6 Reasons To Make Portugal Your Summer Holiday Destination

1. The glorious summer temperatures

Pack your beach towel and sun cream! Holiday heat awaits on a getaway to Portugal, with temperatures soaring to 30°C in the south during summer.

Little to no rainfall between June to August makes it a prime time for long days on the beach – and for getting stuck into outdoor activities, whether you’re seeking sports, exploring or sightseeing.

If the hot temps become too much, you can always cool off in the many uber cool art galleries and museums that are scattered throughout Porto or Lisbon, or quench your thirst with an ice-cold pint of Sagres beer at an al fresco bar.

2. There are plenty of pretty cities to visit

Summer holidays in Portugal are more than just the Algarve, and its pretty cities are worthy of any travel bucket list – trust us!

Capital Lisbon, filled with postcard-worthy architecture and iconic trams, is a must-visit, but don’t discount Porto for a city trip. It’s a fab choice if you’re looking for a culture hit with some beach time on the side.

Lesser-known spots such as Braga and Coimbra in the north are just as charming. Spend your days soaking up the views from hilltop churches, exploring enchanting town squares and filling up on delicious Portuguese cuisine. We're sold.

3. Good flight time and availability from the UK

It takes just two to three hours to touch down in Portugal from most of the UK, making it a great pick as a short-haul sunshine destination. Not only that, most major airlines and airports fly to virtually all the main Portuguese airports pretty regularly, which makes accessing the country super easy.

Flights from London to Lisbon and Faro are the most popular choices and even during peak summer time you’ll find plenty of cheap flight deals to snap up. For example, you can currently book flights from London Gatwick to Faro starting from £35.99 this August with easyJet – if that’s not a bargain we don’t know what is!

4. The gorgeous Portuguese wine

Portugal is filled with lush vineyards that not only produce delicious white wines such as Verdelho and Albariño, but are also famous for their production of fortified wines like port.

Whether you’re eating at a restaurant or stopping by at a swanky bar for a sundowner, make sure to sample it for a real taste of Portugal. Even better, book yourself on a wine tasting tour to visit some of the country's most esteemed wineries.

Wine not your tipple of choice? Try a glass of Ginjinha – a sweet liquor made from sour cherries, or a local lager like Super Bock.

5. It’s perfect for sports fanatics

Golf fans will feel right at home in Portugal. Whether you’re a golfing pro or just enjoy a leisurely game, you're sure to love its fantastic fairways! Tee off in rural settings in an independent club or make a week of it in a plush five-star hotel with its very own green.

Prefer to be by the sea? Portugal’s huge south and west coasts are watersports central. The Atlantic coastline is the go-to for surfers looking for big breaks – Nazare, near Lisbon, has some of the best in the world.

Further south in the Algarve, kayaking and scuba-diving should be top of your list for a summer holiday activity. You won’t find a better way to explore the stunning sea caves and craggy cliffs that stagger along the southern coast.

6. Beach enthusiasts will love it too

Not a fan of sports – on the water or otherwise? If you’re just after a fly-and-flop break to really recharge the batteries, Portugal is definitely still for you!

With heaps of beautiful beaches boasting golden sand and turquoise blue sea, you’re spoilt for choice as to where to work on your tan lines. Take your pick of sublime shores in Albufeira, Lagos, Portimao or Alvor for a sun-kissed coastal getaway in a spectacularly serene setting.

Lagos’s Praia de Dona Ana is your Instagram shot, reached by its iconic wooden staircase and sheltered between rugged cliffs.