Portugal is a fascinating country. Its centuries-old villages and towns preserve stories and legends dating back to the nation’s origins. The mountains, valleys, and plains invite exploration, offering breathtaking landscapes in every shade. The cities captivate with creativity and vibrancy, blending tradition and modernity in perfect harmony.
For travellers wishing to deepen their knowledge of this extraordinary destination, we’ve selected 20 interesting facts about Portugal that are sure to spark your curiosity and inspire your next adventure.
1. Portugal: One of the Sunniest Countries in Europe
With over 300 days of sunshine a year in regions like the Algarve and Alentejo, Portugal ranks among the sunniest countries in Europe. This fact, combined with its mild climate and stunning scenery, explains why it is increasingly sought after by travellers worldwide.
2. Portugal Has 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
From historic city centres and cultural landscapes to natural wonders, Portugal is rich in history and culture, with 17 UNESCO-listed sites. This is one of the most compelling facts about Portugal you can experience first-hand on our Immersive Journeys tours.
3. Over 900 km of Coastline… and Hidden Beaches
Portugal is a haven for sea lovers. Stretching 945 km from Caminha to Vila Real de Santo António, its coastline offers dramatic cliffs and spectacular beaches — from vast sandy expanses to secluded coves perfect for those seeking tranquillity. It's another one of the interesting facts about Portugal that attracts thousands of visitors every year.
4. A Global Leader in Sustainable Tourism and Renewable Energy
Portugal is internationally recognised as a pioneer in sustainability and renewable energy. Entire days are powered solely by clean sources such as solar, wind, and hydro. More than 20% of its territory is protected through national parks and reserves. At Immersive Journeys, we proudly create eco-conscious experiences that support biodiversity and local communities.
5. Portugal: Where Tiles and Cobblestones Became Art
The Portuguese have elevated tiles (azulejos) and traditional stone paving (calçada) into unique art forms. Azulejos tell stories on the façades of churches, palaces, stations, and homes. Meanwhile, calçada portuguesa creates elegant patterns on city pavements, true open-air masterpieces. It's one of the interesting facts about Portugal that adds even more color to the country!
6. Port Wine Has Ancient Roots
The Douro demarcated region, created in 1756, was the first regulated wine region in the world. This interesting fact about Portugal proves that the country was a pioneer in the production of certified wines, long before such practices became commonplace. With its long history, Port wine is one of the great ambassadors of Portuguese culture and a national symbol. Tasting it on family farms, on itineraries designed by Immersive Journeys just for you, is an unmissable experience.
7. The Pastel de Nata Originated in a Monastery
The iconic “Nata,” one of the most appreciated Portuguese products worldwide, was created by the monks of the Jerónimos Monastery in Belém, Lisbon. When the monasteries were closed, the secret recipe was sold to a factory that still produces the famous “Pastéis de Belém” today... and keeps the original recipe under lock and key! Since then, the Pastel de Belém has conquered the world and is now a symbol of Portugal. Trying a Pastel de Belém while it's still warm, sprinkled with cinnamon, is a must! These interesting facts about Portugal show how gastronomy is an essential part of the country's cultural heritage.
8. Portugal is a World-Class Surfing Destination
Nazaré’s Praia do Norte is world-famous for its giant waves, where several surfing world records have been set. But Portugal offers much more: from Peniche (the “wave capital”) to Guincho Beach near Lisbon, the Atlantic coast provides exceptional surfing conditions year-round.
9. There Are Villages Made Entirely of Schist
In Portugal, there are several Schist Villages, where houses are built with this type of stone and where communities maintain a traditional way of life. These villages are mainly located in the Central region, in areas such as Serra da Lousã, Serra do Açor, and along the Zêzere River, and offer a truly unique experience to those who visit them. Immersive Journeys itineraries include extended visits to these villages to learn about this way of life, which is one of the interesting facts about Portugal.
10. The Alentejo Has Portugal’s “Stonehenge”
The Cromeleque dos Almendres, located near Évora, is nicknamed the “Portuguese Stonehenge.” This megalithic monument is the largest in the Iberian Peninsula and one of the oldest in Europe, dating back around 7,000 to 8,000 years. The cromlech consists of 95 stone monoliths arranged in circles and ellipses, and is believed to have been used for ritual or astronomical purposes. If you like history and archaeology, this is one of the interesting facts about Portugal that you can learn about and visit with Immersive Journeys!
