Ah, Portugal. The land of pastéis de nata, jaw-dropping sunsets, and a laid-back vibe so strong it could out-relax your snooziest Sunday. If you haven’t added Portugal to your travel bucket list for 2025 yet, consider this your official wake-up call.
Let me walk you through and find our why this little slice of Iberian paradise should be on your 2025 bucket list and your next big adventure—with a dose of wit, of course.
1. The Weather? It's Chef's Kiss
Portugal’s weather is like a dream you didn’t know you had: sunny, warm, and breezy—perfect for sipping sangria on the beach or pretending you’re in a romantic indie film. Forget those miserable gray winters elsewhere; even in January, Portugal serves you spring vibes.
2. Food So Good You’ll Need a Bigger Belt
Let’s talk food. Portugal is a culinary masterpiece wrapped in flaky pastry.
Pastéis de Nata: Portugal’s iconic custard tarts are so addictive, there should be a 12-step program for them.
Bacalhau: Codfish so versatile, we even have 365 recipes—one for every day of the year! (Spoiler: they’re all delicious.)
Francesinha: A meaty, cheesy, saucy monstrosity that could make your cardiologist cry and your taste buds sing.
Pro tip: loosen your waistband before dinner.
3. Beaches for Every Mood
Portugal’s coastline isn’t just long—it’s legendary.
Algarve: The Beyoncé of European beaches. Stunning, photogenic, and always stealing the spotlight.
Nazaré: Surf’s up! Watch the pros conquer waves taller than your dreams of retirement.
Costa da Caparica: Perfect for those who want to beach by day and dance by night.
Sunscreen isn’t optional here—it’s survival gear.
4. Wine Not?
Portugal’s wine scene is underrated. (Shh, let’s keep it our little secret.)
Port Wine: Sweet, strong, and straight out of the Douro Valley.
Vinho Verde: A crisp, refreshing white wine that tastes like a sip of sunshine.
Local Wine Bars: They’re everywhere, and the prices? So cheap, you’ll double-check your bill for typos.
Warning: You might become “that person” who starts every sentence with “When I was wine-tasting in Portugal…”
5. History You Can Touch (Or Just Selfie With)
Portugal’s history isn’t locked in textbooks—it’s everywhere!
Lisbon’s Alfama District: Get lost in cobblestone alleys older than some countries.
Sintra: A fairytale town where castles casually hang out with forests.
Porto’s Ribeira District: Instagram gold, with colorful riverside houses and vibes so chill they practically hug you.
6. Friendly Locals with Next-Level Chill
We, Portuguese people have mastered the art of “bem-estar” (well-being). We’re warm, welcoming, and always ready to teach you the correct way to say obrigado. Just don’t ask us to rush; life here moves at the perfect speed—slow enough to savor the good stuff. Also here you have 90% chances to find someone on the street that actually can speak with you in English, which I think is beautiful!
7. Fado Music Will Wreck You (In the Best Way)
Ever wanted your heartstrings pulled by a single guitar? Welcome to fado music, Portugal’s soulful, haunting musical tradition. It’s like the sound of love, loss, and longing— get ready to find the true definition of the most Portuguese word "Saudade" through music. Fado is also perfect for when you need a good cry between pastéis de nata.
8. Affordable Luxury
Portugal is where you can feel like royalty without needing a royal budget.
Hotels? Gorgeous and shockingly affordable....well some!
Food? Michelin-starred meals that won’t break the bank.
Public transport? Clean, efficient, and cheap enough to leave you extra euros for, you guessed it, more wine.
9. A Hiker’s Paradise
Not into lounging all day? Portugal’s natural wonders are calling.
Rota Vicentina: Coastal trails with views so stunning you’ll forget you’re exercising.
Peneda-Gerês National Park: Waterfalls, wild ponies, and a serious dose of fresh air.
Madeira: The hiking capital of the Atlantic, with trails that’ll make your Fitbit proud.
10. It’s Just So... Instagrammable
From the tiled facades of Lisbon to the golden cliffs of the Algarve, Portugal looks like it was made for the ‘gram. Bonus: the light here is so dreamy, even your mediocre photography skills will shine.
So, do you need more reasons to believe that Portugal should be on your 2025 bucket list or what are you waiting for? Portugal isn’t just a place—it’s a vibe, a feast, and a story waiting to be told. Make 2025 the year you discover this gem and Splendid Portugal is here to help you plan the most amazing and stress free vacation. Pack sunscreen, a sense of adventure, and an appetite (trust me, you’ll need it). Portugal awaits!