On the Beach Limited

Portugal Holidays

Algarve

Golden sands, toasty temps and pastel de natas for breakfast. These are just three of the reasons why Portugal takes the top spot for a beach break.

Destination highlights

  • Home to the Algarve – a firm favourite with both families and friends

  • Amazing beaches across the country

  • A colourful capital city

  • A great selection of annual festivals to go to

What are the best beaches in Portugal?

Looking for a break filled with sunny days sitting on the beach? That's what cheap holidays to Portugal are all about! The Algarve coast is lined with sandy shores that are perfect for all holidaymakers. Here are our favourites…

Praia dos Pescadores is a must-visit when you’re holidaying in the Algarve. Located in Albufeira, this Blue Flag beach is a hit with families, friends and couples seeking a laid-back beach day. In the west of the Algarve, Praia da Rocha is another top pick for sunbathing, swimming and all-around relaxing. If you’re seeking a snorkelling spot, head to Praia da Marinha to see what lies beneath the amazingly clear waters, as well as discover one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe!

Get the best of both worlds when city breaking in Lisbon. If you hop on a train or bus a little further down the coast you can enjoy the sunshine and the seaside in the region of Cascais. Perfect for a day trip out, take your pick from the spacious Praia de Carcavelos, watch the windsurfers at Praia do Guincho or hop over to Estoril for a relaxing day on Praia do Tamariz.

What are the top hotels in Portugal?

Family holidays to the Algarve, mates’ escapes to Lisbon and couples’ All Inclusive getaways to Cascais – wherever you’ve got your eye on, we have the hotel for you.

Looking for luxury in Lisbon? The Iberostar Selection Lisboa is a superb five-star hotel with an outdoor pool located in the northwest of the capital city – perfect for a couple’s break or mates’ escape. For those who need a comfortable yet classy base for their Lisbon break, the Real Parque Hotel is just 300m from the Botanical gardens and has a brilliant restaurant and bar for guests to enjoy delicious meals.

Along the Lisbon coast in the Cascais region, Baia Hotel Cascais is a stylish hotel by the beach that’s great for couples or friends seeking a Portuguese getaway that’s a mix of beach and city break. Vila Gale Village Cascais is a four-star hotel that’s a great choice for a laid-back family holiday under the sun. In Sintra, the four-star Pestana Sintra Golf Resort & Spa is a perfect pick for a couple’s spa break.

If you fancy soaking up the sunshine in the Algarve, Muthu Clube Praia da Oura is a four-star family favourite located on the beachfront. Monica Isabel Beach Club is another great choice for a family holiday by the beach and AP Adriana Beach Resort is a stylish four-star complex with something for everyone.

Popular Portugal hotels

Auramar Beach Resort

Auramar Beach Resort

  • starstarstar

  • Albufeira, Costa de Algarve, Portugal

  • 20m from the beach

  • Close to the city centre

  • Large swimming pool

Muthu Clube Praia da Oura

Muthu Clube Praia da Oura

  • starstarstarstar

  • Albufeira, Costa de Algarve, Portugal

  • Welcoming atmosphere

  • Great location

  • Swimming pools and Jacuzzis

Monica Isabel Beach Club

Monica Isabel Beach Club

  • starstarstar

  • Albufeira, Costa de Algarve, Portugal

  • Overlooks the beach

  • Loads of activities

  • Heated indoor pool

Grand Muthu Oura View Beach Club

Grand Muthu Oura View Beach Club

  • starstarstarstarstar

  • Albufeira, Costa de Algarve, Portugal

  • 150m from the beach

  • Split-level swimming pool

  • On-site spa

Paraiso de Albufeira

Paraiso de Albufeira

  • starstarstarstar

  • Albufeira, Costa de Algarve, Portugal

  • Lagoon-style pool

  • Great selection of bars and restaurants

  • Mini-golf

Janelas do Mar

Janelas do Mar

  • starstarstar

  • Albufeira, Costa de Algarve, Portugal

  • Roomy apartments with all the mod cons

  • Coffee shop for your caffeine fix

  • Pools for the whole fam to enjoy

Albufeira Sol Hotel & Spa

Albufeira Sol Hotel & Spa

  • starstarstarstar

  • Albufeira, Costa de Algarve, Portugal

  • Three swimming pools including one kids' pool

  • Daytime and evening entertainment programme

  • Dedicated kids' entertainment

Grand Muthu Forte da Oura

Grand Muthu Forte da Oura

  • starstarstarstar

  • Albufeira, Costa de Algarve, Portugal

  • 750m from the beach

  • Choice of restaurants

  • Outdoor swimming pool

Luna Hotel da Oura

Luna Hotel da Oura

  • starstarstarstar

  • Albufeira, Costa de Algarve, Portugal

    Paladim & Alagoamar

    Paladim & Alagoamar

    • starstarstarstar

    • Albufeira, Costa de Algarve, Portugal

      3HB Guarana (ex RIU Guarana)

