Portugal Packing List (25 Things People Forget)

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A trip to Portugal can mean so many things depending on your preferences, but there are still a few core items you’ll need on your packing list for a successful trip. Deciding what stuff to bring in your bag for Portugal is trickier than you might think.

The places you visit in Portugal, the season, and the type of traveler you are will all impact the contents of your packing checklist. Missing just one important thing can throw your whole vacation out of whack. 

I spent months traveling through Portugal, and having a well-packed bag made it so much easier to enjoy my time in the country. To save you the headache of forgetting something, I’ve put together this ultimate Portugal packing checklist!

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Portugal Packing Checklist

🖨️ Get a printable version of this packing list here!

Travel Insurance

Portugal is the 7th safest country in the world [source]. Things can still happen, though. Injuries, lost bags, missed flights. Getting travel insurance is a choice only you can make, but it makes me feel more secure.

Personally, I choose to get travel insurance even in a safe country like Portugal. World Nomads has been my go-to when it comes to travel insurance, and I would never start packing without it.

International Charging Adapter

You won’t really think about putting an international charging adapter on your packing list until you forget it. Once that happens, it can be a domino effect of annoying circumstances afterward. 

I won’t go on a trip abroad without the Ceptics World International Travel Plug Adapter anymore. It works anywhere in the world and can accommodate pretty much every type of gadget.

Small Day Pack

Whether you’re spending a day at the beach or exploring the mountainous wine country, your small day pack will be a core part of every excursion in Portugal. I promise you it’s nice to have a bag that’s bigger than a handbag but smaller than your main backpack. 

Osprey carries lots of daypacks that can get the job done, like the high-quality Arcane small day pack. Its simple design is stylish but effective. It comes complete with a laptop sleeve and a self-locking security hook as an anti-theft measure.

Packing Cubes

Packing cubes have completely revolutionized travel for me. They save space and make it effortless to organize it all. However, not all packing cubes are created equal. Trust me, I’ve had a cube or two break in the worst possible moment.

Thankfully, I know I can always trust these Well Traveled compression packing cubes. They’re very durable and squeeze down to nearly flat.

Dry Shampoo

Dry shampoo is a total lifesaver when you need to freshen up your hair but don’t want to take a whole shower. Just a spray or two and you’re grease-free for another few hours. 

My favorite one on the market right now is the Amika perk-up dry shampoo. It doesn’t have that nasty, pasty residue that a lot of dry shampoos leave behind. 

Quick-Dry Travel Towel

Whether you stay in an Airbnb or a hotel, most places in Portugal will specify that you can’t use their towels at the beach. So, what are your options? Buy a huge beach towel and lug it around, or go without one at all? 

My suggestion is that you bring along a lightweight, easy-to-carry Rainleaf microfiber towel. Rainleaf towels dry in minutes after use and come with a little bag making them very convenient to pack. 

Travel Backpack

If you don’t have a good travel backpack, then everything else on your packing list can fall through the cracks. Literally! If you want to invest in the best of the best, I can’t recommend the Osprey Farpoint 55 Travel Pack enough. 

I’ve used mine to travel through four continents so far and it’s been worn hard. Yet, it still holds up and remains my favorite backpack of all time after owning a bunch of others (for more details, see my full Farpoint review).

Plus, you just can’t beat Osprey’s lifetime guarantee to repair or replace any damage or defect for any reason free of charge. You can’t buy insurance that good and it gives me peace of mind anywhere I go.

Filtered Water Bottle

Having a filtered water bottle will come in handy on a daily basis. You’ll be thirsty all the time in Portugal’s temperate climate and will always want clean drinking water available.

Enter: the Brita insulated filtered water bottle. You probably already know the name since it’s one of the top water filtration brands in the world. This bottle will save you time, money, and help you limit plastic waste, too.

Dry Bag

Portugal’s beaches are perfect for endless days of relaxation. However, that chill vibe can quickly deteriorate if one of your electronics or valuables gets destroyed by the water. 

To be on the safe side, don’t forget a MARCHWAY waterproof dry bag. It even floats, so you can bring your camera or phone along on boat trips. 

Toiletry Bag

A toiletry bag is key for keeping yourself organized on a vacation to Portugal. After all, if everything is orderly and efficient, you’ll have more time for exploring. This Narwey hanging travel toiletry bag has everything you need to keep yourself in order. 

Portable Power Bank

A portable power bank is another item that will be especially helpful when an outlet isn’t readily available at the beach or on long days of exploring Portugal.

