Yellow tram car passing through cobblestone street in Lisbon

From the vineyard-dotted landscapes of the Douro River to the sun-kissed beaches of the Algarve, we invite you to explore the diverse regions of this incredible country, each offering a tapestry of unforgettable experiences. Unleash your adventurous spirit, savour divine cuisine, and immerse yourself in the rich culture of Portugal.

Portugal's affordability compared to other Western European countries has also made it a more popular travel destination in recent years. The country has a temperate climate, making it a great destination for travellers year-round.

I enjoy visiting Portugal for many reasons. The culinary delights are a personal favourite - there's a diverse range of heavenly options, with seafood being a staple of the delectable Portuguese cuisine. Transport is a breeze, and the locals are incredibly friendly which makes exploring the country an absolute joy. I also love the variety of outdoor activities on offer, catering to people of all ages. Portugal has strong cultural traditions and a rich history of ocean exploration, making it an interesting European destination for history buffs.

Facts about Portugal

Official country name: República Portuguesa (Portuguese Republic)

Capital: Lisbon

Largest city: Lisbon

Dialling code: +351

Population: Approximately 10.31 million

Currency: Euro

Official Language: Portuguese

Religion: Catholicism is the predominant religion in Portugal.

Time Zone: Western European Time (GMT+0)

Drives On: Right

Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, and some establishments accept American Express and Diners Club.

Emergency Number: 112 (This is also valid for the rest of the European Union)

Outlets: The standard voltage is 230V, and the frequency is 50Hz. Portugal uses Type C and Type F plugs.

Sim cards:

The top 3 companies are NOS, Vodafone and MEO, all available at airports, city centres and online.
E-sim cards have also become a popular option as of late.
Remember that when buying a sim card in an EU country, that same sim card will be valid for all other EU countries.

Religion: Christianity, with 81% of the population being Roman Catholics.

Sustainability Ranking: 20

Portugal - A Little Bit of History

Portugal is the westernmost country in Europe and is located on the Iberian Peninsula. The Atlantic archipelagos of Azores and Madeira are also part of the Portuguese territory.

Portugal is the oldest state in the Iberian Peninsula and one of the oldest in Europe, its territory having been continuously settled, invaded, and fought over since prehistoric times. The Celts, Iberians, Romans, and Moors were some of the peoples who settled and invaded the territory now known as Portugal.

The country was born in 1139 when Afonso Henriques declared himself the first King of Portugal and declared independence from Leon and Castile. Since then, Portugal has had a long and eventful history, marked by periods of greatness and decline, discoveries, and setbacks. In the 15th and 16th centuries, Portugal was one of the most powerful countries in the world, thanks to its vast colonial empire. The Portuguese were the first Europeans to reach India (1498) and Japan (1543), and to set up a colony in Brazil (1532).

However, the loss of Portugal's main colonial possessions in South America (Brazil) and Africa (Angola and Mozambique) in the 19th century, followed by an extended period of political and economic stagnation, caused the country to fall behind the other European powers. The military dictatorship that ruled Portugal from 1926 to 1974 also contributed to the country's decline. In 1975, a left-wing military coup put an end to the dictatorship, and Portugal began a slow process of democratization and economic modernization.

These reforms culminated in Portugal's entry into the European Community (now the European Union) in 1986. Since then, Portugal has experienced steady economic growth and has emerged as one of the most prosperous and stable countries in Europe. In recent years, the country has also become a popular tourist destination, thanks to its stunning coastal scenery, its rich history and culture, and its friendly people.

Typical Foods

Pastel de Nata

Francesinha

Cataplana de Mariscos

Prego

Simple but delicious steak sandwich marinated in a garlic and olive oil sauce, to be enjoyed with a cold beer. Most locals eat it as a snack, but others eat it as a dessert!

Bacalhau (Cod Fish)

The ubiquitous Portuguese dish. It is said that over 1000 different cod fish recipes exist in Portugal, the most famous being the Bacalhau à Brás.

Port wine

Bica

Curious Facts About Portugal

Portugal’s time zone is different from the rest of continental Europe.

Although Portugal lies in continental Europe, it does not have the same time zone as the rest of its neighbours. Portugal’s time zone is GMT+1, which makes it the same as London or Dublin. This can be a bit confusing if you are coming from Spain to Portugal, so plan for the time change accordingly. If you fly from Madrid to Lisbon, for example, you will have to turn back your clock by one hour.

Portugal once had a vast colonial empire.

