Portugal serves millions of international and domestic travellers every year. Tourists from across Europe, but especially the north, flock to Portugual’s lively cities, its many historic landmarks, its pristine beaches, and its majestic religious sites. As of 2019, Portugal had 27 million visitors. By far the most popular destinations were its capital Lisbon, its second city to the north, Porto, as well as the Algarve and Portuguese Riviera coasts, the islands of Madeira, and Sintra, Óbidos and Fátima.
A vacation guide for Portugal might describe it as Europe in miniature. A small country with a highly varied landscape, Portugal boasts great hiking in the mountainous north, vineyards and waterfalls are found in the middle region, while plains and desert landscapes mark the south. Meanwhile, thousands of miles of beautiful coastline line the country, like the glamorous Algarve region in the south, which draw everyone from surfers to sun seekers.
A key piece of travel advice for the country is to plan your trip. Geographically cut off from its larger neighbour, Spain, Portugal is culturally and linguistically distinct and this plays out it in its lively cities, its incredibly friendly people, and its delicious food culture. One piece of advice: be sure to try some Azeitao goats and port, the fortified wine which gave Portugal’s second city, Porto, its name. Scroll on for more Portugal holiday and vacation guides from NOBLE&STYLE’s editorial team.
