Is Portugal Worth Visiting? 21 Reasons Why You’ll LOVE It
So you’ve been looking at holiday destinations. A friend of a friend told you Portugal was amazing, but you’re not so sure if it’s worth visiting. What does Portugal even offer?
Portugal is one of our favourite countries in the whole of Europe, and we can assure you it is definitely worth visiting.
We spent more than a month travelling from one end of Portugal to the other, soaking in the culture, trying the food, and really getting to know the country.
With incredible weather, a stunning coastline, vibrant cities, and beautiful architecture, Portugal has something for everyone. We’ve rounded up the top 21 reasons why you should visit Portugal in 2024.
Is Portugal Worth Visiting? Quick Guide
In a rush and don’t have time to read the whole post? Here’s the top 5 reasons why Portugal is worth visiting:
- It’s home to some beautiful beaches and a unique coastline
- The cities are vibrant and full of colour
- The weather is warm and sunny, particularly in the south
- It’s relatively cheap compared to many Western Europe destinations
- The landscapes are absolutely stunning
21 Reasons Why Portugal Is Worth Visiting
Still not convinced? Read on to find out 21 reasons why we think Portugal should be your next European destination, from our firsthand experience.
1. Beautiful Beaches & Unique Coastline
If you’re dreaming of a beach escape, Portugal is the place to be. With a coastline measuring almost 1800km, there are plenty of beaches to suit everyone.
The Algarve region, in particular, boasts golden sandy beaches, dramatic sandstone cliffs, and hidden coves. It’s easy to find a little slice of heaven to yourself. The coastline here is arguably one of the best in Europe.
For an Algarve break, we’d recommend basing yourself in Lagos, as it is super easy to explore the surrounding area from there.
Best Beaches In The Algarve
But you don’t have to venture all the way to the south for incredible beaches. With such a long coastline, you’re never too far away from a beautiful beach.
If you’re visiting Porto, you’ll be very close to beaches at Matosinhos, Espinho, and Aveiro. If you’re basing yourself in Lisbon, head to Arrábida Natural Park or Cascais.
With such beautiful and diverse landscapes, Portugal’s beaches are one of the best reasons to visit.
2. Vibrant Cities
Portugal’s cities are some of our favourite in the whole of Europe. Each city is filled with its own unique blend of history, culture, and modern charm.
We particularly loved Lisbon and Porto, both filled with colour and life. Seeing the beautiful blue azulejos in Porto and riding the traditional yellow trams in Lisbon are memories we will cherish forever.
Even smaller cities such as Aveiro and Braga have their own unique charm. Plus, as Porto and Lisbon, the two largest cities in Portugal, are relatively central, you can visit many others as day trips.
Whether it’s the Venice-like canals of Aveiro, the dramatic cliffline of Lagos, or the historical buildings of Braga, we guarantee there’s something for you to enjoy. Whichever city you visit in Portugal, you’ll be blown away by the diverse architecture, colours, and culture.
Top 5 Cities To Visit In Portugal
3. Delicious Cuisine
When you think of Portugal, you don’t typically think of its food, but honestly, you should. Being a coastal country, the cuisine features a lot of seafood, but not like the sort you get back home. This is the freshest seafood you’ll have ever tasted.
If you’re visiting Porto, make sure to try Francesinha, rated amongst the top 10 sandwiches in the world!
Francesinha is essentially two pieces of crusty bread filled with thick layers of steak, sausage, spicy sausage, and ham. It’s then covered in melted cheese, bathed in spicy sauce, and served with a fried egg on top. Francesinha is certainly not for the faint-hearted, though Nat very much enjoyed it!
When in Lisbon, you need to try the Pasteis de Belem, where the delicious pastel de nata originated. Pastel de nata is a bit like an egg custard tart and it is SO GOOD.
Also worth visiting in Lisbon is Time Out Market. This is a great place to sample a variety of traditional foods all in one place.
Alternatively, consider heading on a Lisbon food tour to make sure you hit up all the good spots!
