Interesting facts about Portugal that will surprise you

Interesting facts about Portugal and the Portuguese that you didn’t know and that will certainly surprise you.

Portugal is a country that can surprise you at every turn. Although many people associate it mainly with Lisbon’s trams, ocean cliffs and port wine, it hides far more extraordinary stories, achievements, and traditions. It was here that the great geographical discoveries were born, one of the oldest borders in Europe was established, and the melancholic sounds of fado became a symbol of the national soul. In this article, you will discover the most fascinating and often little-known facts about Portugal that will make you see this sunny country from a wholly new perspective.

Interesting facts about Portugal and its history

Portugal is a country with an exceptionally rich history – from medieval battles, through the Age of Discovery, to a peaceful revolution in the 20th century. Here is a list of selected facts and events that show just how great an impact Portugal has had on the course of world history.

• The Foundation of the Kingdom of Portugal (1139) – After his victory at Ourique, Afonso I Henriques proclaimed himself king, giving rise to an independent state.
• The Treaty of Zamora (1143) – An agreement with the Kingdom of León officially recognised Portugal’s independence.
• The Conquest of Lisbon (1147) – Christian forces recaptured Lisbon from the Moors during the Reconquista.
• The Oldest Borders in Europe (1297) – The Treaty of Alcañices established Portugal’s borders, which have largely survived to this day.
• The Beginning of the Age of Discovery (15th century) – Portugal became a pioneer of overseas exploration and a global maritime power.
• The Activity of Henry the Navigator – Henry the Navigator financed expeditions along the coasts of Africa, developing Portuguese navigation.
• The Sea Route to India (1498) – Vasco da Gama reached India by sea, opening a new trade route.
• The Discovery of Brazil (1500) – Pedro Álvares Cabral reached the coast of South America, marking the beginning of Portuguese Brazil.
• The Treaty of Tordesillas (1494) – Spain and Portugal divided newly discovered lands outside Europe between them.
• The Portuguese Colonial Empire – In the 16th century, Portugal possessed colonies in Africa, Asia and South America, becoming one of the wealthiest states in the world.
• The Iberian Union (1580–1640) – Following a succession crisis, Portugal came under Spanish rule.
• The Restoration of Independence (1640) – An uprising against Spain restored the Portuguese monarchy.
• The Lisbon Earthquake (1755) – One of the most powerful earthquakes in European history almost destroyed the capital and changed its architecture.
• The Reforms of the Marquis of Pombal – The Marquis of Pombal carried out extensive economic and administrative reforms.
• The Napoleonic Invasions (1807) – The royal family fled to Brazil, which became the temporary capital of the empire.
• The Independence of Brazil (1822) – Brazil declared independence under the rule of Pedro I, the son of the Portuguese king.
• The Abolition of the Monarchy (1910) – A republican revolution ended centuries of royal rule.
• The Estado Novo Dictatorship – António de Oliveira Salazar introduced an authoritarian system that lasted for decades.
• Neutrality in the Second World War – Portugal remained neutral, although it allowed the Allies to use bases in the Azores.
• The Colonial Wars (1961–1974) – Prolonged conflicts in Africa weakened Portugal’s economy and armed forces.
• The Carnation Revolution (1974) – A peaceful military coup ended the dictatorship and began the country’s democratisation.
• Decolonisation (1975) – Portugal granted independence to its African colonies.
• Accession to the European Communities (1986) – Membership of the EEC initiated the country’s intensive modernisation.
• Expo ’98 in Lisbon – The world exposition contributed to the dynamic redevelopment of the capital’s waterfront.
• Triumph at Euro 2016 – The Portuguese national team won its first European Championship, defeating France in the final.

Interesting facts about Portugal and famous Portuguese figures

Below you will find a list of famous Portuguese individuals who have influenced not only their country, but also the wider world.

