If you want to check out the Portuguese Tourist Office before booking your trip, the main U.S. branch is in New York City: 590 Fifth Avenue, Fourth Floor, New York, NY 10036-4704. In Canada, it’s at 600 Bloor Street West, Suite 1005, Toronto, ON M4W 3B8. In the UK, check 22-25A Sackville Street, Second Floor, London W1X 1DE.There are also several good online resources. The Portugal government agency Investments, Trade, and Tourism of Portugal offers general information on tourism and attractions, plus an extensive list of helpful links. The Portugal Official Tourism website offers information on each region of the country, complete with maps and advice on what to do and see, as well as an accommodation section with pictures of hotels and manor houses. At Portugal Virtual get inside tips on where to visit, what to eat, and what festivals to plan for. There is also detailed information on sightseeing, golf, and accommodation packages. At Order Portugal potential U.S. and Canadian visitors can order brochures by specific subject.
Portugal Weather
As a whole, Portugal is one of the warmest European countries, though the southern region is warmer and drier than the northern areas, which are a bit more cool and rainy. Yearly averages are about 65 degrees Fahrenheit in the south and 55 degrees Fahrenheit to the north. In the summer, the temperatures average more like 95 degrees. During the winter, temperatures rarely dip below 35 degrees, though snow is seen in the northern mountains.
The official tourism season is between spring and fall If you choose to travel during the winter, you will likely find mild but possibly rainy days—with reduced rates for accommodations. As summer temperatures heat up, hotels, restaurants and attractions get more crowded and often, more expensive. Lisbon’s santos populares (popular saints) festival is in June, which attracts large crowds. Other holidays to keep in mind are Carnaval (the day before Ash Wednesday), Liberty Day (April 25), Labor Day (May 1), Corpo de Deus (May 30), Portugal Day (June 10), Feast of the Assumption (August 15), Republic Day (October 5), All Saint’s day (November 1), Independence Day (December 1), and Immaculate Conception (December 8).
