15 Things Portugal is famous for
An Insider’s Guide
From its stunning beaches and charming towns to its delicious cuisine and traditional music, there are so many things that make Portugal a unique and fascinating place and it’s clear to see why Portugal is famous around the world.
In this blog post, we will explore 15 things Portugal is famous for from an insider’s perspective. Whether you're planning a trip to Portugal, want to move to Portugal, or simply want to learn more about this wonderful country, this list is a great place to start.
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Lisbon
Saint George's Castle is a historic castle in the Portuguese capital of Lisbon
1. Lisbon
Firstly, Lisbon, Portugal’s famous capital city, is known for its historic neighborhoods, lively nightlife, and stunning views over the Tagus River. Lisbon is a city full of character and charm which can be seen through the winding streets of the Alfama district, the cobblestone squares of Baixa, the Azulejo-tiled buildings, and the impressive street art of Graça. It’s fairytale-like, and makes for a great backdrop for photoshoots.
The city is also home to a number of iconic landmarks, including St. George’s Castle, Praça do Comércio, Belém Tower, and the Jerónimos Monastery. Whether traveling with family or enjoying a solo trip to Portugal is not complete without a stay in Lisbon.
One of the most fun ways to see the famous sights of Lisbon is a tuk-tuk tour! And don’t forget to snag the Lisbon City Card for discounts across the city.
FUN FACT: My husband only joined me for two days in Lisbon before we decided to move here. It must have made quite the impression!
The Algarve
The famous Praia do Camilo near Lagos
2. The Algarve
Portugal is also famous for the Algarve region. It is located along the southern coast of Portugal and is a popular spot known for its beautiful beaches, golf courses, and cute towns. The golf courses are some of the best in Europe. There’s also a Formula One track in Portimão, and considerable efforts have been made over the last few years to keep this area lively year-round.
As for the cute towns, there are a large number of picturesque towns and villages, such as Luz, Lagos, Albufeira, Alvor, and Tavira. Each offers its own personality and is worth exploring. Whether you’re looking for a luxury beachfront resort or a quinta in the hills, the Algarve has something for everyone to enjoy. Check out this list of 25 Best Things To Do In The Algarve.
FUN FACT: The Algarve is famous for its Moorish influence and the traditional chimneys that can be seen across the region.
3. Age of Exploration
Portugal is famous for the significant contribution it made to the Age of Exploration, a time of significant maritime expansion and discovery, in the 15th and 16th centuries.
Vasco da Gama and Ferdinand Magellan, among others, mapped out new routes to the East and West, and the Portuguese empire reached all the way to India.
FUN FACT: The Vasco da Gama bridge is the longest bridge in Europe at 17.2 kilometers and spans the Tagus River from Parque das Nações in Lisbon to the Setúbal Peninsula.
Vasco da Gama Bridge
Longest bridge in Europe named after the famous Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama
4. Fado Music
Fado is a traditional style of Portuguese music that is characterized by its melancholy lyrics and accompanying guitar. The lyrics of Fado songs often deal with themes of love, loss, and longing, and the music is known for its emotive and soulful quality.
Fado music has a long and rich history in Portugal, and it is an important part of the country's cultural identity. There are many famous Fado singers and musicians, and the genre has a devoted following both in Portugal and abroad.
If you’re a music fan, you have to book a show the next time you’re in Portugal!
FUN FACT: There is a word in Portuguese that doesn't have a literal translation in English, but it emotes a sense of longing for what was or nostalgia. This word is saudade, and Fado music is known for conjuring this feeling.
Pena Palace
UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sintra, Portugal
5. UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Portugal is also famous for having amazing UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The country is home to a number of World Heritage sites, including the Belém Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon, the historic center of Porto and Douro Valley, and the Prehistoric Rock Art Sites in the Côa Valley.
Sintra is an entire town designated as a UNESCO world heritage site, due to the fairytale landscapes full of palaces, castles, and regal gardens, and it’s a very popular day trip from Lisbon.
These sites are recognized for their outstanding universal value and are protected by UNESCO for the benefit of all humanity. They are an important part of Portugal's cultural and natural heritage and attract visitors from all over the world.
FUN FACT: According to Wikipedia, as of 2022 there were 17 UNESCO sites in Portugal with an additional 19 being considered for inclusion. Many can even be visited during a long Lisbon layover!
6. Portuguese Language
The Portuguese language is the sixth most spoken language in the world and is spoken by over 250 million people. It is the official language of Portugal, Brazil, and several other countries in South America and Africa, and it is also an important language in the global business world. Portuguese is a Romance language that is closely related to Spanish and French.
