Portugal vacation checklist: What every tourist should know in 10 quick facts

Lisbon is older than Rome

You might be surprised to learn that Lisbon is one of the oldest capitals in Europe, as it is nearly 400 years older than Rome.

Studies show that the first settlements on the site of Lisbon date back to around 1200 BC when the Phoenicians founded a trading port there.

Rome, by comparison, was founded around 753 BC. Among European capitals, only Athens is older than Lisbon.

Movies are only subtitled, not dubbed

If you plan to go to a movie theater in Portugal, don't be surprised: most foreign films are not dubbed. Instead, they're shown with the original audio track and Portuguese subtitles.

This helps promote foreign language learning among the population. The exception is animated films, which are usually dubbed for children.

Saudade, a feeling that exists only in Portugal

The Portuguese language has a unique word, "saudade," which has no exact equivalent in other languages. It's a deep, melancholic feeling of longing, nostalgia, or sorrow for something lost that may never return.

It's believed this concept arose during the Age of Discovery, when sailors embarked on long voyages, leaving their families behind for years. Saudade is essential to understanding the Portuguese soul, especially through their national music, fado.Portugal is a unique country (photo: Getty Images)

Portugal is the world's leading cork producer

Portugal is the world's largest cork manufacturer, supplying over 50% of the global market. Vast cork oak forests cover significant areas of the country, especially in the Alentejo region.

Cork isn't just used for wine stoppers; it's also applied in construction, fashion, and design thanks to its unique properties.

Lisbon's unique trash bin technology

While walking around Lisbon, especially in historic districts, you may hear strange, hissing, and humming noises underground. It's not magic, but a part of the city's modern infrastructure: in some areas, a pneumatic waste collection system is in place.

Trash thrown into special bins is automatically "sucked" through underground pipes to central sorting stations.

World's oldest bookstore

Lisbon is home to Livraria Bertrand, officially recognized as the world's oldest continuously operating bookstore. It was founded in 1732 and has survived earthquakes and historical upheavals, continuing to offer thousands of books to this day. It's a paradise for book lovers and history enthusiasts.

My home is your home: the tradition of open doors

The Portuguese are known for their hospitality and strong family values. It's more than just tradition. Family always comes first. It's not uncommon to see multiple generations gathering for Sunday lunches that take up half a restaurant.

In some areas, people traditionally leave their front doors open during lunch or while resting at home. It symbolizes trust and openness, although it's less common in larger cities today.

Port wine is not just wine

Everyone's heard of port wine, but not everyone knows what makes it unique. True port wine can only be produced in the Douro Valley in northern Portugal, according to international law.

What makes it different is that brandy is added during fermentation to stop the process and preserve the natural sugar.

This gives the port its distinctive sweetness and high alcohol content, and allows it to age in barrels much longer than most wines.

Sintra Castle in Portugal (photo: Pixabay)

Nazaré, a paradise for surfers who aren't afraid to die

Nazaré is a small fishing town on Portugal's coast that has become a global mecca for big-wave surfing.

Thanks to the unique Nazaré Canyon beneath the sea, some of the world's tallest waves form here, reaching heights of over 30 meters.

This is where world records are broken, and it attracts daredevil surfers from all over the globe.

Mail carriers with a vital mission

In many remote rural areas of Portugal, postal workers play an important social role. They are also social workers, helping people in need.

They don't just deliver mail and pensions; they also bring groceries and medications. This is part of a special government program to support elderly or isolated citizens through the postal system.

The Portuguese are very open-hearted people (photo: Pixabay)

Earlier, we revealed why swimming in Synevyr is strictly forbidden, and how much the fine is

Sources: articles on Portugal.com, Bertrand.pt, BBC.Travel, The Portugal News.