ChatGPT Top Places to Visit in Portugal Vs. ExpatsEverywhere
ChatGPT has become a popular resource that many people rely on, and ExpatsEverywhere created a fun experiment asking the AI chatbot a common question:
What are the top 10 places to visit in Portugal?
Let’s see if its answer lines up with our experiences as expats living and traveling in the country.
We break down the ExpatsEverywhere Youtube video and expound on the expats’ reaction to ChatGPT.
The Number 10 pick is a good one!
10. Viana do Castelo
Here’s what ChatGPT said about Viana do Castelo:
A beautiful coastal town in Northern Portugal
Stunning views from Monte de Santa Luzia
Authentic Portuguese feel without tourist crowds
Great starting point for exploring the Minho region and nearby beaches
Expat Everywhere’s Take
Viana do Castelo is one of our favorite cities in Portugal in terms of livability. But with a cute downtown area, this coastal town is also a great place to visit.
If you’re a beach lover, you can easily access the water for those summer vibes.
The lack of tourism in Viana do Costelo goes right in our “Pro” column for this location.
The expats agree that one of the more interesting things to check out here is Santuario de Santa Luzia, the majestic monastery overlooking the city from the hilltop.
Depending on a traveler’s lifestyle, there isn’t a ton of entertainment in the Minho region; but it is highly accessible from Porto, where there’s a lot going on.
That is, unless you visit Viana do Costelo during a specific festival, like their popular medieval festival that draws large crowds.
There is a caveat, however.
Viana do Castelo is in northern Portugal, where the winters are cooler and rainier and so may not be a great place to visit during the off-season’s cooler months.
In ExpatsEverywhere’s opinion, a weekend or short 2-day trip will definitely allow you to see everything Viana do Castelo has to offer.
We really think this charming seaside town should be higher on the list.
9. Monsaraz
What ChatGPT listed as reasons to visit Monsaraz:
A tiny hilltop village in the Alentajo region with cobbled streets and panoramic views of the Alqueva Lake
Medieval atmosphere - feels frozen in time
Excellent for wine lovers and stargazers (part of the Dark Sky Reserve)
ExpatsEverywhere’s Take on Monsaraz
Monsaraz gives off a cool, historical feel, but it’s very small and remote, so finding a place to stay may be challenging.
This location is off the beaten path, and if that’s what you’re looking for, then this place is definitely worth a visit.
Monsaraz is not a tourist spot (another plus), but it’s not accessible by public transportation so you need to rent a car.
There are a ton of great places for wine lovers in Portugal, and we think there are better places for wine connoisseurs to visit, especially in the Alentajo region.
This pick surprised us.
It would NOT have gone on ExpatsEverywhere’s Top 10 List.
8. Ponta Delgada
What ChatGPT Said About Ponta Delgada:
Gateway to the Azores - a lush, volcanic island group in the Atlantic
Natural hot springs, crater lakes like Sete Cidades, and endless green
Ideal for eco-tourism, hiking, and whale watching
What Expats Everywhere Thinks About Visiting Ponta Delgada
Ponta Delgada is on São Miguel Island, part of the Portuguese Azores archipelago.
To get there, travelers will need to take a short flight from mainland Portugal, which makes it a bit difficult to reach if you’re short on time while visiting.
But it would make a great place to visit upon entry to Portugal on your way to the mainland or at the tail-end of your trip.
While ChatGPT mentions crater lakes, we need to point out that the AI can be a bit misleading here.
The crater lakes are not actually in Ponta Delgada.
Let’s say that again: the crater lakes are NOT actually in Ponta Delgada.
They are on São Miguel Island, which is a decent drive from the city, so a car rental is needed at that point, though it also gives you more access to all the beautiful locations.
7. Coimbra
ChatGPT States These Factors Make Coimbra a Great Place to Visit:
Historic university city with a unique blend of youthful energy and ancient charm
Home to one of the oldest universities and a beautiful Joanina Library
Live traditional fado music with a local twist
Expats Everywhere’s Experience
Coimbra definitely deserves to be on the top ten list of places to travel in Portugal.
You’ll be surrounded by history everywhere you go in the city. Coimbra is home to one of the oldest universities in the world and seeing Portuguese students in their traditional capes roam the city, which is always fun.
Although we don’t see Coimbra as a “university city” because there is a diverse demographic, the students add a unique cultural vibe as they are out and about playing music and being involved in the city-life.
While the city is on the smaller side, we think it’s definitely worth a few days of your time to visit.
HILL WALKING BEWARE!
ChatGPT hits on all the positives but misses an important part: Coimbra is famous for its hills!
Expect to walk a lot in Coimbra, which can be tricky if you are not used to hill walking, especially on some uneven cobblestone pavements.
