Portugal
Portugal
From its historic cities steeped in centuries-old charm to innovative venues and state-of-the-art infrastructure, Portugal offers a seamless blend of tradition and modernity. Its year-round mild climate, welcoming people, and excellent connectivity make it an ideal choice for those seeking an inspiring location for leisure or business.
Renowned for its warm hospitality, you are invited to savour delectable dishes, from fresh seafood to hearty regional fare, paired with the country’s internationally acclaimed wines. With UNESCO World Heritage sites, lively festivals, and a thriving arts scene, every corner of Portugal is just waiting to be discovered.
When to visit
Portugal is a destination that can be visited all year-round. With its warm climate, long summers, and mild winters, there’s something delightful to experience in every season.
- Spring: blossoming landscapes perfect for hiking
- Summer: lively beaches and festivals
- Autumn: Douro and Alentejo wine regions glow with changing colours
- Winter: the opportunity to explore the peaceful charm of mountain villages, and winter sun escapes to Madeira
Portugal’s landscapes offer unparalleled opportunities for exploration and adventure. With its pristine beaches, dramatic cliffs, rolling vineyards, and world-class golf courses, the country is perfect for adventure and relaxation alike. For thrill-seekers, there’s surfing along the Atlantic coast, hiking in Azores, or even hot air ballooning over Alentejo’s golden plains.
Dine on the freshest catch in Matosinhos
Take in the lively atmosphere of a bustling fish market, a true feast for the senses. Just a stone's throw from Porto, the port city of Matosinhos lives and breathes its deep connection to the sea. Select your own fish - perhaps a beautiful sea bass or sardines - straight from the morning's catch. Then, take it to one of the wonderful nearby restaurants where they will grill it to perfection right before your eyes. It’s a simple, authentic, and utterly delicious taste of Portugal's rich fishing heritage.
Indulge in a world of wine
Portugal's wine regions offer far more than just tastings. You can enjoy truly immersive experiences for you, from the hands-on fun of the grape harvest to a serene picnic among the rolling vineyards of the Alentejo. Discover the vineyard-covered terraces of the Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site, or explore the unique environment of the Dão region. For something truly unique, why not unwind with a vinotherapy spa treatment that uses the antioxidant properties of grapes? It’s a delightful way to experience the passion and tradition that goes into every bottle.
Stargaze in the Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve
In the heart of the Alentejo region lies one of the planet’s most magical places: the Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve, the world’s very first Starlight Tourism Destination. Far from city lights, the sky here puts on a magnificent nightly display of constellations, nebulae, and the Milky Way in incredible clarity. We can arrange for you to join a guided tour with expert astronomers, visit the Official Observatory for a closer look through powerful telescopes, or even participate in a night-time photography workshop to capture the cosmos. It's an experience of profound peace and wonder.
Step back in time in the Historical Villages
Dotted across the country's interior, Portugal's 12 Historical Villages are like stepping into a storybook. These ancient, fortified settlements are rich with history, their well-preserved castles and stone buildings telling tales of centuries past. Wander the cobbled streets of Sortelha or uncover the unique Jewish heritage of Belmonte. You can even walk or cycle between them on the magnificent Grande Rota 22 (GR22), connecting you directly with Portugal’s fascinating heritage in a truly memorable way.
Walk or cycle the Via Algarviana
Discover a side of the Algarve that many visitors miss. The Via Algarviana (GR13) is a 300km trail that winds from the Spanish border at Alcoutim to the dramatic cliffs of Cabo de São Vicente. This route takes you through the region's rustic heartland, over the hills of the Serra do Caldeirão and Serra de Monchique. It’s perfect for a rejuvenating walk or a challenging mountain bike adventure, and particularly lovely during the quieter winter months when the landscape is lush and green.
Discover pristine natural sanctuaries
For a true escape, take a trip through the Ria Formosa Natural Park. A peaceful boat trip through its calm lagoon waters reveals a paradise for birdwatchers, with over 200 species, including the rare purple swamphen. You can also explore its barrier islands, each with golden beaches. For a unique overnight stay, how about sleeping on a houseboat, gently rocked by the tide? Or, for an even wilder adventure, we can organise a sailing trip to the Desertas Islands Nature Reserve off Madeira, a protected haven of untouched volcanic beauty and home to a colony of monk seals. It’s an unforgettable way to connect with nature.
