Portugal holidays
Sunny cities, Atlantic beaches, port wine and pastéis de nata. Here is our guide to the best places to visit in Portugal.
Lisbon
Lisbon spreads over seven hills above the River Tagus, so there is a viewpoint around almost every corner.
The best places to visit in Portugal
Portugal packs a remarkable amount into a small country. In a week or two you can explore the hilly streets of Lisbon, taste port wine in Porto, laze on the golden beaches of the Algarve and watch the Atlantic roll in on the wild west coast. The pace is relaxed, the food is excellent and the people are welcoming.
Portugal holidays are also easy from the UK, with short direct flights to Lisbon, Porto and Faro. Here are the places we think you should not miss, from the big cities to the little fishing town that became a surfing legend.
Things to do in Lisbon
Lisbon is one of the most charming capitals in Europe. Ride the historic tram 28 through the old districts of Alfama and Graça, explore the castle of São Jorge and stop at the viewpoints, the miradouros, for views across the terracotta rooftops.
In Belém, you will find the Jerónimos Monastery and the Belém Tower, and the original pastéis de Belém, the custard tarts Portugal is famous for. In the evening, head to Bairro Alto for bars or listen to fado, the soulful Portuguese folk music, in a small Alfama restaurant.
Over the rooftops
The Ponte 25 de Abril suspension bridge spans the Tagus and is one of the most recognisable sights in Lisbon.
Porto and the Douro Valley
Porto, in the north, is smaller and grittier than Lisbon, but every bit as atmospheric. Stroll along the Ribeira waterfront, cross the iconic Dom Luís I bridge and visit the port wine lodges in Vila Nova de Gaia across the river.
From Porto, take a trip up the Douro Valley, where terraced vineyards line the steep river banks. It is one of the oldest wine regions in the world and spectacular in the autumn harvest season.
Nazaré: home of the giant waves
On the Atlantic coast between Lisbon and Porto lies Nazaré, a traditional fishing town that has become world famous for its enormous winter waves. On big days, crowds gather by the lighthouse to watch surfers tackle waves the size of buildings.
Read the story of how Nazaré became a surfer's dream, and the best things to do in town when the sea is calm.
Nazaré beach
In summer, the sheltered town beach at Nazaré is perfect for swimming, while colourful fishing boats line the sand.
Beaches, islands and more places to visit in Portugal
The Algarve: the sunny south coast, with golden cliffs, sea caves and resort towns such as Lagos and Tavira.
Sintra: a hilltop town near Lisbon with fairy-tale palaces and lush gardens.
Óbidos: a walled medieval town, perfect for an afternoon stop.
Madeira: a green Atlantic island with dramatic levada walks and a mild climate all year.
The Alentejo: rolling countryside, cork oaks, whitewashed villages and long empty beaches.
Market day
Local markets are the best place to taste Portuguese produce, from cheese and cured ham to fresh fruit.
Portuguese food and drink
Portuguese food is simple, generous and built around great ingredients. Try grilled sardines and fresh fish on the coast, bacalhau, the salt cod Portugal has hundreds of recipes for, and a francesinha sandwich in Porto. Finish with a pastel de nata and a strong coffee.
Portuguese wine is excellent value, from fresh vinho verde in the north to rich reds from the Douro and Alentejo. For more ideas across the continent, see our guide to the best places to visit in Europe.
When is the best time to visit Portugal?
The best time to visit Portugal is in spring, from April to June, and in early autumn, in September and October. The weather is warm and sunny, the sea is pleasant on the south coast and the cities are less crowded than in midsummer.
July and August are hot and busy, especially in the Algarve and Lisbon. Winters are mild compared with the UK, which makes Lisbon, Porto and Madeira good choices for a winter break, while the west coast offers the giant waves at Nazaré.
Frequently asked questions about Portugal
Where should you go in Portugal for the first time?
For a first trip to Portugal, combine Lisbon with Sintra and a few days on the coast, either in the Algarve or along the west coast towards Nazaré. If you have more time, add Porto and the Douro Valley. Trains link Lisbon and Porto in around three hours, making it easy to see both.
Can you drink tap water in Portugal?
Yes, tap water in Portugal is generally safe to drink, including in Lisbon and Porto. Some people prefer bottled water because of the taste, especially in parts of the Algarve. Restaurants usually serve bottled water, so ask for tap water if you prefer it.
What language do they speak in Portugal?
The official language of Portugal is Portuguese. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels and restaurants, especially among younger people. Learning a few words such as obrigado or obrigada, meaning thank you, is always appreciated.
How long is a flight to Portugal from the UK?
A direct flight from London to Lisbon, Porto or Faro takes under three hours, and there are direct flights from many regional UK airports too. Flights to Madeira take a little longer. Portugal is on the same time zone as the UK, so there is no jet lag.