For years tourists have largely passed over Spain’s coastal neighbor in favor of flashier or more familiar surrounding countries, but that all appears to be changing now.
Portugal is quickly trending as one of the newest hotspots for travel, even though this quiet gem has been around for a very long time. It’s actually one of Europe’s oldest countries, and its long and storied history adds layers of intrigue to the already varied cities that fill its borders.
What to Do:
You’ll be drawn to the amazing medieval architecture that still dots the landscape, the rustic fishing towns, and inspiring mountains, but it’s not all quaint countrysides and villages though, there are plenty of cities that offer up something distinct for every traveler.
If you can only make it to one Portuguese city most would recommend the capital city of Lisbon. Lisbon is effortlessly hip and modern, but still carries with the undeniable presence of one of Europe’s oldest cities (it’s even older than Rome!).
Lisbon’s impactful beauty never fails to stun
Hop aboard their iconic Tram 28 and journey through the city’s scenic neighborhoods before venturing into the lovely hilltop perched St. George’s Castle. Or pop over to nearby Sintra, a stunningly preserved destination packed with ornate palaces and gardens.
Otherwise head to colorful Porto for some of their world-famous port wine, enjoy a gondola ride along the canals of Aveiro, or explore the well preserved Roman-era architecture in Evora.
You can’t leave Aveiro without taking a classic gondola ride
And for the beach enthusiasts, you can’t go wrong with a stay on the southern Algarve Coast. It boasts dazzling blue waters, tremendous beaches, and a refined, but relaxed attitude perfect for more luxury-seeking travelers.
When to Go:
Like so many places, summer is Portugal’s busy season, but that certainly doesn’t mean that it’s the only time you should consider, in fact many consider spring or fall to be far more pleasant.
The coastal towns, especially along the southern border will be warm to hot year-round, so there’s not a bad time of year to book a beach resort vacation there.
Otherwise the rest of the country generally sees a rainy season instead of a classic winter, but May and October are both considered practically perfect months to visit. Both boast sunny days ideal for exploring the cities and taking in all the sights, with enough warmth to make beach days comfortable, but without the more intense heat felt in July and August.
And if you do want to visit in the winter months, think about coming during the lively Carnival celebration held every February.
How to Get Started:
Contact one of our travel experts today and we can customize your perfect Portugal adventure! You can contact us at (614) 237-4488 or admin@uniglobetd.com.
