Many of us have destinations we continuously return to for a holiday, and going somewhere that you’ve already visited before can save you from any letdowns. But it’s good to try new things, and you might be surprised at what you find when you go off the beaten path. Going somewhere that’s not as well known is often cheaper too, especially as a number of holiday hotspots struggling with overtourism have begun introducing fees for visitors.
A destination loved by many Brits, home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches and cities, Portugal receives a staggering number of visitors each year, many of whom head to places like Lisbon and Porto. However, cities like Lisbon are now seeing an increase in residents pushing back against tourism, and even the island of Madeira has addressed the growing threat of it. Many travellers are being encouraged to try out new destinations that aren’t as crowded, and one place you might want to explore next is the Portuguese city being touted as better than Lisbon and Porto.
For an affordable holiday in the sun, instead of sticking to the same old spots, try taking a trip to Braga in Portugal. Located just an hour north of Porto, the underrated city has hardly any tourists.
That doesn’t mean it’s not worth visiting, though, and last year the little-known city was crowned Europe’s Emerging Tourism Destination at the World Travel Awards, which are often described as the Oscars in the world of tourism.
Attracting 639,000 visitors in 2024, it’s a much welcome break from the crowds that head to both Lisbon and Porto, which both received over 5 million visitors last year. The stunning city is also considered one of Portugal’s most important spiritual centres, and is home to Braga Cathedral, the oldest cathedral in the country.
Known as the City of Bells, home to over thirty churches, the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, which is famed for its intricate baroque stairway, is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site and a feast for the eyes.
In an article for The Independent, Matt Dennis reported that on a recent trip to Braga, a glass of Vinho Verde, which is a type of wine that originates from the northwest of Portugal, set him back just £1.70.
A walkable city with an incredible history that even features Roman ruins, its centre is home to Baroque palaces and elegant plazas that are ideal for exploring on foot.
You can get to Braga by flying into Porto from most UK airports, with Ryanair, easyJet and British Airways all flying direct to Porto. A return flight in September is as low as £21, and the temperature is still a balmy 20C at this time of year.
If you don’t drive, a transfer from Porto to Braga costs around £6 and takes 40 minutes, with multiple bus operators going directly from the airport.
