Nice weather, blooming landscapes and Easter around the corner. In April, Portugal is filled with tradition and culture, celebrating religiousness and the freedom from dictatorship and embracing spring.

Filled with events and activities for all tastes, this guide gives you a taste of what you can explore around Portugal this month, including getaway suggestions and outdoor experiences for you to explore more of the country.

Nice weather, blooming landscapes and Easter just around the corner, April is a month when Portugal comes alive with tradition, culture and the renewed energy of spring. Across the country many religious celebrations, historical commemorations and seasonal festivals showcase Portugal’s heritage and customs.

Filled with events and activities for all tastes, this guide offers a curated glimpse into what you can explore throughout the month, from cultural festivals and historic traditions to scenic getaways and outdoor experiences that invite you to discover more of Portugal at its most vibrant.

Monthly Calendar

Commemorative Dates:

1 April — April Fools’ Day

April Fools’ day is a widespread custom known locally as Dia das Mentiras, a day marked by playful pranks.

29 March to 4 April – Holy Week

Holy Week is celebrated throughout Portugal with religious processions, reenactments of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion and traditional ceremonies. It starts with Palm sunday with the blessing and procession of palms and it ends the Saturday before Easter. The Holy Week events are among the most immersive cultural experiences of the year, particularly in cities such as Braga and Óbidos.

5 April — Easter Sunday

Easter is one of the most important religious celebrations in Portugal. Preceded by Holy Week, Easter is filled with traditions, including giving sweets such as folar and sugar or chocolate covered almonds.

18 April — International Day for Monuments and Sites

Many historical sites, museums and monuments offer free or discounted entry, along with guided tours and special programming highlighting Portugal’s architectural heritage.

25 April — Freedom Day (Carnation Revolution)

This national holiday commemorates the peaceful revolution of 1974 that ended decades of dictatorship. Across the country, cities host concerts, exhibitions and public ceremonies celebrating democracy. Be sure to check your city’s cultural programme to discover the events taking place near you.

Cultural Events:

Cerejeiras em Flor (Cherry Blossom Festival)

22 March to 12 April — Fundão, Castelo Branco

The Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates the blooming of the white and pink cherry blossoms that fill the landscapes of Fundão, creating the most beautiful springtime scenery. The festival includes walking routes, scenic tours, picnics, local markets and other activities celebrating this region’s cherry-growing heritage making for a great opportunity to discover inland Portugal.

Festa do Cinema Italiano (Italian Film Festival)

9–19 April — Lisbon

9–11 April — Porto

13 April — Tavira

16–19 April — Setúbal and Cascais

17–18 April — Alverca

20–22 April — Leiria

22–23 April — Beja

The Italian Film Festival brings contemporary and classic Italian cinema to film lovers across Portugal. Besides movie screenings, the Festival hosts talks, retrospectives and themed cultural and gastronomic events, with sessions continuing in different cities throughout the following months.

Feira Medieval de Castelo Mendo (Castelo Mendo’s Medieval Market)

11–12 April — Castelo Mendo, Guarda

Held in one of Portugal’s best-preserved medieval villages, this fair brings history to life. Visitors can enjoy street performances, live music and historical reenactments while exploring stalls filled with artisanal crafts, traditional food and locally produced craft drinks, all set against a breathtaking medieval scenery. Pro tip: Don’t miss the sunset view from the castle.

Festival dos Moinhos (Mill Festival)

11–12 April — Águeda, Albergaria-a-Velha, Nelas, Sever do Vouga and Vagos

The Mill Festival celebrates the region’s historic windmills and watermills with a program that invites visitors to explore, taste and experience local traditions. From guided visits and food tastings to hands-on workshops and live cultural and musical performances, the festival shines a new light on these historic landmarks.

Moinho Cine Fest – International Film Festival

17, 18, 24 and 25 April — Matosinhos

This international Film Festival focuses on short films and emerging filmmakers, offering screenings, discussions and awards. If you live in or near Porto this might be a great activity for your weekends in April.

Feira Medieval de Torre de Moncorvo (Torre de Moncorvo’s Medieval Market)

17–19 April — Torre de Moncorvo, Bragança

The historic Torre de Moncorvo centre comes alive as a medieval marketplace, with traditional foods, drinks and crafts and lively street performances that create a journey back in time. Visitors can also wander through the village and enjoy a variety of unique spectacles that make this experience truly unforgettable.

Comic Con Portugal

23–26 April — Santa Maria da Feira

Comic Con is the biggest pop culture event on the Iberian Peninsula, uniting fans of comics, film, television, gaming and cosplay. With panels, workshops, and live performances, it’s a must-visit event for enthusiasts of all ages.

Feira de São Marcos (São Marcos Fair)

23–27 April — Alter do Chão, Portalegre

The São Marcos Fair celebrates Alentejo’s rural traditions. Visitors can explore local crafts, taste authentic regional foods, see livestock exhibitions and enjoy performances of popular Portuguese music artists. Take this opportunity to discover the charm of Alentejo.

Feira Quinhentista de Sever do Vouga (Sever do Vouga Renaissance Fair)

24–26 April — Sever do Vouga, Aveiro

Celebrating the Renaissance period, this event brings 16th-century Portugal to life with historical parades, themed gastronomy and educational activities. Visitors can immerse themselves in the sights, tastes and stories of a bygone era.

