To say Portugal is off-the-beaten-path might have been true in years past, but the secret has slowly started slipping out about this vibrant country. Simply put, Portugal is a special place. It’s a place where streets are patterned with marble mosaics, and wine is served out of hidden windows. Where colorful palaces bring fantasy to life, and sunny days are abundant. Of all the things to love about Portugal, these are my top ten reasons you should plan your next trip to Portugal.
1. It’s an easy flight from the US
At the westernmost edge of continental Europe, Portugal is easier to get to than most other European destinations. You can fly from NYC to Lisbon in roughly the same amount of time it takes to get to LA. Stopover programs like that of TAP Portugal also make it easy to spend 24 hours in Lisbon, and plan a quick trip to Portugal before continuing on to your final European destination.
2. Portugal truly has it all
Whether you want to spend a weekend sipping port wine in hilly vineyards, getting lost in the winding streets of Lisbon, or stand up paddling as the sun rises behind rugged coastline, there is an experience in Portugal waiting for you. When you have limited vacation days to spare, Portugal is a country that packs a punch and has an immense variety of trips and activities to offer.
3. The food scene
Portuguese cuisine is more than just salt cod and sardines, although those are two staples you can expect to see around the country. The fresh fish, petiscos and global influence are a given (Piri Piri Chicken is a must!), but with 12 Michelin star restaurants in Lisbon alone, Portugal has an incredible food scene to appease even the toughest food critic.
4. It is affordable compared to other European destinations
Maybe off-the-beaten-path is just a misguided synonym for affordable. Although costs continue to rise, your dollar will stretch farther here than other European destinations. You will notice a meaningful difference especially in the cost of Ubers and train travel, meals, and accommodations. A trip to Portugal can be a budget friendly plan for those looking for a European vacation, without breaking the bank.
5. Adorable Airbnbs
While on the topic of accommodations, I’d be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge Portugal’s Airbnb culture. A quick search of short term rental properties will show properties in the heart of the best neighborhoods, tucked within the winding streets and drenched with character. For a weekend, you’ll feel like a local as you come and go.
6. The art
Art, culture, and history are so tightly intertwined in Portugal, apparent in the hauntingly beautiful Fado ballads, the distinct blue azulejos, and world-renown pottery. I have only two regrets from my time in Portugal; Not going to a Fado show, and not leaving enough room in my suitcase to bring back all the ceramics I wanted. Please learn from my mistakes.
7. You’re bound to have great weather
Portugal has on average over 300 sunny days a year, so chances are you will have great weather no matter what time of year you go. Although mild year-round, spring and fall are the best times to visit Portugal to take advantage of long days and warm weather, and check out some of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal, without peak pricing and crowds in the summer season.
8. Learn a few phrases of a romance language
Portuguese is the second most-spoken romance language in the world. If the name isn’t a dead giveaway, Portuguese is the national language of Portugal. By the end of your week-long stay in Portugal, you’ll be saying a cheerful obrigado every chance you get.
9. Portugal is rich in history
As one of the oldest countries in Europe, Portugal has an old-world charm to it: think marbled sidewalks, 8th century castles, and distinctive blue azulejos that tell stories of the ages. You’ll constantly stumble upon juxtapositions of old world and new as you walk the weathered marbled streets, a reminder of all of those who have walked before you.
10. Castle hopping in Sintra
Sintra is a one-of-a-kind day trip just 40 minutes from Lisbon that will transport you back in time to what was once a royal retreat. You’ll find castles and palaces of all styles and influences. In Sintra the colorful walls of Pena Palace peep out from the highest peak of the town, an iconic representation of romanticism; While on a hill just below, you can walk the Medieval ruins of an 8th century fortress, or spend an afternoon enchanted by Spanish gardens and secret grottoes.
