Fodor's Essential Portugal (Full-color Travel Guide)

Whether you want to explore Lisbon, go on a wine-tasting trip in the Douro Valley, or lounge on the beaches of the Algarve, the local Fodor's travel experts in Portugal are here to help! Fodor's Essential Portugal guidebook is packed with maps, carefully curated recommendations, and everything else you need to simplify your trip-planning process and make the most of your time. This new edition has been fully-redesigned with an easy-to-read layout, fresh information, and beautiful color photos. Fodor's "Essential" guides have been named by Booklist as the Best Travel Guide Series of 2020!

Fodor's Essential Portugal travel guide includes:

  • AN ILLUSTRATED ULTIMATE EXPERIENCES GUIDE to the top things to see and do
  • MULTIPLE ITINERARIES to effectively organize your days and maximize your time
  • MORE THAN 30 DETAILED MAPS to help you navigate confidently
  • COLOR PHOTOS throughout to spark your wanderlust!
  • HONEST RECOMMENDATIONS FROM LOCALS on the best sights, restaurants, hotels, nightlife, shopping, performing arts, activities, side-trips, and more
  • PHOTO-FILLED "BEST OF" FEATURES on "Best Beaches," "Best Vineyards in Portugal," "Best Free Things to Do," and more
  • TRIP-PLANNING TOOLS AND PRACTICAL TIPS including when to go, getting around, beating the crowds, and saving time and money
  • HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL INSIGHTS providing rich context on the local people, politics, art, architecture, cuisine, geography and more
  • SPECIAL FEATURES on "Portugal's Most Impressive Castles and Fortified Cities" "Spectacular Gothic Churches in Portugal," and "What to Eat and Drink in Portugal"
  • LOCAL WRITERS to help you find the under-the-radar gems
  • PORTUGUESE LANGUAGE PRIMER with useful words and essential phrases
  • UP-TO-DATE COVERAGE ON: Lisbon, Porto, the Algarve, Estoril, the Douro Valley, Alentejo, Sintra, Óbidos, Serra da Estrela, Coimbra, Monsanto, Braga, Madeira, and the Azores

Planning on visiting Spain or spending more time in Lisbon? Check out Fodor's Essential Spain, Fodor's Barcelona, and Fodor's Inside Lisbon.

*Important note for digital editions: The digital edition of this guide does not contain all the images or text included in the physical edition.

ABOUT FODOR'S AUTHORS: Each Fodor's Travel Guide is researched and written by local experts. Fodor's has been offering expert advice for all tastes and budgets for over 80 years. For more travel inspiration, you can sign up for our travel newsletter at fodors.com/newsletter/signup, or follow us @FodorsTravel on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. We invite you to join our friendly community of travel experts at fodors.com/community to ask any other questions and share your experience with us!

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Published Mar 14, 2023

512 pages

Average rating: 10

1 RATING

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Community Reviews

jioptretret
May 27, 2025
10/10 stars
Totally feel you — Lisbon is an amazing place to live and work remotely, and yes, there’s actually a visa made just for that. It’s part of Portugal’s recent push to attract digital professionals, and it’s called the digital nomad visa Portugal offers for non-EU remote workers. As long as you can prove you earn a certain amount monthly (around €3,280), and that your income comes from outside Portugal, you’re eligible to apply. You’ll also need to show proof of accommodation, have valid health insurance, and submit some financial documents. The visa starts as a short-term stay, but once you’re in Portugal, you can apply for a longer residence permit that opens the door to staying for several years — and even gaining residency. Lisbon already has a strong remote worker scene, with coworking spaces, meetups, and a really international vibe. If you’re seriously considering it, I recommend reading this breakdown: digital nomad visa portugal. It covers the requirements and steps clearly and is super helpful for getting started.

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