Portugal
Portugal is a warm and welcoming destination where golden beaches, historic cities, Atlantic scenery, soulful food and relaxed coastal charm create holidays full of character.
Excellent
4.7
Portugal
Portugal has a quiet confidence that makes it one of Europe’s most rewarding places to visit. It does not need to shout for attention; it wins travellers over slowly, through the warmth of its people, the beauty of its coastline, the flavour of its food and the easy rhythm of everyday life. One holiday might take you to the Algarve for sunlit beaches, cliff walks and long seafood lunches by the water, while another might centre on Lisbon’s tiled streets, yellow trams, miradouros and riverside evenings. Further north, Porto brings wine cellars, bridges, old-world atmosphere and the Douro Valley nearby, while Madeira offers dramatic mountains, ocean views, gardens and year-round walking. Portugal is ideal for travellers who want sunshine, but also want more than a standard beach break. It is a country of cobbled towns, surf beaches, castles, vineyards, markets, fishing villages and stylish boutique hotels, with enough variety to suit families, couples, city breakers, golfers, food lovers and returning visitors looking for somewhere that still feels genuine.
Portugal’s Most Popular Resorts and Regions
Portugal offers a strong mix of coastal resorts, city stays, island escapes and scenic regions. The right choice depends on the style of holiday you want, whether that is beach time, culture, food, golf, city life, walking or a slower escape by the sea.
The Algarve is Portugal’s classic sunshine region, famous for golden beaches, dramatic cliffs, golf courses, fishing towns and well-established resorts. It is ideal for families, couples and golfers, with popular areas such as Albufeira, Lagos, Vilamoura, Carvoeiro and Tavira offering different styles of holiday along the southern coast.
The Lisbon Coast is perfect for travellers who want city culture and seaside atmosphere in one trip. Areas such as Cascais and Estoril offer beaches, promenades and elegant hotels, while Lisbon itself brings historic neighbourhoods, rooftop views, museums, restaurants and easy day trips to Sintra.
Madeira is a beautiful Atlantic island known for its mountain scenery, levada walks, gardens, ocean views and mild year-round climate. It suits couples, walkers, nature lovers and travellers who want scenery and comfort rather than a traditional beach resort holiday.
Porto is one of Portugal’s most atmospheric cities, known for its riverside setting, port wine cellars, tiled buildings, bridges and rich food culture. It works well for city breaks, wine lovers and travellers who want to combine Porto with the Douro Valley, where vineyards and river views create one of Portugal’s most memorable landscapes.
Albufeira is one of the Algarve’s best-known resorts, popular for its beaches, old town, restaurants, nightlife and lively holiday atmosphere. It is a strong choice for travellers who want plenty of choice close by, from family beach days to evening entertainment and boat trips.
Lagos is a characterful Algarve town with historic streets, a marina, sandy beaches and easy access to some of Portugal’s most dramatic coastal scenery. It is especially good for travellers who want a mix of beach life, local restaurants, boat trips and a more scenic, independent feel.
Latest Offers
Discover the latest Portugal holiday offers with Dawson Travel, from Algarve beach breaks and Lisbon city stays to Madeira escapes, Porto getaways, golf holidays and tailor-made Portuguese adventures.
Our Top Destinations in Portugal
Portugal is wonderfully varied, with each region offering a different mood and style of holiday. These top destinations give travellers a strong sense of the country’s appeal, from coastal relaxation and city culture to island scenery and wine country.
Lisbon
Lisbon
Lisbon is Portugal’s colourful capital, set across hills beside the River Tagus and filled with tiled buildings, viewpoints, trams, cafés, shops and historic neighbourhoods. It is ideal for a city break or as part of a longer Portugal holiday, with highlights including Alfama, Belém, Chiado, Bairro Alto and easy day trips to Sintra or Cascais.
Porto
Porto
Porto is a soulful northern city with a beautiful riverside setting, historic streets, port wine lodges and a slightly moodier, more traditional atmosphere than Lisbon. It is perfect for food lovers, culture seekers and travellers who enjoy cities with real texture, especially when combined with a Douro Valley day trip.
Algarve
Algarve
The Algarve remains Portugal’s best-loved beach region, offering golden cliffs, sandy coves, family resorts, golf courses, fishing towns and relaxed seaside dining. It suits almost every type of sunshine holiday, from lively Albufeira and polished Vilamoura to scenic Lagos, Carvoeiro and Tavira.
