Portugal Today Is What Italy Was 20 Years Ago: Unspoiled, Uncrowded, and Affordable with Old-World Charm.

Portugal is a fascinating country that should be at the top of your travel bucket list. In many ways, its tourism industry today is comparable to Italy’s tourism industry 20 years ago.

Portugal has some of the same distinctions Italy boasts:

• historic sites

• unique cities

• charming small towns surrounded by beautiful countryside

• regional cuisine masterfully prepared

• great wine

• museums filled with great art

The big difference between the two countries from a traveler's perspective today is that Portugal is less traveled and less commercialized. It’s also much more affordable.

And, Portugal is not experiencing over-tourism…yet.

Portugal Is Unspoiled and Still Has Old-World Charm

Here’s what you can expect as you visit different regions:

• Eat at family-run restaurants and shop in family-owned small specialty stores.

• See and learn about trades that make Portugal unique, like cork harvesting.

• Witness traditional handicrafts being made like white bobbin lace (Rendas de Bilros), hand-embroidered rugs (Tapetes de Arraiolos), filigree jewelry (Filigrana), and ceramics. These unique trades continue to be passed down through families.

• Hear Portuguese spoken (although we found English was spoken in many places as a second language).

• Find locals very welcoming.

• See children growing up in the towns or city neighborhoods of their grandparents.

• Visit ornate and exquisite churches and palaces (untouched by the bombs of WWII like some other European countries).

• Feast on traditionally prepared meals based on the catch of the day and in-season crops. Depending on location, the entire meal will cost you 30-40% less than what you’d spend in a comparable restaurant in Italy.

• Taste a variety of locally-produced wines (white, red, port.) Portugal has several wine-producing regions.

Where Should You Go?

Mainland Portugal is divided into several key regions and each has unique characteristics. Here are a few key attractions for each:

Lisbon and Metropolitan Area

• Lisbon, the capital city, is known for its historic neighborhoods, vibrant nightlife, and cultural attractions. You’ll walk a lot—up and down the city’s seven hills. Building exteriors are colorfully tiled.

• Sintra is a fairy tale town with colorful 19th-century castles and gardens to explore including Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, and Monserrate Palace. The intricate, well-preserved details of each are impressive. Sintra is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Porto and the North:

• The city of Porto is renowned for its port wine cellars and tastings, especially in the Vila Nova de Gaia area. Additionally, the historic Ribeira district is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its narrow streets, colorful tiled buildings, and picturesque riverside location.

• The Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is all about wine. Vineyards are endless along the very steep hillsides of the Duoro River. There are many wine-tasting options and it’s a great place to relax for a few days.

Alentejo:

• This is the main agricultural region of Portugal and is known for its vast plains, cork oak forests, and vineyards. It offers a peaceful rural experience, historic towns, and traditional cuisine (black pork dishes, bread soup, and lamb stew).

• Evora is the capital city of the region. It has well-preserved, Corinthian-style Roman ruins as well as archeological site ruins from the same period. The Chapel of Bones features walls and pillars adorned with human bones and skulls said to be from monks buried in the local cemeteries. The city is small enough to be walkable.

Algarve:

• The southernmost region of Portugal is famous for its stunning beaches and towering limestone cliffs, sea stacks, arches, and grottoes. There are historic towns with cobblestone streets, quaint fishing villages, and many superb seafood restaurants (Octopus is a popular ingredient for many dishes).

• Boat tours and walking trails provide opportunities to explore the area. Bring sunscreen and lots of water. The sun is strong and there is little shade.

Central (Centro):

• The central region offers a mix of cultural heritage, medieval architecture, and beautiful landscapes. There are several towns in the Central region near the Atlantic coast between Porto and the Lisbon metro area that are worthy of a day trip.

• Coimbra has a rich history dating back to Roman times. As the home of one of the oldest universities in Europe, the University of Coimbra (est. 1290), the city has been a major center of education and culture. Students wear long black robes (like students at Hogwarts in Harry Potter) on special occasions as part of their uniforms.

• Obidos is a small village surrounded by an intact medieval wall that you can walk along for great views of the countryside. It’s a romantic stop with narrow streets (no cars allowed), many excellent restaurants, and delightfully unique gift shops and bookstores.

For a first trip, my recommendation would be to rent a car and spend a minimum of two weeks exploring the different regions of the country. You won’t come close to seeing everything but you’ll get a sense of what makes this country so special. If you have less time, pick 2 or 3 regions and spend 3 nights in each.