Europe · Southern Europe

Portugal

Portuguese Republic

Flag of Portugal
Local Time
--:--:--
UTC-01:00
🏛️ Capital
Lisbon
👥 Population
10,749,635
📐 Area
92,090 km²
💱 Currency
euro (€)
🗣️ Languages
Portuguese
📞 Calling Code
+351
🕐 Time Zones
UTC-01:00, UTC
🌐 Region
Europe / Southern Europe

About Portugal

Portugal occupies the southwestern edge of Europe, where the continent tapers to meet the Atlantic Ocean, and this geography has shaped a nation of extraordinary explorers, melancholic poets, and sun-drenched coastlines that feel like the end of the known world. Lisbon, its hilly capital, tumbles down towards the Tagus estuary in a cascade of terracotta rooftops, tiled facades, and yellow tram cars that clatter through streets narrow enough to touch both walls simultaneously. The city pulses with a creative energy that blends centuries-old Moorish heritage with a contemporary arts and restaurant scene drawing visitors from across the globe.

Step outside the capital and Portugal unfolds into a tapestry of strikingly different landscapes. The Douro Valley carves a dramatic river canyon through terraced vineyards that produce some of the world's finest port wine. The Algarve's golden cliffs and turquoise coves deliver a beach experience that rivals any in the Mediterranean. Further north, the green hills of the Minho region shelter ancient pilgrimage routes, Romanesque churches, and wine cellars producing crisp vinho verde. Each region carries its own accent, cuisine, and rhythm.

What binds these varied places together is a quality of light that Portuguese painters have celebrated for centuries — warm, golden, and somehow perpetually nostalgic. The Portuguese call this feeling "saudade," an untranslatable longing for something beautiful that has passed or may never arrive. You will hear it in the trembling voice of a fado singer in a Lisbon tasca, see it in the eyes of fishermen watching the Atlantic at dusk, and feel it yourself on the day you finally must leave this irresistible country.

History & Background

Portugal's recorded history stretches back to Celtic and Lusitanian tribes, followed by Roman occupation that left remarkable monuments including the Temple of Diana in Évora and a mosaic-floored villa in Conímbriga. Moorish rule from the 8th to the 12th century layered southern Portugal with the architecture, agriculture, and vocabulary that still flavour the culture today. The Reconquista gradually pushed Islamic rule southward, and by 1249 Portugal had its modern borders — making it one of the oldest nation-states in Europe.

The 15th and 16th centuries brought Portugal's golden Age of Discovery, when navigators like Vasco da Gama, Pedro Álvares Cabral, and Bartolomeu Dias opened sea routes to India, Brazil, and West Africa, creating the first truly global trading empire. This wealth funded the exuberant Manueline architectural style, visible in the Tower of Belém and Jerónimos Monastery. The Lisbon earthquake of 1755, followed by the Napoleonic Wars and the loss of Brazil in 1822, gradually diminished imperial power. A peaceful Carnation Revolution in April 1974 ended nearly five decades of dictatorship and set Portugal on its path to European democracy.

Culture & People

Portuguese culture is defined by a profound sense of history and a bittersweet emotional depth that finds its purest expression in fado music. This UNESCO-recognised genre — part poetry, part lament, part celebration — captures the essential Portuguese soul. Catholicism has shaped the cultural calendar for centuries, with elaborate Holy Week processions, village festas in honour of patron saints, and the raucous Santo António celebrations in Lisbon every June filling streets with grilled sardines, folk dancing, and potted basil.

The Portuguese are renowned for their love of craftsmanship. Azulejo tiles — hand-painted tin-glazed ceramics — decorate church interiors, railway stations, and domestic facades in patterns that tell biblical stories, document naval battles, and celebrate the natural world. Traditional crafts like Arraiolos embroidery, Barcelos ceramic cockerels, and Viana do Castelo gold filigree jewellery represent a living creative heritage. Football is a near-religion, and any visit coinciding with a Benfica or Porto match will reveal a passionate, joyful side of the national character that even the most reserved Portuguese cannot suppress.

Food & Cuisine

Portuguese cuisine is honest, generous, and rooted in the sea. Bacalhau — salt cod — is the cornerstone of the national diet, prepared in a legendary 365 ways to match every day of the year. Grilled sardines (sardinhas assadas) perfume city streets from June through August, best eaten with coarse bread, green peppers, and chilled white wine. A bowl of caldo verde — creamy kale and potato soup with chorizo — is the kind of nourishing simplicity that defines Portuguese cooking at its finest. Bifana (spiced pork sandwiches) and francesinhas (Porto's decadent stacked meat sandwich in beer-cheese sauce) complete the street-food education.

