Portugal
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Portugal Holidays
A warm climate and some of the most idyllic resorts on the Atlantic coast are just a couple of reasons why holidaymakers keep on returning to sunny Portugal. From exhilarating nightlife destinations to historic sights and beautiful beaches, it's easy to see why holidays to Portugal are so popular.
Regions
Portugal, country of adventure and beauty
With a stunning coastline, landscape of mountains, greenery and sandstone cliffs, and abundance of activities, cheap holidays to Portugal give you a lot for a little. Whether you opt to stay on the mainland or the Portuguese islands of Madeira or Porto Santo, you'll never be bored.
The Algarve, with its warm shores, waterparks, golf courses and good level of nightlife is always popular. And from here you'll find it easy to explore more of this fascinating country.
Whether you're looking for a family friendly holiday or a fun-packed party scene, Portugal has an impressive variety of resorts. From the sleepy fishermen's village of Armacao de Pera to the exuberance of Lagos, in Portugal you're sure to find a holiday that suits your taste.
Where to stay in Portugal
When it comes to sun-thirsty holidaymakers, the Algarve is at the top of the list of cures. Its gorgeous beaches are carved with caves and cliffs and have garnered the region a bit a reputation. The natural attractions, seafood and party vibes only add to the hype.
Home to Cristiano Ronaldo and Madeira wine, Madeira is a cosmopolitan island featuring to round-the-clock warmth. It might not have the world's longest list of beaches, but the vast greenery, seafood cuisine and vibrant nightlife more than make up for it. Hiking trails are abundant along its mini canals.
Porto Santo is a relaxed and largely undeveloped island. It features a natural landscape and miles of quiet beaches. Vila Baleira is the only town on the island, with a charming town centre, and there are several bars and restaurants dotted around the O Penedo do Sono port area.
Quick Tips
- Roman Catholic
- Euro
- Portuguese
- 10.7 million
- GMT - None
Seaside happiness
The Portuguese coastline is stunning. Whether you're drawn to the bustling beaches at Carvoeiro or the amazing natural beauty of Praia Da Oura, you'll soon find your own favourite area.
Adventurous children can spend hours of fun exploring the secret coves and exciting rock pools that exist along this extensive coastline. You can even spend a day whale watching around Madeira's shores or simply lap up the rays on Porto Santo's enviable 10km stretch of sand.
Sporting activities are for everyone
Lagos is renowned for its hectic nightlife, but the resort is also great if you want to learn kitesurfing, windsurfing or just plain old surfing. Any of the beaches surrounding Lagos will allow you to release your spirit of adventure.
If you want to explore Portugal's stunning coastline by boat, join a kayak tour and discover for yourself some of the country's intriguing rock formations and secret coves. Madeira's Funchal is the place to head to if you want to experience life on the open sea. While sailing a catamaran, you'll be able to spot dolphins as well as whales.
Golf looms large in the lives of many, and Portugal has an abundance of golf courses, particularly in the southern area of Portugal known as the Algarve. From Vale de Milho Golf in Carvoeiro to Benamor golf course in Tavira any golf enthusiasts will fall in love with the high quality of the greens, the excellent clubhouses as well as the awesome surrounding landscape.
Living life to the full
If you're looking for nights of unbridled fun, Albufeira is one of the best places for cocktails and laid-back bars. If you're looking for resorts that have gained a healthy reputation for the quality of their restaurants, then Alvor and Armacao de Pera will fit the bill.
You could always be adventurous and take a drive, stopping off at anywhere that looks appealing. This will no doubt reward you with restaurants serving fish straight from the Atlantic that morning as well as Portuguese classics like piri piri chicken.
Porto Santo may look sleepy in the day but by night the island takes on a more vibrant complexion. With international DJs hosting parties at the new dockside development of Penedo do Sono, the island's only town of Vila Baleira attracts a healthy party crowd.
Madeira may be calm and sleepy during the week but come the weekend the vibe changes completely. There are open-air parties in Funchal – the number one destination on the island to dance the night away and really let your hair down.
Enjoy your holiday with your family
For a fun packed family adventure Portugal has all the answers. Laughter, water and plenty of excitement are all on offer at Slide and Splash waterworld, a 12-minute drive away from Carvoeiro. As well as rafting, the Algarve also has a large choice of boat trips. The best place to catch one of these is from Ponta da Piedade, a seven-minute drive west of Lagos.
There are plenty of great deals to be had on All Inclusive holidays to Portugal, which makes it just that little bit easier to get everyone away and keep them entertained.
Explore the Algarve
You'll soon discover Portugal is a wonderful mix of contemporary tourist resorts and charming old villages and towns. Tavira has some spectacular architecture, and if you wander through to the centre of Faro between its numerous cafes and restaurants you'll discover its historic old town.
The nearby Ria Formosa nature reserve is a protected area of coastal lagoon, which provides stunning scenery and the chance to take a peek at rare wildlife. Classified as one of the seven wonders of Portugal, there's a visitor centre and you can take a guided walk or explore on your on to spot seahorses and maybe even a chameleon.