Longer days and warmer weather, May is when Portugal begins to feel like summer is just around the corner.
This month offers something for every kind of explorer. Whether you’re drawn to historic or religious commemorations, vibrant festivals or nature at its peak, this guide brings together some of the best ways to experience Portugal throughout the month.
Monthly Calendar
Commemorative Dates
1 May — Labour Day (Dia do Trabalhador)
A national holiday celebrated across Portugal, often marked by public gatherings, concerts and political events.
3 May — Mother’s Day (Dia da Mãe)
Unlike in some other countries, mother’s Day in Portugal has no specific date, it is always celebrated on the first Sunday of May!
13 May — Our Lady of Fátima (Nossa Senhora de Fátima)
One of the most significant religious dates in Portugal, commemorating the apparitions of the Virgin Mary in 1917, attracts thousands of pilgrims who travel to Fátima, many of them walking long distances in groups as part of their devotion.
May is also known as “Mary’s Month” (o mês de Maria) in Portugal, during which daily religious celebrations take place in churches and communities, with special prayers, processions and Marian devotions. This tradition honors the Virgin Mary throughout the month, culminating in increased pilgrimage activity and the major celebrations in Fátima.
18 May — International Museum Day
Museums and cultural institutions across the country offer free entry, extended hours and special activities, making it an excellent opportunity to explore Portugal’s cultural heritage.
Cultural Events
Festa da Flor (Flower Festival)
30 April – 31 May — Funchal, Madeira
This festival had already been featured in the previews Easy Guide, since it started in April, but it mostly happens during this month. It is a spectacular celebration of spring with floral parades, carpets and artistic displays across the city. The festival transforms Funchal into a vibrant showcase of color and creativity.
Feira de Leiria (Leiria Fair)
1–31 May — Leiria
This traditional city fair offers concerts, fun rides, food stalls, exhibitions and cultural activities throughout the month. It combines both local commerce and festive attractions for all ages.
Queima das Fitas (Academic Festival)
2-9 May – Porto | 22-30 May Coimbra
These are one of the biggest student festivals in Portugal, celebrating academic traditions with parades, concerts and rituals marking the end of the university year.
Somersby Out Jazz
3,10,17,24 May — Oeiras, Lisbon
A free outdoor jazz festival held in Oeira’s parks throughout the summer season. It happens every Sunday from May to September and combines live jazz, DJ sets and relaxed picnic-style gatherings in green spaces.
Rally de Portugal (Portugal Rally)
7-10 May — Northern and Central Portugal
A major stage of the World Rally Championship, attracting international drivers and fans. It features high-speed gravel stages across northern and central Portugal.
Feira de Garvão (Garvão Fair)
8–10 May — Garvão
This is a regional agricultural and livestock fair showcasing local products, crafts and rural traditions. It highlights Alentejo’s cultural identity through exhibitions and traditional food.
XVI Festa da Fava (Fava Bean Festival)
8–10 May — Ourentã, Cantanhede
A gastronomic festival celebrating the fava bean, a key ingredient in local cuisine. Visitors can enjoy traditional dishes, music and community festivities.
Tejo a Copo (Tejo by the Glass)
9 May — Santarém
A wine-tasting event dedicated to wines from the Tejo region, bringing together producers, experts and visitors. It offers tastings, workshops and a celebration of regional wine culture.
Festa da Vitela (Veal Festival)
9–10 May — Manhouce, São Pedro do Sul
A traditional food festival centered on veal dishes, combining gastronomy with music and local celebrations. It showcases regional culinary heritage.
EXPODÃO 2026
21–24 May — Carregal do Sal
A major regional fair showcasing agriculture, commerce, industry and local innovation. It highlights not only the regional products and crafts, but specially the regional wine. The fair includes exhibitions, concerts and many more family-friendly activities.
ÉVORA WINE 2026
22–23 May — Évora
A wine-focused event celebrating Alentejo wines with tastings, workshops and producer showcases. It highlights the region’s strong wine-making tradition.
