Golden sands, toasty temps and pastel de natas for brekkie - what's not to like about Portugal holidays?

Good to know

🤩 Fun fact: Portugal is home to the world’s oldest bookstore, Bertrand Bookstore in Lisbon, which has been open since 1732!

🏖️ Best beach: We think Praia da Marinha in the Algarve is a must-see. Golden cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and perfect for snorkeling—what’s not to love?

🍺 Price of a pint: A beer will set you back around €2 to €3 depending on where you are—cheers to that!

Destination highlights

• Home to the Algarve – a firm fave with families and friend groups

• Gorg coastline for all your beachin' (and surfin') needs

• Wine and dine - home to world-class wines like Port and some of Europe’s most mouthwatering dishes

• The OG of Piri Piri chicken

💬 Talk the Talk 💬

Brush up on these key Portuguese phrases to impress the locals and navigate your way around:

• Olá! – Hello!

• Obrigado/Obrigada – Thank you! (Male/Female)

• Por favor – Please

• Desculpe – Excuse me/Sorry

• Fala inglês? – Do you speak English?

• Como está? – How are you?

• Quanto custa? – How much does it cost?

• Onde fica a praia? – Where is the beach?

• Uma cerveja, por favor – A beer, please

• Um copo de vinho, por favor – A glass of wine, please

• Onde está o banheiro? – Where is the bathroom?

• A conta, por favor – The bill, please

• Bom dia – Good morning

• Boa noite – Good night

Now you're ready to falar (talk) like a local!

Getting around Portugal

Portugal boasts an efficient and affordable public transportation system that makes getting around the country easy, whether you’re staying in a bustling city or exploring the more remote regions. From modern metros to scenic train routes, here’s a breakdown of the key transport options:

Ⓜ️Metro

The metro systems in Lisbon and Porto are modern, clean, and a fast way to get around the city. In Lisbon, the metro covers the main neighborhoods and attractions, with four color-coded lines making it easy to navigate. Porto’s metro is slightly smaller but still offers great connectivity to the city and its surrounding suburbs. Tickets are inexpensive, and you can purchase single journeys or day passes, which offer unlimited travel across the metro and bus networks.

🚌Buses (Autocarros)

Buses are a common mode of transport throughout Portugal, offering extensive coverage in both cities and smaller towns. Lisbon and Porto have reliable bus networks that run frequently, and buses are a great option for areas not served by the metro, such as the hills of Lisbon or coastal regions outside Porto. Regional buses connect smaller towns and cities, such as in the Algarve or Alentejo, and they’re a great option if you’re traveling between less touristy destinations. Long-distance bus services, operated by companies like Rede Expressos, connect major cities like Lisbon, Porto, and Faro, and tickets can often be cheaper than the train for longer journeys.

🚆Trains (Comboios)

Portugal’s train system is an excellent way to travel between cities while enjoying the scenic countryside. Operated by Comboios de Portugal (CP), the train network covers the entire country, with high-speed trains like the Alfa Pendular connecting Lisbon to Porto, Faro, and other key cities. For more scenic routes, regional trains offer beautiful views along the Douro Valley or the Algarve coastline. 

Where is the best area to stay in Portugal?

Portugal is brimming with incredible destinations, whether you’re after a fun family trip, a getaway with friends, or a romantic escape. From buzzing cities to tranquil beaches, there’s something for everyone—whether you’re seeking luxury or something more budget-friendly. Here’s a breakdown of the best areas to suit your travel style.

Family holidays – The Algarve is the ultimate family holiday destination in Portugal, offering plenty of family-friendly resorts and attractions. With its golden beaches, warm weather, and endless activities like waterparks and dolphin-watching tours, the Algarve is a paradise for kids and adults alike. Towns like Vilamoura and Lagos offer adventure and relaxation, with boat trips, surf schools, and plenty of spots for parents to unwind while the kids play.

Squad goals – If you’re planning a group holiday to Portugal with your pals, Albufeira in the Algarve is the perfect place to party and relax. The buzzing nightlife scene on The Strip offers endless bars and clubs, making it ideal for late nights and good times. By day, soak up the sun on one of the many beaches, like Praia da Oura, or enjoy water sports and beach clubs. With its mix of fun and sun, Albufeira is the ultimate spot for an unforgettable trip with your squad.

