Ready for some fun facts about Portugal that might surprise you? Small in size but large in stature, Portugal has given rise to a medley of firsts and greats.
1. Portugal is the Oldest Country in Europe
Portugal holds the title of the oldest nation-state in Europe, appointing King Afonso Henriques as its king in 1139. Lisbon, the capital, is said to be four centuries older than Rome, with the Phoenicians settling there around 1200 BC.
2. Portugal and Japan: A Historical Connection
The Portuguese were the first Europeans to reach Japan in the 16th century. They left their linguistic mark on this Asian nation with words like “pan” (from the Portuguese “pão” meaning bread) and “sabato” (from the Portuguese “sábado” meaning Saturday).
3. The World’s Oldest Bookstore
Book lovers will delight in visiting Bertrand Bookstore in Lisbon’s Chiado district. Established in 1732, its exterior façade is a spectacular display of mosaic tiles.
4. Shortest and Longest-Reigning Monarchs
Portugal holds the record for both the shortest and longest-reigning monarchs. Henrique of Portugal reigned for over 73 years, while Luis Filipe was king for only 20 minutes.
5. Secret Recipe for Pastéis de Nata
The original recipe for Pastéis de Nata (custard tart) from Lisbon’s Belém district has been kept secret since the 19th century. Make a point of visiting this famous bakery in Belém.
6. Coffee Culture
The Portuguese love their coffee breaks, often enjoying a quick espresso-sized bica in a tiny cup throughout the day.
7. One of the World’s Oldest Universities
The University of Coimbra, established in 1290, is one of the oldest universities in the world. It achieved UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2013 and is open to tourists.
8. Renewable Energy Leader
In 2016, Portugal ran for almost five consecutive days entirely on renewable energy powered by wind, sun, and water.
9. Top Surfing Destination
Portugal’s 800km Atlantic coastline and temperate climate make it a year-round surfing hotspot.
10. First Circumnavigation of the Globe
Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan is credited with leading the first expedition to circumnavigate the globe.
11. Origin of Piri-Piri
Portugal introduced the world to piri-piri, the chili sauce often poured over churrasco chicken. The sauce’s main ingredient, chili, hails from South America and was brought to Africa by the Portuguese, where the famous sauce was created.
12. Port Wine: Portugal’s National Drink
Port Wine, produced exclusively in Portugal’s UNESCO-listed Douro Valley, is a sweet, red fortified wine. It became popular with the English in the 18th century.
13. Westernmost Point of Europe
Portugal’s archipelago of the Azores in the Atlantic Ocean holds the title of being the westernmost point of Europe.
14. World’s Largest Cork Producer
Portugal is home to the world’s largest cork forest and produces over 70% of the world’s cork exports.
15. Portugal’s Former Power
Portugal once owned half of the “New World” after the Treaty of Tordesillas in 1494, including territories in Brazil, Asia, and Africa.
16. Fátima: A Global Pilgrimage Centre
The shrine of Fátima is a popular pilgrimage site for Christian worshippers. It is second only to Rome in Europe in terms of the number of visiting pilgrims.
17. UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Portugal boasts 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, mostly cultural, which play a significant role in tourism.
18. Pioneer of the Euro
Portugal was one of the first countries to adopt the euro in 1999, transitioning from the Portuguese escudo.
19. Portuguese Language Reach
Portuguese is the official language of nine other countries, making it the sixth-most spoken first language in the world with around 220 million native speakers.
20. New Year’s Tradition
In Portugal, the New Year is celebrated by eating twelve raisins at midnight, one for each chime of the clock, symbolizing a wish for each month of the coming year.
Explore Portugal
Perhaps you’d like to fuel your own wanderlust the Portuguese way and head off on your own adventure. If Portugal has piqued your interest, check out our listings and find your dream home in this amazing country.
