A few suggestions to get the holiday planning process started
This beautiful itinerary through the north and centre of the country takes you through art cities and nature parks
9 days, from £1,530 to £2,230
Hike along the southernmost tip of Spain
7 days, from £1,785 to £2,845
Learn the secrets of wine production, storage, and preservation in Porto
7 days, from £2,195 to £3,500
Accompanied by a local wildlife photographer, enjoy a 4x4 safari in Faia Brava National Park
6 days, from £2,015 to £3,215
Enjoy lunch cooked in volcanic steam chambers
8 days, from £2,640 to £4,210
Take to the hills on a (child friendly) mountain hike
7 days, from £2,480 to £3,960
Swap the Algarve’s Brit-packed beaches for charming fishing villages, hidden bays and nature reserves on a holiday organised by our passionate Portugal team. We’ve done the hard work for you, getting under the skin of Lisbon, the Duoro Valley, the Azores and more, scouting out the best experiences and properties. Whether you’re after olive oil tasting, hiking routes in Rota Vicentina or a woodland lodge at Furnas Lake, we’ve got you covered. If questions spring to mind while in the country, fear not. Our knowledgeable guides and Concierges will be on hand to answer burning curiosities, like where to find the best pastéis de nata.
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Discover different ways to explore Portugal
Practical advice and inspiration to help you prepare for your holiday
Practical guide
Travel Advice & Information
Leave Portugal planning in the hands of our clued-up travel consultants. With an ex-Lisbon resident and a Portuguese native on our team, we know all about hidden gems straight from the horse’s mouth (a mouthwatering visit to Lisbon’s Campo de Ourique market, anyone?). For additional on-the-ground knowledge, our helpful Concierges are jam-packed with tips, from picturesque stop-offs during road trips to helping hunt down lost luggage. You can even live like a local alongside our guides, who will tailor tours to your taste, be it art, food or history.
UNESCO-listed cities, avant-garde architecture and a lively Latin atmosphere – there are many reasons to love Portugal. Even away from the cities, in the traditional villages and towns, you will find bustling streets, al-fresco dining and, everywhere you look, people enjoying the simple pleasures of outdoor life. Head to the old docks of Lisbon where trendy new restaurants and clubs entice with late-night entertainment or head over to the country's second city, Porto, for a more laid-back scene and as a staging post to the beautiful Douro Valley, home to chic boutique hotels and many of Portugal's finest - and hugely under-rated - winemakers. Meanwhile, the long and tapering coastline pulls in people from across the world appealing to surfer dudes, sun-worshippers and families alike. A lot of this coastline forms part of the Alentejo, straddling the entire country from just south of Lisbon to the Algarve in the south and full of beautiful cork oak forests, elegant wine estates, miles of deserted beaches and the achingly hip beach town of Comporta.
When in Portugal, be sure to try the sparkling sharp white wine of Vino Verde - especially good when chilled and paired with fabulously fresh seafood. You'll quickly learn while visiting Portugal, that this is a country that truly takes pleasure in its food. From brilliant bistros to tapas tastes, and not to mention the must-try pastel de natas (Portuguese custard tarts) that deliver a lip-smacking hit of sugary sweetness you won't be able to get enough of. Boutique charm can be found across Portugal with its array of historic hotels and quirky accommodations from convents and castles to magnificent monasteries.
Meanwhile, out in the Atlantic, Madeira enjoys a mild, sub-tropical climate that has been likened to 'eternal spring'. Once seen as a destination for senior citizens only, Madeira is shedding its fusty image, and the island's climate and landscapes make it ideal for all kinds of outdoor pursuits. As an addition to your luxury holiday itinerary, we can arrange the following methods of proving just how youthful and vigorous you are, including trekking, mountain-biking, paragliding, rock-climbing, surfing, windsurfing, sailing and diving. On the subject of diving, the islands of the Azores - another Portuguese possession - are generally agreed to boast the best diving anywhere in Europe.
