The New York Times’ annual list of 52 can’t-miss destinations is always a must read for keen travellers. However, 2022's ranking of best destinations looks a little different. Instead of simply focusing on idyllic seaside resorts or places with a unique gastronomic scene, this year's list focuses on destinations across the world that have put themselves at the forefront of conservation and social change. The New York Times has highlighted countless places all over the world, some less well-known than others, and one Portuguese destination has also made the list. Let's have a closer look at the New York Times' 52 places for a Changed World ranking.
Social networks are part of the daily life of many people and with them comes access to many photographic records of the most varied places around the globe that feed our thirst to travel. But have we ever really thought about the impact of tourism? There are many holiday destinations that, due to their fame, become overcrowded, and there are many less well-known ones that have to survive with only seasonal business.
The pandemic helped to control excessive tourism, but at a time when normality is returning, the tendency is for the world to start spinning again. To avoid these situations it is important to choose the best time of year to travel and if possible, choose a time of year that has fewer tourists depending on your destination of choice.
In addition to this, there is another important issue: climate change, which is showing consequences across the globe, such as extreme heat waves or untimely flooding. To try to remedy these impacts, several countries are implementing environmental conservation practices, seeking to preserve nature and the planet.
Taking this motto as a starting point and bearing in mind that travel can also be part of the solution, not only with regard to the climate, but also in supporting depleted economies, the New York Times has published its list of 52 places for a changed world that are indeed changing the world for the better. One of these places is in Portugal, the country's Alentejo region.
Alentejo: a sustainable wine region
The Alentejo is known for its endless plains, its unique gastronomic dishes, the heat and its wine tradition. However, it is also common knowledge that global warming has been increasingly threatening this region, with problems including extreme drought which is in turn damaging the production of warm, full-bodied red wines.
In 2015, the region created a pioneering programme in Portugal: the Alentejo Wines Sustainability Programme. This initiative aims to provide its members with a tool for them to assess how they develop their activities and offer advice to improve agricultural practices.
So the challenge is to produce grapes and quality wine in an economically viable way and, at the same time, to protect the environment. The preservation of water through various measures such as the creation of tanks for rainwater retention has helped wineries to reduce their water consumption by 20%.
In 2020 the Programme created a certification process to ensure that wineries are following green initiatives. Future projects include the creation of an online calculator so that members of the Alentejo Wines Sustainability Programme can measure their carbon and water footprints.
This sustainable initiative, which seeks to make the best use of the natural resources essential to wine production while preserving the environment and nature, has taken the name of the Alentejo beyond its borders, becoming one of the 52 countries that is helping to change the world.
Take the opportunity to get to know the region and find accommodation in one of these holiday homes in the Alentejo. And if the region has taken your fancy, you can also find property for sale and rent in the Alentejo region on idealista.
Things to do in Madeira: hikes, Funchal sights & local food
Floating in the Atlantic Ocean, closer to Africa than to mainland Portugal, Madeira is an island with a character all its own. It's often called the 'island of eternal spring', and for good reason, as the weather stays mild throughout the year. The landscape is dramatic, a mix of jagged volcanic peaks, incredibly lush valleys, and a rugged coastline where cliffs drop straight into the sea. This natural setting shapes the best things to do in Madeira; activities are less about sandy beaches and m
Traditional Portuguese food: 10 must-try dishes
Planning a holiday or thinking of moving to Portugal in 2025? Then you’re in for a real treat—literally. Portuguese food is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets, offering bold flavours, hearty dishes, and rich culinary traditions influenced by Mediterranean and Atlantic cuisines. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning for more, no trip is complete without tasting the country’s most iconic dishes.
Portuguese passport ranks 4th globally: visa-free travel & EU benefits
A passport is far more than a simple travel document; it is a measure of global mobility and the key that can unlock opportunities across the world. The strength of the passport you hold directly influences your freedom to explore, work, and live internationally, with some nationalities enjoying far greater access than others.
4 affordable outdoor pools to visit in the Algarve
Looking for the best outdoor pools in the Algarve for a relaxing swim, family fun, or an affordable day pass? With well-maintained facilities, extended opening hours and budget-friendly entry fees, these outdoor pools across the Algarve are increasingly popular with locals and visitors alike.
Where Portugal’s football stars live: from Cascais to London and beyond
Following their victory in the 2024/25 Nations League, all eyes are on the players of the Portuguese national team. Beyond their performances on the pitch, there is growing curiosity about their lives off the field – in particular, where the stars representing the country at the highest level of international football have chosen to call home.
Living in Funchal: Madeira’s gentle capital
Located between Atlantic waves and green hills, Funchal is Madeira’s easy-going capital with a distinctly local flavour. Life unfolds at a comfortable pace, with daily routines shaped by the sea, mountain air, and a city centre full of markets and friendly faces. Living in Funchal means enjoying mild weather, great food, and a welcoming community that makes it easy to slip right in.
Best places in Portugal for digital nomads
Thinking about life as a digital nomad in Portugal? While Lisbon and Porto often top lists of the best places in Portugal for digital nomads—with all the perks and some rapidly rising rents—they’re far from your only options. Across the country, smaller towns and rural regions offer affordable living, great scenery, and a slower pace that many remote workers now prefer. Don’t overlook Portugal’s lesser-known spots, where you can enjoy authentic local life and still stay connected.