6. Évora
Why Visit This City in Portugal? Here’s What ChatGPT Has to Say About Évora:
A UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Alentejo region for its Roman Temple, whitewashed streets, and the eerie Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of Bones)
Surrounded by vineyards and cork oak forests
A peaceful contrast to Portugal’s coastal hotspots
ExpatsEverywhere’s Two Cents
There’s a ton of culture, great food and wine in Évora, which lies in the Alentejo region.
With the Chapel of Bones and Roman ruins, the expats figured Évora would be on the list of top ten places to visit in Portugal.
Even though Josh and Kalie are not surprised Évora is on ChatGPT’s list, they personally feel that Beja, another city in Alentejo, would be a more interesting place to visit.
But, even so, we’d recommend spending a maximum of two days in this city.
This city is inland, where it can get quite hot in the summer months, so planning ahead and checking the temperature during desired travel time is a must.
What is surprising to the expats is that at this point in the list, ChatGPT has chosen two cities in the Alentejo region. Portugal may be a small country, but there are a lot of other beautiful, popular areas.
We’re starting to feel a little suspicious of ChatGPT’s choices . . .
5. Douro Valley
Why ChatGPT Recommends Visiting the Douro Valley:
One of Europe’s oldest wine regions and a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Spectacular terraced vineyards along the Douro River
Take a scenic river cruise or a wine-tasting road trip from Porto
Where ExpatsEverywhere Stands on visiting the Douro Valley
The Douro Valley gets an emphatic YES! as to being on the Top Ten List.
The Douro Valley region is not a city, but there are a plethora of options for places to visit and stay in, like a wine quinta (vineyard or farm), a luxury hotel (there are plenty to choose from!), or a homey Airbnb.
The Douro Valley is one of the most relaxing places to visit in Portugal.
Enjoy plentiful options for wine tours in this area, famous for its production of port wine.
Pinhão is the most popular town, and is highly recommended, as staying there allows you to either get a ride or walk to multiple quintas without having to worry about wine-tasting and driving.
Pinhão is also easily accessible by train from Porto.
The two-and-a-half hour ride has incredibly beautiful views all the way to the Douro Valley, which makes it perfect for a day trip or multiple days of relaxation.
The Douro Valley’s beauty is unreal. It’s in the top five places to visit in Portugal for Josh and Kalie too.
4. Lagos
Why To Visit Lagos, According to ChatGPT:
Stunning cliffs, hidden coves, turquoise water
Great for kayaking, boat tours to Ponta da Piedade, and vibrant nightlife
Keeps its charm despite being a major tourist destination
What ExpatsEverywhere Thinks
The expats can see why Lagos is in the Top 10 List, but personally wouldn’t put it at Number 4.
Lagos is a city in the Algarve region of Portugal, the southern half of the country known for beautiful beaches and a laid back vibe.
If you visit Lagos in the summer, it will be busy.
While there’s not a ton to do, it’s a great few days for an outdoorsy vacation, and the nightlife is very well known and especially popular among British nationals on holiday.
Josh and Kalie recommend carefully choosing a place to stay, as it can get loud at certain spots at night.
We wouldn’t say Lagos is a “major tourist destination,” as ChatGPT states. But, we still think it’s a fun beach vacation.
3. Porto
What ChatGPT Has to Say About Porto
A mix of gritty charm and grandeur with a thriving cultural scene
Taste port wine in its birthplace, walk across the Dom Luís Bridge, or explore Ribeira’s riverside magic
More affordable and less crowded than Lisbon, with a unique northern Portuguese character
Why ExpatsEverywhere Loves Porto
Josh and Kalie were a bit shocked Porto didn’t make it in the top two (we know, we’re a bit biased).
If you don’t have much time, Porto is a great place to spend your trip. It offers a lot for a city but it isn’t overwhelming.
You have the perks of the Douro River, the Atlantic Ocean on the coast, and port wine tours within the city.
It’s also a great place to use as your home-base while doing day trips to other cities and spots like the Douro Valley.
During the beautiful weather months, people flock to Porto, and there’s a certain magic in the air.
Come see for yourself.
VERDICT:
While ChatGPT touches on many of the highlights of Portuguese destinations accurately, it does seem to leave out some important factors that travelers would need to know, and “Chat” randomly mixes in some places that Josh and Kalie would not have had as Top Ten worthy of visiting in Portugal.
But wait, what would you rate ChatGPT out of 10?
And what are the top two spots?
If you want to know the last top two spots ChatGPT says you should visit in Portugal and the ratings that Josh and Kalie give to “Chat”, check out the full video here.
Thinking of moving to Portugal?
Kalie is available for one-on-one consultations, or you can bundle a course and a consult.
