Searches for Portugal Schengen visas worldwide have increased by 90%, so even with the end of the summer holiday season, the number of tourists to the country is expected to remain high. Find out how long it takes to get a tourist visa and what to see in Portugal

Even with the end of the summer holiday season, interest in the Portuguese Schengen visa remains high. In particular, in the first week of August, the number of searches for the permit procedure worldwide increased by 90%. Such data indicate that even at the end of summer the number of tourists in Portugal will be high.

How will the visa procedure change and why are travelers attracted to a vacation in Portugal? We tell.

Should I expect a delay in the Portuguese Schengen visa?

Of course, not everyone who is looking for a Portuguese visa applies for the document, but the high number of searches still indicates a high demand. Therefore, those planning to apply for a Portuguese Schengen visa in the coming weeks or months are advised to do so early.

However, please note that applications for obtaining a permit can be submitted no earlier than six months and no later than 15 days before the planned entry into the country.

In general, Portugal issues a fairly large number of entry permits per year. For example, in 2023, Portugal received 207,654 visa applications, issued a permit to 173,927 foreigners, while 33,220 people were refused.

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Why do tourists go to Portugal?

Portugal attracts travelers with its charming beaches, rich history and truly unique culture.

The local population is very friendly to tourists, they will always help with advice and support the conversation.

Portuguese cuisine is very tasty, it includes many dishes with seafood. Tourists also like to taste Portuguese wine.

The best time to travel to Portugal

Thanks to the Mediterranean climate in Portugal, summers are warm and winters are mild. The best time to relax here is from May to October. However, the peak season is July and August, when the highest prices are observed in the country.

To enjoy the velvet season and save a little, choose September-October for your vacation. During this period, the air temperature fluctuates between 21-25°C, the water also remains quite warm - 21-22°C.

In Portugal, there are about 300 sunny days a year, so the change of season is not especially felt here.

Which Portuguese resorts do tourists choose?

Algarve

The Algarve is the southernmost region of Portugal, famous for its beaches, warm climate and the best conditions for water sports. It is here that three of Portugal's most beautiful beaches are located: Marinha (with crystal clear water and impressive cliffs), Falesia (famous for its red cliffs) and Praia de Benajil (with its popular sea cave).

- What to see in the Algarve?

The region is rich not only thanks to fantastic beaches, but also numerous natural objects - Benagil Cave - you can get to it by boat or kayak. It has a hole in the ceiling through which sunlight penetrates, thereby creating a truly fantastic effect.

The natural park with lagoons and salt marshes of the Ria Formosa is an ideal place for bird watching and boating.

The cities and towns of the Algarve are former fishing villages that have now become world resorts.

In addition, the region offers many activities - wine tours, water parks, fishing and water sports. The Algarve can also be called the Portuguese capital of golf, as world-class courses such as Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago are located here.

- How much does a holiday in the Algarve cost?

Approximate prices in the Algarve are as follows: accommodation: from 50 to 160 euros per night in a hotel, dinner in a restaurant - from 9 to 20 euros per person, rental of water sports equipment - from 25 euros.

Madeira

Madeira is a Portuguese island known for its fantastic natural beauty and rich culture. Tourists are attracted here not only by local beaches, in particular Porto Monish Beach and Calleeta Beach, but also by numerous natural attractions.

- What to see in Madeira?

Funchal is the capital of Madeira and has many places of interest, including Se Cathedral, the Lavradores Market and the Cristiano Ronaldo Museum.

Camara de Lobush is a charming fishing village where Winston Churchill painted his paintings.

Madeira's laurel forests are a unique forest that is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Pico Ruivo is the highest point of Madeira, which offers a breathtaking view of the island.

- How much does a holiday in Madeira cost?

Prices for accommodation in Madeira range from 60 to 150 euros per night in a hotel, dinner in a restaurant - from 15 to 30 euros per person, excursions - from 25 euros.