4. World-Famous Wine Regions
Located in Northern Portugal, the Douro Valley is a must-visit for any wine lover. The wine here is spectacular, and the region is easily explored from Porto.
With rolling green hills covered in grapevines, and views down to the river, a day trip to the Douro Valley is one of the best things to do in Portugal. We’d recommend booking a full day tour from Porto, including a boat trip, as this is the easiest way to visit.
If you’re in Porto, you may as well also visit the Port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia. Home of Port wine, this is the best place to do a wine tasting. This tour even offers cheese and chocolate tastings which has to be a win, right?!
5. Rich Cultural Heritage
Portugal has a rich cultural heritage, evident in its historic landmarks, vibrant festivals, and soulful Fado music. Fado music has been recognised globally for it’s emotional depth, and is kind of like Portugals version of the blues. We’d highly recommend watching a Fado concert when you’re in portugal.
Portugal is home to many festivals which are worth visiting, including Festa de São João in Porto and the traditional Feira de São Mateus in Viseu. These feature incredible parades, music, and food, and are well worth seeing.
Similarly, the Portugal’s intricate azulejo tiles showcase the artisticness of this country. These are reflected throughout the country, but are best seen in Porto in our opinion.
Best Places To See Azulejos
6. Portugal Is Affordable
Lets face it, most places in Western Europe are expensive to visit. Not so much Portugal.
If you’re looking for the perfect destination without breaking the bank, Portugal might just be the place for you. Everything from accommodation to transport, food and drinks, tends to be cheaper than many places in Europe.
I was shocked when we managed to grab an entire modern apartment in the centre of Porto for just £35 per night! Of course, shoulder and off seasons are cheaper than peak season (July & August), but even then it can be an affordable destination.
7. Stunning Landscapes
It’s not just Portugal’s coastline that is stunning, the whole country is home to some pretty epic landscapes. This is one of the things we loved most about Portugal.
From the rolling vineyards of the Douro Valley, to the rugged cliffs of the Algarve, the Serra da Estrela mountain range and the arid plains of the Alentejo, Portugal is such a blend of different natural scenery.
Whether you want to hike in mountains, drink wine in the vineyards, or relax on a beach, the landscape is guaranteed to be beautiful.
8. Numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Portugal is home to 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, with many being super easily accessible. We’ve been to many countries where the UNESCO sites were a bit of a trek to see, but many in Portugal are right within the major cities.
Many sites have been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status for their unique architecture and role in the country’s history. Whether you realise it or not, I’m sure many UNESCO sites will make it to your Portugal itinerary, especially if you’re visiting Porto or Lisbon.
5 Unmissable UNESCO Sites In Portugal
9. Warm Climate
The Portuguese climate makes it the perfect holiday destination. With long hot summers with little rainfall, and mild winters, the weather makes Portugal a great year-round destination.
Northern Portugal does receive more varied weather than the South, but it’s still generally very pleasant. Summer temperatures average around the high 20s, though it often tips into the 30s.
10. Friendly Locals
The locals in Portugal are incredibly friendly and always willing to lend a hand. As soon as you step foot into the country, you’re sure to be made welcome and feel at home.
I remember we asked for directions in Lisbon and not only did the man we asked help us find our way, but he also walked with us for a bit. He told us stories about the city’s history and recommended his favorite café.
It’s encounters like this that you can’t plan but make all the difference to your trip. Portugal is full of encounters like this waiting to happen. The open-hearted nature of the locals just makes every day 100x better.
11. Incredible Surf Breaks
Did you know, Portugal is world-renowned for its surf? Portugal’s surf breaks are among the best in the world, making the country a top destination for surfers of all levels.
The coastline offers a diverse range of waves. Nazaré has powerful, world-famous breaks where record-breaking waves challenge the bravest big-wave surfers. Praia do Amado in the Algarve provides consistent, beginner-friendly surf.
