Sustainable Travel in Portugal

Portugal is a great destination for lower-impact travel, with good trains, long-distance walking trails, local food, and protected natural parks and islands. Here are practical ways to travel more sustainably in Portugal.

Quick answer: travel between cities by train, explore on foot or by bike, choose locally owned guesthouses and restaurants, visit in spring or autumn to avoid overcrowding, carry a refillable water bottle (tap water is safe), choose responsible wildlife operators, and stay on marked trails in natural parks.

Getting around

• Trains: link Lisbon, Porto, the Algarve and many towns. See the train guide.
• Car-free travel: see Portugal without a car.
• Cycling: see cycling in Portugal.
• Walking: the Rota Vicentina and Camino. See hiking in Portugal.

Where to stay and eat

• Local guesthouses and family-run quintas keep money in the community.
• Seasonal, local food: markets, fish from local boats and regional wines. See Algarve markets.
• Eco-stays: see glamping in Portugal.

Responsible activities

• Wildlife: choose operators that follow distance rules for whales and dolphins. See whale watching in the Azores.
• Protected areas: stay on trails and take your litter home.
• Fire safety: follow summer fire bans.
• Water: tap water is safe. See is tap water safe?

Travel off-peak

Visiting outside July and August eases pressure on popular places like Sintra and the Algarve, and it’s often more pleasant. See the best time to visit Portugal.

More: wildlife in Portugal and Portugal’s hidden gems.

Prices and details change, so please double-check before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us in the groups.