Why is Tourism Popular in Portugal?

Why is tourism popular in Portugal? This question is arising with the day-by-day rise in the popularity of Portugal. Portugal is a very attractive destination for tourists who dream of spending their vacations in Europe. Tourism is one of the significant socio-economic practices of Portugal, and its trend is increasing among enthusiasts all over the world.  

A research examination of tourism in Portugal covers the years 1965 through 2016. Thus, it tells why is tourism popular in Portugal and outlines the principal shifts in Portuguese tourism during the previous fifty years. 

This article throws light on why tourism is popular in Portugal and how it brings recreation for visitors. Moreover, you will find out what are the most worth-seeing places in Portugal for tourists.  

Why is Tourism Popular in Portugal?

Since you are already familiar with the exceptional charm of Portugal among all other European countries, you must be wondering why is tourism popular in Portugal. Why everyone dreams of spending his/her vacations in Portugal? What is the reason behind so much craze of the public for tourism in this country? 

When you study the facts and figures of tourist attractions in Portugal, you will be surprised to know that just in the year 2017, this country welcomed 23 million tourists. By the following year of 2019, the number of visitors is still rising continually with each growing day. 

So, why is tourism popular in Portugal? What is the mystery behind it? Is it the golden sandy shores? The meal? The monuments steeped in history? The cities? The individuals? Well, so… Although there is no definitive response to this query, the fact remains that travelers adore Portugal. We have enumerated some important reasons why is tourism popular in Portugal and and why Portugal may be the most popular travel destination of the world ever. 

Why is tourism popular in Portugal? The main reason is that Portugal gives special attention to the sector of its tourism. Following are the factors that give a special place to tourism in Portugal.

The Socio-Economic Relevance of Tourism in Portugal

Portugal is a segment of the central place of tourist destinations throughout life. Europe, more distinctively, Mediterranean Europe. Portugal is situated in the Iberian Peninsula, southwest of the continent. Portugal is made up of central land, which is a territory that has the oldest and most stable border in the world. 

Portugal offers a vast array of diverse experiences within easy reach of its small territory. There, you will get an exposure to historical villages, wine regions, parks, natural parks, historical, architectural, cultural, and religious monuments, intangible cultural expressions, culinary traditions, spas, golf courses, ports and marinas, waterways, lakes, and reservoirs with piers and moorings.

There is a lot of socio-economic relevance of tourism in Portugal. Portugal has invested in modernization, innovation, sustainability, and internationalization of tourism sites, and these locations frequently receive accolades for their facilities. For the first time, a Portuguese lodging facility was recognized in the 9th World Travel Awards in 2002. Portugal was named the World’s Leading Destination in their 2017 edition. 

The Growth of Tourist Demand and the Internationalization of Portugal

Yes, there is another important factor that explains why is tourism popular in Portugal? It is the growth of tourist demand and the internationalization of Portugal. There is a continuous increase in the number of overnight stays of tourists in Portugal, and the visits have become more and more common. 

Due to the low quality of third-class hotels and boarding houses, the United Kingdom and the United States constituted the largest source of demand for tourism in Portugal during the 1960s. It was the time when the country saw an increase in the number of visitors and an internationalization of that demand. 

When it came to travel destinations, this demand indicated a preference for Lisbon and the surrounding areas, the beaches of the Algarve, and the seaside resorts that dot the western Portuguese coast, where lodging was more readily available. 

The demand for beachside resorts surged as Portugal gained international recognition in the same period. Currently, Europe—the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, France, and the Netherlands is the primary source of demand from foreign tourists visiting Portugal. Brazil and the United States of America are two prominent tourist destinations outside of Europe. 

So, it is one of the main reasons why is tourism popular in Portugal?

 Exploring Lisbon

After hearing the name Lisbon, you must have found out why is tourism popular in Portugal. Whenever you travel to Portugal the very first place you must explore is Lisbon. You will see that the flights going to Lisbon are incredibly cheap and the minimum cost you have to pay is 12€. However, it is obvious that the exact price of your air travel depends upon which location you are going to reach. 

Lisbon is one of the most historical cities in Europe. The most popular tourist sites in Portugal are Torre de Belém, Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, Praça do Comércio, Rossio, and the Monument of the Discoveries. Tourists can take the Lisbon Tram 28, which adds a lot more pleasure and enjoyment to the experience, while they explore the capital’s historic streets. Additionally, you really must taste the Pastéis de Belém if you’re going to be in the Belém region! 

