Good Friday

Make it longer

Fri 26 Mar – Sun 28 Mar is a 3-day weekend with no leave needed.

Plan more breaks with the leave planner.

Where to go for Good Friday

Good Friday is a national holiday in Portugal, and together with Easter Sunday it gives a three-day spring weekend. Holy Week processions are a long tradition in Braga, and the season suits walks in mild weather.

Budget-friendly

• Braga

  Braga's Holy Week ceremonies and night processions are a long-standing tradition in a city of many churches. Above town, the UNESCO-listed Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary has a monumental Baroque staircase and a water-powered funicular.

  Typically around 26 March: high 15°C (59°F), low 5°C (40°F), rain on 33% of days.

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• Coimbra

  This old university town has the Baroque Joanina Library and hilltop university buildings on the UNESCO list. The Roman ruins of Conímbriga are a short drive away, and spring is pleasant for walks along the Mondego.

  Typically around 26 March: high 17°C (62°F), low 6°C (42°F), rain on 33% of days.

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Mid-range

• Évora

  The walled, UNESCO-listed centre holds a Roman temple, the cathedral and the Chapel of Bones. Nearby, the Almendres Cromlech stone circle and Alentejo wineries add to a weekend, with regional cooking such as pork with clams.

  Typically around 26 March: high 20°C (68°F), low 7°C (45°F), rain on 30% of days.

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Splurge

• Funchal · Madeira

  Madeira's mild spring suits walks along the levadas, the island's irrigation channels, and visits to gardens such as Monte Palace. In Funchal, the Mercado dos Lavradores and Madeira wine lodges round out a stay.

  Typically around 26 March: high 18°C (64°F), low 16°C (60°F), rain on 26% of days.

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• Seville · Andalucía

  Spain also has Good Friday off, and Seville's Holy Week processions by brotherhoods carrying ornate floats are a central tradition. The city is a drive of a few hours from the Algarve, with the Cathedral, Real Alcázar and tapas bars to explore.

  Typically around 26 March: high 21°C (69°F), low 8°C (46°F), rain on 27% of days.

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Trip ideas chosen by Public Holidays World, not sponsored. “Typically” lines are past averages, not forecasts; when the date is within about 9 days, a forecast is shown too. For trips abroad, check your government’s official travel advice and entry rules before you book.