Holiday destinations

When crowds head for Madeira and São Miguel, Portugal's lesser-known islands keep their easy rhythm.

Portugal is home to 11 inhabited Atlantic islands across the Azores and Madeira archipelagos, plus a scatter of wild islets and a few coastal islands near the mainland.  The country’s Atlantic outposts feel remote in the best way, yet are still easy to reach.

Skyscanner’s fare trends put Madeira in Portugal firmly in the frame as one of the best-value destinations for 2026.

Are you wondering where to spend Christmas in Portugal? Whether you’re looking for twinkling city lights, a cosy countryside escape, or a sun-soaked coastal getaway, Portugal offers a magical holiday experience.

Portugal's northwest city is leaning into the season with a warm glow and a proper sense of occasion this year.

Solo travelling is having a real moment, and Lisbon is right in the thick of it, thanks to being the sort of city that makes going it alone feel easy.

If you’re weighing up the best place to spend New Year’s Eve in Portugal, picture Passagem de Ano as sociable and outdoorsy: twelve raisins at midnight (doze passas), a toast with espumante, and a slice of bolo‑rei the next day.

Portugal does festive evenings properly: grand trees, clever illuminations and markets threaded through historic centres.

Portugal’s winter can be quietly dramatic: frost on granite villages, empty mountain roads, taverns warmed by bowls of caldo verde.

Winter slips into Portugal with misty valleys, fire‑warm taverns and the scent of street‑roasted chestnuts. Snow does arrive on higher ground while the coast stays mild and moody.

Winter in Portugal suits a quieter city break with mild days, good-value stays and proper comfort food, especially if you’re plotting the best Portuguese cities to visit in winter.

Lisbon’s festive season returns with scale and pageantry across the city centre.

As Portugal gears up for Christmas 2025, the travel picture is tilting towards compact breaks, city lights and island escapes, with cars setting the pace.

Portugal is famous for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture—but did you know it’s also home to some of Europe’s best hot springs and thermal spas?

Getting some winter sun in Portugal comes down to picking the right pocket of coast and timing your day around the light. The Atlantic can whip through, yet you still get calm afternoons for coffee on a terrace, sheltered coves out of the wind, and heated pools for a dip when the sea’s a bit nippy.

A quieter season suits Portugal’s smaller places: medieval walls without tour groups, fog lifting over terraced vineyards, and cosy taverns serving bowls of caldo verde.

Autumn is one of the most magical times to discover Portugal’s natural beauty. As the warmth of summer fades and the air becomes crisp, Portugal’s forests transform into stunning landscapes of red, gold, and orange.

As summer comes to an end, it’s the perfect time to start planning your next holiday.

As summer draws to a close, the lure of a weekend getaway is still strong, but instead of heading to the coast, why not explore Portugal’s medieval towns?

Portugal’s planned airport strikes from September to January 2026 have been cancelled following negotiations between unions and employers.

Portugal airport strikes cancelled: Portugal’s planned airport walkouts by SPdH/Menzies ground handlers have been called off after a court-decreed minimum services order left workers saying there were no conditions to exercise the right to strike.

When a breather from Portugal’s capital is calling, an easy day trip from Lisbon can feel properly local and low‑key. Think short hops by ferry, train or a quick drive, with walkable centres and hardly any tour‑bus presence.

Lisbon has been named the world’s happiest holiday destination for 2025, taking the top spot on the Holiday Happiness Index.

From north to south, Portugal offers a wide range of pools that go beyond the typical resort experience.

To help manage the impact of high visitor numbers, many popular destinations levy a tourist tax. This supplementary fee is charged to visitors staying in a city or region, typically on a per-person, per-night basis, and is collected directly by accommodation providers.