Golden sands, toasty temps, and pastel de natas for brekkie - Portugal holidays are hotter than ever. Whether you’re after sun-drenched beach days, buzzing city breaks or a chilled family escape.

✨ Holidays to Portugal

• Home to the Algarve – a firm fave with families and friend groups

• Gorg coastline for all your beachin' (and surfin') needs

• Wine and dine - home to world-class wines like Port and some of Europe’s most mouthwatering dishes

• The OG of Piri Piri chicken

Good to know

• 🤩 Fun fact: Portugal is home to the world’s oldest bookstore, Bertrand Bookstore in Lisbon, which has been open since 1732!

• 🏖️ Best beach: We think Praia da Marinha in the Algarve is a must-see. Golden cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and perfect for snorkelling - what’s not to love?

• 🍺 Price of a pint: A beer will set you back around €2 to €3, depending on where you are - cheers to that!

If you're ALL IN on Portugal check our all-inclusive Portugal holidays, or all-inclusive Algarve trips. If you simply can't wait to feel the sand between your toes (we feel ya) then check our last minute Portugal holidays. Finally, if you want fresh Nata but your bank balance is close to nada then check our Cheap Portugal holidays.

Best Time to go to Portugal

Sunshine? Sorted. Festivals? You bet. Off-peak bargains? Yep, got those too. Portugal’s a corker of a holiday spot all year round, but if you’re wondering when to book those flights, here’s the lowdown on the best times to visit...

☀️ Summer Sizzlers (June to August)

If you’re dreaming of sun-drenched beach days, rooftop cocktails, and festivals that go off, then summer’s your jam. Expect:

• Hot and sunny weather (up to 35°C in the south)

• Buzzy beach vibes, especially in the Algarve and Lisbon coast

• Peak season prices, so book early to bag a deal

Best for: Party people on group holidays, sun worshippers, and those who want all the buzz.

🌸 Spring Fling (March to May)

Springtime in Portugal is like the starter before the main summer course—still delish, just a bit lighter. You’ll get:

• Mild temps (18–25°C) and fewer crowds

• Cheaper accommodation

• Blooming gorgeous scenery, especially in Madeira and the Douro Valley

Best for: Sightseeing, romantic breaks, and wallet-friendly wanderings.

🍂 Autumn Escape (September to October)

Still warm, still fab, and way less hectic. Autumn holidays in Portugal mean:

• Warm seas (yep, they’ve had all summer to heat up)

• Harvest festivals and wine tours galore

• Golden sunsets and mellow weather

Best for: Couples holidays, foodies, and those craving a sunny break after summer ends.

❄️ Winter Warmers (November to February)

Portugal might not be roasting in winter, but it still beats the UK chill! Here’s the deal:

• Mild coastal weather (10–18°C in Lisbon and the Algarve)

• Christmas markets in Porto and Lisbon

Best for: City breaks, cosy escapes, and beating the winter blues.

Where is the best area to stay in Portugal?

Portugal is brimming with incredible destinations, whether you're after a fun family trip, a getaway with friends, or a romantic escape. From buzzing cities to tranquil beaches, there's something for everyone—whether you're seeking luxury or something more budget-friendly. Here's a breakdown of the best areas to suit your travel style.

• Family holidays – for top-notch family fun, the Algarve is hard to beat. Think golden sands, waterparks, dolphin-watching, and sunshine for days. Towns like Vilamoura and Lagos are packed with activities for kids, chilled spots for grown-ups, and plenty of beachy adventures to tick off on your holidays in Portugal.

  Albufeira is another family favourite with calm beaches and easy access to Zoomarine.

• Squad goals – heading on a group holiday? Albufeira in the Algarve is the place to be. It's got a buzzing nightlife scene (hello, The Strip), daytime beach clubs, and water sports galore. Lagos is another top shout – slightly more chilled but still with cracking bars and a young, fun vibe.

• Coupling up – loved-up and ready to roam? Lisbon serves up city charm with a side of romance. Wander the cobbled lanes of Alfama, watch the sunset from a hilltop viewpoint, and toast your trip with wine in Bairro Alto. For beach romance, try Carvoeiro – a quieter Algarve gem with clifftop views and intimate cove beaches. Or escape to fairytale Sintra for palace-hopping and forest walks.

• City breakers – can't choose between beach and culture? Cascais is just 30 minutes from Lisbon by train, giving you the best of both worlds – sandy beaches by day, city exploring by night. Porto is another brilliant pick for those who want wine cellars, stunning architecture, and a more laid-back city vibe than the capital.

Getting around on your holidays to Portugal 2026

Whether you’re city-hopping in Lisbon or chasing the sun down to the Algarve, getting around Portugal is a breeze. Here is how to navigate the country without breaking a sweat (or the bank)...

• Ⓜ️Metro - Lisbon and Porto both have snazzy systems that whizz you around in no time. Lisbon’s colour-coded lines cover the main sights, while Porto’s metro gets you to the beach easily. Grab a day pass to save cash.

