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17 of the most beautiful Portugal holiday destinations for your next getaway
These stunning escape-to-the-sun hotspots should be on your must-visit Portugal holiday destinations list
Blessed with 850km of golden beaches and 3,000 hours of sunshine every year, the best Portugal holiday destinations are so plentiful it can be hard to choose where to stake your beach umbrella.
But, don't worry, we've done the 'hard work' for you and rounded up a selection of top spots to add to your travel hotlist... Like Spain and Greece's top places to visit, Portugal's best beauty spots are worth adding to your bucket list.
For a cultural buzz on sun-soaked streets, head to Lisbon. The Portuguese capital offers historic architecture, authentic fare, traditional museums and contemporary hotels; don't forget to take in the sites on the city's famous yellow trams, too.
Meanwhile, wine-lovers and foodies should plan a trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Porto and the Douro Valley, where terraced vineyards and mountainscapes meet traditional architecture and food markets.
Sun-seekers will love the vast stretches of beaches in the Algarve, that also makes a fantastic getaway for golfing fans, as well as cycling and walking enthusiasts.
And anyone looking for a rustic, authentic experience should head to Alentejo, home to medieval villages and farm-to-fork eateries. Insider tip? The chic, boho crowd heads to the low-key yet luxe coastal retreat of Comporta for top-notch seafood and vast swathes of powdery sand.
We've rounded up the top Portugal holiday destinations below so you can start planning your next adventure – and where to stay when you get there. Suitcases at the ready...
Lisbon
Just a short three-hour flight will land you in Portugal’s famed capital city of Lisbon. An urban paradise, brimming with culture, history and even more fascinating scenery, this is a city break destination that should be right at the top of your bucket list.
Be sure to stop off at Lisbon’s main square, where you can view some beautiful Portuguese architecture and head through the ‘Door to Lisbon’, which leads to the true heart of the city; here you’ll find authentic restaurants, boutique shops and traditional museums to visit.
Jump on Lisbon’s famous yellow trams to take an adventure up and over the rolling hills – it’s a great way to see the city in all its glory. Be sure to stop off in the area of Alfama, famed as one of the best neighbourhoods in the city for architecture and sunsets.
What also makes Lisbon such a perfect getaway is its proximity to some of the beautiful, quaint coastal towns and villages just a short half-hour train journey out of the city centre, such as Cascais and Tavira.
Where to stay: The Palácio Ludovice is Lisbon’s exclusive wine experience hotel, which is the perfect destination if you're looking for a location in the heart of Lisbon to explore the true spirit of the city.
Madeira
The island of Madeira boasts beautiful natural surroundings, from staggering mountains to idyllic coastlines. On the same latitude as Morocco, the island has a sub-tropical climate and rich volcanic soil. Its unique ecosystem means that it is one of the only places in the world where banana trees grow next to vineyards.
The lifestyle on the island centres around nature, adventure and outdoor activities, which suits Madeira’s warm and mild climate. You can expect sun and clear skies all year round: well-known as a popular summer destination, Madeira is equally as enticing in the winter months, with something to offer every traveller.
Looking for an active Portugal holiday destination? You won't be disappointed, with rugged mountains lending themselves to biking routes, golf courses with stunning panoramic views and walking trails, such as a hike through the beautiful Laurissilva forest.
You can also discover the region’s many ‘Levadas’, small irrigation canals which weave in and around the mountains of Madeira. Plus, a visit to this island would not be complete without a trip to the warm waters, dive sites and long sandy beaches of Porto Santo.
Where to stay: Madeira is famed for its wellness attributes due to its mineral-rich volcanic soil, clean, clear waters and unique ecosystem – so there is no better place to enjoy a well-deserved break at one of the island's many spa resorts, such as The Cliff Bay.
Alternatively, explore Madeira on Good Housekeeping's exclusive tour of the island during the wonderful Flower Festival in May.
Cascais
Historically a refuge for Portuguese nobility during WWII, and now an elegant blend of 19th-century architecture and traditional Portuguese charm, Cascais is a paradise for those seeking endless culture, sun and sand.
The historic wealth of Cascais’ royal past is still visible on every winding cobbled street, with grand palaces and extravagant villas dotted in between boutiques and classic eateries.
An as-yet-undiscovered region of Portugal that is just 20 minutes by train from the capital of Lisbon, the charming cultural town of Cascais and neighbouring palatial Sintra offer a welcome escape for a more refined, relaxed break.
Not-to-be-missed experiences include: the casino that inspired Ian Fleming’s Casino Royale, the world-famous gelato shop Santini, and sailing, golfing, water sports, museums, and countless seaside walks showcasing the beauty of Portugal. It’s easy to take a day trip into Lisbon, or venture out to the fairytale palaces of nearby Sintra – just be sure to take the coastal route.