While the language is beautiful, we’ve found it extremely difficult to learn for a number of reasons, including the speed at which locals speak, the number of exceptions to the rules in specific situations, and the fact that Portugal has one of the highest English competency rates in Europe.
If you’re planning a move to Portugal or simply want to impress the locals on your vacation, there are tons of resources for learning Portuguese before your trip.
FUN FACT: Ask any Portuguese person if they speak English—”Fala Ingles?”—and you’ll likely be told, “Just a little.” Then they will likely go on to have a full conversation in English with no problems at all. The Portuguese are very shy and reserved about their English skills, but they definitely have them!
Cristiano Ronaldo T-Shirt
Shop in Portugal with typical Portuguese souvenirs
7. Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo is a football (soccer) player who was born in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal, and is widely considered to be one of the greatest soccer players of all time.
He has played for top clubs such as Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus, and he has won numerous domestic and international titles. Ronaldo has also won 5 Ballon d’Or awards, the trophy for the best player in the entire world in a calendar year.
FUN FACT: Ronaldo is building a house in Cascais, Portugal where we live!
The Azores
Cliffside Black Sand Beach in the Azores
8. The Azores (Açores)
At number eight are the famous islands of Portugal, the Azores. The Azores are in the Atlantic Ocean, over 1,500 kilometers and nearly 1000 miles west of mainland Portugal. They are part of Portugal known for their beautiful landscapes and unique flora and animals. The Azores have volcanic origins and varied terrain, which includes mountains, lakes, forests, cliffs, and beaches.
The Azores are also home to a number of rare and endangered species, and the islands are a popular destination for eco-tourism and outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and whale watching. It’s a nature lover’s dreamland! Check out this 1-week itinerary if you’re contemplating a visit.
FUN FACT: The Azores, if measured from the sea floor to the top of the mountains, constitute some of the tallest mountains in the world!
9. Soccer / Football / Futebol
Football, or soccer, is one of the most popular sports in Portugal, and the country has a strong and successful football league. Portuguese clubs such as Sporting Lisbon and Benfica are among the most successful in Europe, with Porto winning the Champions League in 2004.
The Portuguese national team has also had a number of notable achievements, including winning the European Championship recently in 2016.
Are you a soccer fan? Why not visit Lisbon’s Estadio da Luz and the Benfica Museum OR the FC Porto Museum & Dragão Stadium while you’re in town?
FUN FACT: Organized sports are taken very seriously in Portugal. Think, practice several times per week, plus matches/tournaments almost every weekend.
Cork & Azulejo Tile Coaster
One of the thousands of types of cork souvenirs in Portugal
10. Cork Oak Trees
The cork oak tree is native to Portugal and is an important source of cork, a material that is used to make everything from wine bottle stoppers (aka corks) to floor tiles. Cork oak trees are found throughout the country, and Portugal is the world's leading producer of cork.
The trees are harvested every nine years, and the cork is stripped from the bark without damaging the tree. The cork industry is an important part of the Portuguese economy and has a longstanding part in the history of the country.
Ever wondered how they harvest and transform cork into so many things? Check out this factory tour with wine tasting and visit to the frozen-in-time city of Évora in the Alentejo region.
FUN FACT: If you’re driving along the A2 motorway from the Algarve to Lisbon, you may be able to see vast sections of the cork forest where the trees have been recently harvested. You’ll notice because the bark will be dark on most of the trunk except the center section where the bark has been stripped and the lighter wood of the interior is visible.
11. Azulejo Tiles
Azulejo Tiled Buildings
Famous Azulejo tiles on buildings in Lisbon, Portugal
You can’t visit Portugal without running into all the different kinds of Portugal’s famous azulejo tiles. From 3D graphic tiles to murals and mosaics, to entire neighborhoods like Lisbon’s Graça neighborhood being covered in these tiles, they are very hard to miss. And why would you want to? They’re colorful, unique, and add character everywhere you look.
Azulejo tiles were introduced to Portugal by the Moors during the 13th century, but the use of the tiles really took off in the 15th and 16th centuries. The origin of the word comes from the Moorish influence and the Arabic word az-zulayj meaning ‘small polished stone’.
Don’t miss the National Tile Museum in Lisbon, where you can discover the history of the tile from the 15th century to the present day. Or get your hands dirty in this workshop and tour.
FUN FACT: Many souvenir shops will let you create your own personalized tile to take home with you.
