What are the top reasons for a city to deserve a visit? Gastronomy, culture, history and landscapes are some of the key factors, according to Travel+Leisure magazine, which has drawn up a list of the 50 best holiday destinations for 2020. And there's Portuguese DNA on the list: the Douro River comes in 18th place, inviting you to discover the country's northern region through a boat trip.
"Portugal continues to be a popular refuge - and in 2020, it's about trying it out from the water", reads the publication. Travel+Leisure highlights these specific cruises: Viking Helgrim, AmaDouro and Andorinha, all of which take to the Portuguese waters. Don't forget the vineyards of Quinta do Portal and Quinta do Seixo, which serve "light reds, vinho verde (literally green wine - a Portuguese wine that originated in the historic Minho province in the far north of the country) and the all-important port", the "charming" Le Monumental Palace or Torel 1884 which is "full of art and whose 12 rooms and 11 independent apartments present art inspired by fabrics, materials and spices from distant lands".
First on the list is Addis Ababa in Ethiopia, followed by Arequipa in Peru and Asheville in the USA. In the fourth spot is Austria and then the Eastern Cape of Baja Sur in Mexico. Barbados, Beijing (China), Big Island (Hawaii), Botswana and Boston (USA) round off the Top 10.
Click to see the full top 50 destinations: The 50 Best Places to Travel in 2020 (Travel + Leisure)
Best Portugal wine festivals: grape stomps and street parties
Getting to grips with Portuguese wine is a fantastic way to understand the country itself. And while many people first think of Port from the terraced vineyards of the Douro Valley, that’s only scratching the surface. You also have the sunny plains of the Alentejo producing full-bodied reds, and the light, zesty Vinho Verde from the cooler, green north.
Portugal’s most beautiful pools: from vineyard retreats to coastal resorts
From north to south, Portugal offers a wide range of pools that go beyond the typical resort experience. Whether perched on a cliff, nestled in a vineyard, or hidden in the city centre, these 10 pools are ideal for those seeking peace, privacy, and a refreshing place to unwind — at any time of year.
September festivals in Portugal 2025: music, wine harvests & local fairs
September in Portugal marks a gentle shift from the peak summer season, offering a more relaxed experience. As the holiday crowds thin out and the intense heat of August subsides, you'll find a more laid-back pace, especially in popular coastal areas. The month’s calendar sits in a sweet spot, combining the last of the big open-air music festivals with the beginning of the traditional vindimas, or wine harvest celebrations.
Living in Costa da Caparica: Lisbon’s laid-back surf town
Just a short drive across the 25 de Abril Bridge from Lisbon lies Costa da Caparica, a coastal city with a distinct, relaxed identity. Its character is shaped by a seemingly endless coastline of sandy beaches that attract surfers and Lisboetas looking for a break from the city.
Wages in Portugal 2025: average salary, minimum pay and a good income
The average gross monthly salary per employee in Portugal increased in the second quarter of 2025, according to the Instituto Nacional de Estatística (INE). A report released on 14th August, which covers 4.8 million jobs, provides a detailed picture of the nation's wage landscape, revealing significant variations across different sectors of the economy.
Portugal airport strikes from September to January 2026
Just days after strikes planned for August were cancelled, a new wave of industrial action is set to disrupt travel across Portugal from September 2025 to January 2026. The stoppages are planned to occur in alternating periods targeting critical travel windows such as long weekends, Christmas, and New Year.
