Portugal Holiday Villas

How to get to Portugal

Portugal has several airports and it is easy to fly into Lisbon, Porto and Faro, the three major cities of the country. You can also travel by train, but this is mostly between the major cities. In order to get around in the countryside and be more flexible, renting a car is highly recommended.

When exploring the main cities, using public transport is generally not necessary as most things are within walking distance. However, Lisbon and Porto both have underground systems and taxis are affordable.

Portugal's weather

Portugal has a warm Mediterranean climate, with temperatures varying between 16°C and 25°C, depending on the season. While July and August have the warmest temperatures, Portugal shows its prettiest side in April and May, with all its spring flowers and mild temperatures. Between November and March you will see the wettest months, although the rain never falls for too long.

What to see in Portugal

A highlight for visitors to Portugal is its vibrant capital Lisbon, with iconic streetcars, colourful houses and romantic, winding lanes. 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.

Holidays with children 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.

Out on the town in Portugal

Even though most Portugal holiday villas will provide you with your own cooking facilities, you should also enjoy the local cuisine and visit restaurants in the vicinity. In Lisbon, the Belcanto has become a favourite among travellers due to its top-notch quality and excellent wine menu. To learn more about Portuguese food and wines, you can join tours around wine regions and stock up on many full-bodied, fruity wines.

If you are looking for exciting nightlife, look no further than the Portugal holiday villas throughout the Algarve. Albufeira and its bar street, called 'the strip', are especially famous for nightlife. You will find no shortage of bars and restaurants, each with their own live shows and music.

Naturally, Lisbon has its own brand of nightlife. For instance, check out a Fado concert, where you can hear the famous traditional music that is Portugal's answer to flamenco.

Excursion ideas

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.

Events and festivals

Portuguese summers are full of festivals. For a good dose of music, the NOS Alive and Super Bock, Super Rock in Lisbon, and NOS Primavera Sound in Porto are among visitors' favourites and will add some festive atmosphere to your stay in your Portugal holiday villa. If you are looking for a more cultural and artsy event, the Algarve's Med Festival sees the historic city centre fill up with a huge range of artistic events.