Portugal Holidays

Main Resorts in Portugal

Portugal is a fabulous holiday destination with its 8,000 kilometres of awe-inspiring coastline, its rich culture and history, wonderful weather, fantastic food and incredibly hospitable people.

Located on the Iberian Peninsula between Spain and the Atlantic Ocean, this diverse and cosmopolitan country has amazing beaches, luxurious hotels, vibrant nightlife and marvellous sports and leisure amenities - everything you could possibly desire for the holiday of a lifetime.

There are many incredible resorts in Portugal for an unforgettable escape to the sun. Several of the country's most popular holiday havens are in the southern Algarve region of the country - but there are others further north (such as the Vinho Verde region) which are also great destinations for an amazing holiday experience.

Let's take a look at the main resorts and destinations in Portugal and what they have to offer visitors to this remarkable country.

This is the Algarve's largest resort town and it has everything you need for a fun-packed getaway in the sun. It boasts magnificent hotels, crystal-clear waters, family-friendly beaches, vibrant nightlife and a huge range of bars, restaurants and shops. It's a big hit with golfers, with several excellent courses, and there's plenty of water sports action on the waves. The old town has charming cobblestone streets and there's a lovely marina where you can take a relaxing boat coastal tour or an exciting trip to watch dolphins. A popular attraction with children is Zoomarine theme park.

This pretty town is fondly referred to as the Venice of the Algarve. It's truly picturesque with its long sandy beach, beautiful architecture and 12th century bridge across the River Gilão. This popular escape is near to Tavira Island, part of Ria Formosa nature reserve, where you can take a boat trip on the lagoon to see the birds and animals. This is less busy than some of Portugal's other resorts and is a great choice for anyone wanting a laid-back and relaxing getaway in the sun.

This fishing village resort is a lovely escape, with its cobbled streets, quaint bars and delightful harbour restaurants. You'll discover a huge sandy beach here and the resort is close to many attractions for children including Slide and Splash, Portugal's largest water park. It's also a great place for golf courses, boating trips, water sports, coastal hikes and surfing on the big breakers the resort enjoys.

Renowned for its port wine production, this bustling coastal resort city has been gaining a growing reputation as a superb tourist destination. Fantastic nightlife, great restaurants, cobbled streets and a rich history add to the charm of the place. There's also the magnificent Douro River with its cellars for storing the city's famous port. Porto also has some appealing shops and boutiques.

This lovely resort town is located in a sandy bay in the western Algarve coastline, sheltered from the Atlantic by the Rocha Negra headland. Pleasant beach bars and restaurants serving delicious local dishes add to the charm of this relaxing escape. This is a laid-back resort which is ideal for families but not suited for anyone craving a holiday focussed around wild nights on the town. Popular activities on the calm warm waters at Praia da Luz include windsurfing, jet-skiing, scuba diving and canoeing.

This city is steeped in history with its ancient walls, Paço Episcopal Palace and wonderful gothic cathedral. There's a modern centre beyond the city walls with plenty of shops, bars and restaurants. Faro also has some of the most pristine and tranquil beaches in the Algarve, including Praia de Faro, and the mudflats and lagoons at the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa are enchanting havens for wildlife and birds.

Boasting 5 magnificent golf courses and one of the best beaches in central Algarve, this is a stylish and sophisticated escape for those who like the finer things in life. The resort features an exclusive marina where the mega-rich moor their yachts, exquisite bars and fine dining restaurants.

Amazing beaches, crystal clear waters and imposing sandstone cliffs will wow any visitor to the resort of Lagos. This fascinating town has a rich history and many enthralling attractions including beautiful churches, a charming old fort and a slave market museum. Dona Ana beach is regarded as one of the best in the Algarve and there are some lovely restaurants to sample the local delicacies during your stay in Lagos.

Portugal's coastal capital city is also the largest in the country and the oldest in western Europe. It is home to magnificent architecture, superb beaches and lots of thrilling nightlife which make it a popular tourist destination. Visitors will be wowed by the spectacular views the city offers from its elevated hillside location above the Rio Tejo. Lisbon's attractions include St George's Castle and the statue of Cristo Rei. You'll also find many fabulous monasteries, palaces, cathedrals and museums in this awe-inspiring city. Lisbon's striking sandy expanses include Guincho Beach and Carcavelos Beach.

This is a paradise resort for golf fanatics next to an amazing long sandy beach on Portugal's Silver Coast. Natural beauty abounds in this protected area, with lush pine tree forests and rolling sand dunes. Luxurious hotel accommodation, a championship golf course and mesmerising views of the Atlantic and the Berlengas Islands make Praia del Rey a sensational getaway in the sun.

This is a popular escape in the southern section of the concelho of Portimão in the Algarve. It is a lovely coastal resort with unusual limestone rock formations, a vast beach and plenty of water sports. The avenue behind the beach is packed with shops, cafes and restaurants, plus there are numerous clubs for late-night entertainment. There is also a casino where you can try your luck on the tables and enjoy a lovely meal and a show.

Beach Holidays in Portugal

Meia Praia is a lovely beach at Lagos which runs for 4km and is a popular choice with surfers and families. It has an abundance of excellent bars and restaurants for a relaxing meal and drink..

Other incredible beaches include Praia de Vale Figueira at Carrapateira, Praia de Cacela Velha near Manta Rota and Praia da Rocha in Portimão.