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Portugal

A contrast of coastlines & culture

Portugal tailor-made holidays

Introduction

Having produced the first global empire – something still evidenced by its far-flung island retreats – Portugal's cities still proudly showcase its maritime wealth, its idyllic coast is watched over by hilltop castles and its wines are lauded the world over. Our tailor-made holidays explore it all, whether it's a stay in a historic pousada hotel, an ultra-scenic self-drive through the Douro Valley or a relaxing break in Madeira or on the beaches of the Algarve. Speak to our specialists today to start planning your perfect Portugal holiday.

Portugal's rich history

As a country that’s been settled since prehistory, it’s not just the Portuguese that have left their mark on the Iberian Peninsula’s western coast. Archaeological sites remember Celtic settlements, whole ruined Roman towns crouch in valley verdure and great Moorish castles cap cragged hilltops. But, in its medieval walled towns, Portugal emerged from its occupation at the hands of the Moors, eventually into a golden Age of Discovery. The riches that its world-first spice routes brought in still line the cathedrals, monasteries and Baroque halls of its two great cities – Lisbon and Porto. In each, UNESCO-listed grandeur is framed by a tumble of terracotta rooftops – a fitting emblem for the country’s homespun charm.


Lisbon, Portugal

Golden sands, green mountains and award-winning wines

You’ll know the Algarve for its white-sand beaches, but it’s often the green of its interior and the drama of its sea-beaten cliffs that leave the biggest impression. And, ever the rivals, Lisbon and Porto’s surrounds also vie for your attention. While the former features Estoril’s beaches and the storybook castles of the Sintra Mountains, it’s Porto’s Douro Valley neighbour that wins out. Here, river cruises and a spectacular railway route bring you among a world of fabled vineyards and forgotten hamlets. That said, for the best in Portuguese relaxation, make the short flight to Madeira. It’s ever-sunny disposition has long made it a favourite of exiled monarchs, European aristocracy and, yes, award-winning winemakers. 


Ponta da Piedade, Algarve

 

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At a glance

Flying time from UK
2½ hours

Time zone
GMT +1

Currency
Euro (€) = 100 cents

Language
Portuguese

Travel advice
Check the FCDO for visa & travel advice

Special offers in Portugal

Main pool and golf course

Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort

7-night luxury holiday from £940 pp incl. flights & transfers

Special
offer

Early booking savings – Save up to £460pp
Book by: 31 January 2025

Between fine dining, private-terrace rooms and one of Europe’s best golf courses, this Algarve hotel is a true gem. It’s all wrapped up in Anantara’s signature service, best experienced in the excellent spa.

Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon to Barcelona on Silver Ray

12-day luxury ocean cruise from £7,300 pp incl. flights

Special
cruise offer

Save up to £1,200 pp
Book by: 31 December 2024

Sailing between Portugal, Morocco and Spain, discover the ancient cities and sun-kissed shorelines of the western Mediterranean on this all-inclusive, ultra-luxury cruise aboard Silver Ray.

Mount Teide, Tenerife

No-fly Canaries & Portugal 2025 on Celebrity Apex

12-day luxury ocean cruise from £2,500 pp

Special
cruise offer

Save up to 75% off second guest
Book by: 03 January 2025

Departing from Southampton, this no-fly voyage aboard Celebrity Apex hops between idyllic Atlantic islands and city sights of Portugal and northwest Spain.

Plaza de Espana, Seville, Spain

No-fly Iberian Peninsula 2025 on Celebrity Apex

13-day no-fly cruise from £2,925 pp

Special
cruise offer

Save up to 35%
Book by: 03 January 2025

Iberian charm with all the convenience and luxuries of a Celebrity no-fly cruise on this in-depth appreciation of mainland Spain and Portugal in 2025, showcased on Celebrity Apex.

See all offers

Top itineraries in Portugal

Traditional boats on the Douro River, Porto

Porto & the Douro Valley

5-day tailor-made holiday from £1,395 pp incl. flights

The perfect introduction to Portugal, this short break combines the historic charm of Porto and the rolling viticulture of the Douro Valley with stays in some of the region's finest hotels.

Porto, Douro River, Portugal

Porto, Lisbon and the Algarve

9-day tailor-made self-drive from £2,035 pp incl. flights

With included car hire and stays in luxurious accommodation this is your chance to combine Portugal's two greatest cities, Porto and Lisbon, with five days relaxing on the beaches of the Algarve.

Madeira, Portugal

Highlights of Madeira

8-day tailor-made self-drive from £1,380 pp incl. flights

Famed for its natural beauty, mild climate and fabulous fortified wine, Madeira is the perfect year-round destination. Explore the island's myriad highlights on this tailor-made road trip.

Old Town, Porto, Portugal

Historic Porto and Madeira

8-day tailor-made holiday from £1,090 pp

Famous for its friendly people, wonderful local flora, and year-round mild climate, Madeira must be one of the most beautiful islands in Europe. It makes a perfect pairing with Portugal's second city, Porto. Overlooking the mouth of the Douro River, UNESCO-listed Porto has a rich and varied history.

See all itinerary ideas

What our clients say about our Portugal holidays

  • I only had one question about our booking regarding check in for the flights and it was expertly dealt with by Rachel while Heather was away. Both girls were excellent and professional and the booking was made speedily and with minimum effort on our part.

    Our hotel the Alma Lusa was lovely and suited us perfectly It's an old building beautifully renovated to a beautiful hotel( it was once an arsenal ) Staff are friendly and helpful from the minute you walk through the door.

