8 reasons Portugal is the perfect place to visit
I spent six weeks in Portugal last summer as the U.K. government announced its former travel corridor policy. I didn't stay that long because I couldn't travel anywhere else. I stayed because I loved it. It was a perfect destination, for both a vacation and remote working.
While Americans aren't able to travel to Portugal just yet, hope is on the horizon as the European Union is expected to welcome vaccinated American tourists this summer. Here are 8 reasons Portugal could be a great trip to plan this summer.
1. Endless sunshine
It rained once in the six weeks I was in Portugal last summer and I was able to swim on plenty of beautiful beaches. July is the warmest month of the year in Portugal. Its capital Lisbon, as a densely populated urban metropolis, can lock in the heat amongst all that concrete. It can be a little uncomfortable in the middle of summer there.
If you would prefer somewhere warm but a little more bearable, the average maximum temperatures in the southern Algarve region remain just below 90 degrees throughout summer. Anytime between May and October is very pleasant and you can expect plenty of sunshine.
It's warm enough to swim in the water, but not so hot your energy will drain away.
Related: Tips for Exploring Portugal’s Algarve Region With Kids
2. Everything is affordable
A six-week stay in somewhere like Switzerland or Sweden, while beautiful, would cost a fortune. Portugal is the most affordable place I have experienced in Western Europe and noticeably cheaper than Spain next door.
Even after multiple visits to Portugal I still cannot get over the fact you can buy a 750ml bottle of (excellent) rosé from local supermarkets for under $2.50 a bottle.
You couldn't even get a glass of wine for that price in the U.S.
Dining out, cocktails, accommodation and transport were all very affordable for the entire time I was there last summer. I found prices to sit midway between Western Europe and Eastern Europe prices and certainly much, much lower than the U.S.
3. Beautiful beaches
Portugal's beaches are just as good as those I've visited in Spain, Greece and Turkey. I found the most beautiful to be on the southern coast in the Algarve region from Cabanas right through to Lagos. Many are within easy walking distance from local towns, or for some more adventure, you can take a ferry or small water taxi to a more remote island.
These islands have plenty of space to stretch out and socially distance and usually have a nice seafood restaurant and perhaps a corner store for snacks and cold drinks. Just make sure you plan your return — you don't want to miss the last ferry back after too many Sagres beers on the beach!
4. Excellent mask usage and social distancing
This was the thing I was most nervous about when visiting Portugal last summer. Would people do the right thing? Would I feel safe? Would I know what to do?
I needn't have worried. My experience was that everyone wore masks without exception in places like supermarkets, public transport (including taxis and rideshare) and while not seated in cafes, bars and restaurants. I always carried my mask with me so I could do the same. With warm weather each day, I spent plenty of time outdoors, even choosing to work outdoors on a balcony or terrace, from time to time under the shade of a sun umbrella.
With few tourists around it was easy to have plenty of personal space and it felt much safer than London where I had come from.
Related: World’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge opens in Portugal
5. Fantastic seafood
On previous visits to Lisbon and Porto, I had enjoyed Portuguese food but found there was not an abundance of strong flavors, and some dishes were a little — dare I say — bland. But spending more time there last summer I think I've discovered the secret: fresh seafood. The shape of the country means you are never a huge distance from the coast in Portugal, and especially if you staying close to the ocean, there's an abundance of fresh seafood to be found.
I was in awe of the enormous fresh selection at local supermarkets — there were plenty of options I didn't even recognize. When you arrive at local restaurants, you can expect very fresh razor clams, sea bass and bream, jumbo prawns and sardines, to name a few. These are bursting with flavor and don't need additives like herbs and spices like you might add to your food at home.
If you do want something with a real kick, try the famous Portuguese grilled chicken. You may be asked just how spicy you want it, or it may come with a bottle of sauce for you to add yourself. This definitely packs a punch!
6. Friendly, welcoming locals
After the safety of mask-wearing and social distancing, my next-biggest concern was would locals actually want someone visiting? Would I receive any hostility when they realized where I was from? Again, I needn't have worried.
Every single local I interacted with during my six-week stay was very welcoming and glad to have my custom.
The country is heavily reliant on tourism each summer, especially in the Algarve region. The tourism industry has been decimated by the pandemic and they were glad to see every tourist they could. I only speak a few words of Portuguese and had no problem conversing with locals (with our masks on, of course!). Some locals would ask where I had come from and would smile and welcome me to their country.
7. Pastéis de Nata
Those little custard tarts are so delicious they deserve their own number on this list. Sold everywhere, they are a perfect morning or afternoon tea, especially enjoyed with a cup of coffee. I'm not embarrassed to admit that I ate at least one almost every day I was in Portugal last summer.
Expect to pay less than $1.50 per tart at local cafes, and they'll happily box you up some if you would rather enjoy them at home. If you're early enough, they may still be warm from the oven.
8. Beautiful towns and architecture
The two main cities of Lisbon and Porto have beautiful architecture, with brightly painted houses. You'll find plenty of those gorgeous intricately painted tiles everywhere, too. If you're looking to avoid built-up areas this summer, there are plenty of gorgeous little towns and sleepy villages where you'll have no difficulty social distancing.
Whether you're looking for whitewashed buildings on the coast, terracotta roofs in the green rolling hills or getting lost in winding cobbled streets spotting huge wisteria plants at each turn, there's something for every taste and style.
Related: 13 of the most beautiful villages in Portugal
Bottom line
I thoroughly enjoyed my extended stay in Portugal last summer and look forward to returning again this summer. It was a perfect place for a vacation because it had everything I was looking for — amazing warm, sunny weather, beautiful beaches, delicious cuisine, a laid-back lifestyle and it was easy to get around.
What surprised me was how well-suited it was for working remotely as well. If you have no rush to return home after some time off and could use a change of scenery from your bedroom, you can expect stable internet and affordable everything, giving you plenty of time for an after-work swim and sunset beverage before enjoying some delicious seafood and maybe yet another custard tart before bed.
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.