In recent years, Americans have increasingly discovered Portugal as a prime destination for both tourism and permanent residency. Each year, there is a noticeable growth in the American population either visiting or living in cities such as Lisbon, Porto, and Faro. But why has this small European country, which has long gone unnoticed, suddenly become a highlight for Americans? Known for its rich history and for being the nation that kickstarted the Age of Discoveries, Portugal is not just about history books and old stories. Its stunning coastlines, laidback lifestyle, and vibrant modern culture have become a magnet for travellers and expatriates alike in 2024. With its welcoming atmosphere, beautiful landscapes, and thriving expat communities, Portugal presents an irresistible option for those seeking new adventures and a better quality of life.
Portugal Homes did an exclusive list of relevant direct flights to Portugal from the US so you can see for yourself how flying to Portugal is getting easier and easier.
Portugal: a New Favourite Destination for Americans
The last decade has been the best period for the Portuguese tourism industry, making the country a top destination for travellers from the United States. With its rich heritage, affordable prices, and Mediterranean climate, it is no wonder why more and more Americans are choosing to fly across the Atlantic to visit this beautiful European gem. The convenience offered by the Portuguese national airline, TAP, with its famous stopover deal—where a traveller can choose to stop in Portugal for up to 10 days before reaching their final destination—has made Portugal an accessible and attractive destination. Incredible, right? Keep reading this article to find out more about this great feature.
The questions that keep coming up is ‘Why the United States has become one of the main markets in the Portuguese tourism industry?’, but the answer is not so simple. This trend of Americans visiting Portugal was particularly evident in May 2024, when the tourism accommodation sector recorded 3.1 million guests and 7.7 million overnight stays, reflecting increases of 9.4% and 7.5%, respectively, compared to the previous month. Data released by Portugal Statistics (Instituto Nacional de Estatística, INE) shows that overnight stays by non-residents surged by 7.5%, totalling 5.8 million in 2023. Among international markets, the U.S. stood out by securing the third position, accounting for 10.1% of total overnight stays and experiencing a remarkable 17.3% growth. This growth allowed the U.S. market to surpass traditional visitors like citizens from France, which saw a slight decline.
American tourists are increasingly attracted to Portugal's diverse regions, with significant growth in areas like the Alentejo (+18.0%) and the Azores archipelago (+17.6%). This rising interest from the US has contributed to higher occupancy rates, with May 2024 seeing an increase to 52.4% for bed occupancy and 63.7% for room occupancy, further solidifying Portugal's appeal as a top destination for American travellers.
It is true that Portugal was overlooked for several decades by American tourists, who preferred destinations such as France, Italy, and Spain. However, it is incorrect to think that the relations between the two countries have been weak in any way. In fact, Portugal and the United States have a longstanding relationship. For example, Portugal was one of the first countries to recognize the American independence, on February 15, 1783, before the final Treaty of Paris was signed. Back then, Queen Maria I of Portugal officially acknowledged the United States as an independent country, making Portugal the third country to do so, following France and the Netherlands.
Economically, the US is one of Portugal's primary trading partners and often ranks as Portugal's largest non-EU trading partner. Additionally, the US is a significant source of investment in Portugal. The deep-rooted connections between the two nations are further illustrated by the Portuguese communities in the US, which have thrived for over a century.
In 2024, there are more than 200,000 Portuguese nationals and over 1.4 million Portuguese descendants legally living in the United States, actively contributing across various sectors and holding significant political representation. The official number of Americans with temporary or permanent residency in Portugal has also been increasing over the years. According to INE, there were 9,772 American residents officially living in Portugal as of September 2023. Of these, 9,034 were in mainland Portugal, 450 in the Madeira Islands, and 288 in the Azores archipelago.
Increasing Convenience and Affordability: More Flights from the U.S. To Portugal
The number of direct flights from the US to Portugal has increased significantly in the past few years. Airlines are recognising the growing demand and are offering more routes, making it easier for travellers to reach Portuguese destinations without lengthy layovers. Additionally, competitive pricing, and the stopover programme offered by TAP, have made these direct flights to Lisbon, Portugal’s capital, more affordable, attracting budget-conscious tourists and business travellers alike.
Have you heard about TAP Air Portugal's stopover programme? TAP’s stopover programme allows travellers to land in Lisbon or Porto, and to stay for up to 10 days at no extra cost, turning a layover into a mini vacation. According to the President of the Portuguese Hospitality Association, Bernardo Trindade, the U.S. has become a very important tourism market for Portugal and TAP’s stopover programme has been instrumental in boosting tourism, leveraging its strategic position as a gateway between North America and Europe.
This initiative from the Portuguese Airline has been particularly appealing to American travellers, contributing significantly to the surge in U.S. tourists. By offering this unique travel benefit, TAP not only enhances the passenger experience but also stimulates local tourism, as visitors explore Portuguese culture, cuisine, and landmarks during their extended stay.
The success of the stopover programme is evident in TAP's expanding flight network and increased frequencies from North America. New routes and additional direct flights between the US and Portugal, including non-stop services to Funchal, the capital of Madeira Island. This further demonstrate the airline's commitment to connecting more destinations and accommodating growing demand. Tourism dedicated press has been highlighting how these efforts are not only milestones, but also constantly improving and adapting to market needs. This strategic expansion supports both TAP's growth and Portugal's appeal as a premier travel destination, making it more accessible to a broader audience.
