- Currency: Euro (€)
- Capital city: Lisbon
- Language: Portuguese
- Key phrase to learn: Como se diz isto em Português? (What is this called in Portuguese?)
- Time difference: Portugal is in the same time zone as the UK; the Azores are 1 hour behind
- Average flight time from the UK: Two hours 30 minutes
- International phone code: +351
- Emergency services number: 112
- Public holidays: New Year’s Day (January 1), Shrove Tuesday (February/March), Good Friday (Friday before Easter), Liberty Day (April 25), Labour Day (May 1), Portugal Day (June 10), Feast of the Assumption (August 15), Republic Day (October 5), All Saints’ Day (November 1), Immaculate Conception Day (December 8), Christmas Day (December 25).
- Link to FCO travel advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/portugal
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Why go to Portugal?
Long-established as a top fly-and-flop destination, savvy travellers have also more recently begun to notice Portugal’s sun-kissed cities and sophisticated seaside suburbs.
So while the golden cliffs and scalloped bays of the Algarve have traditionally garnered all the attention, these days holidays in Portugal might include wine tasting in Porto, glamping in Madeira, dolphin watching in the Sado Estuary or hiking amid the granite peaks of the Peneda-Gerês National Park.
So while the golden cliffs and scalloped bays of the Algarve have traditionally garnered all the attention, these days holidays in Portugal might include wine tasting in Porto, glamping in Madeira, dolphin watching in the Sado Estuary or hiking amid the granite peaks of the Peneda-Gerês National Park.
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Beach retreats and package holidays in Portugal
The south-facing coast of the Algarve is Portugal’s main tourist hotspot, and you’ll quickly realise why when you see its string of golden beaches and wide range of luxury hotels, golf courses and cheap-and-cheerful resorts. It’s also where some of the best all-inclusive package holiday deals in Portugal can be found.
Faro is the gateway to the Algarve. All in, there are more than 150 beaches to choose from, including Praia da Falésia, a sinuous 3 kilometre (2 mile) strip near Albufeira that is backed by spectacular cliffs, and 4 kilometre (2.5 mile)-long Meia Praia near the surfer party town of Lagos.
Stay chic in the cities
Portugal’s standout city is its historic capital Lisbon, which is perched on a hilltop above the Tagus River. Beyond the city, the hinterland of the Ribatejo and Estremadura provinces is home to some of Portugal’s most famous monuments, plus several smaller historic towns such as Braga, Coimbra and Évora.
Head north and the sun-drenched plains give way to rolling hills that are covered in vineyards and line the path of the Douro River. Cruises glide along its length to Porto, Portugal’s second city and currently hosting some of the most exciting cheap city break deals to be found in Europe.
Book an adventurous island break
Think holidays in Portugal are all about the mainland? You’ll soon change your mind when you see the lush islands of Madeira and the Azores.
Better-known Madeira has long been a favourite with mature travellers. But more recently it has turned its hand to attracting a younger crowd by offering adventure tourism experiences including glamping, paragliding, scuba diving and canyoning.
The mysterious Azores islands, situated in the middle of the Atlantic 1,530 kilometres (950 miles) west of Lisbon, are also Portuguese – and are absolutely worth the extra travel time. The archipelago has more than 30 pristine beaches, spread across nine incredibly diverse islands.
When to go
With the debatable exception of peak season in August, it’s always a good time to book all-inclusive holidays to Portugal. Located right on the western edge of Europe, Portugal boasts a huge number of sunshine hours per year, so even in winter you’re likely to enjoy balmy weather.
Prices peak in line with Easter and school summer holidays, although compared to many other European destinations there are still plenty of cheap Portugal holidays to be had.
Events for your diary
Festa de Santo António: Almost every village in Portugal has its own festival. Both Lisbon’s Festa de Santo António and Porto’s Festa de São João take place in June.
Loulé Carnival: Easter processions take place across Portugal in February (or March), but Loulé on the Algarve hosts one of the biggest and brightest.
Sintra Music Festival: Join international musicians and dance groups at this summer extravaganza.