Packing for Portugal
What kind of luggage is best for traveling around Portugal?
A backpack or a suitcase without wheels is ideal, especially if you plan to explore Lisbon or other cities with cobblestone streets and steep hills. Rolling suitcases can be challenging to maneuver on uneven surfaces and narrow streets. For larger bags, plan carefully around public transit options to avoid navigating tricky terrain with heavy luggage.
Do I need to bring warm clothes if I’m visiting Portugal in summer?
Yes, while summer days in Portugal can be very hot, evenings can be cooler thanks to the sea breeze. It’s a good idea to pack a light jacket or sweater, even during the warmer months, to stay comfortable at night.
Will I need an adapter for my electronics in Portugal?
If you’re coming from outside of Europe, you’ll likely need a plug adapter. Portugal uses Type C and F plugs with a standard voltage of 230V. They’re the same as the plugs they use in the rest of Europe, plus some other countries such as South Africa and parts of South America.
Should I pack specific items for visiting Portugal’s beaches?
Yes, if you’re planning a beach trip, pack essentials like a swimsuit, sunhat, flip-flops, beach towel, and plenty of sunscreen. Portugal’s coastal areas are stunningly sunny, so sun protection is key!
Is there anything specific to pack for Portugal’s climate and geography?
Portugal’s climate can vary, so it’s useful to pack a versatile wardrobe. Coastal areas can be windy and cooler in the evenings even in summer, so a light sweater or jacket is helpful. For inland travel, especially in the Algarve or Alentejo regions, pack with sun protection in mind. If you’re heading to the northern regions or mountains, bring layers for cooler and sometimes rainy weather.
Conclusion
Portugal is an amazing destination with diverse landscapes, vibrant cities, and beautiful beaches. With this packing list and guide, you’ll be well-prepared for all types of Portuguese adventures, whether you’re hiking in the Serra da Estrela mountains, exploring historic Lisbon, or unwinding on the Algarve coast. By packing thoughtfully, you can avoid unnecessary hassles and focus on soaking up Portugal’s incredible culture, food, and scenery.