Friends! It’s no secret that I love Portugal. When I traveled with Traverse Journeys on their Taste of Portugal trip, I experienced amazing food, unique wines, and beautiful cities. I also had a few lifechanging experiences. I can’t wait to go back – and you can travel to Portugal with me as I will be leading this year’s trip. I can’t wait, and here are 8 reasons I think you should come along.
Common Questions About Portugal
First, I wanted to answer a few questions you may have about Portugal. I had them before I went, too. Skip to the end if you want to find out the itinerary and grab a promo code for the upcoming trip I’m hosting!
Portugal Cities
When it comes to Portugal, Lisbon is the main city that comes to mind, but there are so many other gorgeous Portugal cities to visit. The top 5 cities in Portugal from largest to smallest are Lisbon (Portugal capital), Porto, Amadora, Braga, and Setubal. Porto Portugal is on our itinerary (as is Lisbon Portugal), and other highlights are Sintra, the Dao Valley, and Tomar.
Portugal Language
The official language of Portugal is Portuguese, which is spoken in 10 different countries, including Brazil. It’s good to know a few Portuguese language basics, which include the following Portuguese words:
- Ola – Hello
- Adeus – Goodbye (formal)
- Tchau – Bye (informal)
- Obrigada – Thank You (males would say Obrigado)
- De Nada – You’re Welcome
- Perdao – Pardon Me
Portugal Population
There are around 10.2 million people with 66% of those being in the urban areas of the country.
Portugal People
It’s safe to say that the people of Portugal are kind, and most know a bit of English, which is helpful.
Portugal Currency
The Euro is used in Portugal and throughout much of Europe.
Reasons to Travel to Portugal
Now that we have some of the basics out of the way, here are my reasons why I want you to travel to Portugal with me. It’s a great place to be!
To Eat
Portugal has some amazing food! While there, you must sample the pastel de nata, which is an egg custard tart that is delicious and found just about everywhere.
If you enjoy seafood, it’s very fresh there because the coastline of Portugal is so vast. Get your tastebuds ready for so many treats!
To Drink
A huge highlight in Portugal are the wineries, and there are many! We will be visiting the Dao region, and you need to sample Port wine and green wine (yes, green – not really in color, but it has an effervescence).
So many different tastes to try, and the backdrop of the Portuguese vineyards is the perfect place to sample wines. The countryside is beautiful!
To Experience Lisbon Portugal
Lisbon is filled with beautiful buildings, quaint shops, and amazing cafes. Of course, there is a ton of history there, too! I enjoyed making my way through the cobblestone streets – both on my own and with the group.
If you are wondering what is Lisbon famous for, there are many highlights including Fado music, urban art, history, blue-tiled buildings, trolleys, red roofs…the list goes on!
To See Street Art
Street art. Graffiti. No matter what you want to call it, it’s everywhere. Read my article here for Lonely Planet on my change of heart about this art form.
It is an expression that runs deep for the Portugual people, and you can see it in so many places all over Lisbon Portugal and beyond.
To Visit Porto Portugal
When I visited Porto, I knew that it was a place I would come back to. It’s on the water, and has so much to do! There is a beautiful bridge that you can walk across to get from one side of the river to another.
The city is also quaint and filled with wandering streets, waterside restaurants, and a few fun things like a cable car and a Ferris wheel. Porto Portugal is a highlight for many that are visiting the country.
To Get a Close Up Look at Azulejos
The what? The Portuguese tile. Azul means blue. Although that is the predominant color of the tile, other colors – such as green, red, brown, and yellow – can be found all over the country. The tiles are something memorable about Portugal, and purchasing a new or vintage tile makes a fun souvenir to take home if you choose.
Beyond the tile on the buildings, the streets and sidewalks are filled with stunning patterns of black and gray stonework. Some of it is used to mark addresses, and others are used to make the public places even more gorgeous!
To Be in Awe of Sintra
I LOVED Sintra. Truly. So much so, in fact, that I spent an extra day there once my tour with Traverse ended. I’m excited that we will be spending more time there during this trip.
It’s filled with palaces, a quaint historic center, and adorable shops. Sintra is perfect for finding more authentic souvenirs, such as vintage tile and original paintings.
To Do Something Different
The trip impacted me, and I also established friendships while soaking in the experience. When I decided to head to Portugal, I was excited to travel to Europe. Of course, that was amazing, but I also learned so much about myself.
One of the things that I love about Traverse Journeys is the ability to travel “solo” in a group. Click here to read an article I wrote on solo group travel, but it really is a wonderful option! It is a way to go alone while having a set itinerary and meeting others.
