Portugal holidays
There's an idyllic Portuguese holiday paradise to suit everyone. As you unwind on a beautiful beach, or pause for a lunch of grilled sardines in a tranquil village, you might wonder why the great Portuguese explorers ever wanted to leave this enchanting and diverse country in search of faraway lands.
With some of Europe's finest golf courses, historical sites and a culture of colourful local festivals, the list of Portugal’s attractions is vast; and it doesn't end here. Madeira sits off the coast, adding dramatic scenery, watersports, plus gardens and valleys filled with colourful flowers, to the holiday equation. The Algarve has been a popular holiday destination for years, but there’s a still lot to discover in its charming little villages and Moorish ruins. Bask in the radiant sunshine on one of the Algarve’s golden beaches before stopping in a marisqueira for a plate of freshly grilled prawns and a glass of ice cold beer.
With its vast, sandy beaches and kid-friendly attractions, it’s no wonder that Albufeira is the most popular resort in the Algarve. Almost 15km west of Albufeira is Armacao de Pera, a lively area with a wealth of shops, bars and restaurants and a quaint little old town. Slightly further afield is Lagos, an ancient fishing village with a modern marina and a palm-tree lined promenade. Funchal is the biggest city on the island of Madeira. Picture cobbled streets lined with traditional restaurants and charming little shops and galleries. Just 6km east of Funchal is Caniço de Baixo, a tranquil hillside village overlooking the ocean.
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Getting around Portugal
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For up to date advice on travelling to Greece, please visit https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/greece/safety-and-securityFind your favourite beach
Let’s start with those beaches, before we head inland. Portugal’s superb beaches range from volcanic shorelines to long sandy stretches, and you’ll have plenty to choose from along the Algarve and over on the island of Madeira. If you want to discover lesser known spots, it’s well worth heading off the beaten track. Just a short drive west of Albufeira on the mainland, you’ll find family-friendly Praia Gale. And just 20 minutes …245 Things to do in Greece
Praia Gale Portugal
For a fun-filled day at the beach, make sure you pay a visit to Praia Gale. Just a short drive or bus ride west of Albufeira, it’s a long, … Find out moreBoat Trip To Algar Seco Portugal
Along the coast of the white-washed resorts are hidden rock formations nestled into sea cliffs. Find out moreSilves day trip from Alvor
Explore the rustic town of Silves and discover history, architecture and tradition. Only a 20-minute drive is one of the best well-preserved … Find out moreThe Cable Cars In Madeira Portugal
For a unique sightseeing experience, hop in a cable car and take a ride up into the mountains. Take your camera for opportunities to capture the … Find out moreAlgarve International Fair
When you think of the coast of the Algarve in southern Portugal, golden beaches, scenic cliffs and luxury golf resorts usually spring to mind first. Find out moreLuso Aventura Albufeira Portugal
Luso Aventura Albufeira is an adventurous, family-fun activity and a great alternative to the beach. Put on your safety equipment and follow the … Find out moreCerro Da Vila In Vilamoura
Follow the coast to Vilamoura and explore the ancient ruins of Cerro da Vila. The ancient site has distinctive links to the rich history of the … Find out moreVisit the museums in Funchal
Spend a day away from the pool and explore the cobbled streets of Funchal’s Old Town. Wander through the 500 year old city, passing 16th … Find out moreWater Sports In Albufeira Portugal
For a fantastic activity down by the beach, Praia d’Oura is the place to be for exciting water sports. Enjoy a wide range of thrilling rides … Find out moreDolphin Watching In Funchal Portugal
It’s not just holidaymakers who enjoy the beautiful island of Madeira; the crystal clear waters attract a huge variety of fish, whales, … Find out moreZoomarine Algarve Portugal
Get ready for a fun-filled family day out when you pay a visit to Zoomarine Algarve. The park’s just over 20 minutes by car from Albufeira, … Find out moreSee the Church of St. Anthony
For an activity away from the beach, visit the stunning Church of St. Anthony. Sit outside and have a cold drink in a local café to enjoy … Find out morePortugal travel money
The currency of Portugal is the Euro, which you can obtain by changing money at cambios (currency exchange centres) or in shops or hotels in popular tourist destinations across the country, such as Lisbon, Porto, or the Algarve coast.The best way to order Euros for your holiday in Portugal
This is much more cost effective than ordering at the airport, where Pound to Euro exchange rates are much less competitive, meaning you’ll get less for your sterling. Exchange rates at hotels also tend to be uncompetitive, so it’s definitely best to get your Euros at home rather than waiting to order your currency in Portugal.Using cash machines in Portugal
You’ll find cash machines (ATMs) throughout Portugal, especially in popular holiday destinations, so if you need some extra cash, you’ll have little trouble withdrawing it. You’ll find automated cashpoints at the majority of bank branches, as well as most large supermarkets and shopping districts, railway stations and airports. Use your British debit or credit card to withdraw your Portugal money or pay for products and services by card.
If you visit more remote areas of the country, such as the beautiful Peneda-Gerês National Park in the far north, it’s a good idea to bring cash before you travel. ATMs may not be widely available in these areas, and it will be harder to find cambios for exchanging your sterling to currency in Portugal. Some businesses in rural areas may not accept card payments, so make sure you have enough Euros for food, and bring emergency cash with you just in case.
Other useful advice
Some shops may require a minimum card payment, such as 10 Euros, and the maximum amount you can withdraw from any cash machine in Portugal in one transaction is 200 Euros. However, you can withdraw more cash in subsequent transactions in the same day, although bear in mind that your bank’s maximum daily withdrawal limit still applies if you’re taking out cash abroad.
Many banks in smaller Portuguese towns and villages are closed during the siesta period in the early to mid-afternoon, and all banks close at weekends and bank holidays.
Charges
Expect a small surcharge for making a cash withdrawal in Portugal, which will usually be no more than about 3% of the total transaction. Unfortunately, you can incur hidden fees when you get Portugal currency at cambios, and it can be very difficult to find places that will accept Traveller’s Cheques in the country. However, when you need some Portugal money at short notice, cambios can come in handy, as they are open every day of the week in the country’s main tourist destinations.
Top destinations in Portugal
