Portugal is a culturally and historically rich country with a diverse landscape. It has a breathtaking coastline with a soothing breeze coming in from the Atlantic Ocean. Portugal is the best vacation spot for families, couples, and youngsters alike as it offers its patrons an enchanting experience filled with joy and happiness. There is simply so much to do. From architectural treasures, delicious cuisines, diverse festivals, musical concerts to natural scenic beauty this destination has it all. Check out our list to find out in detail why you should visit Portugal this year.
Beautiful Sandy Beaches and Other Natural Treasures
It is said that the sun literally sets in the sea in Portugal because it has a vast coastline where you can experience the sun going down in the ocean, this beautiful memory will forever be etched in your mind and even years later you will reminisce about it. You can see the never-ending horizon from the beaches of Portugal or take an exciting trek. For nature lovers, there is a natural park known as Peneda-Gerês National Park which is spread across an area of 695.9 km² and has a wide variety of flora and fauna.
Portuguese Castles and Palaces
Are you a history buff? Or do you simply wonder how the kings and queens of the old used to live? Well, Portugal has many castles all along its rivers, mountains, and green plains, each of them has a different architectural style and an interesting story to tell.
When you visit Portugal you have to see the Castelo de Guimarães, Guimarães which is considered the birthplace of Portugal and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Some of the other famous castles are Castelo de Almourol, Vila Nova da Barquinha, Castelo de São Jorge, Lisbon and Castelo de Silves, Silves. All these castles would not only allow you a glimpse into Portugal’s history but sometimes interesting medieval fairs and musical concerts are also conducted in them.
If you plan to check out the unspoiled architectural gems Portugal has to offer, it’s best suggested to do so from the comfort of a car as many of these castles are at a small distance from each. Traveling by car would ease your trip all together as you can visit different attractions and cities at your own pace.
Adventure Sports Like Skiing and Kayaking
Sure many of you are familiar with Portugal’s sandy beaches and warm weather but did you know that you can even go skiing in Portugal. Yes, you can experience cold winters and go skiing in Serra da Estrela which is a mountain range north of Portugal just bordering Spain. Since the landscape is so diverse there are endless adventurous opportunities to partake in Portugal be it skiing in Serra da Estrela, surfing in Peniche, or Kayaking on the Lisbon Coast.
Cheap and the Best
These days money is on everyone’s mind whether we are thinking about spending, saving, or earning it we are thinking about it. Well, relax your mind as while visiting Portugal money will be the last thing on your mind if at all it is on your mind. It is the most affordable and reasonable place there is. For a small amount of money, you could do a lot in it. Good food, transport, adventure sports, quality accommodations, anything and everything you can think of is cheap. Car rental prices for so cheap that most tourists prefer to travel this way.
The People, the Culture and the Food
Portugal is a very friendly and vibrant country with people opening their hearts and souls to foreigners and tourists. It even ranks in the top 5 countries in the World Peace Index. Portugal is considered safe even for solo women travelers and its laws are strict and protective of everyone. This country also has some of the most delicious dishes mankind has to offer. Whenever you do visit do not forget to taste Pastel de Nata and Caldo Verde.
Portugal is certainly the most underrated country for a vacation in Europe so this year leave all the conventional vacation spots and visit Portugal. It offers so much to its visitors that even if you can anticipate the amount of fun and joy you will have on your trip you would still fall short of the real memorable experience you will have. So this year visit famous cities like Lisbon and Sintra with your family or take a romantic trip to the magical city of Porto and make mesmerizing memories.
