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Portugal’s diverse landscapes and heritage attract millions of travelers each year, and its airports serve as gateways to everything from sun-soaked Algarve beaches to the vineyard-covered hills of the Douro Valley. Airports in Portugal offer international hubs near major cities to smaller island airfields with breathtaking Atlantic views, Portugal’s airport network combines modern convenience with regional charm. Whether you plan to explore Lisbon’s historic neighborhoods, indulge in Porto’s renowned wine cellars, or trek across the Azores’ volcanic terrain, these aviation facilities will help you reach your destination efficiently.
14 Best Airports In Portugal
Below is a list of 14 best airports in Portugal, each offering distinct connections and services for both domestic and international travelers.
1. Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport
Photo: Sharon Hahn Darlin / Wikimedia Commons
Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport is Portugal’s main international gateway, welcoming millions of visitors each year. It has two terminals: T1 handles most legacy carriers, while T2 is dedicated to low-cost airlines. Inside T1, travelers find a variety of shops, restaurants, and lounges, showcasing Portuguese cuisine and wines. An efficient metro station directly connects to Lisbon’s downtown, making it easy to tour iconic spots like the Belém Tower and the Alfama district soon after landing. Humberto Delgado also serves as a hub for exploring other regions via well-connected rail and road networks.
Location: About 7 km north of central Lisbon
How To Reach: Metro’s Red Line from São Sebastião or buses like Carris 744/783, plus plentiful taxis
2. Porto Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport
Photo: Sluggh Mcgee / Wikimedia Commons
Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport, north of Porto, is famed for its modern design and user-friendly layout. A single passenger terminal handles both Schengen and non-Schengen flights, making transfers straightforward. The metro link at the airport’s entrance offers a quick ride into central Porto, where travelers can sample Port wine, stroll the Ribeira waterfront, or admire the historic bridges spanning the Douro River. Dining venues within the terminal range from quick snacks to leisurely meals, often highlighting northern Portuguese flavors.
Location: Approximately 11 km from Porto’s city center
How To Reach: Metro Line E (Violet) from Trindade Station or STCP buses; taxis for direct routes
3. Faro Airport
Photo: Coldbolt / Wikimedia Commons
Faro Airport serves as the main entry point to Portugal’s sunny Algarve region, visited by beach lovers, golfers, and water sports enthusiasts. The airport has undergone expansions to handle rising passenger demand, especially during summer. Inside, travelers find local cafes selling regional pastries like pastéis de nata, plus handy services such as ATMs and car rental desks. Many arrivals head straight for the coastal resorts of Albufeira, Vilamoura, or Lagos, easily reached by highway. Budget airlines dominate Faro’s routes, connecting cities across Europe. From scenic cliff walks to relaxing boat tours, the Algarve’s famous shoreline is just minutes away.
Location: 4 km west of Faro city center in southern Portugal
How To Reach: Frequent shuttle buses to Faro, regional EVA bus routes, taxis, or rental cars for extended trips
4. Madeira Airport
Photo: Karelj / Wikimedia Commons
Known for its dramatic runway perched above the sea, Madeira Airport (often called Cristiano Ronaldo Airport) connects the lush island of Madeira with mainland Portugal and Europe. Pilots landing here require special training due to strong Atlantic winds and terrain challenges, making it a fascinating sight for aviation enthusiasts. Inside the modern terminal, travelers can sample Madeira wine, discover local crafts, or relax in airy waiting lounges. The capital, Funchal, is a 20-minute drive away, offering botanical gardens, cable car rides, and scenic waterfront promenades.
Location: 16 km northeast of Funchal, on Madeira Island’s southeast coast
How To Reach: Aerobus and SAM local buses provide regular transfers; taxis and rental cars are widely available
5. Ponta Delgada (João Paulo II) Airport
Photo: Sharon Hahn Darlin / Wikimedia Commons
Ponta Delgada Airport welcomes travelers to São Miguel, the largest island in the Azores archipelago. Serving flights from Lisbon and other European cities, it provides a convenient starting point for exploring volcanic lakes, steaming geysers, and lush meadows. While smaller than mainland airports, it boasts friendly staff and straightforward facilities, including snack bars serving Azorean pastries. Car rentals are popular here, as many visitors embark on road trips to vantage points overlooking Sete Cidades or the geothermal pools of Furnas. The airport’s close proximity to Ponta Delgada’s harbor and Old Town makes spontaneous island tours remarkably easy.
Location: Within 3 km of Ponta Delgada’s center on São Miguel Island
How To Reach: Taxis line up outside Arrivals; airport buses or rental cars remain top choices for exploring
6. Porto Santo Airport
Photo: Lt300 / Wikimedia Commons
Porto Santo Airport provides a direct link to the quieter sister island of Madeira. With a single terminal and minimal crowds, travelers enjoy a laid-back atmosphere from the moment they land. The island’s golden sand beach stretches nearly 9 km, making it a magnet for sunbathing and water sports. Charter flights from mainland Portugal and some European cities run seasonally, while regular flights connect to Funchal. Shops at the airport sell local cookies and honey cake, reflecting Porto Santo’s small-scale culinary traditions. Car hires allow exploration of the island’s viewpoints and volcanic landmarks in under an hour’s drive.
Location: 2 km from Vila Baleira on Porto Santo Island
How To Reach: Taxi or rental car; flights from Madeira and Lisbon operate year-round, with seasonal routes elsewhere
7. Lajes Airport (Terceira)
Photo: Vitor Oliveira / Wikimedia Commons
Lajes Airport on Terceira Island doubles as a military base and civilian facility, greeting travelers headed for the Azores. Although it has a compact passenger terminal, it provides essential services such as cafés, car rentals, and tourist information points. Many visitors come to Terceira to see the UNESCO-listed Angra do Heroísmo, an elegant town brimming with Renaissance history and ocean views. The volcanic interior offers hiking trails around dormant calderas, while coastal areas feature natural swimming pools.