Where to stay: Check into Onyria Marinha, a family-friendly boutique hotel ideally located close to the area's attractions and sites. Little ones will be well taken-care-of at the Kids Club, while adults enjoy some well-deserved 'me time' between the spa and 18-hole golf course before embarking on a tour of the region.
Sagres
If you’re looking to get away from it all in an off-the-beaten-track location, Sagres, on the westernmost tip of the Algarve, is just the ticket. It’s a haven for surfers and walkers, and is rugged, wild and windswept.
Take in the local sights, including Baleeira Harbour, Mareta Beach view, Praça da República, Sagres Fortress monument and St. Vincent Cape. Cycle on the Ecovia trail to discover the natural marvels of the region, including the lush greenery of the Costa Vicentina Nature Park, the birdwatching haven of the Alvor Estuary and the majestic cliffs of Sagres Point.
And walkers can explore the Via Algarviana trails. The route crosses 11 of the 16 municipalities of the region, offering the chance to discover the diverse natural landscapes and culture by foot.
Where to stay: Located on the western tip of Portugal’s Algarve coast, Martinhal Family Hotels & Resorts’ flagship Sagres hotel has something for everyone, with kids clubs and a huge variety of activities ranging from cycling to surfing. It's spread out over 220,000 square metres and boasts its own access to a 700m beach. If you have an eye on the budget, Memmo Baleeira is perfect for couples and solo travellers.
Alentejo
Alentejo is an intriguing mountainous region steeped in culture and ‘off the beaten track’ gems to explore. Boasting both mountains and a rugged coastline adorned with coves, Alentejo really is the adventurer's and surfer’s dream. It's also home to many historic, medieval towns and villages such as Evora and Elvas, now recognised UNESCO World Heritage Sites, with unique museums, architecture and restaurants.
Take a day trip to the laid-back locale of Comporta, a protected nature reserve and fisherman’s village that offers oyster farms, local markets, river sunsets and horse riding. Enjoy the walking trails of Rota Vicentina spreading across the fields and mountain ranges of the region and the Vicentine Coast, including highlights such as The Historical Way and The Fishermen’s Trail. Alternatively, for bike lovers, the Rota Vicentina offers a network of dedicated cycle routes.
Where to stay: While in the region, stay at Herdade da Malhadinha Nova, located in Albernoa, Beja, in the heart of the Baixo Alentejo region. This hotel and winery seamlessly combines contemporary style with unique traditions, offering activities such as a romantic picnic in the vineyards, chocolate tasting and bread baking.
Comporta
The Comporta region, with its hippy-chic atmosphere, is located just one hour south of Lisbon at the base of the Troia Peninsula.
This picturesque Portugal holiday destination is made up of seven sleepy villages offering a beautiful, laidback and low-key beach escape with 12km of pristine sand.
A longtime favourite holiday destination for locals, Comporta is now slowly becoming known and loved by the international set, including a number of designers, such as Christian Louboutin. This is due mainly to its simple charm and magical landscapes of rice fields and pine forests, thatched cottages and long unspoilt golden sandy beaches.
You can soak up sunsets and views over stretches of fine sand watching dolphins playing in the surf while enjoying locally-caught seafood at rustic beach shacks. Bliss.
Where to stay: Don't miss Sublime Comporta, a luxury eco-lodge where the natural environment meets contemporary design. Sandwiched between miles of empty white sandy beaches and the Sado River estuary, it’s hard to believe that this is Europe. Describing itself as a country house retreat, Sublime sits in its own 17-hectare estate, with the suites and villas scattered among pine and cork trees and drifting swathes of wild flowers.
Porto
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, Porto is a city not to be missed off your bucket list for a whirlwind trip of culture, adventure, relaxation and food. If you're short on time, Porto has it all in one place. With sprawling food markets, laid back Douro River cruises and stunning architecture, there's never a shortage of places to explore and things to do.
Sitting in the Mediterranean weather belt, the city boasts plenty of dry and pleasant days. Famed worldwide for its port, wine and culinary delights, a visit to WOW, World of Wine, in Porto is a must. WOW pays homage to the region, and shines a light on the most important Portuguese industries and traditions. It's an entire district full of new and exciting things to do, explore, and learn with nine restaurants, shops, exhibitions and events.
Plus, a great way to see the region is by taking the luxurious Presidential Train. Built in 1870, the Presidential Train carried presidents, heads of state, Kings and popes for over a century. Today, you can enjoy an unforgettable journey from the city of Porto, through the stunning countryside stopping off at vineyards and staying in boutique hotels along the way.
Where to stay: Look down over the historic city from your terrace at The Yeatman, a five-star spa hotel offering upscale gastronomy and local wines. NEYA Porto Hotel is also an excellent pick if you're looking for an affordable, modern and comfortable sport in the centre of town.
