What to Pack for Portugal: Our Personal Packing List

Trying to figure out exactly what to pack for your trip to Portugal? You’ve come to the experts. 

From the charming streets of Lisbon to the rolling hills of Porto and the dramatic coastline of the Algarve, you’ll experience a lot in one trip. Packing for diverse climates and activities can feel overwhelming, but we’re here to help you sort everything out. 

Throughout our years of travel, we’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) what’s actually worth bringing—and what you can leave at home.

This isn’t an exhaustive list, but it contains some of the items that we believe are true “must-haves”. We built this from real experience to help you feel prepared, organized, and ready to fully enjoy your trip. 

This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

What to Pack for your Portugal Trip

1. Microfiber towel

Microfiber towels are another one of those “must-pack” items that all seasoned travelers will swear by. This is especially true in Portugal, where you might be using it at the beach, on a boat tour, or on a hike. Since microfiber towels are so small and lightweight, they are really easy to pack and come in handy frequently!

While there are a lot of options out there, I prefer this microfiber towel! It comes in a variety of sizes, so you can choose what is best for you. It’s quick drying and packable, and high-quality microfiber – I’ve used the same towel for years, and it’s held up!

2. Reef-safe Sunscreen

One thing I never skip packing for Portugal is sunscreen, and this one is my go-to. If you’re planning a trip to one of Portugal’s stunning islands, the Algarve, or beyond, you’ll need some sun protection. I prefer this natural, reef-safe sunscreen because it’s easy on my skin and good for the environment. While Portugal doesn’t enforce reef-safe sunscreen, it’s easy to do your part to preserve the stunning coastline!

I also love that it’s natural, mineral-based, and lightweight on your skin. It feels a lot better than other brands I’ve used.

While you might be able to find reef-safe sunscreen once you get to Portugal, any that we’ve seen have been much more expensive! After trying a few different brands, this one is my personal favorite because it holds up against the intense sun and heat. It also stays on even after a few dips in the ocean, so you’re not reapplying all the time.

3. Travel adapter and voltage converter

A travel adapter is one of those items that is easily overlooked, but can be essential depending on where you’re from! Portugal uses types C and F outlets, and the voltage is 230V.

We have this universal travel adapter, which is really handy because you only need this one, no matter where you travel. It also has multiple charging ports, which can be helpful as hotels often have a shortage of plugs. This is a must-pack for any international trip, and I keep it in my bag all the time, so I don’t forget it!

This adapter does not convert voltage. For most items (computers, phone chargers, and camera chargers), you don’t need a voltage converter. But certain items, like a hairdryer, do need a voltage converter. We snagged this voltage converter before we left, just to be safe, but read the labels on your devices to double-check whether it’s needed or not!

4. Bug balm repellent

Portugal has a diverse climate, but one thing that never wavers is the bugs. Whether you’re at the beach, in the mountains, or in the city, mosquitoes and insects will be there. And what’s more annoying than swatting bugs while enjoying a sunset? Nothing!

My friend told me about this repellent balm, and now I totally swear by it! It’s made with natural products, so it’s eco-friendly and feels light and clean on your skin. Best of all, it actually works really well at repelling mosquitoes and other unfavorable flying creatures. I also really like that it’s a balm, so it doesn’t leak if I toss it in my bag, and it’s small, so I take it everywhere with me. 

Small, packable, TSA-approved, and a lifesaver! You don’t want to leave without it.

5. Neck Pillow

If you haven’t started traveling with a neck pillow yet, you’re missing out. 

I was against them for a while, simply for the space they take up, but once I started flying with this neck pillow, I was hooked. Now I can’t travel without it! One of the reasons I love this one is that it’s super packable and can roll up into a small ball. Once I’m off the flight, I can ball it up and put it in my backpack, and I don’t have to worry about it anymore. 

6. Daypack

Another essential on my Portugal packing list is a lightweight day pack, and this REI Flash 22 is the one I always reach for. 

You’ll be out exploring most days during your trip, wandering through ancient sites, shopping along the main street, relaxing on the beach, or taking off on a day trip. Having a versatile backpack that fits everything you need for the day is key.

I can easily pack sunscreen, water, snacks, a light jacket, and my camera gear without overloading this bag. What I love most is how compact it is. It fits easily in my luggage or works perfectly as a personal item on the plane, but once you’re there, it still holds everything you need for a full day of adventures.

If you’re looking to travel with a large backpack instead of a suitcase, we highly recommend this Cotopaxi Allpa. This is the backpack we’ve used for a few years now, and it’s my all-time favorite. It opens up like a suitcase, so it’s easy to stay organized, and at 42 liters, you can actually pack so many things in here – trust me, we live out of these backpacks! They are also very comfortable to wear if you’re carrying them through the airport or the train station (and easier than wheely bags on cobblestones).

7. Sun Shirt

One of my newest additions to my warm-weather packing list is a sun shirt! These are lightweight, long-sleeved shirts with UV protection, ideal for shielding your skin when you’re out in the sun for extended periods. 

