Portugal Holidays
Algarve cliffs, Atlantic surf, and golden beaches stretching along the coast. Plan your Portugal beach holiday with flights, hotels, and travel tips.
Today
Weather in Portugal
Thu
Fri
Sat
SPF level in Portugal
Autumn
SPF 30
Spring
SPF 30
Summer
SPF 50
Winter
SPF 15
Entry requirements for Portugal
Your passport must be issued less than 10 years before your arrival date in the Schengen area and be valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure date.
You can stay in Portugal visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism, visits, or short-term studies.
At border control, you may need to show proof of an onward or return ticket and proof you have enough money for your visit.
Be prepared for the Entry/Exit System, which may require registering your fingerprints and photo at the border, potentially increasing wait times.
If you need to extend your 90-day visa-free stay due to a medical emergency, you must apply within Portugal.
Good to know:
A child aged 17 or under travelling alone or without a parent needs a notarised and legalised letter of authorisation signed by a parent or guardian to enter Portugal.
You cannot bring meat, milk, or products containing them into Portugal, with exceptions for certain baby foods and special medical diets.
Safety in Portugal
Portugal is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
You must carry photo ID, as police can hold you at a station until your identity is confirmed.
Be very alert to street crime, especially thieves using distraction techniques on public transport and at crowded stops.
Drinks served in bars are often stronger than in the UK, and you should keep your drink in sight to avoid it being spiked.
The municipality of Albufeira bans inappropriate public behaviour, with on-the-spot fines ranging from 150 to 1800 euros.
Always supervise children closely at beaches and pools, and only swim at supervised beaches, paying close attention to the warning flag system.
Bonus tips:
Gambling is only legal in government-licensed venues, and you could be arrested or fined for playing in unlicensed premises.
If you drive, you can use a UK photocard licence, but ensure you understand the toll system and how to pay any charges.
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Driving in Portugal
A UK driving license is accepted in Portugal.
Side of the road
Right
Motorway speed limit
120 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.05%
Remember: Portugal drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Health in Portugal
As a UK resident, you can use a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for state healthcare in Portugal. However, it's still recommended to have comprehensive travel insurance, as GHIC/EHIC might not cover all costs (e.g., repatriation).
No vaccinations required
Generally, no specific vaccinations are required for Portugal. However, it's always wise to consult your GP before travelling. Tap water is generally safe to drink, but bottled water is readily available.
Cards & payments
Cards are widely accepted in Portugal, especially in tourist areas and larger establishments.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1094
Tipping in Portugal
Tipping is appreciated in Portugal, but not mandatory. Service charges are not usually included in bills.
Restaurant
5-10% of the bill for good service. Some people only tip if the service was exceptional.
Bar/Café
Rounding up the bill or leaving small change is common.
Taxi
Rounding up the fare or tipping 5-10% for good service is appreciated.
Hotel Porter
€1-2 per bag is customary.
Hotel Housekeeper
€1-2 per day for good service.
Tour Guide
€5-10 per person for a good tour is appreciated.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, the guarantee of free EU roaming for UK mobile users no longer applies. Check with your mobile provider about roaming charges in Portugal. Some providers may still offer inclusive roaming packages.
Local SIM
10 GB for 20 EUR (~£17)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Electrical in Portugal
Voltage
230V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type C, Type F
UK adapter needed
WiFi & internet
Good. Free WiFi is available in many cafes, restaurants, hotels, and public spaces.
Average speed
45 Mbps
Internet access is readily available throughout Portugal. Many establishments offer free WiFi, especially in tourist areas. Mobile data is also a reliable option.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
112
Police
112
Ambulance
112
Fire
112
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Portugal
Country code
351
To call Portugal from abroad, dial 351 followed by the local number.
UK Embassy
Rua de São Bernardo 33, 1249-082 Lisbon, Portugal
Phone
+351 21 392 4000
Website
Lisbon Portela Airport
Porto Airport
Faro Airport
Madeira Airport
Joao Paulo II Airport
Lajes Field
Recent updates
Safety
The new section 'Festivals, concerts and cultural events' advises you to follow police advice and take care of valuables at large events.
Advice for swimming at beaches now specifically says to keep small children within arms-reach and get local knowledge if there are no lifeguards or flags.
Advice for swimming pools now says to always supervise children and keep small children within arms-reach, even if they can swim or a lifeguard is present.
Advice for drink spiking now specifically mentions being alert to the use of 'date rape' and other drugs including GHB and liquid ecstasy.
Advice now suggests you look after your passport, money and personal belongings when travelling, checking in luggage at the airport, or arranging car hire.
Advice for sexual assault now says to avoid splitting up from friends, not to go off with people you don't know, and to call 112 in an emergency.
There is now a high risk of wildfires during the summer season from April to October.
A new warning advises travellers to visit the Safety and security page for advice on wildfires.
A new warning advises there is a risk of higher than normal temperatures in Portugal during summer months.
For information on hot weather protection, you should now check the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere website.
Find advice on how to stay safe in hot weather from the National Health Service (NHS).
Health
Keep any medication you bring or are prescribed in the original container with the prescription label.
Carry enough medication for your visit and keep a few days' supply in your hand luggage in case your checked-in baggage is delayed or lost.
Travel lifestyle changes like later nights, heat, or different diets can now affect your medication. Check the Summer Proof Your Health campaign for info.
