01 · Paesaggi costieri
São Miguel
Paesaggi vulcanici, insediamenti costieri e punti panoramici sull'isola più grande delle Azzorre.
Verifica l'accesso, il livello di attività e cosa è incluso nel tuo itinerario confermato.
Isole atlantiche e patrimonio costiero
The destination is the experience
I viaggi oceanici in Portogallo possono esplorare le Azzorre, Madeira o la costa continentale. Queste regioni differiscono per clima, distanze e territorio; una spedizione sulle isole non è lo stesso viaggio di una crociera tra i porti continentali.
Un viaggio attraverso São Miguel e la regione circostante mette a fuoco il paesaggio. La tua nave collega le località costiere, mentre le escursioni guidate rivelano i dettagli che è facile perdersi dal ponte.
Scegli le tappe effettive del programma, non solo il nome della destinazione. Gli itinerari che includono la costa di Madeira possono offrire un equilibrio tra natura e cultura diverso da quelli incentrati su Porto Santo. Le attività, i permessi e l'impegno richiesto per le camminate variano a seconda del viaggio.
When to go
Best time to travel: seasons & weather
Match your Portugal route to the season, the shore experiences you want and local conditions. Coastal regions can differ considerably within the same destination.
Shore-excursion season in Portugal at a glance
ExcellentGoodOff-season
Excellent, peak season (Mar – Jun & Sep – Oct)
Mild spring and autumn for Atlantic island walks, historic coastal towns and volcanic landscapes. Conditions vary between the Azores, Madeira and the mainland.
Good, shoulder season (Jul – Aug & Nov – Feb)
Island weather remains changeable; Atlantic swell, rain and summer heat influence shore programs differently by region.
Typical patterns for planning shore excursions; weather varies year to year and is never guaranteed.
Peak season · Mar – Jun & Sep – Oct
Mild spring and autumn for Atlantic island walks, historic coastal towns and volcanic landscapes. Conditions vary between the Azores, Madeira and the mainland.
Shoulder season · Jul – Aug & Nov – Feb
Island weather remains changeable; Atlantic swell, rain and summer heat influence shore programs differently by region.
Season & shore-walk conditions
Jan
Variable
93 mm
Seasonal
Feb
Variable
78 mm
Seasonal
Mar
Peak
71 mm
Seasonal
Apr
Peak
81 mm
Seasonal
May
Peak
81 mm
Seasonal
Jun
Peak
42 mm
Seasonal
Jul
Variable
12 mm
Seasonal
Aug
Variable
37 mm
Seasonal
Sep
Peak
60 mm
Seasonal
Oct
Peak
105 mm
Seasonal
Nov
Variable
96 mm
Seasonal
Dec
Variable
136 mm
Seasonal
| Typical pattern | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shore conditions | Variable | Variable | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Variable | Variable | Peak | Peak | Variable | Variable |
| Rain / snow · mm | 93 | 78 | 71 | 81 | 81 | 42 | 12 | 37 | 60 | 105 | 96 | 136 |
| Cruises | Seasonal | Seasonal | Seasonal | Seasonal | Seasonal | Seasonal | Seasonal | Seasonal | Seasonal | Seasonal | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperatures describe the Azores. Madeira and the mainland have different local conditions. Cruise operation depends on the published itinerary, not the weather rating.
Air temperatures through the year
Average daily highAverage daily low
Temperatures in Ponta Delgada shift clearly through the year: August is the warmest month with average highs near 23°C, while February is the coolest at around 16°C, a swing of roughly 7°C. Nights typically run about 1°C below the daytime high, so a layer for evenings is worth packing. The months between these extremes warm up and cool down gradually rather than abruptly.
Ponta Delgada · 2015–2024. Monthly averages, rounded for planning; not a forecast or a local station measurement. Rainfall includes water-equivalent snowfall where relevant.
Wildlife on land & along the coast
Meet the locals
The most memorable encounters often happen at walking pace. Animals live in specific habitats, so the places on your route matter as much as the month. Follow local wildlife distances and your guide.
Workable conditions, no guarantee
Foca monaca del Mediterraneo
Madeira e le Desertas
Questa rara foca è associata principalmente a Madeira e alle Desertas, non alla costa continentale.
