Portugal Travel & Tourism

Situated on the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal is one of Europe’s best kept secrets. This small country sports stunning beaches, spectacular castles and amazing historic sites to awaken the archeological aficionado in any traveler. Visitors flock to this European culture seeking old-fashioned hospitality and charm. Guests can view vistas of castles perched over sprawling villages, stroll through the historic capital of Lisbon or soak up the sun along the country’s dramatic coastline.

Visitors who would like to stop off at one of Portugal’s most stunning cities need look no farther than Lisbon. Unlike many other large cities in Europe, Lisbon offers visitors a relaxed and personal feel rather than a touristy vibe. Guests can stroll along the city streets to view spectacular wonders such as the Belem Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery. Those who are looking for a relaxing afternoon can settle down for a bite to eat at one of the numerous street cafés or simply walk around one of the many bairros. Each section of the city sports a different architectural style—while the Belem district was built mainly in the ornate 16th century Manueline style, the downtown features and 18th century Pombaline architecture. Visitors who are interested in learning more about the city’s storied history can choose from a plethora of stunning museums including: the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, the Ancient Art Museum, the Tile Museum and the Maritime Museum. Visitors can also tour the stunning art collection that is housed by the equally-picturesque Sao Roque Church. Those who are interested in a more modern retreat should head over to Parque das Nacoes, which is the architecturally stunning result of the Lisbon Expo in 1998. Guests can stroll through vast malls or gawk at the Vasco da Gama Tower, which still stands as the tallest building in Lisbon. Families with travelers can delight in the number of learning opportunities to be found at the Pavilion of Knowledge and the Oceanarium, still the largest in Europe.

Those who would like to walk in the footsteps of one of history’s most renowned poets flock to Sintra. This sleepy yet spectacular village was once the retreat of European royals, including Lord Byron himself. The city overlooks craggy forests and is watched from above by a Moorish castle’s ruins, adorned with exotic plant life and ornate architecture. The city’s historic center is punctuated with stunning mansions and palaces, making it a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors who would like to enjoy the finest architecture in the area can head over to the Moor-style Monserrate Palace, built in 1858 for Sir Francis Cook, or Quinta da Regaleria, which features memorable romantic architecture. Those who are keen to visit one of the city’s mysterious historic sites must stop by the Castle of the Moors. Located on a hilltop overlooking Sintra, the Castelo dos Mouros invites guests to stroll along its weathered walls and towers, touring the ruins of the Moorish occupation of Portugal.

Guests looking for a seaside retreat can head over to the stunning beach town of Cascais. Once a small fishing village, the area has grown to offer a mix of old and new to delight sun-seeking tourists. Guests can enjoy the local seafood specialties at a small eatery or indulge the spectacular shops, boutiques and roadside stalls that offer the city’s signature lace, embroidery and an amalgamation of high fashion designs. Travelers with families in tow can catch some share at the Parque do Marechal Carmona, which features a small zoo and well-manicured gardens. Visitors who would like to learn more about the city’s history and legend Afonso Sanches should stop by the Museo do Mar to enjoy a wealth of photographs, seafaring artifacts and boats. Those who are looking for an imagination-tweaking trip flock to the nearby Boca do Inferno, translated to mean ‘mouth of hell,’ located just a few kilometers from town. The strange rock formations and blowhole both frighten and attract visitors with its danger and majesty.


Worldwide Tourism Popularity Ranking: 19 of 230


Air Travel

  • Quality of Airports: Average (5.3 of 7)
  • Number of Airlines: 56
  • Number of Arriving Passengers: 12321000

Hotels & Lodging

  • Quality of Lodging: Good (4.0 of 5)
  • Number of Hotels: 2351
  • Average Room Rate: $110.75

Purpose of Visit

  • Business Trip: 6%
  • Family Vacation: 22%
  • Couples Getaway: 59%
  • Friends Trip: 10%
  • Solo Travel: 5%

Top Vacation Destinations in Portugal

Most popular cities in Portugal in terms of percentage of visitors and number of hotels:

