Luxury Portugal Holidays

A country full of wonder

Holidays in Portugal aren’t just about the mainland. Madeira in particular is a cultural hub with plenty of opportunities to explore and relax. Appealing to everyone from couples and groups, to families with young children, with a short flight time of around two-and-a-half-hours, this is the ideal country. Family-friendly Portugal holidays await on the many Blue Flag beaches dotted along the coast in the Algarve, while the Lisbon Coast is home to cosmopolitan Lisbon and pretty fishing villages.

Couples will find plenty of opportunities to relax on holiday in Portugal, including beaches and luxury hotels with infinity pools, spas and excellent restaurants. The Algarve is perfect for golf lovers, as well as those wanting to enjoy walking and mountain biking, horse riding and lots more. Upmarket restaurants sit side by side with family-run tavernas and little cafés where you can watch the busy cobbled streets of the Portuguese towns.

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Your plans, our expertise

Start planning your Sovereign holiday by getting in touch with one of our Personal Travel Planners.

Lines open: Monday to Saturday 09:00 to 17:30 (Wednesdays from 9:30), Bank Holidays 10:00 to 16:00.

Portugal is the oldest country in Europe

Portugal's history means it has a lot to offer as a holiday destination. Whether you’re looking for quiet village charm, cosmopolitan towns or a golf and spa break, we have a fantastic range of luxury Portugal holidays to provide you with the best this dazzling destination has to offer. 

The beautiful island of Madeira offers stunning views of the sea from most of the hotels, as well as rural interiors and upmarket restaurants where you can enjoy a fantastic range of dishes. Local vineyards allow you to enjoy a spectacular variety of wines, while the farmlands ensure all menus are created using locally sourced fruit, vegetables and seafood.

The Algarve is home to pristine Blue Flag beaches where you can enjoy lively water sports and bustling tavernas, as well as find your own secluded cove. Head to the Lisbon Coast for beachy towns within easy reach of the country’s capital where you can experience the history and culture of Portugal. Take the cable car through the cobbled streets leading down to the sea or indulge in delicious international cuisine.

Destinations in Portugal

Beautiful seascape bay with serpentine steps. Portugal, Carvoeiro.
Algarve
Algarve Portugal holidays roll out amber beaches and ocean-view golf courses along the cliff-fractured coast of southern Portugal. Wave-cut arches, long sands, lively beach resorts, whitewashed villages – it’s got them all.
panoramic view of the rainbow above Nun's Valley, Madeira, Portugal
Madeira
Madeira is an archipelago flung far off the southwest coast of Portugal. Most visitors hone in on the main island – also called Madeira – and its vineyards, beaches and flowering capital.

Our pick of the top hotels in Portugal

Every one of our hotels is handpicked and personally visited by our team

Algarve, Praia da Falesia

Pine Cliffs Hotel, a Luxury Collection Resort
Those looking to be closer to the action, Sovereign recommends Pine Cliffs Hotel. Situated in the heart of the resort, couples can relax in light and spacious rooms which showcase traditional Portuguese design, as well as private balconies with sea or garden views. Want to make the most of the beach? Take advantage of the free shuttle bus that can take you around the Resort.   
Recommended

Algarve, Vilamoura

Domes Lake Algarve, Autograph Collection
  • Five star facilities include four swimming pools, restaurants and bars
  • Relax in the spa or on the sun loungers and terraces
  • Beautiful architecture and gardens make this ideal for a tranquil break

Algarve, Porches

Vila Vita Parc
  • Elegant Moorish style accommodation in the village of Porches, famous for its handicrafts
  • Tranquil sandy beach as well as seven swimming pools
  • Bright, contemporary rooms inspired by the Algarve seaside
  • Nine hole pitch and putt green with lessons on offer too
  • A plethora of twelve restaurants offering a variety of cuisine
Recommended

Algarve, Vilamoura

Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort
  • 5-star contemporary resort sat on the edge of an exquisite golf course
  • A wide range of dining experiences, including traditional Portuguese cuisine
  • Adults only areas for moments of relaxation
  • Exciting kids club and babysitting 24 hours a day for families
  • Indulgent spa combining Mediterranean therapies with Thai techniques

Madeira, Funchal

The Cliff Bay
  • Features the only two Michelin star restaurant on the island
  • Sumptuous Spa with treatments and rituals for relaxation and rejuvenation
  • Prime location overlooking Funchal Bay, with panoramic sea views

Madeira, Funchal

Barcelo Funchal Old Town
  • Fantastic central location in Funchal
  • Magnificent views from the rooftop pool
  • Beautifully decorated rooms with touches of Madeira’s history
  • New to Sovereign
View all hotels in Portugal

Family holidays in Portugal

With short flight times and year-round sun, Portugal is a fantastic choice for a family holiday. Our choice of family-friendly hotels, as well as private transfers, make travelling with the kids a total breeze.


Find out more about Family holidays in Portugal

When to go

Portugal has a mix of climates, including Mediterranean, so Portugal's weather depends on where you’ll be visiting. The Algarve in the south is famously sunny, with temperatures soaring from June and often peaking at 30°C in July. Winter and spring are pleasantly mild, too. Down in Madeira, an equal serving of sunshine in summer and rain in winter is what makes its famous gardens blossom. It tends to be a little milder down here in the winter, with temperatures in the mid-to-high teens.  

Visa Information

Currently visas are not required for UK citizens travelling to Portugal.

Tipping

Tipping in Portugal is generally optional. At cafés and when taking taxis, you can just round up to the nearest euro. When in restaurants, it’s common to leave around 10%.

Introduction to languages

The official language of Portugal is Portuguese. English is widely spoken too, so getting by is easy.

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Samantha Grist

Madeira and the Algarve make a great multi-centre combination. Spend a week on the Algarve's beautiful beaches, then fly south to explore Madeira's dramatic mountains and valleys.


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What our guests think

We've been finding people their own slice of paradise for 50 years, and like to think we're pretty good at it. 
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