Portugal Packing List: What to Bring in Every Season

Packing for Portugal is mostly about two things: comfortable shoes for the hills and cobbles, and layers for the Atlantic breeze. Here’s our Portugal packing list, from parents who live here, with tips for each season and for families.

Quick answer: bring comfortable shoes with grip (the cobbles are slippery), layers and a light jacket (evenings and coasts are cooler than you think), sun protection, a swimsuit, a day bag that zips, a reusable water bottle, and a European plug adapter (type F, 230V). In winter, add a waterproof and warm layers for chilly houses.

The essentials

• Shoes: trainers or walking shoes with good grip. Lisbon and Porto’s polished cobbles are slippery, especially when wet. Leave the heels at home.
• Layers: a light jumper or jacket, even in summer, for windy coasts and cool evenings.
• Sun protection: sun cream, sunglasses and a hat. The sun is strong, and the breeze hides it.
• Swimsuit and a quick-dry towel: for the beach, pools and hot springs.
• A secure day bag: one that zips, for crowded trams and viewpoints. See is Portugal safe?
• Plug adapter: Portugal uses the European two-pin plug (type F), 230V.
• Reusable water bottle: tap water is safe to drink.
• Documents: passport or ID, travel insurance, driving licence if hiring a car. See entry requirements.

By season

Spring (March to May)

Layers, a light waterproof and a mix of short and long sleeves. See Portugal in spring.

Summer (June to August)

Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and a light layer for the evening breeze, plus a cover-up for churches. See Portugal in summer.

Autumn (September to November)

Summer clothes for September, layers and a rain jacket from October. See Portugal in autumn.

Winter (December to February)

A warm jacket, a waterproof, jumpers and warm sleepwear, as many homes and older hotels have little heating. See Portugal in winter.

For specific trips

• Hiking (Madeira, Azores, Gerês): walking boots, a waterproof and a headtorch for levada tunnels. See Madeira levada walks.
• Surfing: a wetsuit or plan to rent one; the Atlantic is cold. See surfing in Portugal.
• Churches: something to cover shoulders and knees, especially at Fátima.
• Hot springs: an old swimsuit, as iron-rich water can stain.

Travelling with kids

• A baby carrier rather than a buggy for the old towns.
• Car seats: book with your hire car or transfer.
• Swim nappies, sun suits and hats for the beach.

See Portugal with kids.

Tech

• An eSIM for data. See the best eSIM for Portugal.
• A power bank: maps and photos drain your phone.
• Offline maps for rural areas.

Leave at home

• High heels and fancy sandals (the cobbles will win).
• Too many clothes: laundries are easy to find.
• Lots of cash: cards are widely accepted. See money in Portugal.

Get our free Portugal trip checklist to make sure you haven’t forgotten anything.

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