Portugal holidays
Holidays in Portugal offer boundless opportunities for adventure. You can explore lively, characterful cities like Lisbon and Porto, tackle undulating golf greens, and navigate around mountainous peaks and lush green valleys to reach remote UNESCO-listed sites. Out in the Atlantic, the wonders of the volcanic islands of Madeira and the Azores await. The country’s warm, sunny climate and picturesque shoreline packed with beaches make Portugal holidays perfect for just lounging on the beach, too.
Our cheapest holidays to Portugal
Be enchanted at Europe’s western edge
Portugal sits on one long, yellow beach. Its 800 km of Atlantic coastline stretches from Porto in the north, through to the capital of Lisbon and down to Faro – the main city of the famous Algarve.
Lisbon, Portugal’s cool capital, is chock full of fantastic street art, top-notch gastronomy and stunning landmarks, while Porto offers cosmopolitan dining, modern architecture and many port wineries. Oenophiles can also head to the Douro Valley to sample sublime wines on sleepy terrace wineries in Europe’s oldest demarcated wine region. For the region’s best views check out the riverside village of Pinhao.
Sintra offers fairytale castles surrounded by mystical forests and hidden monasteries less than an hour by train from Lisbon, while Evora has restored medieval buildings and Roman ruins. You can explore the Minho region to discover traditional villages, wilderness trails and vine-covered valleys. The Algarve is rightly renowned for its beaches, lively resorts and quieter villages. With around 300 annual days of sun this region has plenty to appeal to families including water parks, hidden coves and boat trips.. For a destination that’s as hot as piri piri: book flights to Portugal now.
Carefully selected Portugal hotels
Best hotels in Portugal for all types of traveller
Book a great holiday in Portugal with British Airways. Our carefully selected hotels will help you narrow down your search, so you can find that perfect pad in Porto, or a convenient central room for your Lisbon city break. Want to visit the capital in style? Enjoy the indoor pool and extensive spa at the Corinthia Hotel, where you can enjoy five-star luxury in the upmarket part of town. For a different take on Lisbon living, book a room at Penha Longa, a five-star hotel in the bucolic Sintra mountains. You’re only half an hour from Lisbon, but you’re in your own bubble of luxury with two golf courses, six restaurants and a spa. Do you want to discover Madeira? VidaMar Resort is perched right on the coast of the island. It has a trio of stunning infinity pools set next to the ocean.
Portugal holiday FAQs
- The picturesque village of Monsanto is built in, around and under a series of giant boulders and is like a living museum. There’s a Romanesque chapel, a 12th Century castle and a necropolis – all of which provides great fodder for your Instagram feed.
- Make your way to the charming hilltop village of Obidos, famed for its lively festivals which encompass everything from international literary heritage to medieval jousting, all framed by a stunning backdrop.
- In the heart of the Alentejo region lies Evora, one of Portugal’s best preserved medieval towns. Within the old town’s 14th Century walls, you can discover narrow, winding lanes leading to eye-catching monuments, an elaborate cathedral, Roman ruins and a charming town square. Sample the hearty local fare served up in this lively university town.
- The Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela is perfect for nature lovers. Home to mainland Portugal’s highest mountain range and its only ski resort, it’s a popular place for hiking along high-country trails with stunning views. Rugged scenery, traditional villages and outdoor adventures beckon. Look out for adorable sheepdog puppies frolicking by the roadside.
- Some of the country’s prime beaches are on the Setubal Peninsula, a popular area among Lisbon locals. Swing by the Costa da Caparica, a long beachfront stretching for miles that gets wilder and less crowded the further south you go. It’s a great spot for a surf lesson or to dine al fresco commanding views of the lapping waves.
A Lisbon city break offers a great mini-getaway, full of culture and history. Meanwhile, the rugged landscapes and black-sand beaches make Madeira holidays ideal for nature lovers. The Azores are even better for travellers that like to venture off the beaten track. If you're most interested in sun, sand and golf, book an idyllic Algarve holiday.
- You may want to wrangle the entire family for a beach holiday in Portugal – or just treat your sweetheart to an all-inclusive Portugal trip. Staying within private villas in Portugal is another great family holiday option because it gives you the option to self-cater. If you only have a few days to travel, consider a city break to Lisbon or a quick trip to Madeira.
- It’s perfectly possible to spend time in Portugal without spending all your money. Lisbon is one of western Europe’s best-value city breaks. Enjoy cheap holidays on the sandy beaches of Portugal’s Estoril Coast or around the lush vineyards of the Douro in the north.
- Let your troubles melt away, rest easy and enjoy a holiday with no fears of a big bill at the end of your stay. Portugal has some great all-inclusive holidays where you can lie back and soak up the country’s sunny climes. Relax in the Algarve, where the all-inclusive hotels come with great beaches, or fly a little further to Funchal, Madeira, and indulge in a sleepy stay on this quiet island.
- Go gallivanting in Portugal with the whole clan. You’ll find family holidays in Portugal on tap. Spend an afternoon on a family-friendly Blue Flag beach in the Algarve or embark on a big day out at one of the area’s many water parks. At Tivoli Marina Vilamoura everyone can enjoy the splendid beach, plus there’s a kids’ club, pool and play area. The many organised activities on hand will keep everyone entertained.
- Portugal is one of the warmest countries in Europe, and its long coastline is well known for surfing spots and golden sands, perfect for Portugal beach holidays. Even the capital, Lisbon, lies on the beach. Additionally, the Algarve has some of the world’s most beautiful beaches hidden under its dramatic sandstone cliffs. Pine Cliffs Hotel, a Luxury Collection Resort is set above Portugal’s longest sandy beach, Praia da Falesia. Enjoy the resort’s wealth of facilities: play golf or book into the tennis academy before an afternoon stretched out on the sand.
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