Portugal was named "World's Best Travel Destination" at the 2017 World Travel Awards (WTA) ceremony held on Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam, on December 10, 2017. This is the first time Portugal has been crowned the world's best tourist destination and the first European country to win this title. Here is a list of six reasons to travel to Portugal.

1. Attractive cities

If you only have a few days, Lisbon and Porto are two very attractive cities, with hospitable people and just a few hours' flight from most major European cities. Both cities are surrounded by rivers and have historic neighborhoods and streets clad with tiled facades, making their environments unique and distinctive.

Here you can meet new people during the day and enjoy the nightlife at night. It has examples of modern architecture, and a diverse range of urban art. Lisbon is a city with a unique light, originating from the Tagus River and bordering the sea. Porto is an ancient city, listed as a World Heritage Site, and the arrival point of the Douro River.

2. Sun, sand and sea

Influenced by the Atlantic climate, sunny summers and mild winters make Portugal a holiday destination known for sun and sea, as well as year-round walks on the beaches. In fact, the Portuguese coast is almost an independent beach stretching over 850 kilometers, with a variety of landscapes, you can choose from the more undulating coastline in the north, or the warm, calm waters in the south.

For those who prefer an open horizon, there are large stretches of golden sand and small coves lined with orange rocks and cliffs. Of the various beaches, most have earned the Blue Flag reputation, with nearly 200 open beaches.

3. World Cultural Heritage

The history and culture of the Portuguese people and nation are described in the World Heritage classification. UNESCO has listed outstanding monuments, cultural landscapes of historical and artistic significance as part of the World Heritage Site.

However, craftsmanship is often combined with intangible cultural heritage, such as the manufacture of rattles, the manufacture of Bisalhes black pottery, the royal hunt, and the manufacture of Ashtremoshi clay dolls. When in Portugal, be sure to visit these tangible cultural heritages, which are a great reason to get to know the country from north to south.

4. A Best Place for Outdoor Activities

UNESCO-listed natural parks and reserves, geoparks and biosphere reserves make Portugal a destination for enjoying the great outdoors, from quiet bird watching to the more exciting canyoning. For the past few years, hiking or biking the wooded trails has been the go-to option for those who enjoy sports and get in touch with the local culture.

5. Rich music festival

The rich music festivals can be a wonderful reason to visit Portugal, where you can enjoy a holiday like no other and have the opportunity to get to know the place in a very interesting way in a very relaxing environment. Your choice depends on what kind of music you like, there are many international festivals around Lisbon and Porto, in the countryside, by the river, or on the beach.

6. Warm and friendly Portuguese

One of the things that most people feel when visiting Portugal is the hospitality and friendliness of the Portuguese, who are always happy to help tourists if they ask for information on the street. Maybe it's the sun that endows the Portuguese with a good temperament and welcomes anyone, no matter where they come from...