Ready for some fun facts about Portugal that might surprise you? Small in size but large in stature, Portugal has given rise to a medley of firsts and greats.
The nation that brought us barbecued chicken, Port Wine and Cristiano Ronaldo certainly has a weird way with words. From “swallowing frogs” so you bite your tongue to “breaking the coconut laughing” because you’re laughing so hard you lose control, the Portuguese have a naturally descriptive and colourful way of telling a story.
And, it is this love of storytelling that has fuelled the wanderlust of the Portuguese. The country may be small compared to its European neighbours, but what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in sheer tenacity, hard work and a sense of adventure.
It’s little wonder then, that this Iberian nation is home to an impressive array of noteworthy historic achievements and some modern-day surprises – see it for yourself and secure some incredible tour savings on our Last Minute Deals. Without further ado, here are 20 fun facts about Portugal you would never have guessed:
Portugal is the oldest country in Europe
And the award for oldest nation-state in Europe goes to… Portugal. In 1139, Portugal appointed King Afonso Henriques as its king. Lisbon is said to be four centuries older than Rome. Due to its excellent trading location, the Phoenicians settled in Lisbon around 1200 BC.
What do Portugal and Japan have in common?
The Portuguese were the first Europeans to reach Japan in the 16th century. They left their linguistic mark on this Asian nation. Words such as pan (from the Portuguese pão meaning bread) and sabato (from the Portuguese sabado meaning Saturday) are all good examples.
The world’s oldest bookstore is in Lisbon
Book lovers will delight in a visit to Bertrand Bookstore in Lisbon’s Chiado district. The book store was established in 1732. Its exterior façade is a spectacular display of mosaic tiles, worth admiring in their own right.
The shortest – and longest – reigning monarchs
Portugal holds the record for the shortest and longest-reigning monarchs. Henrique of Portugal was the king of Portugal for more than 73 years. Luis Filipe, on the other hand, was king for only 20 minutes.
The secret recipe for Pastéis de Nata
Crispy, creamy and sweet – there’s nothing like the original Pastéis de Nata (custard tart) from its home in Lisbon’s Belém district. Among the most fun facts about Portugal is that the family has kept the original recipe a secret since the 19th century. So, make a point of visiting this well-known bakery in Belém.
There’s always time for coffee
The Portuguese won’t let a little thing like work keep them from enjoying a coffee break or two during their day. Their preference is a quick espresso-sized bica served in a tiny cup.
One of the world’s oldest universities is in Portugal
Portuguese academics established the University of Coimbra in 1290, making it one of the oldest universities in the world. The University achieved UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2013. Today, it is open to tourists who can visit its Royal Palace and the Joanine Library.
Renewable energy is a big focus
One of the interesting facts about Portugal is that the country is investing heavily in renewable energy. So much so, that in 2016 the entire country ran for almost five consecutive days entirely on renewable energy powered by wind, sun and water.
Portugal is one of the world’s top surf spots
It may not be Hawaii, but one of our favourite fun facts about Portugal is that it’s 800km Atlantic coastline and temperate climate makes it a year-round surfing hotspot.
A Portuguese explorer was the first to complete a full journey around the earth
Portuguese explorer, Ferdinand Magellan, is said to have led the first expedition to circumnavigate the globe.
Piri-Piri originated in Portugal
The world has Portugal to thank for piri-piri, the chilli sauce quite often liberally poured over the nation’s favourite churrasco chicken. The chilli that is the sauce’s main ingredient hails from South America, and it was from here that the Portuguese then took the chillis to Africa. It was here that the melange of chilli, garlic and lemon resulted in this famous sauce.
Port Wine is Portugal’s most famous export and its national drink
Produced exclusively in Portugal’s UNESCO-listed Douro Valley, Port Wine is a sweet, red fortified wine. The area is the third-oldest protected wine region in the world and its produce became very popular with the English in the 18th century.
RELATED CONTENT: Where to drink port wine in Portugal
Portugal is the westernmost point of Europe
While Portugal is set on the edge of the Iberian peninsula in south-western Europe, its archipelago of the Azores in the Atlantic ocean officially holds the title of being the westernmost point of Europe.
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Portugal is the world’s largest cork producer
One of the most interesting facts about Portugal is that it is home to the world’s largest cork forest and produces over 70% of its cork exports. So, head to a street market and shop for cork coasters and beautiful cork handbags.
Portugal was once extremely powerful
Portugal once owned half of the “New World”. When the Treaty of Tordesillas was signed in 1494, Portugal was given the eastern half of the New World, including Brazil, Asia and Africa.
Fátima is a global pilgrimage centre
The shrine of Fátima is a popular pilgrimage spot for Christian worshippers. It was here in 1917 that the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to three young shepherds. In terms of the number of visiting pilgrims, it is second only to Rome in Europe.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Portugal is home to 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. With the exception of only one, these are all cultural sites. These play an important role in tourism and are one of the reasons Portugal has become one of the top 20 most-visited countries in the world.
A pioneer of the euro
Portugal was one of the first countries to adopt the euro, giving up its own currency, the Portuguese escudo, for the euro in 1999 – though up until 2022 you could still exchange Portuguese escudo banknotes for euros!
Portuguese isn’t just limited to Portugal
As well as in its home country, Portuguese is the official language of nine other countries: Angola, Brazil, Cabo Verde, East Timor, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Macau, Mozambique, Sāo Tomé and Principe, and even Goa in India. That makes it the sixth-most spoken first language in the world, clocking around 220 million speakers native speakers.
The New Year calls for 12 raisins
When the clock strikes twelve in Portugal, those still awake take part in the tradition of eating twelve raisins – one raisin for each chime of the clock, which symbolizes one for every month to come. Not only that, each raisin eaten earns one wish that those celebrating can make during the first few months of the New Year.
Perhaps you’d like to fuel your own wanderlust the Portuguese way and head off on your own adventure. If Portugal has piqued your interest, check out our Best of Portugal trip for all the highlights, or snap up some savings in our Last Minute Deals.
Have you discovered any fun facts about Portugal not on this list? Let us know in the comments!