A Great Place to Visit

Summer is coming and no doubt you are thinking about travel plans. We have noted that Portugal is a very popular country to visit and so thought you might be interested in this!

1. Portugal is the oldest nation-state in Europe, having established its current borders in 1139 AD.

2. The Portuguese language is the official language of 9 countries, including Portugal itself, Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, and others.

3. Portugal is the world’s largest cork producer, responsible for over half of the world’s cork supply.

4. The Vasco da Gama Bridge in Lisbon is the longest bridge in Europe, spanning over 10 miles (17.2 kilometers).

5. Portugal is one of the world’s top producers of quality wine, known for its Port wine, Vinho Verde, and Douro wines.

6. The University of Coimbra in Portugal is one of the oldest universities in continuous operation in the world, founded in 1290.

7. The Portuguese island of Madeira is famous for its New Year’s Eve celebrations, featuring one of the largest fireworks displays in the world.

8. Portugal is home to Europe’s westernmost point, Cabo da Roca, which offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.

9. The Portuguese town of Óbidos is known for its annual chocolate festival, attracting visitors from around the world.

10. Portugal’s Algarve region is renowned for its stunning beaches, dramatic cliffs, and picturesque fishing villages.

11. The Azulejo, traditional Portuguese ceramic tiles, are used to decorate buildings, churches, and even train stations throughout the country.

12. The famous Portuguese pastry, Pastel de Nata, was created by Catholic monks in the 18th century.

13. Portugal’s national symbol is the Rooster of Barcelos, which symbolizes luck, honesty, and integrity.

14. Lisbon’s São Jorge Castle offers panoramic views of the city and has a history dating back over 2,000 years.

15. The Vasco da Gama Tower in Lisbon is shaped like a sailboat mast and is one of the tallest buildings in Portugal.

16. Portugal has a long history of exploration, with explorers like Vasco da Gama, Ferdinand Magellan, and Bartolomeu Dias leading expeditions during the Age of Discovery.

17. The city of Porto is known for its historic center, UNESCO-listed port wine cellars, and iconic Dom Luís I Bridge.

18. Portugal is home to one of the world’s oldest bookshops, Livraria Bertrand, which opened in Lisbon in 1732.

19. The Portuguese island of Porto Santo is believed to be the first landing site of Christopher Columbus on his voyage to the Americas in 1492.

20. Portuguese cuisine features a variety of seafood dishes, including bacalhau (salted cod), grilled sardines, and seafood rice.

21. Portugal abolished the death penalty for all crimes, including wartime crimes, in 1867, making it one of the earliest countries to do so.

Happy travels!