Europe’s Trendiest Destination Is Also One Of Its Most Affordable

Source: Traveloffpath

Portugal is not the first destination that comes to mind when you pair words like “sun” and “culture” – at least to the average American. Considering Portugal’s extensive list of hidden gems yet to be overrun with tourists, beautiful beaches, and high affordability, it’s truly no surprise it’s got so trendy.

One of Europe’s oldest and most traditional nations, Portugal occupies the Westernmost portion of the Iberian Peninsula. It is Europe’s Westernmost state, and though it’s always been a popular sunny getaway for Europeans, it had been largely ignored by travelers from across the pond up… until recently.

With border restrictions down and tourism reinstated, Americans are eager to travel where their fellow nationals have not yet trod, and despite Portugal’s standing as a summer hotspot, it very much remains a lesser-known destination among U.S. visitors.

More Americans Are Choosing Portugal For Their International Trips. This year, a record number of Americans have taken trips to Portugal already, inspired by its gorgeous Atlantic beaches, warm weather, cultural wealth, and lower consumer prices.

The country’s capital, the charming – and hilly – Lisbon, is an ancient wonder listed as one of Western Europe’s oldest settlements and a maze of cobblestone streets lined with colorful Iberian-style buildings that lead up to a major fortification. Lisbon is also a seriously underrated foodie destination, as tourists who stroll the lively district of Belém, where the famous “pastéis de nata” were first concocted, as well as several other Portuguese delicacies, will soon learn.

Beyond Lisbon, whether they’re going North or South, tourists will be greeted with sweeping views of a dramatic Atlantic coastline lined by golden sands and bounded by an azure, agitated sea. Traveling North instead, you will hit the enchanting Porto (Portuguese for “Port”), the country’s number-two metropolitan area and arguably its most exciting city break, home to several colorful Iberian churches, quirky street corner bars, and picturesque cobbled streets traversed by tramways.

Other incredible Portuguese hidden gems not to be missed include Aveiro, a city traversed by canals, dubbed the Portuguese Venice, and Évora, housing the Temple of Diana, perhaps the best-preserved Roman-era Pagan temple.

Portugal is a great off-season destination It is so affordable it was recently named the best country in the world for digital nomads in Europe, owing to a low cost of living, its excellent weather – Lisbon for instance enjoys an average of 300 sunny days per year – and a wide array of attractions.

Though it is not as popular a destination in America, Portugal is well-connected to the United States through several nonstop flight routes, linking both Lisbon and Porto, its main international hubs.

Read the full article, here!