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: 2026-05-20
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 12.514092
AAVE 0.013067
ADA 4.635765
AED 4.268857
AFN 73.050085
AGIX 13.756873
AKT 1.467514
ALGO 9.909935
ALL 95.435541
AMD 427.611835
AMP 1,379.202612
ANG 2.095243
AOA 1,065.796717
APE 7.940193
APT 1.214236
AR 0.521054
ARB 10.271498
ARS 1,624.999404
ATOM 0.577421
ATS 13.760300
AUD 1.624547
AVAX 0.124130
AWG 2.080668
AXS 0.954390
AZM 9,880.268964
AZN 1.976054
BAKE 1,337.267257
BAM 1.955830
BAT 11.688170
BBD 2.324769
BCH 0.003114
BDT 142.888970
BEF 40.339900
BGN 1.955830
BHD 0.437057
BIF 3,461.270968
BMD 1.162385
BNB 0.001789
BND 1.485566
BOB 8.031297
BRL 5.818157
BSD 1.162385
BSV 0.077115
BSW 1,567.711019
BTC 0.000015
BTG 3.636395
BTN 112.378377
BTT 3,605,647.553499
BUSD 1.162883
BWP 15.767662
BYN 3.184946
BYR 31,849.462337
BZD 2.340396
CAD 1.598341
CAKE 0.792428
CDF 2,667.664759
CELO 14.201431
CFX 19.585838
CHF 0.915133
CHZ 25.306504
CLP 1,044.690106
CNH 7.905158
CNY 7.905527
COMP 0.050843
COP 4,314.622517
CRC 525.644447
CRO 16.774378
CRV 4.835499
CSPR 391.623484
CUC 1.162385
CUP 27.897815
CVE 110.2700
CVX 0.672799
CYP 0.585274
CZK 24.299276
DAI 1.163082
DASH 0.023075
DCR 0.066586
DEM 1.955830
DFI 1,286.101906
DJF 207.185113
DKK 7.472878
DOGE 11.112250
DOP 68.458548
DOT 0.928173
DYDX 7.606495
DZD 154.268832
EEK 15.646640
EGLD 0.292983
EGP 62.100780
ENJ 25.727907
EOS 14.261678
ERN 17.435769
ESP 166.3860
ETB 187.635015
ETC 0.128032
ETH 0.000542
EURC 0.999253
FEI 1.169405
FIL 1.198585
FIM 5.945730
FJD 2.558623
FKP 0.864720
FLOW 32.179629
FLR 139.106564
FRAX 1.170775
FRF 6.559570
FTT 3.542172
GALA 339.662601
GBP 0.864720
GEL 3.101804
GGP 0.864720
GHC 134,226.612678
GHS 13.422661
GIP 0.864720
GMD 85.572767
GMX 0.173787
GNF 10,197.327925
GNO 0.009723
GRD 340.750000
GRT 46.006984
GT 0.164141
GTQ 8.862792
GUSD 1.164880
GYD 243.162682
HBAR 12.987917
HKD 9.104945
HNL 30.919162
HNT 1.400071
HOT 2,878.226966
HRK 7.534500
HT 8.061299
HTG 152.200512
HUF 359.640468
ICP 0.454336
IDR 20,522.555935
IEP 0.787564
ILS 3.376998
IMP 0.864720
IMX 6.718758
INJ 0.228804
INR 112.378377
IQD 1,522.914597
IRR 1,536,359.240989
ISK 143.401583
ITL 1,936.270000
JEP 0.864720
JMD 183.947124
JOD 0.824131
JPY 184.694195
KAS 33.252309
KAVA 19.696085
KCS 0.144986
KDA 140.569266
KES 150.527813
KGS 101.677068
KHR 4,662.597870
KLAY 22.729204
KMF 491.967750
KNC 8.087349
KPW 1,046.167488
KRW 1,739.708635
KSM 0.231925
KWD 0.359021
KYD 0.966659
KZT 548.960488
LAK 25,504.559821
LBP 103,767.012935
LDO 3.211248
LEO 0.115603
LINK 0.120312
LKR 400.547615
