by Sara Jane Crane —
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The small seafaring country of Portugal has always been a place of adventure. In times past, Portuguese explorers charted and conquered the world. Today, modern travelers are taking advantage of the country’s enticing tourism opportunities, exciting arts revival and cost-saving possibilities.
For travelers looking for a new European destination, the allure of Portugal is clear. Several airlines now offer non-stop flights from the East coast, making the flight a reasonable seven hours.
Portugal has year-round temperate weather, so there’s no such thing as a bad time to visit. While July and August are the most popular months to visit Portugal, spring and autumn can be more rewarding if you want to tour and experience local culture. Free of excessive heat and crowds, the country is more relaxed.
What to See in Portugal
The capital Lisbon perfectly blends its traditional heritage with modern culture and is frequently recognized as one of the greatest cities in the world.
The country’s coastline is blessed with gorgeous beaches. Seekers of mild, sunny climes fly south to the enticing Algarve region.
Porto, in northern Portugal, is equally lovely. Buildings are adorned with pretty azulejo tiles and the city is surrounded by world-class vineyards. With its stunning Art Deco architecture, it is a haven for design lovers.
Douro river cruises are gaining in popularity and take you through a region of majestic scenery, charming villages and one of the oldest wine regions in the world.
With dozens of Unesco World Heritage sites, a lively food, wine and arts culture, and an array of lodging, river cruise, and touring choices, Portugal belongs at the top of your bucket list.