Tourism 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”.

A street in Porto has just been named the 3rd coolest street in the world for 2025 by Time Out.

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.

This hilltop masterpiece commands the plains around Elvas in the region of Alentejo.

Portugal’s national trade unions have announced a general strike for Thursday, 11th December, the first time in 12 years.

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

Nestled in the heart of Alentejo, southern Portugal, the charming village of Mértola has earned international recognition from the United Nations as one of the world’s Best Tourism Villages in 2025.

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.

Madeira is already humming with festive buzz as Funchal's Christmas lights go up. Crews started stringing up the illuminations in early October, so by the time December arrives, the centre feels like a living postcard.

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.

The Algarve once again confirmed its position as Portugal’s top tourist destination, welcoming 597,700 guests and 2.38 million overnight stays in September.

Are there any lakes in Portugal? While Portugal is famous for its stunning coastline and sun-soaked beaches, the country also offers a selection of beautiful lakes and lagoons perfect for autumn getaways.

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.

December in Portugal has a lovely winter rhythm: crisp mornings in the mountains, cosy evenings by the fire, and cities that glow once the lights go on.

Portugal increasingly embraces Halloween with costumes, parties and themed attractions—especially in Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve—while traditional observances like All Saints’ Day and Pão‑por‑Deus remain central to the season.

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.

Lisbon is friendly and largely low‑risk, thanks to it being the capital of one of the safest countries in the world.

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.