School holidays in Portugal in 2026–2027

Compared to many other countries, Portuguese schools have fewer school holidays throughout the year, but have a longer-than-average summer break.

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 Wise 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

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.

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 2027 (Preschool and years 1-4)

When are the school holidays in Portugal in 2027–2028?

Holiday	Dates
First day of school	13–15 September 2027
Christmas holidays	20 December 2027 – 2 January 2028
Carnival holidays	28 February – 1 March 2028
Easter holidays	3-17 April 2028
Last day of school	– 8 June 2028 (Years 9, 11 & 12) – 15 June 2028 (Years 5, 6, 7, 8 & 10) – 30 June 2028 (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.

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 Wise account can help you manage your holiday finances. With Wise, you can hold and convert money in multiple currencies and spend abroad with the Wise 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

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