    Juliet Kate J

  • I have booked through Wexas Travel for business and holidays for many years and have always found the service to be excellent and will continue to book through Wexas.

    A special thank you to Bert Hyatt for the last two years bookings to Italy and Madeira, always helpful with excellent knowledge of all aspects of travel and hotels.

    R R

  • The Hotel do Caracol proved to be a very good choice of hotel in Angra do Heroismo, with a convenient but peaceful location, comfortable rooms, helpful staff, and food that varied from good to excellent.

    Henry H

  • Once again excellent service from Wexas and their advisers. I will continue to use Wexas without hesitation in future.

    Frederick F

  • First class service, and dealt with every thing very well

    Nevillle N

  • As ever very pleased with service and advice.

    Michael M

  • Everyone should take the pousada trip.

    Michael M

Top places to stay in Portugal

Infinity Pool, The Yeatman, Porto

The Yeatman, Porto

Guide price from £1,115 pp

Between private balcony views of the city and a Michelin-starred restaurant, it’s not difficult to see why the Yeatman is an exalted member of the Relais and Châteaux collection of luxury hotels.

The Vintage House Hotel, Douro

The Vintage House Hotel, Douro Valley

3-night luxury holiday from £905 pp incl. flights & transfers

Packed full of character and charm, this historic house complete with its own wine academy for tours and tastings, is a wonderfully intimate base for exploring Portugal's Douro Valley.

Exterior of Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Lisboa, Lisbon

Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Lisboa, Lisbon

Contemporary hotel

Matching its privileged setting, this city centre offering features a contemporary style that’s as welcoming as its exclusive rooftop bar.

Hotel Palacio Estoril

Hotel Palacio Estoril, Lisbon

Historic hotel

Everyone from James Bond to Europe’s royal families have found a quantum of solace here, with guests welcomed by stately grandeur, a golf course, gourmet restaurants and an excellent spa.

See all places to stay

Where to go in Portugal

Rossio Square, Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon & surrounds

Portugal’s centuries-long Age of Discovery put Lisbon at the centre of the world, inspiring a rich cultural diversity keenly felt to this day in everything from its unique gastronomy to its sheer wealth of architecture.

Porto, Portugal

Porto & the Douro Valley

Porto's claim to fame as the second largest city in Portugal and the ancestral home of port have earned it a place on the tourism map, but it is the city's historical legacy that really engages visitors.

Ponta da Piedade, Algarve

The Algarve

The year-round Mediterranean climate of the Algarve is one of the things that has always set it apart from the rest of Portugal. Home to some of Europe's most beautiful beaches, this is a region that has long been a popular all-inclusive beach holiday destination.

Madeira, Portugal

Madeira

Portugal's most popular island welcomes you with year-round sunshine and impressive mountain scenery. Lying halfway between Portugal's south coast and the shores of Africa, Madeira offers a delightful blend of relaxation and adventure.

See all places

When to go to Portugal

Lisbon & surrounds
Average temperature (℃)
Average rainfall (mm)
  • 30
  • 20
  • 10
  • 0
  • 120
  • 90
  • 60
  • 30
  • 0

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Max temp Min temp Rainfall

Entirely predictably, the Portuguese summers are hot, barely wavering from a steady 30°C. They also coincide with the holiday season – both domestic and international – meaning higher prices and larger crowds. With this in mind, consider looking either side, with spring and autumn offering a more temperate climate, ideal for hikes. In turn, the rain falls mainly in the winter, when sightseeing spots are all but deserted in the crisp sunshine. Conversely, Madeira enjoys warm weather year-round, making it an ideal destination to soak up some winter rays.

See regional weather

Portugal articles

  • Medieval cathedral of Evora, Alentejo, Portugal

    Trip report: Alentejo

    Join Wexas expert Meriel Lowe as she explores the rich history and superb wineries of Portugal's Alentejo region, while staying at some of its finest hotels.

  • Madeira, Portugal

    10 driving holidays in Spain & Portugal

    From wild coastlines and beach curves to mountain peaks and rolling countryside, the charms of the Iberian Peninsula are seemingly endless. To help point you in the right direction our destination experts have put together the following self-drive routes that showcase the best of it all.

  • Gardesana Occidentale road near Tremosine, Lake Garda

    Four of the best European road trips

    Between the headline acts and lesser-known gems, these are the finest self-drives on the continent.

  • Lake Como, Italy

    Top 10 places to visit this autumn

    Whether it’s island relaxation in the sun or a Big-Five safari, this is a collection of our finest autumn escapes. There are also plenty of insiders’ tips, including America’s secret ‘fall foliage’.

See all articles

Meet our Portugal experts

Speak to a tailor-made specialist on 020 7664 2268

Meet the team

Why book with Wexas Travel?

At Wexas, we specialise in bespoke travel experiences. Our itineraries are just samples of what we can arrange, and can be changed depending on your precise needs, finances and ideas by our experienced destination specialists.

Contact one of our consultants on 020 7664 2268 to discuss how we can tailor your holiday.

Learn why Wexas is the leader in creating luxury holidays. What is tailor-made travel?

Expert advice & support

Visit us in our London office

Let our travel specialists curate the perfect holiday:

  • Inspirational ideas based on experience
  • Established for over 50 years
  • Tailor a holiday to your precise requirements
  • Personalised quotes and documentation

Every step of the way

Every step of the way

Our services are with you from start to finish:

  • Dedicated personal consultants
  • Free airport lounges on qualifying bookings
  • Care and guidance pre, post and during holiday
  • Full financial security: ATOL & ABTOT protected