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: 2026-07-06
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 15.949281
AAVE 0.012938
ADA 6.090330
AED 4.198644
AFN 72.687638
AGIX 14.653548
AKT 1.822806
ALGO 12.771407
ALL 93.715249
AMD 420.687823
AMP 2,563.140894
ANG 2.061699
AOA 1,049.968938
APE 8.155490
APT 1.828050
AR 0.572736
ARB 14.293563
ARS 1,706.397805
ATOM 0.723000
ATS 13.760300
AUD 1.650375
AVAX 0.165594
AWG 2.046446
AXS 1.132201
AZM 9,717.759386
AZN 1.943552
BAKE 1,521.521968
BAM 1.955830
BAT 12.981393
BBD 2.286532
BCH 0.004737
BDT 140.934392
BEF 40.339900
BGN 1.955830
BHD 0.429868
BIF 3,403.510590
BMD 1.143266
BNB 0.001956
BND 1.477679
BOB 7.919585
BRL 5.908495
BSD 1.143266
BSV 0.077435
BSW 3,415.845850
BTC 0.000018
BTCB 21.573515
BTG 3.962033
BTN 108.924484
BTT 4,310,778.202359
BUSD 1.142293
BWP 15.430353
BYN 3.319956
BYR 22,410.177604
BZD 2.302612
CAD 1.624558
CAKE 0.789485
CDF 2,637.792313
CELO 17.016964
CFX 25.554029
CHF 0.919689
CHZ 63.326984
CLP 1,053.176301
CNH 7.764348
CNY 7.761272
COMP 0.068216
COP 3,821.401247
CRC 520.971136
CRO 19.127055
CRV 5.347923
CSPR 588.668145
CUC 1.143376
CUP 30.299475
CVE 110.2700
CVX 0.950574
CYP 0.585274
CZK 24.186247
DAI 1.143807
DASH 0.032500
DCR 0.102993
DEM 1.955830
DFI 1,376.082887
DJF 203.607530
DKK 7.474915
DOGE 14.794151
DOP 67.757151
DOT 1.310575
DYDX 8.656942
DZD 152.047465
EEK 15.646640
EGLD 0.413647
EGP 56.159478
ENJ 39.503862
EOS 15.783994
ERN 17.148990
ESP 166.3860
ETB 182.871710
ETC 0.160971
ETH 0.000643
EURC 1.000728
FEI 1.143672
FIL 1.447925
FIM 5.945730
FJD 2.567212
FKP 0.856850
FLOW 40.795582
FLR 164.477041
FRAX 1.155714
FRF 6.559570
FTT 4.799680
GALA 499.043181
GBP 0.856850
GEL 3.002840
GGP 0.856850
GHC 129,886.186361
GHS 12.988619
GIP 0.856850
GMD 84.309381
GMX 0.192922
GNF 10,023.628542
GNO 0.010875
GRD 340.750000
GRT 60.259003
GT 0.168638
GTQ 8.726603
GUSD 1.144776
GYD 239.303057
HBAR 15.140623
HKD 8.966681
HNL 30.607777
HNT 4.770791
HOT 3,168.153681
HRK 7.534500
HT 31.909137
HTG 149.647394
HUF 353.603071
ICP 0.518628
IDR 20,570.209465
IEP 0.787564
ILS 3.433987
IMP 0.856850
IMX 8.274737
INJ 0.234012
INR 108.924484
IQD 1,499.043340
IRR 1,573,228.768594
ISK 144.001544
ITL 1,936.270000
JEP 0.856850
JMD 181.119145
JOD 0.810576
JPY 185.037303
KAS 37.269854
KAVA 25.338993
KCS 0.158357
KDA 196.152856
KES 147.813810
KGS 99.994876
KHR 4,584.303728
KMF 491.967750
KNC 10.256361
KPW 1,029.039168
KRW 1,752.466471
KSM 0.324446
KWD 0.354755
KYD 0.951107
KZT 540.471024
LAK 25,848.153325
LBP 102,669.185320
LDO 4.232248
LEO 0.122148
LINK 0.143176
