Portugal

Europe's relaxed and sunny westernmost country

Portugal is more than a destination for sunny beach holidays – although it does do those very well.  It is an eclectic country with whitewashed villages, UNESCO world heritage sites, great walking, vineyards, an Atlantic and a Mediterranean coast and a fascinating capital in Lisbon. It also has some of the most beautiful islands in Europe – the Azores and Madeira covered  on separate pages on this site. Highlights of Portugal include:

  • the golden sand beaches and interesting rock formations of the Algarve
  • ancient town of Porto at the mouth of the Douro with its Port wine cellars and Gustav Eiffel’s Dona Maria Bridge
  • the lush Costa Verde in northern Portugal dotted with traditional villages and sandy beaches
  • the vineyards of the Douro valley
  • its lovely capital Lisbon, home to the UNESCO world heritage sites of the Hieronymites monastery and the Tower of Belem
  • just outside Lisbon the fashionable fishing village of Cascais and the beach resort of Estoril
  • the Serra de Sintra and the historical town of Sintra
  • the Alentejo coast or Costa Azul with pretty whitewashed villages, sandy beaches and two great walking trails
  • the wild western Algarve where you can surf, climb, fish and hike
  • the quieter Eastern Algarve including the Ria Formosa natural park, sand bar islands and the beautiful town of Tavira
  • the network of Pousadas, traditional hotels often found in historic castles, former monasteries or palaces and always in great locations

Key Facts about Portugal

  • Flying time: 2.5 hours
  • Time difference: no time difference
  • Currency: Euro
  • Best time of year to travel: Year round

Portugal Photo Gallery

Click on an image to launch the slideshow.

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Portugal-alentejo
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Lisbon
Lisbon
Sintra
Algarve
Tavira
Douro Valley

Ideas for a trip to Portugal

Here are some ideas for trips to Portugal all of which can be adapted for you and we are always happy to create a bespoke trip from scratch.

From £748

per person
portugal pousada

Fly-drive northern Portugal staying in Pousadas

7 night holiday to the heart of Portugal. Fly to Porto and visit the historical towns of Visa, Amares and Canada Geres. See undulating hills, vineyards and river valleys and natural parks.

From £651

Per person in low season

A week's family holiday at Pine Cliffs Resort, Algarve

With direct access to the beach, extensive lesiure facilities, exciting children's programmes and a breathtaking coastal location Pine Cliffs makes for a fantastic luxury family holiday.

From £442

Per person for two nights

Long weekend in Lisbon

Staying in a heritage boutique hotel in the historic centre of Lisbon. Tour Lisbon's rich heritage, visit the flea market, wander the cobbled streets inside the old Moorish walls of the Alfama.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions that haven't been answered here? Send your questions to enquiries@shearwatertravel.co.uk and we'll try our best to help.

UK passport holders do not need a visa. See FCDO advice for Portugal

You should ensure your usual vaccinations are up to date and check NHS Fit for Travel pages for Portugal.

From our Journal

Bulletin – Azores plus Travel Update

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Last week Government ministers gave conflicting messages over whether we can go on holiday to countries on the Amber Travel List. Whilst the Government would rather we stayed at home enduring this autumnal May weather, it is not in fact … Read More

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Bulletin – Portugal and her islands plus Green List Update

Posted by

Well, the government has published its eagerly anticipated traffic light travel list. As expected there are only a handful of countries on the Green List and even fewer who are actually welcoming or expecting to welcome UK tourists this summer (see … Read More

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