Page 27 - WDT MAGAZINE PORTUGAL

INTRODUCTIONTO
Portugal

BEYOND SARDINES & FADO

t’s funny how hot new destinations TripAdvisor’s 25 top destinations. USA
pop onto a traveler’s radar. Influential TODAY included Portugal on its list of
travel writers suddenly focus on a 2019’s hottest destinations. And no
locale, around forever but invisible, wonder, It has everything veteran
Iand in a flash, savvy travelers are travelers desire - friendly people, a
booking flights and packing bags. Portugal moderate climate, great cuisine, stunning
is a good recent example, an off-the-radar natural beauty and rich history with
destination long overshadowed by its fascinating UNESCO World Heritage
popular European neighbors. But in the sites. Plus it's very affordable.
last year or so, this small country got the My wife Mary and I got our first taste
big buzz and, as we discovered on our of Portugal a few years ago when our
recent adventure there, deservedly so. Celebrity transatlantic cruise made a port
In 2019, Portugal was named stop in Lisbon. We arranged a shore
Europe's leading destination in the annual excursion that included a drive-through
World Travel Awards and its largest city, tour of Lisbon, a short shopping visit to
Lisbon, was ranked No. 18 on Sintra, and an incredible seafood feast in

26 WINE DINE & TRAVEL MAGAZINE 2019