Vibrant cities, natural wonders, undulating vineyards, adrenaline-inducing surfing, tasty traditional dishes and evocative music: there are endless reasons to love Portugal. Here, we pick some of our favourites.
t Lisbon and Porto are home to both historic sights and edgy hangouts. Here, factories and warehouses have been reimagined as galleries, cafés, workspaces and studios.
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t From the sheltered sandy coves of the Algarve to the wide stretches of sand that line the west coast, Portugal has some of Europe’s best beaches.
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t Bairro Alto has long been Lisbon’s nightlife district, with bars and fado houses lining the streets; emerging international restaurants are making it a culinary hotspot too.
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t The colourful domes and turrets of this eclectic palace dominate the forested hills of Sintra. It’s just as exuberant inside, with kitsch decor and over-the-top furnishings.
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t Following these narrow irrigation canals takes you through some wild scenery. One of the most beautiful is the winding trail from Ribeiro Frio to Balcões.
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t Portugal comes alive during its summer festas. In the main cities, Porto celebrates São João, while Lisbon’s streets fill with revellers during the Festa de Santo António.
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t One of Europe’s top surfing spots, Portugal has waves for all abilities. With its high rolling swell, Nazaré is best for pros, while beginners should head to the Algarve’s west coast.
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t This melancholic music is unique to Portugal. Some of the best-known fado singers came from Lisbon’s Alfama district, and it’s still the best place to find a cosy fado bar.
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t Distinctive, colourful tiles can be seen on just about any street corner: on the front of churches, in metro and railway stations, or simply on the façades of houses.
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t Whether it’s white, ruby or tawny, sip a glass of the country’s eponymous fortified wine at a quinta (vineyard estate) in the undulating Douro Valley.
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t Relish sardines, caught fresh from the sea, grilled on an open-air barbecue and served with potatoes, salad and an ice-cold beer. Is there anything better?
Discover Reasons to Love Portugal
t With no shortage of ancient cities and fortified hilltop towns, Portugal is a joy for history buffs. Évora, with its Roman temple and medieval cathedral, is one of the best.
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