Portugal is still something of a hidden treasure when it comes to travelling around Europe, often being overlooked in comparison to its immediate neighbour, Spain (the second-most popular destination in the world). However, there are a number of striking differences between the two countries that help Portugal stand out as one of the most genuinely magical places to visit on the continent.
To help give you a better understanding of the charms and characteristics of this remarkable country, we’ve pulled together everything you need to know about Portugal.
The Climate
From the outside, most people think of Portugal as having the perfect Mediterranean climate. However, there are a few noticeable influences that can take some travellers by surprise when they first arrive in the country.
Because of its geographical location next to the Atlantic ocean and Mediterranean sea at the south-western tip of Europe, Portugal does indeed have what many would consider the perfect ‘not too hot, not too cold’ sort of climate during the majority of the year. The average temperature in the north of the country is around 15°C (55°F), with the south rising slightly higher to 18°C (64°F). The north of the country is also the region that experiences the most rainfall compared to the south.
The Algarve in Portugal’s most southern region in the Faro District is known across the continent as an almost heavenly place, and gets more sunshine than any other region in Europe.
The Culture
Portugal has always been a fiercely Roman Catholic country, and there is a strong close-knit family ethic prevalent in the country that travellers are sure to feel upon arrival. Portugal’s culture has been heavily influenced by a large number of different groups throughout its history, with the likes of the Celts, Vikings, Phoenicians and Moors all leaving their imprints on the country to this day.
Given its nature as one of the most popular destinations for tourists and TEFL jobs abroad, anywhere between a quarter and a third of Portugal’s population can speak English to at least a semi-fluent level. Much like many countries where tourism is one of the dominant arms of the national economy, English speakers are much more likely to be found in big cities like Lisbon and Porto, and tourist hotbeds like the Algarve, whilst more rural areas where travellers are less common are more likely to not have the same grasp of the language.
Portugal’s culture is also heavily defined by its love of the arts, literature and music. Lisbon, Porto, and Guimarães have all been named as European Capitals of Culture after a renaissance swept across the country over the past few decades, with almost every town in Portugal now having an area designated for local art exhibitions near the town hall.
Fado and folk music are absolutely everywhere in Portugal, and their importance to the culture of the country was highlighted when three days of mourning was ordered in the wake of Amália Rodrigues’ (the “Queen of Fado) death in 1999. There are several different forms of Fado across Portugal, and almost every town will have a square (normally close to a church for religious ceremonies) that will often host large dances and presentations.
Fun fact:
Portugal and the United Kingdom hold the world record for the longest-running alliance in history, having signed the Anglo-Portuguese Treaty all the way back in 1373.
The Food
Because almost everything to do with Portugal is so heavily linked to its proud maritime past and abundance of coastlines, it should come as no surprise that fish make up a huge part of the cuisines in the country.
Bacalhau is a salted Cod fish and has been the staple for Portuguese cuisine for centuries, along with other fish such as sardines, lobster, shrimp, octopus, eel, dorado, and robalo. That isn’t to say that other meats aren’t incredibly popular too however, with pork and goat also eaten right across the country.
Bowls of olives will almost always be present on the table at the start of a meal, and other regular Mediterranean fixtures such as eggs and goat’s cheese.
Cafe culture is also a big part of Portuguese life. Throughout the day, cafes will be filled with patrons sipping coffees, browsing through newspapers, watching televisions suspended on the walls to follow the latest soccer match, and generally using these buildings as a means of socialising.