Popular with the British holidaymaker
Portugal, one of the smallest countries in Europe, is a charming friendly destination offering a wealth of options for the British holidaymaker. From family-friendly hotels along the glorious golden beaches of the Algarve, to quaint converted farmhouses in the lush green north of the country, holidays in Portugal offer something for everyone, and this beautiful country with its’ diverse landscapes is attracting more and more visitors every year. Bordering Spain, and with the Atlantic Ocean lying to the west and south of the country, Portugal enjoys wonderful weather, with the mountainous north influenced by the Gulf Stream, and the south having a Mediterranean-like climate, with hot dry summers and pleasant winters.

From the Algarve to the Costa Verde
Most visitors to Portugal head straight for the sunny Algarve, the major tourist destination in the country, its’ long stretch of coastline dotted with over 100 sandy beaches and the characteristic rugged limestone cliffs, full of sheltered coves, perfect for swimming and sunbathing. With most of the resorts in the Algarve originally small fishing villages, the area has retained a certain charm, with whitewashed houses and narrow cobbled streets, yet offers holidaymakers a wide range of options, from heavily developed resorts packed with large hotels, lively bars and English-style restaurants, to tiny unspoilt villages still full of local tradition. Away from the commercialism of the Algarve, holidays in Portugal can also offer a chance to experience the stunning lush landscapes of the north, with the Costa Verde(Green Coast) with its’ rolling hills, acres of vineyards and sweeping bays of golden sands offering visitors a cheaper and less tourist-y option. Also popular are city breaks, with holidays in Portugal including trips to the medieval city of Lisbon, and the elegant historic city of Oporto.

Offering visitors a diverse range of activities
Holidays in Portugal can offer visitors a diverse range of activities, whether its’ taking advantage of some of the best golfing facilities in Europe in the Algarve, horseback riding through the verdant pastures of the countryside, or big-game fishing along the coast. All manner of water sports are available, and tennis and cycling are great family activities to enjoy during your stay in Portugal. Whilst visiting Portugal, it is a delight to sample the food and drink of the country, from the freshly-caught sardines and locally made Vino Verde, to the delicious pastries and famous rich-tasting port. 

Weather in Portugal
The climate in mainland Portugal varies considerably from north to south and from coast to mountain. The Algarve, in the south, experiences Mediterranean weather with particularly mild winters and hot summers. Further north, the coast is warmed by the Gulf Stream, winters are still mild and summers delightfully warm. Away from the coast the summers are hotter but the winter temperature drops and skiers and snowboarders should find snow at Portugal’s only ski resort in the Serra da Estrela.