Portugal holidays

Holidays to Portugal are about more than just the mainland. You've also got the Floating Garden of Madeira and the untouched shores of Porto Santo to consider.

A European favourite

Portugal’s winning combination of sandy beaches, dramatic scenery and world-class golf courses has kept it firmly on the holiday map for decades. And if all that wasn’t enough, the country also has good weather credentials, basking in around 300 days of sunshine a year.

The Algarve

Curving round the south coast is the Algarve region, which has a dramatic coastline scalloped with sandy bays and secluded coves. Resort-wise, you can choose between large, lively towns and sleepy fishing villages. This pocket of Portugal is also one of the best places in Europe for golfers – and some of the courses are spectacular.

Madeira

The Portuguese island of Madeira is set in the Atlantic Ocean, about 1,000 kilometres away from the mainland. It’s been nicknamed the Floating Garden thanks to its flower-filled botanical gardens. The capital, Funchal, is a real mix of old and new, with cosy tavernas and traditional markets sitting next to swanky wine bars and chic boutiques.

Porto Santo

North of Madeira is tiny Porto Santo. It’s a bit of a newcomer to the travel scene, so tourists are few and far between. Vila Baleira, the only town, is a typically Portuguese affair, with cobbled lanes and whitewashed houses. It’s your gateway to the island’s 10-kilometre-long sandy beach, too.

Popular hotels in Portugal

Facts about Portugal

Capital
Lisbon
Currency
Euro
(EUR)
Population
10,642,841
Language
Portuguese
Time zone
GMT +0
Flight duration
2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours 45 minutes from Gatwick

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