Portugal Travel Guide
Everything you need to know about traveling to Portugal!
You’re about to partake in an incredible “slow travel” adventure through Portugal exploring its culture, people, heritage, and food while kayaking, biking and hiking. While you explore the great outdoors both on land and in the sea, you’ll also be exploring the great indoors, aka “the self”, with mindfulness practices and opportunities for reflection.
To get the most out of your journey it’s best to be prepared! We’ve laid out everything you need to know about traveling to Portugal with us. We can’t wait!
The Weather
How should I dress?
You’ll be enjoying Portugal’s beautiful weather during October with its sunny days and cool evenings. October is the start of the autumn season so expect some light rain fall. But don’t worry, it won’t last long!
As we head to the coast on our adventurer you’ll want some warmer clothing for the cool coastal breeze!
The average high is 74° F with an average low in the evenings of 60°F.
The key to packing for this trip is versatile casual layers with a mix of active sportswear as well so you’re prepared for the warmer days and cozy up on the cooler evenings.
You can find more details on gear and a full packing list below.
packing list
What do I need to bring?
There is a lot to see, do, and eat in Portugal and we intend to show you a bit of everything that this incredible country has to offer! In the fall season, as mentioned above, expect a wider range of weather from warmer days to cozy evenings — the packing list will help you pack accordingly.
Your adventure is full of different types of activities including kayaking, biking, and hiking/city walking. The activities are low intensity with plenty of space and time for a more leisurely pace. You’ll also be practicing yoga regularly throughout the trip.
All gear that is needed for your kayaking and biking including both regular bike and e-bike rentals will be provided for you. However if you have a preference for your wearing your own helmet or any other bike gear feel free to bring it.
You can find a detailed packing list here. We will also go over this packing list in much more detail on our two pre-trip calls.
Sustainability is one of our core-pillars, so we love to suggest sourcing gear from friends/family or second hand stores that sell lightly used gear! If you’re buying gear new, we recommend shopping locally or from small companies in whose mission you believe.
Preparing For Your adventure
what difficulty level should i expect?
We classify this trip at a difficulty level of 3 out of 5.
This trip has plenty of physical activities such as hiking, biking, and kayaking. However we’ll be taking it slow! Most routes are leisurely with lots of time for rest and lots of support along the way.
The bikes are 27-speed-woman and man’s bike equipped with back rack, back bag, lock, pump and repair kit. Helmet also included. You can also rent e-bikes!
The itinerary includes 2 full rest days at the farms for an opportunity to practice some yoga and meditation and rejuvenate from the previous day’s explorations.
As with any of our adventures, we recommend being physically prepared. 2 months prior to your trip you’ll receive our Pre-Trip Preparation guide that has ways to help you be prepared including a full training plan.
If you have any concerns please email us!
Do as the locals do
A Crash course in the local culture of the galapagos
It’s important at Root that when we travel we travel with an open mind and are respectful to the local ways, traditions, and customs. Keeping in mind that we are ambassadors of the US when we travel to foreign countries, it can be helpful to be prepared with some basic knowledge!
Language: Portuguese, however Portugal has a population with high English-speaking levels
Currency: EURO. Keep in mind that Root includes everything you need for your travels outside of alcohol, souvenirs and the occasional meal. If you would like to purchase gifts in the local currency we recommend using an ATM when you arrive (as opposed to getting cash before you arrive). Most credit cards will often be accepted, but there is a possibility for foreign fees or more remote locations that do not accept credit cards. Be sure to check with your bank.
Cultural Etiquette
Be polite: The Portuguese place a high importance on respect, politeness and modesty. Portuguese tend to dress modestly with a sense of quality and elegance. It is important to dress in a respectful manner, particularly when entering formal spaces such as a church. Additionally, it is frowned upon to boast or brag about oneself and accomplishments.
Portugal and Spain are very different: Avoid comparing Portugal to Spain or assuming similarities between the two countries. Despite their close geographical proximity to one another, the two countries are quite distinct. Additionally, out of respect, never speak Spanish to a Portuguese person
Greetings: The most common form of greeting is the handshake, especially in formal settings where you are meeting the other person for the first time. You will also see a fair amount of cheek kissing when greeting friends and family. Men hug and pat one another on the back, while women kiss both cheeks; starting with the right.
Cuisine and Eating: Portugal offers a wide variety of delectable soups, bread, cheeses, and desserts in addition to its catch of the day, meat, and of course Port! Portuguese cuisine is primarily based on hearty peasant food and a Mediterranean diet. It is important to note that dinner can take place much later and meals may take longer to eat in than what you are used to. For example, a traditional family lunch can sometimes take up to five hours.
For a deeper dive on more cultural etiquette you can visit this page!
Biking Rules to Be Aware Of
By legal regulation you have to wear a helmet.
Driving in double row is now allowed.
You have to cycle always on the right side of the road.
When you enter a roundabout, always give way to traffic already on the roundabout (approaching from the left). If the roundabout only has one lane, things are simple. Enter the roundabout then take the exit you want to.
When the traffic light is red, you must stop, you cannot turn right as in USA.
Useful Reading:
The Portuguese – Barry Hatton (non-fiction) – 2011
Skylight – José Saramago (fiction) – 2014
The Return of the Caravels and the Inquisitor’s Manual – António Lobo Antunes (fiction) – 2003
Night Train to Lisbon – Pascal Mercier (fiction) – 2008
Raised from the Ground – José Saramago (fiction) – 2013
Conquerors – How Portugal Forged The First Global Empire – Roger Crowley (non-fiction) – 2016
The First Global Village – How Portugal Changed the World – Martin Page (non-fiction) – 2002
Mindfulness
What if I’ve never meditated or done yoga?
Have no fear! No prior meditation, mindfulness or yoga experience is needed.
Nature is the ultimate teacher. Just getting out into the great outdoors has been proven to be incredibly beneficial for your mental and physical health.
Your Root Tour Leaders will provide you with simple and practical ways to keep your connection with nature, yourself, and your fellow travelers at the forefront of your experience.
But don’t worry, this won’t be a serious or quiet trip. At Root we see mindfulness as a way to participate in the ALIVENESS of life.
There will be moments you’ll be encouraged to observe silence, listen to nature, reflect on your internal experience or even possibly journal and share. And there will be many moments of raucous laughter, joyous storytelling, and playing in the dirt. Our trips have a little bit of everything!
To help you get the most out of your experience you will receive a pre-trip guide that has mindfulness and meditation practices, potential journaling prompts, and thoughtful ways to connect with nature throughout your adventure.
Final Tips
Anything else I need to know?
We’d love to impart some final words of wisdom for you here. These are tips and tricks we’ve learned over the years exploring, trekking, and guiding groups.
Pack light! The lighter the better. We cannot stress this enough! When packing ask yourself this question: “Do I absolutely need this?” If the answer is no, leave it behind.
A word about luggage. If possible, pack so that you can bring everything in a carry-on. That way if your luggage gets lost (knock on wood) you won’t be trying to piece gear together or purchase lots of expensive items last minute. If you do decide to check luggage then we recommend wearing or packingsome essentials in your carry-on just in case!