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Whether you are craving city, culture, or beach for your Portugal summer holidays, there is a destination that has your name on it. Explore the historical riches of Porto, experience the vibrant lifestyle of the Lisbon region, soak up the allure of the Algarve's beaches, and savour the Alentejo’s blend of coastal treasures and wine. Our 2025 destination guide gives you a helpful overview so you can best choose the perfect place for your summer getaway.
Thanks to its warm climate (one of Europe's warmest!) summer is the best time to go to Portugal. Plan to be outdoors to take advantage of the longest days of the year. Since half of the country sits along the Atlantic Ocean, there is a bevy of beaches to soak up the sun and enjoy water sports. Portugal's spectacular coastline is dotted with cliffs and coves that hikers love. For culture buffs, dive into Portugal's rich history and traditions in the small towns and big cities. Portugal's top destinations in 2025 stretch from the north to the south, giving families, groups, and couples plenty of choice when planning your Portugal summer holidays.
Experience a different side of Portugal in the north, where history, culture, and nature beautifully intermingle. Stroll past the historical architecture of Porto's lovely old town. Wine lovers can taste renowned Porto wine in the Vila Nova de Gaia district or take a wine tour through the breathtaking terraced vineyards in the Douro Valley. Note that September is the season of wine harvest if you have the possibility to extend your summer holidays. The less touristy city of Braga is famous for its religious history, including the Bom Jesus Sanctuary and its majestic Baroque stairway. Less than an hour away by car, Peneda-Gerês National Park is a treasure trove of waterfalls and lush forests that provide a break from the heat.
With its dramatic coastline interwoven with ochre cliffs and golden sands, summer is the best time in the Algarve for your Portugal holidays. Soak up the sun at the spectacular beaches like Praia de Marinha, ranked one of the most beautiful in the world. Explore natural wonders like Ponta de Piedade and the Benagil Cave. Have your Villanovo concierge book a boat trip to get close to these unique rock formations. Enjoy water sports like surfing and snorkelling and find family-friendly fun at Zoomarine - like water slides and seal shows - and Aqualand, where you can swim with dolphins. The Algarve abounds with charming historic villages like Albufeira, Lagos, and Tavira, one of the most beautiful coastal villages in Portugal off the tourist track thanks to its cobbled streets and colourful houses.
Though Portugal's capital is a big city, its neighbourhoods - like Lisbon's oldest, Alfama - have an intimate charm. Be sure to pack good walking shoes to navigate the hilly city, or take one of the famous vintage trams. Lisbon is a hub of Portuguese gastronomy, like custardy Pastéis de Nata and local seafood, which is best tasted at restaurants along the Tagus River. Must-see landmarks include the architectural stunners, Bélem tower and Jerónimos Monastery, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites from the 16th century. Come to Lisbon for its vibrant nightlife, including Fado music and clubs in Bairro Alta. When you want a feast for your senses,Lisbon is the top destination for your Portugal summer holidays.
A fairytale landscape of lush forests peppered with Baroque palaces, Sintra is one of the most magical places in the world. It has been rightly recognized with UNESCO World Heritage status for its cultural wealth. The storybook palaces sit atop hills shrouded in mist. Visit the colorful Pena Palace or the Moorish Castle, which both boast exceptional views. Find the National Palace of Sintra alongside pastel manor house in Sintra town. Check our guide to the most beautiful beaches around Sintra, like the picturesque inlet of Praia da Adraga.
Pair you urban adventures in Lisbon with this charming resort town located just 30 minutes from the capital. Sunbathe at the beautiful beaches, swim in tranquil coves, or brave the Atlantic Ocean's big waves on a surfboard. Cascais has retained its glamour as the historic vacation spot of Portugal's royal family - hence its nickname as the Portuguese Riviera. Stroll the limestone sidewalks to take in the architectural wealth. Take a cultural break at the Museum of Condes des Castro Guimarães. Savour grilled sardines - a staple of Portuguese cuisine - on a patio terrace.
Comporta is the latest destination among jet setters. Perfect for a romantic escape, luxury travellers are drawn to its untamed setting between the sea, wild dunes, and rice paddies. The white sand beach of Praia do Pego is ideal for both relaxation and water sports like surfing and sport fishing. Head south to the more tranquil Melides for golden sand beaches and hiked along the cliff-lined coastline. Inland, take a picturesque drive through olive tree groves and vineyards. As the producer of 30% of Portuguese bottles, the Alentejo is a wine capital - the Talha region is famous for making wine in clay amphora like 2000 years ago. Don't miss the local specialty, Carne de Porco Alentejana, a dish of sauteed pork, clams, and potatoes.
Villanovo offers a wide choice of exceptional villas in Portugal for an unforgettable holiday. Choose from the features that are most important to you, like a villa with a swimming pool, a view of the sea, with a full house staff, or on a golf course.
You'll find thoughtfully selected homes in sought-after destinations like Porto and Braga in northern Portugal, the Lisbon region and nearby Sintra and Cascais, the Alentejo (Comporta and Melides) and the Algarve (Albufeira, Lagos, and Tavira).
Our attentive concierges take care of all the details so you can concentrate on your holiday in Portugal. This personalised service tailors each trip to your needs: booking day trips, activities for the whole family, a private chef, and more. Villanovo offers you a beautiful travel diary for each stay in one of our luxury villa rentals in Portugal. You'll find all our recommendations for fantastic restaurants, shops and other experiences for a guaranteed great time on your next trip to Portugal.
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