




An incredibly popular all year round destination, Portugal proudly boasts hot dry summers and warm winters. One of the oldest and smallest countries in Europe with a rich marine heritage and a number of beautiful beach resorts and fascinating towns and charming whitewashed villages, Portugal oozes character!
With amazing variety, you will find beautiful golden sandy beaches and charming fishing villages alongside a fantastic nightlife in the Algarve, while Madeira will offer you amazing mountain villages, beautiful scenery and gardens perfect for quiet romantic walks. Portugal really is the perfect destination, whatever type of holiday you are after!


The weather in Portugal is ideal for a sunny holiday as it is one of the
warmest and driest countries in Europe. During the summer the weather is hot and dry with some areas seeing temperatures as high as 45°c. Enjoying a Mediterranean climate, the different regions of Portugal enjoy different variations of this beautiful weather.
In the southern parts of the country and the Algarve region in particular the weather can get very hot. Winters are cooler but still relatively mild. The southern regions are dry with little rainfall while the areas in the north of the country get a little more rainfall.
Northern Portugal is a little cooler due to the high rise of the mountains, as the higher you are the cooler the temperature and higher the rainfall. The weather by the coast is hot in the summer and mild in the winter.
The Algarve is Portugal’s most popular destination. This idyllic place has a picturesque coastline, beautiful beaches and a perfect climate of hot summers and mild winters. The Algarve’s many resorts offer top-rated hotels and villas and brilliant sports facilities. The fantastic championship golf courses means the Algarve is a golfer’s paradise. Inland, the wooded mountains of Serra de Monchique show another side of the Algarve. Remote villages mingle with olive and orange groves, fig, quince and carob trees and the Algarve’s famous almond trees laden with blossom.
The island of Madeira is an all year-round holiday destination and combines a rugged coastline, volcanic caves, traditional villages and gorgeous beaches. The island is popular due to its natural beauty including a multitude of gardens and parks showcasing the best of Portugal’s flowers. However, for beach lovers there are only a few sandy beaches such as Praia da Jamaica with the majority being pebbled such as Madalena do Mar. For those wanting some culture the capital, Funchal will keep you occupied with its picturesque squares, charming old streets and historical monuments.
For those wanting a cosmopolitan city break mixed with beautiful beaches and historical charm, Lisbon is for you. The Portuguese capital is on the north banks of the River Tagus and has plenty to see including many renovated palaces, churches and rich cultural heritage.
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Portugal is one of the top holiday destinations because it is packed with things to do which will suit everyones needs! Take a look at our activity guide below to see exactly what a holiday in Portugal can offer!
The main attraction that keeps bringing people back on Portugal holidays are the absolutely beautiful beaches. There are plenty to choose from on the Algarve and western coasts from quiet secluded alcoves to large lively beaches offering a host of watersports to enjoy or simply lie back and relax while sunbathing on the beach! Head to Praia da Rocha or Praia da Luz for some of the best stretches of beach in the Algarve.
Surfing, windsurfing and sailing are fantastic activities in Portugal to add a little adventure to your holiday! Taking advantage of the 500 mile coastline that Portugal offers, the more expert surfers should head to Lisbon as it offers more challenging waters than in the Algarve, where you will find tamer seas. You can also enjoy canoeing and kayaking along Portugal’s rivers, and will find lots of equipment hire centres around to help you.
Portugal has a proud equestrian tradition and the Lusitano horse is world famous. Facilities include famous riding schools where experts can hone their dressage skills to stables where less experienced riders can take a horse out to enjoy the beautiful scenery and landscape that Portugal offers.
Whether you like your nightlife relaxing and chilled out or loud and lively there’s something for you on holidays in Portugal. Of course eating out is also a great way to enjoy an evening out and luckily Portugal is well catered for! There is a fabulous choice of restaurants including cuisines from all over the world.
If it’s a big night out you’re after then we recommend Lagos . The marina is a bustling area with plenty of cocktail bars, restaurants and pubs. It’s hugely popular with tourists and has a great holiday atmosphere.
The bustling town of Vilamoura is renowned as a night destination. Head to the marina and take in the sights of the huge yachts moored here before an evening meal in one of the many classy restaurants.
If you like historic architecture then you can’t go far wrong on holiday in Portugal. Silves, near the town of Carvoeira is home to the ruins of a medieval castle. Meanwhile in Tavira you’ll find a stunning Roman bridge and the Misericordia church in the town centre which dates back to 1541.
Portugal has a rich history and culture, particularly when it comes to religion. The country hosts many religious festivals throughout the year so you’re likely to witness one no matter what time of year you choose to go on holidays to Portugal. There are also various town fairs during which the whole town gets together to celebrate. Monte Gordo for example plays host to the October Fair, Faro features the Senhora do Carmo Festivities and Fair while in Castro Marim you can take part in medieval days. The country’s rich history is also apparent in the fantastic architecture and many historic monuments and ruins.
Capital: Lisbon
Currency: Euro
Time Zone: GMT
Holidays in Portugal are affordable and On the Beach has made things even easier by offering some of the best deals around on holidays all across the region. Whether it’s a chilled out break you’re after or a fortnight of partying you’re sure to find what you want – not forgetting fabulous beaches, great attractions and a rich culture to boot.
If you’re looking for a holiday that has it all but you don’t want to get yourself in the red paying for it then check out On the Beach and you could be jetting off to Portugal before you know it!