What comes to mind when you think of Portugal? Native son soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo? Or maybe you remember Magellan the Explorer and the Age of Discovery from your history classes. The country on the edge of the European continent has a lot more than that going for it, both in its past and present. And if you pay a visit, I guarantee you'll fall in love.
Yet for some reason, Portugal hasn't been a top destination for either backpackers or honeymooners. As longtime travel guidebook writer Rick Steves points out, Portugal is Western Europe's least visited country. That may soon change. Recent stats from the government show foreign tourism to Portugal rose 10 percent in one year. And the travel experts I spoke to agree the trend will continue.
"Perched right on the edge of Europe, stunning-but-understated Portugal has been overlooked in favor of higher-profile Mediterranean destinations like France, Spain, and Italy," explains Lonely Planet destination editor Tom Stainer. Stainer says travelers should give Portugal consideration, thanks to its vibrant cities, golden beaches, historic villages, and medieval castles. "Portugal has everything," he says, maintaining that 2017 is Portugal's time to shine. "Not only is it one of the safest countries in the world," according to Stainer, "but it also offers great value for money." He notes that many of the top attractions are free, and local food and wine are cheap — and delicious.
Robin Brooks, from adventure tour company Exodus Travels, believes that as more Americans travel overseas, they'll be looking for new places to visit, beyond the standard London, Paris, Rome whirlwind. "Many have already ticked off the classic European Tour," she notes. Portugal, on the other hand, "is packed with history, culture, outdoor adventures, beaches, and other highlights that remain to be discovered."
It's not surprising then that people are catching on. Travel + Leisure named Portugal its top destination last year. Throw in the fact that the dollar is historically strong against the euro, and 2017 is the year to book your trip to Portugal while it's still affordable. If you're not fully convinced yet, here are 15 reasons you should visit Portugal ASAP — along with a healthy dose of travel eye candy.
Lisbon's affordability stands out against other capital cities in Europe. "If you compare prices in Portugal to Italy or France, there is no comparison," according to Brooks. She gladly points out that you can find a quality meal for two with wine for less than 20 euros. And in Lisbon, the average Airbnb goes for $75 per night, according to the vacation rental platform.
As Lonely Planet's Tom Stainer notes, Portugal is one of the safest countries in the world. Travelers concerned with stability in other parts of Europe can rest easier when booking a trip to Portugal.
When's the best time to go to Portugal? Pretty much any time. While most of Europe is freezing during winter months, Portugal enjoys mild climates and an abundance of sunshine, especially from Lisbon down.
Lisbon has everything you want in a European capital city: cultural sites, adventurous restaurants, charming streets, and stylish residents. And if you head to the country's second-largest city, Porto, you'll find a medieval city cascading into the Douro River. "It’s also a smaller country," notes Brooks, so getting between Lisbon and Porto is relatively fast and easy.
Hop in a rental car and explore the picturesque villages Portugal has to offer. Óbidos, for example, has a 14th century wall, narrow streets, colorful and whitewashed buildings, and traditional shops.
Brooks loves the slower pace found outside the cities: "life is seemingly untouched by the frenzied pace and trappings of modern life," she explains, continuing: "Many areas have no loud, brash, corporate chain hotels to scar the beautiful landscapes. The Portuguese authorities have remained sympathetic to this in many regions and the hotels and guesthouses are chosen for their location, charm, and character."
Being that it's on the coast of Europe, Portugal has some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. In surfer paradise Nazare, you can also take in the largest waves anywhere in the world.
The beach vacation offerings in Portugal have become increasingly sophisticated, according to Brooks. "In the 1970s, the Algarve region of Portugal was at the forefront of British and Europeans travelers looking for package holidays." She continues: "their expectations for travel are different than Americans. However, new properties, hotel renovations, and updated infrastructure has made it far more appealing to North Americans."
Portugal is known for its fresh seafood, comforting chorizo, and traditional bacalhau — salted cod that can be prepared more than a thousand different ways. Brooks believes that “Portugal is a cornucopia of delights and a foodie and wine aficionados’ paradise." In Lisbon, you can eat at trendy and modern restaurants, like A Cevicheria or Mini Bar, or go for traditional food at a neighborhood Taberna.
In Portugal, you'll be introduced to vinho verde, aka "green wine." The young wine is light and refreshing and perfect with a fried cod cake. Portugal is also proud of its red wines from the Douro Valley or Alentejo regions. And don't forget Port, the fortified wine named after Portugal's second city, Porto, where the wine is aged.
Let me introduce you to the pastel de nata, a perfect Portuguese pastry you'll want to eat at least once a day. The egg tart is customarily served warm and with a sprinkle of cinnamon and powdered sugar.
Portugal has one of the oldest unchanged borders in the world — which is another way of saying it's a very old country. Lonely Planet's Stainer says: "don't miss Lisbon's historic Belém district with its monastery, monuments, and museums; the gorgeous white palace at Sintra; and Braga's spectacular baroque staircase that ferries pilgrims up a mountain."
This year is also an important year in Portuguese religious culture. Brooks explains: "2017 marks the centennial of the Virgin Mary’s apparition to three children in the village of Fatima in 1917. The ancient Portuguese route towards Santiago de Compostela is a worthwhile trek that pilgrims have made for centuries."
Arrive in Lisbon and you'll quickly notice the Art Noveau-style kiosks in the city's many parks and plaza. You may be surprised to know that most were shuttered from the 1930s until 2009 when a local entrepreneur decided to bring them back. Now you can get traditional drinks, 1 euro cold beers, or coffee while enjoying views and the occasional improvised live musical performance.
Lisbon's historic 28 line doubles as convenient transportation and sightseeing tour. You can see the Baixa, Graça, Alfama, and Estrela districts, while also taking it to the city's steep and historic Alfama neighborhood. And in Porto, you can take a street car from the city center to the charming Foz do Douro neighborhood, traveling along the sea.
Want to feel like you're in a fairytale? Sintra is a charming Portuguese village with various monuments, including the 19th century Pena Palace. And it's only a 30-minute drive from Lisbon!
Rumor has it that Porto inspired Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling, who lived there from 1991 to 1993. For example, Porto's Livraria Lello resembles the famous Hogwarts staircase in Harry Potter. And in Porto, you'll also see the city's university students roaming the streets wearing traditional uniforms that feature black capes. Are those Hogwarts students in their robes?
In 2017, it will be easier than ever to see the beautiful sites Portugal has to offer, as more flights are opening up. TAP, Portugal's national airline, just brought back flights from Boston and JFK in 2016, for example. Brooks explains: “Portugal’s accessibility from North America was not up to par with the rest of Europe, but this has certainly changed with more airlines announcing direct routes into Portugal from the USA." In addition, as Brooks points out, Portugal shares a border with Spain, "which makes it a fantastic and affordable vacation country combo." Ready to start packing?
