It’s no secret that this summer is going to be an extremely busy time to travel to Europe.
According to Allianz Partners, a travel insurance company, the number of Americans traveling to Europe this summer has surged 55% compared to the summer of 2022.
Among the most popular European travel destinations for Americans this summer are cities like London, Paris, and Rome.
Still within the top 10 most popular destinations, but further down on the list, is Lisbon, Portugal. While Portugal has certainly been increasing in popularity in recent years, it still remains a somewhat underrated spot for American travelers.
Here are the best reasons to visit Portugal this summer:
1. Affordable Prices
Portugal is by far the most affordable country in Western Europe. According to the travel planning tool BudgetYourTrip, you can expect to spend around $149 per day on a trip to Portugal.
Compare that to other popular destinations like France ($257), the United Kingdom ($191), Italy ($182), and even Spain ($166), and it’s clear that Portugal is a much better option for budget-conscious travelers.
You can save money on hotels, food, and transportation in Portugal compared to other Western Europe destinations. While summer is still the most expensive time to visit Portugal, you’ll find it’s considerably cheaper than neighboring countries this summer.
2. Great Cities
Lisbon is one of the top destinations in Portugal. This capital city has beautiful and ornate architecture, incredible views, and a laid-back atmosphere. You can explore Lisbon’s hilly streets by tram or check out historic attractions like castles and monasteries.
However, there’s more to Portugal than just Lisbon. Porto is another one of the best cities in the country that should not be missed. Located in the northern part of the country, this city is famous for its port wine. Porto is another beautiful and historic city with tons of things to do.
3. Great Beaches
Outside of its fantastic cities, Portugal is known for its beautiful beaches. If you’re looking for a classic European summer getaway, Portugal is the perfect place.
The Algarve region in the south is one of the best beach destinations in Portugal. Lagos is a great place to base yourself to explore nearby beaches. The beaches in the Algarve are known for their sandy shores and clear blue waters.
For surfers, the beaches north of Lisbon, including Peniche and Ericeira, are best for catching some great waves.
4. Summer Weather
If you love sunshine, Portugal is the place to be. It’s one of the sunniest countries in Europe and was named as having the number one best climate in the world by International Living.
Summers in Portugal are long, sunny, and warm. While it certainly gets hot in Portugal, many parts of the country enjoy a milder climate compared to destinations that are absolutely scorching during the summer.
Cities like Lisbon and Porto benefit from being on the Atlantic coast, which means they enjoy a nice sea breeze that keeps things cooler.
5. Great For A “Workcation”
If you want to extend your summer travels in Europe, Portugal is a great place to work remotely. Taking a “workcation” (where you extend your vacation by working remotely at the beginning or end of your trip) is becoming more and more popular.
Portugal is the top destination in Europe for remote workers due to its affordable prices and fast Internet connection speeds.
It’s also only five hours ahead of the Eastern Time Zone, meaning a 9-to-5 worker could work from 2-to-10 in Portugal — plenty of time to explore in the mornings and enjoy a late dinner after work!
