FIVE REASONS TO VISIT PORTUGAL
1 It’s (relatively) safe
Portugal has one of the highest rates of vaccination against Covid-19 in the world, with more than 91 per cent of the total eligible population double-vaccinated and more than 60 per cent boosted. After a surge in new Omicron cases in January, numbers are now trending downwards and hospitalisation rates are low.
At the time of publication, Kiwi travellers to Portugal must either show proof of vaccination, or valid recovery certificate or a negative Covid test (PCR, 72 hours before boarding, or RAT, 24 hours before boarding).
Face masks are mandatory on public transport and in closed spaces, but you no longer need to give proof of vaccination or a negative test to enter establishments like accommodation, bars and indoor restaurants, or tourist sites.
2 It’s a great place for a city break
Lisbon will enchant first-time visitors, with its stunning architecture, cobbled streets, colourful trams, sun-kissed coastline, worldclass shopping, restaurants and nightlife, and a multitude of scenic lookouts where you can grab a drink and enjoy the sun setting over the city. Porto, sliced in two by the Douro River, is one of the most picturesque cities in the world. But don’t miss Portugal’s other, lesser-known city destinations — Guimaraes, Tavira and Sintra — to get further off the well-worn tourist trail.
3 Brilliant beaches and sunsets
The Algarve in the south is Portugal’s most famous beach region, but you’ll also find gorgeous spots all along the Atlantic coast, with lovely coastal towns to base yourself in. Facing west, the Atlantic beaches offer incredible sunsets and charming beachside restaurants to view them from. Want to make your trip even more of an adventure? How about trying a guided cycling tour from Porto, heading south to Lisbon? Exodus Travel offers 8- and 9-day tours that are highly recommended. If you’re a keen surfer, Portugal is also the destination for you — it has some of the world’s most renowned breaks and awe-inspiring big waves. Visit the surf museum inside the coastal fort in the town of Nazare and prepare to be awe-struck at the size of the waves that have been conquered by the world's best surfers.
4 Mouth-watering food and wine
Portugal: The Cookbook by Leandro Carreira, shows you how to recreate classic dishes at home. But nothing can be better than eating them in the country itself, accompanied by a glass of local wine or port. Must-visit spots included the Douro Valley, where vineyards cling to the hillsides next to the river (take a multi-day river cruise to see it from the water); Porto, to see where port is aged and bottled; and Alentejo, to sample vinho verde — green wine — which is made from young grapes.
5 Fabulous fado music
Don’t miss an opportunity to visit a fado bar or club while you’re in Portugal — a live performance of the soaring, melancholic music will captivate. Fado means “fate” and the music dates back hundreds of years. Performers sing songs of love, loss and longing, and the emotion is easily conveyed, even if you don’t speak the language.