Skip to main content

Portugal Holidays

T&Cs apply

Your guide to holidays in Portugal

From the golden sands of the Algarve to the vibrant streets of its historic cities, holidays in Portugal offer a fantastic mix of relaxation and discovery. It's a country where dramatic Atlantic coastlines meet a warm, Mediterranean climate, creating a perfect year-round destination. Whether you're looking for a sun-drenched beach break, a cultural city escape, or an island adventure, you'll find it here.

The sun-soaked Algarve

For many, the Algarve is the first place that comes to mind for a classic beach holiday. This southern region is famous for its reliable sunshine and calmer seas. The days are for unwinding on the sand, while the evenings come alive with a friendly, buzzing atmosphere. It's a region of contrasts, with lively resort towns and quiet, secluded coves waiting to be found.

Albufeira

A popular choice for good reason, Albufeira combines a charming old town with beautiful beaches. Praia do Peneco is right in the centre, offering easy access to the water. The town itself is a hub of activity, with plenty of restaurants and bars to choose from after a day in the sun.

Lagos

Lagos is known for its impressive rock formations and pretty coves. It has a more laid-back feel, with a historic centre and a marina. The coastline here is particularly striking, making it a great spot for walks and exploring different beaches.

Vilamoura

If you're looking for something a bit more polished, Vilamoura is a great fit. It's built around a large marina filled with smart yachts, and is surrounded by high-quality golf courses and stylish boutiques. It's a sophisticated spot for a relaxing break.

Portimao

Close to Portimao, you'll find one of the Algarve's most famous stretches of sand, Praia da Rocha. This wide, expansive beach is backed by striking ochre cliffs and has a lively promenade. The town is a mix of old and new, with a strong fishing heritage.

Vibrant city breaks in Portugal

Portugal's cities are full of character, history, and colour. They're easy to explore on foot, which is the best way to appreciate the beautiful architecture and decorated tiles that adorn so many buildings. Just be sure to pack comfortable shoes for the cobbled streets.

Lisbon

The capital city is a wonderful place to explore, with wide boulevards and distinctive neighbourhoods. For shopping, you can browse international brands on Avenida da Liberdade or find local designers in the Bairro Alto district. In June, the city celebrates its patron saint with the Feast of St Anthony, a huge street party with music, dancing, and grilled sardines. Be sure to make time to head over to Belém, the original home of the famous pastel de nata, as well as the beautiful Jerónimos Monastery.

Porto

In the north, Porto sits on the Douro River and is the heart of the Port wine industry. It's a city with an old-world feel, and its main shopping street is pedestrianised, making it great for families. On 23 June, the entire city comes to life for the Festival of St John, a tradition that has been celebrated for over 600 years with street parties and a midnight firework display.

The island of Madeira

For something completely different, the island of Madeira offers an almost subtropical climate. It's much closer to Africa than to mainland Europe, resulting in lush landscapes and exotic plants. The capital, Funchal, is known as the Garden City. From here, you can take a cable car ride high above the botanical gardens for some truly impressive views of the island's greenery.

A taste of Portugal

Portuguese food is fresh, flavourful, and centres on local produce. With so much coastline, it's no surprise that fish and seafood dishes are a speciality. You'll also want to try some of the world-class local wines and high-quality olive oil.

Pastel de nata

No trip to Portugal is complete without trying a pastel de nata. These creamy custard tarts with a flaky pastry are a national icon. You can find them in almost every bakery and cafe, and they're the perfect sweet treat at any time of day.

Port wine

Portugal's signature fortified wine comes from the Douro Valley near Porto. Many places offer tasting sessions where you can learn about its history and sample different varieties. It's a rich and warming drink that makes for a great souvenir.

Local crafts and souvenirs

As you wander through towns and villages, you'll see plenty of local crafts. Popular souvenirs include:

  • colourful ceramic tiles, a key part of Portugal's visual identity
  • items made from cork – as Portugal is a huge producer
  • the Rooster of Barcelos, a symbol of faith and good luck

With its welcoming atmosphere and diverse attractions, Portugal is a destination that truly has something for everyone.

Need to know

building
Capital
Lisbon
two message speech bubbles
Language
Portuguese
wallet with card inside
Currency
Euro
clock
Time zone
GMT
plane on a runway
Flight Time
2hrs 15mins

* Average time from London Gatwick to Lisbon

Explore regions in Portugal

Algarve

Farol Island, Algarve, Portugal

Estoril Coast

Holidays to the Estoril Coast

Lisbon

Madeira

Madeira, Portugal

Porto

Explore our map of Portugal

Why book with us?

    Your questions answered

    Portugal is definitely a year-round destination. A lot of travellers like to visit the Algarve either in the summer, when the high temperatures are good for swimming and sunbathing, or in the cooler months for a touch of winter sun. Spring and autumn are great times to visit Portugal’s cities, with the warm weather making sightseeing more comfortable. There are usually more events in the summer, and a quieter feel in the winter.
    You’ll find some of Portugal’s best beaches in the Algarve on Portugal’s south coast. Praia da Rocha is a really popular beach that you can walk to in about 20 minutes from Portimao. And Praia do Peneco in Albufeira’s centre is another biggie. There are also lots of little hidden coves around Vau that have a more ‘deserted island’ kind of vibe. But other parts of Portugal can hold their own when it comes to beach holidays, too. The Estoril Coast, west of Lisbon, is one of them. Some of the best beaches are in Cascais.
    Portuguese is the official language of Portugal. But English is very widely spoken, especially in parts of the country that draw international visitors. In cities known for tourism, like Lisbon and Porto, you usually won’t have any difficulty finding hotel or attraction staff who are confident in speaking English. Even down in the smaller towns of the Algarve, English is often heard. A big reason for this is that the Algarve is an expat hotspot, where lots of Brits have relocated to enjoy the fine Mediterranean climate.
    The sandy beaches are usually the first thing to come to mind when thinking about Portugal. But Porto is pretty famous for its food and drink, too. Port wine comes from the nearby Douro Valley. And Madeira wine comes from the Portuguese island of the same name. As for food, probably the most famous, and delicious, local delicacy is the pastel de nata: the Portuguese egg tart. The pastry is thought to have originated in Belem, which is just a 20-minute drive from the country’s capital city. It makes for a fun day trip.
    It depends on what you want to see, and what you want to do. The main sights and attractions in Lisbon could be enjoyed in a long weekend. And the same goes for Porto. But you’ll probably want at least a week if you’re planning some day trips to nearby places like Belem or Aveiro. A week-long trip is also good for exploring the little towns and villages dotted along the Algarve coast. If you’re keen to see as much as you can of the country, plan for a longer trip as it takes about five hours to drive from Porto in the north to Lagos in the south.
    Absolutely. Not only do Portugal’s towns and cities have loads of attractions for families, but they’re also very geared-up for children. The main shopping street in Porto, for example, is pedestrianised. And the wide pavements along Lisbon’s main boulevards mean it doesn’t become crowded easily. There are lots of family-friendly beaches along the Estoril Coast and down in the Algarve, some with lifeguards on duty during certain times of the day. And lots of hotels cater brilliantly for families with kids, too, offering services like childcare and on-site entertainments.