Why this year you need to go to Portugal: 15 reasons

What comes to your mind when you hear about Portugal? Footballer Cristiano Ronaldo? Or the researcher Magellan? The country at the very edge of the continent is something more, it has a rich past and a bright present. If you visit it, you are guaranteed to fall in love. Nevertheless, for some reason, Portugal is not the most popular destination for travelers. It is the country visited by the fewest tourists in Western Europe. But soon it will change. Portugal is becoming more popular. This is a magnificent country, which is quite unfairly underestimated by many people. Other Mediterranean destinations like France, Spain and Italy are much more popular. Try to think about the trip to Portugal, because bright cities, golden beaches, ancient villages and medieval castles are worthy of your attention. In Portugal, there is everything. In addition, it is one of the safest countries in the world. Many attractions are free, and the food is delicious. It is a corner full of history, culture, adventures, beaches. It's no wonder that more people go there. This year is the best time to travel to Portugal! If you are still not convinced that you should be there, here are fifteen main reasons.

Budget prices

Lisbon is an extremely accessible city for living, than it stands out among other metropolitan cities in Europe. If you compare Portuguese prices with Italian or French, you will be shocked. You can easily find a good dinner for two together with wine, which will cost you less than twenty euros. Staying in Lisbon can also be quite cheap, so this is a vacation that suits any purse.

High level of security

Portugal is one of the safest countries in the world. Travelers, who are worried about the political situation in other parts of Europe, can not worry about anything, planning their trip to Portugal.

Perfect weather all year round

When is the best time to go to Portugal? You can go there any day! In most of the European countries in the winter months it is quite cold, but in Portugal there is a very mild climate and lots of sunshine, especially in the part of the country south of Lisbon.

Cities are adorable

Lisbon has everything you can want from the European capital city: cultural attractions, original restaurants, charming streets, stylish locals. If you go to the second largest city in the country, Porto, you will find a medieval settlement that descends to the River Duero. It's a small country, so you can easily get to Lisbon from Porto.

Opportunity to get to know the villages

Rent a car and get acquainted with the picturesque Portuguese villages, which are so many. For example, in the village of Obidos there is a 14th century wall, narrow streets, picturesque houses and traditional shops. You will be fascinated by the slow pace of life outside of cities. It seems that the existence there is divorced from the mad pace of modernity. In many corners of the country there are not even corporate hotels - nothing breaks the beautiful landscape. The Portuguese authorities are attentive to the regions of the country, hotels and guest houses are chosen according to the location and nature of the place.

Lots of beautiful beaches

Portugal is located on the European coast and boasts the most beautiful beaches on the continent. On the beach of Nazare, chosen by surfers, you can also enjoy incredibly large waves. Leisure offers in Portugal exist even for the most demanding taste. Since the seventies, the Algarve region has been developing as a beach holiday destination. New hotels and developed infrastructure make these places an excellent option for any traveler.

The richest local cuisine

Portugal is famous for its fresh seafood, appetizing chorizo sausage and the traditional Bacauau dish. Bakalau is a salted cod, which can be cooked on a thousand different recipes. Portugal is full of various tastes and culinary traditions, so any gourmet and connoisseur of wine will be simply fascinated. In Lisbon, you can eat both in trendy modern restaurants, and in traditional institutions in the local style.

The opportunity to get acquainted with new varieties of wine

In Portugal you can taste green wine. This is a young wine, very light and refreshing, which fits perfectly to a dish of fried cod. In addition, Portugal boasts a variety of red wines. Do not forget about the port, wine, named after the second-largest city in the country, Porto, where this drink is kept.

Stunning local pastries

Be sure to try the pasteur de Nata pastry. This is the perfect Portuguese dessert, which you will want to eat every day. This is a basket with egg cream, which is usually served warm, sprinkled with cinnamon and powdered sugar.

Rich History

Portugal has the oldest unchanged borders. In a word, this is a very ancient country. Be sure to visit the historic district of Lisbon Belem, which houses monasteries, monuments and museums. Visit the magnificent white palace in Sintra and admire the unique baroque staircase in Braga, along which the pilgrims climb the top of the mountain. The current year is of great importance for the Portuguese religious culture, because this is the 100th anniversary of the Virgin Mary's appearance to children from the village of Fatima. In addition, there is an ancient route to Santiago de Compostela, which pilgrims have overcome for more than the first century.

Special way of life

Once in Lisbon, you probably will notice unusual stalls in city parks and squares. You will be surprised to learn that they were closed from the thirties of the twentieth century and until 2009, until they decided to update the local entrepreneur. Now you do not need to leave the street to enjoy traditional drinks, cold beer or coffee.

A fascinating public transport

An old tram line 28 can be not just a convenient way to move, it's a real sightseeing tour. You will see the best parts of the capital. If you come to Porto, you can take the tram from the city center to the Foz do Douro area, driving along the sea.

Magic locks

Do you want to feel like a hero of a fairy tale? Go to Sintra. This is a charming Portuguese village with various historical monuments, among which is the palace of the nineteenth century. And all this is half an hour's drive from Lisbon.

The source of inspiration for the creation of Harry Potter

According to rumors, Porto inspired writer Rowling to write books about Harry Potter: she lived in Portugal from 1991 to 1993. For example, here there is a bookstore, the staircase in which immediately makes you think about Hogwarts. In addition, there are many university students in the streets dressed in traditional black robes.

Simplicity of travel

It is very easy to fly to Portugal from any country, even budget airlines fly there. You can get there both from European cities and from North America, besides, Portugal has its own national airline, which opens more and more routes. Moreover, Portugal borders on Spain, which makes it a convenient option for vacation in two countries at once.