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Travel guide

Portugal holidays: a travel guide for UK visitors

Tiled cities, Atlantic surf, port-wine valleys and the flower-filled island of Madeira — Portugal is a warm, walkable favourite for cruises and gentle tours.

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Why visit Portugal

Portugal squeezes a remarkable variety into a small, friendly country. Lisbon tumbles down seven hills to the Tagus, its trams rattling past tiled façades and miradouros with sweeping views; Porto stacks above the Douro, where port lodges line the quay and river cruises climb into terraced vineyards. Out in the Atlantic, the island of Madeira offers eternal spring, levada walks and dramatic cliffs. It is a country of soulful fado, custard tarts still warm from the oven and a welcome that feels genuinely unhurried.

Best time to visit

Spring (April to June) and autumn (September and October) bring warm, sunny days ideal for sightseeing and cruising, with the Douro vineyards at their best around the September harvest. Summer is hot and lively, especially in the Algarve, while Madeira enjoys mild, spring-like weather all year round.

Top things to do in Portugal

  1. 1

    Ride the trams and viewpoints of Lisbon

    Lisbon’s hilltop castle, the Belém riverfront and the rattling Tram 28 make the capital a joy to explore on foot and by tram, with fresh pastéis de nata never far away. A favourite Atlantic cruise port.

  2. 2

    Cruise the Douro to Porto’s port lodges

    Porto’s waterfront, the historic port houses of Vila Nova de Gaia and the terraced Douro Valley beyond make this one of Europe’s most rewarding river-cruise regions, especially around the autumn grape harvest.

  3. 3

    Walk the levadas of Madeira

    Madeira’s irrigation-channel footpaths, the cliffs of Cabo Girão and the gardens of Funchal reward visitors with mild weather and lush scenery year-round, a popular Atlantic island call.

The cheapest Portugal holidays right now

Lowest lead-in prices first, from live availability. Open one for its dates, and book directly with its operator.

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Portugal travel questions

When is the best time to visit Portugal?
Spring and autumn offer warm, sunny weather without the peak-summer heat, ideal for Lisbon, Porto and the Douro. The autumn harvest is a highlight in the wine valleys, while Madeira is mild and inviting all year.
Do UK citizens need a visa for Portugal?
No. UK passport holders can visit Portugal without a visa for tourism and stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
What currency does Portugal use?
Portugal uses the Euro (EUR). Cards are widely accepted, though carrying a little cash is useful for small cafés, markets and the occasional tram or kiosk.
Is Portugal expensive to visit?
Portugal is one of Western Europe’s better-value destinations, with reasonable prices for meals, wine and transport. Lisbon and the Algarve cost more in high summer, but spending stays modest by comparison with its neighbours.
How many hours ahead is Portugal compared with the UK?
Mainland Portugal and Madeira share the same time as the UK throughout the year, on Western European Time. There is no time difference to adjust to.
Do they speak English in Portugal?
Yes, English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants and tourist areas, and the Portuguese are famously welcoming. A few words of Portuguese — obrigado or obrigada to say thank you — are always appreciated.
Is Portugal safe for tourists?
Portugal is one of Europe’s safest countries for travellers, with low crime. The usual caution against pickpockets on busy Lisbon trams and in crowded areas is all that is needed.
Do I need a travel adaptor for Portugal?
Yes. Portugal uses Type F sockets at 230V, so you will need a European travel adaptor for your UK three-pin plugs. UK devices work happily on the local voltage.
What is the best way to see the Douro Valley?
A river cruise is the classic way to experience the Douro, gliding past terraced vineyards and quintas between Porto and the Spanish border, with port tastings and scenic locks along the route.
Is Madeira part of Portugal?
Yes. Madeira is an autonomous region of Portugal, an Atlantic island roughly 600 miles south-west of Lisbon. It is known for its mild climate, levada walks and dramatic coastline, and is a popular cruise call.

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