Why Portugal Is the European Getaway Everyone’s Talking About in 2025

Portugal’s popularity has grown among expats, digital nomads and retirees from the U.S., Brazil and other European countries. If I were considering living in Europe, I would consider Portugal a viable option. The country’s mild climate, beautiful beaches, relaxed lifestyle, moderate cost of living, favorable tax and visa programs and welcoming attitude towards foreigners are major draws. Portugal tends to be an accepting and laid-back society, where people can live and express themselves freely. 

Courtesy of Associacao Turismo de Porto, photo by Rui Miguel Cuhna.

Whether you’re looking to slow down or explore new cultures, Portugal’s diverse regions—from cities to coastal towns—offer something for everyone. Additionally, DavidTravel has great local experts and friends who can connect you with others in Portugal and worldwide. 

PORTO

Porto is a lovely city offering a relaxed atmosphere, excellent cuisine and affordable living. Many are moving here from all over the world. Its center is a maze of narrow streets, charming alleys and impressive architecture, with the ICONIC Luis I Bridge offering breathtaking views of the Douro River. 

Courtesy of Associacao Turismo de Porto.

São Bento Station, one of the city’s main train stations with historic tilework, has become a fun culinary and wine bar hangout. It features the Time Out Market and a wide range of Portuguese cuisine by top chefs. Be sure to try some of Porto’s famous dishes, such as bacalhau à brás and francesinha. 

The city’s nightlife is another major draw, with many bars, clubs and live music venues to explore. Porto is also renowned for its rich history and cultural heritage, boasting many museums and historical sites, including the Porto Cathedral and the Church of São Francisco. 

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Courtesy of Turismo Alentijo.

COIMBRA

Coimbra is a fun and energetic city. It is also home to the University of Coimbra, one of Europe’s oldest universities, founded in 1290 and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its student population, the city offers a unique blend of academic and cultural activities, making it an ideal place to experience Portugal’s youthful energy and enjoy its vibrant nightlife. Explore streets, old buildings and the dramatic Biblioteca Joanina, a magnificent Baroque library built in the 18th century. 

A popular destination for families to relax and learn about Portuguese culture and history is at the theme park, Portugal dos Pequenitos. Conceived in 1938 by Fernando Bissaya Barreto and designed by Cassiano Branco, it features a miniature representation of Portugal’s monuments and buildings. Explore the gardens, snap photos with the tiny buildings and enjoy the park. 

NOTE: It’s about an hour’s drive from Porto to Coimbra.

Courtesy of Alentijo Promotion Office.

ÉVORA

Évora is a captivating city that will transport you back in time. Wander through the narrow streets of the city’s center—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and discover the Roman ruins, Gothic architecture, the macabre Chapel of Bones, and the Cromeleque dos Almendres, a mysterious megalithic site. Visit the Évora Museum, a treasure trove of art, history and culture housed in a 16th-century archbishop’s palace adjacent to the Évora Cathedral. 

The museum showcases more than 20,000 pieces, including Roman sculptures, Visigothic and medieval artifacts, Episcopal furnishings and Portuguese and Flemish paintings. One of the museum’s highlights is the “Life of the Virgin” series, a 13-panel retable depicting the life of the Virgin Mary, created by unknown artists from the Bruges School in the mid-15th century.

NOTE: It’s about a 2.5-hour drive from Coimbra to Évora. 

ARRÁBIDA

The Arrábida Natural Park is a nature lover’s paradise, featuring crystal-clear waters, golden beaches and lush forests. The park includes a mix of terrestrial and marine ecosystems with cliffs, beaches, forests and scrublands. Take a boat tour to explore the park’s wild coastline, snorkel in the protected marine reserve, or hike the scenic trails. Do not miss the ICONIC Portinho da Arrábida, a lovely beach nestled among towering cliffs. Other great beaches include Galapos and Praia da Figueirinha. 

NOTE: It’s about a 1.5-hour drive from Évora to Arrábida. 

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LISBON

Lisbon is Portugal’s capital and largest city and is the country’s primary cultural, economic and political hub. It’s a city of grandeur and heritage that is alive with activity and vitality. Lisbon is home to many historical landmarks, museums and cultural institutions, blending the past and present through its historic neighborhoods, picturesque alleys and architecture. With its mild climate, coastal location and affordable cost of living, Lisbon is an attractive destination for travelers, and many are moving here, as well.

Explore the city’s architecture, including the Jeronimos Monastery and the Castle of Sāo Jorge. Take a ride on the historic Tram 28 and visit the quaint, cobblestone streets of the old Alfama neighborhood, where Fado music and shops await discovery. The surrounding region also offers many exciting day-trip options, including the fairytale-like town of Sintra, with its palaces and castles. Plus, an easy 35 to 45-minute commuter train will take you to Cascais and Estoril’s lovely coastal beach towns.

Courtesy of Turismo Lisboa.

ALGARVE

When seeking to complete your journey with relaxing beach time, consider including the Algarve. The Algarve region is a paradise of sun and sea with dramatic rock formations, golden beaches and turquoise waters. For years, it has been a popular retirement destination, especially for Europeans. 

Take a boat tour or hike the trails and marvel at the views. Visit the historic town of Sagres, known for its rich maritime history and breathtaking natural beauty. The town boasts steep cliffs, excellent beaches and a windswept fortress, built by Prince Henry the Navigator in the 15th century.

NOTE: It’s about a three-hour drive from Lisbon to the Algarve. 

As you bid farewell to Portugal, the memories of its sun-kissed landscapes, rich history and warm hospitality will linger. The rhythms of Fado music, the flavors of traditional cuisine and the beauty of its architecture will stay with you, a testament to the country’s enduring charm and allure.

SAMPLE ITINERARY

A “Best of the Best” recommended itinerary:

Shorter options: The duration and itinerary for your stay can be

customized to fit your timeline and preferences.

1. 4-6 nights in Porto

InterContinental Hotel Porto – Palacio das Cardosas, Hospes Infante

Sagres Porto, Hotel NH Collection Porto Batalha, Maison Albar – Le

Monumental Palace, Pestana Palacio do Freixo, Torel 1884 Suites &

Apartments or Torel Palace Porto

2. 3-4 nights in the Douro Valley

Octant Douro or Six Senses Douro Valley

3. 2-3 nights in Coimbra

  Quinta das Lagrimas

4. 2-3 nights in Evora

Convento do Espinheiro or Pousada Convento de Evora

5. 2-3 nights in Arrabida

Hotel Casa Palmela

6. 3-4 nights in the Comporta area

AlmaLusa Comporta, Quinta da Comporta, Sublime Comporta or

Vermelho by Christian Louboutin in Melides

7. 4-6 nights in Lisbon

Bairro Alto Hotel, Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon, H10 Duque de

Loule, Olissippo Lapa Palace, Palacio Ludovice or The One Palacio da

Anunciada.

8. 3-6 nights in the Algarve region

Bela Vista Hotel & Spa, Conrad Algarve, Pine Cliffs Resort, Tivoli

Marina Vilamoura Algarve Resort, Vila Joya, Vila Vita Parc or W

Algarve

Gift of Giving
A donation to the Portuguese Association for Victim Support (APAV) supports programs to assist victims of crime and violence. Founded in 1990, this non-profit organization provides confidential, qualified and free support services to victims throughout Portugal, including victims of gender and domestic violence. Its CARE program offers specialized support for child victims of sexual violence. APAV’s teams consist of volunteers and counselors who provide victims with information, support and guidance. The programs also promote skills for establishing positive relationships based on equality, non-violence and respect. 

https://apav.pt 

To Plan and Book your Travel

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