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: 2026-10-06
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 10.608241
AAVE 0.006171
ADA 4.161934
AED 4.118660
AFN 72.460655
AKT 1.465468
ALGO 8.732446
ALL 91.989070
AMD 405.727713
AMP 1,748.994906
ANG 2.016678
AOA 1,027.296046
APE 6.999848
APT 1.365981
AR 0.248783
ARB 5.501155
ARS 1,704.571807
ATOM 0.615972
ATS 13.760300
AUD 1.609305
AVAX 0.098774
AWG 2.007461
AXS 0.856337
AZM 9,532.767365
AZN 1.906553
BAKE 4,369.313127
BAM 1.955830
BAT 10.631939
BBD 2.242973
BCH 0.003548
BDT 137.864349
BEF 40.339900
BGN 1.955830
BHD 0.421679
BIF 3,369.419033
BMD 1.121487
BNB 0.001435
BND 1.434921
BOB 13.453226
BRL 5.605999
BSD 1.121487
BSV 0.056163
BSW 2,725.375557
BTC 0.000013
BTCB 16.051116
BTG 1.699940
BTN 108.131566
BTT 3,016,625.452665
BUSD 1.121298
BWP 15.435293
BYN 3.421347
BYR 21,984.180652
BZD 2.255418
CAD 1.600203
CAKE 0.458590
CDF 2,591.751047
CELO 10.783645
CFX 20.438569
CHF 0.932799
CHZ 67.044077
CLP 1,091.239189
CNH 7.517347
CNY 7.519754
COMP 0.045755
COP 3,587.231293
CRC 513.177605
CRO 16.514903
CRV 3.042173
CSPR 439.659822
CUC 1.121642
CUP 26.863878
CVE 110.2700
CVX 0.506634
CYP 0.585274
CZK 24.463972
DAI 1.121943
DASH 0.019784
DCR 0.060815
DEM 1.955830
DFI 1,227.076303
DJF 199.513566
DKK 7.474044
DOGE 11.827797
DOP 67.211933
DOT 0.906420
DYDX 7.675739
DZD 150.757464
EEK 15.646640
EGLD 0.250927
EGP 58.797387
ENJ 33.876847
EOS 11.035868
ERN 16.822300
ESP 166.3860
ETB 182.423161
ETC 0.126382
ETH 0.000415
EURC 0.999865
FEI 1.121976
FIL 0.939528
FIM 5.945730
FJD 2.523450
FKP 0.848714
FLOW 35.445689
FLR 155.586909
FRAX 1.132841
FRF 6.559570
FTT 4.341424
GALA 462.881888
GBP 0.848714
GEL 2.910805
GGP 0.848714
GHC 131,849.332597
GHS 13.184933
GIP 0.848714
GMD 83.002400
GMX 0.127730
GNF 9,860.299925
GNO 0.009236
GRD 340.750000
GRT 38.516210
GT 0.100181
GTQ 8.558540
GUSD 1.123799
GYD 234.109722
HBAR 11.140446
HKD 8.800813
HNL 30.071355
HNT 2.161290
HOT 2,448.876391
HRK 7.534500
HT 30.747849
HTG 146.546883
HUF 367.353061
ICP 0.321648
IDR 20,091.703308
IEP 0.787564
ILS 3.429679
IMP 0.848714
IMX 6.116253
INJ 0.147953
INR 108.131566
IQD 1,466.162699
IRR 2,017,023.336678
ISK 136.931326
ITL 1,936.270000
JEP 0.848714
JMD 177.470237
JOD 0.795134
JPY 177.319834
KAS 26.141289
KAVA 16.177140
KCS 0.147729
KDA 114.869096
KES 145.578960
KGS 98.083740
KHR 4,543.259052
KLAY 26.927501
KMF 491.967750
KNC 7.829578
KPW 1,009.478040
KRW 1,505.555528
KSM 0.218902
KWD 0.346658
KYD 0.932308
KZT 510.589182
LAK 25,164.737290
LBP 101,138.597165
LDO 2.448232
LEO 0.126117
LINK 0.081085
