Preparing to visit Portugal is an exciting thing to do because of the wonderful adventure that lies ahead. Portugal is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe. The variety of the cities, and towns and the natural beauty of The Algarve make it an awesome place to visit. But with variety comes decisions and the need to be prepared for many things. That’s why this Portugal packing list is a necessary part of your planning.
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PACKING LIST FOR PORTUGAL
WHEELED CARRY-ON LUGGAGE
The first part of packing for a trip is deciding what luggage will work best for you and your family. The ideal luggage will give you enough space while fitting within airline guidelines. If you decide to go carry-on only, then you’ll also want something versatile. And of course, you want something durable. This carry-on checks all of those boxes and then some.
BACKPACK CARRY-ON LUGGAGE
When traveling to Portugal particularly cities like Lisbon and Porto, the sidewalks aren’t always smoothly paved. They’re often cobblestone or tiled and uneven.
The typical luggage with wheels may be difficult to maneuver over these surfaces. If you’re going to predominantly be in places like that, then a carry-on backpack may work best. This is one that we used and it was superb. It was spacious, but not too heavy or cumbersome to wear.
CARRY ON LUGGAGE FOR KIDS
Good luggage isn’t only for the adults. Young ones also need something reliable and easy to use. We initially purchased something that was labeled with a popular hero.
The bag ended up being flimsy and difficult to roll. Fortunately, we also purchased this carry-on which is sturdy and solid.
BACKPACKS
A good versatile backpack is a necessary piece for any travel plans. It is especially needed when using a carry-on-only strategy of packing.
The ideal backpack will be versatile enough to give you extra storage, stay organized, and be able to be used during the day while you’re out and about.
You can go with a tried and true version such as this one from Jansport or this versatile backpack.
CROSSBODY BAG
Carrying your regular bag during a day of sightseeing will likely not be the best. Due to convenience and safety, a bag that is more secure like a crossbody bag will work better and you’ll look good carrying it.
GOOD SHOES FOR THE FAMILY
The beauty of Portugal is its hills. They provide fascinating vistas and beautiful views even within the cities. The difficulty is that when enjoying these cities you’ll often have to walk these hills.
Adding to that is the fact that the sidewalks are often cobblestone or paved in tile which can make them quite slippery. This means that you’ll need good footwear that won’t slip and provide comfort for your feet. For women, these are excellent.
If you want something a little more casual you can try these.
For men, these are comfortable and smart.
Kids can wear something classic and practical.
LIGHT JACKET OR SWEATER
To prepare for the cool morning or night, having an extra layer always works. There are several ways to approach it. For men, wearing a blazer in place of your typical jacket is a nice way to add style to your casual outfit when you’re out and about.
Women can also go with a nice light cardigan to keep it sophisticated but casual.
Sometimes just a hoodie will do, but even then something a bit more than your favorite well-worn hoodie is needed.
WATER BOTTLE
All of your exploring of the beautiful country of Portugal is going to leave you thirsty. What better way to stay hydrated than to bring along this magnificent bottle? It’s leakproof, easy to carry, and comes with a built-in straw.
SWIMSUIT
The Algarve is one of the most beautiful regions in all of Europe and is a must-visit when you’re in Portugal. It’s an easy trip from Lisbon to one of the main towns of the region. It’s known for its gorgeous natural view, stunning cliffs, and captivating beaches.
Make sure you pack something that will allow you to take full advantage of this region that is full of excellent beaches.
Be sure to pack this swimsuit for women and this one for men.
SUNGLASSES
Portugal gets a lot of sunshine. It’s one of the best things about visiting this wonderful country. If you’re going to be outside a lot exploring the cities and countryside you’ll want to protect your eyes and do it in as trendy a way as possible. That means you’ll have to pack some great shades like these or something more classic like this.
TRAVEL IRON
Staying in Airbnb has many advantages, especially for families. They’re also great for those seeking a more authentic travel experience. The downside is that sometimes what you need isn’t there or isn’t functioning properly and getting it replaced isn’t always the easiest.
We’ve found that packing our travel iron is quite valuable and has come in handy on more than one occasion. Even when traveling carry-on only, this one is so small that it doesn’t take much room and is very light. It’s also very effective.
DETERGENT STRIPS/LAUNDRY SOAP
Going on vacation for an extended period usually means bringing a lot of clothes. But it doesn’t have to. If you’re going to be gone for 2 weeks or more you’ll likely be washing and re-wearing some clothes.
Having a good way to clean is vitally important. These detergent sheets work wonders. A bonus is that they’re not liquid and don’t take up much space.
NOISE-CANCELING/BLOCKING HEADPHONES
Good headphones are an absolute must-have when traveling by plane. They’re good for listening to media while blocking out various noises from the plane and passengers. Naturally, a set of traditional headphones works well, but there are more and more earbuds that are good at producing high-quality sound and blocking out unwanted noise.
ADAPTERS
As much as we use our devices daily, making sure that they’ll be functional when we reach our destination should be priority number one. Not all outlets are created the same and the ones in Portugal are no exception. Having an adapter that will allow you to plug your device in is imperative.
PACK FOR PORTUGAL AND BE READY TO GO
Once you’re packed for Portugal and ready to start your trip, you should give that itinerary a good once over to make sure you’re not missing anything. Check out this four day itinerary for things to do and see in Lisbon as well as this itinerary for a visit to the Algarve.