Dessert in Portugal reaches operatic heights. Pastel de nata — a flaky custard tart dusted with cinnamon that originated in the Jerónimos Monastery — is arguably the world's most perfect pastry. Wash it down with a bica (espresso) and you have the quintessential Lisbon morning ritual. Portugal's wines deserve equal reverence: Douro reds, vinho verde whites, Alentejo full-bodied reds, and Madeira fortified wines offer extraordinary quality at accessible prices. Port wine, sipped overlooking the Douro at sunset in Gaia, is a ceremony unto itself.

Top Attractions

  • Jerónimos Monastery, Lisbon — A masterpiece of Manueline architecture and the resting place of Vasco da Gama, this UNESCO monument is Portugal's most magnificent building.
  • Sintra — A fairy-tale town of romantic palaces perched in mist-draped hills just 40 minutes from Lisbon, anchored by the colourful Pena Palace and the Moorish castle above the forest.
  • Douro Valley — Steeply terraced vineyards cascade down to a winding river where vintage boat cruises and quinta visits reveal the soul of Portuguese wine country.
  • Algarve Coastline — From the stacked golden sea-stacks of Ponta da Piedade to the vast dune beaches of Tavira, the Algarve delivers 150 kilometres of spectacular Atlantic scenery.
  • Porto's Ribeira District — The old waterfront quarter of Portugal's second city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site of baroque churches, painted tiles, and port wine cellars across the river in Gaia.
  • Évora — A walled Alentejo city where a Roman temple, a medieval cathedral, and the haunting Chapel of Bones coexist in a remarkably preserved historic centre.

Practical Travel Tips

  • Book Lisbon's most popular restaurants and fado houses at least a week in advance during summer and holiday periods.
  • Validate your transport ticket when boarding Lisbon's metro, buses, and trams — inspectors are active and fines are immediate.
  • The Lisboa Card offers unlimited public transport and free or discounted entry to over 80 museums and monuments — excellent value for a 2–3 day city visit.
  • Carry a layer for evenings, especially in Lisbon, where Atlantic breezes can make summer nights cooler than expected.
  • Driving is the best way to explore the Alentejo, Douro Valley, and Minho regions; roads are excellent and parking is usually available.
  • Lunch (almoço) is the main meal of the day — set-menu "prato do dia" specials offer remarkable value between 12:30 and 15:00.
  • Learn "obrigado/obrigada" (thank you) and "com licença" (excuse me) — a few words of Portuguese are warmly received everywhere.

Visa Overview

Portugal is a member of the European Union and the Schengen Area. EU and EEA citizens enter freely with a valid national ID. Citizens of the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and dozens of other countries may visit visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day Schengen period. The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) authorisation will be required for eligible visa-exempt travellers; confirm current entry requirements before departure. Travellers planning longer stays should investigate the Portuguese D7 passive income visa or other long-stay options.

Getting Around

Lisbon and Porto have efficient metro and tram networks; Lisbon's iconic Tram 28 is scenic but extremely crowded — consider walking the route or boarding early. National rail (CP) connects major cities affordably, with the Alfa Pendular high-speed train linking Lisbon and Porto in under three hours. Long-distance coaches (Rede Expressos) are even cheaper. Car hire is the best option for the Alentejo, Algarve, and northern wine regions where rural attractions lie off the rail network. Parking in city centres is scarce; use park-and-ride facilities on urban peripheries.

Safety Notes

Portugal is consistently ranked among Europe's safest countries for travellers. Violent crime is rare, and Portuguese people are generally helpful and welcoming. The main concern is petty theft — pickpocketing in Lisbon's Alfama district, on Tram 28, and around major tourist sites. Use a money belt or anti-theft bag in crowded areas, avoid leaving valuables visible in parked cars, and stay alert in busy nightlife districts after dark. Ocean swimming requires caution on Atlantic-facing beaches where strong undertows and powerful waves can catch swimmers off guard.

