Luxury Portugal Holidays

A country of golden sands, rolling countryside and captivating culture, you could say that Portugal has it all. From the sweep of beaches and feelgood factor in the south, to the spirit of the coastal cities further north and island living in Madeira, your trip to Portugal can be exactly what you want it to be. We've scoured Portugal's sunny lands to find the very best places to stay, from prestigious resorts with all the trimmings of luxury, to hideaway boltholes and city slicker crash pads.

Your arrival in Portugal is likely to be a sunny one, particularly if you're visiting the Algarve, which boasts year-round sunshine as one of its attributes. The sun, sand and sea of the Algarve is an incredible draw for many visitors, and rightly so, particularly if you're in search of relaxation, Portuguese food infused with flavours of the sea, and outdoor pursuits such as golf and water sports. A choice of exceptional resorts complete the picture of this sun-drenched heaven.

As you climb up the coast to Lisbon and beyond, Portugal's ancient sites and historical wow factor begins to unfold. Lisbon itself is a city of characterful alleys and majestic cathedrals, surrounded by the stunning waterscape of the ocean and the Tagus river. This is a city where you can take a boat trip to see the city from a different angle, meander around the plentiful museums, and stop for a glass of wine in a neighbourhood square. Nearby, the Estoril coast is a superior spot to stay, thanks to its access to Lisbon, great beaches and village feeling of boutique shops and pavement cafés. Porto further north is a seaside town where you should embrace the easy-going pace of life that the Portuguese hold dear. This is where you can explore the town in the morning, and watch the surfers on coastal walks in the afternoon. By the evening, you'll have your pick of incredible restaurants and local Port wine varieties to sample.

You'll quickly discover that Portugal is a country of many faces, and you really do have your pick of ways to spend your time. As well as everything the coastline has to offer, you could also find yourself exploring dinosaur footprints in archaeological sites, visiting the tranquil vineyards producing wines bursting with flavour, and hiking in glorious countryside. Over on the island of Madeira, expect panoramas of geographic splendour from dramatic cliffs to mood-filled volcanic black beaches. Hiking trails, botanical gardens, wine tasting and artisan craft shopping are all tempting possibilities here.

If a perfect trip to you incorporates a culinary journey, you're in luck in Portugal. Incorporating sun-ripened home-grown produce, plenty of seafood and a deep-rooted authentic appeal, Portuguese food is always a treat. Dine on small rustic plates with a glass of wine, or tuck into gourmet dining and tasting menus both are available in abundance in Portugal.

When to visit
Sunny most of the year, Portugal is a great country to visit during any month. December to February are the coolest months, making them particularly good for urban exploration.