There is a feeling that only Portugal has: saudade. A sweet nostalgia that is felt even before leaving. It is a country of hills that rise from the Tejo in Lisbon, of tiles that tell stories, and of a glass of wine from Porto savored in the cellars of Gaia. To know Portugal is more than to travel; it is to feel.
And the best way to feel Portugal is in the rhythm of its holidays. They are the invitation to live the traditions, explore the landscapes at their peak, and understand the soul of a people. This guide is not a list of dates; it is a map for unforgettable itineraries, using the calendar as your main accomplice.
The Travel Dream: An Unforgettable Road Trip from Lisbon to Porto
For many, the ultimate experience in Portugal is to travel the country by car, discovering historic cities and landscapes that change at every turn. A road trip between the two largest cities is the perfect way to capture the essence of the country.
The Classic Itinerary
The adventure begins upon landing in Lisbon by plane with TAP Air Portugal. Rent a car and explore the capital for a few days. Then head north, stopping at magical places like the Pena Palace in Sintra, the medieval village of Óbidos, and the university city of Coimbra. The trip culminates in Porto, with its iconic bridges and the port wine from the cellars of Sandeman.
Master Tip: For an authentic lodging experience, swap conventional hotels for Pousadas de Portugal, a network of historic hotels located in castles, palaces, and monasteries. It is an immersion in history.
Attention: Many highways in Portugal have an exclusively electronic toll system. Rental cars usually come with a device (like the "Via Verde"), but confirm with the rental company how the charging works to avoid receiving a surprise fine months later.
The Rhythm of the Calendar: Best Times to Visit Portugal
Each season in Portugal has its own soundtrack of celebrations. Choose yours.
Spring and the Popular Saints (April to June)
The country awakens from winter with flowers and street parties. It is the ideal time for those who enjoy popular culture and mild weather.
- April 25 (Freedom Day): The holiday that celebrates the Carnation Revolution. Lisbon fills with civic celebrations and a special feeling of freedom.
- Popular Saints (June): The entire month is a celebration! Santo António in Lisbon (June 13) and São João in Porto (June 24) transform the cities with street fairs, grilled sardines, and lots of music.
Summer in the Algarve (July and August)
The south of the country becomes the main destination. It is the time to enjoy the world-famous beaches of the Algarve.
- Assumption of Our Lady (August 15): The big summer holiday, perfect for those who want to enjoy the peak of heat and excitement on the beaches from Albufeira to Lagos.
Regional Holidays: The Diversity of Portugal
Beyond Lisbon and Porto, the richness of Portugal lies in its regions, especially the islands.
- Azores: Celebrate the Day of the Azores on Whitsun Monday, with events highlighting the culture and autonomy of the archipelago.
- Madeira: The Flower Festival in spring and the spectacular New Year's fireworks in Funchal are internationally renowned events.
The Calendar of Faith: The Great Pilgrimages of Portugal
Portugal is a country of faith and tradition. Its religious celebrations are large-scale events that attract pilgrims from around the world.
- Holy Week (Movable date): Braga, in the north of the country, hosts one of the most famous and solemn processions in Europe.
- The Apparitions of Fátima (May 13 and October 13): Although not holidays, these are the two dates of highest pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of Fátima, one of the most important centers of the Catholic faith in the world.
Portugal's National Holiday Calendar 2025
These are the official holidays ("mandatory holidays") observed throughout the country.
| Date in 2025 | National Holiday |
|---|---|
| January 1 | New Year |
| Movable Date | Good Friday |
| Movable Date | Easter |
| April 25 | Freedom Day |
| May 1 | Labor Day |
| Movable Date | Corpus Christi |
| June 10 | Portugal Day, Camões, and the Portuguese Communities |
| August 15 | Assumption of Our Lady |
| October 5 | Establishment of the Republic |
| November 1 | All Saints' Day |
| December 1 | Restoration of Independence |
| December 8 | Immaculate Conception |
| December 25 | Christmas |
Want the Complete Year Vision?
Access our interactive annual calendar to see all the holidays, plan your vacations, and organize your year with the complete vision.
Access the Annual Calendar of 2025The Secret of the "Popular Saints"
Here’s a tip that most guides don’t tell you: the Popular Saints in June are the true heart of the Portuguese festival. It is not a single holiday, but an entire month of street celebrations.
The Day of Santo António (June 13) is a holiday only in Lisbon, and the Day of São João (June 24) is a holiday only in Porto. For tourists, the secret is to plan your trip to be in Lisbon on the night of June 12 to 13 and in Porto on the night of June 23 to 24 to experience two of the largest street parties in Europe.
A Culinary Itinerary: Flavors that Define Portugal
Traveling through Portugal is also a journey of flavors. Each region has its specialty, and tasting them is an essential part of the experience.
- In Lisbon: Don't leave without tasting the authentic Pastel de Nata (the ones from Belém are the most famous) and drinking a "ginjinha" (cherry liqueur) in one of the traditional bars in Rossio.
- In Porto: Face the most famous sandwich in Portugal, the Francesinha, and, of course, do a wine tasting in the Port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia.
- In the Algarve: Try a Cataplana de Marisco. It is a seafood dish steamed in a copper pot, capturing all the flavor of the ocean.
- In the Alentejo: Discover rustic cuisine with dishes like Migas and taste the full-bodied wines from the region, which are among the best in the country.
Essential Tips for Traveling in Portugal
- The Coffee Culture: The "coffee" in Portugal is an espresso. It is a social ritual and very inexpensive. Ask for "a coffee and a pastel de nata" for a truly Portuguese experience.
- The Supermarket Experience: Explore major supermarket chains like Continente or Pingo Doce. They are great for discovering authentic Portuguese products, such as cheeses and wines, at local prices.
- Traveling by Train: To travel comfortably between major cities (Lisbon, Porto, Faro), the Alfa Pendular train from CP - Comboios de Portugal is the best option. Buy in advance for the best prices.
Conclusion: Portugal, a Journey to Remember
The Holiday Calendar of Portugal is your map to unlock the best experiences this charming country has to offer. Using these dates as a guide for your trip ensures that you enjoy not only the tourist spots but also the welcoming culture, delicious cuisine, and the "saudade" that make Portugal an unforgettable destination.