Madeira
Madeira
Madeira is one of Portugal’s most scenic island destinations, with mountains, gardens, levada walks, coastal viewpoints and a mild climate that works across the year. It is ideal for couples, walkers and travellers who want nature, comfort and ocean views rather than a standard beach resort stay.
Transport Options in Portugal
Flights
Portugal is well served by international airports, with Lisbon, Porto and Faro acting as the main mainland gateways. Faro is the best airport for most Algarve holidays, Lisbon works well for the capital and central coast, while Porto is ideal for northern Portugal and the Douro Valley. Madeira and the Azores also have airports for island holidays.
Airport Transfers
Airport transfers are one of the easiest ways to start a Portugal holiday smoothly, especially for travellers heading to Algarve resorts, Lisbon Coast hotels or accommodation outside city centres. Shared transfers can be a good-value option for popular resorts, while pre-booking helps remove arrival-day stress.
Private Transfers
Private transfers are ideal for travellers who want a direct, comfortable journey from the airport to their hotel, villa or apartment. They are especially useful for families, late arrivals, larger groups, golfers with equipment, or anyone staying in quieter coastal towns or countryside properties where public transport may be less convenient.
Car Hire
Car hire is a great option for travellers who want to explore more of Portugal beyond one resort or city. It is especially useful in the Algarve, Alentejo, Douro Valley, Madeira and rural regions, where having a car makes it easier to reach beaches, viewpoints, villages, vineyards and local restaurants at your own pace.
Travel Tips for Visiting Portugal
Portugal may look compact on a map, but each region feels different, so choose carefully between beach-focused Algarve, cultural Lisbon, atmospheric Porto, scenic Madeira or quieter countryside areas.
The Algarve, Lisbon Coast and Madeira can be very popular in peak summer, so booking flights, hotels and transfers early gives travellers better choice and often better value.
Portugal’s old towns are beautiful but often hilly and cobbled, so comfortable shoes are essential for enjoying Lisbon, Porto, Sintra, Tavira, Lagos and Madeira without struggling by lunchtime.
Portuguese food is one of the country’s great pleasures, so make time for grilled fish, cataplana, piri-piri chicken, bacalhau, pastel de nata and regional wines rather than eating only in the most tourist-focused spots.
Portugal’s coastline is beautiful, but Atlantic waves and currents can be stronger than expected, so always follow lifeguard advice, beach flags and local swimming guidance.
Irish citizens travelling from the Republic of Ireland do not need a visa to visit Portugal, as Portugal is a member of the European Union. Travellers should have a valid Irish passport or passport card for the duration of their stay, and it is always sensible to check expiry dates before booking, particularly for children’s passports. Entry requirements can change, so Irish travellers should check the latest Department of Foreign Affairs advice before departure and make sure they have suitable travel insurance in place.
Portugal’s climate varies by region, but much of the country enjoys warm summers, mild winters and plenty of sunshine. The Algarve is best known for beach weather from May to October, with July and August bringing the hottest and busiest conditions. Lisbon and Porto are excellent in spring and autumn, when sightseeing is more comfortable and the cities feel lively without the strongest summer heat. Madeira is a strong year-round choice thanks to its mild Atlantic climate, while northern Portugal tends to be cooler and greener than the south. May, June, September and early October are often the most rewarding months for a balanced holiday, offering warm weather, good value and a more relaxed pace than peak summer.
Things To Do in Majorca
Majorca is much more than a beach destination. From scenic coastal drives and pretty mountain villages to historic landmarks, local markets, boat trips and family attractions, the island offers plenty to enjoy between relaxing days in the sun.
Things to Do
Cultural Highlights
Things to Do in Portugal
Portugal offers a superb range of experiences, from city sightseeing and wine tasting to coastal boat trips, palace visits, beach days and island walks. The best holidays usually combine a little relaxation with a few memorable days out that show the country’s history, scenery and flavour.
Visit Belém in Lisbon
Belém is one of Lisbon’s most important historic districts, known for its riverside setting, monuments, museums and famous custard tarts. It is a must-visit for first-time travellers, with the Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower and Monument to the Discoveries all giving a strong sense of Portugal’s maritime past.
Explore Sintra and Pena Palace
Sintra is one of Portugal’s most magical day trips, set in wooded hills west of Lisbon and filled with palaces, gardens and romantic architecture. Pena Palace is the headline sight, with colourful towers and sweeping views, but the wider town is also worth time for its atmosphere, cafés and historic estates.
Cruise the Douro Valley
The Douro Valley is one of Portugal’s most beautiful landscapes, where vineyards step down towards the river and wine estates sit among rolling hills. A boat trip, scenic drive or wine tasting excursion from Porto is one of the most memorable ways to experience northern Portugal.
