Estimating the cost of a week in Portugal in 2027

As we look ahead to 2027, the cost of travelling through Portugal continues to reflect the country’s growing popularity and broader economic shifts in Southern Europe. While Portugal remains more affordable than France or the United Kingdom, the days of exceptionally cheap city breaks in Lisbon or Porto have largely passed. We live and work in the Alentejo, and we see how prices shift between the rural interior and the busy coastal hubs.

To plan a week-long trip, it is helpful to break down expenses into four main categories: accommodation, transport, food, and activities. This guide provides a realistic view of what we expect a mid-range traveller to spend, avoiding both the lowest budget hostels and the highest luxury resorts.

Accommodation costs

In 2027, accommodation represents the largest portion of a travel budget. In Lisbon and Porto, a comfortable double room in a centrally located boutique hotel or a well-rated guesthouse typically ranges from €140 to €220 per night. Prices fluctuate significantly depending on the season, with May to September being the most expensive months.

In rural areas like the Alentejo or the Douro Valley, you may find better value, though the rise of high-end wine tourism has pushed prices up in certain pockets. A stay in a converted farmhouse or a traditional 'quinta' usually costs between €100 and €160 per night. If you are travelling as a family and require a two-bedroom apartment or a small villa, we suggest budgeting between €1,200 and €1,800 for the week.

Transport and getting around

Public transport remains an efficient way to move between major cities. A high-speed train ticket from Lisbon to Porto generally costs between €25 and €45, depending on how far in advance you book. Within the cities, a daily pass for trams, buses, and the metro is roughly €7 to €10.

For those wishing to explore the countryside where we live, a car is necessary. Renting a small manual car in 2027 typically costs between €30 and €55 per day, excluding insurance. Fuel prices in Portugal are among the highest in Europe, often ranging from €1.80 to €2.10 per litre. Additionally, Portugal’s motorways use an electronic toll system. A week of moderate driving, including tolls and fuel, will likely add €200 to €300 to your total expenses.

Dining and food

Food is where you can still find excellent value if you eat like a local. The 'prato do dia' (plate of the day) served at lunch in small tavernas remains a reliable way to eat well for a modest price. In 2027, a lunch including a main course, a drink, and coffee costs between €12 and €18 per person.

Evening meals in mid-range restaurants have seen more price pressure. A dinner for two with a bottle of local wine and three courses usually falls between €60 and €90 in most towns. In the Alentejo, where portions are traditionally large, you may find yourself spending slightly less. Tipping is not mandatory but rounding up the bill or leaving 5 to 10 per cent for good service is a common gesture.

Sightseeing and daily expenses

Entrance fees for major monuments, such as the Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon or the Palácio da Pena in Sintra, typically range from €12 to €20 per person. Many smaller museums in regional towns charge between €4 and €8. If you plan to visit one major site per day and stop for coffee and small snacks, we recommend a daily 'activity' budget of €25 to €35 per person.

Typical weekly budgets

Based on these figures, we can estimate the total cost for two people sharing a room for seven days in 2027. These totals do not include international flights.

• The moderate budget: Approximately €1,800 to €2,200. This covers mid-range guesthouses, a mix of train and local transport, and eating at traditional Portuguese restaurants.
• The comfort budget: Approximately €2,800 to €3,500. This includes higher-end boutique hotels, a rental car for the week, more frequent fine dining, and guided tours or wine tastings.

For those visiting the Alentejo, costs are often more stable than in the capital, but the need for a rental car is a fixed cost that should be factored in early. We always advise checking if your accommodation includes breakfast, as this can save a couple roughly €15 to €20 each morning. While prices have risen, the quality of local produce and the hospitality found in our corner of the country remain high.