5 Surprising Facts About Portugal You Didn’t Know

eSIMo Team

June 3, 2025

Introduction: More Than Just Wine and Football

Portugal’s often associated with Port wine, Cristiano Ronaldo, and stunning coastlines—but there’s so much more to this charming country. Whether you’re planning a trip or just brushing up on trivia, these 5 fascinating facts about Portugal will open your eyes to what makes this destination truly unique.

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1. Portugal Is the Oldest Country in Europe

That’s right. Portugal has had the same borders since 1139, making it the oldest nation-state in Europe. While other countries were still forming or shifting borders, Portugal was already carving out its global legacy.

Why it matters:

Rich, well-preserved heritage
Tons of medieval towns and castles to explore
A deep-rooted national identity

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2. The Portuguese Language Is Global

Think Portuguese is only spoken in Portugal and Brazil? Not even close. Portuguese is the official language of nine countries across four continents, including Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, and parts of Asia.

Search for: “Where is Portuguese spoken in 2025” – you’ll be amazed.

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3. Portugal Has One of the World's Oldest Bookstores

Lisbon is home to Bertrand Bookstore, established in 1732. It’s recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s oldest operating bookstore. Still open, still beautiful, and still a must-visit for book lovers.

Why visit:

Old-world charm
Cozy reading spaces
Surrounded by Lisbon’s iconic streets

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4. It’s the Land of Cork

Portugal produces more than half of the world’s cork supply. From bottle stoppers to handbags, cork is a major part of the country’s sustainable economy—and you’ll find cork-made souvenirs everywhere.

Fun tip: Visit a cork factory tour or pick up a cork wallet or hat—lightweight and eco-friendly.

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5. Portugal Has a Secret Surfing Scene

While everyone flocks to Spain and France for European waves, Portugal has quietly become one of the top surfing spots in the world. Nazaré, in particular, is known for its record-breaking waves—some of the biggest ever surfed.

Who’s it for:

Surfers of all levels
Coastal road trippers
Beach lovers who want more than just a tan

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Portugal in 2025: Still Underrated, Still Incredible

From ancient cities to oceanfront adventures, Portugal offers history, beauty, and charm in equal measure. Whether you're exploring Lisbon's narrow streets, tasting wines in the Douro Valley, or catching waves in Nazaré, there's something here for everyone.

And wherever you roam across this amazing country, staying connected shouldn’t be a hassle.

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Stay Connected Across Portugal with eSIMo – Cheapest Browsing in 200 Countries

When you're walking through ancient ruins, wine tasting in the countryside, or snapping sunset photos over the Atlantic, you’ll want fast and affordable data. That’s where eSIMo comes in.

With coverage in over 200 countries, including Portugal, and some of the lowest browsing prices in the world, eSIMo keeps you online without the stress of local SIM swaps or expensive roaming charges.

Global reach. Local prices. Unlimited freedom—with eSIMo.