Portuguese holidays and short breaks in Portugal

Escape the UK winter in sunny Portugal

Winter days in Portugal can resemble spring in Britain, making it perfect for year-round tourism. A wide range of holiday options are on offer and all year the Azores and Madeira remain temperate and even quite warm. Mainland winter temperatures in Portugal are mild.

Activity Holidays

Get your heart beat racing as much as you desire with an abundance of activities on offer in Portugal. Try rafting, canoeing or even cannyoning on the rivers in Portugal, climbing in the Serra da Estrela (highest mountain range in Portugal), hot air ballooning or parachuting over the diverse landscapes, surfing or kite surfing at Guincho and Ericeira beaches in Lisboa or go diving in Madeira or the Azores archipelagos - Atlantic reference points for divers from all over the world. After all the energy lost relax in one of the world-class spas such as the Monchique hot springs in the Algarve hills or try one of the thalassotheraphy centres along Portugal's coast.

Nature Holidays

Natural Parks stretch throughout the country giving perfect opportunities to observe the flora and fauna, such as the ancient Laurissilva Forest in Madeira. Take a walk through the 'levadas' of Madeira, from the highest peak of the island to the natural swimming pools created by the ocean. Whale and dolphin watching trips can be taken in the islands of the Azores and nature is in abundance in the volcanic islands. A variety of wildlife can be found in Centro Portugal's first Geopark near the Spanish boarder and you can't miss the Serra da Estrela mountain range - the highest point in mainland Portugal. Portugal has many national parks, for example, the Ria Formosa in the Eastern Algarve, where the coastline is protected and sand banks create a refuge for a variety of aquatic species.

Touring Holidays

Diversity is the keyword and it is well worth hitting the road or taking a comfortable train journey to take in the surprising contrasts between short distances. Portugal is easy to get around with good roads and rail networks so tourists can easily see the country by individual travel. Your gaze will wander from the northern landscapes of lush hillsides dotted with vineyards in the Douro Valley to the imposing mountains of Trás-os-Montes; from the tall dense forests of Centro, to the sparkling Tagus River; from the wheat, cork and olive covered plains of the Alentejo, to the golden sands and cliffs of the Algarve coast.

City Breaks

With Portugal only being 2.5hours flying time from London airports and serviced by 22 UK airports, it is so easy to hop over for a weekend city break. The capital, Lisbon, has much to offer - from beautiful architecture and monuments to lively nightlife. Also Porto, Portugal's Northern capital is another option to discover, with its wine and Port history. Other than the two main cities of Portugal discover Portuguese culture and history further by exploring the towns of Aveiro, Viseu, Viana do Castelo, Braga, Guimarães, Amarante, Coimbra, Castelo Branco, Beja and Faro.

Portuguese Gastronomy

Increasing numbers of visitors have started to discover Portugal's hidden gastronomic delights and wine tours and letting their taste buds travel through the length and breadth of this delicious country.

Portuguese people have always loved to experiment with their cooking and their timeless yet simple meals are a historical journey through the legacy of their rich cultural heritage, from the influence of the Greeks and Celts to the Romans and Arabs. Much of the Portuguese cooking is spice based, thanks largely to the Portuguese explorers who first introduced spices such as coriander, pepper, ginger, saffron and paprika into Europe. Added to this, Portugal's unique geographical conditions and extensive coastline also ensure that fish and seafood play a starring role on the menu.

Port wine is traditionally from Porto in the North where the oldest demarcated wine region in Portugal is found - the UNESCO certified stunning Douro Valley. Portugal also has a big variety of tasty table wines from the Alentejo, Lisboa, Centro and Algarve. Also Madeira wine is traditionally very popular.

More about Portugal's food and wine

Golfing Holidays

Golf in Portugal began in the early 19th century with the construction of Europe's second oldest course by British residents in Northern Portugal. Now the largest concentration of courses is along the Algarve, where sun, sea and over 30 courses offer a constant challenge. This is closely followed by the Lisbon Golf Coast with over 20 courses boasting an impressive portfolio of excellent layouts designed by some of the game's greatest names. Northern and Central Portugal have hidden gems that are waiting to be discovered amongst the wonderful scenery and delightful towns. The beautiful islands of Madeira and Porto Santo offer tournament quality golf in a temperate climate and the Azores archipelago benefits from the unique setting of golf courses set against fabulously unspoiled volcanic landscape.

In 2006 the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) awarded Portugal with the following awards:

• Best European Golf Destination: Lisbon Golf Coast
• Best European Golf Resort: Praia D'el Rey on the Lisbon Golf Coast

The Masters
Considered to be one of the leading golf events, the Masters held its first ever edition in Portugal in 2007, with a highly attractive EUR 3 million prize-money. The event took place between October 18th - 21st in the Victoria Clube de Golfe, on a course that alternates well-positioned bunkers with lakes and waterfalls, in a continuous challenge for players.

In 2008 the Masters will be held between October 16th - 19th at the Oceânico Victoria Golf Club, Vilamoura.

More about golf in Portugal