      3HB Guarana (ex RIU Guarana)

      • starstarstarstar

      • Albufeira, Costa de Algarve, Portugal

      • Fantastic All Inclusive Package

      • Swim-Up Bar

      • Free Access to the Spa

      • Evening Entertainment

      Golden Club Cabanas

      Golden Club Cabanas

      • starstarstar

      • Tavira, Costa de Algarve, Portugal

      • Beachfront location

      • 2 swimming pools

      • Buffet restaurant

      Eden Resort

      Eden Resort

      • starstarstarstar

      • Albufeira, Costa de Algarve, Portugal

      • 5 outdoor pools

      • On-site spa

      • Kids' club

      Stunning Portugal resorts

      Algarve

      Algarve

      Portugal’s sunny southern coast is like no other, serving up soaring cliffs, charming fishing villages, and - of course - plenty of beach.

      Lisbon

      Soak up the sun, appreciate the culture and experience copious amounts of delicious cuisine on a city break to Portugal’s capital city. Spend your days...

      Cascais

      If Cascais isn’t on your wanderlust radar, it should be. This Portuguese resort offers the perfect mix of beaches and bars; it even was awarded the title...

      Popular Algarve destinations

      Praia Da Rocha

      Vilamoura

      Albufeira

      Faro

      Tavira

      Estoril

      Weather in Portugal

      JAN

      14°C

      FEB

      15°C

      MAR

      17°C

      APR

      19°C

      MAY

      21°C

      JUN

      24°C

      JUL

      27°C

      AUG

      27°C

      SEP

      26°C

      OCT

      22°C

      NOV

      17°C

      DEC

      17°C

      Summers (June to September) in Portugal are a real treat. Temperatures average around 25-30°C, and the sun? Oh, it's more loyal than your favourite pet, especially in the southern Algarve region. It's all about the beach, BBQs and buckets of ice cream.

      Now, for those of you who like to play it cool, spring (March to May) and autumn (October and November) serve up a milder 15-20°C. These are the perfect months for exploring the cobblestone streets of Lisbon without breaking a sweat or sipping some fine Douro Valley wine al fresco.

      As for winter (December to February), weather in Portugal chills out to around 10-15°C, with the occasional rain shower - a little drama never hurt, right? It's the perfect excuse for cosying up in a traditional pastelaria with a Pastel de Nata and a bica.

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      Reviews

      At On the Beach, we’ve sent many satisfied customers on Portugal Holidays for a bit of sunshine. But don't just take our word for it, read some of their 5-star reviews below.

      StarStarStarStarStar
      By Anna King
      Verified

      Always fantastic service

      Always fantastic service. Been using in the beach for around 10 years.
      Quick and efficient service during the pandemic and refunds received.
      Just travelled to Portugal with them and off to Crete in 2 months.

      StarStarStarStarStar
      By Cheryl Tarrant
      Verified

      So Easy….

      I’ve used on the beach twice in the last 2 months, we had an amazing week in Majorca and I’ve just booked Portugal for next year. Booking is so straight forward, will definitely book again.

      StarStarStarStarStar
      By Lisa Morrison
      Verified

      Big fan of On The Beach!

      Big fan of On The Beach!
      I have used this company for quite a few years now and enjoyed about 12 holidays with them. I have been to some amazing places including Malta, Croatia, Santorini and had the best holidays! I currently have 2 more booked with them for next year to Portugal and Kefalonia.
      I really like that you can pay a low deposit to secure a great deal then pay in instalments meaning you don't have to find the balance all at once. I also like that you can customise the holiday yourself choosing your own flight times, transfers, hotel etc. You feel in control to find exactly what you're looking for and can access every detail of your booking in their app. I also think the prices are great too and I've yet to find cheaper holidays with any other company. I wouldn't book with anyone else now anyway. I was meant to go to Sicily at the start of this month but due to travel restrictions the holiday was cancelled. I had no hassle at all getting a refund, in fact On The Beach actually contacted me way in advance to prepare me that it may be cancelled and gave me options to either wait for a full refund or change dates. I can't fault them as a company and since I have used them so many times over the years without any issues at all I would highly recommend them.

      FAQs

      How long does it take to fly to Portugal?

      It takes about three hours to fly to Portugal from the UK.



      What’s the time difference between the UK and Portugal?

      There is no difference!



      What currency do they use in Portugal?

      The official currency of Portugal is the Euro.



      What language do they speak in Portugal?

      The official language spoken in Portugal is Portuguese.