I like using these for any sort of boat trip, beach day, or any time I’m planning on being outside all day. It offers more protection than sunscreen, and you don’t have to reapply all the time. The sun can be intense in Portugal, and after spending a day surfing and underestimating the sun’s strength, I was burnt to a crisp. A sun shirt is an easy way to avoid that situation again!

For women, I recommend this specific sun shirt. It’s the one I’ve had for years, and it’s kept me cool in the hot weather and safe from sunburns. This men’s sun shirt is of the same quality and one of the top-rated options out there!

8. Comfortable walking sandals

One of my biggest stressors when packing is figuring out exactly which items to bring, especially when we’re talking shoes! Not only are the bulky items limiting how many pairs you can bring, but they also need to check all the boxes. For me, comfort is key, but I also like functionality and a bit of fashionability, if possible. 

Both Dan and I love Tevas for comfort, durability, and they still look good! I have a pair of these Teva Hydraktrek sandals, and they are perfect whether we are walking around Lisbon or taking off on a hike. They also double as water shoes, so for a Benagil Caves boat trip, you couldn’t ask for a more versatile shoe. Another one of my favorite travel sandals is these EVA Birkenstocks. They are made with a durable foam, making them super lightweight and ideal for the beach or a cute summer dress.

Dan swears by his Teva Hurricanes for the men. They have padding around the toes and heels so they don’t rub while you’re breaking them in or walking all day. Luckily, Tevas are considered “cool” (trust me), so they work no matter where you travel!

9. Walking shoes

We’ve spent a lot of time in Portugal, and always find ourselves getting a lot of steps in! Packing a pair of decent walking shoes is essential, and you’ll need something versatile to handle plenty of walking and a bit of adventuring. I prefer to wear closed-toe shoes when I’m walking through busy cities, along cobblestone streets, or touring historic sites, like the Pena Palace.

For women, you’ll love this pair of On Cloud 6 shoes. They are comfortable and durable, without being too bulky when packing. I also like that they have mesh, so they are breathable in Portugal’s heat. Lastly, they look good with almost any outfit!

For men, you can’t go wrong with these Brooks Ghost 17 shoes. Brooks makes really good shoes that are comfortable for walking and lightweight for packing. They are really popular, so don’t wait to get your pair!

10. Women’s Clothing

Choosing which clothes to bring can be a big factor when packing for Portugal. My biggest tip – most of the clothes you’ll want to wear are probably already in your closet. Wear what you like to wear or normally would at home, and you’ll be most comfortable. To help you narrow it down, here are a few items I like to pack.

For tops, I love this moisture-wicking t-shirt and this tank top! Not only do they pair with a lot of outfits, but they are also breathable and ideal for hot weather. 

And for something a little fashion-forward that can withstand hot climates, I love these flowy pants! They are lightweight and packable, yet super cute, and they can go over a swimsuit or be worn for walking around town. I also love this maxi dress, which is stylish yet conservative, great for day trips, visiting historic sites, or again, after the beach!

When visiting religious sites, you’ll need to cover your knees and shoulders. Wearing the pants and dress I suggested above will help, but you can also throw a scarf into your daypack to cover your shoulders.

Lastly, you’ll want at least one nice outfit for dinners or specific occasions! Don’t stress about packing anything too fancy, you’re still traveling out of a suitcase after all!

11. Men’s Clothing

Men’s clothes follow the same rules as mentioned above – wear what you like to wear! But there are some great items that are versatile and can make your pack lighter.

Dan has had this merino wool t-shirt for years and loves to wear it in hot or cold climates. It’s breathable and actually keeps you cooler, so it’s great for a hike or exploring the city, but still has wool properties that keep you warm when temperatures drop. This athletic shirt is another option that’s frequently packed, at a slightly more affordable rate. 

These Vuori pants have a similar appeal because the fabric is so lightweight! But they are nicer-looking than average athletic pants, so you can wear them out exploring, then sit down to a fancy dinner without having to change.

I recommend bringing a button-down or collared shirt for dinners and evenings out. Again, nothing too fancy, but something a little more polished!

12. Anti-theft bag

Unfortunately, petty theft and pickpocketing can be common in Portugal, especially in heavily tourist areas such as Lisbon’s Baixa, Chiado, Alfama, and Belém, or on the metro. You really want to exercise caution and use street smarts to avoid losing your valuables.

We’ve been pick-pocketed while traveling before, and as frustrating as losing personal belongings or money is, it’s more of the violating feeling that stays with you. 

So to combat any chance of that, we picked up an anti-theft crossbody bag. I was skeptical at first, but we haven’t had any pickpocketing or issues since! It’s small enough to be packable and great for a day bag, and it fits a surprising amount of things. Best of all, it keeps your passport, wallet, keys, and other belongings safe!

13. Travel medications

It’s always good to be prepared, especially when you’re traveling in a foreign country. After getting sick one too many times, we’ve learned how important it is to pack a solid travel med kit—and this particular one truly has it all.

While you can find pharmacies all over Portugal, it can be tricky to navigate a language barrier or end up with an unfamiliar off-brand (I know this from experience!). From food poisoning and allergies to cuts or basic pain relief, having everything you need in one place is a huge relief.

14. Portable charger

A portable charger quickly became one of my must-haves when traveling, no matter where I’m going! 