• 🚌Buses (Autocarros) - Portugal’s bus game is strong. In cities, they reach the hilltop spots the metro misses. For long-distance trips (like Lisbon to Faro), coaches like Rede Expressos are comfy, air-conditioned to the max, and super cheap.

• 🚆Trains (Comboios) - run by CP, trains are the scenic route. Hop on the Alfa Pendular for high-speed city links, or take the regional train along the Douro Valley for views that are pure Instagram gold.

💬 Talk the Talk 💬

Brush up on these key Portuguese phrases to impress the locals and navigate your way around:

• Olá! – Hello!

• Obrigado/Obrigada – Thank you! (Male/Female)

• Por favor – Please

• Desculpe – Excuse me/Sorry

• Fala inglês? – Do you speak English?

• Como está? – How are you?

• Quanto custa? – How much does it cost?

• Onde fica a praia? – Where is the beach?

• Uma cerveja, por favor – A beer, please

• Um copo de vinho, por favor – A glass of wine, please

• Onde está o banheiro? – Where is the bathroom?

• A conta, por favor – The bill, please

• Bom dia – Good morning

• Boa noite – Good night

Now you're ready to falar (talk) like a local!

Best beaches to visit in Portugal

Wanna know one of the best things to do in Portugal? Hit the beach obviously (rude not to when it looks that great), so we've done you a solid by picking out some of the best places to flop down a towel...

• Praia da Marinha - this iconic beach is famous for its dramatic cliffs, clear turquoise waters, and natural rock formations. It’s perfect for swimming and snorkeling, and you’ll find plenty of picturesque spots for that perfect Instagram shot!

• Praia de Benagil - known for its incredible sea cave, Benagil Beach is a must-visit. You can rent a kayak or take a boat tour to explore the famous cave, which has a natural skylight that makes for a breathtaking photo op.

• Praia do Guincho - this one's for the surfers and adventure-seekers, thanks to its blustery location with big Atlantic waves for your windsurfing, kitesurfing or bodyboarding needs

• Praia de Carcavelos - just a short train ride from Lisbon, Carcavelos is a bustling beach with golden sands and great waves for surfing. It’s ideal for sunbathing, beach sports, and grabbing a bite at the many nearby cafes. Perfect day trip from the city.

• Praia da Nazaré - famous for its giant waves that attract surfers from around the world, Praia da Nazaré is a haven for thrill-seekers. Even if you’re not surfing, the sheer spectacle of the waves is awe-inspiring.

• Praia dos Galapinhos - hikers, this is your spot. It's a beach in a park (Arrábida Natural Park if you want specifics), and it can only be reached on foot or by boat - super exclusive. Strap on your boots for a good ol' wander and then cool off in the water - perfecto.

• Praia de Dona Ana - kinda sounds like something out of Mamma Mia (wrong country), but this is actually a picture-perfect cove (so get your phone at the ready), with shallow paddling waters for the kiddos and clear waters for all you snorkellers.

• Praia do Baleal - if you like your beach like you like your Saturday nights (lively), then this is the place for you. It's got the fun vibes that make the transition from chilled beach days to late-night beach parties totally seamless.

• Praia da Ursa - nestled near Cabo da Roca, Praia da Ursa is a secluded gem known for its wild beauty. Accessible via a steep hike, this unspoiled beach offers dramatic cliffs and striking rock formations.

What are the top hotels in Portugal?

Family holidays to the Algarve, last-minute holidays to Lisbon and couples’ All Inclusive getaways to Cascais – whatever you’ve got your beady eye on, there's a Portugal hotel for you. Here are a few of our faves:

• Auramar Beach Resort - perched right along the beachfront (just how we like it), this place is for the beach bums and sun-seekers, with multiple pools to dunk into and a super-fun 'dancing bar'

• Muthu Clube Praia da Oura - another beachfront beaut with TONS of food options (from big ol' buffets to Mexican classics), a sky bar with mega views, and a giant inflatable obstacle course for the kiddos

• Jupiter Albufeira Hotel - Family & Fun - designed with families in mind, and thanks to its on-site waterpark, jam-packed activity schedule and multiple swimming pools, boredom's definitely banned here

• Monica Isabel Beach Club - cosy, self-catered apartments with beachfront views, a choice of pools and activities for days

• Oura Senses (16+) - if you like a couples holiday that's adults-only, this 16+ hotel is the one for you. It's got a pool, a Jacuzzi and an on-site bar. What more could you want?!

• Tivoli Alvor Algarve Resort - talk about a luxury holiday for the whole fam, this hotel's got six swimming pools, a cinema room for movie nights and an adults-only spa for some much needed "me" time.

Your Portugal Holidays 2026 Travel Guide

🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒 Things to do in Portugal for Families

From real-life secret gardens to beaches that look like a packet of sweets, Portugal is a playground for the kiddos and the grown-ups. Here is where to make memories that will last longer than the holiday tan.

• Quinta da Regaleira - visit this gorge castle in Sintra for pure Secret Garden vibes. The grounds are packed with hidden tunnels, waterfalls, and a spiralling 'Initiation Well' that is totally cool for exploring.

