A beautiful and intriguing country, boasting a spectacular landscape, gorgeous weather and friendly people, Portugal is an ideal option for British holidaymakers looking to get away.

While the country is famous for its warm, sandy beaches, there's plenty more that Portugal has to offer. So when planning your trip, be sure to book accommodation that will allow you to get out and enjoy the country to the fullest.

At Premier Holidays, we offer a superb range of luxury villas, each one providing all the comforts of home, as well as plenty of extras – like swimming pools and private balconies.

Choosing to stay in a Portugal villa also means that you'll have the flexibility to plan the sort of holiday that you want. For a romantic week away select a cosy one-bedroom option, or if you're travelling with family or a group of friends a larger holiday home could be the perfect choice.

Discovering Portugal

With a long coastline that faces directly out to the Atlantic, visitors to Portugal will immediately recognise how much the geography influences life in this seafaring nation.

Seafood is a staple of Portuguese cuisine and fish is prepared in just about every way imaginable, with the favourite variety being cod – called bacalhau locally. It has been said that there are over 1,000 ways to prepare cod, so you're sure to have a variety of choices when dining in Portugal.

History books reveal that Portugal was a significant colonial power and at one point this small country ruled over much of South America and Africa, as well as parts of Asia and Indonesia. One effect of this was that spices, ingredients and cooking techniques of those places were adopted and today they greatly influence the taste of Portuguese food.

The country is also famous for its wines and those staying in villas in Portugal may want to travel inland to view the vast vineyards and to try a bit of port wine or Madeira in the place they were created.

The Algarve coast

Located at the southernmost tip of Portugal, the Algarve is the country's most popular tourist destination – receiving nearly seven million visitors a year.

It is really no wonder that this location is a favourite option. The breathtaking scenery, the gorgeous warm weather and the vast assortment of activities means that this location truly offers something for everyone.

For those who simply want to lounge on the beach, you're sure to enjoy the golden sand and crystal-clear blue water. Most of the Algarve beaches are situated in small coves surrounded by towering cliffs – the beauty of which is further enhanced by the striping effect on the stone.

Golfing is a popular pastime in the Algarve and there are many world-class courses to choose from – in fact, three PGA tournaments are held in Portugal every year.

In addition, visitors staying in Algarve villas will be able to take part in various water sports. There is plenty of fabulous shopping in the area, while the vibrant clubs and bars offer an exciting nightlife for anyone who wants to dance the night away.

Start planning your Portugal holiday today!

When you book a luxury villa with Premier Holidays, you can rest assured that you'll be getting fabulous accommodation in a prime location.

We handpick every one of our properties to ensure that they provide the quality and amenities that our clients want. Comfortable beds and fully equipped kitchens are just the beginning!

To reserve a Portuguese villa, contact Premier Holidays today on 0800 047 0400 or +44 207 099 2172 from outside the UK.

A member of our friendly sales team will answer any questions that you have and provide advice and guidance on choosing the right accommodation. We can even help with travel extras like car hire and airport transfers.