LKR 369.902566
LRC 109.234129
LRD 191.380468
LSL 18.671511
LTC 0.016099
LTL 3.452800
LUF 40.339900
LUNA 21.961564
LUNC 21,209.834242
LVL 0.702800
LYD 7.195580
MAD 11.193193
MANA 10.844874
MBX 37.919202
MDL 20.099417
MGA 4,966.439858
MGF 24,832.199290
MINA 8.324022
MKD 61.526524
MKR 0.000558
MMK 2,354.196389
MNT 4,031.941572
MOP 9.064837
MRO 449.009103
MRU 44.900910
MTL 0.429300
MUR 53.160967
MVR 17.337808
MWK 1,941.102220
MXN 20.271139
MXV 2.304429
MYR 4.582006
MZM 71,583.650468
MZN 71.583650
NAD 18.671511
NEAR 0.214615
NEO 0.442490
NEXO 1.318806
NFT 4,699,773.629305
NGN 1,482.655537
NIO 41.229400
NLG 2.203710
NOK 10.763871
NPR 173.091604
NZD 2.003623
OKB 0.008601
OMR 0.431614
ONE 7.657077
OP 8.342663
ORDI 0.246485
PAB 1.121487
PAXG 0.000271
PEN 3.861416
PEPE 259,313.271560
PGK 5.052607
PHP 70.481319
PI 12.847459
PKR 310.091379
PLN 4.380629
POL 10.255433
PTE 200.4820
PYG 6,551.713160
QAR 4.082212
QNT 0.004335
QTUM 1.144086
ROL 53,453.489720
RON 5.345349
RPL 0.586493
RSD 117.454412
RUB 95.146752
RUNE 1.444511
RVN 457.092628
RWF 1,653.038689
SAND 17.054630
SAR 4.205575
SBD 9.048929
SCR 15.884446
SDD 67,309.460509
SDG 673.094605
SEK 11.264961
SGD 1.434921
SHIB 191,584.200289
SHP 0.848714
SIT 239.6400
SKK 30.1260
SLE 25.855752
SLL 25,855.752319
SNX 4.479217
SOL 0.009348
SOS 638.072572
SPL 0.186914
SRD 42.286573
SRG 42,286.572867
SSP 6,422.345815
STD 24,673.623397
STN 24.673623
STX 2.992747
SUI 0.939690
SVC 9.813008
SYP 14,583.587879
SZL 18.671511
THB 37.748853
THETA 4.843238
TJS 10.321759
TMM 19,678.602765
TMT 3.935721
TND 3.356411
TOP 2.701042
TRL 55,149,771.421778
TRX 3.337406
TRY 55.149771
TTD 7.593297
TUSD 1.122374
TVD 1.609305
TWD 35.642923
TWT 1.964525
TZS 2,958.916291
UAH 50.510969
UGX 4,508.539856
UNI 0.126587
USD 1.121487
USDC 1.121792
USDD 1.122284
USDP 1.128155
USDT 1.122055
UYU 45.303674
UZS 13,192.165783
VAL 1,936.270000
VEB 97,650,599,824.6105
VED 976.505998
VEF 97,650,599.824611
VES 976.505998
VET 128.513582
VND 29,153.459089
VUV 134.816226
WAVES 3.759191
WEMIX 5.856152
WOO 81.929906
WST 3.121314
XAF 655.957000
XAG 0.018536
XAU 0.000272
XAUT 0.000272
XBT 0.000013
XCD 3.035776
XCG 2.016678
XCH 0.716611
XDC 33.372595
XDR 0.828956
XEC 140,635.665027
XEM 1,786.293574
XLM 5.196443
XMR 0.001999
XOF 655.957000
XPD 0.000961
XPF 119.331742
XPT 0.000655
XRP 0.746425
XTZ 3.356612
YER 264.892590
ZAR 18.671511
ZEC 0.000838
ZIL 307.333501
ZMK 22,172.185222
ZMW 22.172185
ZWD 405.866028
ZWG 30.023913
ZWL 75,021.477591

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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.