Portugal has the wind in its sails

With double-digit growth and a historic number-one position in terms of volume, the French market in Portugal is in insolent health. Here are the reasons for this success in 5 travel experiences.

For the first time, the number of French visitors to Portugal surpassed German visitors in 2014. "This is historic," says Jean-Pierre Pinheiro, director of the tourist office of Portugal in France. Two million people visited the Iberian sun last year, an increase of 20% in a market that has been growing in double digits for four years. In addition to attractive prices in a time of crisis, Portugal has more than one reason for this popularity.

1/Lisbon and Porto, city-breaks par excellence

No wonder the Germans are still in first place in terms of overnight stays. French tourists are very keen on city-breaks to Lisbon and Porto, destinations served by more than 22 cities in France thanks to low-cost airlines. Festive, cultural and creative, these two towns on a human scale "benefit from good word-of-mouth", confirms Jean-Pierre Pinheiro. In June, St. Anthony's Day in Lisbon and St. John's Day in Porto are major popular events.

2/ A surfing destination for sure

Without going as far as surfing the biggest wave in the world off Nazaré, a record recently held by the Frenchman Benjamin SanchisIn Portugal, you can enjoy great surfing sensations. The country is famous for its spots in the north but also more in the south, notably in Carrapateira more suitable for beginners.

3/Chasing the "Quintas" and "Pousadas

Wine lovers are familiar with the term "quintas", which in Portuguese designate wine estates. In addition to the wines of Porto, the vineyards of the Upper Douro Valley are definitely worth a visit or at least a tasting. In the north of the Minho region, the "vihno verde" has also gained a solid reputation in recent years. In terms of accommodation, the "pousadasThe "paradores" offer, like the paradores in Spain, charming and affordable packages. Housed in old manors or convents that have been rehabilitated, they are often good gourmet stops.

4/Evora, the pearl of the Alentejo

Many call it the most beautiful historical city in Portugal. Proudly dominating the Alentejo plain, classified by Unesco for its Medieval and Renaissance heritage, Evora is in any case a living testimony of the golden age of the country. But the city does not dwell on its past: a beautiful animation reigns there during the year, thanks to a student and cultural life.

5/The idleness off the beaten track

While Portugal boasts the opening this summer of its first Lookea club in the Algarve region and a Framissima near Lisbon, its coastline - almost 800 km long - means that you can easily find more confidential idleness spots. Look for them on the east coast around Tavira, for example, or on one of the best beaches listed by the tourist office of Portugal.

Source: 20minutes.fr