Holiday homes and lettings in Portugal

Portugal is an ideal destination for family holidays. Besides playtime at the beach, you can find many family-friendly villa rentals all throughout the country. Why not get comfortable in a hammock in a farmhouse near Coimbra while the kids are playing in the pool and waiting for a dinner from the BBQ? With a five-minute biking distance to nearby markets and bakeries and lush hiking trails through nature, every day will be full of adventures.

For many, trips to the seaside are synonymous with Portuguese holidays. Here's what to expect from the coastal areas in each region, from the popular sunshine spots of the south to the more secluded northern beaches.

Coastal hotspots in the Algarve In addition to being home to the popular city of Albufeira, the Algarve has plenty of sublime beaches to tempt sun-seeking travellers. Lagos has a white sand beach and stunning cliffs, while Praia do Barril is a favoured spot for windsurfing and other watersports.

Beaches close to Lisbon Take the train for about 30 minutes from Cais do Sodré in Lisbon's centre, and you'll reach a selection of superb beaches. Check out Estoril, where you'll find the casino that inspired Ian Fleming to write the James Bond novel, Casino Royale, or popular Cascais, which is large and ideal for families. Parede, a quieter beach, is perfect for lazing with a good book and perhaps a cocktail as the sun slowly crosses the sky.

Northern Portugal's waters Matosinhos, a popular coastal area, is just 15 minutes from Porto. Travellers flock here for swimming, sunbathing on the golden sands, and a variety of watersports.

1. Lisbon

A highlight for visitors to Portugal is its vibrant capital Lisbon, with iconic streetcars, colourful houses and romantic, winding lanes. Rent a villa or holiday apartment here and you'll find endless places to explore.

Art and museum lovers can enjoy contemporary art in its many museums, such as the Berardo Collection Museum. Other great destinations for culture connoisseurs are the Castelo de São Jorge, Mosteiro dos Jerónimos and Torre de Belém, all of which impress with their typical Portuguese architecture and historical relevance.

2. Sintra

If you're heading to Lisbon for a few days, Sintra is an absolute must-see. A short train ride from the capital takes you to this gorgeous town dubbed "glorious Sintra" by Lord Byron. Walk or take the bus up to the Pena Palace, a Disney-like castle with panoramic views over the forest.

3. Coimbra

Housing a 13th-century university, one of the oldest in Europe, Coimbra - just north of Lisbon - has plenty to offer history buffs and fun-seeking families. Gape at Sé Velha, a cathedral with a dramatic, fortress-like appearance, and take the kids to Portugal dos Pequenitos, a theme park with miniature towns.

4. Braga

In the beautiful far north of Portugal is the quaint city of Braga, where Bom Jesus do Monte rests atop a grand staircase among manicured gardens. At this religious retreat, it's easy to understand why so many flock to Braga, although the Peneda-Gerês National Park here is also wonderful to visit.

5. Évora

In the ancient city of Évora, you can see one of Europe's most splendid examples of surviving Roman architecture, a Roman temple built for Emperor Augustus in the first century. The Neolithic graveyard and Catholic bone chapel add to the city's fascinating history.

6. Vila Real

For outdoorsy travellers looking for somewhere special, Vila Real has many hiking opportunities. Serra do Marão rewards active holidaymakers with views of the nearby mountain range. There's also an observatory atop a hill, and back in town is the Santuário de Panóias archaeological site.

For those with wanderlust and a taste for hiking, excursions to Penedo-Gerês, Portugal's only national park, should be on your list. Hire a 4x4 car and head out from your Portugal holiday villa in the north to the beautiful park. Take a bath in the wild Arado Waterfalls and then overlook the sweeping landscape from the Pedra Bela Viewpoint before you relax at the Gerês Spa village.

The south, particularly in the Algarve, is where you'll find many of Portugal's best beaches, while central Portugal is home to the capital, Lisbon. The north features charming historic destinations such as Porto and Braga.

The sunshine region of the Algarve Portugal's south is the area most beach travellers think of when heading to the country. The Algarve has everything, from huge beaches to charming old towns, such as Albufeira, as well as excellent golfing and hiking opportunities.

Nightlife and beaches in Faro If you like the idea of combining city and beach life, head to Faro, the Algarve's capital. By renting a holiday villa here, you can easily access stunning small islands, such as those of Ria Formosa, and also find a vibrant night clubbing scene.

Wine tasting in Porto The northern city of Porto is synonymous with port wine, one of the country's most famous exports. Tour the wine caves here and stroll along the river past its many splendid bridges.

History in the capital Lisbon, the Portuguese capital, sits west of country's centre. It has easy access to dazzling beaches, such as Estoril and Cascais, and its castles, monasteries, and other monuments are well worth exploring. Check out São Jorge Castle, which sits atop a hill overlooking the old part of Lisbon.