Portugal is one of the most perfect, affordable summer getaways to put on your list. There are so many incredible places in Portugal for us to include and reasons why we think you should visit, but we’ve managed to summarise it all into your new go-to article that’ll have you booking a holiday before you’ve finished the article.
Read on to find out why you should visit Portugal this summer.
The Beaches
The beaches are some of the best. They’re tranquil, pristine, fresh Atlantic water beaches with the most peaceful vibe. Areas like Comporta have the best, in our opinion: it isn’t a tourist trap like some of the locations in Portugal. Depending on the time of the year, you might find you have a stretch of the beach to yourself. The villa Comporta complexes are also incredible, combining a peaceful escape with a touch of modern Mediterranean luxury.
Outside of Comporta, some of the best beaches in Portugal include:
- Praia da Marinha – Algarve
- Praia da Nazaré – Nazaré (famous for surfing)
- Praia da Ursa – Near Cabo da Roca
- Praia de Barreta – Faro (perfect if you’re looking for warmer waters)
The Cities
The cities combine art with quaint, traditional Portuguese and Mediterranean architecture. In areas like Lagos, for example, so many of the buildings are full of colour. There’s so much character around every corner, and a day walking around the cities filled with their charming colours leaves you in total awe.
Some of the top cities include:
- Porto
- Lisbon
- Braga
- Lagos
- Leiria
The Nature
Portugal has it all. Mountains, forests, sea coves: you can experience it all in Portugal. Comporta and Leiria are two of our favourite locations. The rice paddies in Comporta, the pine forests in Leiria, we love it all. These two locations reveal the untouched, flourishing natural beauty of Portugal.
But it doesn’t stop there. Some of the best nature spots in Portugal include:
- Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês – Terras de Bouro
- Douro River – Bragança
- Ponta da Piedade – Lagos
- Islet of Vila Franca do Campo – Sao Miguel Island
The Vibe
Portugal isn’t all about destinations—it’s a mood. And if you’re Gen Z or younger, you’re all about the vibe. Maybe it’s the temperature or the warm greeting of the locals with their smiling faces. Maybe it’s the aroma of sardines over barbecues. Maybe it’s the far-off drone of Fado music that floats down the roads. Wherever you are, there’s a relaxed vibe, and that’s what summer is made of.
Whether you’re walking through Alfama’s narrow side streets or sitting on a patio in Porto sipping cold Vinho Verde, you feel the time has been slowed down just for you. People actually stop and talk. They sit and drink coffee without rushing. They sit down to dinner that lasts hours because they know food tastes best when shared.
Portugal is a summer escape that ticks every box. You’ll just need a suitcase and a bit of time to soak it all in.