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Hiking trails, classic cities, epic beaches and world-famous waves. Holidays to Portugal tick off every wish-list going.
Portugal may be small compared to its Spanish neighbour, but it packs in plenty of charming cobbled cities, sandy beaches and delicious food and drink. You might think you’ve completed it with a city break to Lisbon but that’s where this guide comes in… Get to know Portugal’s different coasts, from party destinations to old fishing villages and stunning national parks.
Portugal’s top places to visit are split across its mainland and island destinations. Summer is all about sunning yourself on the best beaches, but if you want to sidestep the peak tourist season, Easter time and September and October are still perfect for this.
Colourful cities
Lisbon and Porto are big names on the city break scene for good reason. Their style feels completely unique, so no two buildings ever look the same. Tiled walls in pastel pinks, yellows, blues and greens paint the streets with different patterns, and even the pavements are lovely to look at. It’s not often you get buzzing cities like these, on the water and with easy access to some of the best beaches – win-win-win.
Capturing castles
Portugal is home to a handful of ancient castles that look like something out of a fairytale. The Pena Palace in Sintra is possibly the most well-known and while it’s a popular tourist spot, it’s so worth it. Its iconic yellow and red painted walls and white and blue tiles make it stand out from the Serra da Sintra hills that surround it. Sat on a rocky outcrop as well, the views from its terraces are amazing. In the same area, you also have the Castelo dos Mouros and National Palace of Sintra. All three make for a great daytrip from Lisbon and can be sorted with a combined entry ticket.
All au naturel
Portugal is overflowing with beaut scenes and Peneda-Gerês National Park is a hiker’s paradise. It’s up in the northwest and sits between mountains and reservoirs, with gorg waterfalls and river beaches for a refreshing dip. Routes range from full-day hikes to small circular loops with swimming spots, so you can make the most of a picnic halfway round.
The panoramic viewpoint of Pedra Bela is a great pick and the paths around here also take you to Arado waterfalls, as part of the two-mile Miradouro Velho da Pedra Bela route. Running north from Portugal’s peninsula, the Vicentine Coast Natural Park is one of Europe’s best-preserved coastlines, with no major city in sight. Then, Cape Saint Vincent outside of Sagres is thought to be the end of the European world – you can’t beat the sunset from its lighthouse.
Best resorts in Portugal
If it’s lots of beach you’re after, head to the Algarve. For history and charm, Lagos is a gem of a town with cobblestone streets, breathtaking cliffs and beaches. Or, for the party, a classic is Albufeira, internationally renowned with Blue Flag beaches and a bunch of great bars.
The one you’re likely to think of first. Get lost in Lisbon’s historic Alfama and Bairro Alto neighbourhoods and climb the Santa Justa Lift in Baixa. Of course, a pastel de nata has to be on the menu but the best place to try these is Pasteis de Belem, a short train, tram or bus ride away.
Madeira is warm all year round, perfect for exploring its brilliant hiking trails, botanical gardens and going dolphin-watching. Of course, the wine is big here too. Similar to port, Madeira is a fortified sweet wine and definitely worth tasting in the capital, Funchal.
Tour the city’s wine cellars, walk over the Dom Luís I Bridge, or soak up some laidback vibes at a cosy cafe. A cruise down the Douro River should be on the cards for unique views of Porto’s skyline and a visit to the enchanting Livraria Lello bookshop.
The Estoril Coast runs up the west coast of Portugal from Lisbon. Cascais is a popular beach pick, Sintra is all about historic castles and inland adventure, then Ericeira is famous for its surf. If you’ve got a week to play with, there’s no reason not to move about a bit.
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Why pick Portugal holidays
HOT CITY BREAKS
WORLD-CLASS WAVES
HIKER’S PARADISE
DAYTRIPS FOR DAYS
Your guide to Portugal
Portugal’s got some stunning sites to learn about the country’s history.
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Portugal’s got an impressive number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the historic centre of Porto, the Tower of Belém near Lisbon, and the Monastery of Batalha.
- Ancient Roman ruins – Portugal’s Roman heritage is on display at sites like Conímbriga, near Coimbra – it’s one of the Iberian Peninsula’s best-preserved Roman cities. In Évora, the Roman Temple of Diana stands with its iconic granite columns, and then there’s the Cividade de Terroso in the north. These sites are great to get to know Portugal’s early connections to the Roman Empire.
- Medieval castles – Guimarães Castle is particularly symbolic, as the birthplace of Portugal, while Castelo de Óbidos surrounds a charming town, complete with cobblestone streets. In Sintra, the Moorish Castelo dos Mouros sits high in the mountains, with panoramic views of the ocean.