Ericeira, designated as a World Surfing Reserve, is a mecca for surfers. It boasts a variety of waves suitable for different skill levels, including the iconic Ribeira d’Ilhas.
The laid-back town of Peniche is another surfing hotspot. It is home to Supertubos, known for its fast and hollow waves that attract international competitions.
Plus, if you’re not quite a pro and just want to give it a go, Portugal is a super affordable place to learn to surf.
12. It’s Dotted With Ancient Castles & Fortresses
We love a good castle and Portugal is filled with them. Scattered across the country, there are plenty for you to discover.
São Jorge Castle in Lisbon stands majestically over the city, offering incredible views over the city. This is such an iconic place in Lisbon, you can see the castle from almost everywhere in the city.
Another must-visit is the Disney-like Pena Palace in Sintra, with vibrant colors and eclectic architecture. Sintra is one of the best day trips you can take from Lisbon and we would highly recommend visiting!
Our favourite castle in Portugal has to be Óbidos, where cobblestone streets and tiny whitewashed houses sit in the heart of the castle walls. Whilst most people visit on a day trip from Lisbon, this is one where we’d recommend spending a night.
13. Vibrant Nightlife
Portugal’s nightlife offers something for everyone, from traditional Fado music to stylish rooftop lounges and vibrant bars and clubs.
Lisbon is at the heart of Portugal’s nightlife, with the Bairro Alto district coming to life after dark. Head to Pink Street and Cais do Sodré for some of the best bars and clubs in the city.
If you’re heading to the Algarve, there are also plenty of options, particularly in the bigger, more touristy cities such as Albufeira. There are plenty of beach clubs to entertain all day and night.
14. Jurassic Park-Like Islands
Whilst not part of the mainland, Portugal is home to some of the most underrated islands in Europe. Madeira and the Azores are just a short flight from mainland Portugal, and yet their landscapes are a world away.
With towering mountains, luscious green forests, cascading waterfalls, and dramatic coastlines, it would be easy to think you’re in the middle of Jurassic Park.
15. Beautiful Architecture
Portugal is a must-visit for its amazing architecture, with centuries old buildings and a blend of different styles. Just by wandering through the streets of any town or city, you’re bound to be amongst colourful houses covered in beautiful azulejos.
Whilst I’ll fully admit I don’t know much about architecture, it’s evident that Portugal got something right with theirs. Beautiful balconies, intricate stone and tile work, and a hundred different colours, and that’s just on the everyday buildings!
Portugal also does a great job of blending old with new, with ultra-modern architecture, in places such as the MAAT, seamlessly blending with their surroundings.
16. Charming Villages
Portugal is full of SO many cute little villages that are definitely worth visiting. Whilst we love being in cities, we also love visiting more remote places that offer an authentic glimpse into Portuguese life.
Whilst not exactly off the tourist trail, Óbidos is one of our favourite small villages in Portugal. A medieval walled town with cobblestone streets, whitewashed houses, and an impressive castle, all make Óbidos really special.
No matter what part of the country you are in, there are so many quaint towns and villages for you to explore. We’re sure it will enrich your experience of the country.
17. It’s Easy To Get Around
One of the best reasons to visit Portugal is that it is SO easy to get around! We love a multi-centre trip and it is so easy to do just that in Portugal.
Portugal has an extensive railway system, with comfortable coaches filling in the gaps where there aren’t any trains. Trains are comfortable, air-conditioned, and are very reliable. They’re also super affordable!
This means you can travel across the country with ease and see far more of the country, without having to hire a car. It’s also great if you’re in a city and want to head on a day trip!
The cities are laid out so that all the main attractions are within walking distance. In fact, you can cover most attractions in Porto just by foot! Where there are things located further away, Lisbon has a metro system, trams, and buses, whilst Porto has buses and trams.
Purchasing the Lisbon card or the Porto card can be really worthwhile if you use public transport regularly.
18. Maldives-Style Sandbanks
Okay, this is something most people don’t know about and is kind of our little secret. Portugal is home to some breathtaking sandbanks that make you feel like you are in the Maldives.
