Why Americans Are Visiting This Country In Record Numbers Right Now

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Portugal is among the hottest locations in Europe this summer time for American vacationers.

According to Reuters, Portugal set a brand new all-time file for guests in May of 2023, with more than 1.7 million arrivals. In the primary 5 months of 2023, Portugal has seen 6.4 million guests in comparison with 5.7 million guests in the identical interval of 2019.

woman walking along waterfall in portugal

The nation is on monitor to obtain a file excessive of tourists this yr, and after British vacationers, Americans are the most typical nationality visiting Portugal, adopted by the French.

So why are Americans flocking to Portugal in file numbers?

Here’s why Portugal is experiencing a lot reputation proper now:

1. It’s Affordable

Portugal stays essentially the most reasonably priced vacation spot in Western Europe. It’s on par with Croatia and Slovakia by way of prices, and guests will discover that all the pieces from inns to meals to transportation is cheaper in Portugal than elsewhere in Western Europe.

Although prices have been rising lately as a result of inflow of vacationers and expats, Portugal nonetheless stays a budget-friendly vacation spot the place you may expertise quite a bit for little or no cash.

Your cash will go a lot additional in Portugal than in close by Spain, France, or the United Kingdom.

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Woman looking up at city gate in Lisbon, Portugal

2. Beautiful Beaches

One of Portugal’s greatest points of interest is its seashores. In southern Portugal, the Algarve area is thought for having a number of the most gorgeous seashores in Europe.

Whitewashed fishing villages, sandy seashores and coves, and dramatic rocky outcroppings are emblematic of the Algarve. Cities like Lagos and Faro make an ideal base for exploring the area.

There are additionally glorious browsing seashores close to Lisbon, together with Ericeira and Peniche, the place you may catch some nice waves (and take browsing classes if you happen to’re nonetheless a newbie.)

3. Great Cities

A spotlight of Portugal is its cities. The capital of Lisbon can’t be missed. Known for its stunning and colourful structure, hilly streets, scrumptious meals, and interesting historical past, Lisbon is among the greatest capital cities in Europe.

Porto, Portugal’s second-largest metropolis, can also be price a go to. Porto is thought for its port wine and the River Douro, which flows via the middle of town. Taking a river cruise underneath town’s many bridges or having fun with a tasting at one of many metropolis’s many port cellars are a number of the greatest issues to do in Porto.

Beyond Lisbon and Porto, there are a lot of nice underrated destinations in Portugal the place you may escape the crowds and see one other aspect of the nation.

4. Interesting Culture

Another factor that’s attracting a file variety of guests to Portugal proper now could be the nation’s fascinating historical past and tradition.

Fado is a sort of music that embodies Portugal, and catching a efficiency of this mournful and emotional style is a should whereas visiting Portugal.

In the northern a part of the nation, there are a lot of vineyards, particularly within the Douro Valley. Visiting a winery and studying how port is produced is a good day journey from Porto and offers a glimpse into a practice that’s a whole bunch of years outdated.

5. Digital Nomad Hotspot

Although many Americans go to Portugal for only a week or two on trip, a rising variety of Americans are additionally calling Portugal house.

It’s a well-liked digital nomad hotspot the place distant employees and entrepreneurs can get pleasure from a wonderful high quality of life for an reasonably priced value.

The cities of Lisbon and Porto are two standard places for digital nomads in Portugal, whereas Madeira, an island territory off the coast of Africa, or Peniche, a laidback surf city on the coast, are nice for digital nomads seeking to stay close to the seaside.