Portugal Holidays

Portugal holidays are hotter than ever. We're talking golden sands, toasty temps, and pastel de natas for brekkie. Whether you’re after sun-drenched beach days, buzzing city breaks or a chilled family escape.

Holidays to Portugal highlights

• The Algarve gets over 3,000+ hours of sunshine a year. One of the sunniest corners of Europe, and it's only three hours from the UK

• Dramatic golden cliffs, turquoise water and over 100 beaches along 200km of coastline. From family-friendly bays to wild surf breaks, there's a beach for every mood on Portugal holidays

• Wine that punches well above its price tag. Port from the Douro Valley, Vinho Verde from the north, and local reds that cost less than a coffee back home

• The country that gave the world Piri Piri chicken. Enough said. But also: fresh grilled sardines, cataplana seafood stew, and pasteis de nata that'll ruin all other custard tarts for you

• Surf culture that stretches from the Algarve right up to Nazare, home to the biggest waves on the planet between October and March. Beginners and pros are equally well served

Good to Know

• The Algarve hits 28-30 °C in summer with up to 12 hours of sunshine a day. Even in winter, it stays mild at 12-16 °C, making it a proper year-round destination

• A large beer costs around €2-4, a solid meal at a local restaurant is €12-18, and the famous prato do dia (dish of the day) gets you a three-course lunch with a drink for about €10-15. Your money goes a long way here

• Portugal is home to the world's oldest bookshop. Bertrand in Lisbon has been open since 1732, and yes, you can still browse the shelves and buy a book

Portugal holidays, a view from our expert...

"Lagos caught me off guard, it's a proper little hidden gem, with the most beautiful old streets and the tastiest pastéis de nata I've had anywhere, including Lisbon. The restaurants, bars and nightlife there were genuinely fantastic too, much more than I expected from somewhere that size. We spent an afternoon exploring the grottoes along the coastline by boat, and the cliffs and hidden coves around Lagos are some of the most striking I've seen anywhere in Europe. It's the kind of place that doesn't get talked about nearly enough compared to the bigger Algarve resorts, and honestly, that's part of what makes it so good."

-Rob Brooks, OtB Holiday Expert

Portugal is perfect for you if...

• You want a beach holiday and a proper city in the same trip, and you'd rather not fly twice to get both

• You'd take cliffs, coves and a boat trip over five miles of flat sand

• You're a food person first and a sunbathing person second, and the words "grilled sardines" have already done their work

• You want somewhere the whole family eats out every night without anyone raising an eyebrow at the kids being up late

• You like the idea of drinking very good wine for the price of a coffee back home

• You've done Spain, loved it, and fancy the same weather with better custard tarts

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 for your holidays to Portugal.

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Where should families stay in Portugal? For top-notch family fun, the Algarve is hard to beat. Think golden sands, waterparks, dolphin-watching, and sunshine for days. Towns like Vilamoura and Lagos are packed with activities for kids, chilled spots for grown-ups, and plenty of beachy adventures to tick off on your holidays in Portugal. Albufeira is another family favourite with calm beaches and easy access to Zoomarine.

• 🎉 Where should groups stay in Portugal? Heading on a group holiday? Albufeira in the Algarve is the place to be. It's got a buzzing nightlife scene (hello, The Strip), daytime beach clubs, and water sports galore. Lagos is another top shout – slightly more chilled but still with cracking bars and a young, fun vibe.

• 💑 Where should couples stay in Portugal? Loved-up and ready to roam? Lisbon serves up city charm with a side of romance. Wander the cobbled lanes of Alfama, watch the sunset from a hilltop viewpoint, and toast your trip with wine in Bairro Alto. For beach romance, try Carvoeiro – a quieter Algarve gem with clifftop views and intimate cove beaches. Or escape to fairytale Sintra for palace-hopping and forest walks.

• 🏛 Where should you stay for a Portugal city break? Can't choose between beach and culture? Cascais is just 30 minutes from Lisbon by train, giving you the best of both worlds – sandy beaches by day, city exploring by night. Porto is another brilliant pick for those who want wine cellars, stunning architecture, and a more laid-back city vibe than the capital.

