And who can blame them? The second oldest capital city in Europe combines unique treasures modern spirit and rich culture.
But Lisbon was not the only place Lonely Planet heralded. The Azores was named as one of the world’s leading regions and Porto acknowledged as one of the best for top value.
The travel companion, which has been advising voyagers for some 40 years, created four categories – top countries, top cities, top regions and top value – in its “Best Travel in 2017” guide.
Portugal appears to be the only country whose gems were featured in three of the four lists.
Portugal’s capital shone among the best, taking eighth best city.
“It’s got sights, culture and cuisine, yet Lisbon’s rarely mentioned alongside southern European heavyweights such as Barcelona or Rome”, the guide revealed, saying this is a “mystifying lack of recognition”.
Lisbon “groans” with museums, listing the artefacts in the Calouste Gulbenkian and pop art at the Colecção Berardo while announcing the coming of a museum in the Alfama district devoted to the history of Judaism in Portugal.
“An unbeatable deal”, the guide made special mention of Lisbon’s burgeoning craft beer vitality.
“Lisbon is emerging from the crippling global financial crisis with guns blazing. The city is suddenly finding itself in the unusual position of European tastemaker”, the guide gushed.
There are two brewpubs, at least five dedicated craft beer bars, nearly a dozen established microbreweries and numerous home brewers among its craft arsenal, it explained. This was achieved in just two years.
The Azores captured third place in the world’s leading regions for its “amazing nature and super-cool Iberian culture”. Among its natural assets are “lush Hawaiian volcanoes, medieval Portuguese villages, gurgling Scandinavian hot springs, towering Irish cliffs and rugged Patagonian craters.”
The guide advised visitors to hurry to “this other Eden”. A 31% increase in tourism in the last 12 months means the secret won’t last.
“It is hard to imagine a place better suited to nature lovers, fans of adventure sports, or anyone looking for a beacon of sustainability.
Porto carried the Portuguese flag into another third position, this time for best bargains for the budget-conscious, cited for its stunning setting and excellent, affordable accommodation and eating involving the “finest regional produce”.
Singled out was the francesinha sandwich which manages to pack in pork sausage, roast meat and ham topped with an egg and cheese before being drenched in a beer sauce. Super-stylish and Michelin-starred establishments were also highlighted.
The port lodges are praised, with the “venerable Taylor’s” getting special mention, before moving on to wine tasting at the Palacio da Bolsa.
