10 Reasons to Love Portugal

By We Love Small Hotels | 09 May 2025

Portugal is a small country with a big heart, where tradition, nature and hospitality come together in perfect harmony. Whether you’re exploring remote villages, basking in sunshine by the coast or sipping wine in the hills, Portugal offers an experience that lingers in your memory. Here’s why we’ve fallen in love and why you might too.

1. The hospitality of the Portuguese people

One of the first things you’ll notice when visiting Portugal is the warmth of its people. Whether you're in a tiny mountain village or a coastal town, locals are eager to help, share stories and make you feel at home. This spirit is beautifully captured in our “Schist Villages Walking Tour”, where you’ll meet welcoming hosts in tiny villages that feel untouched by time.

2. Portuguese food and wine

From hearty stews in the north to fresh seafood on the coast, Portugal’s culinary landscape is rich and diverse. And let's not forget the wine from Douro reds to Alentejo whites, it’s a treat in every glass. Explore it hands-on with our “Make Your Own Wine” experience in Alentejo or join the “Douro Valley Bike Tour”, combining scenic views with unforgettable tastings.

3. Popular festivals

Whether it’s Lisbon’s sardine-scented Saint “António” festivities or traditional folk dances in the countryside, Portuguese festivals are a feast for the senses. Travel during festival seasons with our “UNESCO Patrimony Tour in Alentejo and Lisbon”, where you’ll also experience the local rhythm and celebration of cultural heritage.

4. The authenticity of a country full of places to explore (still without tourism)

Portugal still offers countless hidden gems where authenticity reigns. Think of the Schist Villages, the Alentejo plains, or the untouched valleys of the north. Discover them on foot with our “Inland Alentejo Walk Tours”, where you'll venture off the beaten path and into the heart of real Portugal.

5. The small hotels and rural tourism of unique beauty

Charming B&Bs, countryside retreats and boutique hotels offer cozy stays and true immersion in local life. Every one of our tours is paired with handpicked small hotels, like Cerdeira Home for Creativity or São Lourenço do Barrocal, designed to make you feel part of the landscape.

6. The cultural and historical legacy

Portugal’s layered past lives in its architecture, art and everyday life. From Roman ruins to Manueline monasteries, every corner has a story. Our  “Alentejo Interior Bike Tour – Wonders of the Alentejo” guides travellers through some of the Alentejo’s most culturally rich and historically significant towns, including Estremoz, Vila Viçosa and Monsaraz. Along the way, you’ll encounter ancient castles, traditional Alentejo architecture, marble palaces and centuries-old winemaking traditions, all surrounded by the quiet majesty of the Alentejo plains.

7. Nature in its purest form

With dramatic cliffs, deep valleys, serene rivers and wild coastlines, nature is at the core of Portugal’s charm. The “Costa Vicentina Surf & Discover Tour” lets you ride waves by day and relax in off-the-grid beauty by night. Or try the “Nature & Food Lovers Azores” through the magnificent landscapes and the green all around you.

8. The markets and the families of the traders

There’s no better place to feel a town’s pulse than its market. Laughter, bargaining and the scent of herbs and fresh bread create a truly sensory experience. While touring with us, we always recommend a morning stop at local markets, especially in towns like Estremoz or Olhão, featured in many of our experiences. One standout example is the Mercado dos Lavradores in Funchal, Madeira, where vibrant stalls overflow with exotic fruits, fresh fish, and local delicacies, often run by the same families for generations. These markets are not just places to shop—they are a window into the soul of Portuguese life and hospitality.

9. Security

Portugal consistently ranks among the safest countries in the world. This peace of mind allows travellers to explore freely, on foot, by bike, or by car, through villages, cities, and nature. All of our self-guided and guided tours are designed with this safety and ease in mind.

10. The mild weather and the sun that warms the soul

With over 300 days of sunshine a year, Portugal’s climate is a gift. Whether you're biking through the Douro or walking the coastal cliffs of Alentejo, the golden light and gentle breezes make for a perfect escape. 

Portugal is more than just a destination, it’s a feeling. It’s the quiet joy of sharing stories with locals, the taste of salt in the air as you walk along a cliffside trail, and the comfort of traditions passed down through generations. Whether you’re drawn by the food, the history, the landscapes, or simply the warmth of its people, Portugal welcomes you with open arms and leaves a lasting mark on the heart. Once you visit, it’s impossible not to fall in love and even harder not to return.