Luxury Portugal holidays
Endorsed by the families wiling away hours frolicking on its beaches, the cruise connoisseurs drifting languidly up the Douro Valley and the privacy-seeking pairs sipping coffee in Madeira’s sleepy villages, it’s all about the take-it-easy ways in Portugal.
Endorsed by the families wiling away hours frolicking on its beaches, the cruise connoisseurs drifting languidly up the Douro Valley and the privacy-seeking pairs sipping coffee in Madeira’s sleepy villages, it’s all about the take-it-easy ways in Portugal.
In the far south, the ever-popular Algarve attracts sun seekers to its one hundred mile coastline. By the gently shelving beaches, tame waters wash romantic coves that beckon a dip and the open ocean is a playground for watersports; while on the limestone cliffs rests a legacy of Portugal’s Arabian past – evident in crumbling fortresses and fare laced with spices tempered by a glass of rosé.
Further north, Fado music rings out from the open doors of Lisbon’s late-night bars, conjuring a sense of the Portuguese soul. And a little way along the coast, the beach resorts of the Riviera sweep into view. Meanwhile, out to sea, the island of Madeira tempts year-round. With a mild Mediterranean milieu, it's the place to bask in natural beauty. Swapping golden sands for greenery, hike the Levadas, or wander through kaleidoscopic botanical gardens.
In pursuit of…
… unrestrained recreation and relaxation on the short-haul
The speedy travel to these parts keeps the time restrained returning again and again, especially when it comes to the Algarve – you can wake up to grey skies and be reclined on a beach by late lunch. Ordinarily when somewhere appeals to the masses in that way, you’d expect a distinct lack of space, but that’s simply not the case. Visitors are soaked up by sprawling resorts even easier than they themselves soak up the sun, allowing whatever the inclination to be pursued fuss-free, whether it be finding a hidden spot on the renowned beaches or dabbling in a bit of local tradition with pottery classes or wine tastings.
“The only thing that matters is to feel the fado. The fado is not meant to be sung; it simply happens. You feel it, you don’t understand it and you don’t explain it.”
01
03
A sense of place
Get to know our favourite spots in Portugal, from the differing beaches of The Algarve to Madeira’s idyllic landscapes.
-
![View of the coastal Camara de Lobos village with its white buildings and grassy hills]()
Portugal
Madeira
ExploreSweet teeth know of Madeira for its syrupy wine and the cake subsequently named after it, but this island lingering off the coast of Morocco charms those who venture to its shores mostly with its diverse flora and fauna. Known as the ‘floating garden’ of the Atlantic, its sub-tropical ecosystem transports visitors to an Eden of criss-crossing waterways, black sand beaches and pretty waterfalls sporadically falling onto coastal roads.
-
![Dos Tres Irmaos Beach at sunset]()
Portugal
The Algarve
ExploreThis well-loved region indisputably has an enduring charm, thanks in large part to its world-famous beaches (all 150 of them) calling everyone from avid surfers to a toddling sandcastle architect.
-
![Aerial view of a building atop a farmed hill in Douro Valley]()
Douro Valley
Dubbed the new Tuscany, the Douro Valley is designated a UNESCO World Heritage site thanks to its legacy as one of the oldest wine regions in the world. It’s almost criminal not to get out and about in these beguiling scenes, hiking the banded vineyards intent on a taste at the end of the road, or slowing down and cruising the river, watching hills ripple past like soundwaves.
01
03
Its essence...
LEISURELYLEISURELY
LEISURELY
LEISURELYLEISURELYSUNTRAPSUNTRAP
SUNTRAP
SUNTRAPSUNTRAPWIDE-RANGINGWIDE-RANGING
WIDE-RANGING
WIDE-RANGINGWIDE-RANGINGThe leading line-up
Portugal
Destination essentials
BEST FOR
Flight
Time difference
Currency / Language
FROM THE Reading room
RELATED ARTICLES-
![Coastline bird eye view]()
100 ideas on where to travel in 2025
The ultimate trip planner for the year ahead; with so many destinations to choose from we’ve rounded up some spots to watch as well as a few old favourites to create a list of 100 ideas on where to travel in 2025.