Last minute holidays to Portugal

Portugal's a heavy-hitting last-minute holiday pick for good reason. Short flights, year-round sun on the Algarve, more hotels than you can shake a sangria at, and the kind of food and wine scene that makes the trip feel like a proper holiday rather than a rushed escape. From the resort buzz of Albufeira to the cobbled streets of Faro old town, you know what you're getting when you touch down. The perfect pick for a cheap holiday abroad that doesn't feel cheap.

All Inclusive Holidays To Portugal

The Algarve is where Portugal's all-inclusive scene lives, and it delivers. Think unlimited food and drink, golden beaches basically on your doorstep, and resort pools that make it genuinely difficult to ever leave the sun lounger. Portuguese buffets punch well above the typical all-inclusive standard too - fresh seafood, piri piri chicken, cataplana stew, pastéis de nata at the dessert station. Nobody's going home hungry.

Whether you're after a whopping family resort with waterparks and kids' clubs, a swanky adults-only escape, or cheap all-inclusive deals to Portugal that won't have you eating plain rice when you get home - OTB's got you sorted.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 What are the best all-inclusive family hotels in Portugal?

• Jupiter Albufeira Hotel - Family & Fun has four pools, an on-site waterpark, splash park, kids' club and teens' club. The all-inclusive runs 24 hours, and the free shuttle to the beach and Old Town keeps the kiddos busy when the pool loses its appeal. One of the most reviewed family hotels we sell.

• Muthu Clube Praia da Oura is beachfront all-inclusive with a dine-around package covering 25 restaurants and bars, a giant inflatable playground, and a sky bar with views. Basically a small village with a pool.

• Ukino Palmeiras Village runs a 24-hour all-inclusive out of apartment-style accommodation in Armação de Pêra, so there's space to spread out and a kitchen you never have to use. Pools, entertainment and one of the Algarve's better beaches a short walk away.

✨ What are the best luxury all-inclusive hotels in Portugal?

• Tivoli Alvor Algarve Resort is new, sustainability-focused and genuinely top-tier. Six pools, four restaurants, an adults-only spa and a premium upgrade option with VIP check-in and minibar refills. The kind of all-inclusive Portugal resort that makes you forget the outside world exists.

• Pestana Blue Alvor Beach All Inclusive Hotel has direct beach access to Três Irmãos, a kids' club for ages 4 to 12, two themed restaurants and evening entertainment that keeps everyone going well past sunset. Alvor village is a two-minute walk if you fancy getting out and about.

💰 What are the best cheap all-inclusive hotels in Portugal?

• Auramar Beach Resort is a clifftop all-inclusive above Praia dos Aveiros with three pools including a heated indoor one, a kids' club running April to October, and evening entertainment from cabaret to mini disco. Brilliant value for a beachfront all-inclusive in the Algarve.

• Ukino Terrace Algarve is apartment-style all-inclusive in a clifftop spot near one of the Algarve's most scenic beaches. Spacious balconies, a pool, and a laid-back feel that won't do your wallet any damage. Ideal for couples or small families who want the all-inclusive setup without the resort-scale price tag.

Top Hotels for holidays to Portugal

Portugal hotels? We've got 'em in spadeloads, and we've uncovered some absolute gems that won't have your wallet crying out for mercy. Whether you're dreaming of a beachfront spot in the Algarve or a cute little hideaway in Porto, we've got cheap holidays to Portugal with your name on 'em. Because let's be honest, who doesn't love a good bargain?

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 What are the best family hotels for a Portugal holiday?

• Jupiter Albufeira Hotel - Family & Fun has a waterpark, splash park, kids' club, teens' club and four pools, plus a free shuttle to the beach and the Old Town. Very well reviewed and one of the most popular family hotels on the Algarve.

• Grand Muthu Oura View Beach Club sits above Praia da Oura in Albufeira with pools, entertainment and apartment-style rooms with room for everyone. Walking distance to the beach and the strip, which is either a feature or a warning depending on the ages involved.

• Muthu Clube Praia da Oura is beachfront with a dine-around all-inclusive covering 25 restaurants and bars, a giant inflatable playground for kids, and a sky bar with views. Loads to do without leaving the resort.

• NH Lagos Algarve Resort sits right in historic Lagos with indoor and outdoor pools, a kids' pool and exclusive access to the Duna Beach Club. Great for families who want culture and coast in the same week.

💑 What are the best hotels in Portugal for a couples' holiday?