Lisbon to Cascais - Lisbon Riviera

The Lisbon Riviera stretches along the west coast of Portugal and is one of the country's most popular tourist areas.

- What to see in Lisbon and Cascais?

Belen Tower is a fort that is a symbol of the era of great geographical discoveries.

Gironimus Monastery, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

One of the largest carriage museums in the world.

Cascais is a charming fishing village with picturesque streets, cafes and restaurants. Its main attractions include Rainha Beach, the Museum of the Counts of Castro Guimaraes, the Historic Villa with Art Collection and Library, and Boca do Inferno Bay.

- How much does a holiday in the Lisbon Riviera cost?

The cost of accommodation ranges from 70 to 140 euros per night in a hotel, dinner in a restaurant - from 15 to 28 euros per person, excursions - from 25 to 40 euros.

Porto

Porto is a Portuguese city that impresses with its historical wealth. It is known for its architectural masterpieces, fantastic streets and, of course, delicious Portuguese cuisine.

- What to see in Porto?

The old city of Porto is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, so a walk through its narrow streets is sure to impress tourists. Don't forget to visit the Stock Exchange Palace, an impressive neoclassical palace that was once a stock exchange. It is known for its magnificent interiors and the famous Arab Hall.

The Don Luis I Bridge, which connects the city with Vila Nova de Gaia, deserves special attention of travelers. It offers a breathtaking view of the river and the city. Also visit the Cathedral of Porto, the Church of Clerigos, the University of Porto, the fishing village of São Pedro da Afurada and one of the local beaches - Matozinhos or Foz do Douro.

- How much does a vacation in Porto cost?

A night in one of Porto's hotels will cost a tourist from 67 to 135 euros, dinner in a restaurant for one person from 12 to 26 euros, excursions - from 13 euros.

Azores Islands

The Azores are an archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean consisting of nine volcanic islands. Although it is located about 1,500 km from Portugal, the archipelago is a national territory.

Ideal climatic conditions make the archipelago the best place for recreation at any time of the year - the islands have a subtropical marine climate with a warm Gulf Stream. The water temperature varies from +16°C to +25°C throughout the year, and the average air temperature in winter is 15-17°C, in summer - 22-25°C.

- What to see in the Azores?

San Miguel is the largest island of the archipelago, known for its impressive natural landscapes: lakes in the crater of the Seti Cidades volcano, Terra Nostra Park, Salica waterfall, Ponta Delgada - the capital of the island with beautiful architecture, museums and restaurants.

Pico Island, with Portugal's highest mountain of the same name (a popular hiking route), and the Pico wine region - its UNESCO World Heritage vineyards that produce the unique Czar wine.

Fayal Island is famous for its port and volcanic landscapes.

The island of Terceira, which is rich in historical and natural objects.

Tourists also rest on the islands of San Giorgio, Santa Maria, Flores and Corva.

- How much does a holiday in the Azores cost?

Accommodation - from 48 to 120 euros per night in a hotel, dinner in a restaurant - from 11 to 76 euros per person, excursions and activities - from 20 euros.

What dishes should a tourist taste in Portugal?

Sweet cream pie (Pastel de nata), Salted cod cooked in different ways (Bacalau), stewed beans with meat (Feijoada) and Portuguese wine - port and vino verde.

Portugal is an interesting and fantastic country, which is one of the leaders in terms of the number of tourists. Considering the large number of sights, fantastic nature and delicious cuisine, tourists will be very interested here.

We will remind you! If you are looking for the perfect place to relocate, Portugal is the best choice for expats. With its spectacular scenery, rich history and hospitable culture, this country offers an unparalleled living experience. Read in this article which cities are recognized as the best for expats to live in Portugal in 2024.

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Are you planning to travel or move abroad? An important component of a successful trip is a travel insurance policy, because it guarantees the provision of high-quality medical care in any corner of the world and is able to protect you from unnecessary expenses during the trip. You can buy insurance from verified agents on the Visit World portal.

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