Weekend breaks are perfect for dipping your toe into lively Lisbon and pretty Porto. For those who have a week or more to play with, consider renting a car and taking the route from Porto down to Lisbon, combining chic city breaks with a beach extension. Blend a seaside stay with cultural discovery around the Lisbon coast, or opt for a sand and sea escape along the stunning coastal resorts of the Algarve. Don’t leave without sleeping in bliss at the charm of a pousada or parador at least once. Families will love surfing on some of the perfect beach breaks along the Atlantic coast, where the younger generation can learn to surf properly, and hopefully tire themselves out come evening.
Portugal has long been one of Europe's prime holiday destinations. Fascinating culture and history, beautiful landscapes and a good reputation for safety (paired with favourable year-round conditions) are just a few of the many reasons tourists are attracted to the sunny shores of this Iberian gem.
- Culture and history. The country’s culture and storied history is acknowledged at every opportunity, with the main towns and cities packed with attractions. There are 17 sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, including the Alto Douro Wine Region and the captivating Cultural Landscape of Sintra.
- Spectacular landscapes. Landscapes are incredibly varied in this part of the world – there truly is something for everyone, from beach dwellers to hiking enthusiasts. Portugal’s sultry south coast is famous for its world-class beaches: amongst the most famous within the Algarve region are Praia de Marinha, Cova Redonda and Praia Nova.
The country’s breathtaking landscapes aren’t exclusive to the mainland. Visitors in search of adventure will be spoiled for choice on the archipelagoes of Madeira and the Azores. The islands here have volcanic origins and are home to some of the most dramatic landscapes in Europe.
Portugal is a country proud of its culinary traditions and is home to plenty of unique flavours and dishes that transcend its borders. Top of your list when visiting should be pastel de nata. These famous custard tarts were first created in the 18th century by monks at the Jerónimos Monastery and can now be found around the world, but the most traditional tarts can only be bought in Portugal.
Especially if you’re visiting a coastal area, sampling some local seafood is a must. If you’re feeling adventurous and want to try lots of different dishes, be sure to give pesticos a go during your stay. This is Portugal's answer to traditional tapas, where smaller versions of bigger dishes are served in a social dining experience. It’s also traditional to eat the main meal of the day later in the evening – often between 8pm-10pm – giving you plenty of time to soak up the sun during the day.
Alongside the country’s culinary offerings, Portugal is also famous for its wine. Port is the most well-known wine to hail from this part of the world; it’s produced in the Douro region and is often drunk with dessert due to its sweet taste.
Portugal is a relatively small country, and its public transport system is well-developed. Most visitors will be able to rely on trains and buses to get around during their stay, even when planning to visit different regions – public transport here is efficient and affordable. Tram systems also operate in the main cities of Porto and Lisbon. Though they’re both compact cities, they’re also very hilly, so these trams can be a lifesaver if you find yourself flagging on foot.
For more information, read our guide on transport in Portugal.
Portugal is one of the warmest countries in Europe, with an average annual temperature of 21ºC. The temperate winters here make it a popular destination for some Christmas sun. Temperatures are higher year-round on the south coast compared to the northern regions. The tourist season peaks during the summer months; it’s best to visit in the shoulder season to make the most of the warmer weather without the heavy summer footfall.
Portugal is the westernmost country in mainland Europe. It borders Spain to the east and north and has a western coastline on the Atlantic Ocean.
Lisbon is the capital city of Portugal. This historic city is the largest in the country and remains one of the most popular urban tourist destinations on the continent. It’s also the westernmost capital in Europe.
Portuguese is the official language of Portugal and is the most widely spoken. The second most spoken is English.
Portugal observes Western European Summer Time (WEST) during the summer and Western European Time (WET) when Daylight Saving ends. With the clocks changing concurrently in the UK and Portugal, there’s no time difference between the two countries.
The euro is the official currency of Portugal. ATMs are widely available across the country, and credit cards will generally be accepted for most transactions – it’s recommended to still carry a small amount of cash for convenience.
There are several international airports in Portugal that welcome direct arrivals from the UK. Approximate flight times are:
- Porto – 2 hours 25 minutes
- Lisbon – 2 hours 50 minutes
- Faro (the Algarve) – 2 hours 55 minutes
- Madeira – 3 hours 55 minutes
A visa isn’t required to visit Portugal, providing your stay doesn’t exceed 90 days during any given six-month period. Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the day you plan to fly home.
Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
