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Portugal: one of the world's best destinations
As Portugal received an astonishing total of 17 awards at the World Travel Awards, check out why it is 2018's hottest destination.
The elite of the travel industry gathered on Saturday for the World Travel Awards Grand Final Gala Ceremony 2018 at the historic Pátio da Galé to find out who amongst them had been crowned the finest in the world.
The World Travel Awards were established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the travel, tourism and hospitality industries. Its annual programme is renowned as the most prestigious and comprehensive in the global industry.
Portugal received an astonishing total of 17 awards during the ceremony, including the award for the ‘World’s Leading Destination 2018’. Portugal’s coastal capital, Lisbon, was also selected as the ‘World’s Leading City Destination 2018’ and ‘World’s Leading City Break Destination 2018’, whilst the beautiful island of Madeira picked up the award for the third year running for ‘World’s Leading Island Destination 2018’.
Check out the full list of 2018 winners here…
Why visit Lisbon?
As one of the most charismatic and vibrant cities in Europe, it’s no wonder Lisbon was voted the best city destination in the world. The Occidental Lisboa lies in the heart of Lisbon in a perfect location for discovering the charms of the city. Visiting Lisbon’s monuments and historical buildings is a must during your break, not to mention its nearby beaches and popular tourist attractions. Here’s a few of the most popular things to do in Lisbon…
Hop aboard a tram…
Trams are one of the most popular attractions for visitors, and certainly the most charming way to tick off a few sights. The wooden ‘Tram 28’ travels through Lisbon’s prettiest and most historic streets, as well as through the city’s popular destinations such as Graca, Alfama, Baixa and Estrela.
Visit the Torre de Belém
The early 16th century Torre de Belém is a fortified tower that guards the entrance to the city’s harbour. Intricate stonework’s fill the inside, with five floors which lead to a roof terrace. The building is simply a sight for sore eyes and one of Lisbon’s most visited hot spots.
Miradouros
Lisbon’s superb natural setting, spread across seven hills facing the Tagus River, offers a network of terraces where you can admire the most stunning views of the city. The ‘miradouros’ (viewpoints) are located at the highest points of each hill, with spaces to sit and relax. Catch incredible views of the river and major landmarks such as the Castle of São Jorge and the city’s iconic bridges.
Why visit Madeira?
Madeira is a holiday destination with plenty to offer, with thousands of tourists returning to the beautiful island year after year. Not only does Madeira have an all year-round summer climate, but it also comprises of stunning natural scenery, with massive mountains, jagged cliffs, lush forest and mesmerising flower gardens. The adults-only Allegro Madeira is one of the most popular hotels on the island, for its panoramic views of the ocean, delicious local cuisine and privileged location.
Here are some of the hottest travel experiences you can enjoy in Madeira…
Explore the Levada Walks
Of all the recreational things to do in Madeira, walking the levada footpaths is arguably the most popular activity. The levadas of Madeira carry water to all four corners of the island. You can tread a path alone, but to get the most out of a hike, it's better to sign up for a guided walking tour, where you can admire the scenic footpaths that reach into remote parts of the island.
Ride on the Madeira Cable Car
The Madeira Cable Car is one of Funchal's most popular sightseeing attractions. Passengers are taken on a 15-minute "flight" over the Madeiran capital and up into the surrounding hills. Specially designed cabins afford outstanding 360-degree views of the town below, the dramatic mountain landscape, and a shimmering blue Atlantic Ocean. At its highest point, the cable car glides 560 meters above sea level. Departing from the esplanade near the Zona Velha, passengers can alight at Jardim Botânico or continue towards Jardim Tropical Monte Palace, the final destination. From here, a novel way of returning to the city center is by the Monte Toboggan.
