It is considerably smaller, lacks a Mediterranean coastline (Portugal instead spans the North Atlantic), and as a whole is smaller than most U.S. states.
But despite this, it has become increasingly popular among Americans, especially in the wake of the pandemic.
It's really no wonder Portugal has become so fashionable given its wide list of undiscovered jewels that are still undiscovered by tourists, gorgeous beaches, and great affordability:
Why Are Travelers So Drawn To Portugal?
Portugal, one of the oldest and most traditional countries in Europe, is located on the westernmost tip of the Iberian Peninsula, which it shares with Spain and a small bit of France.
Although it has always been a favorite sunny retreat for Europeans, it had largely escaped the attention of visitors from across the pond—until recently, that is. It is the Westernmost state in Europe.
Americans are keen to go where their fellow citizens have not yet ventured, and despite Portugal's status as a summer hotspot, it very much still remains a lesser-known destination among U.S. tourists. With border restrictions removed and tourism restored.
The majority of Americans utilize London, Dublin, or German hubs as entry points for transatlantic journeys, with England and Ireland frequently appearing as the most-searched destinations. The United States and the British Isles have close historical ties, which is largely to blame for this.
More Americans are choosing to travel abroad to Portugal.
Portugal's magnificent Atlantic beaches, pleasant climate, cultural diversity, and reduced consumer prices have attracted a record number of Americans this year.
One of the oldest towns in Western Europe, the attractive and hilly capital of the nation, Lisbon, is a tangle of cobblestone lanes dotted with vibrant Iberian-style houses that rise to a significant fortification.
The typical cityscape of Europe.
Lisbon is also a surprisingly undervalued gourmet destination, as visitors who stroll through the vibrant neighborhood of Belém, where the renowned "pastéis de nata" and several other Portuguese specialties were initially created, will quickly discover.
Beyond Lisbon, Portugal
Visitors will be welcomed by expansive vistas of a magnificent Atlantic coastline bordered by azure, turbulent sea after leaving Lisbon, whether they are traveling north or south.
Although it can feel much colder to swimmers because it is not the Mediterranean, it is unquestionably refreshing during Portugal's hot late summer and early fall weather when temperatures can easily rise above 80°F.
While bathers choose the more tranquil basins in the Algarve, in Southern Portugal, which is home to over 100 swim-friendly beaches, or the charming seaside city of Lagos, surfers are particularly drawn to Nazaré, where towering waves that seem to soar up to the skies crash against the seashore.
Instead, if you head north, you will arrive in the charming Porto (Portuguese for "Port"), the second-largest city in the nation and possibly the most fascinating place to visit. It is home to a variety of vibrant Iberian cathedrals, odd street corner bars, and picturesque cobbled alleys that are crossed by tramways.
Ancient Roman Temples And A Portuguese Venice
Other magnificent Portuguese hidden jewels not to be missed include Évora, home to the Temple of Diana, possibly the best-preserved Roman-era Pagan temple in Portugal, and Aveiro, a city traversed by canals and known as the Portuguese Venice.
Apart from its extensive tourist offerings, Portugal is surprisingly inexpensive compared to its European equivalents, which is especially noteworthy given that it is the Westernmost state in Europe and that Western Europe is often more expensive than the East.
According to data compiled by The Savvy Backpacker, you should plan to spend, on average, between $43 and $81 per day on a trip to Lisbon, or even less if you're truly frugal and won't be eating out every night at more expensive restaurants.
A single person's projected monthly expenses, not counting housing, are just about $756, while Lisbon is up to 31.7% less expensive than Paris, with lunches at cheap eateries costing only about $13, according to crowd-sourced Numbeo.
Based on information gathered from more than 1,691 lodging providers, BudgetYourTrip reports that the average nightly price for a single room in the heart of Lisbon is $109.
Even at youth hostels or a family-run guesthouse, travelers can find lodging for a lot less than that; costs for the former start at about $23 for a dorm bed this fall.
Portugal Is A Wonderful Off-Season Vacation Spot
Portugal's low cost of living, which doesn't necessarily translate to a lower standard of living or fewer service options, excellent weather—Lisbon, for example, experiences an average of 300 sunny days annually—and a wealth of attractions have recently earned it the title of best country in the world for digital nomads in Europe.
Portugal is well-connected to the United States despite not being as well-known a travel destination in the country thanks to a number of nonstop flights that connect Lisbon and Porto, the country's two main international hubs, to places like New York/Newark, Miami, Boston, and others for as little as $533 one-way in the near future.
Away from the Portuguese peninsula, the independent archipelagos of Madeira, which is located off the coast of West Africa, and The Azores, sometimes known as the European Hawaii, both have nonstop flights to and from the East Coast of the United States.