• Tivoli Carvoeiro Algarve Resort is perched on the clifftop overlooking the sea with rooftop bars, fine dining and a spa. Five-star and built for romance. The views from the terrace are worth the trip alone.

• Jupiter Marina Hotel - Couples & Spa is adults-only with a rooftop pool overlooking the Arade River, a spa and a 15-minute walk to the marina. Designed for couples from the ground up.

• Porto Bay Liberdade is a five-star boutique hotel on Lisbon's most elegant avenue. Rooftop Jacuzzi, indoor pool, spa and a cocktail bar that feels like a proper treat. City-break romance done right.

• Grande Hotel do Porto has old-world charm and modern style in Porto's historic centre, with massage services, a restaurant and bar, and the metro 50 metres away. A brilliant base for port tasting and riverside strolls.

🎉 What are the best hotels in Portugal for a group holiday?

• Oura Senses - Adults Only 16+ has a pool, Jacuzzi and on-site bar, 150m from the Albufeira strip. Relaxation by day, nightlife on the doorstep. Ideal for a group who wants both.

• Tivoli Marina Vilamoura Algarve Resort is five-star, between the beach and the marina, with two pools, a spa and nightlife within walking distance. A good base for a group that wants a bit of class with their cocktails.

• Monica Isabel Beach Club has beachfront apartments with pools, mini golf and a social feel. Splitting an apartment between mates keeps the costs down, and the beach is right there.

✨ What are the best luxury hotels for a Portugal holiday?

• Tivoli Alvor Algarve Resort is a new all-inclusive resort with six pools, a cinema room, an adults-only spa and four restaurants. Sustainability-focused and seriously impressive.

• Sao Rafael Suites has five-star suites near one of the Algarve's best beaches, with a spa, several pools and a refined feel that's a step above the typical resort.

💰 What are the best value hotels for a cheap Portugal holiday?

• Auramar Beach Resort is right on the beachfront with several pools and a fun atmosphere. A solid pick if you want sand, sea and a good time without the big price tag.

• Jupiter Lisboa Hotel - Rooftop & Spa is a chic city hotel with a rooftop pool and views across Lisbon. A proper, good-value base for a city break without sacrificing comfort.

👉 See all Portugal hotels

Local Lingo

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

• 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 é a casa de banho? – 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!

Best beaches to visit in Portugal

The best beaches in Portugal line the Algarve coast, where golden cliffs meet turquoise water, and the sun barely takes a day off. But there's brilliant sand further north too - Lisbon and Porto both have cracking beaches within easy reach of the city centre.

• Praia da Marinha (Algarve) - Regularly named one of the best beaches in Europe. Dramatic limestone cliffs, crystal-clear water and brilliant snorkelling. Camera essential.

• Praia de Benagil (Algarve) - famous for the sea cave with its natural skylight, and the most photographed spot in the country. Please note: you can no longer swim in or paddle in on a kayak: access is now only in small groups with a licensed operator, or on a boat trip that views the cave from the water. Book ahead.

• Praia do Guincho (near Lisbon) - Wild Atlantic waves and proper wind, about 45 minutes from the centre of Lisbon. A magnet for surfers, windsurfers and kitesurfers. One of the best day trips from the capital.

• Praia de Dona Ana (Lagos) - A sheltered cove with shallow, clear water that's brilliant for families with younger kids. Surrounded by golden rock formations.

• Praia da Falesia (Albufeira) - A long stretch backed by striking red and orange cliffs. Feels endless, never overcrowded, and the colours at sunset are something else.

• Praia do Baleal (Peniche) - Lively surf beach with a social vibe that carries from daytime into the evening. Great for groups and anyone who likes their beach with a bit of buzz.

• Praia de Carcavelos (near Lisbon) - A short train ride from the city centre. Golden sand, good surf and lined with cafes. The go-to beach for Lisboetas and the easiest day trip going.

• Praia de Matosinhos (near Porto) - Porto's closest beach and one of the best urban beaches in Portugal. Wide, sandy and popular with surfers and families. Fresh seafood restaurants line the promenade behind it.

Your Portugal Holidays 2026/2027 Travel Guide

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 What are the best things to do in Portugal with the family?

• Zoomarine, Albufeira - A full waterpark, rides, sea lions and a bird of prey show, and easily a whole day out. One of the Algarve's biggest family attractions, open roughly late February to early November.

