Portugal's predators include the endangered Iberian wolf and Iberian lynx, key carnivores, alongside raptors like eagles and vultures, venomous snakes such as the Vipera berus (European Adder) and Lataste's Viper, and marine predators like the stinging Portuguese Man o' War, though true large terrestrial predators are rare.
Essential predators
In Spain and Portugal, the Iberian lynx and Iberian wolf are both keystone predators whose populations are unnaturally low as a result of various human factors.
Crime rates are low but pickpocketing, bag-snatching and theft from holiday properties are common in major tourist areas. Foreign-registered and hire cars are often targeted by thieves. Thieves may use threats or violence.
The Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) is a medium-sized wild cat species native to the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe, including Portugal and Spain.
Portuguese waters are rich in marine biodiversity – with over 25 recorded species of cetaceans, more than 40 species of sharks, 3 species of sea turtles, and several species of marine birds.
To tell if a shark is near, watch for nature's signs like diving birds or agitated fish, notice unusual shadows or fins, and be aware of areas with fishing activity, but most importantly, listen to lifeguard warnings, avoid murky water, and observe sharks' behavior for signs of excitement or erratic movements, indicating you should calmly leave the water.
Yes, Portugal's Atlantic waters host a variety of marine life, including several shark species. However, these creatures generally prefer the deep sea, far from the popular swimming spots.
Studies estimate that the wolf population within Portugal is between 250-300 animals, occurring only in the north and centre of the country – corresponding to 30% of its original range. The Iberian wolf which has been threatened with extinction has been protected by law since 1988 in Portugal.”
Yes, using "você" in Portugal can sound rude or distant, especially compared to Brazilian Portuguese where it's common, because in Portugal it can imply a lack of closeness, sarcasm, or even a subtle assertion of superiority, making "o senhor/a senhora" (for formality) or "tu" (for informality) generally safer choices. While technically formal, its use can be tricky; it's often better to omit the pronoun or use the more respectful "o senhor/a senhora" with strangers or elders, as "você" can sound too direct or harsh.
Gone since 1843
Fortunately, the Spanish brown bears, the Cantabrian population, is doing better nowadays. A spokesperson from the Portuguese Nature and Forest Conservation Institute expects that the bear in Portugal arrived from the western sub-population in the Cantabrian mountains.
Occupational Pensions in Portugal
If the contribution split is clear, the employer's contribution is taxed at the prevailing rate, while 85% of the employee's contribution is tax-free, and 15% is taxed at the prevailing rate. If the split can't be determined, the entire amount is taxed at the prevailing rate.
It's not permitted to import meat or dairy products into Portugal from outside the EU. Also prohibited are unauthorized firearms and ammunition.
Yes. If you choose to live in the smaller cities of Portugal and budget well, a monthly budget of $1,000 can be enough to afford rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and leisure for a single person. But you will need more if you want to live in main cities like Lisbon or Porto.
There are five large carnivore species living across Europe: bear, wolf, lynx, golden jackal and wolverine. Perhaps you have heard about them in stories, fairy tales or lately on the news? Chances are you don't know all there is to them.
"Iberian lynx are found only in Spain and Portugal. They're one of the rarest cats in the world. [Thanks to extensive conservation efforts] their number has grown to about 500 individuals. Their recovery is very much linked to a healthy rabbit population.
Bat Lyssavirus in Portugal
Rabies has not been reported in this country; therefore most travellers are considered to be at low risk. However, bats may carry bat lyssavirus (bat rabies).
Fart is a peido, bufa, pum, pumzinho. To fart is verb peidar or soltar um peido/pum/uma bufa. And someone who farts a lot, peidorreiro.
English is widely spoken in Lisbon and many of the surrounding towns like Cascais, Costa da Caparica, and Ericeira. Although it often gets beaten by other cities in the English Proficiency Index, English is essentially a second language here.
The Iberian wolf is an iconic apex predator which plays a vital role maintaining the health and functionality of wild nature. Once widespread across Portugal, its population has shrunk significantly in size and range due to habitat loss, persecution, and a lack of wild prey.
Like its neighbour, some of the main threats to the biological diversity of Portugal include: alteration or destruction of habitats; pollution; overexploitation; invasive alien species; urbanization and fires.
there are 2 venomous snakes in portugal, both very similar vipers, quite rare snakes, with very similar venoms, the snakes are not agressive or keen to bite (and if they do the bite might be dry) and the venom is not life threatening for a regular healthy adult. Any symptoms dont last more than 3 days max.
That's a racing carapau! The famous 'Carapau de Corridas”!! It's possible to see great whites in Portugal, although they are quite rare.
From the port, you can reach the beach on foot. Matosinhos Beach (Praia de Matosinhos) is a long beach of fine sand where you can swim (in fairly cold water, it's the Atlantic Ocean...), sunbathe, surf (many rentals equipment and schools).
While searching for sand dollars close to shore, a bull shark attacked the two friends, biting Faust on her lower right leg and foot, while inflicting life-threatening injuries on Gribbin.