There are a lot of reasons to love Portugal, and it’s a destination that draws in millions of holidaymakers. Whether you’re travelling as a family or alone, with a group of friends or as a couple, you won’t struggle to find something to love about Portugal. This popularity means that many people know a lot about Portugal, but there is always something new to learn. After all, every day is a school day. In this blog, we have taken a look at seven interesting facts that you might not know about Portugal.
Do You Know These 7 Portuguese Facts?
Portugal is a beautiful country with a rich history and culture. From its stunning coastline to its charming cities, Portugal has something for everyone, and it’s easy to see why it’s such a popular holiday destination. While many people are familiar with Portugal’s famous landmarks and traditions, there are some lesser known facts about the country that are worth exploring.
Portugal is one of the oldest countries in Europe – Portugal has a long and rich history that dates back to the 12th century, making it one of the oldest countries in Europe. The country was formed when the Kingdom of Portugal was established in 1139, and since then it has played an important role in European history and culture.
Portuguese is spoken all over the world – Portuguese is the official language of Portugal and is also spoken in many other parts of the world. In fact, Portuguese is the sixth most spoken language in the world, with over 220 million people speaking it globally. It is the official language of Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, São Tomé and Príncipe, and East Timor.
Portugal is home to the oldest bookstore in the world – The Bertrand Bookstore in Lisbon is recognized by the Guinness World Records as the oldest bookstore in the world. The store was opened in 1732 and has been operating continuously ever since. It is a popular tourist attraction and a must-visit for book lovers.
Portugal is the largest producer of cork in the world – Cork is a natural, sustainable material that is used for a variety of products, including wine stoppers, flooring, and insulation. Portugal is the largest producer of cork in the world, with about half of the world’s cork supply coming from the country.
Lisbon has the largest indoor aquarium in Europe – The Lisbon Oceanarium is the largest indoor aquarium in Europe and is home to over 8,000 sea creatures from 500 different species. The aquarium is a popular tourist attraction and is a great place to learn about the diversity of marine life in the Atlantic Ocean.
Portugal is famous for its Fado music – Fado is a traditional Portuguese music genre that is characterised by mournful tunes and lyrics about love, loss, and the struggles of everyday life. It is said to have originated in Lisbon in the 19th century and has since become a symbol of Portuguese culture. Many Fado houses can be found in Lisbon, where visitors can listen to live performances while enjoying traditional Portuguese food and wine.
Portugal is home to some of the best beaches in Europe – Portugal is known for its stunning coastline and pristine beaches, and it is no surprise that the country has been voted as one of the best beach destinations in Europe. The Algarve, in particular, is famous for its white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, making it a popular destination for tourists from around the world.
Portugal is a country with a rich history, culture, and natural beauty. From its stunning beaches to its traditional music and cuisine, Portugal has something for everyone. While many people are familiar with Portugal’s famous landmarks and traditions, there are also some lesser known facts about the country that are worth exploring. Whether you’re a history buff, a book lover, or a beach enthusiast, Portugal is a great place to visit and discover something new.
Will You Be Visiting Portugal Soon?
There is no denying that Portugal has a lot of history, culture and sights to see. It’s not simply a country that boasts beaches, sunshine and not much else, as there’s always something new to learn about the region. Whether you are heading to Portugal to sample some of its impressive cuisine or you are hoping to enjoy some local music, you won’t be disappointed by what Portugal has to offer.
One of the most popular destinations in Portugal is the Algarve, and it welcomes a seemingly endless stream of tourists throughout the year. People head to the Algarve for the beaches and the range of things to see, do and experience, but they return for the interesting history and culture. From the moment you arrive in the Algarve, you will see that it’s a unique and diverse place. There are beautiful beaches, stunning scenery and key landmarks, but there are also friendly locals, historic facts to learn and an entire culture to embrace. Even if you have been to the Algarve before, there is always something new to take away from your time there. With so much to offer, no two trips are the same, which is why many visitors return year after year.
Before you arrive in Portugal, do a little bit of research about the country. It’s a fantastic way to ensure that you see every side of the area, and not just the aesthetic beauty and tourist hotspots.