- Historic town centres – Portugal’s historic villages like Óbidos, Monsaraz and Marvão have preserved their medieval charm with narrow streets, ancient architecture and scenic views for a change from the bigger cities.
Portugal might only have one national park, but its coastline and islands make for the most amazing walking trails.
- Peneda-Gerês National Park – Portugal’s only national park, Peneda-Gerês, has mountains, waterfalls and ancient Roman roads. It’s a paradise for hikers and nature lovers and popular trails include the Mata da Albergaria. This lush forest walk passes ancient Roman milestones or follow the path to the Arado Waterfall leads to reach its beautiful cascades. Wild horses, diverse flora and panoramic mountain views make this park pretty special.
- The Azores – The Azores archipelago is one of Europe’s best sites for whale and dolphin watching, with over 25 different species spotted throughout the year. São Miguel, Pico and Faial Island run regular tours led by marine biologists, and it’s quite common to see sperm whales and bottlenose dolphins. The clear waters also make it possible to spot blue whales in spring.
- The Douro Valley – The Douro Valley, with its rolling vineyards and terraced hills, is ideal for cycling. Obviously, as well as its natural beauty, this area is also known for its winemaking. So, many tours include stops at local vineyards for tastings, and the routes vary in difficulty, making it accessible for different fitness levels.
- Jardins do Palácio de Cristal – In Porto, this is one of the city’s best green spaces because of its stunning views of the Douro River. The gardens are divided into several themed sections, including the Garden of Aromatic Plants, the Garden of Feelings and the Rose Garden. Peacocks also roam freely around the grounds.
Portugal holidays are worth it alone to check out some of the huge events that attract people every year…
- Festa de São João, Porto – Every year for midsummer – 23rd-24th of June – Porto celebrates Saint John the Baptist with live music, dancing, and a quirky tradition of playfully hitting each other with plastic hammers. Grilled sardines are the festival’s staple, enjoyed with traditional bread and wine, while the skies light up with colourful paper lanterns floating over the city. Fireworks are set off over the Douro River, and many festival-goers head to the nearby beaches afterwards to watch the sunrise.
- Festival of Sardines – Takes over Portimão in the Algarve on the 12th of June to celebrate one of Portugal’s most beloved culinary treasures… the sardine. Along the Arade River, food stalls serve freshly grilled sardines with bread and wine, and there’s live music, street performances and craft markets.
- Primavera Sound Porto – In June, international crowds head to Porto for this huge three-day music festival. There’s one hosted in Barcelona, too, but their line-ups can vary slightly. It all takes place in a park with multiple stages, and artists in the past have included Lana Del Ray, Caroline Polachek and Tame Impala.
- Harvest Festival – In September, the Harvest Festival in Portugal’s Douro Valley celebrates the region’s grape harvest and wine-making traditions. Get involved in grape stomping, vineyard tours and taste some of the Douro Valley’s famous wines, including port.
Why see one part of Portugal when you can hop between a few?
- Lisbon – Lisbon’s up and come as a hot city break destination, so even if you’re heading on somewhere else, don’t pass up the chance to stay a few nights when you land in the capital. Check out the LX Factory – a cool complex of restaurants, bars and shops in an old industrial complex – and the Chiado district is filled with designer boutiques, bookstores and traditional azulejo tile shops, perfect for those authentic Portuguese keepsakes. The Mercado da Ribeira, AKA Time Out Market also can’t be missed for all you foodies.
- Sintra – From Lisbon, head to Sintra, a fairy-tale town known for its colourful Pena Palace and mystical gardens of Quinta da Regaleira. It’s like another world out here – super green and mountainous, so a nice escape from the city.
- Cascais – Just a short train ride from Lisbon, Cascais is on the Estoril Coast and a popular beach pick near the capital. The town is full of boutique shops and tapas bars, and you can surf at Praia do Guincho.
- Porto – This city break pick is slowly becoming an up-and-coming fave, with its riverside scenes, rooftop bars and wine-making rep. Visit the port houses for a cellar tour and tasting, or head out into the Duoro Valley to see the real vineyards. Porto’s Rua de Santa Catarina is a pedestrian street with a mix of well-known brands, local shops and the iconic Majestic Café for a coffee break in an art nouveau setting. Or, the Mercado do Bolhão is a historic market where you can find fresh produce, local cheeses and even sample petiscos (Portuguese tapas).
