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Red roofs of the multicolour buildings, staggered up the hill, glowing in the sunset as it sinks below the horizon of the grand Douro River, Porto, Portugal.

Portugal Holidays


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Portugal holidays offer an eclectic blend of medieval castles, long stretches of golden sand beach, stylish cities lined with atmospheric cobbled streets and delicious Portuguese food.

Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, there are so many things to do in Portugal's capital, Lisbon. This charming city is saturated with dramatic Gothic architecture, pretty colourful streets and enchanting Fado bars. To the north, the charismatic city of Porto sits at the mouth of the Douro River, the gateway to Porugal’s picturesque wine region. The famous Dom Lois I bridge contrasting against pastel hued houses give Porto a romantic feel.

On Portugal's south coast, the Algarve offers stunning sands and a wonderful choice of hotels, villas and resorts. Visit laid back Lagos or find an activity filled family resort in Villamoura or Albufeira. Perhaps get off the beaten track in Volcanic Madeira, a Portuguese gem in the Atlantic Ocean. Its enchanting history, tropical hiking trails and warm year round temperatures mean it’s always a great time to visit.

Trailfinders offers a range of Portugal holidays and our expert travel consultants are a mine of information about what to do here, often with first-hand travel experience. Whether you want to sip wine amidst the vineyards of the Douro Valley, explore Portugal's captivating cities or laze on a beach in Praia da Luz – they are the perfect people to ask.

A few of our favourite Portugal 5★ reviews

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PORTUGAL HOLIDAY DEALS & SPECIAL OFFERS

Below is a small selection of some of our best Portugal special offers.
For more information on any of these deals, give us a call and speak to one of our expert consultants.

HOW TO GET AROUND PORTUGAL

With short, easy driving distances and a widely varying landscape, Portugal is a great destination to explore by car. Follow one of our classic fly drive holidays or ask our expert travel consultants to tailormake your Portugal holiday.

If you’re looking for a more laid back escape, long stretches of golden sand make the Algarve perfect for a beach break. Base yourself in one of Portugal's exceptional resort hotels, stretching along the south coast from Lagos to Faro, and do as much or as little as you please.

OUR HOLIDAYS TO PORTUGAL

Here’s a snapshot of some of our most popular Portugal holidays. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, give us a call and speak to one of our expert consultants.
Azores Island Hopping Adventure
Portugal
Multi Centre Holiday
11 days / 10 nights

Experience breathtakingly dramatic scenery and charming oceanfront towns on this epic Azores adventure. Travel from the stunning island of São Miguel to quaint Faial, dramatic Pico and cultural Terceira, on an exhilarating island hopping experience.

Guide Price: €1,299 pp

Guide Price: £1,055 pp

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Portugal's City, Scenery & Coast by Rail
Portugal
Rail
14 days / 13 nights

Fall in love with mainland Portugal on this two week adventure from north to south, taking in beautiful architecture, delicious culinary delights, sumptuous wine and stunning beaches. Harmoniously blend exciting cities with relaxation whilst enjoying the pretty scenery and warm climate.

Guide Price: €2,585 pp

Guide Price: £2,095 pp

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Highlights of Lisbon
Portugal
City Break
4 days / 3 nights

From bustling markets and cobbled streets to an exciting food scene and vibrant nightlife, Lisbon boasts a number of charming neighbourhoods just waiting to be explored. Discover a rich culture and enthralling history at every turn on this laidback break to Portugal’s capital.

Guide Price: €425 pp

Guide Price: £345 pp

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Scenic Madeira
Portugal
Short Break
8 days / 7 nights

From the cobbled streets of Funchal’s old town to volcanic black sand beaches, Madeira is a destination of dramatic contrasts. This relaxed break allows time to explore the magnificent coastline, savour the local flavours and unwind in the year-round sunshine.

Guide Price: €899 pp

Guide Price: £729 pp

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Portugal's Culture & Cuisine
Portugal
Self Guided Rail
7 days / 6 nights

Explore the unique wonders of Portugal’s most iconic cities, from the grandeur of Lisbon and Sintra to the understated opulence of Porto, perched on the famous Douro River.

Guide Price: €739 pp

Guide Price: £599 pp

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WHERE TO GO IN PORTUGAL

Each region of Portugal boasts its own attractions and it’s no exaggeration to say each merits a holiday in its own right. It would be just as easy to spend your time wandering the cellars of Porto, tasting the regions namesake drink, or hiking the winding trails of the Lavandas in Madeira.

Click on the tiles below the Portugal map for more details on each region. Alternatively, if you are looking for some inspiration for your Portugal holiday, give us a call and speak to one expert travel consultants.
Portugal map
Lisbon
Set on the banks of the glistening Tagus River, Lisbon is home to grand plazas and historic castles.
Porto
The humble opulence of Porto rises from the banks of the Douro River.
The Algarve
Featuring golden beaches, dramatic cliffs and traditional coastal towns, the Algarve is home to some of Portugal’s most picturesque scenery.
Madeira
Remotely situated in the expansive Atlantic Ocean, Madeira boasts rolling hills and valleys, verdant greenery and rugged beaches.
The Azores
The Azores, a volcanic archipelago of 9 unique islands, span over 370 miles within the Atlantic Ocean.
Douro Valley
Following the winding Douro river east from Porto reveals one of the most scenic drives in Europe and Portugal’s premier wine region, the Douro Valley.
Sintra
Home to fairytale castles, regal manor houses and an imposing Moorish castle, it's easy to see how Sintra earned it's place on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

OUR RECOMMENDED HOTELS IN PORTUGAL

We feature a great range of places to stay in Portugal, with something to suit all budgets. Maybe you’re looking for a resort on the Algarve with activities to please all the family, a chic boutique hotel in the heart of vibrant Lisbon, or a secluded villa to escape to and enjoy your own space.

