What Are The Unique Reasons To Visit Portugal?

I didn’t plan to fall in love with Portugal — it just kind of happened.

One minute you’re scrolling through flight deals, the next you’re daydreaming about cobblestone streets, sunny beaches, and coffee that somehow tastes better when you drink it outdoors.

If you’ve never been, here are four good reasons you might want to bump it up your travel list.

From the telltale of history to the beautiful beaches, the reasons to visit Portugal are endless. It is no wonder that the World Travel & Tourism Council has dedicated a complete piece on how Portugal has entered its golden era in tourism.

Also, the latest economic impact research, or EIR, has found that Portugal is about to contribute €62.7 billion to its economy this year. This research has been done by Oxford Economics and Travel & Tourism in Portugal.

What Are The Best Reasons To Visit Portugal? Why We Love Portugal

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is not stopping gushing over the tourism boom in Portugal because its tourism growth has been massive, and it is one of the highest economic factors in the overall revenue of Portugal.

Furthermore, tourism in Portugal is a huge factor in the social landscape of Portugal.

WTTC says,

“Research conducted by WTTC shows that in 2018, €1 in every €5 in Portugal came from tourism. Furthermore, the Travel & Tourism sector grew by one of the highest rates in Europe and contributed one in five of all jobs in the country, further demonstrating the importance of the sector to the country.”

It is obvious that the places to visit in Portugal or some prominent reasons to visit Portugal, have a major role to play in the tourism boom.

1. Visit Historical Sites

Portugal’s got that “layered history” thing going on.

You can be wandering down a quiet Lisbon street, turn a corner, and boom — there’s a centuries-old monastery staring back at you.

The Jerónimos Monastery? Absolutely worth it. It’s been around since the 1500s and, yeah, it’s on the UNESCO list since 1983, according to Visit Lisboa.

Oh, and if you climb up to São Jorge Castle, you get this ridiculous view over the whole city. I stood there for way too long just taking it in.

Outside Lisbon, Sintra’s Pena Palace looks like it’s been pulled straight from a fantasy film, and Évora’s Roman temple is one of those “wait, this is really here?” kind of places.

2. Try Delicious Food And Drink

I’m not going to lie — I’d go back to Portugal just for the food.

Bacalhau is everywhere (salted cod, done in more ways than I thought possible), and the little sharing plates — petiscos — are dangerously easy to keep ordering. Cheese, grilled sardines, spiced sausage… it’s all fair game.

If you’re planning to stay in a villa in Portugal, head to a deli or bakery to buy a range of treats, including traditional Pastel de Nata – a tasty custard-filled tart.

They’re not just hype. They’re flaky, creamy, and somehow taste better if you eat them standing at a bakery counter.

I had one with coffee every morning. Sometimes two. No regrets.

3. Go To Events And Festivals

If you like your trips with a side of music, colour, and maybe a little chaos, Portugal’s festivals deliver.
Madeira Flower Festival — late April into May — fills the streets with petals, floats, and people actually dancing in the middle of the road.

Then there’s Porto’s São João Festival in June. Imagine the entire city staying up past midnight, eating grilled sardines, and setting off fireworks.
Sleep? Forget it. You can catch up when you’re home.

4. Enjoy Amazing Scenery

Some places you visit, you remember for one or two views. Portugal’s not like that.
The Algarve’s beaches — like Praia da Salema and Praia de Alvor — are the kind you see in postcards, except they’re real and right in front of you. They are best, says The Times.

If you’re into wine, the Douro Valley is basically a painting come to life, with hills covered in vineyards.
And the Azores? Completely different vibe — volcanic lakes, waterfalls, tea fields… and about a thousand photo ops.

5. The Cities Of Portugal Are Irresistible

The cities of Portugal have a unique charm. These cities have all the modern amenities, yet they have this old-world charm thanks to the unique blend of culture and history.

Also, by cities in Portugal, we do not just refer to Porto and Lisbon. We absolutely love the blue azulejos of Porto, and riding the yellow tram in Lisbon is quite an experience.

However, beyond these major cities, Portugal has cities such as Braga and Aveiro. These cities are well-connected and ideal for day trips from Porto or Lisbon.

Moreover, Aveiro has canals like Venice, and the cliffs of Lagos are dramatic. Also, Braga stands out with its historical buildings and quaint charm.

Overall, the more you explore Portugal, the reasons to visit Portugal will be even more.

6. Portugal Is More Affordable Than Other European Countries

Portugal, despite its blend of history, culture, and natural abundance, remains one of the most affordable countries in Europe.

Even in big cities like Porto and Lisbon, you can stay for just £35 per night. Moreover, your travel budget can become even lower if you visit Portugal in the shoulder seasons.

When Is The Best Season To Visit Portugal?

Portugal is a year-round destination. However, April to May and September to October are the best months to visit Portugal.

April to May, or the spring season, is great for outdoor activities, and they become fun because of the mild weather conditions.

On the other hand, the Autumn months of September to October are warmer. This season is ideal for visiting the beaches and coastal areas of Portugal. Hiking and watersports are the outdoor activities you will love to participate in if you are in Portugal in autumn.

The Reasons To Visit Portugal: It Always Convinces You To Return

By the time you leave, you’ll be plotting your return.

Portugal has this way of sneaking under your skin — the food, the landscapes, even the slow pace of it all.
It’s the kind of trip that doesn’t just end when you get home.

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