Golfing in Portugal is world-renowned, particularly in the Algarve…
- The Algarve – Talk about 40 world-class courses that attract golfers all year round… Known for its stunning coastal views, this region includes top resorts like Monte Rei Golf & Country Club, Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo and Vilamoura’s Dom Pedro collection. The courses range from challenging links by the ocean to lush parkland layouts – the South Course at Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo’s Royal Course stand out as must-plays.
- The Lisbon Coast – Here, you’ve got some of Portugal’s most scenic and prestigious golf courses, like Oitavos Dunes in Cascais and Penha Longa near Sintra. They offer challenging play and stunning views, especially with the Atlantic Ocean and Sintra mountains as backdrops. The Praia D’El Rey Resort has more of a unique mix of coastal dunes and forests, while Troia Golf provides a pure links experience.
- Madeira – Palheiro Golf, high above Funchal, has sweeping ocean views and challenging elevation changes set among botanical gardens. Or, Santo da Serra, a 27-hole course, is famed for its panoramic views over the island and the Atlantic.
When they’re not covered in sand at the beach, keep the kids happy with one of these activities.
- Tram 28, Lisbon – You’ve got to get up early to beat the crowds for this one but, trust us, it’s worth it. This iconic yellow tram route has been trailing its passengers around since the 1930s, so it’s an iconic pick for your Lisbon itinerary. Ride through historic neighbourhoods, including Alfama, Graça and Baixa, taking in famous landmarks like the Lisbon Cathedral and São Jorge Castle.
- Cable car and toboggan rides, Madeira – The cable car from Funchal to Monte offers incredible views of the coastline and mountains. Or, the toboggan ride is where two drivers guide a wicker sled down the winding streets – it’s a seriously unique, hilarious and cultural experience all in one.
- Aqualand and Slide & Splash, the Algarve – These popular waterparks in the Algarve are all about slides, wave pools and lazy rivers, which kids love. Slide & Splash is also known to cater to all ages, with dedicated zones for younger children, and areas for older teens to just relax in the sun.
From the famous surf of the west coast to the classic sands of the south, Portugal holidays have beaches for days.
- Praia da Marinha, the Algarve – One of Portugal’s most iconic beaches, known for its dramatic limestone cliffs, golden sand and clear water. You can usually find it listed among the best beaches in Europe, and it’s ideal for snorkelling and exploring hidden caves.
- Praia da Rocha, the Algarve – In Portimão, Praia da Rocha is a wide, sandy beach, surrounded by impressive cliffs and rock formations. It’s a fairly busy spot, with plenty of amenities, bars and restaurants around, making it popular with families.
- Praia da Adraga, Sintra – A lesser-known beach near Sintra, with rugged cliffs, sea caves, ideal for bodyboarding and shore fishing. It’s got a much more secluded feel.
- Praia da Ursa, Sintra – This is a seriously beautiful beach in Sintra and marks the end of a hike from Cabo da Roca. You walk right along the coast until this spot’s iconic rock formations come into view and then can head down onto the sand for a refreshing dip.
- Costa da Caparica, Lisbon – This is 15 kilometres of dune-backed sands and a doable daytrip by bus from Lisbon. It’s popular with the locals in summer and the first five kilometres are kept company by a number of cool bars and cafés. Beyond that, the crowds thin and the coast gets a bit more wild.
Portugal’s waves are world famous. So, if you haven’t picked up a board already… surf’s up.
- Carcavelos Beach, Lisbon – Only a short train ride from Lisbon, Carcavelos is a local fave. Known for its consistent waves, it’s popular with surfers, but the wide sandy beach is also ideal for sunbathing.
- Praia do Guincho, Cascais – One of the more wild spots but still close enough to the city of Lisbon. You can taxi here from Cascais and it’s a well-loved surf spot for beginners. There are also a few beach bar options, perfect for a post-surf sangria.
- Praia do Amado, Algarve – Near Aljezur on the Algarve’s west coast, this is a top spot for surfers of all levels, with nice, reliable waves. The annual surf competitions held here draw watersports fans from all over, and nearby surf schools make it easy for newbies to learn.
- Praia da Arrifana, the Algarve – Arrifana is a tiny village on the Algarve’s west coast and a popular beach break for surfers. The road winds down from the clifftop to take you to the sea, so the views are dramatic. On your way back up, make sure you stop to catch the sunset.
Portugal puts its own spin on tapas, so think plenty of fresh seafood and ofc, pasteis de nata…
- Bacalhau – These are salt cod fritters, almost like little round fishcakes with potato, onion and parsley. Lots of places are dedicated to serving this national dish with a traditional glass of port.
