What to Wear in Portugal

Top style tips for Portugal

Portugal has so much to offer and what you pack will depend on when and where you go. A week in the Algarve in the summer requires a different approach to a city break, so see below for specific advice on popular locations.
In the cities you will find the locals dress in a smart, casual and understated elegant style. Opt for a smart casual look with nice shoes.
Jeans are very popular everywhere in Portugal, especially with younger people, but they are always smart and clean.
Also In the cities, unless you are staying at a hotel with a pool, leave your swimming costume at home – as you are unlikely to use it.
On the coast and especially in the tourist resorts of the Algarve, dress is far more casual. Shorts, t-shirts and camisoles are perfectly acceptable.
In the summer wear plenty of sunscreen (we love the Riemann P20 range for 10 hour protection) and a sunhat.
Pack sunglasses whatever time of year you go.
If you are looking for a highly versatile travel jacket to bring along we recommend the SCOTTeVEST range. Their range of jackets have been specifically designed with traveling in mind and include RFID security (to protect your passport information), 23 secure pockets and personal connectivity integration.

Make sure you take comfy footwear for daytime – we love Hotter shoes, for total comfort with style.
Ladies take your heels, but save them for evening dining or nightclubbing.

Our advice would be to save your shorts and sarong for the beach, as wearing them elsewhere will label you as a tourist and skimpy tight-fitting clothes may lead to unwanted attention.
We would suggest that you pack a smarter outfit for more up-market restaurants and some great sparkly sandals. We love the Lindsay Phillips Switch Flops range – using interchangeable shoe and flip-flop bases with snap-on decorations, you can change your look from day to evening in an instant whilst still packing light.
A pashmina is a versatile item that will dress up any outfit.
If you are going to visit any religious sites then be sure to cover your shoulders and bare legs – your pashmina can come in handy for this too.

Apart from opting for a smart casual look away from the beach there are no specific things to bring to your attention. Check out our packing list for our suggested capsule wardrobe.
If you're looking for versatile and stylish beachwear, try the Madda Fella range of shirts, shorts, polos and swimwear.
For great versatile travel jackets with multiple pockets including RFID security options, we love the SCOTTeVEST range.

The winter months of November, December, January, February and March can be cool and wet, so pack a lightweight raincoat and travel umbrella.
Remember that even if the winter months are warmer than you are used to at home, they won't feel that way to the locals. Pack warmer clothes and shoes if you want to fit in and feel comfortable, but do take your sunglasses whatever the time of year.
Dressing in layers will help you with any temperature changes.
We love the Weather+ app – it gives an accurate 6 day forecast for day and night, which when you're planning from home is really helpful. You can keep all the places you've been to too – a nice way to remember your trip 🙂

If you tend to buy bottled water, consider carrying a LifeStraw Filtration Water Bottle – fill up from any source and get clean, safe drinking water without wasting plastic bottles.
To use electrical gadgets you may need a travel adapter plug, and also a step down voltage converter if your devices are not designed for European voltage (230V).
Avoid paying unexpected baggage fees – use an accurate luggage scale to ensure you keep within the weight allowance. Don't forget to leave room for souvenirs on the way home! Shoes and cork products are great buys in Portugal, as of course are wine and olive oil – but you will need to pack these liquids in checked-in luggage unless you buy at the airport duty-free.
A lightweight day sack or shoulder bag will come in handy to carry your sightseeing essentials.