7 Reasons You Should Visit Portugal and 1 Why You Shouldn’t

7 Reasons You Should Visit Portugal and 1 Why You Shouldn’t – Portugal is undeniably popular with tourists, and it’s easy to see why. This vibrant country has captured the hearts of travelers from all corners of the globe, offering a rich tapestry of experiences that blend deep historical roots with pulsating contemporary culture. While the allure of its famed tourist spots is well-known, there’s so much more to discover about this enchanting nation.

In this guide, we dive into seven compelling reasons why you should visit Portugal, each highlighting unique aspects contributing to its irresistible charm. From its world-renowned cuisine to its stunning natural landscapes and the warm hospitality of its people, Portugal offers myriad ways to make your next trip unforgettable.

We also give you one reason why you shouldn’t. Let’s help you make the decision below.

Additional Reads:
– What Portugal is Famous For – An Insider’s Guide
– 6 Tourist Traps to Avoid in Porto Portugal And How to Avoid Them
– Cheapest Place to Live in Portugal: 10 Cities You Should Know About
– Getting a Portugal SIM Card in 2024: Prepaid SIM Card in Portugal
– Travel Insurance for Portugal

7 Reasons You Should Visit Portugal

Portugal, a captivating country with a rich tapestry of cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities, offers countless reasons to visit. From its historical roots as a maritime powerhouse to its contemporary charm, here are seven compelling reasons that make Portugal a must-visit destination.

1. Rich Maritime History and Architectural Marvels

Why It’s a Draw for Foreigners: Portugal’s maritime heritage offers a unique glimpse into the Age of Discoveries, an era that shaped the modern world. This history is significant and incredibly fascinating, offering insight into the brave explorers who ventured into the unknown. The architecture resulting from this era blends Gothic, Manueline, and Baroque styles, creating some of the most visually striking buildings in Europe.

Key Highlights:

• Monument to the Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos): Located in Lisbon’s Belém district, this iconic monument overlooks the Tagus River from where ships departed to explore and trade with India and the Orient. The monument’s design and the figures etched into its stone celebrate Portugal’s role in world exploration.
• Belém Tower (Torre de Belém): A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the tower is one of the most photographed landmarks in Lisbon. It served both as a point of embarkation and disembarkation for Portuguese explorers and as a ceremonial gateway to Lisbon.
• Jerónimos Monastery (Mosteiro dos Jerónimos): This monastery is one of the most ornate architectural achievements in Portugal, epitomizing the Manueline style. The monastery was commissioned by King Manuel I to celebrate Vasco da Gama’s successful voyage to India.

Interactive Experiences:

• Guided Tours: Participate in guided tours that delve into the symbolism and architectural details of these sites. These tours often include stories about the explorers and the historical context of their voyages.
• Maritime Museum: Located in the Jerónimos Monastery, this museum houses an extensive collection of historical maritime artifacts that illustrate the evolution of navigation and celebrate the discoveries made by Portuguese explorers.
• Live Reenactments: Seasonally, live reenactments and multimedia shows are hosted at the Belém Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries, bringing to life the adventures of explorers like Vasco da Gama and Prince Henry the Navigator.

Why Visit: Visiting these sites offers more than just a visual experience; it’s a way to connect with the courageous spirit of the past. It appeals especially to those intrigued by history and architecture, providing a deeper understanding of how Portugal’s explorations influenced the rest of the world. These landmarks are not only beautiful but also full of stories and significance, making them must-visit destinations for anyone wanting to truly experience Portugal’s rich cultural heritage.

2. Vibrant Local Festivals and Authentic Cultural Experiences

Why It’s a Draw for Foreigners: Portugal’s local festivals and cultural experiences offer a vibrant window into its traditions and social fabric. These events are not only entertaining but also provide deep insights into the Portuguese way of life, making them a must-experience for travelers seeking to immerse themselves in local culture.

