What is Portugal famous for? Wine, for sure; this is where you'll find some of the oldest wine-growing regions in the world. In fact, two of Portugal's wine-growing regions, the Douro Valley and Pico Island in the Azores, are protected as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Portugal is world-renowned for its fruity, golden-coloured olive oil that's produced in six protected olive-growing regions, including Alentejo and the Terra Quente.
Portugal, officially The Portuguese Republic, is a country in southern Europe, founded in 1143, occupying a total area of 92,212 km2.
The name Portucale evolved into Portugale during the 7th and 8th centuries, and by the 9th century, that term was used extensively to refer to the region between the rivers Douro and Minho. By the 11th and 12th centuries, Portugale, Portugallia, Portvgallo or Portvgalliae was already referred to as Portugal.
Portuguese dishes include meats (pork, beef, poultry mainly also game and others), seafood (fish, crustaceans such as lobster, crab, shrimps, prawns, octopus, and molluscs such as scallops, clams and barnacles), vegetables and legumes and desserts (cakes being the most numerous).
Most Portuguese are proud of their cultural heritage, particularly the country's deep affiliations with the ocean. Political changes, especially through the construction and dismantling of the country's colonial empire, have significantly shaped Portugal.
The Portuguese are proud of their history
The Portuguese people are proud advocates of not only their culture but also their history. A good example of this is the fact that ancient practices and beliefs are kept alive and are transferred down generations.
1 as favourite country in the world by Condé Nast readers. This October the results for the Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards survey were revealed, with Portugal occupying a few top-ranking positions, including the number 1 position on the Top 20 countries in the World.
In particular, Portugal is known for its gold filigree jewelry. This type of gold can be formed into pendants, necklaces, bracelets and rings. Sometimes the jewelry is adorned with religious symbols such as hearts of Viana.
Portugal is easily one of the most rewarding travel destinations in Europe, with cosmopolitan cities, quaint villages, wine country, pristine forests – and not to forget, 1,800 kilometres (1,100 miles) of picturesque coastline ranging from dramatic cliffs, coves and caves to placid, sandy beaches.
Together with pastel de nata, bacalhau is perhaps the most well-known dish in Portuguese cuisine. It's a Portuguese national dish and far and away the most commonly eaten type of fish in Portugal.
From the mainland to the islands, the most beautiful places in Portugal range from wild coastal stretches to rugged mountain ranges, and medieval castles layered with history. Continental Portugal has the hypnotic terraces of the Douro Valley and nearby Porto, with its hilly, coastal charm.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo is the most famous person to come out of Portugal, as well as the most followed person on Instragam with 395 million followers.
Portugal claimed several coastal territories of Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, and Pacific Asia. These empires were supported by trade routes which brought the newfound wealth of today's territories.
Not only does it delight with a huge coastline bathed by the Atlantic Ocean, but it also guarantees year-round sunshine, diverse landscapes for walking and hiking, and a slew of beauty spots – especially around the Eastern and Western Algarve, the island of Madeira, and the nine-island archipelago known as the Azores.
Portugal is one of the safest countries to travel to in the world and, according to the InterNations survey, 94% of Portuguese locals are friendly towards expats and tourists. More than a third of expats reported feeling at home immediately while nearly half said they might stay in Portugal forever.
Generally speaking, typical Portuguese home-cooked food revolves around proteins such as pork, chicken and fish, legumes, vegetables (particularly leafy greens used in stews and soups which we explore further below, or simple preparations which will have them boiled or steamed), bread, cheese, and cold cuts (including ...
Some of the most famous Portuguese dishes include piri piri chicken, francesinha, bacalhau, and pastel de nata. Portugal is also quite famous for its wines.
The Portuguese have a soft spot for bread and every meal must have a good slice, either a buttered toast in the morning, to accompany a meal or even as dessert!
Today, the vast majority of Portuguese identify as Roman Catholic (81%). However, most consider themselves as non-practising. For many, national and cultural identity is often linked to Catholicism, rather than purely a religious affiliation.
Portugal is the oldest nation state on the Iberian Peninsula and one of the oldest in Europe, its territory having been continuously settled, invaded and fought over since prehistoric times.