This country has emerged as Europe's ultimate travel destination — Hint: It's not France, Italy, or Greece
The regional winners of this year’s World Travel Awards have been announced. Often called the 'Oscars of the travel industry,' these awards have been recognising excellence in travel, tourism, and hospitality since 1993. The 32nd edition of the award ceremony was recently held in Sardinia, Italy, where Portugal was named Europe’s top travel destination.12 European nations were in contention for the top spot, but the award for Europe's ultimate travel destination eventually went to Portugal. The contenders included popular destinations like France, Italy, Greece, Spain, and Switzerland, among others. Portugal reclaimed the top spot after missing out last year, when Greece won the award. This is the sixth time since 2017 that Portugal has made it to the top of the list.Europe has no shortage of famous destinations - from Paris and Rome to London and Athens. Yet, Portugal is unique in its own way. It offers the beauty and charm of Europe without the rush or high costs.Lisbon and Porto are filled with charming streets, iconic trams, and scenic river views. In the south, the Algarve region boasts some of the best golden beaches in Europe. Additionally, Portugal stands out as one of the safest and most budget-friendly destinations in Western Europe. According to the 2024 Holiday Money Report from the UK Post Office, the Algarve is recognised as the most affordable European destination. The report highlights that a cup of coffee in the Algarve, which is home to numerous beaches, costs around £0.88 (approximately Rs 90), while a glass of wine is about £1.76 (around Rs 180).Beyond its affordability, Portugal is also a dream destination for football enthusiasts. Experiencing a live match in the homeland of Cristiano Ronaldo is truly a memorable event.Meanwhile, several regions of Portugal also won individual awards at the ceremony. Madeira was named Europe’s best island destination. Porto was named Europe’s top urban destination. And Lisbon was announced as the continent’s best place for a weekend escape.Indians planning to travel to Portugal for a holiday, business trip, or any short visit must obtain a visa before their journey, as there is no visa-free or visa-on-arrival option available. They need to apply for a Schengen visa, which allows them to stay in Portugal and other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within a six-month period. Applications must be submitted through the Portuguese embassy or consulate in India.
