Why You Should Visit Portugal For Euro Summer
By Hannah Douch
Last updated: 27th November 2024
If these cold winter nights have left you longing for Euro Summer, do I have a place for you. Portugal is, without question, one of the most underrated destinations that Europe has to offer. You’ve never experienced magic until you’ve seen the sunset by Porto’s iconic arch bridge, or taken a bite of that first (of many) pastel de nata.
When I visited Portugal back in September, by the second day I was already asking myself: “Should I move here?” Home to some of Europe’s finest beaches, port cities and idyllic towns in the vast countryside, Portugal’s variety is unbelievable. It’s got surfing, it’s got seafood and it’s got Sintra; I mean seriously, if fairytales were real, it would look like this. Best of all, the prices are super affordable (👀).
Lisbon and Porto: Portugal’s Best Cities
Imagine saffron-yellow trams gliding across the streets of Lisbon. Wide courtyards open into vibrant alleyways, and as you climb further up the hills, you’ll be amazed by all the breathtaking vistas you find. All the roads lead back to that stunning coast. If you wander far enough, you might be able to spot Lisbon’s equivalent of the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge in the distance. And who could forget about Pink Street: photo hotspot by day, life of the party by night?
Then there’s Porto: a city so spellbinding that it’s said to have inspired Harry Potter. Despite the brilliant claim to fame, the secret hasn’t come out just yet about Porto! Discover one of the world’s most beautiful bookshops and railway stations, before taking a stroll around their markets filled with fresh appetisers and produce. Make sure you set aside a good amount of time to explore Porto’s waterfront and stare up at the tiled architecture, with buildings that really do come in every shade of the rainbow.
In Portugal’s cities, it’s all about living in the moment. Sometimes the best kind of plans are none at all, so take your time exploring each area and see where the scenery leads you!
The Beaches? Heavenly
Boy do Portugal’s beaches deliver. Golden sandy stretches meet ocean waves that soar and swell. It’s enough to make all your Euro Summer fantasies come true. The world-renowned Algarve region is a deserved fan-favourite among travellers. For me, I adored Peniche’s small town surfer charm and its more rustic beaches… picture towering, white sand hills and a crashing coast.
After a long and hard day of relaxation by the sea, or learning how to surf like a pro, be sure to stick around as the sky fades into shades of orange and pink. One of my absolute favourite memories in Portugal has to be going for a beach picnic, and then literally running off into the sunset. In the morning I stretched out on the sand, read my fluffy romance book, took a few naps and enjoyed the sea views. Talk about a perfect day.
Sintra is Enchanting
Like a fairytale come to life, Sintra is filled with ornately decorated palaces and whimsical, jade-green forests. There are so many secret treasures waiting to be discovered here, and you could easily spend hours exploring every nook and cranny of just a single palace. While I chose to explore the Quinta de Regaleira castle covered in moss, another popular choice is the National Palace of Sintra and its glamorous tiled interior. If you have some extra time in Sintra, you could head out to see the iconic Pena Palace!
Around 40 minutes away from Lisbon, Sintra makes for a dreamy day trip. While I was only here for a few hours, Sintra left a lasting impression. Love at first sight, even!
Escape into the Portuguese Countryside
One thing’s for sure, Portugal is packed with hidden gems. Even inside the exceptionally popular Algarve region, we stayed in a less discovered area called Tavira: made for leisurely evening strolls along the river. And if I had to pick a favourite out of all the towns and villages I visited, it would likely be Óbidos. As you step through the historic gates, it’s like entering a world of colour. Those bright white houses with bright blue and yellow accents? They look even more breathtaking in person.
Really, Portugal itself is just a natural beauty. So it’s hardly surprising that some of the most special experiences here are the journeys themselves. Gaze out onto the rolling valleys and rugged cliffs calling you closer to the ocean. Now those are views to remember.
Two Words: The Food
If you think Portugal’s scenery sounds incredible (and it is), wait until you try the food. Where do I even begin? Mouthwatering platefuls of fresh seafood, plus deep-fried fish croquettes. Hot and spicy Piri Piri chicken cooked to perfection. Francesinha sandwiches coated in tomato sauce, and layered with hot meats and melted cheese. And my god, the pastel de nateische. I had at least one every single day… little treat culture is what I lived by in Portugal!
As you move further South through Portugal, you can taste the differences between regional cuisines. While the Northern region is a little more rustic and hearty, in the Algarve region you’ll find a crossover with Spanish tapas! Wherever you are in the country, the cuisine is outstanding. The best way to experience it? Take a food tour at least once and try as many local dishes as you can.
Budget-Friendly Euro Summer
The four words that any traveller wants to hear! Portugal is one of the cheapest countries in Europe, with a glass of wine and a taxi (hot tip: Bolt is Portugal’s go-to!) costing as little as €1 each. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway to Porto or Lisbon, a holiday in the Algarve or want to experience it all, you’re doing both yourself and your wallet a huge favour by visiting Portugal. Indulge in expensive taste without the price tag!
Dreaming of Portugal? Here’s How to Make it Happen!
If you’re thinking to yourself, “What is this trip and can I sign up?”, the answer is that you totally can! I discovered this unforgettable destination on our Portugal Uncovered trip. And honestly, it’s the best introduction to Portugal that you could ask for!
Portugal Uncovered is set over nine days with an amazing mix of sightseeing and free days. On this trip, you’ll get to experience loads of locations - the Algarve, Cascais, Coimbra, Porto, Peniche and Sintra, just to name a few! It’s also a loop from Lisbon, meaning that flights are super easy (and btw, if you’ve been looking at our Europe tours and want to go travelling, but are feeling really nervous, this is a great one to go for 😉).
As is true for any group trip, it’s all about the people you share these experiences with. My roommate Megan was the sweetest person ever, my group was lovely and my trip leader, Lizzie, was so funny, kind and welcoming. A special shoutout also goes to our driver, Santos, who made it possible for us to explore all these places in just over a week!
Long story short, Portugal became one of my absolute favourite destinations in no time… and I know it could be one of yours, too! So, what are you waiting for?
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