Portugal

Located in Western Europe (UTC+0), mainland Portugal is bordered by only one country: Spain to the north and east, with the Atlantic Ocean to the west and south. With an area of approximately 92,212km², its total area is actually larger than that (approximately 92,226km²), due to Portugal’s autonomous regions across the Atlantic Ocean: the Azores and Madeira.

With a population of about 10.75 million (2024 estimate), Portugal is overwhelmingly Christian (Catholic), though religious practice has been declining over the years. According to the 2021 Census, about 14% of the population considered themselves of no religion, and less than 1% (specifically 0.42% Muslim) belonged to non-Christian faiths. The official language is Portuguese.

Portuguese people are often viewed as reserved and melancholic due to their deep historical connection to saudade, where one feels a profound sense of longing, but they are actually quite warm, talkative and family-oriented, with hospitality and courtesy being extremely important to them (greeting people formally, offering food and wine to guests, and taking time to talk are just a few examples). They are also known for being resilient, valuing tradition and a slower pace of life, as well as being passionate and emotive, but extremely patriotic, especially when it comes to their food (like bacalhau or their charcuterie) and the country’s history and traditions.

The majority of mainland Portugal has a Mediterranean climate (Csa), with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters, dominating most of the south, centre, and interior of the country. However, there are some climate variations across different regions: from a more oceanic influence in the humid north and northwest, to a colder climate in the high altitudes of the Serra da Estrela, and even subtropical or mild oceanic climates in the autonomous regions of the Azores and Madeira.

The landscape in mainland Portugal is mostly defined by rolling plains and low hills in the south (Alentejo), with mountains and high plateaus found predominantly in the north and central regions (such as the Serra da Estrela). The west and south are defined by an extensive, varied coastline.

The currency used throughout all of Portugal, including the mainland and the autonomous regions of the Azores and Madeira, is the Euro (€ – EUR).

The capital of Portugal, Lisbon (Lisboa), is a major European centre and a worldwide known city, popular for its iconic landmarks such as the Belém Tower, the Jerónimos Monastery, vintage yellow tramways, and its many spectacular viewpoints (miradouros) and historic squares like Praça do Comércio. It is also a global centre for maritime history, Fado music, and distinctive architecture, featuring famous sites such as the Alfama district and São Jorge Castle. Nearby, you can find the charming historic town of Sintra, which offers a glimpse into Portuguese royal life and Romantic-era architecture.

It’s also worth noting that due to rising popularity over the years, Lisbon can be quite busy, highly touristy, pricey and overcrowded.

Despite being an extremely safe country and ranking consistently among the most peaceful nations globally, petty crimes are extremely common in major tourist cities like Lisbon and Porto, especially on crowded public transport. There are often organised groups that target tourists, scamming them, using distractions to commit pickpocketing and snatching bags, phones, and wallets. It is essential to be highly vigilant in busy spots like train stations, the Alfama district, and popular attractions.

Driving in Portugal is generally considered straightforward, but it certainly presents its own set of challenges, particularly in major urban centers like Lisbon and Porto. From heavy traffic, lack of parking, and confusing restricted traffic zones (Zonas de Acesso Condicionado – ZACs), to navigating countless narrow, steep, and winding cobbled streets in historic areas, driving in major cities can be very stressful and expensive.

However, navigating between towns and cities is much easier thanks to a network of (somewhat pricey) well-maintained toll motorways (Autoestradas) – electronic tolls are often used to pay for them.

If avoiding toll motorways, scenic national and secondary roads can be used, and although being less well-maintained and winding, driving shouldn’t be a problem, as long as you adjust your speed. Just like any other country, rural, more remote areas may feature narrow, less well-maintained roads.

Ultimately, Portugal is excellent for a scenic road trip, but travelers are strongly advised to use the reliable public transportation when commuting within major cities.