This European Gem Will Soon Be Easily Accessible To Americans Via Delta Air Lines

For years, Portugal has had a reputation as one of the most interesting and affordable spots in Europe to visit from the U.S. The combination of culture, art, history, and cuisine entices and entrances travelers, and the blend of laid-back lifestyle and surprisingly low cost of living has meant that everyone from vacationing families to digital nomad expats have been singing the praises of this charming European country.

Most U.S. visitors to Portugal arrive in the capital city of Lisbon. It's not hard to see why Lisbon is so popular, with its iconic trams, custard tarts, and picture-perfect historic architecture, vibing to the mournful soundtrack of fado music. But while Lisbon is a great destination, particularly for foodies, it's not the only fabulous city in Portugal. To the north, Porto is a chic, hidden gem city, the center of the Portuguese wine scene, and a wonderfully cultural location that demands to be explored in-depth. However, it's harder for visitors to get to Porto, as the only direct flights from the U.S. are with TAP, who fly once or twice a week from New York/Newark.

Luckily, this is set to change. Delta have announced that, beginning in May 2026, they're launching a new route from New York JFK to Porto, ensuring that more people can enjoy Portugal's second city and unlock a whole new side to this delightful corner of Europe.

Porto is a fascinating city, and one that offers a very different experience to Lisbon. While Lisbon feels extremely southern European and is the gateway to the gorgeous sun-drenched beaches of the Algarve, Porto's hilly landscapes and beautiful river valleys provide an alternative perspective on Portugal. It has an authentic, lively, working feel, from the bustling riverside Ribeiro district to the crowds of locals watching the sunset from Passeio das Virtudes.

There are a whole load of brilliant things to do in Porto for every type of tourist, from history lovers and culture vultures to gourmands and wine connoisseurs. Portugal's azulejo tiles are found across the country, and Porto has some of the best examples, in the São Bento train station and on the walls of the Capela das Armas. The city is crammed with street art, particularly around Travessa de Cedofeita, along the Rua da Madeira, and on Rua das Flores in Ribeira, but also has some wonderful art galleries, like the Museu de Arte Contemporânea.

Finally, no visit to Porto would be complete without sampling its incredible wines. From the powerhouse Port wine warehouses like Taylor's and Cockburn, to the more delicate vintages from the Douro valley, a tasting tour is a fabulous experience. If you have time, a day-trip from Porto up the Douro Valley makes an amazing fall getaway.

Delta is making a pitch to be one of the premier U.S.-Europe carriers, with seven new European routes launching in summer 2026, to destinations beyond just the old favorites. Routes will be added from Boston to Madrid and Nice, more flights to Barcelona and Milan, and new flights from Seattle to Barcelona and Rome, from Detroit to Dublin, and from JFK to Sardinia and Malta.

The airline's senior vice president of network planning, Paul Baldoni, says "Delta's new nonstop service from JFK to Porto is part of seven new European routes launching next summer, giving customers even more opportunities to experience Europe and enjoy our award-winning service and premium onboard experience," adding "these additions expand choice for our customers and reinforce JFK's role as a leading global gateway."

Understandably, this will have a huge impact on Porto's tourism sector. Karen Strougo, Chief Commercial Officer at ANA Aeroportos de Portugal, welcomed the news, saying, "We are proud to welcome one of the world's leading airlines to Porto. Delta Air Lines' decision to invest in the Porto Region is a strong endorsement of the growing relevance of this market, which has more than doubled since 2019 and is set to grow over 20% this year alone. This is yet another significant milestone in our efforts to strengthen Porto's position as a gateway to the Northwest Iberian Peninsula."