Portugal highlights
Our selection of small group holidays to Portugal will take you from the golden sandy beaches of the Algarve and bustling food markets of Porto to the exotic islands of the Azores and mossy footpaths of Madeira. Here are some of our Portugal Tour highlights:
Algarve
Set off on foot to discover hidden gems in an unspoilt corner of Portugal along the western Algarve on our Coastal Trails of Portugal walking holiday. The Algarve region is famous for its glistening turquoise waters, golden sand beaches, fresh seafood and delicious local wines. Uncover the jagged arches of Ponta de Piedade and take the coastal trail along towering cliffs to Europe’s most south-westerly point, Cabo Sao Vicente. Alternatively, head to Tavira on our Eastern Algarve Walking Tour for leisurely walks through picturesque villages, traditional fishing towns and untouched sandbank islands.
Azores
Portugal’s Azores Islands are located in the mid-Atlantic and boast verdant hillsides, aquamarine seas, volcanoes and exotic flora. Visit four islands on our Azores Island Hopping Walking Holiday to see the best that they have to offer. Wander around the emerald green crater lakes of São Miguel, walk along the ridge of the lush Caldeira de Cima gorge on São Jorge, and go whale watching from Pico.
Porto
Jump on board a train to Porto on our Highlights of Portugal Tour. Follow your tour leader through the rustic cobbled streets and to the quayside of Casi da Ribeira where colourful old townhouses line the water’s edge. Then take some time to explore the bustling food markets, discover churches embellished with ornate azulejo tiles and relax in a cosy coffee bar. A visit to Porto wouldn’t be complete without a visit to a local port lodge too. Learn about the history and production of white, ruby and tawny port before putting them to the test with a tasting session.
Madeira
Madeira is an archipelago of four Portuguese islands (two inhabited islands, two uninhabited nature reserves) located off the west coast of Africa. Explore the main volcanic island on foot with our Madeira Trekking Holiday and uncover a verdant world of mossy levadas, ancient footpaths and clifftop passes. Uncover waterfalls cascading through the hillsides, take a dip in the freshwater levada pools, hike to the highest summit of Pico Ruivo, navigate your way through dark tunnels and feel your heart rate rise as you step onto the famous Balcony Walk cut into the edge of the cliff face.
Solo travel in Portugal
Travelling alone? You’re in the right place! All of our Portugal trips are perfect for solo travellers. Many of our customers come along on their own so you’ll be in good company and you’ll most likely make new friends along the way. Let us take away the stress and worry and look after all of the logistics so you can relax and enjoy your adventure.
Best time to go to Portugal
Portugal (Mainland)
Whether you want to explore the colourful city of Lisbon, cycle along the Algarve or walk the dramatic coastline of Ponta de Piedade, the best months for comfortable weather and fewer crowds are in the Spring (March to May) or Autumn (September to October). These months are particularly suited to active travellers enjoying the wonderful walking and cycling on offer. The summer months are equally as wonderful, but the temperatures will be higher and rainfall scarce.
Azores
The Azores has a mild climate year-round. Hop between the lush islands of the Azores from May to October for the best weather, with lots of sunshine, comfortable temperatures and very little rainfall. There will be plenty of whale-watching boat trips at this time of year too, and the aquamarine seas will be calmer.
Madeira
Madeira is a year-round destination with warm and sunny weather throughout the year. Due to Madeira’s mountainous topography, the north of the island gets more rainfall than the south, and the south typically has more hours of sunshine each year. Explore the Levada trails of Madeira in the spring to see a spectacular display of exotic flowers burst into bloom, and to avoid the busy summer crowds.