Live Exchange Rates

Current exchange rates for currencies used in Portugal.

euro (EUR) €
Updated: 2026-08-20
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 13.498135
AAVE 0.012207
ADA 6.274808
AED 4.289988
AFN 76.455547
AGIX 20.529179
AKT 2.272266
ALGO 14.189848
ALL 92.685141
AMD 424.027941
AMP 3,045.105625
ANG 2.092390
AOA 1,072.800048
APE 9.083432
APT 2.088233
AR 0.628490
ARB 13.355611
ARS 1,748.796683
ATOM 0.782760
ATS 13.760300
AUD 1.643352
AVAX 0.172446
AWG 2.090968
AXS 1.295990
AZM 9,928.939944
AZN 1.985788
BAKE 1,679.319615
BAM 1.955830
BAT 18.681877
BBD 2.336277
BCH 0.005530
BDT 142.135736
BEF 40.339900
BGN 1.955830
BHD 0.439220
BIF 3,474.425125
BMD 1.168138
BNB 0.001869
BND 1.485327
BOB 13.417154
BRL 6.049165
BSD 1.168138
BSV 0.072958
BSW 3,223.258550
BTC 0.000017
BTCB 19.735463
BTG 2.662160
BTN 111.698989
BTT 4,293,633.870463
BUSD 1.167363
BWP 15.712392
BYN 3.531873
BYR 22,892.119768
BZD 2.346397
CAD 1.612335
CAKE 0.724865
CDF 2,677.850523
CELO 18.665735
CFX 26.670481
CHF 0.932977
CHZ 91.379841
CLP 1,076.533162
CNH 7.856221
CNY 7.856620
COMP 0.063387
COP 3,566.077193
CRC 525.908198
CRO 23.443031
CRV 4.477219
CSPR 437.376052
CUC 1.167965
CUP 30.951080
CVE 110.2700
CVX 0.722160
CYP 0.585274
CZK 24.169588
DAI 1.167995
DASH 0.036762
DCR 0.098876
DEM 1.955830
DFI 1,173.949573
DJF 207.474605
DKK 7.475781
DOGE 15.559342
DOP 68.222254
DOT 1.475899
DYDX 10.619105
DZD 155.028351
EEK 15.646640
EGLD 0.411187
EGP 59.168004
ENJ 46.163995
EOS 17.699426
ERN 17.522076
ESP 166.3860
ETB 189.840962
ETC 0.177060
ETH 0.000517
EURC 1.007090
FEI 1.166659
FIL 1.735227
FIM 5.945730
FJD 2.570325
FKP 0.858509
FLOW 40.402035
FLR 181.679512
FRAX 1.178113
FRF 6.559570
FTT 5.628028
GALA 810.679960
GBP 0.858509
GEL 3.043474
GGP 0.858509
GHC 129,258.080826
GHS 12.925808
GIP 0.858509
GMD 86.563737
GMX 0.171685
GNF 10,251.220328
GNO 0.009637
GRD 340.750000
GRT 83.486314
GT 0.167849
GTQ 8.891317
GUSD 1.170061
GYD 242.978961
HBAR 16.482536
HKD 9.160613
HNL 31.229263
HNT 6.739420
HOT 3,459.133937
HRK 7.534500
HT 10.285845
HTG 151.930830
HUF 363.912152
ICP 0.503691
IDR 20,795.129467
IEP 0.787564
ILS 3.479186
IMP 0.858509
IMX 11.165802
INJ 0.251490
INR 111.698989
IQD 1,521.432984
IRR 1,605,485.093482
ISK 142.210760
ITL 1,936.270000
JEP 0.858509
JMD 183.506639
JOD 0.828210
JPY 184.981804
KAS 43.807615
KAVA 28.379937
KCS 0.160141
KDA 248.775858
KES 151.206276
KGS 102.263782
KHR 4,704.545984
KLAY 47.524124
KMF 491.967750
KNC 11.038440
KPW 1,051.169108
KRW 1,627.923719
KSM 0.379386
KWD 0.360072
KYD 0.970366
KZT 538.830177
LAK 26,188.725142
LBP 104,412.210169
LDO 3.447439
LEO 0.125630
LINK 0.111452
LKR 384.367548
LRC 146.833407
LRD 211.504891
LSL 18.807871
LTC 0.024865
LTL 3.452800
LUF 40.339900
LUNA 26.419400
LUNC 23,121.482124
LVL 0.702800
LYD 7.391687
MAD 10.810712
MANA 17.424385
MBX 56.487447
MDL 20.024216
MGA 5,003.343056
MGF 25,016.715279
MINA 27.334818
MKD 61.674485
MKR 0.000804
MMK 2,452.453344
MNT 4,202.281258
MOP 9.435431
MRO 465.248150
MRU 46.524815
MTL 0.429300
MUR 54.867428
MVR 18.057908
MWK 2,016.268235
MXN 19.797147
MXV 2.259844
MYR 4.722522
MZM 74,543.965010
MZN 74.543965
NAD 18.807871
NEAR 0.670043
NEO 0.641778
NEXO 1.564265
NFT 4,147,709.312915
NGN 1,573.132375
NIO 42.861444
NLG 2.203710
NOK 10.896422
NPR 178.802157
NZD 1.965174
OKB 0.011409
OMR 0.449610
ONE 1,619.106291
OP 13.152159
ORDI 0.317301
PAB 1.168138
PAXG 0.000261
PEN 3.914147
PEPE 403,253.666827
PGK 5.244348
PHP 71.979185
PI 12.998716
PKR 322.928610
PLN 4.318860
POL 14.310295
PTE 200.482000
PYG 6,989.685768
QAR 4.252024
QNT 0.019769
QTUM 1.618321
ROL 52,463.807106
RON 5.246381
RPL 0.751167
RSD 117.347658
RUB 98.112485
RUNE 2.738814
RVN 448.100204
RWF 1,712.919923
SAND 28.281148
SAR 4.380519
SBD 9.345534
SCR 16.944618
SDD 70,107.285017
SDG 701.072850
SEK 11.024123
SGD 1.485327
SHIB 246,536.287597
SHP 0.858509
SIT 239.640000
SKK 30.1260
SLE 26.764891
SLL 26,764.891300
SNX 5.698820
SOL 0.013769
SOS 662.486214
SPL 0.194690
SRD 44.162051
SRG 44,162.051242
SSP 6,622.133568
STD 24,659.830261
STN 24.659830
STX 8.955080
SUI 1.655196
SVC 10.221211
SYP 15,185.884647
SZL 18.807871
THB 38.354550
THETA 7.772011
TJS 10.714711
TMM 20,438.152755
TMT 4.087631
TND 3.385351
TOP 2.782662
TRL 56,017,507.438721
TRX 3.497140
TRY 56.017507
TTD 7.896346
TUSD 1.169893
TVD 1.643352
TWD 37.189827
TWT 2.920863
TZS 3,091.766548
UAH 52.172341
UGX 4,340.252567
UNI 0.319007
USD 1.168138
USDC 1.167877
USDD 1.168659
USDP 1.169374
USDT 1.168573
UYU 46.737715
UZS 13,720.168830
VAL 1,936.270000
VEB 90,679,061,617.2383
VED 904.759628
VEF 90,475,962.821118
VES 904.759628
VET 240.660059
VND 30,514.748068
VUV 138.166522
WAVES 5.923568
WEMIX 6.035916
WOO 105.900228
WST 3.145984
XAF 655.957000
XAG 0.017462
XAU 0.000260
XAUT 0.000261
XBT 0.000017
XCD 3.162080
XCG 2.092390
XCH 0.824540
XDC 41.993825
XDR 0.853050
XEC 166,599.965148
XEM 2,495.030510
XLM 6.801196
XMR 0.002735
XOF 655.957000
XPD 0.000879
XPF 119.331742
XPT 0.000648
XRP 1.052739
XTZ 5.362280
YER 276.931742
ZAR 18.807871
ZEC 0.002081
ZIL 480.563218
ZMK 21,882.679521
ZMW 21.882680
ZWD 422.749282
ZWG 31.154616
ZWL 77,846.793734

