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With charming cities, impressive history, and beaches; Portugal is a lovely stop in Europe. If you are lucky enough to head in that direction this summer, keep reading for a few tips on what to wear in Portugal.
What to Wear in Portugal
Written by: Niki Landry
Portugal is absolutely amazing. Most travelers start their trip in either Porto or Lisbon and explore the area from there. The top recommendation we can offer is to visit Sintra, just a short a day trip from Lisbon. It’s absolutely magical. If you’re a Disney, Hobbit, or fairy tale fanatic, this is not to be missed.
Find out where to stay in Porto!
Here are some tips on what to wear in Portugal:
Classic Clothing
Dress in Portugal is casual smart. Comfortable loose fitting and light clothing will work well for daytime in the summer. Bring one cardigan or light jacket to layer if needed at night. There is no need to dress very flashy or super formal. Keep your clothing in your capsule wardrobe simple, but pay attention to details that will make your outfits special. A few key pieces of jewelry can also help to make you feel pulled together and stylish.
Day dresses, jeans, casual tees, and tanks are all appropriate daywear. I normally like to bring one or two tops that are a little bit fancier so I can feel dressed up when needed, but casual enough to wear during the day.
Take a look at some of our favorite travel dress styles for summer vacation!
Shoe selection
One word that will influence your Portugal shoe selection, cobblestones. While lovely to look at and charming, the hilly cobblestone streets are slippery when wet and a nightmare in heels. Skinny heels would easily get stuck in the cracks between stones, and it would be tough to walk in them down hill. Pack shoes that make sense for walking around the city. Go for comfortable, cushioned, and stylish. Your feet will thank you.
Here are the most recommended ballet flats, boots, and walking shoes for Europe!
Cover-ups
When planning what to wear in Portugal, remember when visiting religious sites that you will need to be covered and modest. Even if the rules are a little lax, it’s always important to be respectful of any cultural expectations when traveling. Keep a pashmina on you when walking around. They work great to cover bare shoulders, and are easily stashed in a packing cube within you daypack.
Unless in a beach town where it is acceptable, in general, I always dress a little bit more conservatively when I’m traveling. Especially when I’m solo, it just helps to prevent unwanted attention.
Sun protection
Sun protection is important even on cloudy days. I try and make it easy by using face cream, body lotion and makeup with an SPF. I also carry a small solid stick to reapply to my face throughout the day as necessary. If you are headed to the beach, don’t forget a waterproof specific product. Getting sunburned is an easy way to put a damper on your vacation.
Sunglasses and hats are practical accessories and also a great way to spice up your outfits. In addition to keeping the sun off of your face, hats can keep your overall temperature down. I often will get sunburn on my head where I part my hair. It’s something I always forget about it until it’s too late. Applying sunscreen to my scalp is not exactly an option; so carrying along a hat is the only way to go. Make sure not to forget these essentials when you’re planning what to wear in Portugal in summer!
Travel Outfit Ideas
Portugal can be a lovely relaxing summer vacation destination. The cities are in close proximity to the beach, giving it the perfect mix of activities. To enjoy your time there and have a stress free trip, pack smartly and utilize the above tips on what to wear in Portugal in summer.
What are your tips on what to wear in Portugal? Share in the comments below!
For more on what to wear in Europe, please read:
- Packing for Europe in Summer: Beach Vacation Essentials
- 8 Essential Things to Pack for Europe in the Summer
- 6 Europe Train Travel Essentials for Overnight Journeys
- 10 Step Packing Guide for Europe
Suggested travel resources:
- Lonely Planet Europe on a Shoestring
- Lonely Planet Portugal (Country Guide)
- Travel Shoes for Europe
- The Best Carry-on Suitcases for Europe
Hope you liked this post on what to wear in Portugal. Please share with your friends on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. Thanks for reading!
Author Bio: Niki is an interior designer and artist from Louisiana. In addition to her design work, she writes for local and online publications sharing her experiences and passion for travel. Niki is currently adding stamps to her passport while building her design practice, Niki Landry Designs.
nikilandry.com nikilandrydesigns niki-landry-designs-llc
Great information! Would your recommendations be any different for a trip to nearby Azores islands off the coast of the coast of Portugal?
I am going to Portugal. I like your suggestions on what shoes to bring. Thank you!
Thank you for this truly helpful article on what to wear and pack for Portugal. I was able to pack light and still have enough outfits for 17 days by using your suggestions. I also felt relaxed and confident that my clothes were appropriate for any situation. I have been following your blog for a few years and got great tips for other destinations as well!
Do you have a BOOK with all your travel tips and ideas for sale? I thought I saw one advertised recently, but can’t find it now. I am traveling on a RIVER BOAT cruise through PORTUGAL in July for 2 weeks. I would like to print all your sheets but there are so many, any other ideas?
Hi Linda, we do but it is a digital ebook rather than an actual book. ❤ You can learn more here: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/packing-e-books/
Have an amazing time on your travels!
These tips helped me pack for my recent trip to Portugal!
Heading to Portugal in 2 months and could not be more excited! Great post about dressing casual and wearing the right kind of shoes for cobblestones.
I am going to Faro for February and March and am not sure what to expect for weather and what to pack
The best advice is to check the weather forecast closer to your departure dates to ensure that you have the most appropriate clothing packed. We do have more tips here: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/what-to-wear-in-lisbon/
To get the best advice for packing for that time of year, I would highly recommend that you join our TFG facebook group and post any questions you have there: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelfashiongirls/ Its a fabulous community of helpful female travelers that love to share their advice and experiences.
Have an amazing time!
Portugal is next on my list of places to visit!! This was a very helpful post to start planning.
Hello. I am traveling to the algarve in early June. Any suggestions for a travel capsule for southern Portugal?
Hi Nancy, how exciting!
To help you with your packing, take a look at TFG’s Four Signature Packing Lists for ideas for a capsule wardrobe and how many clothing items you could pack: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/functional-and-fashion-packing-list/
The packing lists show you how to pack and have the right clothes no matter the destination or the length of the journey! Depending on your preferences, you can choose more bottoms, fewer dresses, more tops – you can adjust the combination based on your needs!
Then for some destination-specific help, check out this guide: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/what-to-wear-in-lisbon/
To get the best advice, especially what the fashion and weather is like in the Algarve area, I would highly recommend that you join our TFG facebook group and post any questions you have there: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelfashiongirls/ It’s a fabulous community of helpful female travelers that love to share their travel advice and recommendations.
Hope this helps you with your packing, have an awesome time!
you will receive your social security benefits. My parents moved over seas before retirement age, they filed at the appropriate age and received all benefits until their passing.
I am considering moving to Portugal with my niece. One of my biggest concerns is my Social Security benefits. I am fully retired and should I make a permanent move will I still get my full benefits without any problems?
Hi Judith, I am afraid that I cannot help you with your question. You could join TFG’s free facebook community and post your question there: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelfashiongirls/ It is a fabulous group of helpful female travelers and one of our readers might be able to help. Sorry I could not have been of more help.
Yes, October and November outfits for Portugal and Spain would be great!
Hi Sarah, thank you for reaching out. For outfit suggestions for October/November, have a look at this article: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/what-to-pack-for-spain-vacations-a-seasonal-guide/ I would highly suggest that you join our TFG facebook group and post any questions you have there about packing for Spain and Portugal: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelfashiongirls/ Its a fabulous community of helpful female travelers that have the best advice and recommendations to share. Hope this helps. Have an awesome time! ?
Hi, These are all great tips for summer travel , Any ideas for packing outfits for October in Portugal & Spain? Thank You Teresa