Festival do Vinho do Douro Superior (Douro Superior Wine Festival)
22–24 May — Foz Côa
A festival dedicated to the wines of the Douro Superior region, featuring tastings, local gastronomy and cultural entertainment. It promotes one of Portugal’s most prestigious wine regions.
Feira do Livro de Lisboa (Lisbon Book Fair)
27 May – 14 June — Eduardo VII Park, Lisbon
One of Portugal’s largest literary events, gathering publishers, authors and readers in an open-air book market. It includes book stalls, launches, talks and cultural programming.
Bicentenária Feira de Maio (Bi-centenary May Fair)
28 May – 1 June — Azambuja
This is an historic rural fair that celebrates centuries-old traditions with horse shows, street entertainment and local gastronomy. This fair is one of the most emblematic popular festivals in the region.
Serralves em Festa
29-31 May — Porto
It is a free entry cultural festival featuring music, dance, theatre, workshops and contemporary art across the Serralves Foundation’s gardens and museum spaces.
Monthly Suggestions
May’s balance of warm temperatures and fresh spring landscapes makes it ideal for both cultural exploration and outdoor adventures. It’s the perfect time to enjoy Portugal before peak summer crowds arrive.
May Getaways
Évora
Évora is an UNESCO-listed city in the Alentejo and blends Roman history, medieval streets and incredible regional gastronomy. May is ideal for wandering its historic centre before the summer temperatures arrive.
Must-visit spots:
- Roman Temple of Évora
- Chapel of Bones
- Évora Cathedral
Costa Vicentina
For a coastal escape, the Costa Vicentina offers wild beaches, breathtaking landscapes and peaceful villages. At this time of year, it is still an uncrowded destination and the weather is ideal for exploring and enjoying the beach without the intense summer heat. It’s perfect for nature lovers.
Must-visit spots:
- Odeceixe Beach
- Arrifana Beach
- Porto-Covo and Vila Nova de Mil Fontes
Serra da Estrela
The snowy mountains are beautiful, but their charm doesn’t disappear in warmer months. Instead, the mountain range transforms into a green landscape filled with wildflowers, flowing streams and cascading waterfalls.
Must-visit spots:
- Torre (highest point)
- Covão d’Ametade
- Poço do Inferno
- Glacial valleys and lagoons
Guimarães
Guimarães is known as the birthplace of Portugal. This beautiful city combines history with culture and is especially pleasant in the spring time.
Must-visit spots:
- Guimarães Castle
- Palace of the Dukes of Braganza
- Historic Centre
Tomar
Tomar is a historic city deeply connected to the legacy of the Knights Templar. It blends culture, religion and nature with its own unique charm, making it a perfect destination for a relaxed and enriching visit.
Must-visit spots:
- Convent of Christ
- Castle of Tomar
- Mouchão Park
May Activities
Open-Air Events and Bars
As temperatures rise, life moves outdoors. Open-air venues gain new energy, making May ideal for enjoying a cool drink, sunset views, live DJs and relaxed evenings. Here are some of our go-to suggestions:
- Rooftop Bars
- Outdoor Cinema Sessions
- Live Music in Gardens
Pilgrimage Routes and Religious Heritage
Linked to the celebrations of Our Lady of Fátima, May is a meaningful time to explore historic walking routes and sacred sites across Portugal, even from a non-religious perspective. These places make up for a reflective experience while getting to know the landscape and local culture. You can walk sections of the Caminhos de Fátima or visit landmarks such as the Sanctuary of Fátima or the Alcobaça Monastery.
Cycling and Scenic Road Trips
May is the perfect time to explore Portugal by bike or car, following scenic routes through landscapes, chasing sunsets and discovering small villages along the way. Here are some route ideas for you to enjoy:
- Douro Valley (N222)
- Costa Vicentina (N120)
- Madeira Island
