Portugal Holidays

Enchanting architecture and fascinating history are abundant in every part of Portugal, but nowhere more than its stunning cities. Walking cobbled streets around pastel-coloured buildings, it’s easy to see why UNESCO has already listed 17 Portuguese World Heritage Sites with 19 more under consideration. Wander through the capital of Lisbon along the banks of the River Tagus and find the Insta-ready Belém Tower beside the grandiose Mosteiro dos Jerónimos. 

Take a 30-minute drive to Sintra, home of the Palácio Nacional and its distinctive twin chimneys, the mediaeval hilltop fortress of Castelo dos Mouros, and the Disney-esque palace of Quinta da Regaleira. In the north, Porto old town is UNESCO listed from Luiz I Bridge to the Monastery of Serra do Pilar with more than 2,000 years represented in buildings such as the Romanesque Porto Cathedral, the Manueline Igreja de Santa Clara, and the Neoclassical Bolsa Palace.

If Portugal’s diverse and beautiful mainland wasn’t enough, it’s also home to two of Europe’s most enchanting island destinations. Volcanic Madeira is famous for two things - delicious wine and incredible hiking - but it's also filled with culture, museums, and al fresco dining. Wander botanical gardens on slopes overlooking the ocean, amble along mountainside irrigation channels on the levada walks, or ride the Funchal Cable Car for panoramic views.

Further into the Atlantic, the nine-islands of the Azores are marked by crater lakes, hot springs, and picturesque towns. Explore the magnificent harbourfront of Ponta Delgada, pass through the ancient underground lava tube of Gruta do Carvão, or set sail for an unforgettable whale and dolphin watching cruise in the archipelago’s rich waters.

Portugal is a destination of contrasts with a wide variety of activities and attractions. Delve into two millennia of history when you visit Roman castles, mediaeval fortresses, and grand Gothic cathedrals. Sip vinho verde and nibble pastéis de nata outside riverside cafés. Discover the museums and monuments of Lisbon. Explore the towers and palaces of Porto. Enjoy golfing, dining, sunbathing or shopping among the beaches and bays of the Algarve.

Indulge in adrenaline sports in the Azores. Join a wine tour of Madeira. Trek through the magnificent mountains of Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela. Enjoy a bird-spotting boat trip through the waterways of Parque Natural da Ria Formosa. Daytrip to historic Évora, artisan Óbidos, or the incredible Paiva Walkways of Aveiro. The more you uncover, the more you’ll want to explore the bewitching cities, towns, villages, and countryside of this amazing European destination.

Portugal is blessed with a climate that makes it pleasant to visit at any time of year. Spring, from March to May, and autumn, from September to October, are often considered the best times to visit with a perfect balance between fine weather and fewer crowds. March to May offers average temperatures between 15°C and 20°C before rising sharply towards 30°C between June and August.

Days remain warm until mid-November when winter brings cooler temperatures and increased rainfall. That said, Portugal often experiences sunny periods right through December, particularly in the Algarve, Madeira, and the Azores. Visitor numbers are at their highest in July and August, especially in the beach resorts of the south coast, and flexible travellers may prefer to arrive outside of these months.

Visa: British passport holders do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days

Language: Portuguese

Currency: Euro (€)

Time difference: GMT +1 hour

Flight duration from London: Under 3 hours for mainland Portugal, 4 hours for Madeira or the Azores

Capital city: Lisbon