Discover Ponta da Piedade in Lagos
Ponta da Piedade is one of the Algarve’s most striking coastal landmarks, with golden cliffs, sea arches, grottoes and clear Atlantic water. It can be enjoyed from the clifftop paths or by boat when conditions allow, making it a standout experience for beach lovers and photographers.
Walk Madeira’s Levada Trails
Madeira’s levada walks are one of the island’s signature experiences, following historic irrigation channels through forests, valleys and mountain scenery. They are ideal for active travellers and nature lovers, offering a peaceful way to see the island’s dramatic landscapes away from the coast.
Cultural Highlights in Portugal
Portugal’s culture is shaped by seafaring history, Moorish influence, Catholic tradition, regional food, music, tilework, wine and a strong connection to the Atlantic. Exploring its cultural highlights adds depth to a holiday and helps travellers see the country beyond its beaches and sunshine.
Jerónimos Monastery, Lisbon
Jerónimos Monastery is one of Portugal’s most impressive landmarks, with ornate architecture and a strong connection to the country’s Age of Discovery. It is an essential stop in Lisbon and pairs perfectly with time spent along the Belém waterfront.
Belém Tower, Lisbon
Belém Tower is one of Lisbon’s most recognisable sights, standing by the River Tagus as a symbol of Portugal’s maritime heritage. It is worth visiting for its setting, architecture and importance in the story of Portuguese exploration.
São Bento Station, Porto
São Bento Station is one of Porto’s most beautiful buildings, famous for its decorative blue-and-white azulejo tile panels. Even travellers not catching a train should step inside, as it offers one of the city’s most memorable glimpses of Portuguese craftsmanship and history.
University of Coimbra
The University of Coimbra is one of Portugal’s great cultural institutions, with historic buildings, academic traditions and a remarkable old library. It is a rewarding stop for travellers exploring central Portugal and adds a scholarly, atmospheric side to a wider itinerary.
Évora Old Town
Évora is one of Portugal’s finest historic towns, known for its Roman temple, whitewashed streets, churches and Alentejo atmosphere. It is a wonderful cultural day trip or overnight stop, especially for travellers who enjoy slower towns with deep history and strong regional character.
What are the best things to do in Majorca?
Popular things to do include visiting Palma’s old town, exploring the Serra de Tramuntana mountains, taking a boat trip along the coast, visiting traditional villages and spending time at the island’s beaches and coves.
Is Majorca good for families?
Yes, Majorca is a great family destination, with sandy beaches, shallow waters, family-friendly resorts, waterparks, boat trips and plenty of relaxed places to eat.
Can you explore Majorca without hiring a car?
Yes, many resorts have good local facilities, and buses, taxis and organised excursions make it possible to explore without driving. A car can be useful for visiting quieter beaches, villages and mountain viewpoints.
What is Majorca best known for?
Majorca is best known for its beaches, sunshine, scenic coastline, relaxed resorts, historic Palma, pretty villages and the dramatic Serra de Tramuntana mountain range.
Is Majorca only for beach holidays?
No, Majorca is also great for sightseeing, cycling, walking, food, shopping, culture, romantic escapes and luxury hotel stays.
Why Portugal Is a Must-Visit Destination
Coastal beauty, soulful cities and warm Portuguese character
Portugal is a must-visit because it offers such a satisfying blend of sunshine, culture, scenery and ease. It has the beaches people want from a relaxing holiday, but also the cities, food, wine, villages, islands and landscapes that make the trip feel richer. You can spend the morning by the sea, the afternoon in a historic old town and the evening eating grilled fish with a glass of local wine, all without the holiday ever feeling complicated.
For families, Portugal offers safe-feeling resorts, sandy beaches, waterparks, good hotels and easy transfers. For couples, it brings boutique stays, romantic cities, wine regions, sunsets and scenic coastal escapes. For groups, there are lively resorts, golf, nightlife, boat trips and plenty of restaurant choice. For returning travellers, the country keeps opening up, from the Algarve’s quieter coves to Porto’s backstreets, Madeira’s mountains and the Alentejo’s slow countryside. Portugal remains so loved because it feels warm, beautiful and easy to enjoy, while still offering enough depth to make every visit feel different.
We got it.
Thank you for contacting us.
We’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Tell Us About Your Portugal Plans
Ready to plan your Portugal escape? Send us your travel details and the Dawson Travel team will help you find the right holiday options, from family-friendly stays to luxury hotels, transfers and car hire that can be added to your package.
