Best time to visit Portugal

Portugal's carnival season features spectacular celebrations, with Torres Vedras hosting the most authentic Portuguese carnival and Loulé in the Algarve presenting a flower-filled Mediterranean-style parade. The festivities include satirical floats, elaborate costumes, and traditional entrudo celebrations rooted in centuries of Portuguese culture.

Portugal's Semana Santa (Holy Week) features some of Iberia's most moving processions, with Braga hosting the most famous celebrations including the dramatic Ecce Homo procession by torchlight. Churches across the country present elaborate passion plays and the air fills with incense and solemn music during these deeply spiritual days.

June is the month of the Popular Saints in Lisbon, when the entire city erupts into street parties honoring Saint Anthony, Saint John, and Saint Peter. The Alfama and Mouraria neighborhoods transform with colorful decorations, sardine grills, and traditional arraial dancing that continues through the night.