LKR 382.874215
LRC 93.050064
LRD 207.644501
LSL 18.582404
LTC 0.025327
LTL 3.452800
LUF 40.339900
LUNA 23.280219
LUNC 18,621.432255
LVL 0.702800
LYD 7.333327
MAD 10.705136
MANA 16.430289
MBX 45.458621
MDL 20.122768
MGA 4,851.480259
MGF 24,257.401295
MINA 24.115095
MKD 61.601743
MKR 0.000798
MMK 2,400.088668
MNT 4,097.623598
MOP 9.235681
MRO 456.586497
MRU 45.658650
MTL 0.429300
MUR 53.741133
MVR 17.674192
MWK 1,983.150655
MXN 19.983511
MXV 2.265944
MYR 4.661391
MZM 73,016.400614
MZN 73.016401
NAD 18.582404
NEAR 0.573792
NEO 0.577989
NEXO 1.486114
NFT 4,313,881.267151
NGN 1,566.593611
NIO 42.084613
NLG 2.203710
NOK 11.245652
NPR 174.360867
NZD 2.009463
OKB 0.014333
OMR 0.440020
ONE 914.672172
OP 10.634304
ORDI 0.352191
PAB 1.143266
PAXG 0.000275
PEN 3.893144
PEPE 419,153.813525
PGK 5.029557
PHP 70.325608
PI 10.106348
PKR 318.067727
PLN 4.292661
POL 15.545695
PTE 200.482000
PYG 6,954.060930
QAR 4.161488
QNT 0.017075
QTUM 1.608321
ROL 52,260.095818
RON 5.226010
RPL 0.564664
RSD 117.291974
RUB 88.097412
RUNE 2.764439
RVN 299.982382
RWF 1,675.880331
SAND 22.914164
SAR 4.287247
SBD 9.251377
SCR 16.337036
SDD 68,623.992676
SDG 686.239927
SEK 11.035756
SGD 1.477679
SHIB 261,122.105549
SHP 0.856850
SIT 239.640000
SKK 30.1260
SLE 26.112138
SLL 26,112.137915
SNX 4.992721
SOL 0.014169
SOS 652.851438
SPL 0.190544
SRD 43.037810
SRG 43,037.810297
SSP 5,429.582653
STD 24,681.801703
STN 24.681802
STX 6.685931
SUI 1.530284
SVC 10.003577
SYP 126.379793
SZL 18.582404
THB 38.002477
THETA 8.149578
TJS 10.597256
TMM 20,059.689343
TMT 4.011938
TND 3.370278
TOP 2.753336
TRL 53,522,506.924889
TRX 3.481290
TRY 53.522507
TTD 7.746755
TUSD 1.145661
TVD 1.650375
TWD 36.687679
TWT 3.325665
TZS 3,004.055907
UAH 50.950323
UGX 4,178.083222
UNI 0.361742
USD 1.143266
USDC 1.143620
USDD 1.144428
USDP 1.146724
USDT 1.144500
UYU 46.015386
UZS 13,682.375462
VAL 1,936.270000
VEB 73,676,464,017.7850
VED 736.699046
VEF 73,669,904.620052
VES 736.699046
VET 242.347559
VND 30,068.135851
VUV 137.411341
WAVES 4.302368
WEMIX 4.415912
WOO 96.554813
WST 3.162059
XAF 655.957000
XAG 0.018516
XAU 0.000275
XAUT 0.000275
XBT 0.000018
XCD 3.094677
XCG 2.061699
XCH 0.725428
XDC 40.687825
XDR 0.843258
XEC 215,226.956128
XEM 2,670.609044
XLM 5.726679
XMR 0.003533
XOF 655.957000
XPD 0.000900
XPF 119.331742
XPT 0.000698
XRP 0.998686
XTZ 4.594649
YER 270.946532
ZAR 18.582404
ZEC 0.002510
ZIL 370.612584
ZMK 20,978.141068
ZMW 20.978141
ZWD 413.747954
ZWG 30.666484
ZWL 76,627.085634

No currencies match your search.

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.