What to do in Portugal

Portugal has long been one of Europe’s easiest countries for a short break — compact, welcoming, and rich in atmosphere.

Cascais is one of those seaside towns just outside Lisbon that’s easy to underestimate until you actually spend time there. Once a royal summer retreat, it still carries that polished feel.

With Valentine’s Day coming up, holidays in Portugal for couples tend to move higher up the wish list, and it’s easy to see why.

The Azores are one of those places that still feel like a bit of a secret in the middle of the Atlantic.

Carnival in Lisbon isn’t a single huge Rio‑style parade. It’s more a patchwork of street bands, neighbourhood parties and a few big anchor events.

Carnival in Portugal is one of those times of year when the country drops its guard a bit.

Carnival in Portugal 2026 promises a vibrant celebration full of colour, music, and festive traditions.

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.

A true postcard image, the traditional houses of Santana in Madeira are one of the island’s most recognisable symbols.

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.

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.

New Year’s Eve in Portugal, or Réveillon, is one long slow build.

Portugal transforms into a festive wonderland during the Christmas season, offering a rich mix of cultural traditions, regional customs, and delicious food.

The famous Christmas lights in Obidos turn the town into a gentle fairytale each evening, with the medieval walls lit for Vila Natal.

Portugal does the festive season with a cosy, neighbourhood feel: twinkly squares, proper artisan stalls, and plenty of warming snacks. You'll get cork crafts, ceramics and textiles alongside seasonal favourites like bolo-rei, roasted chestnuts and cups of ginjinha.

For things to do in Olhao, early starts and unhurried evenings work best.

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’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.

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?

If you’re hunting for things to do this Halloween in Portugal, think candlelit traditions and cheeky night-outs side by side.

October in Portugal has that first-hint-of-autumn feel. Grape juice on your trainers in the Douro, chestnut smoke in the lanes, soft light on the castles, and a steady run of food and film events in the cities.

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