Location: North of Angra do Heroísmo, around 17 km away
How To Reach: Taxis and shared rides are typical; renting a car facilitates independent island exploration
8. Horta Airport (Faial Island)
Photo: Vitor Oliveira / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Horta Airport serves Faial Island, part of the central group in the Azores, famous for its maritime heritage and colorful marina filled with sailing murals. The airport itself is relatively small, but it runs flights from Lisbon and other islands, keeping Faial well-connected. Passengers can grab light snacks, check their ferry schedules to nearby Pico Island, or pick up maps of Faial’s hiking trails. Horta is a short taxi ride away, where visitors can admire volcanic cones, whale-watching tours, and the iconic Peter Café Sport. This airport’s efficient operations and friendly staff help travelers settle into Azorean island life quickly.
Location: About 9 km from Horta town center on Faial Island
How To Reach: Regular taxis wait outside; local car rentals help for touring volcanic sites
9. Santa Maria Airport
Photo: Mike Peel / Wikimedia Commons
Santa Maria Airport, historically significant as a transatlantic stopover, now caters primarily to flights from mainland Portugal and inter-island Azores routes. With minimal queues and a low-key ambiance, the terminal retains a nostalgic charm. Visitors can uncover the island’s beaches, like Praia Formosa, or explore vantage points revealing green pastures and dramatic coastal cliffs. Santa Maria’s calm roads make driving a breeze, allowing travelers to appreciate hidden villages and sea-battered viewpoints.
Location: Southeast corner of Santa Maria Island in the Azores
How To Reach: Direct flights from Lisbon or hops via Ponta Delgada; taxis serve the modest terminal
10. Flores Airport
Photo: btvarusko / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Flores Airport offers a path into one of the most remote and stunning corners of the Azores. Encircled by waterfalls, craggy cliffs, and wildflower-filled valleys, Flores epitomizes raw Atlantic beauty. The airport’s single terminal is basic yet welcoming, with quick baggage handling that lets you start exploring right away. Stock up on local sweets or artisanal crafts at small airport shops before heading into the lush interior.
Location: Near Santa Cruz das Flores, on Flores Island’s eastern shore
How To Reach: SATA Air Açores flights connect Flores with larger Azorean airports; taxis handle short commutes
11. Pico Airport
Photo: Los viajeros 77 / Wikimedia Commons
Pico Airport services the eponymous island, home to Portugal’s tallest mountain, Pico Volcano. Renowned for basalt vineyards recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Pico allures wine connoisseurs and trekkers alike. The terminal is petite, but staff are known for their warm hospitality. Car rentals enable quick journeys across the island, revealing black volcanic rock walls, coastal lava fields, and charming harbors. Flights from Faial, Terceira, and São Miguel link Pico to the wider Azores network, making multi-island tours straightforward.
Location: Northeast side of Pico Island, near Bandeiras parish
How To Reach: SATA Air Açores flights from other Azorean islands; taxis and rentals for local transit
12. Beja Airport
Photo: Anna Zvereva / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Beja Airport stands in Portugal’s lower Alentejo region, primarily serving charter operations and occasional commercial flights. Formerly a military base, it opened to civilian travel to spur tourism to the Alentejo’s rolling plains, vineyards, and medieval towns. The terminal is modest, but travelers can find basic amenities like snack bars, rental car services, and waiting lounges. Visitors come seeking quiet rural getaways, with scenic drives leading to whitewashed villages, cork forests, and historical fortresses
Location: About 9 km from Beja in south-central Portugal
How To Reach: Taxis and rentals from the airport; limited public bus connections may be available
13. Cascais Municipal Aerodrome
Photo: Ivan Shimko / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Cascais Municipal Aerodrome, or Tires Airport, provides general aviation services near Portugal’s scenic Estoril Coast. Business jets, private planes, and flight schools frequent this small facility. Although not a commercial hub for standard passenger flights, travelers renting private charters or small aircraft might find it a convenient option. Positioned west of Lisbon, it grants swift access to Cascais, a coastal town prized for its marina, sandy bays, and sophisticated dining.
Location: Around 6 km north of Cascais center, near the parish of São Domingos de Rana
How To Reach: Taxis or private car hires; no regular public transport directly serves the aerodrome
14. Bragança Airport
Photo: El alistano / Wikimedia Commons
Bragança Airport serves Portugal’s remote northeastern corner, offering short domestic flights that link the Trás-os-Montes region with Porto and beyond. Traffic is limited, but the airport plays an essential role in local connectivity, reducing travel times across rugged terrain. The terminal is small, handling a modest volume of passengers in a friendly setting. From Bragança, visitors can head into the Montesinho Natural Park or explore medieval attractions like Bragança Castle. Regional delicacies such as smoked sausages and honey from wildflower fields await food lovers.
Location: About 9 km from Bragança’s town center
How To Reach: Daily commuter flights from Porto; local taxis or rentals facilitate access to scenic areas
Airports in Portugal network offers a seamless travel experience, connecting cosmopolitan cities, lush islands, and historic hinterlands. Whether you crave sunlit beaches in the Algarve, cultural immersion in Porto, or off-the-beaten-track serenity in the Azores, these airports form the perfect starting points for exploration. Book your flights through TripXL to enjoy convenient connections, tailored itineraries, and insider tips that enrich your journey.
Cover Photo: Josue Isai Ramos Figueroa / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