• Costa Nova - high-tail it to this picturesque town famous for its colourful striped houses. It’s the ultimate backdrop for family photos, and the beach is safe, sandy, and perfect for a paddle.

• Zoomarine Algarve - a mega theme park and aquarium combo in Albufeira that is a guaranteed 10/10 day out for splash-tastic fun.

🕺 Things to do in Portugal for Party Goers

Chasing your next festival or dying to dance 'til the sun comes up? Portugal knows how to throw a party. Whether you are into indie bands or neon-lit strips, here is where the vibe is at.

• NOS Alive - taking over Lisbon every July, this festival attracts huge crowds and massive headliners (think Dua Lipa). It is a surefire way to bounce and vibe with your besties in the sun.

• The Strip (Monte Choro) - the legendary party hub in Albufeira. We’re talking bars and clubs running all the way to the beach. It’s the go-to spot for stag and hen do's where things go from zero to feral pretty quick.

• Bairro Alto - head to Lisbon's bohemian district where the party spills out onto the streets. Grab a cheap Caipirinha and bar-hop 'til the early hours.

🏛️ Things to do in Portugal for Culture Vultures

Calling all history buffs! Portugal is dripping in culture, from Disney-style palaces to art that covers entire buildings.

• Pena Palace - the jewel of Sintra. It’s an eclectic blend of vibrant colours and history that gives major Disney vibes. Tip: Go early to beat the crowds and get that perfect Insta shot without the photobombers.

• Azulejo Tiles - you won't have to look far to see these stunning blue-and-white tiles. For the best examples, head to the Porto Cathedral or the National Museum of the Azulejo in Lisbon.

• Belem Tower - a UNESCO World Heritage site sitting right on the water in Lisbon. It’s a proper icon of the Age of Discoveries and well worth a visit.

🌳 Things to do in Portugal for Nature Lovers

Pack your walking boots because Portugal’s outdoors are absolutely stun. Whether you want to burn those calves on a hike or float into a sea cave, nature here is next level.

• Peneda-Gerês National Park - a feast for hikers. Expect riverside woodlands, hidden waterfalls, and old stone villages lost to time. It’s wild, rugged, and totally refreshing.

• Benagil Cave - a unique sea cave with a hole in the ceiling that lets the sunlight flood in. Rent a kayak or hop on a boat trip to see this natural wonder in all its glory.

• Ria Formosa - a maze of canals and islands in the Algarve that is perfect for birdwatching and escaping the busy resort crowds.

💰 Portugal on a Budget

This sun-soaked slice of Europe is one of the best-value destinations going. Here is how to stretch your Euros further than a beach towel.

• Lunchtime Wins - look for the "prato do dia" (dish of the day). You can often get a 3-course lunch with a drink for €8-12. It’s the same quality as dinner, just way cheaper.

• Pastelaria Breakfasts - swerve the hotel buffet and hit a local bakery. A coffee and a fresh pastel de nata will usually cost you less than €2.

• Free Viewpoints - skip the paid towers. Lisbon and Porto are packed with "Miradouros" (viewpoints) like Santa Catarina that offer million-dollar sunset views for zero Euros.

• Cash vs Card - always pay in Euros if using your card to dodge sneaky conversion fees. Better yet, use a fee-free card or stick to cash for small family-run spots.

• Walk Everywhere - Portuguese cities are super walkable (if you don't mind a hill or two). You'll save cash on transport and stumble upon hidden gems you’d miss on the bus.

Explore More of Portugal

Portugal's got so much to offer, and we've got dedicated pages to help you dig deeper into the best bits. Whether you're chasing sun-drenched beaches, buzzing city vibes, or hidden gems off the beaten track, there's a Portugal holiday with your name on it.

• 🏖️ Algarve – if you want the sunniest, beachiest part of Portugal, this is it. Golden cliffs, crystal-clear waters, waterparks, and some of the best seafood you'll ever taste. Perfect for families and anyone who lives for a tan.

• 🏙️ Lisbon – Portugal's capital is where history meets cool. Think hilltop viewpoints, colourful trams rattling through cobbled streets, epic nightlife, and pastel de nata on every corner. Ideal for city breakers, culture lovers, and anyone who wants a bit of everything.

• 🍷 Porto – all the charm, half the tourists (for now). This riverside city is famous for its port wine, stunning bridges, and those gorgeous azulejo tiles everywhere you look. Great for romantic getaways, foodies, and anyone who loves a good wine tour.

• 🌴 Madeira – the "floating garden" of Portugal. Lush, green, and seriously gorgeous, Madeira's all about dramatic landscapes, hiking trails, and year-round spring weather. Perfect for nature lovers, hikers, and those after a peaceful escape.

• 🌋 Azores – Portugal's best-kept secret. Volcanic islands, hot springs, whale watching, and landscapes that look like another planet. For adventure seekers, nature nerds, and anyone who wants to say they've been somewhere truly unique.

Click through to explore what makes each destination special - and start planning your perfect Portugal escape!