Travel Trends for 2025: An invitation to discover Portugal

Por We Love Small Hotels | 16 Janeiro 2025

As we step into 2025 and travellers seek more authenticity, sustainability and purpose, Portugal stands out as a destination for a more personal and purpose-driven experience capturing the spirit of these emerging trends. 

Known for its rich history, stunning landscapes and vibrant culture, Portugal offers something for every kind of traveller. Families can embrace the growing trend of extended sabbaticals by exploring the Algarve’s sunny beaches or Douro Valley’s tranquil countryside. Wine lovers will find joy in venturing beyond the famous Port wine to discover hidden gems in lesser-known vineyards across Alentejo. 

Inspired by CN Traveler Travel Trends for 2025, let's explore 6 of these travel trends for 2025 considering Portugal, a must-visit destination for travelers that seek authenticity, sustainability and purpose while they travel.

THE LONG HONEYMOON

Traditionally, the honeymoon refers to the sweet early days of marriage or the first vacation a couple takes together as newlyweds. Over time, this evolved into a more defined post-wedding getaway, often featuring idyllic white-sand beaches. However, recent years have seen couples opting for shorter mini-moons or staycations closer to home. Now, with remote work becoming more common and luxury hotels offering long-term residential stays, newlyweds are embracing extended honeymoons in dream destinations.

In 2025, the long honeymoon reflects a desire for meaningful travel that celebrates life’s biggest moments in extraordinary ways.

Don’t miss: Vines, volcanoes and whales - The Best of Azores

For couples seeking an extraordinary escape, our Vines, Volcanoes, and Whales – The Best of Azores tour offers the perfect blend of romance, adventure and connection with nature.

Explore the breathtaking “triangle islands” of Faial, Pico and São Jorge, where every experience feels tailor-made for newlyweds. Swim alongside playful dolphins, meander through lush volcanic craters and immerse yourselves in the tranquillity of heritage vineyards. For those craving a touch of adventure, climb Portugal’s highest peak on Pico Island for sweeping views you’ll never forget.

This journey through the exotic Azores isn’t just a vacation—it’s a celebration of your love story in one of Europe’s most stunning and untouched destinations. Let the Azores be the backdrop to your long honeymoon, where every moment is as unique as your bond.

ACCESSIBLE ADVENTURE TRAVEL

Accessible adventure is redefining how disabled people, but also our own friends and family experience the outdoors. From adaptive sports equipment to inclusive tour operators, this trend focuses on breaking down barriers, both physical and societal, so everyone can enjoy activities like hiking, kayaking and mountain biking. It’s about ensuring that adventure is for all, regardless of ability. This trend is supported by advancements in adaptive equipment and guided experiences, ensuring equitable access to the physical and mental health benefits of outdoor exploration.

Don’t Miss: Peneda-Gerês National Park Adventure Tour

Our Peneda-Gerês National Park Adventure Tour embraces the spirit of accessible adventure, offering a variety of experiences designed to connect people with nature, regardless of their abilities. Explore this unique national park through tailored activities such as guided hikes along its stunning trails, kayaking on serene lakes or simply immersing yourself in the tranquillity of its lush landscapes.

Whether you’re discovering hidden waterfalls, spotting native wildlife or engaging with local communities, this adventure embodies the belief that the outdoors should belong to everyone.

FEMALE THRILL-SEEKING SHORTSTAYS

As inclusivity and safety have been more prioritised in travel, more female travellers are increasingly seeking empowering, adventurous experiences that allow them to connect with themselves and the world around them. By 2025, women will continue to lead the surge in adventure travel, with more than half of bookings already made by female travellers. 

Don’t Miss: 4-Day Not-So-Serious Yoga Walk Retreat in the Azores

Our 4-Day Not-So-Serious Yoga Walk Retreat in the Azores is a perfect fit for the growing trend of women’s adventure travel. Nestled in the lush landscapes of São Miguel, this retreat offers a rejuvenating blend of yoga, walking through serene volcanic trails and meaningful connections with like-minded adventurers.

