This Sunny European Destination Expecting Another Record Year For Tourism  

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It doesn’t matter how many times you’ve visited Europe; if you haven’t visited Portugal yet, then it’s time to plan another visit!

More than 30 million travelers visited Portugal in 2024, with Lisbon cited as the most popular destination for tourists in the country.  

And that number is only set to rise by 2025.  

According to Euro Weekly News, experts have forecast that 33 million travelers will visit Portugal this year, and Lisbon will be in the limelight again.  

It’s easy to see why.  

Lisbon is one of Europe’s oldest cities as well as one of its sunniest. And its coastal location means you can explore ancient attractions and beautiful architecture and visit the beach all at the same time!  

Lisbon’s Soaring Popularity  

Lisbon may have a reputation for ‘overtourism’, but it’s still my favorite city in Portugal. It’s easy to get to, the food is delicious, and the culture is fascinating. And it’s impossible not to be happy when you’re riding up and down the city’s hills in a bright yellow tram!

Because Lisbon is one of Europe’s oldest cities, it’s a mecca for history buffs. The list of historical attractions here seems endless.  

Start with Castelo de São Jorge (St George’s Castle), which was constructed by the Romans in 200 BC. This imposing castle sits on top of the highest hill in Lisbon, meaning it’s also a great place to enjoy views and the scale of the city. Entry costs 15 Euros ($15.30) per person.

Head back into the city to visit Jerónimos Monastery. This is one of the most important examples of Portuguese Gothic Manueline style of architecture, and it is stunningly beautiful both inside and out.  Entry costs 18 euros ($18.36) per person.  

For incredible views, wander around the Praça do Comércio. This is a huge and elaborate plaza that faces the harbor and is lined with grand 18th-century arcades.  

It’s a great place for people watching and soaking up the atmosphere of the city. Lisbon is a charming city with an incredible soul.  

Lisbon’s Beautiful Beaches 

Another thing to love about Lisbon is that when you’ve had enough of wandering the streets of this ancient city, you can relax on the nearby beaches.  

Take the train from Lisbon city center to the small fishing village of Cascais, where the beaches are incredibly popular with both local people and tourists alike.    

This village has beautiful beaches with small sheltered bays, meaning they have calm waters for swimming. The train from Lisbon to Cascais takes around 35 minutes and costs just €2.30 for a single ticket.  

And if you just want to get on that golden sand as quickly as possible? The closest beach to Lisbon is Praia de Cruz Quebrada. This is just 12km from the center of the city and is easily accessible by both private car and public transport.  

To get there by public transport, get on the line 19001 train, which takes 13 min, and prices start from €1 for a single ticket.  

Getting To Lisbon 

Another reason for Lisbon’s soaring popularity is that more and more airlinks to the country are regularly being added.  

There is one nonstop flight every day between Chicago and Boston to Lisbon. Two nonstop flights per day between Miami and Lisbon. And a whopping four nonstop flights every day between New York and Lisbon.  

So how much will getting to Lisbon cost? Spring is the best time to visit the city, so I looked at flights to visit the city in April.  

Direct flights from New York are the cheapest option. A nonstop round-trip flight from April 1 to April 8 will cost $498. This flight is with AirPortugal and has an outbound flight time of 7 hours 5 minutes and an inbound flight time of 8 hours.  

If it’s easier for you to fly from Boston, then these are the next most affordable flight options. These are also nonstop round-trip flights that will depart the US on April 1 and return on April 8.

Prices from direct flights on this route will start from $517 per person. Both TAP Portugal and Delta Airlines operate on this route, with a shorter 6-hour and 25-minute flight time.

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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.