  • Lisbon
    Popularity: 1 | 27.26% Visitors | 215 Hotels

  • Albufeira
    Popularity: 2 | 15.99% Visitors | 164 Hotels

  • Funchal
    Popularity: 3 | 10.5% Visitors | 95 Hotels

  • Porto
    Popularity: 4 | 6.09% Visitors | 94 Hotels

  • Vilamoura
    Popularity: 5 | 3.31% Visitors | 39 Hotels

  • Lagos
    Popularity: 6 | 2.31% Visitors | 60 Hotels

  • Cascais
    Popularity: 7 | 1.86% Visitors | 21 Hotels

  • Alvor
    Popularity: 8 | 1.65% Visitors | 26 Hotels

  • Praia Da Rocha
    Popularity: 9 | 1.43% Visitors | 21 Hotels

  • Evora
    Popularity: 10 | 1.17% Visitors | 24 Hotels

  • Canico
    Popularity: 11 | 1.14% Visitors | 18 Hotels

  • Carvoeiro
    Popularity: 12 | 1.1% Visitors | 19 Hotels

  • Estoril
    Popularity: 13 | 1.03% Visitors | 19 Hotels

  • Tavira
    Popularity: 14 | 1.0% Visitors | 16 Hotels

  • Faro
    Popularity: 15 | 0.97% Visitors | 26 Hotels

  • Coimbra
    Popularity: 16 | 0.94% Visitors | 21 Hotels

  • Sagres
    Popularity: 17 | 0.88% Visitors | 12 Hotels

  • Quarteira
    Popularity: 18 | 0.85% Visitors | 18 Hotels

  • Vila Nova De Gaia
    Popularity: 19 | 0.81% Visitors | 17 Hotels

  • Portimao
    Popularity: 20 | 0.79% Visitors | 30 Hotels

  • Porto Santo
    Popularity: 21 | 0.62% Visitors | 14 Hotels

  • Ponta Delgada
    Popularity: 22 | 0.59% Visitors | 26 Hotels

  • Monte Gordo
    Popularity: 23 | 0.56% Visitors | 15 Hotels

  • Almancil
    Popularity: 24 | 0.53% Visitors | 20 Hotels

  • Porches
    Popularity: 25 | 0.53% Visitors | 6 Hotels

  • Sintra
    Popularity: 26 | 0.49% Visitors | 14 Hotels

  • Fatima
    Popularity: 27 | 0.41% Visitors | 31 Hotels

  • Braga
    Popularity: 28 | 0.38% Visitors | 37 Hotels

  • Armacao De Pera
    Popularity: 29 | 0.38% Visitors | 11 Hotels

  • Obidos
    Popularity: 30 | 0.35% Visitors | 15 Hotels

  • Nazare
    Popularity: 31 | 0.35% Visitors | 14 Hotels

  • Calheta
    Popularity: 32 | 0.34% Visitors | 7 Hotels

  • Setubal
    Popularity: 33 | 0.33% Visitors | 24 Hotels

  • Aveiro
    Popularity: 34 | 0.32% Visitors | 22 Hotels

  • Viana Do Castelo
    Popularity: 35 | 0.31% Visitors | 28 Hotels

  • Linho
    Popularity: 36 | 0.29% Visitors | 2 Hotels

  • Santa Cruz
    Popularity: 37 | 0.29% Visitors | 6 Hotels

  • Olhao
    Popularity: 38 | 0.29% Visitors | 4 Hotels

  • Lagoa
    Popularity: 39 | 0.27% Visitors | 6 Hotels

  • Luz
    Popularity: 40 | 0.25% Visitors | 10 Hotels


Top Portugal Hotels

  • 1
    Britania Hotel
    Rua Rodrigues Sampaio 17, Lisbon
    99% recommended | 698 reviews
  • 2
    Hotel Albergaria Dias
    Rua Bela de Sao Tiago 44-B, Funchal
    99% recommended | 196 reviews
  • 3
    The Cliff Bay - Porto Bay
    Estrada Monumental, 147, Funchal
    98% recommended | 572 reviews
  • 4
    Olissippo Lapa Palace
    Rua do Pau da Bandeira, 4, Lisbon
    98% recommended | 217 reviews
  • 5
    Heritage Av Liberdade
    Avenida da Liberdade, 28, Lisbon
    100% recommended | 294 reviews
  • 6
    Reids Palace by Orient-Express
    Estrada Monumental 139, Funchal
    98% recommended | 268 reviews
  • 7
    Pestana Promenade Ocean Resort Hotel
    Rua Simplicio dos Passos Gouveia, 31, Funchal
    98% recommended | 391 reviews
  • 8
    Quinta Jardins Do Lago
    Rua Dr. Joao Lemos Gomes 29, Funchal
    100% recommended | 232 reviews
  • 9
    Altis Belem
    Doca do Bom Sucesso, Lisbon
    97% recommended | 127 reviews
  • 10
    Quinta Da Casa Branca
    Rua da casa Branca 7, Funchal
    97% recommended | 240 reviews