- Pasteis de nata – These perfect Portuguese custard tarts were invented in a monastery of all places, and they’re definitely something of a religion here. Make sure you try the ones at Pasteis de Belem just outside of Lisbon – they’re meant to be the best.
- Francesinha – One for your lunch in Porto. This famous sandwich layers up white bread, ham, smoked sausage, steak and is covered in a cheese sauce, so it’s probably a knife and fork job.
- Alheira – Alheira is a unique smoked sausage, traditionally made with a mix of meats other than pork, as it’s a Jewish dish. It’s often served grilled with a side of potatoes and greens. Cervejaria Trindade in Lisbon or Taberna do Largo in Porto do pretty great ones.
- Cataplana de Marisco – Originally from the Algarve, this stew is made with fresh clams, prawns and sometimes other fish, all cooked in a copper clam-shaped pot. It’s hearty, warming and perfect for sharing. Try it at O Rui in Silves for a classic one, or Restaurante Dona Barca in Portimão.
- Petiscos – This is Portugal’s take on tapas and there are usually loads of veggie options. A people’s favourite, padron peppers, comes under this category.
Sagres and Super Bock are your go-to beers but here are some other local drinks worth trying…
- Port – Produced exclusively in the Douro Valley, port wine is a fortified wine known for its rich, sweet flavour. You can get different styles, from ruby to tawny, and the best place to taste them is in Vila Nova de Gaia, across the river from Porto. Cellars like Graham’s, Sandeman and Taylor’s offer tastings and tours. And, if you don’t think it’s for you… try a porto tonico – it’s a fun twist on a gin and tonic, mixing white port with tonic over ice for an aperitif.
- Vinho Verde – This literally means ‘green wine’ – not because of the colour but because of the region’s rainfall that makes its countryside so luscious. The most common varieties are dry whites, and they have a slight fizz with green fruit notes.
- Ginjinha – This cherry liqueur, typically served in a shot glass (or sometimes a chocolate cup), is super sweet and slightly tart. It’s particularly popular in Lisbon and around the central coast.
- Bica – Although not unique to Portugal, bica is the term for Portuguese espresso and is at the core of Portuguese culture. Head to A Brasileira in Lisbon’s Chiado district, a classic café dating back to 1905. Or, in Porto, try Café Majestic for a real elegant setting.
Some people go on holidays to Portugal just for the party scene, and it’s easy to see why…
- Bairro Alto, Lisbon – Lisbon’s most famous nightlife district. The party starts in Park bar – a legendary rooftop spot that’s a bit tricky to find. You’ll need to catch a lift to the top of a multi-storey car park to sip a cocktail here. Park sits on the sixth floor and styles out DJ sets and sunset scenes. Later on, head to Pink Street. Don’t look for the name, look for its pink-painted pavement.
- Rua Galeria de Paris, Porto – Right in Porto’s city centre, Rua Galeria de Paris is a lively street lined with cool bars and restaurants, popular with locals and students. Start your night with cocktails at The Gin House, which offers over 150 types of gin, or head to Baixa Bar, known for its creative cocktails and laidback vibe. The street is ideal for bar-hopping, and many of the venues stay open late, especially on weekends, so there’s no need to pick one place.
- Beach clubs, the Algarve – The Algarve’s beautiful coastline is dotted with stylish beach clubs for daytime chill time and late-night parties during summer. Catch the sunset with a cocktail at The Shack in Quinta do Lago, which has a relaxed, tiki-style beach vibe, while Bliss Vilamoura and Lick in Albufeira host major summer events and DJ nights.
Buses connect a lot of big cities like Lisbon to Porto, or Porto to Faro, as well as smaller towns. The Rede Expressos website is where you can find more information on a lot of popular routes and book your seat online. Lisbon has two bus stations – Sete Rios and Oriente – and even has international routes like Lisbon to Seville via Flixbus. Local bus tickets can only be bought at the stations and some are charged by the driver onboard in cash.
Trams are the way forward in cities like Lisbon and Porto. Plus, they make for a great pic. Don’t miss the iconic Tram 28 to ride through Lisbon’s most historic districts – it doubles as the perfect introductory tour to the capital.
Lisbon and Porto also have a pretty good metro network to get about. In particular, Lisbon is really well connected with further trains to Sintra out of Rossio Station and a line that runs all the way down the coast to Cascais to satisfy your beach daytrip needs, starting from Cais do Sodre. You can pay for the metro using contactless or buy single and return tickets or top up passes at ticket machines in the stations. In Porto, the Andante card can be used to pay for the Metro and buses, which you can buy in any station or newsagent.
