24 Best Medieval & Historic Events in Portugal in 2025

The view from Palmela Castle during the Palmela Medieval festival and fair

Colourful banners flutter above cheering crowds as knights on horseback clash in a tournament for the ages. The air is thick with the scents of roasting meat and red wine, and music from another era fills your ears. Vendors hawk their wares from stalls while theatrical performers bring every corner to life, dressed as noble […]

Best music festivals in Portugal: Complete 2025 guide

Nos Alive is one of the best music festivals in Portugal

Each year, especially in summer, Portugal’s music festival calendar is packed with big-name artists, major festival line-ups and smaller boutique events. Expect to find music festivals in Portugal’s big cities of Lisbon and Porto, plus down south on the beaches of the Algarve and in secret countryside locations in 2025. I’m a huge fan of […]

Ultimate Portugal Events Guide: Best Festivals & Cultural Events for 2024 & 2025

Caretos de Podence running through the streets during the Entrudo do Chocalheiro

Portugal knows how to throw a brilliant party, and in 2025 these will be the biggest and best festivals and events to attend. Each year cities, towns and villages across Portugal play host to traditional celebrations, food-focused events and huge music festivals. From celebrations with sardines and world-class street theatre, to medieval fairs and international […]

Romaria d’Agonia: The most beautiful traditional festival in Portugal

Traditional red lavradeira costumes at the Romaria de Nossa Senhora d'Agonia in Viana do Castelo during the Mordomia Parade or Desfile de Mordomia

If Mattel was to make a Portugal Barbie, the traje de Viana would be the costume. After the train passes Porto the hills turn green and we pass vineyards that line the tracks and corn fields at their peak. Stone towns and cabbage patches zip by as we chug north towards Viana do Castelo, the […]

Food Festival Guide: Best Gastronomic Events in Portugal 2024 & 2025

Chefs on Fire is one of the best food festivals in Portugal

From celebrating sausages and sweet potatoes to Michelin-starred chefs cooking with fire, Portugal honours its rich gastronomic heritage with dozens of food festivals, wine fairs and events. Food is closely intertwined with culture in Portugal so it’s no surprise the small country puts on more than its fair share of food events. Each village has […]

Join the list

Subscribe to my newsletter and receive the latest stories once per month