8 Reasons Portugal Is the Perfect Place to Visit

Portugal has become one of Europe's favourite destinations, and it's easy to see why. It's compact, friendly and varied, with great food, a long Atlantic coastline and cities full of character. Here are eight reasons to go.

1. Plenty of sunshine

The Algarve in the south is one of the sunniest parts of Europe, and even Lisbon enjoys long, bright summers and mild winters. That makes Portugal a good choice almost all year round.

2. Great value

Compared with many Western European countries, eating out, public transport and wine are still good value in Portugal, especially outside the busiest parts of Lisbon and the Algarve.

3. Beautiful beaches

The Algarve is famous for golden cliffs, sea caves and sheltered coves such as Praia da Marinha. The rock formations around Benagil and Ponta da Piedade are best seen by boat or kayak with a licensed operator. On the west coast, the beaches are wilder, and Nazaré is famous for some of the biggest surfable waves in the world in winter.

4. Fantastic seafood

Grilled sardines, octopus, clams in garlic and white wine, and bacalhau (salted cod), which the Portuguese say can be prepared in hundreds of ways. Look for small family-run tascas where the menu is written on a board.

5. Pastéis de nata

Portugal's custard tarts are best eaten warm, dusted with cinnamon, with a small strong coffee. The Belém district of Lisbon is their most famous home.

6. Friendly, welcoming people

Portuguese people are known for their warmth, and many speak excellent English. A few words of Portuguese – obrigado (if you're a man) or obrigada (if you're a woman) for "thank you" – are always appreciated.

7. Beautiful cities and towns

• Lisbon – hills, viewpoints, the old Alfama district, historic trams and the monuments of Belém.
• Porto – riverside streets, blue-and-white tiled churches and port wine cellars across the river in Vila Nova de Gaia.
• Sintra – fairy-tale palaces in the forested hills a short train ride from Lisbon.
• Évora and Óbidos – historic walled towns that are perfect for a day trip.

8. Wine country and islands

The terraced vineyards of the Douro Valley are among the most beautiful wine regions in the world – you can even reach them by train (see our guide to Europe's best scenic rail journeys). Further out in the Atlantic, Madeira and the Azores offer volcanic landscapes, hiking and whale-watching.

Getting around

Trains connect Lisbon, Porto, Coimbra and the Algarve, and long-distance buses fill the gaps. To explore the Algarve coast or the Douro at your own pace, a hire car is the easiest option.

Love Southern Europe? Read our guide to the best things to do in Athens.