All direct flights to Portugal from the UK & Ireland

Destination summary

The British have a long standing affinity with Portugal going back hundreds of years – through shared military interests, a mutual love for port and an obsession with football. Then in the 1960s the Algarve was 'discovered'. At the time this rural region of southwest Portugal was a mere glint in a golf course designer's eye, but during the last 40 years the Algarve has developed into one of the world's best-loved holiday destinations. It is not hard to see why – the sun shines all year round, there are miles of sandy beaches, beautiful coastal villages, wonderfully fresh seafood, superb nightlife and some of the best golf resorts in the world.

Many people combine a holiday to the Algarve with a trip to capital city Lisbon. One of Europe's oldest cities, Lisbon is crammed with historic buildings, narrow twisting streets and atmospheric restaurants. The capital's party scene is right up there with the best in Europe, although if you are looking for the real essence of the city head to one of the many bars that play traditional fado music.

Further north is second city Porto, with a spectacular setting spanning the steep slopes either side of the Douro River estuary. Away from the mainland, volcanic Madeira is a lush island in the Atlantic Ocean. Like the Algarve, it is also lapped in sunshine for most of the year, although cooling winds keep the temperatures down to a tolerable level. Madeira's rolling hills and rich flora and fauna make it particularly appealing to walkers and nature lovers.