Cooler months
Lince iberica
Guadiana Valley (escursione nell'entroterra)
Partecipa a un'escursione nell'entroterra nella Guadiana Valley, questo felino maculato non si trova sulla costa.
Spring & autumn
Lupo iberico
Montagne settentrionali dell'entroterra
Per cercare questo lupo della regione è necessaria un'escursione dedicata nell'entroterra verso le montagne settentrionali.
Spring & autumn
Cinghiale
Boschi di querce da sughero e macchia
Cerca questo mammifero adattabile tra i boschi e la fitta boscaglia alle spalle delle zone costiere.
Fair-weather months
Tartaruga comune
Coste delle isole atlantiche
Scruta le coste delle isole dai ponti all'aperto per avvistare occasionalmente una tartaruga caretta che riemerge in lontananza.
Mild weather, sunny days
Lucertola muraiola di Madeira
Giardini & muri a secco di Madeira
Cerca questa piccola e vivace lucertola lungo i giardini costieri e i muri a secco di Madeira.
Wildlife is wild: sightings, courtship displays and nesting activity cannot be guaranteed. Species occur in different parts of the region, not at every landing.
Show all other animalsEvery shore tells a different story
Shore excursions worth planning around
These are examples of places and experiences, not a promised itinerary. Look for the actual landing names and included transfers in your ship’s day-by-day program.
02 · Patrimonio locale
Costa di Madeira
Scogliere, villaggi in collina e passeggiate selezionate lungo le levadas a Madeira, con escursioni specifiche per l'itinerario.
Verifica l'accesso, il livello di attività e cosa è incluso nel tuo itinerario confermato.
03 · Esplorazione guidata
Lisbona
Una storica porta d'accesso sull'Atlantico con quartieri sul lungomare e viste panoramiche dalle colline.
Verifica l'accesso, il livello di attività e cosa è incluso nel tuo itinerario confermato.
04 · Natura a terra
Laghi vulcanici delle Azzorre
I laghi di cratere e i verdi altipiani richiedono un trasferimento confermato verso l'entroterra durante lo scalo sull'isola.
Verifica l'accesso, il livello di attività e cosa è incluso nel tuo itinerario confermato.
05 · Esperienze isolane
Porto Santo
Le coste sabbiose contrastano con il litorale frastagliato di Madeira. Le visite dipendono dai collegamenti tra le isole e dalle condizioni meteorologiche.
Verifica l'accesso, il livello di attività e cosa è incluso nel tuo itinerario confermato.
06 · Punti salienti dell'itinerario
Belém
Il quartiere storico lungo il fiume di Lisbona offre una visita culturale a terra, non un itinerario separato per crociere fluviali.
Verifica l'accesso, il livello di attività e cosa è incluso nel tuo itinerario confermato.
Vulcani atlantici
Le Azores e Madeira sono arcipelaghi vulcanici con terreni scoscesi ed età geologiche molto diverse.
Foreste delle isole
La foresta di laurisilva di Madeira e la vegetazione delle Azores richiedono escursioni specifiche per essere esplorate oltre il porto.
Conservazione delle isole
I sentieri forestali protetti e le attività di osservazione della fauna marina sono soggetti a regole locali. Scegli guide autorizzate e mantieni la distanza dagli animali selvatici.
Choose places before cabins
Which Portugal route is right for you?
Route labels vary between operators. Compare the actual ports, landings and shore programs, not just the regional name.
Isole Azzorre
Scegli l'elenco effettivo delle isole delle Azzorre per le passeggiate vulcaniche e i programmi di osservazione della fauna oceanica.
Madeira & Porto Santo
Gli itinerari con base a Madeira combinano ripidi paesaggi verdeggianti e isole vicine.
Costa continentale
Lisbona e altri porti continentali danno risalto al patrimonio urbano e alle escursioni costiere organizzate.
Your base between shore days
Portugal cruise ships
Explore the cruise ships already in our collection. Compare cabins, guest numbers and day-by-day routes; daily prices appear only when current pricing is available.
Loading Portugal cruise ships…
Flights & arrival
How to get to Portugal
Fly into Lisbon (LIS), Porto (OPO), Funchal/Madeira (FNC) or Ponta Delgada/Azores (PDL).
