It’s that time of year when many Brits will have one eye on their upcoming summer holidays. The days are darker and colder across the UK, meaning people will be keen to book a trip abroad for something to look forward to.

National Geographic has recently named Guimarães, in Portugal, among the best places in the world to travel to in 2026. The historic city has undertaken an extensive regeneration project in recent times, which has led to it being named the European Green Capital for 2026. The project has centred around cultural heritage and community engagement, adding green spaces, expanding bike lanes and cutting pollution.

It has transformed Guimarães from a medieval town into a modern centre without losing its charm and character. Its iconic 10th-century castle remains well preserved and is a major tourist attraction.

Guimarães, often referred to as the birthplace of Portugal, is steeped in history. Its UNESCO-listed historic centre is known for its ancient walls, cobbled streets and charming squares.

Visitors say a trip to the city is like stepping back in time, with the major attractions including the Guimarães Castle and the Palace of the Dukes of Bragança. Tourists can also take a cable car to Monte de Penha, which gives sweeping views of the surrounding area.

Foodies also gravitate towards Guimarães as it offers a range of top restaurants and cafes that sell authentic local cuisine. According to National Geographic, the top-rated A Cozinha restaurant serves a menu rooted in northern Portuguese flavours.

Guimarães benefits from being located in Northern Portugal. This means tourists can easily access other locations, including Braga and the Serra do Gerês National Park.

National Geographic describes Guimarães as an “up-and-coming city of tomorrow that keeps its history close”. The site adds: “The birthplace of Portugal and its first king, Guimarães, has one foot in its medieval past and the other in a green-tech future.

“Named the European Green Capital for 2026 by the European Commission, the city has been expanding bike lanes, adding green spaces, and cutting pollution as it works toward climate neutrality by 2030.”

Guimarães has a number of positive reviews on TripAdvisor. Many visitors enjoyed the historic architecture and charming old streets, with one claiming it is “one of the nicest places I’ve ever been to”.

Cubsur said: “Guimarães is an historic and interesting small city in its own right. Well worth a visit. It’s within not too long a drive of many more places you might like to visit as day trips.”

Bozeman-Dublin added: “An absolute joy to wander the streets and lanes and enchanting squares of the historic old town quarter in Guimaraes. The walls give it the charm of being enclosed from modernity and there ate some stunning churches dotted about.”

They added: “Loads of great places to eat and drink,some lovely craft shops and beautiful statuary. One of the nicest places I’ve been to.”

Trotamundos wrote: “Guimarães has a manicured and very nice old town. It is worth walking and getting lost all over the old area. If you are in the North of Portugal, you must visit it.”

John Woodford put: “Delightful mix of historic buildings and lively squares; small enough to avoid feeling intimidating; thoroughly deserves UNESCO World Heritage status.”