• Quinta da Regaleira, Sintra - A palace straight out of a storybook with underground tunnels, waterfalls and a spiralling Initiation Well the kids will be talking about for months.

• Beach hopping in Lagos - Lagos has a string of sheltered coves with calm water, perfect for families. Praia de Dona Ana and Praia do Camilo are the standouts.

• Dolphin watching, Algarve - Boat trips from Albufeira or Lagos take you out to spot bottlenose dolphins in the wild. Kids and grown-ups love it equally.

💑 What are the best things to do in Portugal for couples?

• Port wine tasting, Porto - Cross the river to Vila Nova de Gaia and work your way through the cellars. Most tastings cost under €15 and the views back across to Porto are gorgeous.

• Sunset at Ponta da Piedade, Lagos - Golden sea stacks, arches and grottoes lit up at golden hour. One of the most dramatic coastal spots in Europe.

• Fado night in Lisbon - Head to Alfama for an evening of Portugal's soulful traditional music. Find a small venue, order wine, and let it wash over you.

• Spa day at a clifftop resort - Several Algarve hotels have world-class spas with ocean views. Tivoli Carvoeiro is a standout.

🎉 What are the best things to do in Portugal for groups?

• The Strip, Albufeira - Albufeira's legendary nightlife strip. Bars, clubs and karaoke running all the way down to the beach. The go-to for stag dos, hen dos and big nights out.

• Surf lessons in Sagres - The southwestern tip of Portugal with consistent Atlantic swell. Surf schools here cater to all levels, and the post-surf beers are well earned.

• Boat trip to Benagil Cave - Book from Albufeira Marina and you might spot dolphins on the way. The cave itself is jaw-dropping.

• Bairro Alto bar crawl, Lisbon - Lisbon's bohemian quarter where the party spills onto the cobbled streets. Cheap drinks, live music and a properly social atmosphere.

🏛 What are the best cultural things to do in Portugal?

Calling all history buffs! Portugal is dripping in culture, from Disney-style palaces to art that covers entire buildings.

• Pena Palace, Sintra - A multi-coloured hilltop palace that looks like it was designed by someone who couldn't pick a favourite colour. Disney vibes, stunning views, worth the day trip from Lisbon.

• Azulejo tiles, Porto - The blue-and-white hand-painted tiles are everywhere in Porto. The Sao Bento train station alone is worth the visit, and the National Tile Museum in Lisbon goes deep.

• Belem Tower, Lisbon - A UNESCO World Heritage site on the waterfront. Built in the 16th century to guard Lisbon's harbour, it's a proper icon of the Age of Discoveries.

• Ria Formosa, Algarve - A vast lagoon system of islands and channels. Brilliant for birdwatching, boat trips and escaping the busier resort beaches.

Explore More of Portugal

Portugal's got so much to offer, and we've got dedicated pages to help you dig deeper into the best bits. Whether you're chasing sun-drenched beaches, buzzing city vibes, or hidden gems off the beaten track, there's plenty of holidays to Portugal with your name on them.

• Algarve – if you want the sunniest, beachiest part of Portugal, this is it. Golden cliffs, crystal-clear waters, waterparks, and some of the best seafood you'll ever taste. Perfect for families and anyone who lives for a tan.

• Lisbon – Portugal's capital is where history meets cool. Think hilltop viewpoints, colourful trams rattling through cobbled streets, epic nightlife, and pastel de nata on every corner. Ideal for city breakers, culture lovers, and anyone who wants a bit of everything.

• Porto – all the charm, half the tourists (for now). This riverside city is famous for its port wine, stunning bridges, and those gorgeous azulejo tiles everywhere you look. Great for romantic getaways, foodies, and anyone who loves a good wine tour.

• Madeira – the "floating garden" of Portugal. Lush, green, and seriously gorgeous, Madeira's all about dramatic landscapes, hiking trails, and year-round spring weather. Perfect for nature lovers, hikers, and those after a peaceful escape.

• Azores – Portugal's best-kept secret. Volcanic islands, hot springs, whale watching, and landscapes that look like another planet. For adventure seekers, nature nerds, and anyone who wants to say they've been somewhere truly unique.

Click through to explore what makes each destination special - and start planning your perfect Portugal escape!