Strict rules are now highlighted for dispensing certain medicines including antibiotics. Keep medication in its original container with the prescription label.
Entry Requirements
When departing the Schengen area by plane, allow extra time to reach your departure gate as EES checks may take place before boarding.
If you believe your Schengen stay has been recorded incorrectly, raise this with border officials and be prepared to provide supporting evidence.
The letter of authorisation for a child must now have the parent or guardian's signature certified by a notary or solicitor.
The notary or solicitor's signature on the child's letter of authorisation must now be legalised by the Legalisation Office.
The required letter of authorisation for a child must now include the purpose of the visit and the address where the child will be staying.
Beaches in Portugal
Albandeira Beach
Albarquel Beach
Alfarim Beach
Algés Beach
Alvor beach
Apulia beach
Aquario beach
Atlântica Beach
Barranco das Belharucas Beach
Batata beach
Bath Beach
Bay of Porto Covo Beach
Beach Castelejo
Beach Espingardeiro
Beach Tróia-Bico Bico das Lulas
Beijinhos beach
Benagil
Bicas Beach
Boca do Rio beach
Bordeira's beach
Buizinhos beach
Calheta beach
California Beach
Carneiro beach
Castelo do Queijo beach
Clube de Turismo da Madeira
Costa Nova do Prado
Creiro Beach
Dafundo Beach
Esteiro Beach
Falesia Beach
Figueira beach, Algarve
Figueirinha Beach
Fontainhas Beach
Fonte da Telha Beach
Foz Beach
Fragosa Beach
Funchal Naval Club Bathing Complex
Furadouro beach
Galapinhos beach
Gondarem beach
Grande Beach Porto Covo
Guincho Beach
Homem do Leme beach
Ingleses beach
International beach
Lagoa de Albufeira Beach
Lagosteiros Beach
Laje beach
Luz beach
Machico beach
Madalena do Mar beach
Meco Beach
Melides beach
Molhe beach
Molhe Beach
Ourigo beach
Ouro Beach
Paçô beach
Pastoras beach
Patacho Beach
Pintadinho Beach
Poça beach
Poço Dos Chefes
Ponta do Sol beach
Porto da Várzea River Beach
Porto Dinheiro
Porto Santo beach
Praia da Adraga
Praia da Aguda
Praia da Amoreira
Praia da Arrifana
Praia da Baía dos Tiros
Praia da Balaia
Praia da Barra
Praia da Carreagem
Praia da Cerca Nova
Praia da Coelha
Praia da Cordoama
Praia da Cruz Quebrada
Praia da Dona Ana
Praia da Foz do Lizandro
Praia da Galé
Praia da Granja
Praia da Ingrina
Praia da Mareta
Praia da Marinha
Praia da Oura
Praia da Pipa
Praia da Rainha
Praia da Rocha
Praia da Rocha Baixinha
Praia das Adegas
Praia da Samarra
Praia das Cascas
Praia da Senhora da Rocha
Praia das Macãs
Praia da Terra Estreita
Praia da Torre
Praia da Torreira
Praia da Ursa
Praia da Vagueira
Praia da Vigia
Praia da Vinha da Areia
Praia de Alburrica
Praia de Almádena
Praia de Carcavelos
Praia de Carvoeiro
Praia de Matosinhos
Praia de Miramar
Praia de Monte Clérigo
Praia de Monte Gordo
Praia de Odeceixe Mar
Praia de Ofir
Praia de Paço de Arcos
Praia de Paimogo
Praia de Ribeira d'Ilhas
Praia de Santa Eulália
Praia de Santo Amaro
Praia de São Bernardino - Portugal
Praia de São Julião
Praia de São Rafael
Praia de Valadares
Praia de Vale dos Homens
Praia do Abano
Praia do Amado
Praia do Barranquinho
Praia do Barril
Praia do Beliche
Praia do Burgau
Praia do Camilo
Praia do Caneiro
Praia do Carvalho
Praia do Castelo
Praia do Evaristo
Praia do Fogo
Praia do Inatel
Praia do Louriçal
Praia do Magoito
Praia do Martinhal
Praia do Moinho
Praia do Norte
Praia do Penedo
Praia do Pinhão
Praia do Portinho
Praia dos Alemães
Praia dos Arrifes
Praia dos Aveiros
Praia dos Caneiros
Praia dos Frades
Praia dos Gémeos
Praia dos Moinhos
Praia dos Olhos de Água
Praia dos Pescadores
Praia dos Salgados
Praia dos Tres Castelos
Praia dos Três Irmãos
Praia do Tonel
Praia do Túnel
Praia do Vau
Praia Fluvial da Casa Branca
Praia Fluvial das Fragas de São Simão
Praia Fluvial da Tapada Grande
Praia fluvial de Adaúfe
Praia Fluvial de Fróia
Praia Fluvial do Alamal
Praia Formosa
Praia Grande
Praia Grande
Praia Velha
Praia Verde
Prainha
Quião Beach
Rebenta Bois Beach
Reis Magos
Ribeira Brava beach
Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach
Rio Alto Beach
River beach of Aldeia Ana de Aviz
Salgueira Beach
Santo André Beach
Saúde Beach
Sesimbra Beach
Tamariz Beach
Tavira island beach
Tramagueira Beach
Vasco da Gama beach
Zimbralinho
Frequently asked Questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.