Portugal holidays

Q: Is Madeira warm in winter?

Yes. Madeira averages around 17C across December and January, mild enough for walking and sightseeing. Its sub-tropical Atlantic climate gives it an edge over the Algarve and much of mainland Europe in winter, although this is also Madeira’s wetter season.

Best hotels in Portugal

Things to do Currency

Portugal holidays have summer written all over them, from hot days on the Algarve’s beaches to evenings eating outside after the sun goes down. The Algarve stays mild into autumn, and Madeira’s warm through winter, so holidays to Portugal can work when much of mainland Europe has packed away the sun loungers. Pick between family beach holidays in the Algarve, a few days among Lisbon’s tiled streets, or Madeira’s volcanic landscapes. Portugal All Inclusive holidays add another route in, with many family hotels in the Algarve.

Why choose Portugal?

Summer brings long days at the beach and evenings outdoors, especially in the Algarve. Families can choose All Inclusive hotels with pools and kids’ clubs or smaller places near the sand. Getting there doesn’t eat into much of your holiday either (though Atlantic-set Madeira is a little further than the mainland). And the season has legs: Algarve temperatures average 23°C in October, Madeira stays warmer through winter and Lisbon works at any time of year for a few days of food markets and sightseeing.

Which part of Portugal is right for you?

Not sure which of the main Portugal holiday destinations to pick? Start with the type of trip you want, then narrow it down from there.

Algarve

Best for: Families, All Inclusive holidays and a long summer season

The Algarve runs along mainland Portugal’s south coast, with resort towns that feel quite different. Albufeira and Vilamoura put restaurants and nights out close by, while Lagos and Carvoeiro offer smaller centres, coves and cliffs. Summer is beach-and-pool territory, but T-shirt weather can keep going into October. Boat trips to Benagil add a day off the sun lounger. Find out more about Algarve holidays.

Madeira

Best for: Couples, nature and year-round breaks

Madeira pairs a sub-tropical climate with the sort of days that get you out of the hotel. Funchal has restaurants, gardens and spas, with a cable-car ride into the hills above the city. Beyond the capital, the island’s famous levada trails run through forests and mountains. Couples can spend the morning walking and still have the afternoon by the pool. Find your base with our Madeira holidays.

Lisbon & coast

Best for: City breaks, couples and short trips

Lisbon packs a lot into a few days, from yellow trams and Alfama’s hillside streets to viewpoints above the River Tagus. Stop for a pastel de nata near Belém Tower, or take a day out to the beaches at Cascais and Estoril. You can stay in the city throughout or make the coast your base. Start with our Lisbon city breaks.

Algarve holidays

The Algarve is Portugal’s main southern resort region, with All Inclusive and family hotels spread across its beach towns. Summer is the headline season, with July and August highs reaching 33°C and days built for the beach or pool. Albufeira and Vilamoura put you closer to the action after dark. Lagos and Carvoeiro lean towards smaller properties, clifftop walks and rocky coves. Come October, temperatures average 23°C after the summer crowds have thinned out. Our Algarve holidays will help you narrow down the resort and hotel for your trip.

Madeira holidays

Madeira’s sub-tropical climate means summer brings warmer days, while winter still gives the island an edge over much of mainland Europe. Funchal is the main hub, with its harbour, gardens and hillside streets, plus hotels with spas for unwinding after a day out. Beyond the city, Madeira’s unique levadas take walkers past waterfalls, terraced hillsides and some of the greenest corners of this ‘Island of Eternal Spring’. Been before? Madeira has enough beyond Funchal to make a return trip feel different. Or, if you want more walking and less lounging, Azores holidays offer a wilder side of the Atlantic.

Lisbon holidays

Lisbon holidays work in any season, with much more to fill a few days than the trams and Alfama streets you’ll spot first. Head to São Jorge Castle for views across the rooftops, spend an hour or two at Time Out Market, or follow the river west towards Belém and Jerónimos Monastery. Want some beach time too? Cascais and Estoril can be added as a day trip, or you can make the coast your base and dip into Lisbon. Find your ideal location with our Lisbon city breaks.

Best time to visit Portugal

Summer is Portugal’s main beach-holiday season, with Algarve highs reaching 33°C in July and August. October extends the window, averaging 23°C in the Algarve once the busiest summer weeks have passed. Madeira takes over for winter sun, averaging around 17°C across December and January, while Lisbon works throughout the year for short holidays in Portugal. Think summer for classic beach days, autumn for a later Algarve trip and winter when Madeira’s outdoor weather matters most. If your dates are flexible, check late deals to Portugal closer to departure.

Our Portugal holidays guide was last revised and updated in August 2026.

More Travel Guides

We also have travel guides available for destinations, including: Algarve | Albufeira | Funchal Lisbon | Madeira

8 - 34℃

Portugal is pleasant throughout the year, with mild winters and comfortable summers.

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3-4 hours

Flights from the UK take roughly 2.5 hours to Lisbon and the Algarve, and about 4 hours to Madeira.

Types of holidays in Portugal

Map of Portugal

Portugal is best for...