11. Coimbra’s University is One of the World’s Oldest
Founded in 1290, the University of Coimbra ranks among the world’s oldest universities. Its Baroque Joanina Library is famously home to a colony of bats that protect ancient books from insects, an unusual and fascinating piece of heritage.
12. Portugal is Home to One of the World’s Leading Marian Shrines
Following the apparitions of “Nossa Senhora de Fátima” in 1917, the Sanctuary of Fátima became a major pilgrimage site. Every year, especially on 13 May and 13 October, thousands of pilgrims gather to honour this profound spiritual event. It's another one of the interesting facts about Portugal that demonstrates the country's relevance in a religious context as well.
13. Fado is the Musical Soul of Portugal
More than just a musical style, fado is the deepest expression of the Portuguese soul and has been recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This musical genre, born in the working-class neighborhoods of Lisbon, expresses “saudade”—an untranslatable Portuguese concept that blends melancholy, nostalgia, and a sense of absence. Listening to fado in a typical house in Lisbon or Coimbra is a highly recommended experience that touches the heart. One of the interesting facts about Portugal that illustrates how Portuguese culture transcends borders.
14. Portugal Has the Oldest Borders in Europe
Portugal’s borders have remained virtually unchanged since 1249, making them the oldest in Europe. Unlike many nations shaped by wars and treaties, Portugal’s geographic boundaries have been stable for nearly 800 years. Having only one neighboring country, Spain, helps explain another interesting fact about Portugal that few people know.
15. Portugal Was the First Global Empire
Portugal established the world’s first global empire, beginning in 1415 with the conquest of Ceuta. Pioneering maritime exploration with figures like Vasco da Gama, the nation’s influence spanned continents, forging lasting trade and cultural links across Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
16. England’s Tea Tradition Came from a Portuguese Queen
The tradition of English tea has Portuguese roots! When she married Charles II of England in 1662, Queen Catherine of Braganza brought the habit of drinking tea from Portugal, something that was already common among the Portuguese aristocracy due to trade with China. The ladies of the English aristocracy began to imitate her, and tea became a symbol of sophistication. Over time, the habit spread throughout society and evolved into the famous five o'clock tea, which is now a British tradition.
17. Portuguese is Spoken by Over 250 Million People
Although Portugal has only 10 million inhabitants, Portuguese is spoken by around 270 million people worldwide. It is the sixth most widely used language globally and the most widely spoken in the southern hemisphere. Furthermore, it is estimated that in less than 30 years, the number of speakers could reach 400 million. This is one of the interesting facts about Portugal that demonstrates the immense legacy of the Age of Discovery.
18. Portugal is the World’s Largest Cork Producer
Portugal is the world's largest producer of cork, accounting for 49.6% of global production. Cork oak trees, from which cork is extracted, cover vast areas of the Alentejo region. One interesting fact about Portugal is that Portuguese law has protected these cork oak trees since the 13th century, prohibiting their felling without special authorization. Portuguese cork is used in the stoppers of the world's finest wines and has innovative applications ranging from fashion to the aerospace industry.
19. The World’s Oldest Bookstore is in Lisbon
For book lovers, one of the interesting facts about Portugal is that it is home to the oldest bookstore in the world still in operation. Livraria Bertrand, in Lisbon, founded in 1732, is a true historical and cultural treasure.
20. There’s So Much More Beyond the Tourist Routes!
Perhaps one of the most interesting facts about Portugal is how much there is to discover beyond the classic tourist routes. From historic villages and centuries-old vineyards to untouched landscapes and living traditions, this is the Portugal Immersive Journeys invites you to explore with authenticity, comfort, and exclusivity.
These 20 interesting facts about Portugal are just a glimpse of what this remarkable country has to offer. With Immersive Journeys, you’ll uncover even more surprises and hidden treasures as you explore a land where every corner holds a story waiting to be told.
Tours in Portugal
Contact our team to start planning your bespoke experience and discover the Portugal few have seen, yet everyone dreams of.
Contact usRelated
