Portugal is the 2nd best country in the world for Traveler readers

Our country is in second place in the 2024 edition of “The 20 Best Countries in the World”, an annual list published by Condé Nast Traveler magazine as part of its “Readers’ Choice Awards” — only behind Japan.

Readers of the renowned magazine Travelerfrom the Condé Nast publishing group, this year placed Portugal in second place of their choices for “Best Country in the World”, with a ranking of 92.69 points — ahead of Italy (4th, with 92.16) and Spain (5th, with 92.14).

In the 37th edition of its “Readers’ Choice” awards, the results of which were recently released, the magazine counted 575,048 votes cast, which placed the Japan in first place of their preferences — with 94.79 potnos, just one tenth above Portugal.

A Türkiye, in 3rd place with 92.4 points, he closes the podium.

According to the magazine, Japan stands out for its generous variety of restaurants incredible, ultra-relaxing hot springs, Shinto templescherry blossom trees and impeccably clean, efficient high-speed trains that run along some of the most scenic rail routes in the world.

Portugal: a sensory overload

In a short text about our country, Traveler explains that Portugal spent the last decade transform from an economic and disadvantaged destination in an important actor who can rival countries like Spain and Italy.

Even when it was still under a 40-year authoritarian regime and an economy in shambles, Portugal was already full of delights that bordered the sensory overloadsays the magazine.

The text highlights the Intricate blue and white tile patternsthe intoxicating aroma of freshly baked cream puffso, the nostalgic chords of live fadothe refreshing cold of a green wine or the nectar sweetness of a port wine.

With your cheerful yellow trams and São Jorge Castle at the top of the hill, Lisbon is an easy starting point to adore for those who come for the first time.

However, Traveler points out, a growing number of direct flights to the country’s second largest city are inviting travelers to explore the contemporary cultural scene and runmissable restaurants in Porto.

Additionally, Portugal rewards regular visitors with an adventure of their choice that may include the Terraced slopes of the Douro Valleythe underrated wineries and the Expanding beach towns in the Alentejo regionthe surfer’s paradises of the Algarve and the absurdly scenic villages scattered throughout.

Now the text ends, thanks to the new direct flights from the USAuntil the volcanic landscapes of the Azores, similar to those of Hawaiiare within reach of your readers.

Here are the 20 countries chosen this year by readers of Traveler as “Best Country in the World”.

The 20 Best Countries in the World: 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards

1. 1. Japan (94.79)
   2. Portugal (92,69)
   3. Türkiye (92.4)
   4. Italy (92.16)
   5. Spain (92.14)
   6. Thailand (92.09)
   7. Vietnam (91.91)
   8. New Zealand (91.67)
   9. Ireland (91.63)
   10. Greece (91.53)
   11. Croatia (91.23)
   12. Norway (91.15)
   13. Switzerland (91.14)
   14. Canada (90.85)
   15. France (90.58)
   16. Austria (90.54)
   17. India (90.38)
   18. Iceland (90.33)
   19. Germany (89.53)
   20. United Kingdom (89.26)

The distinction of Traveler’s readers seems to confirm the journalist’s conclusion Joana Boothfrom Times magazine, which in August chose the places it considers most beautiful in our country — and who told us that in Portugal you can go a long way.