In the 1500s, the Portuguese were among the first Europeans to begin colonizing Africa and the Americas. The Portuguese have a long history of exploration and conquest, dating back to the early days of the Roman Empire. They were known for their exploration, commerce, and military prowess. The Portuguese colonial empire was one of the largest and most powerful empires of its time. At its height, the empire included colonies in Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Europe.

The Portuguese colonial empire began to decline in the 1600s, due to several factors, including economic and political problems at home, competition from other European powers, and rebellions in the colonies. The empire continued to exist until the 20th century when the last of the Portuguese colonies gained independence. Today, the impact of the old Portuguese colonial empire is still clear in the countries that were once part of it. These countries include Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, and others. The Portuguese language is also still spoken in many of these countries.

The Portuguese language holds the title of the sixth most widely spoken language in the world.

In 2010, there were an estimated 206 million native Portuguese speakers worldwide, with Brazil accounting for the lion’s share at 153 million. Despite Portugal having a population of just over 10 million inhabitants, the Portuguese language is now the sixth most widely spoken language in the world, owing to Portugal's vast colonial reach. Portuguese is the official language of six other countries - Brazil, Cape Verde, Angola, Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau and São Tomé and Príncipe.

Portuguese also has co-official language status in East Timor, Equatorial Guinea, and Macau.

The biggest wave in the world was surfed in Nazaré, Portugal.

The biggest wave in the world was recently surfed in Nazaré, Portugal on 29 October 2020. The executor of this incredible feat is a German national named Sebastian Steudtner, who is now the Guinness World Record holder for the largest wave ever surfed. The wave was measured at an incredible 26.21 meters (86 feet). That is nearly the size of an 8-story building!
Nazaré is a small town located on the Atlantic coast of Portugal. It is known for its large waves, which are caused by a unique combination of factors. First, the Nazaré Canyon creates a deep channel of water that funnels swells towards the shore. Second, the shape of the coastline amplifies the size of the waves. And finally, the prevailing winds blow offshore, which further increases the size of the waves. These conditions make Nazaré the perfect place to catch giant waves, and it has quickly become a mecca for big-wave surfers from all over the world. In addition to Sebastian Steudtner, other big wave surfers who have ridden waves in Nazaré include the previous record holder Rodrigo Koxa (Brazil), Maya Gabeira (Brazil) and Garrett McNamara (USA).

Saudade: A Portuguese word without translation.

Saudade is a Portuguese word that has no direct translation in any other language. The closest approximation in English would be "nostalgia", but even that does not quite capture the full meaning of saudade. It is a mix of sadness and longing but also has elements of hope and happiness. It is a bittersweet feeling that is both melancholic and beautiful. Saudade is often associated with poetry and music, and it is widely expressed in the Fado music genre which is typical of Portugal. Fado is a melancholy and emotive music dating back to the 1820s and that is typically sung by a solo vocalist accompanied by a guitar. Fado songs often tell stories of lost love, separation, and death. The incredible thing about fado songs is that they can evoke these emotions even if the listener does not understand the lyrics or speaks the language. Do not miss a nighttime fado show when in Porto or Lisbon and discover the array of emotions associated with the word saudade.

The oldest bookstore in the world is found in Portugal's capital city, Lisbon.

Livraria Bertrand, a bookstore found in the Chiado neighbourhood of Lisbon, is the oldest bookstore in the world. It has been in business since 1732 and is on the Guinness Book of World Records. The store is in an old building on Rua Garrett and has a beautiful interior with vaulted ceilings and wooden bookshelves throughout. Livraria Bertrand was destroyed during the earthquake of 1755 but quickly rebuilt thereafter. Many other stores have been opened since then, making it the largest chain of bookstores in all of Portugal. It sells new, used, and rare books.

The company has been a part of many important moments in Portuguese history. In 1834, the store was the venue for a public reading of the recently published novel "Os Lusíadas", by Luís de Camões, considered to be the most important literary work in Portuguese history. The store was also a meeting place for many of the country's intellectuals and artists, including Fernando Pessoa and Almada Negreiros.

Portugal produces over 50% of the world’s cork.

Portugal is a country famous for its wines. So, it would not come as a surprise that Portugal is the leading producer of natural cork in the world. The country produces over 50% of the world's cork, and the cork industry is a major contributor to the Portuguese economy, employing over 10,000 people.

Cork is a versatile material that is used in a variety of industries, including wine, construction, and even fashion. Cork is used to make wine stoppers, floor tiles, and even insulation.

