7 Reasons to visit Portugal

Planning your first post-lockdown trip already?

What are the contender locations?

Want to dive into the unique topography and terrific climate Down Under?

Heading Stateside to roll out on Route 66?

Ready to discover Scotland’s spellbinding mountains, lochs and glens?

Maybe you want to go wild on safari in South Africa?

Or crack open a cold one and chill out with some Jamaican vibes?

While you’re weighing things up, we want to throw Portugal into the mix.

This laid-back nation on the edge of Europe is a fabulous fusion of stunning scenery and diverse cultures that has to be experienced to be believed.

If you still need convincing, check out these seven reasons why you should visit Portugal!

Related: “Ultimate Travel Guide to Vietnam”

Beautiful beaches

The Algarve and Silver Coast are two legendary regions where you’ll find many wonderful Portuguese beaches. And there are a number of terrific seaside towns where you’ll find authentic h Itospitality to match the golden sands and crystalline waters ̶ such as Albufeira, Tavira, Aljezur, and Aveira. It’s best to hire a rental car in Portugal so you can visit all the beaches at your own leisure.

Gorgeous golf courses

Portugal’s peppered with premium golf courses, so if you’re a fan of this frustrating but fantastic sport, you’ll be in your element. Top courses include Monte Rei in the Eastern Algarve, West Cliffs in the Silver Coast and the Quinta do Lago North course near the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve.

Sublime Seafood

Portugal is seventh heaven for seafood fanatics and there are a number of authentic, traditional dishes you simply have to try. Gambas as alho are lip-smacking garlic prawns, for instance, salada de polvo is a tasty octopus salad, and peixe grelhado (grilled fish) is a staple available in sardine, mackerel, seabass and bream versions.

Divine desserts

Got a sweet tooth? Then you’re gonna love Portugal. From leite crème (similar to crème brulee) to Tarte de Alfarroba (carob tart), this country definitely makes life sweeter. And don’t forget pastel de nata ̶ these custard tarts are truly a national treasure.

Wonderful wine

If you’re fond of a glass or three of vino, you won’t go thirsty in Portugal. For starters, Porto is the home of port and swaying through the city’s port cellars is always a pleasure. But the country’s northwest produces excellent vinho verde, Dao reds are ravishing and Bucelas produces delicious dry white wines.

Superb scuba diving

There’s a whole new world to discover below the waves in Portugal. If you’re a scuba diver, hotspots include the Burgau wreck, Sesimbra, Carrapateira and the Berlenga Nature Reserve. Between chameleonic fish and fascinating shipwrecks, there’s so much to see under the sea

Captivating cities

As well as charming countryside and brilliant beaches, Portugal boasts some of Europe’s best cities. For instance, pretty Porto is set alongside the Douro River and is packed with history, former capital Coimbra lies at the foot of the Mondego River and it’s a lively university town, while capital Lisbon is one of Europe’s sunniest and most cosmopolitan cities. The Portugal golden visa allows specialist companies like Property Lisbon help many people immigrate here annually – you could be next!