Portugal travel guide : discover cities, beaches and cultural heritage

What you need to know before visiting Portugal

• Official name: Portuguese Republic (República Portuguesa)
• Capital: Lisbon
• Population: About 10 million people
• Official language: Portuguese
• Currency: Euro (€)
• Government: Unitary semi-presidential republic

How Portugal's maritime history shaped the modern world

Portugal's history is a maritime epic of a small nation that once ruled vast oceans and changed the world map forever:

Ancient foundations: from Lusitania to Moorish influence

The region now known as Portugal was first inhabited by Celtic tribes before being integrated into the Roman Empire as the province of Lusitania. After Rome's fall, Visigoths and then Moors from North Africa ruled the territory, leaving lasting influences in language, architecture, and cuisine.

Birth of a nation: how Portugal became Europe's oldest kingdom

Portugal emerged as an independent kingdom in 1139 when Dom Afonso Henriques declared himself king, making it one of Europe's oldest nation-states with borders largely unchanged since the 13th century. The country secured its independence through the decisive Battle of Aljubarrota in 1385, beginning a period of stability that would enable its greatest adventures.

The age of discoveries: Portugal's golden era of exploration

The 15th and 16th centuries marked Portugal's golden era, when this small nation became the world's first global empire. Under the vision of Prince Henry the Navigator and the daring of explorers like Vasco da Gama and Ferdinand Magellan, Portuguese ships pioneered routes to India, Brazil, China, and Japan, forever changing global trade and cultural exchange.

Modern Portugal: from dictatorship to European democracy

After the devastation of the 1755 Lisbon earthquake, the Napoleonic invasions, and the loss of Brazil, Portugal experienced turbulent times. The 20th century brought Salazar's dictatorship (1933-1974), one of Europe's longest authoritarian regimes. The peaceful Carnation Revolution of April 25, 1974, restored democracy and led to the decolonization of Portugal's remaining African territories. Today, Portugal is a progressive democracy and founding member of the European Union.

Portuguese culture: language, music and traditions

Portuguese language

Portuguese, with its soft consonants and open vowels, is often described as "Italian spoken by a Russian." This Romance language has a musical quality that perfectly suits fado—the soulful music expressing saudade, the uniquely Portuguese feeling of longing and nostalgia that has no direct translation in other languages.

Arts in Portugal: from azulejo tiles to fado music

Portugal's cultural landscape is defined by poets and writers like Luís de Camões, whose epic "The Lusiads" celebrates the Portuguese voyages of discovery, and Fernando Pessoa, one of the 20th century's most enigmatic literary figures who wrote under dozens of different personas. Nobel Prize winner José Saramago brought Portuguese literature to global attention with his allegorical novels. In visual arts, the blue and white azulejo tiles that adorn churches, palaces, and homes are Portugal's distinctive artistic signature.

Portuguese cuisine: what to eat and drink during your visit

Portuguese cuisine celebrates the bounty of the Atlantic and the fertility of its soils. Signature dishes include:

• Bacalhau (salted cod) prepared in hundreds of different ways
• Cataplana (seafood stew cooked in a distinctive copper pan)
• Pastéis de nata (custard tarts with a perfectly caramelized top)
• Caldo verde (potato and kale soup with smoky sausage)
• Francesinha (hearty sandwich from Porto layered with meats and melted cheese)

Portugal's wines range from the world-famous Port and Madeira fortified wines to the crisp Vinho Verde and complex reds from regions like Douro and Alentejo. The country is also the world's largest producer of cork, essential for wine preservation.

Traditional crafts: Portuguese heritage in handmade products

Portuguese artisans have preserved traditional crafts through generations, from the delicate filigree jewelry of Viana do Castelo to the black clay pottery of Bisalhães and the hand-painted ceramics of Caldas da Rainha. These crafts, along with cork products and hand-embroidered textiles, represent Portugal's dedication to authentic craftsmanship in an age of mass production.

Where to go in Portugal: top cities and attractions

Lisbon: essential sights in Portugal's vibrant capital

Portugal's sun-drenched capital offers a perfect blend of ancient and modern:

• Belém Tower: The ornate fortress that witnessed the departure and return of Portugal's great explorers.
• Jerónimos Monastery: A masterpiece of Manueline architecture celebrating Portugal's Age of Discoveries.
• Alfama: The oldest district, a labyrinth of narrow streets and fado bars.
• LX Factory: A revitalized industrial complex now housing creative businesses and restaurants.
• Elevador de Santa Justa: An elegant neo-Gothic elevator connecting the lower and upper parts of the city.

Porto: exploring the historic center and port wine cellars

Portugal's second city is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning riverside location, port wine cellars, and the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge designed by a student of Gustave Eiffel.

Sintra: fairy-tale palaces and magical forests near Lisbon

Just outside Lisbon, this fairy-tale town was described by Lord Byron as a "glorious Eden." Its forested hills are crowned by the colorful Pena Palace, the mysterious Quinta da Regaleira, and the ancient Moorish Castle.

Évora: Roman ruins and medieval heritage in Alentejo

This beautifully preserved medieval city in the Alentejo region features a Roman temple, a Gothic cathedral, and the haunting Chapel of Bones lined with thousands of human remains.

Coimbra: discovering Portugal's historic university city

Home to one of Europe's oldest universities, Coimbra maintains academic traditions dating back to 1290, including the distinctive black capes worn by students and the melancholic Fado de Coimbra sung only by male voices.

Best natural destinations in Portugal: from beaches to mountains

• Douro Valley: The world's oldest demarcated wine region with terraced vineyards cascading down to the river.
• The Algarve: Dramatic limestone cliffs and golden beaches along Portugal's southern coast.
• Azores Islands: A volcanic archipelago in the mid-Atlantic offering pristine lakes, thermal springs, and whale watching.
• Peneda-Gerês National Park: Portugal's only national park, with ancient oak forests, crystal-clear streams, and wild horses.
• Berlengas Archipelago: A nature reserve with crystal waters and rich marine life just off the coast.

Interesting facts about Portugal you might not know

Portuguese is the official language of nine countries across four continents.

The longest bridge in Europe, the Vasco da Gama Bridge, spans nearly 17 kilometers across the Tagus River estuary.

Porto gave its name to port wine, but also to Portugal itself (from "Portus Cale," the ancient name of the area).

The Portuguese were the first Europeans to establish trade with Japan and influenced Japanese cooking with tempura.

Lisbon predates Rome, London, and Paris, making it one of Europe's oldest capitals.

How Portuguese discoveries changed global history

• Maritime navigation techniques that made global exploration possible
• The caravel ship design that revolutionized seafaring
• The first global trade networks connecting Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas
• Marmalade (from the Portuguese word "marmelada" for quince jam)
• The ukulele (developed in Hawaii from the Portuguese "braguinha")