Portugal People And Culture

• Language

Although this softer sister of Spanish is closely related to the other Romance languages, modern Portuguese is an amalgamation of diverse influences. The majority of Portuguese is derived from Latin ...more

• Religion

Though the constitution mandates that there be no state religion in Portugal, roughly 85% of the Portuguese population identifies as Roman Catholic, though a large number are non-practicing. A major ...more

• Food And Drink

The Portuguese season their dishes with the basics of Mediterranean cuisine: olive oil, garlic, herbs, and sea salt. Cumin and coriander are especially popular, and dishes can be quite spicy. Pork, potatoes ...more

• Customs And Etiquette

The Portuguese are generally friendly, easygoing, and receptive to foreign travelers. Even if your Portuguese is a little rusty, a wholehearted attempt at speaking the native tongue will be appreciated ...more

• The Arts

Prehistoric Architecture. The largest prehistoric remains in Portugal are at Valverde, near Évora. These dolmens, or ancient tombs, complement the town’s later architectural styles manifest in the ...more

• The Media

Portugal’s most widely read daily newspapers are Público (www.publico.pt), Diário de Notícas (www.dn.sapo.pt), and Jornal de Notícas (www.jn.sapo.pt). If you haven’t mastered Portuguese, check ...more

• Sports

Futebol is the game of choice for just about all Portuguese sports fans. Team Portugal has had its moments in the sun—the national team took second in the 2004 European Championships and garnered a ...more

• National Holidays