There are many days when we would leave in the morning and be out for the entire day. So while I started with a full charge, by the time we spent a few hours exploring a city, looking up lunch restaurants, and getting directions to the meeting point for an afternoon tour, my phone would be nearly dead. 

We love this portable charger specifically because it holds a charge forever – I usually don’t even have to charge it on a trip! It also has multiple types of cords, so we can charge Dan’s Android, my iPhone, and even our GoPro while we’re out and about. Plus, it’s not ultra-heavy or bulky, so it doesn’t take up too much space in a bag. 

15. E-SIM

You’ve probably used SIM cards while traveling, but have you converted to an eSIM yet? Dan and I have recently been won over by the ease of eSIMs – instead of buying a little plastic chip and swapping it into your phone, you just download it. 

We’ve tried out a handful of eSIMs over the years, and after a few frustrating experiences, we’ve decided that Airalo is our favorite! It is really easy to set up (even my mom figured it out on her own!), and still very affordable. You can choose the amount of data and the length of the plan, and your phone will easily connect to a local network. 

Plus, you won’t have to try and get a SIM card at the airport, or be worried about being overcharged by a vendor (which happens a lot!). This is definitely the most straightforward way to go!

New users can get 15% off by using the code DTRAVEL15, and returning users can get 10% off their next eSIM by using DTRAVEL10 when you follow our link below!

16. Kindle

My Kindle e-book is another non-negotiable when packing! It’s the perfect on-the-go entertainment and a great alternative to mindlessly scrolling or to use when you’re out of service.

I know, many people prefer a real book over an e-book, but I actually started reading more when I got my Kindle. It’s easier to hold than a book, and it stores my entire library on the device, so I’m never without my next read. Honestly, for travel, it’s the way to go!

17. Packaging cubes

Staying organized while packing is a game-changer, especially if you plan on visiting multiple destinations in Portugal. If you’re looking for a way to keep everything neat and tidy, flight-friendly, and stress-free so you can focus on your adventure (and not laundry day), packing cubes are one of my favorite organizational tools.  

These packing cubes are a lifesaver for keeping everything organized—clean clothes, swimwear, leisure outfits, and even a separate cube for laundry after sweaty days. They make unpacking and repacking so much easier, especially if you’re changing locations often. If you’ve never used packing cubes before, they will change your perspective on packing altogether! 

18. Filter water bottle

This LARQ PureVis 2 water bottle isn’t an essential, but one of my favorite items to pack. It has a built-in filter, allowing you to drink water from any source with its high-quality purification system.

You can drink tap water in Portugal, but I always hate buying plastic water bottles to reuse. And while the water is safe to drink, it’s common to get an upset stomach while traveling, since it’s new to you. So having a water bottle that filters before you drink covers all your bases!

It also self-cleans every 2 hours, which is great if you’re traveling for a few weeks and don’t have time to clean it yourself. I was so impressed when I started using this water bottle – it’s seriously ahead of its time! I picked up replacement filters when I purchased my bottle, since you’ll need to replace them every 2 months. 

Another excellent filter bottle is the LifeStraw Water Bottle. While it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles that the LARQ Bottle has, it does its main job well and is a more affordable option. We like how it’s lightweight and compact, so if you throw it in your backpack or carry it on a hike, it isn’t too heavy or bulky. It filters out parasites, microplastics, bacteria, and even sand, dirt, or unknown cloudiness in water.

It’s a convenient travel item that gives you peace of mind while you travel to foreign places. Don’t forget to pick up a replacement filter as well, so you’re never without filtered water.

19. Rain jacket

Bringing a rain jacket is a great “just in case” item for summer travel. You’ll usually run into rain from October to April, and it’s wetter in the northern regions. You won’t find much rain during the summer months.

But if you like to be prepared for all scenarios, I love REI’s Trailmaid rain jacket because they are lightweight, breathable, and waterproof, not just water-resistant. It’s great in a hot, humid climate because it keeps you cool and dry, and the coat itself dries quickly as well.

You can get this jacket in men’s or women’s, and don’t worry, they have multiple colors, so you don’t have to match your partner. Check out the men’s REI Trailmade rain jacket or the women’s Trailmade jacket here! 

If you’d prefer an umbrella, we love this packable umbrella! It’s small, lightweight, and can fit in my day bag easily. I even started using it when it’s sunny out, as it’s the perfect way to stay shaded while exploring.

Extra Travel Items We Love

Thanks for reading!

Overpacking, underpacking, or choosing the wrong items can certainly put a damper on your trip to Portugal. After visiting a handful of times for ourselves, we’ve narrowed down the “must-have” items for you! We’ve traveled all over the country, and these items are always in my bag – you can’t go wrong if you stick to our list!

Before you take off, check out our other Europe travel blogs. Besides packing, we love sharing our favorite travel tips and tricks to make your vacation as memorable as possible. I’ll leave a few blogs below to inspire your next destination and help you plan the perfect trip to Portugal– cheers!

23 Best Things to do in Portugal

Where to Stay in The Algarve: 8 Best Areas & Hotels

The Best Beach Destinations in Southern Europe (For Every Type of Traveler)