Holidays in 2026: when to visit Porto

Mulher olhando o porto do sol de cima da ponte Luis I entre o Porto e Gaia

Planning short breaks or holidays throughout the year becomes much easier when looking at the calendar by quarters. In 2026, public holidays in Portugal make it possible to organise strategic breaks, from long weekends to longer vacations, and Porto is a destination that suits every season.

At Almada234, you will find 13 apartments in the city centre, with layouts designed for different types of travellers, ideal at any time of the year.

 

January to March: quiet breaks, Carnival, and Easter

The year starts with good news for those who like to travel early. Carnival, celebrated on the 17th of February (Tuesday), although not a mandatory national holiday, allows for a long weekend with just one day off, by taking advantage of Monday.

At this time of year, Porto is ideal for:

  • Cultural and gastronomic getaways
  • Visiting museums, Port wine cellars and historic sites
  • Enjoying peaceful walks around the city, without crowds

This is a perfect time for solo travellers or couples, who will find the perfect balance between comfort and central location in the studios and one-bedroom apartments at Almada234.

 

April to June: Easter, spring long weekends, and São João in Porto

The second quarter brings together some of the best holidays of the year for travelling, combining pleasant weather with several opportunities for extended breaks.

Public holidays and possible long weekends:

  • Good Friday, 3rd of April, and Easter Sunday, 5th of April: a three-day weekend, ideal for a longer getaway
  • 25th of April (Saturday): a useful holiday for those who work on Saturdays
  • 1st of May (Friday): perfect for a three-day break
  • Corpus Christi, 4th of June (Thursday): one of the most attractive long weekends of the year
  • 10th of June (Wednesday): a strategic midweek break
  • São João, 24th of June (Wednesday): municipal holiday in Porto

This quarter also marks the start of festivals, cultural events, and outdoor entertainment, both in Porto and nearby areas.

 

São João in Porto: the city’s biggest celebration

From the night of the 23rd to the 24th of June, Porto comes alive with its most iconic celebration. Plastic hammers, basil plants, grilled sardines, concerts, and fireworks over the Douro River make this one of the most sought-after moments of the year.

It is an ideal time for couples, groups of friends, and even families, who can choose studios or two-bedroom apartments at Almada234 and experience the city on foot.

 

July to September: summer, festivals, and holidays in Porto

Although there are fewer public holidays, only the 15th of August, which this year falls on a Saturday, summer is the classic season for longer vacations.

During these months, Porto and its surroundings come alive with:

  • Summer festivals in Porto and nearby cities
  • Concerts, cultural events, and nightlife
  • Nearby beaches such as Foz do Douro and Matosinhos
  • Outdoor cafés, gardens, and riverside walks

It is the perfect time for family holidays or trips with friends, who benefit from the space and comfort of the two-bedroom apartments at Almada234.

 

October to December: long weekends and a festive atmosphere

The final quarter once again offers great opportunities for strategic breaks.

Public holidays and possible long weekends:

  • 5th of October (Monday): a three-day weekend
  • 1st of November (Sunday): All Saints’ Day
  • 1st of December (Tuesday): possible bridge for four days off
  • 8th of December (Tuesday): another opportunity for a long weekend
  • 25th of December (Friday): Christmas, ideal for a holiday or extended getaway

This is an excellent time for:

  • Gastronomic and cultural getaways
  • Experiencing Porto in autumn and at Christmas, with lights, markets, and concerts
  • Travelling at a more relaxed pace

Almada234 caters to all profiles, from solo travellers and couples to families, with studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments designed for different ways of travelling.

 

A full year of reasons to visit Porto

With well-distributed public holidays and several possible long weekends, 2026 is an excellent year to discover Porto at different rhythms and in different seasons. Whether on a short break or a longer holiday, Almada234 offers the ideal base to experience the city like a local.

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