clothing

I would take at least one outfit that would be respectful in churches, and maybe suitable for a nicer restaurant - by which I mean, not a bar. Cutoffs are comfy, but not appropriate everywhere. Skirts are fine, but if you don't want to take one, that's okay. At least one pair of nice slacks or jeans, with a top that is modest and can be dressed up with a scarf or jacket. You're golden, and will fit in almost everywhere.

I often take a skirt, but almost never wear it.

I seldom take skirts or dresses on a trip-just khaki pants and dark jeans(no holes or fringed bottoms)

I spent 3+ weeks in Portugal, no skirts, just capris and long pants.

“The big thing now is no checked baggage” - not for Europeans! However, if you are transporting your own bag on a hike, I agree that you need to pack lightly.

I always take a dress or skirt to Portugal for smarter dining and wearing in churches, which I always wear, particularly in the evenings when it gets much cooler.

I’ve lived here four years and don’t own a skirt. A little dressier pants is fine for wherever you go.

More beautiful and feminine

Got it.

"How important is it to have a skirt in Portugal?"

Not important at all.

We walked from Porto to Santiago on the Portuguese Camino and just wore our hiking pants, daughter had leggings. There is no reason to have a skirt to wear. The people in town are wearing jeans and shorts too, and all the people walking the Camino through Portugal are wearing hiking clothing. I would not worry about this at all.