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 12 months, and after British vacationers, Americans are the commonest 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 recognition proper now:

1. It’s Affordable

Portugal stays probably the most inexpensive vacation spot in Western Europe. It’s on par with Croatia and Slovakia by way of prices, and guests will discover that all the things 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 possibly can expertise loads 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 amazing base for exploring the area.

There are additionally glorious browsing seashores close to Lisbon, together with Ericeira and Peniche, the place you possibly can catch some nice waves (and take browsing classes should you’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 lovely 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 be price a go to. Porto is thought for its port wine and the River Douro, which flows by the middle of the town. Taking a river cruise underneath the 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 numerous nice underrated destinations in Portugal the place you possibly can 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’s 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 numerous vineyards, particularly within the Douro Valley. Visiting a winery and studying how port is produced is a good day journey from Porto and supplies a glimpse into a practice that’s lots of 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 dwelling.

It’s a preferred digital nomad hotspot the place distant employees and entrepreneurs can get pleasure from a wonderful high quality of life for an inexpensive price.

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 trying to reside close to the seaside.