Ten Fun Facts About Portugal
Home to Europe’s only tea plantation and the world’s oldest bookshop, there's much more to Portugal than first meets the eye. Ready to delve into the details? Read on for our favourite fun facts about Portugal to impress guests at your next dinner party...
1. Portugal and Britain have the oldest official alliance
Signed in 1386, the Anglo-Portuguese Treaty of Windsor cemented an alliance between the two nations that’s still going strong today. This alliance was formed between King Richard II of England and King John I of Portugal and grew stronger the following year when Philippa, daughter of the Duke of Lancaster, tied the knot with John I. Since its formation, the alliance has weathered wars, social upheavals and economic expansions to stand the test of time.
Image by Jérôme Galland
2. The national flower of Portugal is lavender
A botanical all-rounder, lavender is a must-have in cooking, oils and perfumes. A member of the mint family, its floral scent and signature purple shade are hard to miss. For the best flower fields? Head to Alentejo in Portugal for unfurling lavender farms – visit between March and July to see them in full bloom.
3. Portugal’s Cape St. Vincent was believed to be the end of the world until the 15th century
Perched at the western tip of the Algarve, this remote spot was once considered the edge of the world. The ancient Greeks referred to Cape St. Vincent as the ‘Land of Serpents,’ while the Romans dubbed it Promontorium Sacrum (Holy Promontory), believing it was a supernatural place where the sun sank into the ocean. All that myth and magic was debunked under the direction of Prince Henry the Navigator when Portuguese sailors ventured beyond Cape St. Vincent in the 1400s, paving the way for global exploration.
Image by mvtepixels/stock.adobe.com
4. The Vasco de Gama Bridge is the longest in Portugal
Stretching across the shimmering Tagus River, the Vasco de Gama Bridge connects Lisbon to the south and east of the country. Spanning over ten miles, this impressive structure was built to ease congestion on the city’s other bridges. Construction was completed just in time for Portugal to host the 1998 World Exposition and remains an important link for commuters today.
5. The Portuguese language has over 600 words derived from Arabic
Portugal's fun facts extend to its language, too. Between the eighth and mid-13th centuries, much of the Iberian Peninsula – including what is now Portugal – was under Moorish rule. This period left a lasting legacy on the Portuguese language, with hundreds of words originating from Arabic. So, next time you sweeten your tea with acucar (sugar), remember to appreciate the word’s Arabic origins.
Image by Tomasz/stock.adobe.com
6. Portuguese is the most widely spoken language in the Southern Hemisphere
With over 265 million speakers worldwide, it’s also one of the most far-reaching languages. Portuguese is an official language in nine countries, including Angola, Brazil and Mozambique (just to name a few). It even has its very own UNESCO-designated language day on the fifth of May. Pretty cool, right?
7. The world’s oldest bookshop is in Portugal
Livraria Bertrand has been open for business in Lisbon since 1732. Founded by two French brothers, this charming bookshop sits on the main street in the Chiado district. With shelves stacked full of old classics and modern bestsellers, there’s something for every reader to enjoy. Not sure you’re in the right place? Keep an eye out for the Guinness World Records certificate by the door – it proudly confirms that Bertrand is the world’s oldest operating bookshop.
Image by Lucy Laucht
8. Portugal’s extensive coastline attracts surfers year-round
Wrapped in over 500 miles of coastline, it’s no wonder that Portugal is a surfer’s sanctuary. Head to Arrifana for beginner-friendly breaks or visit Nazare for sizeable swells – seven of the tallest waves ever surfed were here. Sagres, the so-called surf capital of the Algarve, also draws in crowds with its world-class waves.
9. Portugal’s Sao Miguel Island is home to Europe’s only tea plantation
Sitting pretty in the Azores, the Gorreana Tea Factory dates back to 1883. Visitors can stroll through its lush fields, admire the pretty panoramas and enjoy a cup of organic black or green tea. From Broken Leaf and Orange Pekoe to Hysson and Encosta de Bruma, there are plenty of tasty flavours to savour.
Image by Jérôme Galland
10. The island of Madeira is closer to the African coast than to Portugal’s capital
Despite being a Portuguese island, Madeira is just over 600 miles from Lisbon, while the African coast lies around 310 miles away. This proximity to Africa is evident in Madeira’s culture, from its vibrant cuisine to its lively folk music, which merges African and European rhythms.
