Portugal Uncovered: 14 Tidbits About the Land of the Explorers

About Portugal

Portugal is a country that’s full of surprises! From the stunning beaches of the Algarve to the colorful streets of Lisbon, Portugal is a place that’s always ready to impress. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or a nature lover, there’s something for everyone in Portugal.

One of the best things about Portugal is its food. From the pastéis de nata to the bacalhau, Portuguese cuisine is famous for its delicious seafood dishes and sweet treats. Don’t forget to try the port wine, which is a national treasure.

And let’s not forget about the beaches! Portugal has some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, with clear waters and sandy shores that will take your breath away. Whether you’re into surfing, sunbathing, or just relaxing with a good book, the beaches in Portugal have it all.

But Portugal isn’t just about beaches and food. The country is also home to stunning architecture, including the Jerónimos Monastery and the Tower of Belém in Lisbon, and the historic city of Porto. And let’s not forget about the natural beauty of Portugal’s parks and reserves, including the Douro Valley and the Sintra Mountains.

So grab a pastel de nata, put on your sunscreen, and get ready to experience the surprises that Portugal has in store for you!

Currency

Euro €

Population

10,223,150 (2023 est.)

National Holiday

10 June (1788) Dia de Portugal, de Camões e das Comunidades Portuguesas). This holiday commemorates the death of Luis de Camões, a famous Portuguese poet who wrote “Os Lusíadas”.

Area

total: 92,090 sq km; land: 91,470 sq km; water: 620 sq km; note: includes Azores and Madeira Islands

Portugal has only one time zone, which is Western European Time (WET), aka Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). During daylight saving time, Portugal observes Western European Summer Time (WEST), which is GMT+1

Location

Portugal is located in southwestern Europe, on the Iberian Peninsula. It shares the peninsula with Spain, and is bordered to the east and north by Spain, while the Atlantic Ocean borders Portugal to the west and south.

8 Regions

Name of Region	Capital City	Most visited areas
Norte	Porto	Porto, Douro Valley, Braga, Guimarães, Peneda-Gerês National Park
Cenro	Coimbra	Coimbra, Aveiro, Serra del Estrela, Óbidos
Lisbon	Lisbon	Lisbon, Sintra, Cascais, Estoril
Alentejo	Évora	Évora, Beja, Monsaraz, Serra de São Mamede Natural Park
Algarve	Faro	Faro, Lagos, Albufeira, Ria Formosa Natural Park
Azores	Ponta Delgada	São Miguel Island, Pico Island, Faial Island, Furnas
Madeira	Angra do Heroísmo	Funchal, Porto Santo Island, Levada Walks, Pico do Arieiro

 

History

Portugal’s history dates back to prehistoric times, with evidence of human settlement in the region as far back as 500,000 years ago. The country was initially inhabited by various Celtic tribes, and later came under Roman rule in the 2nd century BC.

After the fall of the Roman Empire, the region was invaded by Germanic tribes, and later by the Moors in the 8th century. The Moors ruled much of the Iberian Peninsula for several centuries, but in the 12th century, Portugal began to emerge as an independent kingdom.

In 1139, Portugal’s first king, Afonso Henriques, declared himself independent from Leon, and by the 13th century, Portugal had become a powerful kingdom with a strong navy and overseas trade. In 1415, Portugal began its era of exploration and colonization with the conquest of Ceuta, in present-day Morocco.

During the 15th and 16th centuries, Portugal established colonies and trading posts in Africa, Asia, and the Americas, becoming one of the most powerful empires in the world. This period of Portuguese history is known as the Age of Discoveries.

In the 19th century, Portugal experienced political instability and economic decline, leading to the fall of the monarchy in 1910 and the establishment of a republic. In the mid-20th century, Portugal became involved in colonial wars in Angola, Mozambique, and Guinea-Bissau, which ultimately led to the collapse of the dictatorship and the establishment of democracy in 1974.

Today, Portugal is a modern European country with a rich cultural heritage and a vibrant economy, known for its wine, food, and tourism industry.

Portuguese Flag

two vertical bands of green (hoist side, two-fifths) and red (three-fifths) with the national coat of arms (armillary sphere and Portuguese shield) centered on the dividing line

Iconic Dishes by Region

Minho: Arroz de sarrabulho (rice dish with pork blood and meat), caldo verde (kale soup), bacalhau à Braga (codfish dish), and vinho verde (young wine).

Douro Litoral: Francesinha (meat sandwich with cheese and sauce), tripas à moda do Porto (tripe stew), arroz de cabidela (rice dish with chicken and blood), and queijo da Serra (sheep’s milk cheese).

Trás-os-Montes: Posta mirandesa (beef steak), cozido à portuguesa (meat and vegetable stew), chouriço de Vinhais (smoked sausage), and folar de carne (meat pie).

Beira Alta: Arroz de carqueja (rice dish with herbs and meat), leitão à Bairrada (roast suckling pig), queijo da Serra (sheep’s milk cheese), and bolo do caco (flatbread).

Beira Baixa: Maranhos (pork meat and bread sausage), chanfana (goat stew), tigelada (custard dessert), and cabrito assado (roast kid).

Ribatejo: Sopa da pedra (stone soup with meat and beans), arroz de lampreia (rice dish with lamprey fish), torresmos (fried pork belly), and queijo de Azeitão (sheep’s milk cheese).

Estremadura: Caldeirada de peixe (fish stew), pastéis de nata (custard tarts), sardinhas assadas (grilled sardines), and queijadas de Sintra (cheese and egg tarts).

Alentejo: Migas (bread and pork dish), açorda de marisco (bread and seafood soup), ensopado de borrego (lamb stew), and queijo de Serpa (sheep’s milk cheese).

Algarve: Cataplana de marisco (seafood stew), frango piri-piri (grilled chicken with spicy sauce), amêijoas à Bulhão Pato (clams with garlic and coriander), and figos com amêndoas (figs with almonds).

Madeira: Espetada (meat skewers), bolo do caco (flatbread), lapas (limpet shellfish), and bolo de mel (honey cake).

Azores: Cozido das Furnas (meat and vegetable stew cooked underground), caldo de peixe (fish soup), queijadas das Flores (cheese tarts), and bolo lêvedo (sweet bread).

https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/portugal/