Recently updated on October 13th, 2025 at 05:11 am
Why does it feel like everyone is asking, why visit Portugal? Could their curiosity be due to the delicious pasteis de natas, charming fishing villages, and stunning weather? The famous Portuguese custard tarts do taste better when you’re looking at colourful tiled buildings, watching the sunset over the ocean or eating them warm from the oven as an old yellow tram rattles past. Whether you have a sweet tooth or not, this small southern European nation, perched on the edge of Europe, offers everything from island-hopping in the Azores, or tasting local wines in the Douro Valley. Here are 10 reasons why you should visit Portugal.
The sunkissed city of Lisbon
Portugal’s sun-drenched capital can’t be skipped. Explore the Seven Hills, Lisbon, filled with panoramic views, colourful azulejos, and lively squares. From traditional fado music venues to specialty coffee shops, the capital city blends history and modernity perfectly. For a true cultural immersion, visit during the Santos Populares Festival, when the city comes alive with parades, music, and grilled sardines. One trip to Lisbon will give you just a taste of Europe’s second oldest capital city, after Athens. Yes, Lisbon’s ancient history dates back further than Rome’s (by about 400 years!) and you’ll hear all about how its golden age came to an end with the tragic natural disasters of 1755.
But modern Lisbon is a city on the rise again. Its vibrant streets, charisma and enviable climate have drawn a young crowd of cool Europeans who now call the coastal city home. Hop from traditional restaurants and fado shows to natural wine bars and specialty coffee shops all in an afternoon. Bring your evening to a musical close when you join locals at a rooftop bar to enjoy the city’s lively nightlife.
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The magic of Sintra
Sintra’s mystery and magic has to be seen in real life. Centuries ago the royals and rich built grand summer palaces on the hillside, crafting a destination so splendid that it now has UNESCO protection. While it makes the perfect day trip from Lisbon, Sintra is home to so many palaces (and an ancient 10th-century Moorish castle) that you need more than a day to explore this brilliant destination where nature and man combine. Now that sounds like a good excuse to travel to Portugal again and again to tick off more places on your bucket list.
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The relaxed pace of life
In picture-perfect Portugal the hard-working locals know the key to a good life is plenty of rest and making time for small joys each day. There’s no need to rise and shine early here. Linger a little longer with your morning coffee and don’t stress if you’re running five minutes late. Of course, there’s always time for an extra pastel de nata. When those seeking relaxation ask us why visit Portugal, this is why.
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The charms of Porto
Wandering about Portugal’s second-largest city, Porto, and you’ll see where J.K. Rowling found her inspiration for Harry Potter. From the university students wearing long black capes to the narrow streets and tall skinny houses, Porto is a medieval city full of magic. Explore the steep hills and colourful streets, then cross the river to Gaia where the famous port wine is cellared. Pair your tasting with a traditional francesinha sandwich – a cheesy, saucy, meat-filled local favourite – and you’ll understand why travellers keep coming back.
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The fresh seafood
With 832km (517miles) of coastline, Portugal’s history, culture and food is defined by the sea. Set against the wild Atlantic Ocean at the edge of Europe, centuries of seafaring tradition have shaped its cuisine. Local fishermen have ventured out in search of fresh seafood, helping define the best of Portuguese dishes. Head to the quaint fishing villages or book at table at marisqueira to taste local delicacies like goose barnacles, razor clams and whelks, or order grilled fish and clams cooked with white wine, olive oil and garlic where you can. You’ll quickly see why visiting Portugal is a must for any seafood lover.
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The beautiful beaches and World Surf Reserve
Portugal has some of the most gorgeous golden sandy beaches in all of Europe. Travelers return to Portugal for stunning days frolicking in the sand or taking brisk ocean swims. The more adventurous can join a surf lesson or hire a stand-up paddle board or sea kayak along the coast. Whether you’re sunbathing in the Algarve, surfing the giant waves at Nazaré, or exploring the charming coastal towns of Ericeira and Cascais, Portugal’s beaches are world-class. Ericeira even holds the title of an official World Surf Reserve, making it a bucket-list destination for surfers from around the world.
