School holidays in Portugal in 2025–2026

Planning ahead also means preparing financially for these holiday periods. Whether you’re organising a family trip abroad, arranging childcare, or enrolling your children in vacation camps, managing your finances efficiently is crucial. For expat families who frequently travel between countries or maintain ties to their home country, services like These services can help manage multiple currencies and international payments without the hidden fees that banks can often charge.

Learn when your children are next off school by reading the following:

• Overview of school holidays in Portugal

• When are the school holidays in Portugal in 2025–2026?

• When are the school holidays in Portugal in 2026–2027?

• When are the public holidays in Portugal?

• Tips for expat parents in PortugalFinancial planning for school holidaysChildcare during Portuguese school holidaysFun summer camps in Portugal

• Financial planning for school holidays

• Childcare during Portuguese school holidays

• Fun summer camps in Portugal

Baleal Surf Camp

For a sunny surfing holiday at one of Europe’s top surf spots, try Baleal Surf Camp, a family-run surf school in Peniche, Portugal. It was founded in 1993 and is known for expert instruction, eco values, and a laid-back vibe. Beginners, pros, solo travelers, and families are all welcome, with private or hostel stays available.

Overview of school holidays in Portugal

The dates for school holidays are set by the Ministry of Education in Portugal. General holiday dates are the same across the country, however there may be variations between regional districts and schools on additional holiday dates or days off.

In general, schools have four holidays across the year:

• Christmas holidays (Os feriados de Natal)

• Mardi Gras carnival (Feriados de carnaval)

• Easter holidays (Férias da Páscoa)

• Summer break (Férias de verão)

Private international schools in Portugal have their own holiday schedules, which may differ slightly from the general dates. Be sure to check with your child’s school for exact dates.

International schools in Portugal

When are the school holidays in Portugal in 2025–2026?

Holiday

Dates

First day of school

11-15 September 2025

Christmas holidays

17 December 2025, 4 January 2026

Carnival holidays

16-18 February 2026

Easter holidays

28 March, 12 April 2026

Last day of school

– 5 June 2026 (Years 9, 11 & 12)– 12 June 2026 (Years 5, 6, 7, 8 & 10)– 30 June 2026 (Preschool and years 1-4)

When are the school holidays in Portugal in 2026–2027?

Holiday

Dates

First day of school

11–15 September 2026

Christmas holidays

16 December 2026, 3 January 2027

Carnival holidays

8-10 February 2027

Easter holidays

20 March, 4 April 2027

Last day of school

– 4 June 2027 (Years 9, 11 & 12)– 11 June 2027 (Years 5, 6, 7, 8 & 10)– 30 June 2026 (Preschool and years 1-4)

When are the public holidays in Portugal?

There are also additional days off for public holidays and other school-related activities in Portugal.

In addition to the main school holidays in Portugal, there are other days throughout the year when schools may be closed. These include national public holidays and local (municipal) holidays, for example.

You can learn more about these additional holidays in our article on public holidays in Portugal.

Portuguese public holidays

Tips for expat parents in Portugal

Financial planning for school holidays

School holidays often mean additional expenses for families, from travel and accommodation to childcare and activities. For expat parents who may be traveling internationally or paying for services in different currencies, managing these expenses efficiently becomes even more important.

When planning trips abroad during school breaks:

• Create a holiday budget that accounts for currency fluctuations

• Consider the most cost-effective way to spend money abroad

• Plan ahead for international payments for activities or accommodations

Using the multi-currency account can help you manage your holiday finances. With the service, you can hold and convert money in multiple currencies and spend abroad with the multi-currency debit card.

Childcare during Portuguese school holidays

Childcare in Portugal is limited in terms of daycare provision compared to many northern European countries. Many locals expect families to look after kids during the holidays.

If you need to arrange care for your child during the school holidays in Portugal, ask your child’s school or check with your regional authority for information on local providers.

Otherwise, here are some suggestions:

• Holiday workshops: The bigger cities and expat-populated areas tend to have more childcare facilities. In Lisbon, Academia Dos Miudos (Kids Academy) runs activities and workshops at holiday cottages. These are primarily aimed at younger children but are open also to school-aged kids during holiday times. The regional authority in Faro runs some holiday programs through its youth and education services. Places may be limited so ask at the earliest opportunity.

• Private nurseries: Some private nurseries offer summer programs for preschool children. Check with your nursery to find out what they provide.

• Childminders: If family members or friends aren’t available, you can look into childminders, nannies, au pairs, or babysitters. Check Baby Sisters and MyBabysitter to see who is available in your area.

Fun summer camps in Portugal

During the longer summer break, there are several providers of summer camps offering fun activities in the Portuguese sun. For example:

• Campo Aventura, based in Obidos, runs camps and activities for children of all ages

• In Lisbon, Nomad Surfers runs teen surf camps throughout the summer break

• Baleal Surf Camp, a family-run surf school in Peniche, Portugal

Also, check the Expatica directory for a list of providers.