Just because Hollywood A-listers like Madonna have homes in Portugal is not reason enough to visit this European gem. Portugal has always offered much to see and do way before the paparazzi arrived — a long and rich history, fabulous architecture, and wonderful local food and drink. So, why has today’s tourist world fallen madly in love (as in completely ga-ga) with Portugal? In the last 10 years, travel to Portugal has skyrocketed — especially with American visitors. In 2023, Portugal welcomed over 30 million visitors — breaking its previous tourism records.
Avid travelers, Sue and Bruce Kaminsky are two of the many tourists who recently discovered the charms of Portugal. Kaminsky talks about how she and her husband “loved” touring the cities, “Lisbon is a fabulous city with walkable flair surrounded by historical buildings and the ocean. Porto is a hidden gem that should be on your bucket list, we enjoyed visiting a winery there. Don’t forget Sintra, a short train ride that made for a great day trip!”
Portugal’s popularity has not gone unnoticed by local tour operator Josh Cutler, Director, JBC Travel & Tours. Cutler explains, “I recently spent a week in Portugal and will be returning with a group in September. After experiencing it firsthand, it is easy to understand why Portugal has become the new “hot spot” in Europe. It is a full sensory experience that goes beyond sightseeing.”
Left to right: Lisbon, “Pink Street” in Cais do Sodré, and Time Out Market in Cais do Sodré
Lisbon Neighborhoods
As the capital of Portugal, Lisbon offers many sightseeing options in its diverse neighborhoods ranging from quaint Alfama to trendy nightlife in Bairro Alto and the “Pink Street” in Cais do Sodré. And, regardless of what neighborhood you find yourself in, always be mindful of Lisbon’s rich architecture — from Moorish tiled arches to ornate Baroque facades that echo Portugal’s past.
If you are into shopping, the upscale Chiado neighborhood has become known as a shopper’s paradise — from trendy boutiques to local goods. For book lovers, a must-see in Chiado is Livraria Bertrand — the oldest bookstore in the world. After you purchase a book (or two), venture into the back and enjoy a cup of coffee in the literary-inspired café.
Speaking of food and drink, Lisbon has something for everyone’s taste buds. For foodies, The Time Out Market in Cais do Sodré, a gourmet food hall featuring 26 restaurants, eight bars, and a dozen shops, is a gastronomic treat. And, do NOT leave Lisbon without sampling signature foods like pasteis de nata — an egg custard tart pastry. Another way to sample the dessert is to take a pasteis de nata baking class where you can create your puff pastry from scratch.
In addition to Portuguese-centric food, Fado is synonymous with Lisbon. The traditional Portuguese music genre features acoustic music with melancholy lyrics about loss, longing, and sadness. Find a Fado spot while enjoying an after-dinner cocktail, or book a table that serves dinner and Fado at the same time.
Porto Perfect
By land, sea, or air, Porto charms its visitors. A walking tour through Porto’s cobblestone streets takes you to iconic landmarks including the majestic Sao Bento Railway Station, the bustling Bolhao Market (from fishmongers to florists), and the historic Ribeira district — for architectural lovers, a must.
Because Porto sits at the mouth of the Duroro River, booking a Douro Valley River cruise is a great way to see the sights. The tour makes several stops at local wineries along the way where you can sample Portugal’s famous wines like Port (ruby or tawny) named after the city, of course.
Finally, take in Porto from the Gaia Cable Car. From the highest point, admire the river as well as the red roofs of the port wine cellars from a bird’s eye view.
Left to right from top: Gaia Cable Car, Sao Bento Railway Station, Hill of Chiado, and Pasteis de nata
Portugal Permanently
In addition to breaking tourism records, Portugal has attracted people looking to relocate permanently. In 2021, the number of Americans living in Portugal rose 45% from the previous year. According to Forbes Magazine, Portugal was listed as one of the most recommended countries to relocate to for expats and retirees.
These stats have not gone unnoticed by Craig Gardner and Pete Costantino — New Jersey residents making the move across the Atlantic. Why? If you ask Gardner and Costantino, the answer would be similar to that of the 10,000 plus Americans currently residing in Portugal.
Gardner explains their decision, “Beyond its natural beauty, we cherish Portugal for its friendly people, excellent healthcare, fresh-caught seafood, lower cost of living, and high level of safety. The absence of guns and very low crime rates foster a profound sense of peace and security. Portugal’s commitment to clean energy, with its extensive use of solar and wind power, further enhances its appeal. It truly has everything we could hope for in a new home.”
Although Lisbon and Porto caught their attention, their hearts were completely captured by Algarve’s sandy beaches, charming restaurants, and stunning water views. Gardner also fell in love with the “remarkable kindness” Portuguese locals show newcomers. Although most people speak English, Gardner plans to immerse himself in the new culture and language.
“Out of respect for the culture, we encourage making an effort to learn the language, especially the simple yet powerful Obrigado (thank you). A heartfelt Obrigado and a smile are more than just words here [Portugal] — they are a way of life, opening doors to endless possibilities.”