12. Pastel de Nata
Ode to a pastry. If ever any pastry was more loved worldwide and by Portuguese alike, I don’t know what it is. Even Starbucks coffee shops in Portugal sell a coffee and pastel de nata combo. This delicate egg custard tart is one of the most prolific bites in Portugal. Traditionally it is topped with a hefty dusting of cinnamon and powdered sugar and served warm.
Also known as the Pastel de Belém, the recipe originates from 18th-century monks at the renowned Jerónimos Monastery in Santa Maria de Belém. After a visit to Jerónimos Monastery, you can head to the nearby bakery, Antiga Confeitaria de Belém, and taste a pastel de nata fresh out of the oven from the place that bought the original recipe.
Wanna try your hand at making these delicious little bites of heaven? You can take a baking class at a real bakery and learn how!
FUN FACT: The plural (which you’ll definitely want to know because you can’t eat just one) of pastel de nata is pastéis de nata.
Sandeman, Porto, Portugal
Port wine casks at the Sandeman Port Wine Cave in Porto, Portugal
13. Port Wine
Porto and Portugal are both famous for Port wine. It is only made in a specific region in Portugal, but it is enjoyed worldwide. Port wine is a sweet, fortified wine that is produced in the Douro Valley region of Portugal. It is made from a blend of grape varieties and is aged in oak barrels for several years before it is bottled. Port wine is known for its premium and strong, full-bodied flavor and is often served as a dessert wine.
It is also a popular gift or souvenir for visitors to Portugal. Port wine is named after Porto or Oporto, the town where it was first made, the name “Port” does not come from a shortened version of “Portugal” as many believe.
FUN FACT: You can tour the port caves (wine barrel cellars) across the Douro River from Porto in Vila Nova da Gaia if you can’t make it to a highly recommended Douro Valley for a winery tour.
You may also be interested in visiting another of Portugal’s best wineries, check out the guide.
14. Popular Tourist Destination & Retirement Haven
Similar to Spain, Portugal is a famous tourist destination, and the country receives millions of visitors each year. The Europeans love to head and catch the blistering sun in Portugal! Tourists are attracted to Portugal's beautiful beaches, historic landmarks, and vibrant culture, and the country is known for its friendly and welcoming people.
Portugal has also become a popular place to retire or move abroad. With more and more Americans, Brits, and Europeans flooding in, it’s no wonder Portugal has become more and more famous over the last few years. If you’re thinking of moving to Portugal, you might enjoy exploring 11 of the best cities to live in.
FUN FACT: Portugal is also a burgeoning destination for digital nomads and recently launched the new D8 Portugal Digital Nomad Visa.
Piri Piri Chicken
Piri Piri Chicken from Franguinho de Albufeira
15. Piri Piri Chicken
Last but not least, Portugal is famous for Piri Piri Chicken. Believe it or not, this actually originates in Portugal! Piri Piri chicken is a traditional Portuguese dish that is made with spicy marinated chicken that is grilled or roasted. The chicken is typically served with a side of rice or french fries and is often accompanied by a sauce made from Piri Piri peppers, which are small, fiery peppers native to Africa. It was first made by the Portuguese during the Age of Exploration previously mentioned.
One of my favorite places to get Piri Piri Chicken is in the town where it supposedly originated—Albufeira. Suggested to us by our tuk-tuk tour guide as a locals place, and we were hooked. Now every time we go to the Algarve, we have to eat Piri Piri Chicken at Franguinho de Albufeira.
FUN FACT: Moorish influence is prevalent in Portugal, as can be seen in many of the names of the towns and neighborhoods that begin with “Al”, i.e., Albufeira, Alcabideche, Alcântara.
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What is Portugal famous for: Conclusion
To conclude, there are many reasons that make Portugal an extraordinary country and one that is famous around the world. From their food creations and stunning beaches to their language and culture, Portugal has a little bit of everything. There are endless reasons to visit Portugal but hopefully, we have given you 15 reasons why Portugal is famous that make you want to visit the country. It’s more than worth a trip!
Written in collaboration with Josh Band from A Backpacker’s World.
Josh loves to write about backpacking all around the world. From Southeast Asia to Europe, and everything in between, Josh loves to explore and spend as little as possible while doing so. Who doesn’t love budget traveling, right?!
Where to Stay in Portugal
Pestana Hotel Group
The Pestana Group is Portugal’s largest international tourism and leisure group and one of the largest in Europe. Pestana hotels are among the best in Portugal, and a visit to Portugal during the holidays wouldn’t be complete without staying in one of their magnificent properties.
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