Why you should add Portugal to your travel bucket list

Look at that view. We are back now with Robin's adventure in Portugal. It is one of the most affordable places to visit in Europe and more than two million Americans take advantage of that fact and vacation there every year. Robin you're getting a look at what makes Portugal such a popular destination. It is gorgeous Robin. I'm telling you it's easy to see why Portugal is on so many people's travel bucket list. There's so much to see and do here. The history, the the the agriculture, the architecture, natural beauty. And we've been taking it all in for you from the cities to the sea. This morning with summer travel to Europe in high demand, Americans are taking on Portugal in record numbers. Portugal is a top destination because it has it all everything from beaches to city excursions to wine country. Plus it's affordable, especially when compared to many western European countries. And to top it all off, it's the third safest country in the world. Over two million Americans visiting Portugal in 2023 as the post pandemic tourism boom continues. I have always wanted to go to Portugal and as someone who lives on the east coast, Portugal is one of the most accessible areas in Europe. Airlines generally add flights where the demand is and we've seen unprecedented growth in the Portuguese aviation industry. Porto has 77% more seats this summer than compared to last year. And also airlines like United are now announcing flights to airports in the south, like Faro Airport, which is the gateway to the Algarve. So let's journey through Portugal together. A country filled with so many wonders and splendor. Oh wow. Yes. Like these traditional ceramic tiles with vibrant patterns and colors adorning palaces, buildings and homes. Now a rich part of Portuguese history. It's such a natural beauty down south. The Algarve alluring summer travelers with pristine beaches and stunning rock formations. Do you see the horizontal lines? That's marks that the water was at that level many, many centuries ago. What we're seeing right now, maybe in near 5, 10 years, the rocks may have another shape in Portugal's capital of Lisbon. Architecture reigns supreme. Landmarks like the Bellum Tower, once used to defend the city from enemy ships, now one of 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites across the country. I'm at one of Lisbon's most photographed elevators or trams, as we call it. Not only has it been in operation for more than a century, it's also an easy way to get up and down these steep hills. So what do you say? Let's go for a ride. Good morning, America. High above Lisbon, this overlook offering picturesque views and a place to lock in lasting memories. I want to put it right here. There it is. GMA and in Sentra, located just an hour outside of Lisbon, we took to the streets on a tuk tuk. So this is a pop for sure, but this is the best way to go around. Tour guide Danielle Ponce, giving us a tour of the village of Sentra. Even the town hall is such a beautiful place like this, right? So cool. Our final stop, the incredible Pena Palace, a place where nearly 1.5 million people visit each year. What are the three things you must see and do when you're here in Sentra? Well, for sure came to the regulator. They got the initiation. Well, just something very unique. Nothing like that in the rest of the world. Cabo da Roca. So you can be the closest possible to the states in the continental Europe and in the palace, the fairy tale palace. I feel romance when I'm here. This was a gift of love from a king from Austria who married the queen of Portugal and he prepared this for her. King Ferdinand's vision standing the test of time. The palace eventually passed on to his second wife, the countess of Edla, to become a castle of two great loves. It is so special where we are. The history of the site where we are right now goes back to the 12th century. It started out as a chapel, then a monastery and, uh, and added in the 1800s. That was the monastery. Now, this fairy tale like palace was built by Ferdinand the second, and it's clear that the inside is just as lavish as the outside. You see this? The largest room in the palace is the Great Hall, which has a huge gold plated 72 candle chandelier. And this country isn't just a feast for the eyes, though it is. We're going to give you a true taste of Portugal coming up in a little bit. And perhaps perhaps I arranged for you all to have a little taste of Portugal back there in the studio. I can't make any promises, but I hope you're not making this up, Robin, because we love a taste of Portugal. And I love that that secret pastry door that you found. Can't wait to see more of that. Oh, yeah, and you will. All right, well, good deal.