LRC 68.978450
LRD 212.776840
LSL 19.144507
LTC 0.021384
LTL 3.452800
LUF 40.339900
LUNA 18.157389
LUNC 15,145.766590
LVL 0.702800
LYD 7.399581
MAD 10.722687
MANA 12.996343
MBX 29.706068
MDL 20.205749
MGA 4,881.108551
MGF 24,405.542757
MINA 20.262974
MKD 61.643149
MKR 0.000679
MMK 2,440.702629
MNT 4,159.354888
MOP 9.378094
MRO 464.662663
MRU 46.466266
MTL 0.429300
MUR 55.101839
MVR 17.953453
MWK 2,015.636229
MXN 20.108264
MXV 2.283740
MYR 4.613983
MZM 74,238.678537
MZN 74.238679
NAD 19.144507
NEAR 0.695416
NEO 0.399231
NEXO 1.315396
NFT 4,114,359.321606
NGN 1,594.370337
NIO 42.779586
NLG 2.203710
NOK 10.773219
NPR 179.889687
NZD 1.979846
OKB 0.014313
OMR 0.447464
ONE 572.410527
OP 8.938004
ORDI 0.271203
PAB 1.162385
PAXG 0.000257
PEN 3.973516
PEPE 310,189.460730
PGK 5.069114
PHP 71.472524
PI 7.654636
PKR 323.912024
PLN 4.247647
POL 12.773867
PTE 200.482000
PYG 7,170.153045
QAR 4.231080
QNT 0.015746
QTUM 1.290481
ROL 52,381.704711
RON 5.238170
RPL 0.664559
RSD 117.423044
RUB 83.111774
RUNE 2.632548
RVN 210.843016
RWF 1,701.494446
SAND 16.012742
SAR 4.358942
SBD 9.341057
SCR 16.997227
SDD 69,766.060563
SDG 697.660606
SEK 10.855608
SGD 1.485566
SHIB 199,898.835263
SHP 0.864720
SIT 239.640000
SKK 30.1260
SLE 26.560392
SLL 26,560.391932
SNX 3.659728
SOL 0.013387
SOS 663.350193
SPL 0.193731
SRD 43.165768
SRG 43,165.768127
SSP 5,471.885521
STD 24,695.633686
STN 24.695634
STX 4.767224
SUI 1.077074
SVC 10.170865
SYP 128.500964
SZL 19.144507
THB 37.846832
THETA 5.738233
TJS 10.805111
TMM 20,393.256406
TMT 4.078651
TND 3.377943
TON 0.563287
TOP 2.799419
TRL 52,984,661.255005
TRX 3.244016
TRY 52.984661
TTD 7.882530
TUSD 1.163991
TVD 1.624547
TWD 36.718887
TWT 2.509307
TZS 3,037.714686
UAH 51.459769
UGX 4,384.696503
UNI 0.321746
USD 1.162385
USDC 1.162986
USDD 1.163059
USDP 1.164190
USDT 1.163757
UYU 46.876919
UZS 14,054.876444
VAL 1,936.270000
VEB 60,274,464,136.7606
VED 602.723394
VEF 60,272,339.413493
VES 602.723394
VET 174.102185
VND 30,650.138804
VUV 138.273874
WAVES 2.990676
WEMIX 4.151300
WOO 67.454771
WST 3.147520
XAF 655.957000
XAG 0.015294
XAU 0.000256
XAUT 0.000257
XBT 0.000015
XCD 3.147076
XCG 2.095243
XCH 0.321346
XDC 33.171668
XDR 0.850799
XEC 159,792.049454
XEM 1,730.129523
XLM 8.048185
XMR 0.002875
XOF 655.957000
XPD 0.000844
XPF 119.331742
XPT 0.000594
XRP 0.844290
XTZ 3.395818
YER 277.365580
ZAR 19.144507
ZEC 0.001777
ZIL 292.298779
ZMK 22,076.217614
ZMW 22.076218
ZWD 420.666989
ZWG 30.506481
ZWL 76,227.281295

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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.