Book Portugal holidays to unwind on Atlantic beaches, or uncover medieval villages, walled towns and glittering waterfront cities.
The pearl of northern Portugal is Porto, where deliciously flaky custard tarts are served to tourists
meandering down the sunny river walkways. A romantic cruise inland takes you towards the luscious Douro Valley and its pretty terraced vineyards producing most of Portugal's wine. In history-rich Lisbon, further south, the tram-rattled streets twist towards grand city squares crowned by pretty Moorish churches. Sun lovers head south to the Algarve and its string of lively coastal resort towns, water parks, zoos and brilliant sandy beaches.
Best of Portugal holidays for...
- Kids & teens: In summertime the waves at Ericeira, just north of Lisbon, are perfect for beginner surfers. Book the kids onto a course and, once they've caught their first waves, they'll be grinning from ear to ear.
- Romance: Take the railway to the top of Monte de Santa Luzia, near the Spanish border, and hold hands as you gaze at the spectacular scenery from the viewing point. There's an old basilica to explore, and you can even stop for a romantic meal in the hilltop restaurant.
- Grown-up families: Da Vinci Code fans? Then you should definitely take a trip to the Convento de Cristo in Tomar, a majestic military and religious complex that once served as the headquarters for the Knights Templar.
- Babies & toddlers: Lagos Zoo is the perfect place for little travellers on their first holidays to Portugal. All the usual critters are there, including monkeys and parrots, and there's a special children's section where kids can feed the farm animals.
- Free & cheap: You can easily spend a couple of days getting to grips with Sintra, where you'll find fairytale palaces wrapped by pretty landscaped gardens. Trains running from Lisbon are cheap and easy.
- Nightlife: Kick-start your night out in Lisbon's funky Bairro Alto district with a drink at a bar filled with the sound of traditional Portuguese fado music. Afterwards, follow the cobbled streets in search of one of the capital's colourful street parties.
- Active types: Take a hike! The walking trails in the Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês - Portugal's only national park - are well marked and easy to follow. Best of all, you'll be rewarded with incredible views of rivers, lakes and mountains.