Coupling up – For couples looking for a romantic escape, Lisbon is the perfect destination. This vibrant city offers a mix of history, culture, and intimate dining spots. Stroll hand-in-hand through the narrow streets of Alfama, explore beautiful viewpoints like Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, and enjoy cozy dinners at one of the many romantic restaurants in Bairro Alto. With its charming streets, stunning sunsets, and endless places to explore, Lisbon is the ideal city for you and your partner to fall in love with.

Portugal holidays 2025 - Best beaches

Looking for cheap holidays to Portugal? You're in luck, 'cause we've got 'em, but also - wanna know one of the best things to do in Portugal? Hit the beach obviously (rude not to when it looks that great), so we've done you a solid by picking out some of the best places to flop down a towel...

• Praia da Marinha - this iconic beach is famous for its dramatic cliffs, clear turquoise waters, and natural rock formations. It’s perfect for swimming and snorkeling, and you’ll find plenty of picturesque spots for that perfect Instagram shot!

• Praia de Benagil - known for its incredible sea cave, Benagil Beach is a must-visit. You can rent a kayak or take a boat tour to explore the famous cave, which has a natural skylight that makes for a breathtaking photo op.

• Praia do Guincho - this one's for the surfers and adventure-seekers, thanks to its blustery location with big Atlantic waves for your windsurfing, kitesurfing or bodyboarding needs

• Praia de Carcavelos - just a short train ride from Lisbon, Carcavelos is a bustling beach with golden sands and great waves for surfing. It’s ideal for sunbathing, beach sports, and grabbing a bite at the many nearby cafes. Perfect day trip from the city.

• Praia da Nazaré - famous for its giant waves that attract surfers from around the world, Praia da Nazaré is a haven for thrill-seekers. Even if you’re not surfing, the sheer spectacle of the waves is awe-inspiring.

• Praia dos Galapinhos - hikers, this is your spot. It's a beach in a park (Arrábida Natural Park if you want specifics), and it can only be reached on foot or by boat - super exclusive. Strap on your boots for a good ol' wander and then cool off in the water - perfecto.

• Praia de Dona Ana - kinda sounds like something out of Mamma Mia (wrong country), but this is actually a picture-perfect cove (so get your phone at the ready), with shallow paddling waters for the kiddos and clear waters for all you snorkellers.

• Praia do Baleal - if you like your beach like you like your Saturday nights (lively), then this is the place for you. It's got the fun vibes that make the transition from chilled beach days to late-night beach parties totally seamless.

• Praia da Ursa - nestled near Cabo da Roca, Praia da Ursa is a secluded gem known for its wild beauty. Accessible via a steep hike, this unspoiled beach offers dramatic cliffs and striking rock formations.

What are the top hotels in Portugal?

Family holidays to the Algarve, last-minute holidays to Lisbon and couples’ All Inclusive getaways to Cascais – whatever you’ve got your beady eye on, there's a Portugal hotel for you. Here are a few of our faves:

• Auramar Beach Resort - perched right along the beachfront (just how we like it), this place is for the beach bums and sun-seekers, with multiple pools to dunk into and a super-fun 'dancing bar'

• Muthu Clube Praia da Oura - another beachfront beaut with TONS of food options (from big ol' buffets to Mexican classics), a sky bar with mega views, and a giant inflatable obstacle course for the kiddos

• Jupiter Albufeira Hotel - Family & Fun - designed with families in mind, and thanks to its on-site waterpark, jam-packed activity schedule and multiple swimming pools, boredom's definitely banned here

• Monica Isabel Beach Club - cosy, self-catered apartments with beachfront views, a choice of pools and activities for days

• Oura Senses (16+) - if you like a couples holiday that's adults-only, this 16+ hotel is the one for you. It's got a pool, a Jacuzzi and an on-site bar. What more could you want?!