Key Highlights:

• Festival of St. John (Festa de São João) in Porto: This annual festival, held on the night of June 23rd, is one of Europe’s liveliest street festivals. It features a mix of ancient rituals and contemporary party elements, including fireworks, balloon releases, and the tradition of hitting people gently on the head with plastic hammers.
• Fado Music in Lisbon: Experience the soul-stirring melodies of Fado, Portugal’s most famous musical form, recognized by UNESCO as a World Intangible Cultural Heritage. The melancholic tunes, often about the sea or life’s hardships, are performed in intimate venues known as ‘Fado houses.’

Interactive Experiences:

• Join the Festivities: Visitors are encouraged to participate in the Festival of St. John by joining the local traditions, which include barbecuing sardines in the streets and launching lanterns into the night sky.
• Fado Performances: Attend a live Fado show in one of Lisbon’s historic neighborhoods like Alfama or Bairro Alto. Some venues offer dinner performances, where you can enjoy traditional Portuguese cuisine while listening to Fado.
• Workshops and Courses: During major festivals, visitors can often find workshops aimed at teaching the arts of Portuguese culture, such as tile painting or cooking classes focused on local cuisine.

Why Visit: These festivals and cultural experiences are pivotal for understanding the local ethos and add a unique richness to a visit to Portugal. They offer direct engagement with the community and provide memories that go beyond typical tourist activities. By participating in these festivals, travelers gain a heartfelt connection to Portugal, its people, and their traditions.

3. Commitment to Environmental Preservation

Why It’s a Draw for Foreigners: Portugal’s dedication to preserving its natural environments showcases a forward-thinking approach to sustainable tourism. This commitment protects the beautiful landscapes and ensures that visitors can enjoy these natural wonders responsibly and sustainably. This focus on environmental conservation appeals particularly to eco-conscious travelers who value destinations that prioritize ecological health and sustainability.

Key Highlights:

• Ria Formosa Natural Park: Located in the Algarve, this coastal lagoon is a haven for birdlife and a prime example of successful habitat conservation. The park is vital for many migratory bird species and supports a diverse range of local wildlife.
• Serra da Estrela Natural Park: This park protects the mainland’s highest mountain range and is known for its remarkable landscapes, biodiversity, and efforts to preserve its unique ecosystems, including the native Cão da Serra da Estrela dog breed.

Interactive Experiences:

• Guided Eco-Tours: Participate in guided tours led by local environmentalists that explore the unique flora and fauna of Ria Formosa or the geological features of Serra da Estrela. These tours are designed to educate visitors about the ecological importance of these areas and the efforts made to protect them.
• Bird Watching Expeditions: Take bird watching tours in Ria Formosa. Guides help you spot and understand the diverse bird species that call the coastal lagoon home. Such experiences are tailored for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.
• Volunteer Opportunities: Some regions offer tourists the opportunity to engage in conservation activities, such as beach clean-ups or assisting in local environmental projects. This provides a hands-on way to contribute to preservation efforts.

Why Visit: Visiting these protected areas not only offers a chance to witness Portugal’s stunning natural beauty but also supports sustainable tourism practices that contribute to the conservation of these sites. For travelers who care deeply about the environment, Portugal provides numerous opportunities to explore and support protected areas without contributing to the degradation of these precious ecosystems.

4. Diverse and Delicious Cuisine

Why It’s a Draw for Foreigners: Portugal’s culinary scene is a delightful exploration of flavors that reflect its rich maritime history and agricultural diversity. Portuguese cuisine offers an authentic taste of the country’s cultural heritage, known for its fresh seafood, sumptuous meats, and variety of spices brought back from explorations. For food lovers, Portugal is a destination where traditional recipes meet contemporary culinary innovation.

Key Highlights:

• Bacalhau Dishes: Often referred to as the Portuguese national dish, bacalhau (codfish) can be prepared in countless ways. In Lisbon and Porto, restaurants and taverns serve bacalhau in styles ranging from ‘Bacalhau à Brás’ (shredded cod with onions, potatoes, and eggs) to ‘Bacalhau com Natas’ (cod baked with cream).
• Port Wine: Experience the unique flavors of Port wine in the Douro Valley, where vineyard tours and tastings explain the production of this fortified wine. Visitors can learn about the differences between Ruby, Tawny, and Vintage Ports and how they pair with local dishes.

