Portugal
Clinging to the western edge of Europe, Portugal packs dramatic coastlines, melancholic fado music, cobblestoned hill towns, and a coffee culture that rivals Italy's — all into a compact, walkable country. Lisbon's seven hills alone could keep a walker busy for days.
Capital
Lisbon
Language
Portuguese
Currency
Euro (€)
Timezone
UTC+0 / UTC+1 (summer)
Population
10.3 million
Best Time
March — May, September — October
All walks in Portugal
Walking Culture
Portugal is a walker's paradise. Lisbon's steep calçada (cobblestone) streets, Porto's riverside Ribeira, and the Rota Vicentina coastal trail along the Alentejo coast all reward those on foot. The Portuguese Camino de Santiago route runs from Lisbon to the Spanish border. Walking is how locals navigate their hilly cities — elevators and funiculars help.
Did You Know?
Portugal is the oldest country in Europe with the same borders since 1139.
The Portuguese invented tempura, which they introduced to Japan in the 16th century.
Lisbon is older than Rome — founded around 1200 BC.
Portugal has over 250 days of sunshine per year.
The world's oldest bookshop, Livraria Bertrand, has been open in Lisbon since 1732.