Packing for Portugal
 

Hi all. My husband and I are headed to Portugal for two wonderful weeks. We start in Oporto and have nights in Pinhao, Coimbra, Obidos, Lisbon and then we drive to Lagos for a few days in the sun. I've read the packing light threads - I'm all minimalist traveling, but I'm worried about a dress code. What should we wear while touring and dining?

The way you phrased the question "touring" and "dining" suggests to me you would be more comfortable with light skirts and blouses than in roughing it with jeans and tank tops. If so, there are some good choices in the Tilley line and the like that fit into the minimalist tradition but will still help you feel well-dressed. Portugal is more formal in the cities and in the north.

thanks for the reply.

does that mean my husband needs to stick to slacks and collared shirts instead of shorts?

Not at all. Personal preference, of course. My DH wore both shorts and long pants while in Portugal, but when we were in Lisbon, he tended to long pants.

As for men's shirts, he is a big fan of the Tilley shirts but less for fashion's sake than for durability.

It will be hot in the Algarve so I would pack accordingly. When we were in Tavira, we wore very light clothing (including skirts and shorts). Restaurants and outdoor cafes were very casual -- I am sure you'll find the same in Lagos.

It was very hot when I was in Lisbon a couple of weeks ago so I was glad I had shorts. I wore khakis on a day trip to central Portugal. While it appears most native men don't wear shorts, there were plenty of men wearing them.