For women who value both empowerment and relaxation, this retreat goes beyond the ordinary, providing a space to unwind, laugh and reconnect with nature in a safe and supportive environment. Whether you’re seeking personal growth, a fresh perspective, or simply a joyful escape, this retreat invites you to embrace the spirit of adventure in the heart of the Azores.

DETOUR DESTINATIONS

Detours have always added a touch of spontaneity to travel - those unexpected turns that lead to charming farm shops, ancient ruins or hidden viewpoints. Now, “detour travel” is evolving into a deliberate trend. It’s about exploring lesser-known destinations near major hubs, giving travellers the chance to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in the beauty and culture of quieter locales. 

Travelers in 2025 are looking to make the most of every trip, seeking meaningful, unplanned moments that enrich their itineraries. Detours offer an antidote to rushed travel, encouraging spontaneous exploration and a deeper connection to the places we visit.

Don’t Miss: Porto and Magical Historical Villages

Our Historical Villages & Douro Valley Bike Tour embodies the spirit of detour travel, taking you off the beaten path to uncover Portugal’s stunning countryside and lesser-known villages. Cycle through the picturesque Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where terraced vineyards, charming historical towns and serene river views await.

This tour invites you to pause, explore, and connect with the region’s rich heritage at a leisurely pace. From sampling local wines to discovering ancient architecture in villages like Marialva and Linhares da Beira, every stop offers a chance to savour the joy of the journey. In a world where travel is often hurried, this tour invites you to take the scenic route - because sometimes, the detour is the destination.

A NEW ERA FOR WINE TOURISM

Wine travel has traditionally focused on iconic regions like Bordeaux, Tuscany and Portugal’s Douro Valley - destinations known for their scenic vineyards, historical wineries and luxurious tastings. However, as interest in more hidden gems grows, wine enthusiasts are increasingly venturing into lesser-known and re-emerging wine regions to discover fresh flavours, unique techniques and less crowded experiences. Oenotourism continues to rise, wine lovers are seeking destinations that offer a more intimate, authentic experience. 

In 2025, oenophiles will crave fresh discoveries - new wine varieties, boutique wineries and untouched landscapes.

Don’t Miss: Portugal Wine Tour in 9 Days

Our Portugal Wine Tour in 9 Days is the perfect way to immerse yourself in one of the world’s rising wine destinations while avoiding the crowds of more commercial regions. This tour takes you through the diverse wine regions of Portugal, from the lush, rolling vineyards of the Douro Valley to the hidden gems of the Alentejo and Vinho Verde regions. Along the way, you’ll visit family-owned wineries, sample exceptional local wines and savour authentic Portuguese cuisine in charming, off-the-beaten-path locations.

Portugal’s wine culture is rich, diverse and filled with opportunities for discovery. This tour offers a unique chance to experience Portugal’s wine heritage in a way that feels personal, exclusive and rooted in the local community, a true reflection of the evolving trend of exploring less-travelled wine destinations.

JOMO (JOY OF MISSING OUT)

In a world consumed by the constant pressure to stay connected and stay on top of everything, the stress of FOMO (fear of missing out) has often found its way into our travels. But there’s a shift happening and it’s all about JOMO, the Joy of Missing Out. This type of "soft travel" encourages slowing down, simplifying experiences and truly immersing in the moment, with a focus on relaxation, connection and mindful exploration. 

In 2025, people will increasingly seek destinations and experiences that encourage mental and physical well-being, offering tranquillity and a chance to reconnect with themselves and the world around them. 

Don’t Miss: Flores & Corvo – Untouched Nature Lovers Tour

For those looking to embrace JOMO, the Flores & Corvo – Untouched Nature Lovers Tour in the Azores offers the perfect opportunity to disconnect and truly unwind. These peaceful islands, untouched by mass tourism, offer a rare chance to immerse yourself in nature’s pure beauty, without the pressures of crowded tourist spots or packed itineraries.

This tour invites you to slow down and soak in the stunning landscapes of Flores and Corvo, from the dramatic cliffs to tranquil lakes and untouched forests. Whether you’re walking through lush trails, kayaking in pristine waters or simply watching the sunset over the Atlantic, the focus is on relaxation, reflection and truly living in the moment.