Moreover, the programme's impact extends beyond immediate tourist influx, fostering long-term economic benefits. By attracting visitors who might not have initially considered Portugal, the stopover programme encourages repeat visits and positive word-of-mouth promotion. Travellers who experience Portugal's charm during their stopover are likely to return for longer vacations, further boosting the tourism sector. This ripple effect contributes to the sustained increase in tourist numbers, showcasing the effectiveness of TAP's innovative approach in promoting Portugal on the global travel map. According to TAP’s website, the top final destinations for Stopover Customers from the USA were Barcelona, Madrid, and Rome. Funchal and Ponta Delgada also ranked among the top 10 favourite destinations for Americans.
Direct Flight Connections: U.S. to Portugal in 7 hours
Portugal’s geographical location on the western edge of Europe makes it one of the closest European destinations to the US, reducing flight length. For instance, flights from New York to Lisbon are some of the shortest transatlantic flights available, typically taking around 7 hours. This proximity is a significant advantage for those looking to maximise their time exploring rather than travelling. If you think 7 hours is too much, how about flying to a whole new continent taking only 5 hours? Yes, there is one non-stop flight connection between Boston airport (BOS) and Ponta Delgada airport (PDL) in Azores that takes only 5 hours, being operated by Portuguese Azores Airlines - SATA.
Portugal is well-connected to various major US cities. Here is a detailed list of direct flight connections, including approximate flight length:
Mainland Portugal
Lisbon (LIS):
- New York (JFK) to Lisbon (LIS): Approximately 7 hours – operated by TAP Air Portugal, Delta Air Lines
- Newark (EWR) to Lisbon (LIS): Approximately 7 hours – operated by TAP Air Portugal, United Airlines
- Boston (BOS) to Lisbon (LIS): Approximately 7 hours – operated by TAP Air Portugal, SATA Azores Airlines
- Miami (MIA) to Lisbon (LIS): Approximately 8 hours – operated by TAP Air Portugal
- Philadelphia (PHL) to Lisbon (LIS): Approximately 7.5 hours – operated by American Airlines
- Chicago (ORD) to Lisbon (LIS): Approximately 8 hours – operated by TAP Air Portugal
- Washington, D.C. (IAD) to Lisbon (LIS): Approximately 7.5 hours – operated by TAP Air Portugal, United Airlines
- San Francisco (SFO) to Lisbon (LIS): Approximately 11 hours – operated by TAP Air Portugal
- Los Angeles (LAX) to Lisbon (LIS): Approximately 11.5 hours – operated by TAP Air Portugal
- Dallas (DFW) to Lisbon (LIS): Approximately 9 hours – operated by TAP Air Portugal
- Phoenix (PHX) to Lisbon (LIS): Approximately 11 hours – operated by TAP Air Portugal
Porto (OPO):
- Newark (EWR) to Porto (OPO): Approximately 7 hours – operated by TAP Air Portugal, United Airlines
Azores (Açores)
Ponta Delgada (PDL), São Miguel Island:
- Boston (BOS) to Ponta Delgada (PDL): Approximately 5 hours – operated by SATA Azores Airlines
- New York (JFK) to Ponta Delgada (PDL): Approximately 6 hours – operated by SATA Azores Airlines
- Providence (PVD) to Ponta Delgada (PDL): Approximately 5.5 hours – operated by SATA Azores Airlines
- Oakland (OAK) to Ponta Delgada (PDL): Approximately 8.5 hours – operated by SATA Azores Airlines
Lajes (TER), Terceira Island:
- Boston (BOS) to Lajes (TER): Approximately 5 hours – operated by SATA Azores Airlines
Madeira
Funchal (FNC), Madeira Island:
- New York (JFK) to Funchal (FNC): Approximately 7.5 hours – operated by TAP Air Portugal
Airlines Operating Direct Flights
- TAP Air Portugal: Offers the most extensive network of direct flights from various U.S. cities to Lisbon and Porto, as well as some seasonal flights to Ponta Delgada and Lajes, in the Azores.
- United Airlines: Operates direct flights primarily from Newark and Washington, D.C. to Lisbon and Porto.
- Delta Air Lines: Provides direct connections from New York to Lisbon.
- American Airlines: Offers flights from cities like Philadelphia and Miami to Lisbon.
- SATA Azores Airlines (Azores Airlines): Operates direct flights from Boston, New York, and Providence to Ponta Delgada and Lajes, in the Azores.
Why book a round trip when you can just buy a single ticket?
Portugal’s appeal extends beyond its convenience and affordability. The country offers diverse experiences, from the historic streets of Lisbon and Porto to the stunning beaches of the Algarve and the exotic, Jurassic Park-like landscapes of the Azores and Madeira. As Portugal continues to climb the ranks as a favourite European destination for Americans, flight options are expanding, becoming more frequent, and increasingly budget friendly. Whether you are planning a cultural trip to Lisbon, a wine tour in Porto, or a beach holiday in the Algarve, the growing number of direct flights makes it easier than ever to experience all that Portugal has to offer.
There are many chances that, after that, you will fall in love with the country and start dreaming of only booking a one-way ticket, the next time. In that case, Portugal Homes' top experts are ready to help you make that wish come true with the best advise and consultancy on Portugal's Residency by Investment Programmes, like the Portugal Golden Visa and the Portugal D2 Visa, which are great opportunities to gain Portuguese Residency, and the fastest way to obtain European Citizenship.
Besides that, we also offer a broader set of services, including:
- Presentation of the best properties in Portugal
- After Sales services, including Property Management, Tax Representation, and Furniture Support
If you are ready to pack your bags and discover what is it like to live with safety, quality of life and stability, reach out to us and let us help through your relocation journey.
Read more:
Portugal Increasingly Becoming More Popular with U.S. Citizens
Living in Portugal as an American
Moving to Portugal and Living as an Expat: Ultimate Guide