Sun-worshippers: With an 850-kilometre-long coastline and 3,000 annual sunlight hours, Portugal will suit beach lovers down to the ground. Even the capital Lisbon is a suntrap with endless blue skies ideal for summer sightseeing.

Adventure seekers: Whether you’re looking for land or sea adventures, Portugal is full of them. From hiking up the green mountains of Madeira to getting stuck into the Algarve’s long list of watersports.

Foodies: Eating out in Portugal is a dream with hearty dishes made from the freshest local produce. Try succulent espetada in Madeira, or tuck into grilled sardines in the Algarve’s fishing towns. And don’t forget to try its most famous sweet treat - pasteis de nata, a creamy custard tart which is found in almost all of Lisbon’s bakeries.

Getting around Portugal

By taxi: Resort areas have plenty of taxi ranks. Be aware that it is standard for taxi drivers to charge extra for luggage.

By hire car: Want to go resort-hopping or discover Portugal’s rural areas? Then, hire a car and you’ll have the freedom to explore the country at your own pace.

By train: Portugal has a vast railway network that covers most of the country. The state-of-the-art Alfa Pendular trains are a great option if you want to travel directly from the Algarve to Lisbon.

Fast facts for Portugal

Language: The official language of Portugal is Portuguese, while English is the second most spoken, particularly in the main tourist areas. We suggest learning some basic phrases before your trip to help you communicate better with the locals.

Currency: The currency used in Portugal is the Euro (€).

Local time: Portugal is the same as GMT/UK time.

Fly to: Faro Airport. Transfers to the Algarve resorts take between 30 minutes (Vilamoura) to 1 hour (Albufeira) and 1.5 hours (Lagos). Those flying to Madeira Airport will reach Funchal in around 30 minutes.

Flight time from the UK: The flight time to Portugal is 3 to 4 hours depending where you’re flying to.

Tourist Information: Further Portugal tourist information can be found at the official website for tourism in Portugal.

Visas / Health: Before you travel, check the latest advice from The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

Holiday destinations related to Portugal:

Events in Portugal

Carnival: For a real Portuguese party, visit the Loulé Carnaval in the Algarve. Every February locals fill the streets to watch the processions. Join in with the fun as costume-wearing dancers parade through the streets to samba music.

Madeira Flower Festival: One of the biggest annual events on the island, this floral spectacle takes place in spring when the island’s flowers are in bloom, a few weeks after Easter. And everyone gets involved in the fun with shops decorating their windows and locals dressed in colourful outfits. But the The Flower Allegorical Parade is the main event.

Sand City: If you’re visiting the Algarve between June and November, do not miss a chance to visit the famous Sand Sculpture Festival in Lagoa. As the world's largest site of its kind, every year over 60 artists turn 65,000 tonnes of sand into giant sculptures, from music icons to animals and even mythical creatures.

Portugal safety and security

Do I need a passport?

You will need a valid passport to enter Portugal, and it should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of your stay.

Do I need a visa?

British citizens visiting Portugal do not need a visa. If you’re unsure whether you will need a visa, it’s best to check with the Portuguese Embassy.

For up-to-date advice on entry requirements please visit the FCDO website.

Should I get travel health insurance?

Planning a holiday to Portugal? Taking out comprehensive travel and health insurance is essential. If you’re injured or fall ill abroad, your insurance could help to cover the cost of emergency medical treatment or a flight back to the UK. It’s also important to check your policy before your trip, just so you know what is and isn’t covered. You should also make sure your insurance will pay out for any planned activities.

For up-to-date advice on travelling to Portugal, please visit the FCDO website.

Portugal weather

Temperature: 12°C - 24°C

When’s the best time to go?

Regardless of which part of the country you visit, summers here are generally hot, while winters are a little cooler, with snow in the mountains. Generally speaking, the weather in Portugal is always a few degrees warmer in the south, with a yearly average temperature of 18°C. In the middle of the country, summer temperatures can really start to climb, with averages of 35°C. On the coast, the sea breeze takes the edge off the heat, particularly during July and August. While those balmy days last even longer over on its islands, whose subtropical climate guarantees very mild winters.

You’ll find Portugal is less crowded outside the summer months, with some fantastic deals in late spring and autumn.The sea here is at its warmest from July to September, something to bear in mind if you’re planning on snorkelling, swimming or trying your hand at some watersports.

Even in the winter months, temperatures rarely fall below 5°C and the average temperature is around 10°C. You may experience some rainy days, but there'll be plenty of sightseeing, shopping and restaurants to keep you busy.

What should I pack?

Portugal’s Mediterranean climate means hot, sunny summer days and cool winters, but it rarely gets too cold, unless you’re in the mountains.

For Portugal holidays in the summer, make sure you pack plenty of sun cream, a hat and sunglasses to protect you from the sun’s rays. You’ll also need your swimwear for beach and pool days, as well as a cover up should you decide to stop by a restaurant for lunch.