Savour the seafood
With a vast coastline, it’s no surprise that the sea is the heart and soul of Portuguese cuisine. In fishing towns from Aveiro to Sesimbra and the Algarve, the day’s freshest catch is simply grilled over charcoal, seasoned with just a splash of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt, letting the pure flavour shine. For a truly iconic taste of the Algarve, you must try a cataplana de marisco. This wonderful seafood stew, brimming with clams, mussels, and prawns, is simmered with peppers and garlic in a special copper pan that locks in all the flavours. Another beloved classic is Polvo à Lagareiro, tender octopus baked with generous amounts of garlic and golden olive oil, served with delicious roasted potatoes.
Taste the heart of the Alentejo
Inland, the cuisine becomes richer and more rustic. In the sun-drenched plains of the Alentejo, the porco preto (Iberian black pig) roams free in ancient oak groves, feasting on acorns. This diet gives the meat a uniquely nutty and succulent flavour that is simply unparalleled. We recommend trying Migas com Carne de Porco Preto, where tender, grilled pieces of this exquisite pork are served alongside migas - a comforting and flavourful side dish made from breadcrumbs, garlic, and olive oil, sometimes with wild asparagus.
Experience a meal cooked by a volcano
In the Azores, nature plays a direct role in the cooking. On the island of São Miguel, in the town of Furnas, you'll find one of Portugal's most unique culinary experiences: Cozido das Furnas. This hearty stew is a mouth-watering combination of beef, pork, chicken, local sausages like blood sausage, and vegetables such as cabbage and potatoes. A large pot is lowered into the ground and slow-cooked for hours by the natural heat of the volcanic steam. The result is an incredibly tender and flavourful meal, infused with a subtle earthy essence you won't find anywhere else.
Indulge in Portugal’s creamiest cheese
High in the mountains of the Serra da Estrela, shepherds have been making one of the world's great cheeses for centuries. Queijo da Serra is a protected delicacy, made exclusively from the raw milk of Bordaleira sheep. The result is a cheese so luxuriously creamy and gooey that it’s traditionally eaten by slicing off the top and scooping out the inside. With a complex, intense flavour, it’s perfect when spread on crusty bread and paired with a glass of local red wine. We can even point you to the Cheese Museum in Celorico da Beira to learn more about this ancient tradition.
Give in to temptation with heavenly sweets
Portugal’s sweet treats are the stuff of legend, many originating from centuries-old convent recipes where nuns used leftover egg yolks to create heavenly concoctions. In Aveiro, you must try Ovos Moles, a sweet egg-yolk cream encased in a delicate, paper-thin wafer shaped like shells and fish. In the Algarve, almonds and figs are king. Don't miss the intricately shaped marzipan fruits or a Dom Rodrigo, a delightful mix of egg yolks and almond cream wrapped in colourful foil. These traditional sweets are a perfect end to any meal, best enjoyed with an espresso.
Domes Lake Algarve
Escape to this tranquil, five-star retreat built around its own private lake in cosmopolitan Vilamoura. This unique resort offers a sophisticated experience for both couples and families, blending palatial architecture with the natural beauty of the adjacent Ria Formosa environmental park. You can expect exquisite lakeside rooms and suites, a one-of-a-kind sand-bottom swimming pool, and a choice of exceptional restaurants, including a floating eatery. For an elevated experience, the Haute Living Selection provides exclusive access to a private lounge and dedicated concierge services. Younger guests will love the eco-conscious KiEPOS kids' club, ensuring a memorable holiday for everyone.
Conrad Algarve
Experience contemporary luxury at its finest at the Conrad Algarve, a sleek and sophisticated resort in the heart of the exclusive Quinta do Lago estate. From the moment you arrive, you'll be immersed in a world of modern elegance, exceptional service, and unparalleled comfort. Spend your days relaxing by the stunning pools, rejuvenating your mind and body at the world-class Conrad Spa, or playing a round at one of the championship golf courses just moments away. In the evening, indulge your palate with an unforgettable meal at the hotel's Michelin-starred restaurant, Gusto by Heinz Beck. The Conrad Algarve promises a truly stylish and memorable escape.
Martinhal Sagres Family Beach Resort
Discover the ultimate luxury family holiday at Martinhal Sagres, an award-winning resort set within a protected natural park overlooking a beautiful golden beach. Everything here is designed with families in mind, from the stylish hotel rooms to the spacious private villas. Little ones are treated like VIPs, with a huge range of age-specific kids’ clubs, playgrounds, and a dedicated baby concierge service that can provide everything you might need. While the children are having the time of their lives, you can unwind at the Finisterra Spa, take a surf lesson, or simply relax by one of the five swimming pools. It’s a place where precious family memories are made.