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Cities in Portugal 324
Browse all cities and towns
A Ver-o-Mar Abraveses Adaufe Aguada de Cima Aguas Santas Agucadoura Agueda Albergaria-A-Velha Albufeira Alcacer do Sal Alcains Alfena Alhadas Aljezur Aljustrel Almancil Alpendurada e Matos Alvor Amarante Amor Angra Anta Antas Apulia Aradas Arazede Arcos Arcozelo Areosa Arganil Argoncilhe Armacao de Pera Aroes Arrifana Arrifes Arvore Avanca Aveiro Aves Avintes Baguim do Monte Baltar Barcelos Barrosas Batalha Beduido Beja Boliqueime Borba Bougado Braga Braganca Branca Brito Buarcos Caia e Sao Pedro Caldas de Vizela Caldelas Calendario Camacha Camara de Lobos Campanario Campo Campo Campo Maior Candoso Canedo Canelas Canico Canidelo Cantanhede Caranguejeira Carvalhosa Castanheira de Pera Castelo Branco Casteloes de Cepeda Castro Daire Castro Marim Castro Verde Cercal Chaves Coimbra Condeixa-A-Nova Coronado Cortegaca Couto Covilha Custoias Darque Eixo Elvas Ermesinde Esmoriz Espinho Estombar Estremoz Evora Fafe Fafe Faja de Baixo Fanzeres Faro Feira Ferreira Ferreira do Alentejo Ferreiras Ferreiros Fiaes Figueira da Foz Figueiro Forjaes Foz do Sousa Frazao Freamunde Funchal Fundao Gafanha da Encarnacao Gafanha da Nazare Galegos Gandra Gemunde Godim Gondomar Grandola Grijo Guarda Gueifaes Guia Guifoes Guimaraes Gulpilhares Horta Ilhavo Joane Jovim Lagoa Lagoa Lagos Lamego Lavos Lavra Leca da Palmeira Leca do Bailio Leiria Lobao Lordelo Lorvao Loule Lourical Lourosa Lousa Lustosa Luz Macedo de Cavaleiros Maceira Machico Macieira de Cambra Madalena Maia Mangualde Margaride Marinha Grande Marinhas Matosinhos Meadela Mealhada Meinedo Milheiros Milheiros de Poiares Mira Mira de Aire Miranda do Corvo Mirandela Mogadouro Moncarapacho Monchique Monte Gordo Monte Redondo Montemor-o-Novo Montenegro Moreira Moreira de Conegos Moura Mozelos Negrelos Nelas Nogueira Nogueira da Regedoura Odemira Oia Olhao Olival Oliveira Oliveira de Azemeis Oliveira do Bairro Oliveira do Douro Oliveira do Hospital Oliveirinha Ovar Pacos de Brandao Pacos de Ferreira Paivas Pampilhosa Pardilho Pedroso Pedroucos Penafiel Perafita Perozinho Peso da Regua Poiares Pombal Ponta Delgada Ponta do Sol Ponte Ponte de Sor Portalegre Portimao Porto Porto de Mos Porto Santo Povoa de Lanhoso Povoa de Varzim Praia da Vitoria Proenca-A-Nova Quarteira Rabo de Peixe Real Rebordosa Recarei Redondo Refojos de Basto Reguengos de Monsaraz Ribeira Brava Ribeira Grande Ribeirao Rio de Loba Rio Meao Rio Tinto Ronfe Rosto do Cao Salreu Sande Sandim Sangalhos Santa Barbara de Nexe Santa Catarina da Serra Santa Cruz Santa Cruz do Bispo Santa Maria de Lamas Santiago da Riba-Ul Santiago do Cacem Santo Andre Santo Tirso Sao Bartolomeu de Messines Sao Bras de Alportel Sao Felix da Marinha Sao Joao Sao Joao da Madeira Sao Joao de Ver Sao Mamede de Infesta Sao Pedro da Cova Sao Pedro de Casteloes Sao Pedro do Sul Sao Roque Sao Teotonio Satao Seia Selho Senhora da Hora Seroa Serpa Serta Serzedelo Serzedo Silvalde Silves Sines Sobrado Sobreira Soure Souto Souto da Carpalhosa Tavarede Tavira Teixoso Teloes Tondela Tortosendo Tramagal Urgezes Vagos Valadares Valbom Vale Valega Valongo Valongo do Vouga Valpacos Vendas Novas Viana do Castelo Vianna do Castello Vieira de Leiria Vila Cha Vila de Cucujaes Vila de Prado Vila do Conde Vila Franca do Campo Vila Frescainha Vila Nova da Telha Vila Nova de Famalicao Vila Nova de Gaia Vila Nova de Milfontes Vila Praia de Ancora Vila Real Vila Real de Santo Antonio Vila Verde Vila Vicosa Vilar de Andorinho Vilar do Paraiso Vilarinho Vilela Viseu Vizela

