Blog
Our articles on Lisbon, the Algarve and life in Portugal.
What do US working hours look like from Lisbon?
Quick answer. A US 9-to-5 on Eastern time falls roughly between 2 p.m. and 10 p.m. in Lisbon. Lisbon is normally five hours ahead of New York and eight ahead of California.
What is Christmas like on the Algarve coast?
Quick answer. Christmas on the Algarve coast is mild, not warm: daytime highs around 63°F, nights around 50°F, and December is the wettest of the three winter months. Bring a jacket and an umbrella, not a swimsuit.
What events and festivals take place in the Algarve each month?
Quick answer. The Algarve's biggest events are in August, Loulé's Carnival opens the year in February or March, and winter is quieter. Most 2027 dates are not published yet, so we give the month and the dates of the last edition we found.
What is the Algarve like in winter?
Quick answer. The Algarve in winter is mild but not warm, wetter than summer, and far from closed: daily life carries on. The part that surprises visitors most is indoors, not outdoors: ask how your home is heated before you book.
How long can Americans stay in Portugal without a visa?
Quick answer. Americans can stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period, and that allowance covers the whole Schengen area, not Portugal alone. Once the 90 days are spent, the visa-free allowance is used up, and anything longer falls under different rules that this article does not cover.