• Cristiano Ronaldo – He grew up in modest circumstances on Madeira, and his name “Ronaldo” was given in honour of Ronald Reagan. He is one of the greatest goalscorers in football history.
• Vasco da Gama – In 1498, he became the first European to reach India by sea, transforming global trade.
• Ferdinand Magellan – He initiated the first circumnavigation of the globe, although he did not live to see its completion.
• Fernando Pessoa – He wrote under numerous heteronyms, creating dozens of literary identities.
• José Saramago – Winner of the 1998 Nobel Prize in Literature; his novel “Blindness” brought him worldwide fame.
• Amália Rodrigues – The greatest legend of fado, a symbol of Portuguese melancholy.
• Mariza – A contemporary ambassador of fado, performing on the world’s biggest stages.
• Salvador Sobral – He won the Eurovision Song Contest in 2017, securing Portugal’s first victory.
• Luís de Camões – Author of the national epic “The Lusiads”; the day of his death is Portugal’s national day.
• Afonso I Henriques – Considered the founder of the independent Kingdom of Portugal in the 12th century.
• Henry the Navigator – Patron of maritime expeditions that initiated the Age of Discovery.
• Pedro Álvares Cabral – Discoverer of Brazil in 1500.
• António de Oliveira Salazar – Founder of the authoritarian Estado Novo system that ruled the country for decades.
• Catherine of Braganza – She popularised tea drinking in England as the wife of King Charles II.
• Gil Vicente – Regarded as the father of Portuguese theatre.
• Manoel de Oliveira – One of the longest-working film directors in cinema history – he continued working after the age of 100.
• Paula Rego – Her art often addressed social and political themes; she gained international recognition.
• Eusébio – Star of the 1966 World Cup and a legend of Benfica Lisbon.
• Tiago Monteiro – The first Portuguese driver to stand on a Formula One podium.
• António Damásio – A world-renowned neurologist researching the role of emotions in decision-making.

Interesting facts about Portugal and its geographical location

Portugal is a small country in Europe whose unique position on the Atlantic Ocean, proximity to Africa and numerous islands make it fascinating from a geographical perspective. From the mainland to the archipelagos of the Azores and Madeira, Portugal holds many fascinating facts worth discovering.

• Portugal lies on the western edge of the Iberian Peninsula and is the westernmost country of mainland Europe.
• It shares a land border only with Spain, having just one neighbour.
• The entire western and southern coastline is washed by the Atlantic Ocean.
• Cabo da Roca is the westernmost point of mainland Europe.
• Portugal has around 800 km of coastline filled with cliffs, beaches and natural bays.
• The Azores archipelago lies around 1,500 km from the mainland at the junction of three tectonic plates.
• The Madeira archipelago is located closer to the coast of Africa than to mainland Portugal.
• Portugal has two time zones – the mainland and Madeira share one, while the Azores are one hour behind.
• Its position on the Atlantic made Portugal Europe’s “gateway” to Africa and the Americas.
• The longest river is the Tagus (Tejo), which flows into the ocean in Lisbon.
• A Mediterranean climate with Atlantic influence dominates – mild winters and warm summers.
• The highest point in the country is Mount Pico in the Azores, at 2,351 metres above sea level.
• Within its small territory, there are mountains, plains and the dramatic cliffs of the Algarve.
• The Algarve is the southernmost region of Portugal and one of the sunniest in Europe.
• The distance from southern Portugal to North Africa is around 300 km in a straight line.
• Portugal lies close to tectonic plate boundaries, which led, among other events, to the 1755 earthquake.
• Thanks to its islands, Portugal has one of the largest maritime economic zones in Europe.
• In many places, the border with Spain follows rivers, including the Minho and the Guadiana.
• Lisbon is one of the oldest capitals in Western Europe, older than Rome in its present state form.
• The Vasco da Gama Bridge in Lisbon is one of the longest bridges in Europe and a symbol of the country’s maritime character.

Interesting facts about Portugal and Portuguese cuisine

Portuguese cuisine is a combination of fresh seafood, aromatic spices brought back from distant voyages and centuries-old tradition. Although it often remains in the shadow of Italian or Spanish cuisine, it hides extraordinary flavours and a fascinating history.

