Best places to retire in Portugal in 2026
Portugal is widely seen as one of the top spots to retire, combining a relaxed pace of life with relatively good value for money.
Is Portugal safe in 2026? what the indexes say
If you’re thinking about swapping drizzle for pastel de nata and Atlantic sunsets, the big question is usually: “Is Portugal a safe country in 2026?” In short: yes, very much so.
Public healthcare in Portugal
Portugal’s public healthcare system is one of the quiet reasons many people decide to stay.
Top 10 reasons to move to the Algarve: cost of living, safety and lifestyle
The Algarve keeps coming up whenever people talk about the best coastal places to move to in Portugal, and it’s not hard to see why.
Traditional Portuguese food to try in the Algarve
The Algarve isn’t just about beaches and golf resorts. Traditional Portuguese food here leans heavily on the Atlantic, citrus groves and old-school family recipes. Trying local dishes fits neatly with all the things to do in the Algarve, away from the sunbeds.
Skiing in Portugal: Serra da Estrela ski resort
Portugal is best known for its Atlantic beaches and mild climate, so skiing is not usually the first thing that comes to mind when planning a winter holiday.
Traditional Santana houses in Madeira: history and what makes them special
A true postcard image, the traditional houses of Santana in Madeira are one of the island’s most recognisable symbols.
12 things to do in the Algarve away from the sunbeds
The Algarve has a bit of a reputation as wall‑to‑wall resorts and sunbeds, but once you step away from the coast, a different side appears.
Total solar eclipse in Portugal 2026: when and where to see it
A solar eclipse is one of those rare sky shows Europe actually gets to enjoy properly this year. 2026 is extra special because a total solar eclipse in Portugal has not been visible since 1912.
Regional and municipal holidays in Portugal in 2026
National holidays are only half the story in Portugal. The real curveballs for work, school and travel plans are often the regional and municipal holidays – the days when one city is completely shut while the next town over is business as usual.
Public holidays in Portugal 2026: national calendar and long weekends
Portugal has a knack for turning public holidays into proper occasions, with everything from quiet family lunches to all‑night street parties.
UNESCO World Heritage cities to visit in Portugal
UNESCO cities in Portugal may be few – there are five in total across the mainland and islands – but they tell a disproportionate amount of the country’s story. Each one has a historic centre recognised by UNESCO for its “outstanding universal value”.
The best Portuguese destinations for a January city break
January is an ideal time for a city break in Portugal. The post-Christmas calm, lower accommodation prices and milder winter weather make sightseeing more enjoyable than in the busy summer months.
Best wine routes in Portugal for 2026
Portuguese wine is having a real moment, and the best wine routes in Portugal put you close to that energy. Wine tourism here means slow weekends on the river, drives through cork forests and evenings in small towns where the local taverna still knows every regular.
Portugal’s unexpected best travel destination for 2026
A small northern Portuguese town has been picked as one of the world's best travel destinations for 2026.
Petiscos: a guide to Portuguese tapas
If you spend any time in Portugal, sooner or later, someone will suggest going out to petiscar. It’s one of the most sociable ways to eat, all about sharing plates, lingering over drinks and chatting for hours.
Green wine in Portugal: what Vinho Verde is and how to enjoy it
When people talk about green wine in Portugal, they mean Vinho Verde, not some weirdly coloured drink. It is one of the most easy‑going, affordable styles around, especially in the north and around the ciy of Porto.
Winter in the Algarve: sunshine, beaches, and outdoor living at Vale do Lobo
As winter settles over the UK, many are longing for warmth, sunshine, and open-air relaxation.
World’s best beach destination 2025: Portugal’s record‑breaking favourite
A stretch of the Portuguese coastline has just been crowned the World’s Leading Beach Destination 2025 at the World Travel Awards, often nicknamed the “Oscars of Tourism”.
New Year's Eve traditions in Portugal
New Year’s Eve in Portugal, or Réveillon, is one long slow build.
Lotaria de Natal: Portugal’s Classic Christmas Lottery
If you spend December in Lisbon or Porto, you’ll notice people quietly clutching strips of coloured paper, comparing numbers in cafés and kiosks. That’s the Lotaria Clássica de Natal, Portugal’s Classic Christmas Lottery, and it’s much more than a quick flutter.
Terras da Comporta Golf wins three awards at the World Golf Awards
This year’s edition of the World Golf Awards honoured Terras da Comporta Golf, a real estate project developed by Vanguard Properties, with three highly prestigious awards. The recognition further strengthens Portugal’s position as one of the leading golf destinations worldwide.
2026 European Wine City is in Portugal
European Wine City 2026 is the title given to highlight one region’s wine, culture and tourism in Europe for a full year. In 2026, the spotlight goes to a rural area in Portugal that is still very much off the mainstream tourist trail.
Portugal tops global wine rankings: the world’s best producer
Portugal has taken the top spot in one of the wine world’s most closely watched rankings, with a Portuguese estate named the world’s best wine producer in 2025.
Portuguese Christmas traditions you can't miss in 2025
Portugal transforms into a festive wonderland during the Christmas season, offering a rich mix of cultural traditions, regional customs, and delicious food.