Luxury Portugal Holiday Ideas

Portugal is currently open to tourists from the UK.

You can find out more about travel requirements in our Travel Rules Guide or contact our Travel Specialists for more information.

Portugal is a favourite summer beach holiday destination for many, but one of the best times to go is between March and May. With fewer crowds, warm temperatures and the landscape in bloom, these spring months make a beautiful time to visit.

Alternatively, early autumn is ideal for sightseeing. It’s a little cooler, but the sea might still be just warm enough to take a few dips. If you’re looking to make the most of Portugal’s world-class wines, September and October offer the chance to witness grape harvests in full swing, too.

Flying from the UK to Portugal is easy, with many direct flights available from numerous airports. The flight time is usually less than three hours, making Portugal a fantastic short-haul destination.

If you’re visiting the Algarve region in the south, you will fly directly into Faro Airport, which is a short car transfer from many of the area’s best resorts. For city visits to Lisbon, you will be catered to with Lisbon Portela Airport. For the Douro Valley, you can use Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport, which is roughly a 90-minute drive away.

Blue Flag beaches

A luxury holiday in Portugal isn’t complete without relaxing on one of the beautiful beaches. The Algarve region alone is home to 87 Blue Flag beaches, which are blessed with golden sands, stunning scenery and wonderful facilities. This stunning stretch of coastline boasts numerous idyllic coves, with charming beach bars and pretty fishing villages to discover along the way.

What really sets them apart, though, is their incredible rock formations. Wind-swept rock makes for an impressive sight and some fantastic coastal walks. There are also prime conditions for watersports, too.

World-class wines

Of course, Portugal isn’t just about beaches. The Douro Valley has another claim to fame – it’s one of the oldest wine-producing regions in Europe, where Port production was first born. The area is even listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Flanking the Douro River, this peaceful valley is perfect for a luxury holiday to Portugal. With a relaxed atmosphere, beautiful scenery and some sumptuous five-star resorts on offer, you can fill your days exploring acres of vineyards, stopping for tastings of the finest produce, before returning to relax by your swimming pool.

Prestigious golf courses

For some people, a holiday to Portugal means one thing – golf!

Home to some of Europe’s finest courses, fans of the sport won’t want to miss out. In the Algarve, Vale do Lobo is world-renowned, boasting two 18-hole championship courses with stunning ocean views. In Vilamoura, there are five outstanding Dom Pedro courses to choose from, too, including the Victoria Course, designed by golfing legend, Arnold Palmer.