{"id":870689,"date":"2022-09-21T13:05:12","date_gmt":"2022-09-21T12:05:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/?p=870689"},"modified":"2025-10-13T05:11:01","modified_gmt":"2025-10-13T04:11:01","slug":"why-visit-portugal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/why-visit-portugal\/","title":{"rendered":"10 reasons why you should visit Portugal"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Why does it feel like everyone is asking, why visit Portugal<\/a>?<\/em> Could their curiosity be due to the delicious pasteis de natas,<\/em> charming fishing villages, and stunning weather? The famous Portuguese custard tarts do<\/em> taste better when you\u2019re 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The sunkissed city of Lisbon<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Portugal\u2019s sun-drenched capital can\u2019t 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\u2019s second oldest capital city, after Athens. Yes, Lisbon\u2019s ancient history dates back further than Rome\u2019s (by about 400 years!) and you\u2019ll hear all about how its golden age came to an end with the tragic natural disasters of 1755.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/em> shows<\/a> 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\u2019s lively nightlife.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

RELATED BLOG: <\/em><\/strong>24 hours in Lisbon with local influencer Ol\u00e1 Daniela<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The magic of Sintra<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

GET INSPIRED BY: Highlights of Spain and Portugal<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The relaxed pace of life<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s no need to rise and shine early here. Linger a little longer with your morning coffee and don\u2019t stress if you\u2019re running five minutes late.\u00a0Of course, there’s always time for an extra pastel de nata.<\/em> When those seeking relaxation ask us why visit Portugal, this<\/em> is why.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

GET INSPIRED BY: Spain, Morocco and Portugal<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The charms of Porto<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Wandering about Portugal\u2019s second-largest city, Porto, and you\u2019ll 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 \u2013 a cheesy, saucy, meat-filled local favourite \u2013 and you\u2019ll understand why travellers keep coming back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

READ MORE: 17 fun facts about Portugal<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The fresh seafood<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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With 832km (517miles) of coastline, Portugal\u2019s 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<\/em> 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\u2019ll quickly see why visiting Portugal is a must for any seafood lover. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

GET INSPIRED BY: Spain, Morocco and Portugal<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The beautiful beaches and World Surf Reserve<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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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\u2019re sunbathing in the Algarve, surfing the giant waves at Nazar\u00e9, or exploring the charming coastal towns of Ericeira and Cascais, Portugal\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

RELATED BLOG: <\/em><\/strong>15 basic Portuguese language phrases & words to know before you travel to Portugal<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The gorgeous smaller cities <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Image credit: Ol\u00e1 Daniela<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Portugal\u2019s smaller cities are packed with charm and history. When deciding where to travel in Portugal, don\u2019t skip over small cities and towns. Make time for medieval Guimar\u00e3es (once the capital of Portugal), whitewashed \u00c9vora (with its bone chapel), or academic Coimbra (home to one of the oldest universities in the world, founded in 1290). Or drop into quaint \u00d3bidos (a walled village given as a royal wedding gift), and the Templar city of Tomar (home to the Knight\u2019s Templar).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

GET INSPIRED BY: <\/em><\/strong>Best of Portugal<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The brilliant unknown wines<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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You\u2019ve not heard much about Portuguese wines? That\u2019s 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<\/em> you\u2019ll 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\u2019ve never heard of, to crisp, fresh and effervescent \u201cgreen wine\u201d, there\u2019s 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\u2019s so much more to explore…<\/p>\n\n\n\n

GET INSPIRED BY: The treasures of Spain and Portugal<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Festivals and nightlife<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Portugal\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The weather, islands and natural escapes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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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\u2019ll find those famous blue skies. In the cold months\u00a0you can even go skiing at Portugal\u2019s highest mountain, Serra da Estrela.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Portugal\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

GET INSPIRED BY: Great Iberian Cities<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The great value<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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 \u2013 like sunny days by the beach and a beer or white wine in the sunshine \u2013 for very little.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The culture <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

From learning about the beautiful Lusitano horse breed with Be My Guest hosts Vera and Tiago, to visiting iconic sites and tasting Portugal\u2019s famous port wine, there\u2019s 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… <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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