Portugal Holidays

Good to know for Portugal holidays

Discovering Portugal offers a blend of vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and rich history. Whether you're planning to bask on the sun-drenched beaches of the Algarve, explore the historic streets of Lisbon and Porto, or delve into the country's lush wine regions, knowing a few key details can enhance your travel experience.

How to reach Portugal

Getting to Portugal from the UK is straightforward, with numerous direct flights connecting major British and Portuguese cities.

• Flight time: Direct flights from London to Lisbon or Porto typically take around 2.5 hours.

• Transfer time from the airport to the city centre: In Lisbon, a taxi or the metro can get you to the city centre in approximately 20 minutes. In Porto, the transfer time by metro or taxi is also around 20-30 minutes.

• Price of different transport options: A metro ticket costs a few euros, while taxi fares to the city centre can range from €15 to €30, depending on the city and time of day.

Best time to visit Portugal

The best time to visit Portugal really depends on what you're looking for in your holiday.

• Spring and Autumn (March to May and September to October) offer mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and beautiful natural scenery. Average temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C.

• Summer (June to August) is perfect for beach holidays, with hot, sunny weather. Temperatures often exceed 30°C, especially in the Algarve.

• Winter (November to February) is cooler and wetter, ideal for city breaks without the crowds. Temperatures range from 10°C to 17°C.

• High season vs low season: July and August are the peak tourist months, while winter offers the quietest and often most affordable time to visit.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Portuguese is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

• Local habits and customs: Politeness and a little Portuguese go a long way. Greetings like "Bom dia" (Good morning) and "Obrigado" (Thank you) are appreciated.

• Tips: Tipping is customary in restaurants (10-15%) and for services such as taxis.

• Currency: Euro (€) is the currency.

• Getting around: Portugal has an extensive public transport system, including buses, trains, and metros in larger cities.

• Electricity/plugs: The standard voltage is 230V with Type F plugs, the same as in the UK.

Equipped with this knowledge, you're all set for a memorable Portuguese holiday, rich in cultural experiences, scenic beauty, and relaxation.

Things to do in Portugal

Portugal, with its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities, offers endless opportunities for exploration and adventure. Whether you're soaking up the history in Lisbon, tasting port wine in Porto, or surfing in the Algarve, there's something for everyone.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Discover Lisbon's Miradouros: Lisbon is famous for its scenic viewpoints, or 'miradouros'. Visit Miradouro da Senhora do Monte for one of the city's best panoramic views.

• Porto's Dom Luís I Bridge: Climb to the top for breathtaking views of Porto and the Douro River.

• Pena Palace in Sintra: Offering a fairy-tale vista over the town of Sintra and its surrounding forests.

The best districts

• Lisbon's Alfama: Explore the narrow streets, historic buildings, and Fado bars of Lisbon's oldest district.

• Porto's Ribeira: Wander around the picturesque riverside quarter, famous for its colourful houses and street cafes.

• Algarve's Lagos: Known for its vibrant nightlife, stunning beaches, and the historic old town.

Parks and gardens

• Lisbon's Parque Eduardo VII: Offers a peaceful escape with great views of the city.

• Porto's Crystal Palace Gardens: A perfect spot for a leisurely walk among peacocks and stunning flora.

• Coimbra's Botanical Garden: One of the oldest in Europe, offering a diverse range of plants and trees.

Day trips in the area

• Visit Sintra: Just a short trip from Lisbon, Sintra is home to UNESCO-listed palaces and lush gardens.

• Douro Valley: Explore the beautiful wine country and its terraced vineyards by boat or train.

• Évora: A historic city in Alentejo, known for its Roman Temple and Chapel of Bones.

Activities for families in Portugal

• Lisbon Oceanarium: One of Europe's largest aquariums, offering a fascinating glimpse into underwater life.

• Zoomarine in the Algarve: A marine park that combines fun rides with educational exhibits.

• Portugal dos Pequenitos in Coimbra: A miniature park featuring scaled-down versions of Portuguese houses and monuments.

Free things to do in Portugal

• Free museums days: Many museums across Portugal offer free admission on certain days of the month.

• Explore by public transport: Cities like Lisbon and Porto have extensive public transport networks that are perfect for sightseeing.

• Free guided tours: Look out for free walking tours in major cities to learn about their history and culture.

Wellness in Portugal

• Spas & thermal baths: Visit the thermal town of Caldas da Rainha or the spa resorts in the Algarve for relaxation.

• Traditional body care: Indulge in treatments using local ingredients like sea salt, olive oil, and Algarve citrus.

Nature & Outdoor activities

• Hiking: The trails in Madeira and the Azores offer spectacular views and diverse landscapes.

• Outdoor activities: From paragliding in the Alentejo to zipline adventures in the Algarve, there's no shortage of adrenaline-pumping activities.

Portugal's combination of historical sites, natural beauty, and family-friendly attractions make it an excellent holiday destination for all types of travellers. Whether you're looking to immerse yourself in the culture, enjoy the great outdoors, or simply relax and unwind, Portugal has something special to offer.

Beaches in Portugal

Portugal, with its extensive coastline along the Atlantic Ocean, is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. From the sun-kissed Algarve to the rugged shores of the north, there's a beach for every type of traveller. Here's what you need to know to find your perfect spot by the sea.

The best beaches in Portugal

• Public beaches: Most beaches in Portugal are public, offering wide expanses of sand and clear waters. Praia da Marinha in the Algarve is renowned for its stunning cliffs and rock formations.