It’s a good idea in general to keep your devices charged when you’re traveling in a foreign country and don’t know your way around.

I’m a big fan of the RGVOTA portable charger for traveling. It has a smart LCD display that tells you exactly how much battery percentage the power bank has left. That way, you’ll never be surprised by a dead portable charger again. 

Noise Canceling Headphones

Portugal is a pretty quiet country. When you’re staying in major cities like Lisbon though, in major cities like Lisbon, the sounds of the street can make their way into your accommodations. With these Anker Soundcore noise-canceling headphones, you only have to be a part of the action when you feel like it. 

Journal

Forgetting the details of a trip is easier than you might think. The best way to keep your memories of Portugal fresh forever is by documenting them in a travel journal. Simply writing for five to ten minutes a day will leave you with a priceless souvenir. 

Since you’ll still want to travel light, go for this Moleskine classic notebook. It’s compact enough to pack in a carry-on and comes in a bunch of pretty colors. 

Travel Speaker

When I was in Portugal, I always saw people jamming out on the beach with their little portable speakers and I was so jealous.

Learn from my mistake and put one of these handy Tribit portable speakers on your packing list. It’s 100% waterproof, has surprisingly impressive bass, and hooks right on your backpack strap. 

Passport & ID Carrier

You want to minimize the risk of damaging your passport as much as possible when you’re traveling. That’s why I carry my passport, ID, and important travel documents in a cute passport holder like this stylish leather PASCACOO passport holder wallet.

It’s made with eco-friendly synthetic leather, has RFID blocking, and even comes with a metal pin to change your phone’s SIM card when traveling abroad if you need.

Tablet

Tablets are multi-useful when it comes to travel. I mean, it’s basically a computer in a travel-friendly body. All types of travelers from families with kids to solo traveling digital nomads can get use out of a tablet.

Whether you want to read books, watch movies, or work, an Apple iPad mini has you covered. Known for its feather-weight design, this rendition of the iPad is absolutely perfect for a trip to Portugal.

First Aid Kit

If you’re reading any packing list written by me, you’ll almost always end up seeing this item. First aid kits are a must-have for any type of trip, but especially for Portugal, where you’ll likely be spending a lot of time outside embarking on adventures.

The Protect Life Survival First Aid Kit works well because it’s small enough to toss in your bag and forget about it unless you need it. 

Wrinkle Release Spray

No matter how hard you try, it’s next to impossible to keep your clothes nicely pressed when you’re stuffing them into a backpack. That’s why I was blown away when I discovered this Downy Wrinkle release spray. It sounds too good to be true, but it works. All you have to do is spray your wrinkled fabric, flatten it out, and it looks like it’s been freshly ironed. 

Compact Umbrella

The best time to visit Portugal for near-constant sunny skies is May to August. But if you’re in the country during the rainy season from November to April, it’s likely you’ll experience your fair share of storms.

If you do visit during this time period, make sure you bring along a Yoobure Mini Umbrella. Even though it’s compact as could be, it’s very well-made and even provides UV protection for those sun showers. 

Other Portugal Essentials to Pack

• Extra copy of passport and travel documents 
• Booking confirmation receipts
• Luggage lock
• Toothbrush and non-liquid toiletry essentials
• Prescribed medication
• Makeup remover wipes
• Contact lenses and solution
• Sunscreen
• Face masks 
• Laundry bag for dirty clothes 
• Emergency documents (Embassy address, emergency contacts, etc.)
• Neck pillow
• Travel blanket
• Eye mask
• Digital or GoPro Camera 
• eReader

Clothing to Pack for Portugal

Packing for Portugal isn’t as cut and dry as your standard beach vacation packing list. Depending on where and when you go, and what you do, your wardrobe requirements will vary drastically.

The dress codes in Portugal vary from relaxed to fancy as well, so it’s important to consider what you wear in Portugal. 

So what clothing should you pack for Portugal? Here is a quick clothing checklist for Portugal: 

• 2 pairs of shorts
• 2 light sundresses
• 1 flowy skirt
• 3-5 casual shirts or t-shirts 
• 1-2 dressier shirts or outfits
• 2 swimsuits
• 1 pair of jeans
• 1 windbreaker or packable jacket
• 1 pair of flip-flops/sandals
• 1 pair of comfortable walking shoes
• 1 pair of water shoes
• 1 pair of sunglasses
• 7 pairs of underwear
• 5-6 pairs of socks
• 1 beach coverup

Are you looking for some more specific recommendations for clothes to wear in Portugal? I’ve got you covered right here:

T-Shirts

A few t-shirts with a simple and neutral design can go a long way in Portugal. You’ll probably only need a couple of well-made shirts for an average-length trip, like a pack of these Amazon Essentials women’s crewnecks and Gildan men’s crew t-shirts. 