Interactive Experiences:

• Cooking Classes: Participate in cooking classes offered in major cities like Lisbon and Porto, where chefs teach the secrets behind traditional Portuguese dishes. These classes often include market visits to select fresh ingredients.
• Food Tours: Join culinary tours that guide you through historical neighborhoods, sampling classic dishes, and visiting iconic eateries. These tours often provide insights into the history of Portuguese gastronomy and its regional variations.
• Wine and Food Pairings: Explore how local wines complement Portuguese dishes through guided tasting sessions in local wineries or specialized restaurants that focus on regional cuisine.

Why Visit: For culinary enthusiasts, visiting Portugal is an opportunity to dive deep into a cuisine characterized by its variety, richness, and connection to the sea. Whether it’s enjoying a simple grilled sardine by the seaside or indulging in a Michelin-starred dining experience, the Portuguese culinary scene is as diverse as it is flavorful. It offers an authentic palette of tastes that tell the story of Portugal’s past and present.

5. Impactful Community Engagement

Why It’s a Draw for Foreigners: Portugal’s community engagement initiatives provide travelers with a unique opportunity to connect with local communities meaningfully. These initiatives enrich the visitor experience through authentic interactions and promote sustainable tourism that benefits both the locals and the environment. For travelers looking to have a more profound impact during their visits, these community-focused activities offer a way to contribute positively while gaining insight into the local way of life.

Key Highlights:

• Support for Traditional Crafts: Many Portuguese towns, such as Marinha Grande in the central region, are renowned for traditional crafts like glass-blowing. Tourists can visit these towns to see artisans at work and purchase locally made products, supporting small businesses and preserving cultural heritage.
• Community Tourism Projects: Tourism initiatives directly involve local communities in regions like the Douro Valley. Visitors can participate in activities like grape harvesting alongside local farmers, learning about wine production while helping to sustain the agricultural community.

Interactive Experiences:

• Local Homestays: Experience authentic Portuguese hospitality by staying in rural homestays or guesthouses run by local families. This not only provides a deeper cultural immersion but also directly benefits the local economy.
• Volunteer Opportunities: Engage in community service projects such as helping to restore traditional Portuguese tiles (azulejos) or participating in environmental conservation efforts. These activities offer a way to give back to the community while experiencing Portugal’s culture and landscapes.
• Cultural Workshops: Participate in workshops that teach traditional Portuguese arts such as tile painting, cork crafts, or cooking. These workshops are often run by local artisans who provide personal stories and insights into their crafts.

Why Visit: Engaging with local communities is a powerful way to experience the true spirit of Portugal. It allows travelers to go beyond the typical tourist paths and genuinely connect with the people who make Portugal so vibrant. By participating in community-driven tourism, visitors not only enhance their own travel experience but also contribute to the sustainability and prosperity of local cultures and economies.

6. Inspirational Personal Stories From People Who’ve Visited Before

Why It’s a Draw for Foreigners: Portugal’s rich tapestry of personal stories from both locals and visitors adds a uniquely human dimension to the travel experience. These narratives showcase resilience, tradition, and the impact of tourism from a personal perspective, offering travelers an intimate glimpse into the life and soul of Portugal. We personally loved every visit we did in Portugal ourselves!

Key Highlights:

• Local Artisans and Their Crafts: In places like Alentejo, travelers can meet artisans who maintain ancient pottery techniques, sharing stories of how these traditions have been passed down through generations.
• Vineyard Owners in Douro Valley: Hear firsthand accounts from vineyard owners who balance modern demands with traditional methods in one of the world’s oldest demarcated wine regions.

Interactive Experiences:

• Storytelling Evenings: Attend local gatherings where residents share tales of the region’s history, folklore, and personal anecdotes related to Portugal’s cultural evolution.
• Meet and Greets with Local Chefs: Engage in discussions with chefs who are reinventing traditional Portuguese cuisine in contemporary settings, learning about their inspirations and challenges.

