Portugal is a country of light, flavor and history. In Lisbon, yellow trams climb steep streets lined with colorful azulejo tiles. The air is filled with the music of fado drifting from small taverns and locals gather in cafés for strong coffee and sweet pastel de nata. The Alfama district reveals winding alleys and hidden squares where centuries of stories feel alive. Porto rises along the Douro River with stone bridges, old wine cellars and historic warehouses that have shaped its spirit for generations.
In the north, the Douro Valley stretches across green hills where vineyards produce some of Europe’s finest wines. The medieval city of Guimarães carries echoes of Portugal’s birth as a nation. Coimbra hosts one of the oldest universities in Europe, alive with student traditions and ancient architecture.
Farther south, Alentejo’s golden plains are dotted with quiet villages, cork forests and olive groves. The Algarve coastline glows in the sun with red cliffs, hidden coves and turquoise waters.
Beyond the mainland, the islands of Madeira and the Azores offer dramatic volcanic peaks, crater lakes, forests and ocean views that feel endless. Portugal blends sea, land and old traditions. It is a country to taste and explore where each region reveals a unique way of life that is unmistakably Portuguese.
Portugal in a nutshell
- Population 10.5 million people (2025)
- Capital Lisbon
- Citizens are Portugese
- Native language is Portugese
- Local currency Euro
- Size 92.152 km²
The Big Four
Fun Facts
- Kings of Cork Portugal produces around 50% of the world’s cork, mostly from the Alentejo region. It's mostly used for wine stoppers, flooring, insulation, fashion items and even furniture. These forests are not only economically important but also support wildlife and shape Portugal’s unique landscapes.
- 12 raisins for 12 wishes It is a tradition to eat 12 raisins at midnight on New Year’s Eve. One for each month of the year. Each raisin is eaten with a wish for health, luck and happiness. A simple way to welcome the new year with hope and joy.
- Record-breaking waves The coastline is famous for its waves and surf culture. Towns like Nazaré attract surfers from around the world with massive record-breaking waves, while beaches in the Algarve and Ericeira offer perfect conditions for beginners. Surfing is more than a sport here. It's a way to connect with the Atlantic and enjoy Portugal’s stunning seaside.
- Creators of Pastel de nata The famous custard tart, pastel de nata, was created by monks in Lisbon in the 18th century. Originally made to use leftover egg yolks, it became a national favorite and is now enjoyed worldwide.
Explore the regions
Portugal's history
Portugal’s history stretches back thousands of years. Tribes settled the region long before the Romans arrived in 218 BC. The Visigoths ruled for a time before the Moors arrived in the 8th century. By the 12th century, Portugal became an independent kingdom under King Afonso I, who established Lisbon as the capital.
During the 15th and 16th centuries, Portuguese explorers like Vasco da Gama and Ferdinand Magellan sailed into uncharted waters. Mapping new trade routes and establishing colonies in Africa, Asia and South America. This Age of Discovery made Portugal one of the richest and most influential nations in Europe.
The country faced challenges in the 17th and 18th centuries, including wars with Spain and the devastating 1755 Lisbon earthquake. In the 19th century, Portugal experienced political turmoil, revolutions and the loss of many colonies. The monarchy was replaced by a republic in 1910, and the country went through decades of social and political change, including the Estado Novo regime in the 20th century.
Portugal emerged as a modern democracy in 1974 after the Carnation Revolution, joining the European Union in 1986. The nation balances centuries of history with culture, rich cuisine and coastal landscapes.