Your Portugal Holidays 2025 Travel Guide

🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒 Things to do in Portugal for Families

If you're looking to get the whole fam on a day trip during your holidays to Portugal, then you'll deffo wanna keep this gorge castle on your radar. Castles are cool of course, and the Quinta da Regaleira is no different, but the shining jewel here is the insane grounds that are giving pure Secret Garden vibes (how's that for a throwback). When you're here you can explore secret tunnels, hidden passageways and waterfalls and even a stunning spiral staircase through the middle of a well. It's a cracking day out if you find yourself in Sintra and one that you and the kids will remember for sure.

If you're looking for a beach day with a unique twist, then you're gonna wanna high tail it all the way to Costa Nova, a picturesque, colourful, coastal town with stunning striped houses and an incred family-friendly beach. It's a popular spot during the Summer holidays so the atmosphere is always a buzz and the photo ops scream 'I'm on my jollies.' What more could you ask for from your family holidays to Portugal?

🕺 Things to do in Portugal for Party Goers

Chasing your next festival or dying to dance til the sun comes up? Then Portugal has got you covered and then some. The NOS Alive festival in Lisbon runs in July and attracts huge crowds of people all itching to bounce and vibe to all the rock, indie, electronic and pop performances. To put it into perspective, Dua Lipa was a headliner there this year, and the crowd were indeed, Levitating. It's a surefire way to satiate those party cravings on your holidays to Portugal and a guaranteed belter of a time, especially if you're vacaying with your besties.

All great party destinations have a banging strip to rival all other strips, and the Monte Choro Strip in Portugal certainly lives up to hype. We're talking bars, clubs, cafes and restaurants running from Monte Choro itself all the way to Albufeira - yeah, it's a biggie. It's one of the hot spots for lad's and gal's holidays - and Stag and Hen do's are on the rise here too, so bare that in mind if you like a party but aren't about things going from nought to feral in .5 seconds. But if that's exactly what you're after, then make sure you hit up this spot from morning til night - grab yourself a full English in the morning then let the party commence.

🏛️ Things to do in Portugal for Culture Vultures

Calling all history buffs, if you love a good day trip then you're gonna wanna keep Pena Palace on the brain. Also known as the jewel of Sintra, this place is the bee's knees, an eclectic blend of vibrant colours on the outside and rich, history bubbling from every corner on the inside. It's giving major Disney vibes too so it really does attract everyone and their dog, so be prepared for a busy day, or try and time your visit to get your culture fix with a bit of tranquillity, we recommend an early morning visit, or making the trip a couple hours before closing.

Portugal is home to some truly remarkable pieces of art, but one of the more unique features of this entire country is the breathtaking Azulejo tiles. One part art installation that spans across the country, another part cultural phenomenon that depicts all the history, the trials and tribulations, the events, and the religious stories of Portugal. You won't have to travel far to catch a glimpse of these stunning marvels, but if you're dying to see as many of these tiles as possible on your Portugal holidays, then make sure you head to the Porto Cathedral or throw caution to the wind and head to the National Museum of the Azulejo in Lisbon.

🌳 Things to do in Portugal for Nature Lovers

Might be worth packing your walking boots when you're jetting off on your Portugal holidays, especially if you love getting out in nature like we do. The Parque Nacional da Peneda-Geres is an absolute feast for all you hikers out there who wanna feel the burn in your calves, the fresh air in your lungs and the sun on your skin. You'll be sauntering round riverside woodlands, strolling beside hidden waterfalls, skirting along craggy peaks, stepping through old stone villages lost to time... we've run out of 's' words, but just know, it's not one to miss.

If you're a sucker for a day out but you don't wanna sacrifice your nature lovin' roots to a waterpark or the like, then you should definitely get yourself booked on a boat trip to the Benagil Cave on your holidays to Portugal. This unique feat is only accessible via the water, be that on a boat trip, your own rented paddleboard or a rented kayak. This cave has a hole right in the ceiling letting all that natural light wash over you while you take in the view and dip your toes in the cool, refreshing water. It's a short trip, but one that will offer you a chance at lounging on an otherwise inaccessible beach and marvelling at the cave in all it's gorge, natural splendour.

Don't miss out on these jolly hot spots on your Portugal holidays...

• Madeira

• Azores

• Algarve

• Lisbon