• Beaches with sunbeds and facilities: For those looking for comfort, beaches like Praia da Rocha and Praia de Vilamoura offer sunbeds, umbrellas, and a range of facilities, including restaurants and water sports.

• Hidden gems: Seek out less crowded spots like Praia da Ursa near Sintra or Praia do Carvalho in the Algarve for a more secluded experience.

• Beaches for water sports: Portugal is a haven for water sports enthusiasts. Guincho Beach is famous for windsurfing, while Supertubos is known for its surfing waves.

Nearest beaches

• Lisbon: Just a short train ride away, Cascais and Estoril offer lovely beaches, while the Costa da Caparica stretches for miles south of the Tagus.

• Porto: Foz do Douro offers urban beaches with a cosmopolitan vibe, or head further north to Espinho for surfing.

Whether you're looking to soak up the sun, ride the waves, or simply enjoy the breathtaking views, Portugal's beaches offer something for everyone. From the lively shores of the Algarve to the tranquil hidden coves dotting the coastline, a day by the sea is a must-do on your Portugal holiday.

Food and Drink in Portugal

Discovering the rich culinary heritage of Portugal is an adventure in itself. Renowned for its fresh seafood, sumptuous pastries, and distinctive wines, Portuguese cuisine offers a taste of tradition and innovation. Here’s your guide to savouring the flavours of Portugal.

Local dishes in Portugal

Portugal's gastronomy is as diverse as its landscapes, offering a variety of flavours to delight any palate. Must-try dishes include:

• Bacalhau: Often referred to as the national dish, this dried and salted cod can be prepared in over a hundred ways, from "Bacalhau à Brás" (shredded cod with onions, eggs, and potatoes) to "Bacalhau com Natas" (cod with cream).

• Francesinha: A Porto specialty, this sandwich is made with bread, wet-cured ham, linguiça, steak or roast meat, and covered with melted cheese and a hot, thick tomato and beer sauce.

• Pastéis de Nata: These iconic Portuguese custard tarts, with their flaky pastry and creamy filling, are a must-have in cafés throughout the country.

Street food

Portugal's street food scene reflects its rich culinary traditions and fast-paced lifestyle. Look out for "Bifanas" (pork cutlet sandwiches), "Prego" (garlic beef sandwiches), and "Caldo Verde" (kale soup), which offer a quick and tasty meal on the go.

Typical Drinks

No culinary exploration of Portugal would be complete without indulging in its beverages:

• Port Wine: Originating from the Douro Valley, this fortified wine is perfect as an aperitif or a dessert wine. Visit one of Porto's wine cellars for a tasting experience.

• Vinho Verde: This 'green' (young) wine from the Minho region is light, slightly fizzy, and refreshing, ideal for warm days.

• Ginja: A sweet cherry liqueur typically enjoyed in Óbidos and Lisbon, often served in edible chocolate cups.

Whether you're dining in a Michelin-starred restaurant, enjoying street food by the seaside, or sipping on a glass of Vinho Verde in a sun-dappled vineyard, Portugal's food and drink scene promises an unforgettable journey for your taste buds.

Sports in Portugal

Portugal's passion for sports goes beyond football, embracing a wide array of activities suited for enthusiasts and athletes alike. From the sun-drenched Algarve to the lush landscapes of the north, the country offers a playground for virtually every type of outdoor and indoor sport.

Local sports events

• How to live it like a local: Joining in the local enthusiasm for football by catching a match at one of the country's iconic stadiums is a must. Portugal's Primeira Liga matches, particularly those involving big clubs like FC Porto, Sporting CP, and SL Benfica, offer an electrifying atmosphere.

• Stadiums or arenas: The Estádio do Dragão in Porto, Estádio da Luz in Lisbon, and Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon are temples of football and host some of the most exciting matches in the Portuguese calendar.

• Where to go to watch a match: Aside from stadiums, local pubs and sports bars in Lisbon, Porto, and other cities across Portugal provide lively settings to enjoy football and other sports events.

Sports facilities for travellers in Portugal

• Swimming-pools and Yoga: Many hotels and resorts across Portugal offer swimming pools and yoga classes, catering to guests looking to stay active or find their zen.

• Fitness, dancing, tennis: Sports complexes and clubs in major cities and tourist areas provide facilities for fitness, dancing, and tennis, allowing visitors to keep up with their exercise routines.

Cycling

• Bike rental: Cities like Lisbon and Porto offer bike rental services, making it easy to explore on two wheels. The Algarve and Alentejo regions are also popular for cycling holidays.

• Popular cycling routes: The Ecovia do Litoral in the Algarve stretches along the coast, offering scenic views, while the Douro Valley is perfect for more challenging rides amidst vineyard-covered hills.

Hiking

• Popular hiking routes: Portugal's diverse landscapes are a hiker's paradise. The Rota Vicentina in the southwest is a network of trails that showcase the coastal beauty, and the Peneda-Gerês National Park in the north offers rugged terrain and stunning natural scenery.

Water sports

• Surfing: With its extensive coastline, Portugal is one of Europe's premier surfing destinations. Nazaré, Peniche, and Ericeira are hotspots for surfers looking for the perfect wave.

• Other water sports: Kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), and windsurfing are widely available, especially in the Algarve and along the Lisbon coast.

Golf courses

Portugal is renowned for its world-class golf courses, especially in the Algarve, which hosts many international tournaments. Courses like Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo, and Vilamoura are among the best in Europe, offering challenging play in spectacular settings.

From the thrill of watching a live football match to the tranquillity of a yoga session overlooking the ocean, sports in Portugal cater to a wide range of preferences, making it an ideal destination for sports enthusiasts.