LIS
Flight gateway
Lisbon · Humberto Delgado
Confirm the island or mainland embarkation port before arranging onward transfers. Confirm the onward flight or harbour transfer from Lisbon with your operator before booking.
OPO
Flight gateway
Porto · Francisco Sá Carneiro
Confirm the island or mainland embarkation port before arranging onward transfers. Confirm the onward flight or harbour transfer from Porto with your operator before booking.
FNC
Flight gateway
Madeira · Cristiano Ronaldo
Confirm the island or mainland embarkation port before arranging onward transfers. Confirm the onward flight or harbour transfer from Madeira with your operator before booking.
PDL
Flight gateway
Ponta Delgada · João Paulo II
Confirm the island or mainland embarkation port before arranging onward transfers. Confirm the onward flight or harbour transfer from Ponta Delgada with your operator before booking.
Connections & onward transfers
Onward journey
Confirm the island or mainland embarkation port before arranging onward transfers.
Before departure
Arrive a day early.
Arrive early, protect your departure
We recommend reaching the embarkation town at least one day before departure. Allow more time for remote destinations, separate flights, ferries or long transfers, and follow any earlier arrival or briefing required by your operator.
- Confirm the embarkation town, harbour meeting point and check-in time before buying flights.
- Ask which airport transfer, ferry or domestic connection is included in the cruise.
- Book flexible connections where possible and allow extra time for remote routes.
- The airports listed are alternatives for different routes, not confirmed flights for this ship. Check the port, meeting time and transfers in your final travel documents.
Flight schedules and entry requirements change. Confirm current arrangements with your operator before booking.
Before you set sail
A little preparation makes a big difference
Pack for the landings
- Grippy walking shoes and suitable footwear for wet landings
- Sun hat, high-protection sunscreen and refillable water bottle
- Light rain jacket and a wind layer for boat transfers
- Binoculars and a camera, with no flash around wildlife
- Personal medication and motion-sickness advice before departure
Respect the destination
- Follow local guides, landing permissions and protected-area rules
- Keep the required distance from wildlife and avoid nesting or resting areas
- Never feed or touch animals; do not collect natural objects
- Clean footwear and equipment before sensitive island landings
- Respect local dress, community invitations and photography permission
Discuss health, mobility and dietary needs before choosing a route. Remote areas may have limited medical facilities; travel insurance should cover your activities and any necessary evacuation.
Good to know
Portugal cruise questions
When is the best time for a Portugal cruise?
Mild spring and autumn for Atlantic island walks, historic coastal towns and volcanic landscapes. Conditions vary between the Azores, Madeira and the mainland. Island weather remains changeable; Atlantic swell, rain and summer heat influence shore programs differently by region. The climate chart describes Ponta Delgada; conditions elsewhere on the route can differ.
Which Portugal route should I choose?
Isole Azzorre: Scegli l'elenco effettivo delle isole delle Azzorre per le passeggiate vulcaniche e i programmi di osservazione della fauna oceanica. Madeira & Porto Santo: Gli itinerari con base a Madeira combinano ripidi paesaggi verdeggianti e isole vicine. Costa continentale: Lisbona e altri porti continentali danno risalto al patrimonio urbano e alle escursioni costiere organizzate.
Are shore excursions included?
Check the inclusions and actual day-by-day program. Visits such as São Miguel or Costa di Madeira require the right route; park entry, transfers and optional activities may cost extra.
What wildlife can I see in Portugal?
The region supports species such as Foca monaca del Mediterraneo, Lince iberica, Lupo iberico. Different species use different habitats; not every animal occurs at every port. Sightings are never guaranteed.
Do I need to be an experienced hiker?
Not necessarily, but uneven paths, steps and wet transfers can be demanding. Ask about the exact walking distances, terrain and assistance before choosing your voyage.
Can the itinerary change?
Yes. Weather, sea state, tides, ice, permits and wildlife protection can change landings. Your captain and expedition team determine safe alternatives.
What entry documents do I need for Portugal?
Your cruise visits Portugal. Visa requirements, electronic travel authorisations and passport-validity rules depend on your nationality and travel documents. Check the current official guidance linked below, including transit-country rules, before travelling.Official entry guidance
When should I arrive before the cruise?
Reach the confirmed embarkation town at least one day early, or earlier if your operator requires briefing nights. Allow extra time for domestic flights, ferries and remote gateways.