Your browser is not supported

To use our site, we recommend using the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari or Edge

Get Help

Portugal Holidays

Rich culture in the sun

With dramatic coastlines, rich history and buzzing cities, Portugal holidays promise plenty of adventure. This ancient kingdom – one of the oldest nations in Europe – is thoroughly unique. Sitting pretty on the southwestern tip of Europe, Portugal’s long, hot Mediterranean summers are made temperate by welcome sea breezes from the Atlantic – making it a blissful holiday destination at any time of year. Further south, the Portuguese archipelago islands of Madeira are closer to Africa than Lisbon, and provide a sun-drenched escape even in the winter months.

A visit to one of the main cities is a great way to start holidays to Portugal. Faro, Lisbon and Porto are all cultural melting pots with stunning architecture and vibrant bar scenes. But of course there’s far more to the nation than its cities. The Atlantic coastline to the west with its dramatic crashing waves is a draw for surfers. On the food scene, world-class local wines and port take centre stage, and you won’t want to leave without a bottle of top-quality olive oil.

Speaking of local produce – with all those miles of coastline, it’s no wonder the Portuguese are proud of their fish dishes. Those famous endless, sandy beaches are incredibly tempting. In fact, wherever you are in the country, you’re never more than a couple of hours from a stretch of shoreline. Those seeking a more relaxing break can’t do better than the Algarve, where the sun shines throughout the year and calmer seas make for the perfect beach holiday. Portugal really is a destination that has it all.

Browse All Inclusive Holidays to Portugal >>

Browse Family Holidays to Portugal >>

Need to know

easyJet holidays - city icon
Capital
Lisbon
easyJet holidays - message icon
Language
Portuguese
easyJet holidays - wallet icon
Currency
Euro
easyJet holidays - clock icon
Time zone
GMT
easyJet holidays - plane icon
Flight Time
2hrs 15mins

* Average time from London Gatwick to Lisbon

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.