You are in charge of your free time – explore to the fullest, take a nap, or have a glass of wine at a cafe. If you need downtime, take it, or if you want to be social, you can do that, too.
Information About Travel to Portugal
Of course, you need a bit of information, right? Find out about the day to day itinerary, cost, and more by clicking here. I have traveled with Traverse Journeys several times, and each time I learn, experience a new area and have a wonderful time with others.
Traverse also includes a community project or volunteer time during their trips, and in Portugal they have partnered with Yes You Can Spray. You can read more about them here. Traverse’s premise of “people, planet, purpose” shines through in all they do as they concentrate on responsible travel.
use the code JP100 to save $100 on your trip
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me! I’d love to see you in Portugal or take a peek at other trips that Traverse hosts here.
Comments
20 responses to “8 Reasons You Should Travel to Portugal With Me”
We visited Portugal for 4 weeks and it was not enough. We have plans for this year to return. Food is definitely high on the list. I don’t think we had a bad meal on our visit. We loved all the blue tile work we found everywhere. Some just decorative. But much telling detailed tales. But probably the biggest reason we would return to Portugal was for the people. We found they loved their country and could not wait to share it with us. We always left one place with a long recommendation of places and people we should meet on our next stop.
I loved Portugal and wish I had more time there! Your post is making me desperately want to go back. You’re right, the seafood is definitely the best in Lisbon because of its proximity to the coast and the egg tarts…don’t even get me started, drooling! I didn’t get to see street art while in Portugal, but your pictures are dope. This is such a great and easy to follow guide, I’ll use it if I get to go this summer. If not, I’m hanging onto it for when I go next!
I definitely want to go take a closer look at those Azulejos! Portugal should definitely be on everyone’s bucket list!
It sounds like there are so many amazing things to do and see in Portugal! It totally has to be on everyone’s bucket list!
I have been to Lisbon and I’d also really like to return to visit Porto and some of Portugal’s countryside. The vineyards look very beautiful. I also really enjoyed the food, of course, the pastel de nata is very good. I don’t know much about Sintra but it seems like a good destination to visit as well.
Looks like it will be an amazing trip. I love Portugal after visiting Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve. I still want to visit Sintra. My favourite Portuguese tart – pastel de nata – I just can’t get enough of them when in Portugal. Another favourite is the grilled fish dishes that you can get. The blue tiles on buildings are a photographers dream, I could not stop taking photos of them especially in the Sao Bento Railway Station in Porto.
I’ve always had an interest in Portugal. I didn’t know very much about it prior to reading this post, I just knew that it was beautiful and I heard it had great food 😉 Now I’m even more interested in making a trip happen one day! It sounds like a wonderful place to visit.
Portugal is such a beautiful country but unfortunately, I haven’t been there yet. Traveling with a small group is a great idea, especially that you have enough time to dedicate to each member of the group and not making them feel ‘not integrated’. The food photos look absolutely stunning and I would definitely travel to Portugal for its street art (those creations are fantastic). I have also heard about the gigantic facades with blue tiles in Porto – something you shouldn’t miss.
Yes, the food and drink are the top reasons that I want to visit Portugal!! Those blue tiles are so unique. Oh, this is so high on my travel wish list!!
That’s very cool that you are leading a trip to Portugal! I would love to go to Portugal sometime. The food definitely appeals to me, I love fresh seafood and would like to try that egg custard tart. I also like that Traverse includes a community project or volunteer experience on their trips.
What a gorgeous place! And the food looks delicious!
I loved Sintra. I loved Sintra more than Lisbon. I’m yet to explore the other parts of Portugal, but yeah, the little country has so much to offer. Esp., I need to visit Porto. Its so enchanting.
I’ve tasted a few rose wines from Portugal, but I never knew of the green wines. Will check them out now.
I did have an evening hearing Fado music. It is soulful!
I have heard so many great things about Portugal! The pastel de nata sounds amazing! The street art looks amazing to and right up my alley! I would love to visit a vineyard-those views are great!
Portugal seems like a lovely travel destination. It definitely on my bucket list. I love the vibes I got from your photos.
Portugal is definitely on my list!! I’ve technically been there (to The Azores), but not to mainland Portugal yet. It looks so beautiful.
So many amazing things to see and do! My husband and I are starting to plan our honeymoon soon, and Portugal is definitely on the list, thanks for the info!
Portugal looks absolutely beautiful! I wish I could visit someday!
Portugal looks amazing! Once Corona Virus is done I am going everywhere!!
Portugal looks amazing!!! Loved reading your post! I am definitely adding it to my bucket list of places to visit.
Incredible photos, looking at them, I kind of was there. Thanks for this virtual travel opportunity! I am impressed!