So much to see. So much to do.
Finding Inspiration in Every Turn
Here we've compiled a few facts about this amazing country.
We hope you find them interesting and that they help in your decision to leave to Portugal.
1. Portugal is one of the oldest nation-states in Europe
Believe it or not, but Portugal was first established as a country in the 12th century, making it one of the oldest nation in Europe. In total, it had one of the oldest running empires, spanning almost six centuries within the country borders that remained unchanged since 1139.
Outstanding right? I’m guessing you didn’t expect that.
2. The capital of Portugal is also one of the oldest city in Western Europe
Not only is Portugal the oldest nation in Europe, Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is also the oldest city by centuries in Western Europe and other cities such as London, Paris and Rome.
The city of Lisbon is a fantastic destination with cobbled-stone narrow streets, tram rides and amazing coastal views that make it an ideal place to discover. It is also a great city for young ones to visit with the best hip locations such as the famous Bairro Alto.
3. Portuguese is the official language of 9 countries.
One thing that may surprise you is that the Portuguese language is spoken by over 236 million people worldwide including 210 million natives.
It is the eighth most spoken language in the world and is the official language in 9 countries which includes Portugal (of course), Brazil, Cape Verde, Angola, Guinea Bissau, Mozambique, Principe, Sao Tome and Equatorial Guinea.
So if you’re looking for a new language to learn, portuguese might be a great option.
4. The Crown Jewel of The Minho, Viana do Castelo
Viana do Castelo is regarded by international magazines as the jewel of Costa Verde. It is also in the list of the most beautiful cities in Northern Portugal and the coastline. Its strategic location next to the Limar river gave it the name Viana da Foz do Lima. The town has since grown into a trading post of Northern Europe.
5. The Medieval Walled City
Evora is an ancient city that is completely engulfed with medieval walls. This sets the museum city from others. The walls were constructed in the 14th Century and are among the best maintained in the country.
6. Portugal has the longest bridge in Europe.
Another interesting fact about Portugal.
Have you ever crossed a bridge and thought, “Wow, this feels like forever!”
Well, not only is Portugal the oldest nation, but it also has the longest bridge in all of Europe. The six-lane, cable-stayed Vasco da Gama bridge crossing the Tagus River to the north of Lisbon was opened in 1998 and is at 10.7 miles long (that’s almost 18 km!).
7. Port Wine is Portugal´s most famous export and its national drink.
If you like the delicious sweet fortified Port wine, this beverage is a favourite tradition for many during special occasions.
The sweetness is made by adding grape spirit, or brandy, to the wine before fermentation ends. The wine is then aged in oak barrels or steel containers between two to six years before bottling.
Port wine grapes are only grown on the terraced hillside of the Douro valley near Porto, which is one of the world’s oldest established wine producing regions and UNESCO World Heritage site.
8. Portugal is Europe’s most westerly point.
Here, where the land ends and the sea begins, you will find Cabo da Roca (Cape Roca) the most western point of continental Europe. It is approximately a 40-minute drive from Lisbon, and about halfway on the road from Sintra to Cascais. The site is open to visitors and has a breathtaking view of both the ocean and the Serra de Sintra. You will also find a lighthouse, a memorial stone with words of Camoes and a souvenir shop.
9. The colours of the Portuguese flag has significant messages
The Portuguese flag was designed by national artists. The colours represent significant messages with Green symbolising for hope in the future and Red demonstrating the bloodshed during the battles. The shield, however, represents the nation´s victories in battles with the Moors.
10. Braga, the City of Ancient Origins
Dubbed the European Youth Capital since 2012, Braga is a unique city that offers local treats in hidden gardens. The oldest city in the country was initially known as Bracara Augusta when it was also a Roman settlement. Its sophisticated buildings and streets packed with baroque churches and squares reveal the city’s long history of more than 2,000 years. A buzzing historical center keeps visitors hooked throughout the year with attractive events like the Holy Week and St. John festivals.
11. The Elite’s Vacation Spot - Cascais
The name Cascais was derived from word cascal (shell) and appeared around the 7th and 8th centuries. A former fishing village was pronounced a royal summer resort by King D Luis I. Today, it is a famous holiday destination for both Portuguese and foreigners. The beauty is in the Atlantic Ocean that lies on the city’s feet. The landscape is dotted with sand dunes a Cresmina.
12. Aveiro, A Maritime City with Water at Soul
Aveiro sits on a lagoon with canals crisscrossing the cityscape. People navigate the city through artistic gondola-style boats referred to as moliceiros. The older section of Aveiro on the quayside features beautiful Nouveau houses designed in pastel colors. One of the greatest attractions is a monastery known as Mosteiro de Jesus whose royal background is apparent in the religious art found in the museum.
13. The montado landscape of Portugal
Produces approximately half of all cork harvested annually worldwide. Cork is impermeable, buoyant, elastic, and has fire retardant properties. It is most commonly used as a wine stopper but also as a high-end interior design material. Check out this website to see some of the most amazing products, made from Cork, selling here in the USA.
14. The sun is (pretty much) always shining!
In Europe, Portugal weather is overall hot, and it is known to have the highest number of sunshine hours in Europe.
With some parts having almost 300 sunny days a year, you can enjoy over 3000 sunshine hours per year. It is the perfect holiday destination for summer and winter sun. So if you´re planning to skip your winter and go for a holiday in Portugal, check out the villas and apartments here.
15. The Dolphin Interaction Program
(the only one of its kind in Europe) gets you up close and personal with the dolphins.
16. There are 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Portugal…
and in 2019 more than 27 million tourists visited the country.
17. The Island of Madeira,
often called “the floating garden of the Atlantic,” is in Portugal.
18. Matosinhos - The Source of City’s Seafood
Located a few kilometers off the center of Porto is Matosinhos where people come to dine and kick back. It has been for a long time the source of fish and other seafood. This is evident from the many seafood restaurants around. There is also one of the best beaches in Portugal with surf-friendly ocean waves throughout the year.
The Portuguese islands:
Madeira & The Azores
You may not know it, but the two beautiful archipelagos of Azores and Madeira are a part of Portugal.
Transportation
Portugal is a relatively easy country to navigate. You’ll find a good train network and buses to get you to places where the rails don’t reach. Speedy toll roads can carry you quickly between major cities, though you can also take the slow, scenic (and free) back roads to get you from point A to point B.
Mountains, beaches and monuments
From ski to diving.
From Pre-Historic to Middle Age or Renaissance sites, Portugal may be a small country but it has enough to keep you busy and interested for years to come.