Douro Valley
Porto is the gateway to the Douro Valley, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's a lovely idea to combine a break to Porto with a longer stay in the Douro Valley. An epicurean paradise, the sun-dappled mountainscape is the oldest wine-making region in the world, and makes for a stunning Portugal holiday destination.
Take a cruise along the river, which winds lazily through verdant vine-enhanced terraces. Or take to the water in a canoe or by water skiing. You can also enjoy cycling through the countryside, forest hikes and picnics in the woods. There's culture to be soaked up, too.
Start at Vila Nova de Gaia with a visit to the lodges where Port wine is aged. Or head to the Peso da Régua to visit the Douro Museum to learn more about the region. And don't miss Lamego, considered one of the most beautiful cities in Northern Portugal, located at the base of an immense blue and white tiled flight of steps leading to the Shrine of Nossa Senhora dos Remédi.
Where to stay: Drop your bags off at Octant Douro, a contemporary, design-led hotel that blends into its surroundings and offers sweeping views across the Douro River. Embedded within spectacular scenery from every angle, the spa hotel is flooded with natural light and offers a menu of treatments, sessions with visiting practitioners, immersive dining experiences and exclusive boat excursions. Boasting a Michelin-starred chef, the hotel is a must-visit for food and wine lovers, too.
Alternatively, taste the wines of the Douro during Good Housekeeping's relaxing eight-day rive cruise in autumn, when you can also take part in the harvest, picking grapes and crushing them by foot.
Faro
Rugged red cliffs, stretches of golden beaches, delicious local cuisine and beautiful traditional villages: this is what the Algarve is famous for.
The southernmost region of Portugal, it enjoys around 300 days of sunshine each year, making it one of the most popular Portuguese spots for UK travellers. The region's capital, Faro, is a diverse and intriguing city. Steeped in history, the charming old town is surrounded by ancient city walls, while the pretty city centre is filled with pedestrianised shopping streets and peaceful plazas.
The city is also the gateway to the Ria Formosa nature park, a series of saltwater lagoons and mudflats that are a haven for migratory birds and wildlife.
Beyond the Ria Formosa are three sandbar islands, which are the location of Faro’s pristine beaches, along with traditional fishing communities. Explore nearby towns of Olhão and Loulé, both famous for their markets to experience a truly cultural stay in the Algarve.
Where to stay: Surrounded by citrus trees, pink bougainvillaea and olive groves sits Octant Vila Monte in an unspoilt corner of the Algarve, around a 20-minute drive from Faro. It's the epitome of boho chic with an array of beautifully designed luxury suites and rooms. The design takes its cues from traditional Algarve architecture with whitewashed walls, wooden trusses and rustic roof terraces. Just a stone’s throw away from Faro, and the quieter fishing village of Olhão, it's a destination for all generations.
Estoril
This lovely town on the sparkling Bay of Cascais offers the best of both worlds – it’s a place where you can really get away from it all by the seaside, but it’s also just a short and easy hop from all the culture and other lures of Lisbon.
If you have a hire car, it’s a 40-minute drive west of the capital, or there are great-value trains from Cais do Sodré station by Lisbon's waterfront every 10-20 minutes, taking 30-40 minutes and offering glorious river and sea views as you travel.
Estoril itself has uncrowded beaches, a pretty promenade to stroll, coastal paths perfect for bike rides, tennis courts and golf courses, while local culture can be ferreted out in its art galleries and museums.
Where to stay: Relax on the Portugese coast with Good Housekeeping's exclusive four-night yoga break at the Palácio Estoril, a glamorous grand hotel that opened in the 1930s. It's ideally located for the beaches as well as being fantastic for a spot of self care. The GH package offers the best of both worlds, with private yoga classes and spoiling treatments at the three-storey Banyan Tree spa, as well as plenty of free time to explore the region.
Quinta do Lago
Golf fanatics are well-catered-for in Portugal, and you can play a round on one of the stunning courses in the exclusive ‘Golden Triangle’ of the Algarve: Vilamoura, Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lago.
Set among 2,000 acres of the picturesque Ria Formosa Natural Park and just a 15-minute drive from Faro airport, Quinta do Lago has been at the forefront of Europe’s elite golf, sports and family destinations for nearly five decades and features a combination of world-class golf and lifestyle facilities.
As well as three 18-hole championship golf courses and outstanding practice facilities, you can enjoy an array of sports at the state-of-the-art performance centre The Campus, a world-class sports hub designed for professionals and amateurs alike to train and live well.
Complementing the facilities is a choice of 13 first-class bars and restaurants that deliver a range of delicious world cuisines, including the acclaimed Bovino Steakhouse and UMAMI, the resort’s first Asian restaurant. What's more, you might even spot some celebrities, with everyone from Wayne Rooney to Madonna having visited the resort.
