As this website has attested to since it was founded two decades ago, for a relatively small nation Portugal hugely overachieves in the world’s most popular sport. By far the most loved game among the planet’s eight billion inhabitants, it is truly remarkable how a country that comprises just 0.13% of the human population has impacted football, both in terms of the success of its national team and the achievements of its individual players and clubs.
In this PortuGOAL section, we combine the two facets of the country that are held up as sources of pride by the Portuguese people themselves: football and tourism.
From the world-famous beaches of the Algarve and the gentle rolling hills of the Alentejo in the south, to the lush and fertile Minho and the rugged Trás-os-Montes districts in the north, and everywhere in between, not to mention the beautiful Atlantic islands of Madeira and the Azores, Portugal has incredibly diverse geography and stunning natural habitats, both along its 1860 km of coastline and throughout its inland regions.
Brimming with castles, historical monuments, prehistoric sites, breath-taking landscapes, endless picturesque cities, towns and villages beyond the vibrant metropolises of Lisbon and Porto, Portugal has something for everyone. Throw football into the mix and you have the ingredients for a trip that will long live in the memory.
The World Travel Awards are considered the “Oscars for the travel industry” and Portugal has once again been showered with accolades in the 2022 edition, accumulating 30 awards in a wide range of categories.
Pride of place goes to the country as a whole being voted Europe’s Leading Tourist Destination for the fifth time in the last six years.
Awards in other major categories include Europe’s Leading Adventure Tourism Destination (Azores), Europe’s Leading Beach Destination (Algarve) and Europe’s Leading City Destination (Porto).
“The votes are cast by thousands of professionals in the travel industry coming from all countries of the world, and this year Portugal earned over thirty awards for its destinations, regions, products and services,” reads a press release from the Ministry of the Economy and Maritime Affairs, which oversees the tourism sector.
“The distinctions in over thirty categories in the European edition of the World Travel Awards 2022 is of particular significance after the difficult pandemic years. It is with pride that we see our tourism companies and professionals being acknowledged by their international peers,” said Rita Marques, the Secretary of State for Tourism, Trade and Services.
“All the agents of the sector are to be congratulated for meeting the challenge of consolidating Portugal as a tourist destination of excellence, in whatever circumstances.”
Adventure in Arouca
The Passadiços do Paiva attraction, a meticulously maintained walking route through stunning scenery alongside the banks of the River Paiva in northwest Portugal continues to earn praise, winning Awards in two categories: Europe’s Leading Adventure Tourist Attraction and Europe’s Leading Tourist Attraction.
Portugal’s capital Lisbon alone won six awards including Europe’s Leading Seaside Metropolitan Destination, Europe’s Leading City Break Destination and Europe’s Leading Cruise Destination.
City mayor Carlos Moedas commented: “The awards Lisbon receives today reflect our investment in the quality of the tourism offers in Lisbon. We are recuperating and repositioning Lisbon as an increasingly attractive capital.”
by Tom Kundert
Full list of Portuguese tourist destinations that won World Travel Awards 2022
- Europe’s Leading Adventure Tourism Destination 2022 – Azores Islands
- Europe’s Leading Adventure Tourist Attraction 2022 – Passadiços do Paiva (Arouca UNESCO Global Geopark), Portugal
- Europe’s Leading All Inclusive Resort 2022 – Pestana Porto Santo All Inclusive, Portugal
- Europe’s Leading Beach Destination 2022 – The Algarve, Portugal
- Europe’s Leading Beach Hotel 2022 – Pestana Alvor Praia, Portugal
- Europe’s Leading City Break Destination 2022 – Lisbon, Portugal
- Europe’s Leading City Destination 2022 – Porto, Portugal
- Europe’s Leading Cruise Destination 2022 – Lisbon, Portugal
- Europe’s Leading Cruise Port 2022 – Lisbon Cruise Port, Portugal
- Europe’s Leading Design Hotel 2022 – 1908 Lisboa Hotel, Portugal
- Europe’s Leading Destination 2022 – Portugal
- Europe’s Leading Island Resort 2022 – Vila Baleira Resort, Portugal
- Europe’s Leading Landmark Hotel 2022 – Vila Galé Collection Braga, Portugal
- Europe’s Leading Leisure Resort 2022 – Pine Cliffs, a Luxury Collection Resort, Portugal
- Europe’s Leading Lifestyle Hotel 2022 – Pestana CR7 Lisboa, Portugal
- Europe’s Leading Lifestyle Resort 2022 – Conrad Algarve, Portugal
- Europe’s Leading Luxury Boutique Hotel 2022 – Valverde Hotel, Portugal
- Europe’s Leading New Resort 2022 – Domes Lake Algarve
- Europe’s Leading Seaside Metropolitan Destination 2022 – Lisbon, Portugal
- Europe’s Leading Sports Resort 2022 – Cascade Wellness Resort, Portugal
- Europe’s Leading Tourist Attraction 2022 – Passadiços do Paiva (Arouca UNESCO Global Geopark), Portugal
- Europe’s Leading Villa Resort 2022 – Dunas Douradas Beach Club, Portugal
- Europe’s Leading Wine Region Hotel 2022 – L’AND Vineyards, Portugal
- Europe’s Most Romantic Resort 2022 – Monte Santo Resort, Portugal
- Europe’s Responsible Tourism Award 2022 – Dark Sky Alqueva, Portugal
