Portugal

With Portugal’s mild climate, 3000 hours of sunshine per year and miles of outstanding beaches, it really is a perfect holiday destination no matter when you choose to go. Its a country that has an exceptions range of different landscapes just a short distance away, many leisure activities and a unique cultural heritage.

Many will know the beaches on the Algarve, thanks to its mild climate pleasant even in summer with a cooling breeze off the Atlantic. The Algarve is also a great place for golf, with numerous interactions golf courses along the coast, especially around the town of Vilamoura and is considered to be one of the best golfing locations anywhere in the world.

Beyond the beach, there are so many areas of the country to explore which make a perfect multi-centre holiday. Stay in the cosmopolitan city of Lisbon (or nearby Cascais for a glamorous seaside retreat), visit the Duoro on a river cruise like no other visiting vineyards and undiscovered villages, or the elegant hillside town of Sintra and its magnificent gardens.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

SUMMER – June to September

FLIGHT TIME

Up to 2 hours 45 minutes

TIME ZONE

GMT/BST

CURRENCY

Euros

IDEAL FOR

Those who love beaches, walking and gulf courses! Tour the old city of Lisbon, the national palace of Sintra, or Port tasting in Porto.

HOW TO GET THERE

Flights are available to a number of destinations in Portugal from most UK airports, especially Lisbon, Porto, Faro and Madeira. Its possible to travel by train, via France to Barcelona and then onwards across Spain.

LANGUAGE

Portuguese, although English is spoken widely, especially in the tourist areas,

IDEAL TO COMBINE WITH

Combine stays with a trip to The Azores or Madeira, Lisbon with the Algarve beaches or Cascais, or a stay in nearby Spain.