Portugal Holidays

The capital of Portugal is known for its white stone streets, romantic architecture and signature cable cars. On our holidays to Lisbon, we’ll explore the winding alleyways of the Baixa and Alfama Quarters and take a trip to the impressive Belem Tower and Jerónimos Monastery. As we make our way through the city, we’ll learn about the important contributions made by Portuguese explorers and how the country’s maritime trade shaped it into the Portugal we know today.

Boasting superb beaches and picturesque seaside villages, the Algarve is a must-see region when visiting Portugal. Located in the south west of the country, it offers modern amenities and resorts for travellers while still maintaining traditional Portuguese culture in its quaint fishing ports and whitewashed towns. On our holidays to Portugal, we’ll have the chance to visit the history steeped town of Silves and explore the markets of Faro. We’ll also take in breathtaking cliffside scenery in Lagos and visit Sagres, the southwestern most tip of Europe and where early Europeans believed the world ended.

The colourful city of Porto is known not only for its excellent port wine production, but also its wonderfully preserved medieval architecture. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city boasts an array of galleries, museums and historical landmarks to visit. On our holidays to Porto, we’ll take guided tours to highlights like the Ribeira quarter, the Porto Cathedral, Palacio da Bolsa, Mercado do Bolhao and Clérigos Church. We’ll also have plenty of free time in the city, during which we recommend taking a relaxing boat ride along the Douro River, passing under six of Porto's magnificent bridges.

Located just outside the Portuguese capital of Lisbon, this coastal region has a variety of experiences to offer visitors. From incredible beaches to rich history, our holidays to this area provide something for everyone. We’ll visit the Castle of Sintra, a 16th-century palace and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nestled within the mountains, this castle has a fairytale-feel and was once home to the Portuguese Royal Family. Other notable sites in the region that we’ll visit include the picturesque town of Óbidos, the scenic fishing village of Nazaré, and Alcobaça which is home to a 12th century monastery.

Portugal experiences a typical Mediterranean climate with warm summers and wet winters. The summer heat is cooled by sea breezes making the conditions extremely pleasant. Maximum temperatures reach approximately 25°C and the country experiences about 11 to 12 hours of daylight per day during this season. Winter on the other hand reaches a maximum of around 16°C and daylight hours are between 5 to 6 hours on average. September to November are the most popular times for Portugal holidays, as well as March to June.

Portugal is on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) throughout the year. The currency in Portugal is the Euro.  

While in Portugal you can enjoy delicious food matched with excellent local wines at very reasonable prices. Alongside famous dishes like Piri Piri chicken, you’ll find local favourites such as fresh sardines cooked on an open air grill, bacalhau (salted cod, cooked in several ways), caldo verde soup (the ultimate comfort food, involving potatoes,  kale and local  sausage), slow-cooked  Alentejano  pork and the soft  sheep's-milk cheese Queijoda Serra. Vinho  Verde is a refreshing, slightly sparkling white wine  which is light in alcohol and a perfect match for grilled fish, while wines from Portugal’s Douro Valley as well as the Dão and Alentejo regions are world-renowned.

• Night Train to Lisbon by Pascal Mercier
• Port and the Douro by Richard Mayson
• The Unknown Islands by Raul Brandão