IndieLisboa – International Independent Film Festival

Begins 30 April — Lisbon

Although it continues into May, the festival opens at the end of April, offering a diverse program full of international independent films. The IndieLisboa is another perfect choice for film lovers, specially if you’re living in the Lisbon area and, don’t worry, they also have a program for the little ones!

Festa da Flor (Flower Festival)

Begins 30 April — Funchal, Madeira

Continuing through May, the Madeira Flower Festival celebrates the island’s spring season with stunning floral carpets, decorations and parades throughout the streets of Funchal, making for one of the most colorful and beautiful events in Portugal. If you living in or are planning a trip to Madeira, don’t miss Festa da Flor.

Monthly Suggestions

April’s mild temperatures, longer daylight hours and spring’s green and blooming landscapes, make it ideal for outdoor exploration, natural areas and slow travel.

Our suggestions for this month invite you to wander through fragrant gardens, stroll along forested trails, admire blooming wildflowers, discover rivers and waterfalls in full flow and experience the vibrant colours of Portugal’s countryside in spring.

April Getaways:

Sintra

Sintra is romantic town surrounded by forested hills and natural parks, known for its palaces, castles and gardens. In April, the landscapes are green and blooming, making it perfect for walks and exploring historical estates without the summer crowds.

Must-visit spots:

• Pena Palace
• Quinta da Regaleira
• Moorish Castle

Monsanto (Idanha-a-Nova)

The historic village of Monsanto is built among giant granite boulders and is often called “the most Portuguese village in Portugal.” Its distinctive architecture and unique scenery offer a different experience away from the usual tourist paths.

Must-visit spots:

• Clock Tower
• Monsanto Castle

Gerês and Braga

The Peneda-Gerês National Park is ideal in April for hiking, waterfalls and wildlife observation. Nearby, approximately 1h30 by car, is the city of Braga with a rich mix of religious architecture, great food and cultural events, especially during Holy Week. You can combine both for a perfect spring weekend getaway, merging stunning natural sights with architectural wonders.

Must-visit spots:

Gerês:

• Arado Waterfall
• Caniçada Dam
• Tahiti Waterfall

Braga:

• Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary
• Braga Cathedral
• Sameiro Sanctuary

Alvão Natural Park and Vila Real

Perfect for another weekend getaway, the Alvão Natural Park region is a haven of mountains, waterfalls and valleys, while Vila Real showcases its rich heritage through baroque palaces and elegant gardens. In spring, the wildflowers and greenery make the area especially inviting for outdoor adventures and nature exploration. The drive from Alvão Natural Park to Vila Real takes about 40 to 50 minutes.

Must-visit spots:

Alvão Natural Park:

• Fervedouro do Alvão
• Fisgas do Ermelo Waterfall
• Carvalhelhos Viewpoint

Vila Real:

• Mateus Palace
• Solar de Mateus Winery
• Vila Real Historic Centre

Mata do Bussaco and Coimbra

The Buçaco Forest is a woodland with enchanting paths and historical buildings. A 30 to 40 minute drive puts you in Coimbra, a city that complements the forest’s beauty with a riverside setting, historic university and cultural life, making it a perfect pairing for a getaway for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

Must-visit spots:

Mata do Bussaco:

• Buçaco Palace Hotel
• Moinhos Trail
• Buçaco Forest Arboretum

Coimbra:

• University of Coimbra
• Joanina Library
• Old Cathedral of Coimbra

Grândola

This region offers cork oak forests, uncrowded Atlantic beaches and a great traditional food scene from Alentejo. It is ideal for a quick getaway where you can enjoy the Portuguese gastronomy, heritage and relaxed coastal vibes. Grândola holds a special place in Portugal’s history, as the song “Grândola, Vila Morena” became an emblem of the 25th of April Revolution, making it a unique destination for the month of April.

Must-visit spots:

• Aberta Nova Beach
• Mourisca Tidal Mill
• Historic Centre

April Activities:

Hiking and Boardwalk Trails

April is one of the best months for hiking in Portugal. With mild weather, longer sunlight hours and spring landscapes, it’s the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors, whether you prefer a challenging trail for a solo adventure or a couple’s escape, or an easier route to have fun with your family. These are our trail recommendations to explore this April:

• Passadiços do Paiva
• Peneda-Gerês National Park – Calcedonia Town Trail
• Serra da Estrela – Covão dos Conchos
• Piódão e Foz d’Égua – Schist Villages Trail
• Mata Nacional do Bussaco

Wine Tourism

April is an excellent time to explore vineyards. In this time of year, they begin to show new growth and the weather is perfect for scenic walks, river cruises and tasting sessions. If you’re a wine enthusiast anxious to explore more of our winemaking tradition, here are some wine regions to discover:

• Peso da Régua
• Pinhão
• Lamego
• Tabuaço
• São João da Pesqueira

Outdoor Sports and River Activities

April marks the beginning of the season for river and adventure sports in Portugal. There is something for everyone, from adrenaline-pumping activities to more family-friendly options. Whether you are seeking a challenge for yourself or a fun day out with family and friends, spring is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors. Some popular activities to do this time of year in Portugal are kayaking, canyoning, rafting, tree climbing, rock climbing, mountain biking and birdwatching. Below are some of our personal favorites.

• Adventure Park Freixo (Gerês) – Tree Climbing & Adventure Parks
• Ria Formosa Natural Park (Algarve) – Birdwatching
• Arrábida Natural Park (Setúbal) – Outdoor Climbing Classes
• Rio Mondego (Coimbra) – Kayaking