• Bacalhau – the national pride of Portugal – Dried and salted cod, known as bacalhau, is the most characteristic ingredient of Portuguese cuisine. It is said that there are as many as 365 recipes for preparing it – one for each day of the year.
• Pastéis de nata – the most famous Portuguese dessert – These flaky custard tarts originate from Lisbon. The original recipe baked at Pastéis de Belém has been closely guarded since the 19th century.
• Caldo verde – a traditional Portuguese soup – One of the most classic dishes is caldo verde – a soup made with potatoes, kale and chouriço sausage. It is served during festivals, celebrations, and family gatherings.
• Francesinha – Porto’s iconic sandwich – Originating from Porto, the francesinha is a hearty sandwich with various meats, covered with melted cheese and topped with a spicy beer and tomato sauce.
• Portuguese cuisine as a result of the Age of Discovery – During the Age of Discovery, Portuguese sailors brought spices, chillies, tea and tomatoes to Europe, permanently changing the flavour of European cuisine.
• Piri-piri chicken has African roots – The spicy piri-piri pepper comes from Africa. Thanks to former Portuguese colonies, this dish became one of the symbols of national cuisine.
• Octopus on the Christmas table – In many Portuguese homes, octopus is served at Christmas, most often as polvo à lagareiro with olive oil and garlic.
• Grilled sardines – a symbol of Lisbon – During the June festivals in honour of St Anthony, the streets of Lisbon are filled with the aroma of grilled sardines – one of Portugal’s most recognisable dishes.
• Portugal is a paradise for seafood lovers – Over 800 km of coastline makes fish and seafood a staple of the local diet.
• Cataplana – both a dish and a traditional vessel – Cataplana is the name of a seafood dish as well as the copper, clam-shaped pot used mainly in the Algarve region.
• Cheeses from Serra da Estrela – One of the most famous cheeses is Queijo da Serra da Estrela – a creamy sheep’s cheese with an intense flavour.
• Monastic sweets – Many Portuguese desserts originated in monasteries. Monks and nuns used egg yolks for baking, as egg whites were used to starch habits.
• Portuguese wine and the Douro Valley – The Douro Valley is famous for producing port wine and is one of the oldest demarcated wine regions in the world.
• Vinho Verde – young, not green – Vinho Verde means “young wine”, not its colour. It is light, fresh, and perfect for hot days.
• Snails as a summer snack – In summer, the Portuguese enjoy small snails cooked in an aromatic sauce with garlic and oregano.
• Rice in the leading role – The Portuguese are among the largest consumers of rice in Europe – often served with seafood.
• Alheira – a sausage with history – Alheira was created during the Inquisition as a way to conceal Jewish origin.
• Broa de milho – northern cornbread – A heavy, moist cornbread that is particularly popular in northern Portugal.
• Bifana – Portuguese street food – Bifana is a bread roll with marinated pork – simple, quick and very popular.
• Portuguese cuisine is strongly regional – From fish-based Algarve, through wine-producing Douro, to the meat dishes of Alentejo – each region offers different traditional dishes and local products.

Interesting facts about Portugal and its nature

Portugal is not only the ocean, the cliffs of the Algarve and the vineyards of the Douro. It is a country of immense biodiversity – from Atlantic forests to the semi-arid landscapes of Alentejo and volcanic islands in the middle of the ocean.