Cork is a kind of material that can be obtained from the bark of cork oak trees and is fully sustainable. The trees are not harmed during the process of cork removal, and they can continue to produce cork for many years.

The Portuguese wine industry was nearly decimated by a tiny bug.

The famed Portuguese wine industry was dealt a severe blow in the late 1800s when the phylloxera louse wreaked havoc on vineyards across the country. The phylloxera epidemic began in France in the 1850s and quickly spread to other European countries, including Portugal. Portuguese vintners tried several different methods to combat the louse, but none were effective. By the early 1900s, more than 80% of Portugal’s vineyards had been destroyed by phylloxera. Many wineries were forced to abandon their operations, and to this day, some of those same vineyards remain deserted, a reminder of the challenging times that once beset the industry. The industry suffered tremendously but has since recovered from the devastation caused by phylloxera.

25th of April – one of Portugal’s most important dates.

***25th of April***

***Revolução dos Cravos***

It has been almost fifty years since the Carnation Revolution in Portugal. This momentous event was a bloodless overthrow of the right-wing Estado Novo regime. What began as a military coup soon became a popular revolution, with people from all social classes joining in to demand change.

For decades, Portugal had been ruled by an autocratic regime that suppressed dissent and stifled any attempts at reform. The country was poor, and its people were tired of being ruled by a small elite. When the military coup began on April 25, 1974, it quickly gained popular support. Within a few days, the regime was toppled, and democracy was restored.

The Carnation Revolution got its name from restaurant worker Celeste Caeiro offering carnations to the soldiers when the population took to the streets to celebrate the end of the dictatorship, with other demonstrators following suit and carnations placed in the muzzles of guns and on the soldiers' uniforms.

The Carnation Revolution was a remarkable moment in Portuguese history. It showed that ordinary people can make a difference and that change is possible. Almost fifty years later, Portugal is a different country. It is a thriving democracy and a member of the European Union. But the memory of the Carnation Revolution is still strong. It is a reminder of the power of people to shape their destiny.

Portugal is a top European destination for digital nomads.

It is no wonder so many digital nomads like to call Portugal home.

Portugal is ranked as one of the cheapest countries in Western Europe to live in. The healthcare system is affordable and of high quality. Portugal has a warm temperate Mediterranean climate, which means you can enjoy comfortable weather year-round. Portugal scores incredibly well in the social life category, alongside high rates of English proficiency.

The Portuguese government, noticing a trend in increasing numbers of digital nomads, began easing the issuance of digital nomad visas in 2007. The D7 visa, or Portuguese Passive Income Visa, has a straightforward application process. It is incredibly attractive due to its low stable income requirement (the lowest in the EU at 705 euros at the time of writing).

Places of Interest

Lisbon

The capital of Portugal is a lively city with winding streets, interesting architecture, and friendly locals. Home to the famous pastel de nata, Castelo de São Jorge, and traditional yellow tram cars, Lisbon is the beating heart of Portugal. The coastal cities of Estoril and Cascais, easily reachable by train from Lisbon, can (and should) be included on a Lisbon itinerary. Nearby Sintra is mesmerizing and worth a day’s visit.

Peniche

Dubbed the surf capital of Portugal, Peniche is surrounded by beaches suitable for surf enthusiasts of all levels of expertise. Read about our stay in the area of Peniche here. Close to Peniche, you will also find Nazaré, the town which holds the world record for the biggest wave ever surfed.

Algarve

If you are looking to relax and bask in the sun all day, then the Algarve region is the place for you. Here you will find golden sand beaches, picturesque fishing villages and stunning coastal walks. Embark on a catamaran tour for gorgeous views of the famous Algarve coastline. Discover the beauty of the Benagil Cave, or have an active day on a stand-up paddle tour. The main hubs of the region are the towns of Sagres, Lagos and Faro.

Porto

The new “It” city in Portugal, Porto captivates at every turn. Tour wineries in Vila de Gaia, take a leisurely boat ride along the Douro River or eat a francesinha. Discover the city’s delectable cuisine on a wine & snacks walking tour of Porto. No matter what you choose to do, you will have an unforgettable experience.

Arouca

For the adventure enthusiast, the town of Arouca is the gateway to Arouca Geopark. You can walk across the 516 Arouca Bridge, the world’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge. There are beautiful hikes at Passadiços do Paiva, as well as some white-water rafting and canyoning. Not to be missed if you are in the Porto area.

Ultimate Portugal Guide: Historical Cities, Wine Country and Outdoor Adventures

Facts about Portugal

Portugal - A Little Bit of History