For a coastal adventure, hop on a ferry to explore the Azores. Porto Santo to Madeira via the Porto Santo Funchal route is popular and takes about two and a half hours. In the city of Porto, a boat cruise is a lovely way to see the city from the Douro River and in many other parts of the country, you can spot dolphins and visit caves.
Portugal is becoming increasingly bike-friendly, with dedicated lanes in cities and scenic bike routes throughout the country, in regions like the Algarve and Douro Valley. Parts of the Camino Portugues also make for a great ride, like the section leading from Ericeira to Santa Cruz along the coast.
Why we love Portugal
Here are some top tips from our team…
Whats on in Portugal?
Popular holiday types
Think Riu, think TUI BLUE… Portugal’s got all your fave hotel brands that do All Inclusive right. Especially when you’re by the beach, that private access, those unlimited pool cocktails and sporty activities are the kind of luxuries that make core holiday memories.
The Algarve is ideal for family holidays, with so many beach picks along the coast and towns never too far away for all your shopping bits. Places like Faro keep you close enough to the airport to save the extra travel stress, or go for Lisbon, with the sands of Cascais just a short train away.
The cities with major airports, like Lisbon, Porto and Faro are less than a three-hour flight away… Spontaneous weekend away? Easy. Just pick one place and do it in a few days for a short break, or keep your eyes peeled for our best deals and sort yourself a whole week by the sea for less.
If you like a boujie rooftop vibe, you’ll love some of the central stays in Lisbon and Porto. Get your morning swim in with river and harbour-side views, then get the golden hour drinks in after a day of sightseeing. Then, when it comes to beach resorts, hello swim-up bars and sea views.
Portugal FAQs
Portugal is on the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe, bordering Spain to the east and north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west and south. As well as its mainland, Portugal includes the Azores – an archipelago about 1,500 kilometres west of Lisbon, and Madeira, which is further south in the Atlantic and includes the islands of Madeira and Porto Santo.
If you’re a UK, EU, US or Canadian citizen, or a citizen of another non-Schengen country, you can enter Portugal for up to 90 days without a visa. But, starting in 2024, non-EU travellers will need an ETIAS authorisation, which is a quick online application required for Schengen Area travel. For citizens of countries outside the Schengen exemption list, a Schengen visa is needed and can be obtained at your nearest Portuguese consulate. Always check current regulations before traveling though, as policies can change.
Please make sure you check the FCDO website for the most up-to-date information.
Tipping in Portugal is not obligatory but is appreciated for good service. In restaurants, a tip of 5-10% of the bill is common, then in cafés and for smaller services, it’s typical to round up the bill or leave a small amount. For taxis, rounding up the fare or leaving an additional euro or two is usually appreciated.
Portugal is making a lot of improvements to its accessibility, but some areas, especially older parts of cities like Lisbon and Porto, may be challenging because of their style of narrow, cobbled streets and hilly districts. Most modern hotels, restaurants and public transport are equipped for accessibility, especially in Lisbon and Porto. Many major attractions now also offer accessible entrances and facilities, and beaches in the Algarve often have accessible boardwalks and adapted services for people with mobility needs.
Visit smaller towns like Évora, Guimarães and Tavira, where local traditions are still thriving. You can dine at local ‘tascas’ – AKA small taverns – instead of touristy restaurants to try authentic food, and explore Portugal’s national park, Peneda-Gerês, to see a different side of the country. And, follow our Insiders for more local recs… @gracegrangetravel has been and done Porto and brought all the details back to you on our Insiders Hub.
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Portugal travel advice
Passports and Visas
British citizens don’t need a visa to enter Portugal but must have a valid passport. You can check your passport’s valid for Portugal using our handy tool. For the most up-to-date passport and visa info, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/portugal/entry-requirements.
Health and safety
You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover you while you’re away. If you’re travelling to the EU and you apply for a card now, you’ll get a new UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) instead of an EHIC. This entitles you to emergency medical treatment on the same terms as Portuguese nationals. It won’t, however, cover you for medical repatriation, ongoing medical treatment or non-urgent treatment. Visit www.nhs.uk/ehic for full details on what it covers. You do not need to apply for a GHIC if you already have an EHIC. Your EHIC remains valid in the EU until it expires. An EHIC or GHIC is free of charge. For the latest health and safety information, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/portugal/health
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