-
Properties
-
Market analysis
-
Developments
-
Glam Services
-
Company
-
Credit intermediation
-
Partenaires
-
Contacts
-
Living in Portugal
-
Blog
- PT
- EN
- FR
- DE
Visiting and living in Portugal
Visiting and living in Portugal
The mild climate, 3000 hours of sunshine per year and 850 km of splendid beaches bathed by the Atlantic Ocean make Portugal a perfect destination for all seasons, just a few hours' drive from any European capital.
In this country that has the oldest borders in Europe, you will find a great diversity of landscapes within walking distance, many leisure activities and a unique cultural heritage, where tradition and contemporaneity come together in harmony.
The gastronomy, the good wines and the friendliness of the Portuguese complete an offer of quality tourist services, whether for a weekend or a longer vacation.
The mild climate, 3000 hours of sunshine per year and 850 km of splendid beaches bathed by the Atlantic Ocean make Portugal a perfect destination for all seasons, just a few hours' drive from any European capital.
In this country that has the oldest borders in Europe, you will find a great diversity of landscapes within walking distance, many leisure activities and a unique cultural heritage, where tradition and contemporaneity come together in harmony.
The gastronomy, the good wines and the friendliness of the Portuguese complete an offer of quality tourist services, whether for a weekend or a longer vacation.
Portugal is located in the extreme southwest of Europe and includes the archipelagos of Madeira and Azores in the Atlantic Ocean. On the European continent, the Portuguese territory occupies an area of 88,889 km2 (218 km wide, 561 km long, 832 km of Atlantic coast and 1,215 km of land border with Spain).
Located in the Atlantic Ocean, between the European continent and the North American continent, the Azores archipelago has an area of 2,355 km2 and consists of nine islands - São Miguel and Santa Maria in the Eastern Group, Terceira, Graciosa, São Jorge, Pico and Faial in the Central Group, and Flores and Corvo in the Western Group. The connections with mainland Portugal are assured by air, in about 2 hours of flight.
The Archipelago of Madeira, with an area of 741 km2, is located in the Atlantic Ocean about 500 km from the African coast and 1000 km from the European continent (1h30 flight to Lisbon). It consists of the islands of Madeira and Porto Santo, and the uninhabited islands of Desertas and Selvagens (which are Natural Reserve Areas).
Geography
Geography
Climate
Climate
The climate in Portugal varies significantly from region to region, and is influenced by relief, latitude and proximity to the sea, which provides mild winters, especially in the Algarve.
In the areas of Porto and North and Center, especially in areas closer to Spain, winters are colder, although temperatures are moderate when compared to the rest of Europe.
There is some snowfall, which is more frequent in the Serra da Estrela, where the highest point in continental Portugal (1991m) is located and where skiing conditions can be found. Summers are hot and dry, especially in inland regions, and on the coast the heat is moderated by the maritime influence.
During autumn there are often sunny days with mild temperatures.
Continental Portugal
Azores
Azores
Influenced by latitude and the regulating action of the Gulf Stream, the climate of the Azores is characterized by mild temperatures throughout the year. These influences also condition the temperature of the sea water, which remains very pleasant both in winter and summer, allowing the practice of various marine sports.
Madeira
With subtropical characteristics due to its geographical position and mountainous relief, the climate in the Madeira archipelago is exceptionally mild, with average air temperatures ranging between 24 ºC in summer and 19 ºC in winter. The sea water also maintains a very pleasant temperature throughout the year due to the influence of the warm Gulf Stream, oscillating between 18 ºC (winter) and 22 ºC (summer).
Portugal has a population of 10,562,178 inhabitants (according to the 2011 Census).
The highest population density is found in and around Lisbon, the country's capital, where about 1.9 million people live. The second largest city in Portugal is Porto, located in the north of the country. In general, the locations along the coast have more human occupation than the country's interior.
Population
The Portuguese people are mostly Catholic, but the Portuguese Constitution guarantees religious freedom, which translates into the presence in Portugal of several cults.
Religion
Religion
Language
Language
With Latin roots, Portuguese is spoken by about 250 million people on all continents, making it the fifth most spoken language in the world and the third if we only consider the European languages.
The Portuguese-speaking countries are spread across the four corners of the world. Thus, Portuguese is spoken in Africa (Angola, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique and São Tomé and Príncipe) in South America (Brazil), and in Asia, in East Timor, the youngest country in the world, and is also an official language in the Special Administrative Region of Macau.
In Portugal, a good part of the citizens can communicate easily in English, French and Spanish.
