What to Pack for a Trip to Portugal

Whether you travel with hand luggage only or are prepared for any occasion, don't forget these essential items on your trip to Portugal.

Flights booked? Check. Accommodation sorted? Check. Itinerary planned? Check. Bags packed? Umm…not yet.

You’re all set for your trip to Portugal, but your empty luggage is staring you in the face and you don’t know what to bring. Or maybe your suitcase is overflowing and you are wondering what you can leave behind. Don’ worry! I’ve got you covered. When it comes to packing, I think less is more. But whether you can travel with hand luggage only or prefer to pack for any eventuality, be sure to include these essential items in your suitcase on your travels to Portugal.

1. Comfortable walking shoes

Leave those heels at home. Trust me. The calçada portuguesa (decorative cobblestones) that are used to pave the footpaths of Portugal give the streets a whole lot of character, but also make them slippery as hell when it rains. Couple that with the steep hills of Lisbon and you will be falling on your arse quicker than you can say merda. If you plan on walking any further than from your hotel room to the breakfast room, make sure you wear some decent trainers or walking shoes. 

Calçada Portuguesa

2. Light jacket (summer)

If you are travelling in summer, you may spend the whole day sweating like a bitch as you wander around, checking out the sights of Portugal. But as the sun sets and the sea breeze cools the air, you’ll need a light jacket if you are heading out in the evening.

3. Rain jacket (winter)

Even in the middle of winter, Portugal is capable of producing stunning sunny days where you can sit outside and genuinely wonder if it’s warm enough to go for a swim. But it is also capable of raining for an entire day non-stop. Winter in general can be wet and grey so pack a decent rain jacket and an umbrella if you’re travelling from November – April.

4. Modest clothing

If you plan on visiting any of Portugal’s spectacular churches or religious sites, it’s best to have something to wear that covers your knees and shoulders.

5. Swimwear

Unless you are travelling in the depths of winter, chances are you’ll have more than one opportunity to get wet in Portugal. From surfing to a dip in one of the country’s many freshwater rivers, swimming is a huge part of life in Portugal. But be aware – the water is COLD. Bring a wetsuit if you have one, or plan to hire one if you plan on doing watersports. 

Swimming in Portugal

6. Swimming shoes

There are plenty of sandy beaches in Portugal where you can get by with a pair of flip-flops. But some of the best hidden beaches can only be reached by following steep rocky paths and once you arrive, are covered in rocks and stones that are unkind to bare feet. Save yourself some pain and bring a pair of shoes you can wear in the water. Your feet will thank you.

7. Sun smart clothing

OK, maybe it’s just because I’m Aussie and had the sun smart mantra (slip slop slap!) drilled into me since I was old enough to go outside. But the sun in Portugal is strong and will turn lily-white skin like mine to the colour of a Campari spritz (ie. bright red) in a few hours. I wear a hat, sunscreen and long light clothing whenever I’m out in the sun and stay under an umbrella at the beach. If you are in Portugal to work on your tan, or just have skin that can handle the heat, by all means, ignore my advice.

8. The usual stuff

Unless this is your first time travelling ever, you already know some important things you should bring on any trip. Passport and/or ID, credit card, cash, device chargers, camera, toiletries, any medication, water bottle etc… Portugal uses the EU electric plug (two round pins) so bring an adapter if your electronics are from outside the EU. Portugal is very safe, so I’ve never used a concealed money belt, but obviously be aware of petty theft and keep an eye on your stuff. Having copies of important documents will help if you do lose something. ATMs and EFTPOS (multibanco) are fairly common for paying by card, but always have some cash (euros) handy as not everywhere has card facilities and some places only accept Portuguese bank cards.

9. Whatever you need for a trip away

It’s your holiday! If you need 14 different pairs of shoes to match with every outfit, go ahead (but sorry, I won’t help carry your suitcase). If all you want to do is sit around on the beach and think a bikini is sufficient, good for you! Ultimately, what you need to bring will depend on when you go, what you plan to do and what you can’t live without.

Have I missed anything? If there is anything else you think is essential on a trip to Portugal, let me know via the comments below!