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.

Your plans, our expertise

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

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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.

Things to do in PortugalBring your tissues to a fado show

Fado is soulful music that tells tales of turbulent times and lost loves. It’s also a Portuguese special, making its way onto the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Locals go so far as to say Fado music reveals the Portuguese soul.

Fado started in the gritty port pubs of Lisbon. But these days you can catch it all over – from theatre productions in the Algarve to cosy restaurants (casa do fado) in Madeira.

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Things to do in PortugalTry traditional Portuguese food

The Portuguese have perfected the art of simple, delicious food. It’s similar to Mediterranean cuisine, with the addition of flavours like piri piri, black pepper, cinnamon and vanilla. Look out for the national dish of Portugal, bacalhau (salted cod), piri piri chicken and cheese like Queijo do Pico. Portuguese wines are fantastic too, the most popular being vinho verde and sweet vinho da Madeira.

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Things to do in PortugalGolfing in the AlgarveThe Algarve is home to some of the best golf holidays in Portugal. Known throughout the golfing world as one of the best destinations for getting in a few swings, the Algarve has many courses to choose from. Algarve weather also means you can play throughout the year, so grab your golf bag and head out for the Portugal golf holiday of a lifetime.Find out more about Golfing in the Algarve

Things to do in PortugalExplore Nun's Valley in MadeiraSet deep in the mountains of central Madeira, Nun’s Valley is a tiny village that was founded in the 16th century by nuns escaping invading pirates. Head to the viewing platforms in the Miradouro do Paredão, where you are engulfed by green valleys and have a front-row seat to sensational views over the historic village. History and nature lovers, this is a must on your holiday in Madeira.Find out more about Explore Nun's Valley in Madeira

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.

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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.

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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.

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Recommended

Algarve, Vilamoura

Domes Lake Algarve, Autograph Collection

Set in the Algarve, the resort is just five minutes from Vilamoura and its marina
Enjoy a salt-water lake and four pools, including an adults only sunbathing area
The hotel is perfect for families, with family suites available
Benefit from the hotel's proximity to award-winning golf courses and Domes' Golf Concierge service

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Recommended

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

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Algarve, Vilamoura

Victoria Golf Resort & Spa

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

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Recommended

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

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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

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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.

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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.

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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Luxury Portugal Holidays

Your plans, our expertise

Portugal is the oldest country in Europe

Destinations in Portugal

Algarve

Madeira

Our pick of the top hotels in Portugal

Pine Cliffs Hotel, a Luxury Collection Resort

Domes Lake Algarve, Autograph Collection

Vila Vita Parc

Victoria Golf Resort & Spa

The Cliff Bay

Barcelo Funchal Old Town

Family holidays in Portugal

When to go

Visa Information

Tipping

Introduction to languages

Samantha Grist

What our guests think