Bathing Suits

Travelers flock to Portugal for its stunning beaches. So, a bathing suit or two is an absolute necessity when you’re spending time at this European destination.

For the ladies, this Tempt Me Women two-piece vintage Swimsuit hits all the requirements for being comfortable and attractive on those days by the ocean. For men, the Nautica Men’s Quick Dry Classic swim trunk is top of the line when it comes to value and fit. 

Beach Coverup

I absolutely hate thinking about what I’m going to wear on my way to the beach. That’s why I always bring a cute, light cover-up to beach paradises like Portugal.

This Blooming Jelly swimsuit coverup is an excellent option because it’s comfortable yet classy enough to run into a restaurant for a midday bite.  

Water Shoes

Practically every Portugal itinerary includes a few beach days. To fully take advantage of the country’s expansive beaches, you’ll need a sturdy pair of water shoes.

Luckily, these VIFUUR watersports shoes work for men and women. They feature a basic design and are available at an extremely affordable price. Not to mention they’re easy to pack.

Sundress

Portugal’s summer months are no joke when it comes to hot weather. You’ll be sweating from the moment you walk out the door.

When I was in Portugal over the summer, I practically lived in light dresses like this FENSACE Women’s Sundress. Plus, it’s awesome not having to worry about matching pieces of clothing together. 

Packable Jacket

While it can be brutally hot in Portugal during the summer, the weather throughout the rest of the year can be much less toasty. Even if it’s not the rainy season, it gets chilly in the evenings during the winter and you’ll be happy to have a light jacket to throw on. 

This SaphiRose Women’s Long Hooded Rain Jacket is ideal during the rainy season because it will keep your entire outfit dry. The LONDON FOG Men’s Auburn Zip-Front Golf Jacket is great because it’s easy to match with anything and has tons of pockets to hold your daily travel essentials. 

Portugal Packing Tips

Consider The Season You’re Visiting

Portugal changes quite drastically with the seasons. When you’re deciding on the best time to visit Portugal for you, it’s important to consider how that will change your packing list. 

You’ll need warmer clothes and rain gear during the colder months after October. But warm clothes won’t be necessary at all in the intense heat of summer. Then, your bag should be stuffed with very light, comfortable clothes. 

Use A Large Travel Backpack Instead Of Rolling Suitcases

I’m a firm believer in trusting a large travel backpack as opposed to the more conventional alternative of a rolling suitcase. Traditional suitcases are just too cumbersome to pack for a European city where there are cobblestones. Even without the wheels, high-quality travel backpacks are easier to carry around and organize. 

See our guide to the best travel backpacks for inspiration. If you’re really dedicated to a suitcase, make sure you consult our write-up of the best carry-on bags to pick the right one.

Wear Bulky Clothes For The Flight

I’m sure you’ve already heard a thousand times that you should pack light for your Portugal trip. One of the best ways to achieve this goal is by wearing any bulky clothes you need on the flight. It’s freezing on most planes anyway, so you can kill two birds with one stone. 

👉 Read Next: 27 Best Things to Do in Lisbon

Buy Liquid Toiletries In Portugal

Portugal isn’t one of those faraway destinations where basic toiletries or essentials won’t be readily available. There are stocked-up pharmacies, shops, and grocery stores all over the place.

Instead of running the risk of a bottle exploding in your bag or getting into it with the TSA, you can always grab your liquid toiletries once you get into the country.  

There Are Plenty Of Laundromats In Portugal

If you’re a long-term traveler, you won’t have to worry about doing your laundry in Portugal. Lots of accommodations provide washing machines and drying lines. If they don’t, laundromats are readily available, even in smaller towns. 

Look Up Luggage Restrictions Ahead Of Time

It’s a drag to be all ready for your Portugal vacation, only to be brought to a screeching stop when your bag doesn’t meet the airline’s requirements. To avoid this situation entirely, do a quick search of your airline’s luggage restrictions ahead of time. 

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🖨️ Get a printable version of this checklist

You’re all packed and ready to go to Portugal. I’m guessing that you’ll be spending at least a few days in Lisbon during your trip, so make sure you read my guide to the best day trips from Lisbon next.