This Is The Most Peaceful Country In Europe Here's Why

Topping charts as one of the friendliest and safest countries in the world is bright and colorful Portugal, and anyone who has been fortunate enough to visit is likely to agree. An excellent destination for solo travelers, families, digital nomads, and gap-year students, Portugal has been welcoming the world to its cities and shores, yet it remains one of the most peaceful countries to visit and move to.

No matter if you’re in Lisbon’s buzzing downtown, party-loving Algarve, or artistic Porto, the lifestyle you’ll meet is sure to be laid-back, and Portuguese locals are known for marching to the beat of their own drum. Even in the midst of a busy day, locals find time for quick coffee breaks at the local cafés or pastelarias, and hour-long work lunches, usually enjoyed on an outdoor terrace beside beautifully aged historic buildings, a body of water, or a phenomenal viewpoint. Paired with the ever-present sun and pleasant climate, how can anyone remain stressed with such calming daily routines?

Metropolitan and progressive, Portugal‘s two main cities that aren’t the capital, Porto and Algarve, attract a lot of attention, including a large majority of the country’s population. Venture away from these hubs and you’ll see miles upon miles of country roads, pasturelands, fields dotted with cork oak trees, and sleepy, stone villages where some days a bleat from a goat is the most “noise” you’ll hear. In rural Portugal, signs of modern life and the digital age are scarce, and it’s an excellent place to unplug for a weekend (or longer) of relaxing.

When considering peace, national security is an obvious factor and the statistics speak for themselves. In Portugal, the probability of violent crimes ranks low and unemployment fell from over 17% in 2013 to below 8% at the end of 2017. Armed police in pairs and sometimes triples wind past pedestrians in the most historic and visited squares and streets, like sunny Praça do Comércio and lively Praça da Figueira. In the last decade, an increase in the presence of police and a decrease in crime rates suggest a possible correlation.

Harmony and peace are about so much more, however, and these feelings radiate through Portuguese communities. Locals, known for their melancholic yet friendly and calm demeanor, welcome visitors with amicable smiles, local tips, and the occasional invitation to try a Portuguese dish, or to see a local hidden gem. It’s not uncommon for locals to befriend visitors, even if just for a minute, and share a piece of their day-to-day life. And these features are not secluded to the mainland either, but stretch to the Azores and Madeira Islands, where hydrangea-lined streets, rolling, green mountains (some reaching the clouds), exotic flora, and thermal pools add to the effect.

Increase the potential for a peaceful experience by visiting in the offseason. Between October and May, even the landmarks with Ronaldo-sized reputations slow down, and it’s possible to explore without bumping into other tourists at every turn. In particular, late autumn, winter, and early-to-mid spring are the best times to visit stunning, palace-filled Sintra, to watch a sunset from a semi-secluded Camilo Beach, or to feel a mystery blooming while ambling through Porto‘s narrow alleys.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.