Other Time Zones in Portugal

Detailed local time across various regions of the country.

Local Time
--:--:--
UTC

Visa Requirements

Check what visa a citizen of Portugal needs to enter any country.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the capital of Portugal?
The capital of Portugal is Lisbon.
What currency does Portugal use?
Portugal uses the euro (€) as its official currency.
What language is spoken in Portugal?
The official language(s) of Portugal include Portuguese.
What is the population of Portugal?
Portugal has a population of approximately 10,749,635 people.
What region is Portugal in?
Portugal is located in Europe, specifically in the Southern Europe subregion.
What is the international calling code for Portugal?
The international dialing code for Portugal is +351.
What time zones does Portugal observe?
Portugal observes the following time zone(s): UTC-01:00, UTC.
What is the current time in Portugal?
The local time in Portugal is currently --:--. This time applies to the primary time zone.
What is the total area of Portugal?
Portugal covers a total area of 92,090 km².
How many states or provinces does Portugal have?
Portugal is divided into 14 states or provinces.
What are the public holidays in Portugal in 2026?
You can view the complete list of public holidays for Portugal in 2026 on the Holidays 2026 page.
What are the visa requirements for citizens of Portugal?
Visa requirements for citizens of Portugal vary by destination. Use our Visa Requirements Checker below to look up requirements for any destination country.