Pack plenty of light, cool clothes during its hottest months, but don’t forget a light jacket or extra layer for cooler evenings or rainy days. With milder temperatures in autumn and winter, trousers or jeans are ideal for sightseeing and shopping. Comfortable shoes are also a must for exploring, not forgetting a pair of sandals or flip-flops for the beach.

More hotels in Portugal

Discover the best destinations to visit in Portugal

AlgarvePortugal's premier beach destination

MadeiraAn historic island with traditional villages and stunning scenery

Popular Portugal holiday resorts

AlbufeiraAs one of the most visited destinations in the Algarve, holidays to Albufeira are undeniably fun. Its spectacular golden sand beaches pull in the crowds, while its buzzing nightlife scene could rival that of any party resort. You’ll find a good mix of traditional and modern charms here too.

AlvorLocated on the banks of the Odiáxere River, Alvor is a bustling seaside resort that still keeps all the character of its fishing village past. From traditional whitewashed houses to narrow cobbled streets and a beautiful harbour filled with colourful fishing boats, holidays to Alvor Portugal have plenty of old-school charm.

CarvoeiroPerched on the sea cliffs with traditional whitewashed buildings and a small cove beach, Carvoeiro in Portugal is a seaside resort just over a half hour’s drive away from Lagos. What was once a quiet fishing village now has a range of shops, bars and restaurants as well as hillsides full of holiday villas.

LagosIt may be one of most historic and prettiest towns in the Algarve, but there’s plenty more to Lagos than its narrow cobbled streets, 16th century walls and ornate churches. With some of the region’s best beaches nearby and an impressive coastline to explore, holidays to Lagos Portugal have something for everyone.

Praia da RochaWith its broad, cliff-backed swathe of sand, picturesque old sea fort and bustling town overlooking the sea, it’s easy to see why Praia da Rocha has been a popular place for holidays since the late 19th century. Climb the steps of the 16th-century Fortaleza da Santa Caterina and take in the views of the modern yacht-filled Marina de Portimão and ocean from the fort’s terrace.

Armação de PêraOften overlooked in favour of big-name Algarve resorts like Albufeira (just 15kms to the west) Armação de Pêra holidays are just as exciting. Home to one of the region’s longest beaches, when you’re not sprawled out on its golden sands, you’ve got a town of bars, restaurants and shops waiting to welcome you.

VilamouraSet between fishing village resorts and the medieval town of Loulé, there’s much more to holidays in Vilamoura than just year-round sun and soft sand. Its coves, beaches, yacht-filled marina, and excellent golf courses have helped put Vilamoura holidays on the map.

CaniçoCaniço hoildays are all about laid-back beach days, village strolls and epic water sports. A peaceful coastal hideaway on the south coast of Madeira, Caniço is a traditional town with green hills, rugged clifftops, a pretty square, and year-round sun.

FunchalWelcome to Madeira’s 500-year-old capital, perched on a hill along the Garden Island’s southern coastline. Cobbled streets, stunning gardens, and a cosmopolitan marina are all part and parcel of Funchal holidays. This place flawlessly blends old with new, from the historic Old Town to the smart boutiques and bars.

FAQs

Is Portugal good for a summer holiday?

Yes. Summer is the main beach-holiday season in Portugal, especially in the Algarve, where July and August highs can reach 33°C. It’s the time for long beach days, boat trips and evenings eating outside, with resort towns at their busiest during the school holidays.

Is Portugal good for a holiday in autumn?

Yes. Portugal holidays can run well into autumn, with the Algarve averaging 23°C in October. It’s a useful time to travel if you want beach days after the main summer season, and Madeira keeps the warmer-weather window open longer still. Autumn can also be a quieter time for holidays to Portugal.

Is Madeira warm in winter?

Yes. Madeira averages around 17°C across December and January, mild enough for walking and sightseeing. Its sub-tropical Atlantic climate gives it an edge over the Algarve and much of mainland Europe in winter, although this is also Madeira’s wetter season.

Which part of Portugal is best for families?

The Algarve is the main family-holiday region in Portugal, with All Inclusive hotels, pools and kids’ clubs across its resorts. Think about how you’ll use the hotel when you’re deciding where to stay – younger families may want more on-site, while older kids might put beaches, restaurants and things to do nearby higher up the list.

How long is the flight to the Algarve, Madeira and Lisbon?

Flights from the UK take roughly 2.5 hours to the Algarve or Lisbon, and about 4 hours to Madeira. For the Algarve, you’ll usually fly into Faro Airport (FAO). Madeira is served by Cristiano Ronaldo Madeira International Airport (FNC), while Lisbon flights arrive at Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS).

Is the Algarve or Madeira better for couples?

Madeira may appeal more if walking, spa hotels and exploring are high on your list. The Algarve has more of a classic beach resort set-up. For a winter trip, Madeira has another advantage: its Atlantic climate keeps temperatures up through the months when the Algarve cools down.

Can you do a city break to Lisbon and a beach holiday in the same trip?

Yes. Lisbon and the nearby coast can be part of the same trip, with Cascais and Estoril adding beach time to a few days in the capital. Make them a day trip from Lisbon, or head to the coast for a beach break and take a trip or two into the city.