It may be a relatively small strip of land, but its position on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean means the country has a fascinating maritime history, as well as a great diversity of landscapes.
With golden sands, rich wines and scenic golf courses, our Portugal luxury holidays make for a dream getaway
From the sun kissed sands of the south, to the rolling mountains and vineyards of the north, a luxury holiday to Portugal has so much to offer.
Popular with families and couples alike, here you’ll discover some of Europe’s most beautiful Blue Flag awarded beaches, framed by dramatic cliffs in the Algarve. Packed with rustic charm, foodies will be in their element in the Douro Valley region, where you can wander terraced vineyards, stopping to sample renowned Port wine in the dappled shade.
To find world-class golf courses, look no further than Vilamoura. Not only is its chic marina the perfect stop for a luxury escape, but you’ll also find some of the continent’s most prestigious fairways to swing a club on, too. If you prefer to have a city to explore, then stay in the Lisbon area. Here, you’ll be able to dine on some fabulous Portuguese dishes, explore the wonderful cultural offering and even potter down streets that date back to the 8th century.
If you’re feeling tempted by the authentic luxury of a Portugal holiday, allow our Travel Specialists to create your tailor-made escape from our collection of five-star hotels and resorts.
Peter
Travel Specialist
Where to go in Portugal
Portugal travel information
When to visit Portugal
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- Time zone: GMT +0
- Flight time: 2.5 - 3.5 hours
- Recommended airlines: British Airways, TAP Air Portugal, Easyjet, Ryanair, Jet2
- Currency: Euro (EUR)
- Tipping guideline: 10% to 15%
- Health considerations: No major health risks.
- Capital: Lisbon
- Population: 10,223,348
- National languages: Portuguese
- Electricity and plugs: Type C/F<br>230V
- Mobile phone coverage: Good coverage
- UK passport visa requirements: You don't need a visa for Portugal if you have a British passport - for a maximum of 90 days
Essential information when travelling to Portugal
Is Portugal open to UK tourists?
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.
When is the best time to visit Portugal?
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.
How to get there?
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.
The Best Things to do in Portugal
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.
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For the latest travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office check www.gov.uk/travelaware