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: 2222
- 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:
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Lisbon
Popularity: 1 | 25.97% Visitors | 210 Hotels
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Albufeira
Popularity: 2 | 17.18% Visitors | 163 Hotels
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Funchal
Popularity: 3 | 11.67% Visitors | 97 Hotels
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Porto
Popularity: 4 | 5.55% Visitors | 88 Hotels
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Vilamoura
Popularity: 5 | 3.08% Visitors | 38 Hotels
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Lagos
Popularity: 6 | 2.56% Visitors | 63 Hotels
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Alvor
Popularity: 7 | 1.74% Visitors | 25 Hotels
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Cascais
Popularity: 8 | 1.71% Visitors | 21 Hotels
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Praia Da Rocha
Popularity: 9 | 1.59% Visitors | 21 Hotels
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Canico
Popularity: 10 | 1.41% Visitors | 18 Hotels
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Portimao
Popularity: 11 | 1.27% Visitors | 34 Hotels
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Tavira
Popularity: 12 | 1.13% Visitors | 16 Hotels
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Evora
Popularity: 13 | 1.12% Visitors | 24 Hotels
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Estoril
Popularity: 14 | 1.09% Visitors | 19 Hotels
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Carvoeiro
Popularity: 15 | 1.07% Visitors | 20 Hotels
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Faro
Popularity: 16 | 0.92% Visitors | 27 Hotels
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Coimbra
Popularity: 17 | 0.83% Visitors | 22 Hotels
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Sagres
Popularity: 18 | 0.77% Visitors | 12 Hotels
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Quarteira
Popularity: 19 | 0.76% Visitors | 17 Hotels
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Monte Gordo
Popularity: 20 | 0.66% Visitors | 14 Hotels
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Vila Nova De Gaia
Popularity: 21 | 0.61% Visitors | 17 Hotels
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Porches
Popularity: 22 | 0.58% Visitors | 6 Hotels
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Ponta Delgada
Popularity: 23 | 0.57% Visitors | 27 Hotels
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Almancil
Popularity: 24 | 0.52% Visitors | 20 Hotels
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Sintra
Popularity: 25 | 0.5% Visitors | 13 Hotels
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Armacao De Pera
Popularity: 26 | 0.42% Visitors | 11 Hotels
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Porto Santo
Popularity: 27 | 0.42% Visitors | 12 Hotels
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Obidos
Popularity: 28 | 0.37% Visitors | 15 Hotels
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Lagoa
Popularity: 29 | 0.36% Visitors | 6 Hotels
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Nazare
Popularity: 30 | 0.35% Visitors | 13 Hotels
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Fatima
Popularity: 31 | 0.35% Visitors | 30 Hotels
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Calheta
Popularity: 32 | 0.33% Visitors | 7 Hotels
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Santa Cruz
Popularity: 33 | 0.33% Visitors | 6 Hotels
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Braga
Popularity: 34 | 0.31% Visitors | 35 Hotels
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Machico
Popularity: 35 | 0.3% Visitors | 5 Hotels
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Aveiro
Popularity: 36 | 0.3% Visitors | 25 Hotels
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Viana Do Castelo
Popularity: 37 | 0.29% Visitors | 28 Hotels
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Sao Vicente
Popularity: 38 | 0.28% Visitors | 6 Hotels
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Linho
Popularity: 39 | 0.27% Visitors | 2 Hotels
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Luz
Popularity: 40 | 0.26% Visitors | 8 Hotels
Top Portugal Hotels
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1Britania HotelRua Rodrigues Sampaio 17, Lisbon99% recommended | 487 reviews
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2Hotel Albergaria DiasRua Bela de Sao Tiago 44-B, Funchal99% recommended | 164 reviews
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3The Cliff Bay - Porto BayEstrada Monumental, 147, Funchal98% recommended | 386 reviews
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4Pestana Promenade Ocean Resort HotelRua Simplicio dos Passos Gouveia, 31, Funchal98% recommended | 218 reviews
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5Lapa PalaceRua do Pau da Bandeira, 4, Lisbon98% recommended | 129 reviews
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6Heritage Av LiberdadeAvenida da Liberdade, 28, Lisbon100% recommended | 168 reviews
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7Reids Palace by Orient-ExpressEstrada Monumental 139, Funchal98% recommended | 180 reviews
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8Altis BelemDoca do Bom Sucesso, Lisbon97% recommended | 55 reviews
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9Quinta Jardins Do LagoRua Dr. Joao Lemos Gomes 29, Funchal100% recommended | 138 reviews
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10Velamar HotelTorre da Medronheira - Olhos d'Agua, Albufeira99% recommended | 181 reviews