Where to stay: Paying homage to the iconic vintage motel, The Magnolia brings a taste of Palm Springs to the Algarve. It's ideal for families, couples and solo travellers of all ages, set in the heart of the resort and a perfect base for enjoying everything from water sports on the lake to cycle rides through the Ria Formosa Natural Park.
Vila Real de Santo António
There’s a reason the Algarve is a perennial holiday favourite for tourists – as well as sunny Atlantic-facing beaches, golf courses and buzzy marinas, it has charming towns, such as Vila Real de Santo António, right opposite the Spanish border.
Spain is just over the Guadiana River and you’ll be able to hop on a ferry to the town of Ayamonte if you fancy swapping country for the day. A 20-minute drive west is the equally attractive Algarve destination of Cacela Velha, a tiny hilltop village.
Where to stay: For a hotel that lives up to its striking surroundings, book a stay at Pousada Vila Real de Santo Antonio, which has all the stucco ceilings, parquet floors, vintage tiling and wrought-iron details you could hope for. Housed across four historic buildings in one of the prettiest squares around, these old Customs Offices have been transformed into a stylish design-led hotspot boasting three pools – including one on the rooftop.
The Azores
For an Atlantic adventure, this is the far-flung archipelago for you, with islands that have emerald-green cliffs, quiet fishing villages and spectacular landscapes. The largest of the nine islands is São Miguel, known for its volcanic peaks, cedar forests, crater lakes and tea plantation.
The Azores are an excellent destination for whale-watching, diving and, of course, hiking – the coastal trails are magnificent. Three of the islands, Corvo, Flores and Graciosa, have been decreed biospheres by UNESCO.
Where to stay: Enjoy the Azores’ subtropical climate at Santa Barbara Eco-Beach Resort, on its namesake beach in São Miguel. As the name suggests, the retreat aims to be as sustainable as possible, with natural materials such as cork and bamboo used in the construction.
Coimbra
Former capital Coimbra is a university town on the banks of the Mondego River in central Portugal, roughly midway between Porto and Lisbon.
The medieval old town is the highlight, but the ancient university is rather special, too – it has a baroque library and a bell tower that dates back to the 18th century. The university was founded in 1290 and it’s rumoured to have formed some of the inspiration for Hogwarts. The historic quarter also has a Romanesque cathedral, built in the 12th century.
Where to stay: Tivoli Coimbra Hotel is perfectly placed for guests who want to explore Coimbra’s old town – you’ll be within walking distance of most of the major sights. And helpfully, it has a coffee shop to ensure you’re suitably caffeinated for the day ahead.
Óbidos
In the province of Estremadura, Óbidos is a little over an hour’s drive north of Lisbon. The picturesque medieval town has been perfectly preserved, with a castle within the city walls and a labyrinth of whitewashed houses and winding streets to happily lose yourself in.
There are several churches to visit, as well as an aqueduct beyond the walls. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head to a restaurant to try bouillabaisse made with fish from the lagoon, washed down with wine from Oeste; or try the region’s sour-cherry brandy.
The town hosts events all year round, from a chocolate festival to open-air concerts come summer. And this close to the Atlantic, you’re never far from a gorgeous beach – even the golf courses overlook the ocean.
Where to stay: Spend the night in an ancient castle (only one with WiFi and room service) by checking in to Pousada Castelo de Obidos. Or for something a little more modern, try the nearby Casa Senhoras Rainhas.
Peneda-Gerês
Portugal only has one national park: Peneda-Gerês, close to the Spanish border in the country’s far north. Visitors can call in at small towns such as Soajo in Arcos de Valdedez, with traditional stone barns that are a few centuries old.
The hilly landscape is home to golden eagles, wild horses, wolves and deer. Other highlights include a hiking trail along a Roman road, the spa town of Gerês and the village of Lindoso, which has a medieval castle and more of the region’s famous stone granaries.
Where to stay: Pousadela Village is a collection of guesthouses within the national park, designed to respect local history and crafts, as well as the surrounding nature. It’s about 60 miles from Porto’s airport.
Silves
The Algarve’s ancient capital, Silves was a stronghold and trading hub during the Moorish era. The pretty town has narrow cobbled streets leading to its cathedral, a castle and a harbour to explore – or you can just enjoy the atmosphere from one of the alfresco cafes.
Within the municipality is Armarção de Pêra, a popular resort town with a fortress that was built in 1667. It was initially a fishing community, with a wide bay and smaller coves below the region’s signature ochre sandstone cliffs.
Where to stay: Vila Vita Parc is one of the finest hotels in the Algarve, not least because of its impressive wine cellar. It’s also home to several restaurants, one of which has two Michelin stars, another that's a breezy eatery down by the beach, and one where you’ll be serenaded by Fado singers. Plus, the resort has a Sisley spa and a swim-up bar.
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