• Portugal is one of the most naturally diverse countries in Europe – combining Atlantic, Mediterranean and mountain climates.
• The Laurisilva forest on Madeira is a remnant of prehistoric forests from millions of years ago and is listed by UNESCO.
• Portugal is the world’s largest producer of cork – responsible for around half of global production.
• The cork oak can live up to 200–300 years, and its bark can be safely stripped every nine years.
• In the Alentejo region grow some of the largest concentrations of cork oaks in the world.
• In the Azores, many endemic plant species can be found that grow nowhere else.
• The Azores are one of the best places in Europe for whale watching.
• Off the coast of Portugal, bottlenose dolphins and sperm whales can be encountered.
• The Portuguese cliffs of the Algarve are among the most picturesque in Europe and are nesting sites for many seabirds.
• Peneda-Gerês National Park is the only national park in Portugal and home to the Iberian wolf.
• The Iberian wolf is a subspecies of the grey wolf and occurs mainly in the north of the country.
• The Iberian lynx – one of the rarest cats in the world – has returned to Portuguese forests thanks to conservation programmes.
• In Portugal, the white stork often builds nests on ocean cliffs, which is rare in other countries.
• Flamingos regularly appear in Portuguese lagoons and estuaries, especially in the Algarve region.
• The Tagus is the longest river on the Iberian Peninsula and forms a vast, wildlife-rich estuary in Lisbon.
• Portugal has over 800 km of coastline, fostering enormous marine diversity.
• In Portuguese waters, seahorses can be found – one of the largest populations in Europe.
• In spring, the south of the country is covered with colourful fields of wildflowers.
• Eucalyptus trees, introduced from Australia, are now among the most common trees in Portugal.
• The Portuguese mountains of Serra da Estrela are covered in snow in winter and are home to many mountain plant species.
• Rare bat species protected by law live in Portuguese caves.
• On Madeira, the unique Trocaz pigeon can be found, living only in the island’s forests.
• The Azores are a volcanic archipelago with active geothermal springs and hot lakes.
• The loggerhead sea turtle lives in Portuguese waters and sometimes appears along the coast.
• In many regions of the country, olive groves that are hundreds of years old can be found.
• Portugal has some of the largest protected areas in Europe for birds of prey.
• In the south of the country lives the Mediterranean chameleon – the only wild chameleon species in Europe.
• European otters can be found in Portuguese rivers.
• In spring and autumn, Portugal is an important stopover for migratory birds travelling between Europe and Africa.
• Portugal’s climate means that the growing season is very long – many plants bloom as early as winter.

Tourist attractions in Portugal that we believe are worth visiting

Portugal is a country where history meets nature, and centuries-old traditions intertwine with a modern lifestyle. From the atmospheric streets of Lisbon and Porto, through the fairytale palaces of Sintra, to the golden cliffs of the Algarve and the volcanic landscapes of the Azores – each region offers wholly different experiences. It is a place where, within a short distance, you can discover UNESCO-listed monuments, stroll through medieval towns, admire the spectacular Atlantic coastline and taste local specialities. In this chapter, we present the most interesting tourist attractions in Portugal that are worth including in your travel plans.

• Lisbon – a capital full of monuments, atmospheric districts such as Alfama and Belém, and famous yellow trams.
• Porto – a city of bridges and port wine with the picturesque Ribeira district.
• Sintra – fairytale palaces and castles listed by UNESCO.
• Coimbra – a historic university city with one of the oldest universities in Europe.
• Braga – the country’s religious centre with the famous Bom Jesus sanctuary.
• Aveiro – known as the Portuguese Venice due to its canals and colourful moliceiro boats.
• Faro – the capital of the Algarve and a gateway to the Ria Formosa Natural Park.
• Évora – a historic city in Alentejo with a Roman temple and the Chapel of Bones.
• Óbidos – a charming medieval town surrounded by walls.
• Guimarães – regarded as the birthplace of Portugal.
• Lagos – known for the cliffs and beaches of the Algarve.
• Cascais – an elegant Atlantic resort near Lisbon.
• Nazaré – famous for giant waves that attract surfers from around the world.
• Tomar – the city of the Knights Templar with the impressive Convent of Christ.
• Viana do Castelo – a beautifully located northern town overlooking the ocean.
• Setúbal – known for its beautiful beaches and the Arrábida reserve.
• Tavira – a peaceful, atmospheric town in eastern Algarve.
• Funchal – the capital of Madeira with tropical gardens and spectacular views.
• Ponta Delgada – the largest city in the Azores, located on São Miguel Island.
• The Douro Valley – terraced vineyards and picturesque landscapes listed by UNESCO.
• Peneda-Gerês National Park – the country’s only national park with wild nature and waterfalls.
• Cabo da Roca – the westernmost point of mainland Europe.
• Benagil Cave – a spectacular sea cave with a natural opening in its ceiling.
• Praia da Marinha – one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe.
• Serra da Estrela – the highest mountain range in mainland Portugal.
• Monsanto – a remarkable village with houses built among massive boulders.
• São Miguel Island – a green island with volcanic lakes and hot springs.
• Madeira Island – the island of eternal spring with cliffs and levadas.
• The Berlengas Islands – a wild archipelago with turquoise waters and bird colonies.
• Ria Formosa – an extensive lagoon with islands, beaches and rich wildlife.

