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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.
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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.
Portugal's Culture & Cuisine
Portugal's Culture & Cuisine
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: €1,149 £949 pp

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Highlights of Lisbon
Highlights of Lisbon
City Break
4 days / 3 nights

From bustling markets and cobbled streets to an exciting food scene and exciting nightlife, Lisbon boasts a number of charming neighbourhoods just waiting to be explored.

Guide Price: €729 £629 pp

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Family Fun in the Algarve Sun
Family Fun in the Algarve Sun
Family Holiday
8 days / 7 nights

A villa holiday provides the ideal family break with the chance to enjoy some well-earned, quality time with your loved ones.

Guide Price: €1,079 £799 pp

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Hiking the Azores
Hiking the Azores
Guided Small Group Trekking Tour
6 days / 5 nights

Maybe you’ve been to the Azores before — but definitely not like this.

Guide Price: €1023 £863 pp

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Porto's Colourful Historic Sights
Porto's Colourful Historic Sights
City Break
4 days / 3 nights

Perched on the banks of the Douro River, Porto’s historic, colourful sights await to be explored.

Guide Price: €799 £629 pp

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Madeira: Pearl of the Atlantic
Madeira: Pearl of the Atlantic
Fly Drive Holiday
8 days / 7 nights

Known as the Pearl of the Atlantic, the rugged island of Madeira offers staggering landscapes, stunning coastlines, and fantastic forests.

Guide Price: €1,949 £1,549 pp

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View all our holidays in Portugal

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.
Lisbon
Lisbon
Set on the banks of the glistening Tagus River, Lisbon is home to grand plazas and historic castles. The city’s hills offer incredible vistas of its cobbled streets, regal palaces and stone churches.
Porto
Porto
Set on the banks of the Douro River, Porto’s charismatic old town is known for its gothic churches, bustling markets and incredible bars and restaurants. Across the Dom Luis I bridge, charming Port wine caves line the waterside.
The Algarve
The Algarve
With golden beaches, dramatic cliffs and traditional coastal towns, the Algarve features some of Portugal’s most picturesque scenery and luxurious resorts. For a lively atmosphere and a taste of Portugal’s vibrant culture, visit the historic town of Lagos.
Madeira
Madeira
In the glistening Atlantic Ocean, Madeira boasts rolling hills, verdant greenery and rugged beaches. The island is scattered with beautiful walking trails and unique culture. Funchal, the capital, is home to historic buildings and delicious cuisine.
The Azores
The Azores
The Azores, a volcanic archipelago of 9 unique islands, featuring breathtakingly dramatic scenery and charming oceanfront towns, span over 370 miles within the Atlantic Ocean.
Douro Valley
Douro Valley
Following the winding Douro river to the east of Porto, is a drive known for being one of the most scenic in Europe. It will also lead you to Portugal’s premier wine region, the Douro Valley, with terraces of vines lining the riverbanks.
Sintra & Cascais
Sintra & Cascais
Sintra and Cascais holidays offer a perfect fusion of culture, relaxation and dramatic coastline, making it the perfect gateway to explore the region.

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
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.
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Pestana Vintage Porto
Pestana Vintage Porto
4 star

Porto

Boasting a prime location in the heart of the historic Ribeira waterfront, this lovely property has a characterful, traditional façade with a charming boutique interior.
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Mama Shelter Lisboa
Mama Shelter Lisboa
3 star

Lisbon

For the young at heart or those looking for a lively stay, Mama Shelter Lisboa offers fun and frivolity a stone’s throw from the city’s highlights.
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Tivoli Carvoeiro
Tivoli Carvoeiro
5 star

The Algarve

Perched on the cliffs overlooking the magnificent Atlantic Ocean and within walking distance of Carvoeiro, this chic and contemporary property boasts superb views and beautiful beaches nearby.
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Pine Cliffs Hotel - a Luxury Collection Resort
Pine Cliffs Hotel - a Luxury Collection Resort
5 star

The Algarve

This activity packed, family resort sits upon the cliffs above the beautiful Praia da Falésia.
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Hotel do Canal
Hotel do Canal
4 star

The Azores

An ideal base for exploring beautiful Faial, the welcoming Hotel do Canal is well situated on Horta’s vibrant harbourfront.
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View all our hotels in Portugal

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
Lisbon Private Walking Tour
3 hours
Departs: Lisbon

Getting around Lisbon is easy, but the difficulty is where to start! With so much to see and do, ...

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Sintra Day Tour
Sintra Day Tour
9 hours
Departs: Lisbon

Want to explore beyond the city during your stay in Lisbon? Then put this at the top of your list! ...

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Douro Valley Wine tour
Douro Valley Wine tour
10 hours
Departs: Oporto

If you’re in Porto, you simply must visit the gorgeous Douro Valley. Let your guide do the driving ...

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Azores Whale Watching and Islet Cruise
Azores Whale Watching and Islet Cruise
3.5 hours
Departs: The Azores

Cameras at the ready as this is one of the best places in the world to spot so many species of ...

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Learn to make Pastel de Nata
Learn to make Pastel de Nata
2 hours
Departs: Lisbon

Learn how to make Portugal’s most delicious pastry, Pastel de Nata on this fun, interactive cooking ...

READ MORE ❯
Porto Food & Wine Tour
Porto Food & Wine Tour
3 hours
Departs: Porto

Let yourself be led through the streets of Porto’s Historic District and discover the rich and ...

READ MORE ❯
View all our Unmissable Experiences in Portugal

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 - 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 - 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 - 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)

Getting 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.


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