Portugal is the westernmost country in Europe and is renowned for its colorful beaches, folklore traditions, and rich football history. Visitors from around the world come here to admire ancient fortresses and churches and enjoy architectural ensembles preserved from the Middle Ages.
For a first-time visitor looking to sample its delectable cuisine and relaxed ambiance, the best way to see its cities is with an eSIM. You need an eSIM to connect with colleagues and loved ones back home and to navigate and explore local historical sites without getting lost.
In this guide, we will take you through the top 5 cities to travel with an eSIM in Portugal, including everything you may need to know about each city. Read on to learn more!
Lisbon: digital city meets old-world charm
Lisbon, with its cobblestone streets and vibrant tech and startup scene, has become a magnet for remote workers, freelancers, and digital nomads. Its unique blend of historical architecture and modern, well-designed co-working spaces creates an inspiring ecosystem for remote work.
The startup scene is blowing up in districts like Santos and Alcantra, where entrepreneurs have transformed old warehouses into tech labs and creative hubs. And this is not forgetting the presence of annual events such as the Web Summit that have helped place Lisbon on the global tech map.
If tech hubs and co-working spaces aren’t for you, you could always work in cafes and public libraries. The city has plenty of public spaces that boast tech-friendly infrastructure and great Wi-Fi connections, which are ideal for remote work. Examples of these are:
Libraries:
- Biblioteca de Belém
- Biblioteca Nacional de Portugal
Cafe’s
- Hello, Kristof
- Delta The Coffee House Experience
- Fabrica Coffee Roasters
Porto: snap, post, repeat with seamless data
Whether you’re a tourist or a content creator, you can trust that there’s a wealth of discoveries awaiting you in Porto. The city is famous for its port wine and sits along the banks of the Douro River. It has a rich historical legacy that both captivates your senses and invites exploration.
Some of the top spots to visit while in Porto include the Livraria Lello, the São Bento Railway Station, and the Ribeira District. While here, you can snap, post, and repeat with Holafly’s eSIM for travelers. Its seamless data packages guarantee 24/7 connectivity.
You’ll love having an eSIM as it allows you to switch between local carriers without having to swap SIM cards. With it, you have an opportunity to travel extensively and operate from multiple locations in the city, something that may prove challenging with a traditional SIM card.
Faro: staying connected by the coast
Faro, Algarve’s capital, serves as the gateway to the city’s rich maritime history and enchanting beaches located in the country’s southern region. The old-town has a vibrant cultural life and is surrounded by ancient city walls, which provide a glimpse into its past with its cobbled streets.
The city is home to lively markets, a variety of museums, and delicious local cuisine, making it a favorite with tourists and content creators. You can find its sandy coastline along the southern side of the three sandbar islands, which shelter the salt marshes and mudflats of the nature park.
To access its idyllic beaches, you’ll need to use your eSIM to book a taxi or catch the ferry or bus. Choose your means of transport based on the island you wish to visit. While at it, consider scheduling your trip during the summer months when the weather is ideal for beach activities.
If you wish to avoid the crowds at the beach and at the Faro Jewish Heritage Centre, you may want to visit Faro during late spring or early autumn. Both periods are characterized by favorable weather conditions, allowing you to explore Faro city at a more leisurely pace.
Coimbra: exploring history without getting lost
Coimbra is a hub of academic tradition, cultural heritage, and vibrant nightlife. This ancient university town is home to the oldest university in Europe -The University of Coimbra. It exudes youthful energy and has a medieval centre called the “Baixa de Coimbra”.
The city seamlessly merges old-town charm with modernity, offering its visitors a distinctive experience unlike any other. Its narrow streets are lined with cozy cafes ideal for remote work and traditional restaurants where you can enjoy the delicious local cuisine.
While in Coimbra, make sure to visit:
- The University of Coimbra: This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where tourists can participate in guided tours of its historic buildings.
- Machado de Castro National Museum: The museum is the place to be if you wish to admire Roman artifacts and other interesting works from the Middle Ages.
For better navigation and to ensure you won’t get lost in the city’s narrow streets, you may want to use eSIMs for maps. This will also enable you to research historical tours, look into other hidden gems in Portugal, and make last-minute plans while walking through this academic city.
Evora: your guide to Portugal’s underrated gem
Evora, famed for its well-preserved Gothic, Roman, and Baroque architectural treasures, is a UNESCO World Heritage City that sits at the heart of the Alentejo region. Its rich history is a testament to the many cultures that have thrived in it over the years.
Locals call it the “Museum City” thanks to its many galleries, museums, and cultural centers. If you love engaging in spontaneous travel, make sure to load your eSIM with sufficient data beforehand. You’ll need it if you’re to visit the Chapel of Bones and the Roman Temple of Évora.
You may also want to schedule a visit to the Évora Cathedral, which houses a museum filled with all kinds of religious artifacts. Your data-enabled eSIM will make it easier to explore locales that lie beyond the usual route while taking in its beautiful landscape.
