10 Reasons to visit Portugal in 2017
Portugal regularly tops lists of budget-friendly destinations in Europe, and it’s easy to see why. The far western slice of Iberia is home to gorgeous beaches, a seemingly endless list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a wide selection of basic (but comfortable) accommodation starting at around $30 per night.
Add to that a mild, sunny climate and events to interest any type of traveler year-round (everything from traditional medieval fairs to massive music festivals), and you’ve got a can’t-miss destination in Europe that won’t break the bank.
Need a little more convincing before you book your flights? Read on!
Our top 10 reasons to visit Portugal in 2017
1. Strong dollar to euro exchange
Portugal’s been a dream destination for budget travelers forever. Even when the euro traded higher, prices were cheaper here than almost any other destinations in Western Europe.
Now, in 2017, it costs $1.06 to buy €1 (at the time of writing), which means you can easily estimate Portugal’s already very reasonable prices for hotel rooms, food, and activities at almost a 1 to 1 ratio.
Related: 10-day budget-friendly itinerary starting in Lisbon and ending in Porto
2. Cheap flights from the US
At the time of writing, there are round-trip flights from JFK to Porto on offer for $600 or less (sometimes less than $400) from late January through September. Check TAP Portgual, Iberia Airlines and Royal Air Maroc. Flying into Lisbon is a little pricier, but if you choose your dates wisely, it’s still easy to get there and home again for under $700.
Fly TAP Portugal from the US for low fares, especially in the offseason. Photo: Oliver H.
Cheap flights between Porto and Lisbon: Whichever city you fly into, budget carrier Ryanair has made it cheaper to travel between the country’s two largest airports with flights starting at an astonishing €20.
It should also be noted that if you want to add Portugal to your trip, round-trip flights on European budget airlines like easyJet and Vueling from cities such as London, Paris, Amsterdam and Munich can be had for €100 or less when booked far enough in advance.
For the best possible deal on airfare, be flexible with times and dates, willing to make at least one connection in Europe and book as soon as you can. Use our Cheapo Flight Search to find the latest prices.
3. World-renowned musicians and music festivals
Beyond Fado, the traditional music Portugal is known for worldwide, destinations throughout the country will feature big names in music at concert halls and major festivals in 2017.
Lisbon will host Bruno Mars on April 4, Simple Minds on May 3, and Aerosmith on June 26. The Red Hot Chili Peppers will headline the Super Bock Super Rock Festival in Parque das Nações. The Foo Fighters and Depeche Mode will play at the Nos Alive Festival (July 6-8) in the community of Algés. If urban and electronic music is your tune, there is also the Sumol Summer Fest.
4. Carnival in Madeira
The city of Funchal in Portugal’s Madeira region has one of the liveliest carnival celebrations in Europe — Carnaval da Madeira. There are two main parades visitors should try to catch: The more formal parade on the Saturday of Carnival Weekend (February 25) featuring samba musicians and dancers in costumes like those in Rio de Janeiro and the free-for-all Fat Tuesday Parade (February 28) wherein locals and visitors alike can dance and parade through the city center in wild and daring costumes.
A souk vendor at the Islamic Festival in Mértola. Photo: Jose C.
5. The Islamic Festival in Mértola
Mértola, Portugal (near Faro) was the capital of Taifa, as an independent Muslim-ruled principality, and an important port between the Iberian Peninsula and North Africa between the 8th and 13th centuries.
In 2017 (and odd-numbered years), the destination celebrates its heritage during the Islamic Festival of Mértola. Featuring traditional dancers and musicians, a souk full of artisans, and chefs preparing traditional North African dishes such as couscous and mint tea, the festival takes place from May 21 to 24.
6. Marathons and races
If fitness is part of your New Year’s resolution, why not organize your trip to Europe around a marathon? Runners can choose between panoramic views of the country’s capital in Lisbon’s Half Marathon (March 19) or a scenic run through the country’s best-known wine region in the Douro Valley Half Marathon.
To keep the cost of running in the races in check, register as soon as possible, as the Lisbon Half-Marathon is €38 plus tax through January 31, and the Douro Valley Half Marathon is €16 through March 31 (after the cut-off, prices go up).
If you love races, but you’d rather watch (it is a vacation, after all), Portugal’s hosting the Algarve Grandfondo (February 15-19) cycling competition, as well as the Ironman 70.3 competition in the beautiful coastal community of Cascais (September 3).
Visitors arriving at the Shrine of Fatima. Photo: Noel P
7. 100th anniversary pilgrimage to Fatima
2017 marks one hundred years since the Virgin Mary revealed herself to three children in Fatima during a dark time in European and Portuguese history (World War I), converting the tiny town into a pilgrimage site for Catholics. Today, it is one of the largest shrines dedicated to Mary in the world.
It’s a great year to visit, particularly between May 12 and October 13 when special cultural events including concerts and exhibitions will take place in honor of the 100th-anniversary celebration. From April on, visitors can also take part in a nightly candlelight procession at 10 pm. Book your hotel in Fatima early to experience this special celebration.
8. Medieval fairs
There’s nothing quite like a medieval fair in a destination that actually survived the highs and lows of the medieval era. In such towns in Portugal, saints’ days and holidays throughout the year are excuse enough for many locals to dress up in traditional costumes and have a go at working and partying the “old-fashioned” way.
The walled city of Viana do Castelo makes a great setting for locals dressed for the part selling artisan wares and performing medieval music in mid-June.
From August 2 to 13, Santa Maria da Feira returns to its medieval roots as the historic city center transforms into a big medieval fair with knights jousting in tournaments, artisans, blacksmiths, bakers, mule-drivers, tavern keepers, acrobats, jugglers, and fire-eaters.
In Vila Baleira, a medieval festival in September (14-16) is dedicated to medieval maritime culture and Columbus’ time on the island.
Other towns with notable medieval fairs include Castro Marim and Silva.
9. Film festivals
Whether you’re into sci-fi or indie documentaries, if cinema’s your thing, Portugal has plenty on offer in 2017.
February 22 to March 6, 2017, there’s Fantasporto, Oporto’s International Film Festival dedicated to fantasy and science fiction cinema, considered one of the best in the world.
In April (17-23), indie fans can head to Madeira Film Festival for a healthy dose of independent shorts, features, and documentaries, with a focus on nature-oriented films.
Lisbon’s Indie Film Festival from May 3 to 14 makes the perfect excuse for a late spring trip to the Portuguese capital.
The Óbidos International Chocolate Festival. Photo: Ivo A.
10. Óbidos International Chocolate Festival
Indulge your sweet tooth with a visit to Portugal’s best-known chocolate festival from March 10 to April 2, 2017. Wander the narrow streets of Óbidos, a medieval town in Central Portugal, and taste an array of chocolate and chocolate-themed sweets and cakes. Book your accommodations in Óbidos as early as possible if you want to attend.
There are also chocolate and baked good competitions, cooking classes, chocolate sculptures and even a kid’s chocolate house for young visitors. Check out the official website or Facebook page for more information.
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