Portugal’s tourist attractions delight with their diversity – from monumental monasteries and castles, through vibrant cities, to wild nature and picturesque islands. It is a country that can enchant both history enthusiasts and fans of active holidays or peaceful relaxation by the ocean. Whether you are planning a short city break or a longer journey through different regions, Portugal offers places you will want to return to. It is precisely this diversity that makes every visit a new and inspiring adventure.

Interesting facts about the Portuguese

The Portuguese are a nation with a unique character, shaped by a history of explorers, life by the ocean and centuries-old family traditions. Although they are often perceived as calm, somewhat melancholic and reserved, in reality they possess great warmth, loyalty, and devotion to their loved ones. Their everyday life combines modernity with tradition, and their manner – polite, unobtrusive and full of tact – can surprise many visitors. In this chapter, we have a closer look at what the Portuguese is really like, what values they cherish and which stereotypes contain a grain of truth.

• The Portuguese are often perceived as calm and composed – they rarely display strong emotions in public, valuing courtesy and good manners.
• One of the most well-known elements of their mentality is “saudade” – a difficult-to-translate feeling of nostalgia, longing and reflective melancholy.
• They are very attached to family – Sunday lunches and frequent multi-generational gatherings are still the norm.
• Contrary to the stereotype of “southern laid-back ness”, the Portuguese can be very hardworking and responsible, especially in business.
• They are often regarded as a modest nation – they do not like to boast excessively or flaunt success.
• Many Portuguese have a strong sense of local identity – differences between the north and south of the country are clearly felt.
• They are known for their hospitality – towards tourists they are usually kind, helpful, and patient.
• In social interactions, they tend to be polite and non-confrontational, avoiding open disputes.
• Punctuality is sometimes treated flexibly – being a few minutes late is usually not a problem in private situations.
• The Portuguese are proud of their maritime history and the Age of Discovery.
• Many speak English fluently, especially the younger generation.
• They are very attached to their cuisine and often consider it one of the best in Europe, even if it is not as heavily promoted as Italian or French cuisine.
• Football is almost a national religion – the successes of the national team and clubs arouse giant emotions.
• They may seem reserved at first contact, but after getting to know them better, they become warm and open.
• Traditional values are still strong in society, although the younger generation is increasingly cosmopolitan.
• They have a reputation for patience and understanding – they rarely react impulsively in everyday situations.
• Many Portuguese have relatives abroad – emigration has been an important part of the country’s history, influencing their openness to the world.
• They are attached to the rhythm of the day – long lunches and relaxed dinners are part of the lifestyle, especially outside major cities.
• They value simplicity and authenticity – in relationships, food, and their way of life.
• Although sometimes perceived as somewhat melancholic, they in fact have a subtle sense of humour and self-distance.

The character of the Portuguese is a combination of calmness, national pride and an in-depth bond with family and history. Although some stereotypes – such as a melancholic nature or southern laid-back ness – have their roots in reality, the true image of society is far more complex. It is a hospitable, hardworking nation attached to tradition, yet capable of thriving in the modern, global world. By understanding their customs and mentality, it becomes easier to understand not only the country itself, but also the unique atmosphere felt during a stay in Portugal.

For more interesting facts from various fields, we invite you to visit our section with amazing and fascinating facts.

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