What you won’t find here are thousands of Portugal hotels and villas to wade through. We have done the hard work for you, selecting the best places to stay and our travel consultants are on hand to help you plan your Portugal holiday, often with first-hand experience
Reid's Palace, A Belmond Hotel
5 star

Madeira

Perched on the clifftop with magnificent ocean views, Reid's Palace, A Belmond Hotel is reminiscent of a bygone era of elegance and luxury.
Anantara Vilamoura
5 star

Algarve

Escape to luxury at this incredible resort, set beside the stunning Victoria Golf Course (currently undergoing renovation and due to reopen Sping 2025), with views over to Vilamoura.
The Vintage House
5 star

Porto & The Douro Valley

The Vintage House Hotel enjoys an idyllic riverside location beside the historic Pinhão railway station, right in the heart of the Douro Valley.
H10 Duque de Loule
4 star

Lisbon & Sintra

With a beautifully preserved façade and modern interior infused with traditional Portuguese design, H10 Duque de Loulé offers a stylish stay in the heart of Lisbon.
Santa Barbara Eco-Beach Resort
4 star

The Azores

A short drive from the historic centre of Ribeira Grande on São Miguel’s north coast, this laidback resort offers chic accommodation in an enviable oceanfront setting.

WHAT TO DO IN PORTUGAL

As well as awe-inspiring sights, Portugal is also home to unforgettable experiences. These provide a unique insight into the culture, or a unique way to experience the natural splendour that sightseeing alone simply can’t replace.

One day you might be sailing down the serene waters of the Douro River from Porto to explore picturesque and historic vineyards. The next enjoying the rich delights of Portuguese food on a city tour of Lisbon, Portugal’s chic capital. Or maybe zipping around the steep terraces of Madeira soaking up the views from a motorbike sidecar.

Our collection of unmissable experiences will really help you bring your Portugal holiday to life.
Lisbon Private Walking Tour
3 hours
  • Explore Lisbon’s beautiful streets
  • Taste fresh seafood and green wine
  • Ferry to picturesque Cacilhas
Sintra Small Group Tour
9 hours
  • Enchanting Sintra UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Sweeping views over rural Portugal
  • Visit the UNESCO-listed Pena National Palace and Quinta da Regaleira
Douro Valley Wine Tour
10 hours
  • Explore the wine region of Douro Valley
  • Enjoy wine tastings
Learn to make Pastel de Nata
2 hours
  • Learn the secret of how to make Portugal's most delicious pastry
  • Enjoy your creation with a hot drink
Waterfalls & Fanal Forest Tour
10 hours
  • Discover breathtaking cliffs
  • Visit quaint fishing villages
Azores Whale Watching and Islet Cruise
3.5 hours
  • Spot the world’s most diverse and spectacular wildlife
  • Experience dramatic coastline
  • Cruise the Atlantic waters

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT PORTUGAL?

The best time to visit Portugal varies by region. Both Lisbon and the northern city of Porto receive hot summers, so the best time for sightseeing in the city is spring and autumn. The Algarve on the south coast is ideal for a summer break between the months of June and September. Madeira in the Atlantic Ocean benefits from a warm, tropical climate so is a great place to visit year around.

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Portugal Top Tips From Our Travel Experts

Tom Farnworth - Portugal expert
Tom Farnworth

Loulé is a beautiful town in the hills of The Algarve that offers great views, amazing shopping and some fantastic eateries. There is also a local market twice a week for some great local souvenirs.

Pete Waters - Portugal expert
Pete Waters

If you're a seafood fan, you must try a Cataplana dish. A traditional cooking pot originating from the Algarve, the pot is usually overflowing with delicious fresh seafood and is about as local as it gets!

Kate Coleman - Portugal expert
Kate Coleman

Head west of Lisbon to Belem, where you can try the original delicious Pastel de nata (Portugese egg tart) at Pasteis de Belem.

Portugal Fast Facts

Time Zone: Portugal is in the same time zone as the UK and Ireland (GMT)

Flight Time to Portugal: Flight time to Portugal averages at around 3 hours

Currency: Euro (EUR). ATM's are widely available and credit/debit cards are accepted in most shops, restaurants and hotels

Tipping: Tipping in Portugal is customary but not oblilgatory. A 10% tip for service staff is usually sufficient

Language: Portuguese is the official language of Portugal. English is widely spoken

Visa: For stays over 90 days only (Irish passport holders). Visit our visa pages for more information.


Tales from the Trail

Top tips and travel inspiration from the Trailfinders team

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