If you’ve decided that Portugal is the perfect spot for your next holiday, you’ve chosen well! With an array of coastal towns, bustling cities and charming rural villages, there’s truly something for everyone in this Mediterranean hotspot.
To help you plan your trip to perfection, we’ve covered just a few of the best places to stay, areas to explore, and attractions to visit in this beautiful and diverse country.
When to visit Portugal
Portugal is wonderful all year round, but the timing of your visit matters too. With a cultural calendar that’s teeming with events, festivals, and lively celebrations, you can pick and choose to shape your holiday.
In large cities like Lisbon, June is the busiest month. Festivities peak on St. Anthony’s Day on June 13th in the capital. In Porto, the midsummer St. John’s Day celebrations commence on the 23rd.
If you’d rather avoid the crowds entirely, it makes more sense to stay in a rural area outside of peak season. With warm temperatures through most of the year, the weather in Portugal is some of the most predictable in Europe. Late spring or early autumn promise plenty of sunshine with a cool, refreshing breeze.
Top destinations and experiences
Lisbon
Best for nightlife and lively experiences, Portugal’s capital deserves its reputation as one of Europe’s best cities. From indie wine bars to high-street giants, there’s a rich variety in Lisbon that speaks to every type of tourist.
You could spend an afternoon admiring street art in the Alfama district or take a day trip exploring Sintra and its colourful palaces, all discovered in a landscape that’s a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Madeira
Away from mainland Portugal, the magnificent island of Maderia makes a fantastic choice for active families or serious hikers. With famous routes like the 25 Fontes Walk and the trails from Pico do Ruivo, visitors flock to Madeira to see its waterfalls, rocky coastlines, verdant mountains, and vibrant flora.
With hot weather all year round, this tropical island calls to holidaymakers looking for a taste of Portugal with an adventurous twist.
The Algarve
Azure waters and golden sands: the Faro District’s coastal resorts are ever-popular with families and couples, offering a healthy balance between relaxation and adventure. Check out this W Algarve review, this may the coolest hotel in Albufeira.
For many, the most memorable Portugal holidays start in the Algarve. From its incredible beaches to charming towns with Michelin-starred restaurants, the Algarve is a tranquil destination teeming with opportunities for exploring and socialising.
Porto
There’s an energetic atmosphere in Porto, a destination famed for its colourful buildings, bustling wine bars and huge sporting community thanks to two-time European champions FC Porto.
From gentle tourism to active city breaks with a jam-packed schedule, you can go at your own pace in Porto. It’s perfect for exploring, shopping, fine dining, day tripping and so much more.
Getting around
Travelling to Portugal is straightforward from almost anywhere in the UK. Direct flights from London take an average of 2 hours and 20 minutes, and it’s just as easy to reach your destination once you’ve landed.
Public transport options are plentiful and accessible, with intercity trains and buses to help you get around. Renting a car could also give you more flexibility and freedom to explore while you’re there: if you’re over 25 and you’ve got a driving licence, you can book one almost anywhere!
Before you go: A few tips
Portuguese people often have traditional values, but they’re also very welcoming and relaxed! Most speak European Portuguese, but English is fairly widespread too. Despite this, you should try to learn some common phrases before you go, including:
Bom dia – Good morning
Boa tarde – Good afternoon
Boa noite – Good night
Obrigado/a – Thank you
De nada – You're welcome
Adeus – Goodbye
Por favor – Please
In restaurants, tipping isn’t normally an expectation - unless you’re dining in an area that’s heavily visited by tourists. Portugal is generally seen as a very safe country to visit, but as with any location, you should always take out travel insurance before you go. And to be extra careful, make sure you’ve checked the latest official travel advice too. Boa viagem!