If you’re in the Algarve and planning a stay in Faro, hire a kayak and head out into the Ria Formosa Natural Park. Not only will you have fun kayaking, see a tonne of wildlife, but you can head out to natural sandbanks between the shallow waters of the natural park and the ocean.
This is up there as one of the best experiences we’ve had in Europe. There’s a few sandbanks you can choose from and you’ll likely have them more or less to yourself.
We’d recommend hiring the kayaks for 4 hours. It takes around 1 hour to kayak to and from the sandbank depending on tides and ability. You’ll want at least 2 hours to enjoy the sandbank once you get there.
They’re also home to some of the most beautiful shells we’ve ever seen. Highly recommend this activity!
19. It Has A Fascinating History
Did you know, 50 years ago Portugal was a dictatorship? Or that in 1755 a huge earthquake flattened almost the whole of Lisbon?
Needless to say, Portugal has a fascinating history that makes visiting way more interesting. We love to learn the history of a place when we visit to gain a greater understanding of why things are how they are today.
To learn about the history more, we’d recommend booking a walking tour in Lisbon.
20. It’s Super Safe For Tourists
Portugal is known to be one of the safest countries in Europe. We never once felt unsafe whilst visiting. The people are so kind and friendly, and we’ve never heard of anyone encountering any issues.
Of course, in cities you do need to be aware of potential pick-pockets, and exercise the usual caution you would in any city.
21. English Is Widely Spoken
In the main cities in Portugal, English is widely spoken, making communicating very easy.
If you visit more remote places, it may be worth having Google translate downloaded as English may be less widely spoken.
It is also good practice to learn a few basic phrases in the local language. Here’s a few to get you started:
FAQs: Is Portugal Worth Visiting?
Still have a few questions about whether Portugal is worth visiting? We’ve rounded up the most frequently asked questions below.
How Many Days Should I Spend In Portugal?
How many days have you got?! Honestly, Portugal is such an incredible country. To travel the length of the country, I’d recommend allowing 3 weeks.
Two weeks is enough time to see Porto, Lisbon, and the Algarve.
If you’ve got a week, consider splitting it between Porto and Lisbon, or Lisbon and the Algarve.
If you’ve got just a few days, consider basing yourself in either Porto or Lisbon. They’re both great places to take day trips from too.
What Is The Best Way To Get Around Portugal?
Portugal is really well connected with trains and buses. Whilst you can hire a car if you prefer a roadtrip, we’d recommend sticking to trains and buses.
It’s a really convenient way tro travel and lets you sit back and enjoy the beautiful views. We’d recommend booking your public transport in advance through Omio.
Is Portugal Or Spain Better To Visit?
This really depends on what you want from your holiday and is a very personal choice.
Portugal offers stunning coastlines, charming villages, and vibrant cities like Lisbon. Spain boasts diverse landscapes, rich history, and lively cities like Barcelona and Madrid.
Both countries offer incredible food, culture, and architecture.
Ultimately, your preference will decide which destination suits your travel style better.
What Is The Best Time To Visit Portugal?
The best time to visit Portugal is during the shoulder season, in either spring or autumn. The weather is pleasant and crowds are smaller. Plus, the spring flowers are just beautiful.
Summer can be hot and busy, especially in touristy areas. Winter is mild, ideal for exploring cities without many tourists, though the weather can be unpredictable.
In our opinion, late spring and early autumn are the best times to visit Portugal.
Wrap Up: Is Portugal Worth Visiting?
In short, Portugal is absolutely worth visiting. As one of our favourite countries in the whole of Europe, we can safely say it should be your next holiday destination.
Whether you want to surf a world-class break, relax on pristine beaches, explore vibrant cities, or discover pretty little villages, Portugal has it all.
The friendly locals will make your holiday just that little bit more special, whilst the ease of transportation will ensure it’s stress-free. We hope we’ve convinced you to book your flight to Portugal. We know you won’t regret it.
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