Best time to visit
The climate in Portugal is pleasant all year round, with hot summers and mild winters.
Portugal round trips: Porto, Lisbon and the Algarve
Portugal adventure: Colourful cities, wild coasts and road trip vibes
Portugal hits you like a summer anthem: direct, intense, unforgettable. In Lisbon, the old tram rattles through narrow streets and the scent of pastéis de nata fills the air. In Porto, you'll sip a glass of red wine overlooking the Douro Bridge and endless vineyards. The Algarve is a dance of sunlight, cliffs and the sparkling sea. In Albufeira, life pulses deep into the night and Lagos makes your surfer heart beat faster. At the very end of the world stands Sagres, where the Atlantic roars and the wind calls out to your face: Come on, dare yourself! Portugal isn't a destination on the map – it's a place that makes you feel alive.
Tips and info for your portugal trip
Currency
In Portugal, you'll pay with the euro (EUR).
Flight time
A direct flight from the UK to Portugal takes around 3 hours.
Language
The official language in Portugal is Portuguese. In larger cities and tourist areas, many people speak English.
What are the must-sees in Portugal?
Portugal is full of highlights, but these must-sees belong on your bucket list.
Lisbon and Sintra: Street art meets sea views
Lisbon is addictive. In the morning, you'll wander through Alfama's alleyways, the scent of pastéis fills the air and fado plays somewhere nearby. Then head up to Belém Tower – history with sea views. In LX Factory, you'll discover street art, concept stores and cafés with rooftop vibes. In the evening, it's Pink Street or Bairro Alto – both deliver contrasts as you hop from bar to bar, from beat to beat. A day later, you'll stand in awe before the Palácio da Pena in Sintra – colourful and almost surreal. And at the wild Praia da Adraga, the Atlantic rages. Fancy more? Évora in the hinterland and Cascais on the coast show you two completely different sides of Portugal – both unforgettable.
Portugal's north: Port wine and surf paradise
In Portugal's north, the raw Atlantic meets old souls. In Porto, life draws you in between azulejos, the Douro Bridge and port wine cellars – a mix of history, indulgence and streets full of energy. Further south, Nazaré turns up the tempo: towering waves, pure energy and a paradise for surfers. In between sits Aveiro with its colourful boats, Venice done Portuguese-style. In Fátima, pilgrims find stillness, whilst Coimbra gets young and loud – university vibes included. And the Costa Verde offers nature, waves and light – made for anyone who wants to feel freedom.
The Algarve: Wild coasts and hidden coves
Picture this: You're paddling through the rock arches of Benagil in a kayak, light dances on the water and above you the famous grotto opens like an eye to the sky. Further west, the Atlantic crashes against the cliffs of Castelejo Beach – wild, untamed and perfect for surfers. In Albufeira, nightlife pulses, whilst in Luz you'll gaze out at the calm sea over a sundowner. Monte Gordo surprises with lagoons and flamingos, Carvoeiro with colourful boats and dramatic clifftops. Praia da Marinha is a natural stage in gold and turquoise. And somewhere between Salema, Budens and Bordeira, you'll find it – your own personal favourite cove.
The Azores: Island hopping and volcanic adventures
The Azores are your adventure upgrade in the middle of the Atlantic – raw, untouched and full of natural wonders. Each island has its own vibe: São Miguel is the heart of the Azores, green and diverse – you'll bathe in volcanic lakes, hike to craters and chill in hot springs. Pico stands for unforgettable summit moments, and Faial is the best spot for whale watching and a meeting point for sailors from around the world. Horta, Sete Cidades, Caldeira Velha – every place is a nature experience. And in between, there's green – so much green. You'll hop from one island to the next with ease by ferry or plane.
Madeira: Green paradise in the Atlantic
Madeira is Portugal's "floating garden". On your round trip, you'll discover dense forests, exotic plants and nature so intense it feels like you're in another world. The levadas are a real must-see: paths along old water channels that lead you to waterfalls and viewpoints. Things get properly epic at Pico Ruivo, the island's highest point. Watching the sunrise above the clouds gives you pure goosebumps. To wind down, head over to Porto Santo. Endless sand, chilled vibes and simply doing nothing – it's the perfect contrast to the adventure feeling on Madeira.