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With its sun-swept beaches, medieval castles, and plentiful seafood, it's impossible not to fall in love with Portugal.
2016-11-14
The westernmost country in Europe was just named the 2016 "destination of the year" by Travel + Leisure, and it has become a hotspot for US tourists thanks to its inviting climate, reasonable prices, and proximity to the east coast (Lisbon is just a 6.5-hour flight from New York City).
If that doesn't have you convinced, keep scrolling to see some of the best sights and activities Portugal has to offer.
Relax on some of Europe's best beaches in the Algarve, Portugal's southern coast. They're famous for their rocky cliffs and sea caves, which visitors can explore by boat.
Or explore the Algarve's cliffs on foot on the Seven Hanging Valleys Walk, a hiking trail near the town of Carvoeiro.
Julie Zeveloff/INSIDER
Eat a plate of sardines, which are served fresh off the grill with a side of garlicky, roasted red peppers. Portugal has some of the best seafood on the planet.
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Find killer waves to surf at Nazaré, which is home to some of the biggest waves on the planet and beloved by the pros.
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Step back in time in Sintra, a fairytale town that was once a Moorish stronghold. Leave a few hours to explore whimsical Pena Palace, the summer residence of the royal family in the 19th century.
Stop in one of Lisbon's fado bars, where you'll be captivated by the mournful sounds of Portugal's traditional music.
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Indulge in a traditional pastel de nata, which you can find in bakeries all over Portugal. The egg tart pastries are best consumed fresh out of the oven and with a sprinkling of cinnamon.
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Get oriented in Lisbon with a ride on the 28 tram, which passes some of the city's best-known landmarks and most interesting neighborhoods.
Meena Thiruvengadam
Instead of hiking up Lisbon's hilly streets, take the Santa Justa Lift from the lower streets of the Baixa to Carmo Square.
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Get lost on the windy streets of Alfama, the oldest neighborhood in Lisbon and home of the medieval Castle of São Jorge.
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Clamber up the stone walls of Óbidos, a historic walled town that feels straight out of "Game of Thrones."
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Take a walking tour of Porto's port houses, where the fortified wine is aged. Go slow on the tasting — port has a higher alcohol content than most wine.
Julie Zeveloff/INSIDER
Wander around Porto's Livraria Lello, one of the most magnificent bookstores on earth.
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Feel chills as you walk through the Capela dos Ossos, a church in Évora that was built in the 16th century from thousands of skeletons.
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Take a boat down the Douro River, which winds through the heart of Portugal's wine region. It's hard not to be awed by the tiered vineyards stretching into the distance.
The sorbet from Santini (locations in Lisbon and Porto) is next-level delicious. Get a cup of mango and raspberry — it's worth waiting on the long line.
Julie Zeveloff/INSIDER
Escape to the lush, tropical Azores Islands, a volcanic archipelago that's just a two-hour flight from Lisbon.
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Julie Zeveloff West is Director of Editorial Product Strategy at Business Insider. She was previously Chief of Staff to Business Insider's editor-in-chief.Julie was the editor-in-chief of the Life division, where she oversaw Business Insider's entertainment, health, food, travel, style, parenting, and digital culture coverage. She was also a Deputy Editor for the site's business section, where she oversaw the lifestyle, transportation, retail, education, and lists & rankings sections, as well as its social media and graphic design teams. Before joining Business Insider in 2010, she was a reporter at Law360, where she covered international trade.In 2019, she was chosen as one of the Folio: Top Women in Media honorees in the Up and Comers category. Julie graduated from Cornell University and holds a master's degree from Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism.