7. Practical and Helpful Travel Insights

Why It’s a Draw for Foreigners: The abundance of practical and helpful travel insights makes Portugal not just a destination to see but a place where you can seamlessly blend into the local fabric. This ease of exploration opens up more opportunities to truly experience the depth of Portuguese culture, landscape, and hospitality. For those who value a well-rounded travel experience where they can feel informed and prepared, Portugal stands out as an exemplary choice.

Key Highlights:

• Best Travel Times:
  • Spring (March to May): Ideal for sightseeing in cities like Lisbon and Porto, where the weather is mild, and there are fewer tourists than in summer. Perfect for enjoying the blooming landscapes and attending spring festivals.
  • Summer (June to August): Best for beach vacations in the Algarve and engaging in outdoor activities. Be prepared for higher prices and more crowds, especially in tourist hotspots.
  • Autumn (September to November): Great for wine tours in the Douro Valley as the grape harvest takes place. The weather is still pleasant, and there are fewer tourists, offering a more relaxed experience.
  • Winter (December to February): Ideal for visiting the interior regions like Serra da Estrela for winter sports or enjoying Christmas festivities in major cities, which are less crowded during this season.
• Local Customs and Etiquette:
  • Learn basic Portuguese greetings to show respect and enhance interactions with locals.
  • Understand dining etiquette, such as the “couvert” charge for bread and appetizers at restaurants, and tips on how to politely decline if not interested.
  • Familiarize with festival etiquette, particularly how to participate respectfully in local celebrations and religious events.
• Interactive Experiences:
  • Mobile Apps and Guides: Utilize apps to get real-time information on public transportation, nearby attractions, and local events. See all our Portugal guides here.
  • Cultural Immersion Workshops: Engage in workshops that teach you about Portuguese culture, from traditional cooking classes to lessons in Fado singing, enhancing your cultural appreciation and providing deeper immersion.

Why Visit: The abundance of practical and helpful travel insights makes Portugal not just a destination to see but a place where you can seamlessly blend into the local fabric. This ease of exploration opens up more opportunities to truly experience the depth of Portuguese culture, landscape, and hospitality. For those who value a well-rounded travel experience where they can feel informed and prepared, Portugal stands out as an exemplary choice.

1 Reason You Might Hesitate to Visit Portugal: Overwhelming Summer Crowds

Challenge: While Portugal offers stunning beaches, delicious cuisine, and vibrant festivals, its popularity peaks dramatically during the summer months, especially in tourist hotspots like Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve. The influx of tourists can lead to crowded attractions, higher prices, and a less authentic experience as local businesses cater more to tourists than to local culture.

Impact: The charm of wandering through serene, narrow streets or enjoying a quiet, leisurely meal at a local restaurant may be diminished when these spaces are crowded. For those seeking a peaceful getaway or an authentic interaction with Portuguese culture, the bustling summer season might detract from the experience.

Consideration: If avoiding crowds is crucial to your travel enjoyment, you might reconsider visiting Portugal during the peak summer months. Instead, planning a trip in the shoulder seasons—late spring or early autumn—can offer a more relaxed atmosphere. During these times, the weather remains pleasant, and many cultural activities still take place, but with fewer tourists. Prices can be also more afforadable on these dates!

Concluding Our Guide on the Top Reasons You Should Visit Portugal (and 1 Why You Shouldn’t)

Portugal offers a rare blend of tradition and innovation, set against a backdrop of breathtaking landscapes and rich historical narratives. As travelers explore this enchanting country, they not only witness its beauty and heritage but also contribute to its ongoing story. Each visit is an opportunity to delve deeper into the heart of Portugal, discovering the enduring charm and warmth of its people, and the timeless allure of its places.

Whether you are tasting the complexity of a vintage port, participating in a vibrant festival, or walking the ancient cobblestone streets, Portugal promises a journey that will captivate your heart and enrich your understanding of a nation that has been a crossroads of cultures for centuries. So pack your curiosity and sense of adventure, and prepare to be transformed by a country that celebrates life with passion and pride.

Visit Portugal and experience firsthand why this country continues to enchant and inspire all who come to explore its shores. Let us know if you have any questions and happy travels!