Over the past few years, alongside many other jobs that I do, I have been writing about travel and working as a tour guide in Portugal. What I constantly witness on the streets of Lisbon and Porto as a guide – as well as in any big and hyped city I visit as a tourist (yes, I do that too) – makes me think that we should really talk more about how we can travel in a less damaging way without dismantling the charm that drew us all to those sights in the first place.
While overtourism reaches new heights every year and climate change shifts travel seasons, it feels more urgent than ever to keep this conversation going.
Portugal, like many popular destinations, is facing the effects of its own glory – narrow streets in Lisbon choked with crowds, Algarve beaches packed beyond capacity, rising costs, and the proliferation of Airbnb’s pushing locals out of their own neighborhoods (basically all of central Lisbon).
I first started thinking deeply about the ways we travel after a trip to the Azores, where fragile ecosystems were being loved to death by otherwise very pleasant visitors – all of them wanting to take a picture in THAT spot after watching the same popular TikTok video.
So, what does it really mean to travel sustainably? The word is so overused that it easily puts one off, but it’s the buzzword we have.
As National Geographic puts it:
Sustainable travel is about traveling in a way that’s sensitive to the climate and nature emergencies while ensuring that the places we visit gain long-term benefit from us being there. It’s a balancing act between maximizing the positives of travel while reducing or eliminating the negatives.
With that in mind, here are a few suggestions on how you can travel more mindfully in Portugal … and anywhere else in the world.
Skip the crowds (yes, even – and especially – that famous spot)
Lisbon’s Tram 28 is iconic, but do you realize locals can’t use it because it’s perpetually crammed? The same goes for Porto’s Livraria Lello – unless you know all the secondary Harry Potter characters by heart, there are equally stunning bookshops and old libraries without the long lines.
In fact, here’s a rule: don’t visit any attraction or restaurant if you see a long line.
Even if the place is special, you won’t enjoy it as much. If you’re still stubborn, go really early in the morning or late in the evening. For museums, check off-peak visiting hours.
Explore beyond the must-sees
Portugal’s charm isn’t limited to Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve. Some of my most cherished memories come from lesser-known places like Braga, Gerês, Melides, or Viana do Castelo. Even in big cities, venturing beyond tourist zones leads to incredible discoveries. In Lisbon,skip the Time Out Market (overpriced and overcrowded) and head to Mercado de Arroios for a more local experience.
Travel off-season
In Portugal, July, August, and now even September mean scorching heat, inflated prices, plus there are crowds from April to October. The months between November and March are much better – imagine having Sintra’s palaces almost to yourself!
Yes, you might need an umbrella, but it’s not a huge sacrifice.
Avoid the Airbnb
Short-term rentals have driven up housing costs in Lisbon and Porto, forcing locals out of their own cities. Instead of an Airbnb, try hotels and guesthouses, which often have the same or better prices – or even consider a home exchange. Many of my friends do it, and they love it! If you must book an Airbnb, choose one where the host actually lives on-site (which is rare in Lisbon but might work elsewhere). This helps ensure your stay isn’t contributing to the housing crisis.
Don’t eat like a TikTok hipster
Have you seen the insane lines for pastéis de nata at Pastéis de Belém? They’re delicious, but you can find equally good custard tarts at Manteigaria, Fábrica da Nata, or Castro without the wait. For something more real, leave the city center and wander – you’ll surely find a nice tasca (small family-run eatery) or a cozy wine bar.
Leave room for serendipity!
And please, don’t tag exact locations in your “hidden gem” Instagram posts. Let others discover these places the way you did.
Don’t rush and look for the non-instagrammable
Instead of trying to see everything a country has to offer in five days, pick one or two places and stay longer. That’s the only way to truly connect with a place. Put away your phone and try wandering without constantly staring at a screen or sharing photos in group chats. Notice what makes up everyday life: locals grabbing a quick breakfast before work, kids walking home from school, old men playing cards in the park.
I hope this little list helps you make better choices. Whether it’s Portugal or anywhere else, the idea is simple: always think about what you bring to a place as a tourist, and resist the urge to check off every must-see box!
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Read more about Portugal here in Dispatches’ archives.
Nina Danilova is an art writer and contemporary art curator. She is about to finish her PhD
in Culture Studies. She grew up in Russia and lived in Germany, Estonia, Italy and
Portugal, where she is currently based. She is passionate about history, languages, food,
and dancing.
