Why visit
Portugal is Europe's best-value major destination. Lisbon's tilework hills, Porto's wine cellars, the Douro Valley, Alentejo villages, and the Algarve cliffs and beaches.
Country - Europe
Portugal
foodbeachhistorycityculture
How to use this result
Use it as a country shortlist
Portugal works best as a first-pass travel idea. Start with the region, season, and themes on this page, then compare flights, entry rules, safety guidance, and local transport before treating it as a real option.
Compare the capital and side trips
Use Lisbon as the administrative starting point, then check whether the strongest trip idea is actually the capital, a coastal area, a nature route, or another city in Portugal.
At a glance
Location
39.5°, -8.0°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
92,090 km²
35,556 mi²
Country population
10.3 million
111/km²
Subregion
Southern Europe
Currency
Euro (€)
EUR
Dial
+351
Language
Portuguese
Demonym
Portuguese
Internet
.pt
UN
Member state
ISO code
PT / PRT
Where in the world
39.5° - -8.0°
Portugal
Open in Google Maps
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world - CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Portugal had the longest colonial empire: spanning 584 years (1415 to 1999 when Macau was returned).
- The oldest bookstore in the world still in operation is in Lisbon: Livraria Bertrand, since 1732.
- Portugal and Spain have Europe's oldest known continuously settled border (established 1297, unchanged since).
- The University of Coimbra is one of the oldest in the world, operating continuously since 1290.
Bordering Portugal
Traveler notes
- Lisbon → Porto by train in under 3 hours
- Schengen visa; euro currency
- Pastéis de nata, bacalhau, and port wine are the food anchors
Plan checks
- Start research with the capital Lisbon, then compare two or three other regions.
- Check passport validity, visa rules, health requirements, and travel insurance for current conditions.
- Verify swim safety, ocean conditions, and water-quality reports by month.
- Reserve top restaurants 2–4 weeks out and plan two standout meals per city.
Signature travel cities in Portugal
Explore more
Facts last reviewed June 2026 against GeoNames and national statistics sources. See the editorial policy for how destination data is maintained.
Frequently asked about Portugal
What is the capital of Portugal?
Lisbon is the capital of Portugal.
What currency does Portugal use?
Portugal uses the Euro (€), ISO code EUR.
What languages are spoken in Portugal?
The primary language is Portuguese.
Is Portugal landlocked?
No, Portugal has a coastline.
What countries border Portugal?
Portugal borders Spain.
What is the international calling code for Portugal?
The calling code is +351.
When is the best time to visit Portugal?
Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct. Check current weather and local events before booking.
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