Portugal voted best European country to visit

Portugal won first place in the "10 BEST READER'S CHOICE" competition by USA Today. According to the editors, "Portugal is less iconic than other better-known countries, but it offers a wealth of opportunities for visitors: charming villages, great food, fascinating regional music, cultural opportunities, a stunning coastline, and world-class surfing"...

The full article can be read here (in English).

The Winner: Portugal

Portugal was described by 10Best as a country "very underrated", but one that gathers all the charms of an excellent European destination: stone villages beneath medieval castles, sun-drenched beaches, a delightful culinary tradition, and plenty of history to explore. The text highlights experiences such as swimming in the turquoise waters of the Algarve, savoring a glass of Port wine in a café in Porto, or listening to the melancholic lament of a fado singer in Lisbon. The "discreet" beauty of Portugal thus became evident to readers.

The Complete Ranking

10th Place: Switzerland

Known as the capital of alpine tourism, Switzerland is described as "a gigantic postcard." Besides the iconic Matterhorn and Lake Geneva, the country offers world-class hiking in the Engadine and Ticino valleys, medieval castles, and picturesque villages like Locarno and Lugano.

9th Place: Iceland

The biggest surprise of the competition, according to the publication. Secret sea caves, geysers, ice fields, waterfalls, black sand beaches, azure hot springs, and the Northern Lights make Iceland one of the most beautiful countries in the world. The warm hospitality of its small population is another highlight.

8th Place: France

The alluring beauty of France needs no introduction: Notre-Dame, Sainte-Chapelle, Versailles, the colorful canals of Strasbourg, incomparable gastronomy, and landscapes ranging from the Alps to the French Riviera.

7th Place: Ireland

The "Emerald Isle," so called for its lush green countryside, offers a relaxed and welcoming experience. Whether in a village pub with a perfect pint of Guinness, in the waves crashing against the Atlantic coast, or among the ruined castles scattered across the landscape.

6th Place: Spain

Visiting Spain is like visiting several countries in one: Catalan culture and Gaudí's works in Barcelona, the Basque Country and the Picos de Europa in the north, the sunny plains and cultural mix of Andalusia in the south, and the beaches of Majorca and the Canary Islands.

5th Place: United Kingdom

From the rolling hills of the Cotswolds to the moors of York, through England's literary and historical sites, the ruins of Wales, the Scottish Highlands, and the Causeway Coast of Northern Ireland, the United Kingdom has an evident aesthetic appeal — and no language barriers for Americans.

4th Place: Germany

Germany's beauty is among the most diverse in Europe: fairy-tale Bavarian castles, dense forests, river valleys dotted with half-timbered villages, and major cultural hubs like Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg, which combine history and modern architecture.

3rd Place: Austria

Beauty is everywhere in Austria: in the artistic masterpieces and golden palaces of Vienna, in the snowy mountains, winding valleys, and alpine lakes. The Eastern Alps dominate the landscape, while the musical heritage of Mozart and Strauss enriches the cultural panorama.

2nd Place: Italy

Italy's natural, cultural, and culinary beauty has inspired travelers and artists for centuries. Beyond the blooming Tuscan villas, magnificent cathedrals, and timeless artworks, there is a more subtle beauty in Italian society itself: the dedication to slowing down, sitting back, and enjoying life to the fullest.

The Winner: Portugal

Portugal was described by 10Best as a country "very underrated", but one that gathers all the charms of an excellent European destination: stone villages beneath medieval castles, sun-drenched beaches, a delightful culinary tradition, and plenty of history to explore. The text highlights experiences such as swimming in the turquoise waters of the Algarve, savoring a glass of Port wine in a café in Porto, or listening to the melancholic lament of a fado singer in Lisbon. The "discreet" beauty of Portugal thus became evident to readers.

Methodology and Expert Panel

The competition was based on the votes of 10Best readers, who chose from a list of pre-selected nominees. The expert panel included Annie Collins (travel agent at Tripology), Jamie Bachrach (who has traveled to over 40 European countries) and Leila Coe (agent at World Class Travel with extensive experience in Europe).

Final Considerations

The 2014 result revealed a preference among readers for destinations that combine authenticity, diversity, and natural beauty — with Portugal standing out precisely for being a less obvious choice, yet rich in experiences. The competition demonstrates how travelers' perceptions can value countries that, while not the most "iconic," offer a unique combination of history, gastronomy, landscape, and hospitality.

For those planning a trip to Europe, this 2014 list remains an excellent source of inspiration — whether to revisit classics like Italy and France, or to discover lesser-known gems like Portugal and Iceland.