The Romantic Porto

For those who enjoy wine and beautiful scenery, Porto is the perfect city. There are some of the most distinctive and well-known landmarks in Porto, which is located on the northern bank of the Douro River. These are the Bridge Luís I, the Clérigos Tower, the Porto Cathedral, the Porto Wine Cellars, and the São Bento Train Station. 

If you are one of the fans of Harry Potter, Livraria Lello—which inspired the Hogwarts bookstore—is a must-visit. J.K. Rowling briefly called Porto home. If you are ever in Porto, you should definitely try the wine from the neighborhood restaurants; it is known across the world for having a rich, flavorful taste.

The Climate 

Portugal is a very popular place to live all over the world because it has wonderful weather that is neither too hot nor too cold. Portugal is well-known for its breathtaking, unique, and immaculate beaches. Portugal had more beaches designated as Blue Flag in 2017 than any other nation in Europe. 

It has 86 recognized beaches, the Algarve is one of the top three destinations of Portugal, particularly, when you go there during the summer. The beaches of Algarve, such as Praia da Marinha, Praia da Rocha, and Praia da Falésia, are the main draws for vacationers. 

If you want to get the charm of your visit at is peak, it is a good idea to explore the following locations outside of the Algarve: Nazaré in particular, Cabo da Roca, Peniche, and Praia do Ribeiro do Cavalo near Sesimbra! 

The Food and Culture

Food has a special place in the lives of people in Portugal. If you want to be a part of the culture of Portugal even just for some time, you must be good at cooking and have the ability to prepare the meal right in time. 

One of the healthiest cuisines is thought to be Portuguese. You don’t even need to spend a fortune to sample some of the greatest food on the planet, almost every restaurant is guaranteed to please! It is crazy, isn’t it? 

It is great to try the national dishes of Portugal like Amêijoas à Bulhão Pato, Bacalhau, Cozido à Portuguesa, and Leitão. You know what, the coffee is also very, really delicious!

Affordable Cost of Living

When it comes to the question, of why is tourism popular in Portugal? The cost of living is at the top of the list in the answer. Portugal is a comparatively easy to afford country as compared to other Western European countries. The cost of living is often lower than in nearby France or Spain, and even if you have a small budget, you may lead a comfortable life.

Portugal is, therefore, a desirable location for young professionals and foreigners seeking a good standard of living at an affordable price.

Here is a table that explains the average cost of living in Portugal.

Easy Accommodation

The recent research of Numbeo states that the cost of living in Portugal is, on average, 36.6% less than in the US. 

This indicates that living comfortably in Portugal can be had for a lot less money than it would be in the US.

Housing is a significant factor in this decreased cost of living. Portugal offers rent that is, on average, a startling 51.3% less than the US.

Now let’s see the cost of accommodation in Portugal and compare it with another country of Europe.

So, you must have got your answer as to why is tourism popular in Portugal. Portugal has its own integrity among the European countries, which makes it a top attraction for tourists. Particularly, if you want to spend your vacations in Europe but seeking some affordable places, Portugal is the best option. 

Portugal has magnificent cities, such as Porto and Lisbon. The paradisiacal beaches of Algarve and Nazaré, a famous surfing destination. Magnificent medieval sites such as castles and monasteries abound in Portugal. The costs are reasonable, the food is delicious, the people are friendly, and the safety is good. This is all that you need to rate Portugal as the top destination!

FAQs About Why is Tourism Popular in Portugal

Is it expensive to live in Portugal?

If you compare your cost of living with some other countries in Europe, you will find it exceptional in affordability. For about €1,700 a month, a middle-class couple can live well in the cities of Portugal. In Lisbon, a couple may get by on about €2,000 a month.

Why is tourism popular in Portugal?

There are a number of reasons why is tourism popular in Portugal. The main attractions of Portugal are its dynamic cities, culture and history, mild climate, wines, and national dishes. The most important thing is that the people in Portugal are very warm-spirited, open-hearted, and well-coming.  

How much does it cost to rent in Portugal?

You can find furnished rentals in charming villages in the interior of Portugal for as little as $450 per month. If you want the feel of the big city, then choose Lisbon to live in because there, you can find a furnished apartment of one bedroom, in the heart of the city. The rent you have to pay is usually less than $1,000. If you want to find a more roomy, contemporary flat with two bedrooms, you obviously have to pay a little more accordingly. You can get such an apartment in the range of almost $1,300.