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The gorgeous smaller cities
Portugal’s smaller cities are packed with charm and history. When deciding where to travel in Portugal, don’t skip over small cities and towns. Make time for medieval Guimarães (once the capital of Portugal), whitewashed Évora (with its bone chapel), or academic Coimbra (home to one of the oldest universities in the world, founded in 1290). Or drop into quaint Óbidos (a walled village given as a royal wedding gift), and the Templar city of Tomar (home to the Knight’s Templar).
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The brilliant unknown wines
You’ve not heard much about Portuguese wines? That’s because the locals are keeping it to themselves! Per capita, the Portuguese are among the top wine drinkers in the world. Once you taste the local vinho you’ll understand why. You have the Azores whites and the bold reds of Alentejo. From table wines that go down like water, native grape varietals you’ve never heard of, to crisp, fresh and effervescent “green wine”, there’s a whole new wine world to unlock in Portugal. Soon you’ll know the difference between a light red wine from the famous Douro Valley and the hearty rich Alentejo red. But there’s so much more to explore…
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Festivals and nightlife
Portugal’s vibrant culture is on full display during festivals like the Santos Populares Festival, where parades, dancing, and grilled sardines fill the streets. After dark, enjoy the lively nightlife in Lisbon or Porto, offering everything from rooftop bars to Fado music clubs. Festivals and evening entertainment underscore why visiting Portugal is a thrilling choice.
The weather, islands and natural escapes
Why travel to Portugal? For blue skies and sunshine. Expect warm sunny days almost year-round, especially in the summer months when it simply doesn’t rain. During the shoulder seasons, expect cooler weather and sunny days that are still appropriate for the beach. In winter Portugal gets the majority of its rain, but between showers you’ll find those famous blue skies. In the cold months you can even go skiing at Portugal’s highest mountain, Serra da Estrela.
Portugal’s islands are another reason travellers return. Explore volcanic landscapes and crater lakes in the Azores or the subtropical charm of Madeira Island. Relaxation, adventure, and breathtaking scenery make these islands a must-visit and perfectly illustrates why visit Portugal is a question with countless answers.
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The great value
Your dollar or pound goes much further in Portugal. The cost of travelling through the small country is less than its neighbours, plus you can enjoy the simple things in life – like sunny days by the beach and a beer or white wine in the sunshine – for very little.
The culture
From learning about the beautiful Lusitano horse breed with Be My Guest hosts Vera and Tiago, to visiting iconic sites and tasting Portugal’s famous port wine, there’s so much culture to uncover when you travel to Portugal with Trafalgar. Take a look at the video below for a taster of what you’ll experience…
FAQs
What is Portugal known for?
Portugal is famous for its historic cities, golden beaches, world-class wines, traditional dishes like francesinha, and azulejos tilework that adorn buildings everywhere.
What are some must-do things in Portugal?
Hiking in the Algarve, exploring the Seven Hills, Lisbon, tasting seafood in fishing villages, attending the Santos Populares Festival, and visiting the Azores or Madeira Island are all bucket list highlights.
When is the best time to visit Portugal?
Spring and early summer offer warm weather, fewer crowds, and ideal conditions for beaches, festivals, and dreamy outdoor wine tastings.
What is the weather like in Portugal?
Portugal enjoys mild winters and hot summers, especially along the coast and Algarve, making it perfect if you’re looking for beaches, city breaks and island trips.
Is port wine from Portugal?
Yes! Port wine originates from Porto and Gaia. Pair it with local cuisine and discover why travellers gleefully answer, why visit Portugal.
What food is Portugal known for?
Portugal is celebrated for seafood from charming, traditonal fishing villages, francesinha, pasteis de nata, and other regional dishes like roasted sardines during festivals.
That’s why people travel to Portugal. Have you been or are you planning a trip? Let us about your Portugal travel plans in the comments….
This article was created in partnership with Visit Portugal