-
![Hut yoga]()
Our all-time favourite health and well-being escapes
Going on holiday is the perfect opportunity to escape the stressful nature of our daily lives and take a little ‘me time’. So, when it comes to booking a holiday, why not opt for the chance to fully restore your mind, body and soul?
-
![An aerial view of a coastal resort at Pine Cliffs Portugal, with a beach, cliffs, and numerous buildings surrounded by dense green trees]()
How to spend a long weekend in the Algarve: uncover laid-back luxury at Pine Cliffs Resort
Encircled by fragrant pine groves and gazing out over stretches of untouched coastline, Pine Cliffs Resort effortlessly pairs refined elegance with a wealth of leisure pursuits. Ideal for jetsetters seeking a short-haul luxury break, this Algarve resort combines clifftop elegance with five-star service and authentic Portuguese charm.
01
03
Get in touch your way…
We customise every trip to you and our quotes are bespoke. We’re here to offer advice, recommendations and answer your questions.
-
Online
-
Talk to us
-
In person
-
Online
-
Talk to us
-
In person
01
10
Europe
Where chronicles go beyond the confines of the classroom; it’s the history that is rooted so deeply within its celebrated cities, sun-soaked coasts and bucolic countryside that makes Europe utterly timeless.
-
![]()
Europe
Croatia
ExploreOur luxury Croatia holidays mean stepping back into history-steeped cities and sleepy villages where life continues much as it did a century ago, the glittering Adriatic beckoning along the dramatic coast.
-
![A rock formation called the love bridge on the Ayia Napa coastline]()
Europe
Cyprus
ExploreGraced with looks of mythological proportions and a lineage of complex east-meets-west puzzle parts; Cyprus is the fabled birthplace of Aphrodite, born from the rich foam of the sea.
-
![Purple flower field under a clear sky during daytime in Province]()
Europe
France
ExploreJust like its enigmatic Mona Lisa that connects with you at every turn, France is an irresistible muse; inspiring everything from St Tropez’s glamourous harbours to the sweet simplicity of Provence’s rolling lavender fields.
-
![A small rocky island with a house in the middle]()
Europe
Greece
ExploreA homestead for all things mythological and historical, the mountain-laden mainland of Greece and its pantheon of rugged islands know how to attract both hedonist hunters and kindred wanderlusters.
-
![The Colosseum in Rome seen behind trees]()
Europe
Italy
ExploreItaly is a heady mix of chaos and calm that caters to culture vultures, soothes history aficionados and exceeds all expectations for epicureans.
-
![Europe, Luxury Montenegro Holidays, Regent Porto Montenegro, Terrace views]()
Europe
Montenegro
ExploreTravel south of Croatia along the dramatically crafted coastline of rugged inlets and verdant islands lapped by the purest waters and discover Montenegro.
-
![View over roofs at a sandy beach cove]()
Europe
Spain
ExploreCharacterised by scorching weather and fiery fiestas, with a culture as varied as the stonework of Sagrada Família, upon setting foot on its soil you’ll find that Spain truly sizzles as a unique and diverse nation that rolls out a red carpet (or cape) welcome.
-
![]()
Europe
Switzerland
ExploreBoth a winter wonderland and a summer haven, Switzerland has so much to offer. The colder months see the country’s vast landscapes covered in dustings of pristine white snow, and as the seasons beckon in the sun, verdant hues are unveiled.
-
![A beach with white umbrellas and sun loungers]()
Europe
Türkiye (Turkey)
ExploreBordered by four different seas and blessed with endless natural wonders and traditions, Türkiye's vast and varied timelessness is the result of its uncanny meeting of east and west.
-
![Luxury Ski & Snow, Line of skiers aerial shot]()
Destinations
Ski & Snow
ExploreFor the serious slope-skimmers, dedicated après-skiers and the winter wonderland wanderers in-between.
01
10