If you’re an expat living in Portugal — or planning to make the move — the holidays in Portugal are a golden opportunity to explore, relax and tap into local culture. This guide walks you through the key Portuguese national holidays, Portuguese bank holidays, and public holidays in Portugal for 2026 — with tips tailored to expats who want to make the most of them.
Why knowing the holidays matters for expats
The 2026 public holidays in Portugal at a glance
Long-weekends and strategic timing for expats
Special seasons: Easter & Christmas in Portugal
Regional and optional holidays in Portugal
What to do during holidays in Portugal
Practical tips for expats
Why the schedule matters
FAQ
Why knowing the holidays matters for expats
As someone living and working in Portugal, understanding the Portuguese holiday calendar helps you plan everything from weekend getaways and long weekends to banking closures or public service disruptions. Whether you’re attending a festival in Lisbon or closing your laptop early for a national day, knowing the official holidays in Portugal ensures you don’t miss out.
Portugal offers many ways to enjoy your time off: from summer holidays, Portugal-style beach weekends to historic city breaks. The national holidays in Portugal often mean closed shops, public-office shutdowns and festive atmospheres — so you’ll want to schedule accordingly.
And last but not least, you can plan your transfer schedule in advance. Share the holiday spirit with people back home with Profee – a trusted online service for sending money from Portugal.
The 2026 public holidays in Portugal at a glance
Here are the major Portuguese national holidays and public holidays in Portugal for 2026:
| Date | Holiday |
|---|---|
| Jan 1 (Thu) | New Year’s Day (Ano Novo) |
| Apr 3 (Fri) | Good Friday |
| Apr 5 (Sun) | Easter Sunday |
| Apr 25 (Sat) | Freedom Day (Dia da Liberdade) |
| May 1 (Fri) | Labour Day (Dia do Trabalhador) |
| Jun 4 (Thu) | Corpus Christi |
| Jun 10 (Wed) | Portugal Day (Dia de Portugal) |
| Aug 15 (Sat) | Assumption of Mary (Assunção) |
| Oct 5 (Mon) | Republic Day (Implantação da República) |
| Nov 1 (Sun) | All Saints’ Day (Todos os Santos) |
| Dec 1 (Tue) | Restoration of Independence (Restauração da Independência) |
| Dec 8 (Tue) | Immaculate Conception |
| Dec 25 (Fri) | Christmas Day (Natal) |
These are the larger Portuguese bank holidays and Portuguese public holidays you’ll most often see on office calendars.
Long-weekends and strategic timing for expats
Because you live here, you have the advantage of planning ahead. A few suggestions:
- Apr 25 (Sat): Since this falls on a Saturday in 2026, you might combine it with the preceding Friday to create a long break.
- May 1 (Fri): A guaranteed long weekend — perfect opportunity for a trip to the coast or into the countryside.
- Oct 5 (Mon): A Monday holiday means you’ve got a three-day weekend. Ideal for exploring less-touristy parts of the country.
For an expat, these holidays in Portugal offer smart breaks and time to recharge. Use the Portuguese holidays calendar to book early if you want travel deals.
Special seasons: Easter & Christmas in Portugal
Easter period
The public holidays in Portugal around Easter (Good Friday and Easter Sunday) give a chance to experience local traditions. Churches hold special services, some towns host processions, and as an expat, you’ll get a sense of how the Portuguese observe these moments.
Christmas holidays in Portugal
Christmas (Dec 25) and the lead-up to it bring a magical feel — lights in Lisbon, markets, and regional festivals. For expats, the Сhristmas holidays in Portugal are a lovely time to immerse in seasonal culture. Note: many offices and shops may close earlier, and public transport schedules might change.
Regional and optional holidays in Portugal
Beyond the main list, there are regional, municipal and optional holidays across Portugal. Examples include local saints’ days, municipal anniversaries or specific bank holiday schedules. As an expat, you’ll want to check your region or employer’s calendar so you don’t assume a universal closure.
What to do during holidays in Portugal: expat-style
Here are some ideas to make the most of each break:
- Head to Lisbon or Porto during a holiday just to feel the city breathe differently — shops close early, locals relax, cafés fill up.
- Use a Portuguese bank holidays break for a road trip: the coastal Algarve, the Douro Valley or a hidden gem village.
- Attend a festival: many Portuguese festivals align with national days or religious events — a great way to meet locals and expats alike.
- Use slower working days pre/post-holiday to catch up or organise your life — banks, public services may run reduced hours thanks to Portuguese public holidays.
Practical tips for expats navigating the holiday calendar
- Bank & public-office closures: On many official holidays in Portugal, banks, postal services and government offices close — plan ahead if you need something done.
- Work schedule & leave: If you work full-time in Portugal, some holidays in Portugal may allow you to leverage extra days for “bridge” holidays. Employers often close the day before/after big holidays.
- Travel and accommodation: Popular holiday dates mean domestic travel bookings pick up. Use the national holidays in Portugal calendar early to get ahead of booking demand.
- Cultural experience: Use the time to attend local parades, markets and traditions — these enrich your expat life far beyond simply “time off”.
Read more about life in Portugal:
Why the schedule matters for your life here
As someone living in Portugal, seeing how the public holidays in Portugal interact with your work, travel and lifestyle is central. These Portuguese bank holidays and national holidays in Portugal are more than days off — they’re slices of local culture, community, and rhythm. Embracing them helps you settle in, enjoy your expat life and feel connected.
Summary for the expat lifestyle
To wrap up: In 2026, you’ve got a strong schedule of holidays in Portugal, Portugal bank holidays and major events to build around. From New Year’s Day all the way to Christmas, each date is a chance to explore the country, tap into local traditions and carve out meaningful breaks. Use your awareness of bank holidays and the full schedule to plan smart long weekends, travel, rest and cultural immersion. Your time off becomes part of your expat journey — not just downtime.
Enjoy your life in Portugal, plan ahead, and make the most of each holiday moment!
FAQ
How many holidays can I look forward to in 2026?
You’re in luck — Portugal has 13 public holidays in 2026, spread nicely through the year. From New Year’s Day to Christmas, there’s always another long weekend to plan for.
Do things really close during Portuguese bank holidays?
Yes, most do! On Portuguese bank holidays, banks, schools, and many offices shut down. Even some small shops take the day off, so it’s best to run errands ahead of time.
Are there local holidays too?
Definitely. Each city has its own special day. In Lisbon, it’s Santo António in June — the whole city turns into one big street party. These regional holidays are a great way for expats to feel part of local life.
What are Christmas holidays like in Portugal?
The Christmas holidays in Portugal are magical. Streets glow with lights, bakeries smell of cinnamon, and families gather for big dinners on Christmas Eve. Expect quieter cities and slower days — it’s time to unwind.
Where can I check the full holiday list?
The easiest way is to look at the Portuguese holidays calendar on PublicHolidays.pt or the government website. It’s updated yearly and shows all public holidays in Portugal, including local ones.
