Portugal, the far western edge of Europe, is a country perched above the Atlantic Ocean where nature, art, and ancient history offer travelers endless inspiration for an all-around immersive holiday. The country is full of fascinating places: charming small towns, fishing villages, and magnificent art cities such as Lisbon, the capital.
The natural landscape is a wonder to explore! From the vast, untouched coastline and wild areas like the dramatic Cabo da Roca to enchanting medieval towns like Tomar or Nazaré, with their classic Iberian charm.
Portugal is a land of picturesque imagery and contemplative horizons — forever suspended between the vastness of the ocean and the age-old traditions of European civilization. It was from here that ships once set sail toward the Americas, and to this day, it preserves the architectural legacy of the 16th to 19th centuries.
Among the must-visit destinations is Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage site enclosed by ancient walls. It's a perfect place to wander through narrow alleys lined with whitewashed houses, cobbled courtyards, and terrace-lined rooftops reminiscent of an Arab medina.
This is a land of celebration and traditional festivals, where you can enjoy authentic local experiences and savor delicious regional cuisine. And of course, don’t miss the Algarve region in the south, where the sea and beaches offer relaxing leisure and recreation.
LANGUAGE: The official language is Portuguese. In the northeastern region, Mirandese is also spoken.
RELIGION: The majority of the population is Catholic.
TIME ZONE: One hour behind Italy.
DOCUMENTS: In accordance with the Schengen Agreement, EU citizens must present a valid ID to enter Portugal. Children under 15 must have either a passport or national ID card.
CURRENCY: The official currency is the Euro (€).
Curiosity
Portugal is the oldest nation in Europe, and Portuguese is spoken in 9 other countries (including Brazil, Cape Verde, Angola, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Equatorial Guinea).
It remains the world’s largest producer of cork.
The Vasco da Gama Bridge, which spans the Tagus River for about 18 km, is considered the longest in all of Europe.
Our advices
TO READ: Pessoa, Saramago, and many others are the voices of Portuguese literature, stirring passion and emotion in the hearts of readers around the world. We recommend The Book of Disquiet by Fernando Pessoa, full of deep reflections, and Requiem by Antonio Tabucchi, which tells the story of a man wandering through a deserted Lisbon on a hot summer day.
TO LISTEN TO: The heart of Portuguese music is Fado, recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Fado is more than music — for the Portuguese, it is a soulful narrative, a way of life. The word Fado comes from the Latin fatum (fate) and expresses melancholy, longing, and separation from loved ones.
TO SEE: Portugal has two souls: the urban and the coastal. The first is symbolized by magnificent Lisbon, the capital, full of historic charm and fascinating landmarks such as the Cathedral, São Jorge Castle, and the picturesque neighborhoods of the city center. Porto is the classic fishing town where you can eat and drink well with a stunning view of the ocean. Braga represents the baroque soul of the nation, while Sintra, with its castles, is home to a UNESCO-listed valley.
TO EAT: Portuguese cuisine is rich and delicious, especially when it comes to seafood — but not only that. Must-tries include codfish (the national dish, known as Bacalhau), fish and bread soup, and the hearty Caldo Verde, a flavorful country-style soup. Meat lovers will enjoy the unique combination of pork and clams in Carne de Porco à Alentejana. The country’s renowned wine tradition produces world-famous labels such as Port and Touriga Nacional.
