Portugal Named 2016 Destination of the Year by Travel + Leisure Editors

The announcement was made on Facebook Live on-location from the town of Óbidos in Portugal. The Travel + Leisure Destination of the Year is the place that the editors believe best captures the travel zeitgeist of the moment and, for that reason, is trending among travelers. “Portugal is hotter than ever,” according to T+L editors. “Portugal is the place that has stolen our hearts with its creativity, variety, and increasing ease for travelers.” This year’s winner follows past honorees Cuba, named 2015 Destination of the Year, and Myanmar, named 2014 Destination of the Year.

Travel + Leisure editors are in Portugal now covering the country in real time on social media with live videos, photos and reports from the field. Portugal is also the subject of a Travel + Leisure 360-degree video experience debuting today on travelandleisure.com and will also be available on LIFE VR, Time Inc.’s dedicated virtual reality platform, starting November 16. The 360 video experience showcases Óbidos, the walled town in central Portugal known for its rich history and breathtaking views of the surrounding region. Travel + Leisure also presents a guide to the best of Portugal now in the December issue—on newsstands November 25—as well as on travelandleisure.com.

Travel + Leisure Editor-in-Chief Nathan Lump said, “While Portugal is hardly a ‘new’ destination, it is exhibiting a dynamism that feels fresh and distinctive. You may well have been there before, but return now and we guarantee you will feel the energy and discover some exciting things. It’s an affordable destination with an easy-going atmosphere, year-round warm weather, and great food and wine, all of which make it even more of a draw.”

Travel + Leisure readers also voted online to select their choice for 2016 Destination of the Year from among the 17 finalists. The T+L Readers’ Choice 2016 Destination of the Year is Croatia. “A Mediterranean favorite, Croatia is a jewel in the crown of the Adriatic,” according to T+L’s report on Croatia’s win. “The arguably biggest draw of Croatia in 2016? The success of HBO's Game of Thrones series. Tourism has boomed in recent years as fans of the show have sought out its stunning landscapes and well-preserved historical architecture.”

For more about the Travel + Leisure 2016 Destination of the Year, the 2016 Readers’ Choice 2016 Destination of the Year, and all 17 finalists, visit: www.travelandleisure.com/destination-of-the-year

Travel + Leisure 2016 Destination of the Year finalists (in alphabetical order, not ranked) are as follows:

1. America’s National Parks
2. Canada
3. Croatia
4. Hawaii
5. Iceland
6. Ischia
7. Korea
8. Mallorca
9. Mexico City
10. New Zealand
11. Orlando
12. Paris
13. Pittsburgh
14. Portugal
15. Rio de Janerio
16. Singapore
17. Washington, D.C.