Portugal happens to have some very peculiar and specific rules. Some keep beaches and roads safe, some protect heritage and natural landmarks, but a few laws in Portugal are so uniquely Portuguese that they might just surprise you. Here are 27 laws that are currently in force in Portugal that you need to know. Let us know which one was surprised you the most.

Please keep in mind that these regulations can be updated at any time by local authorities or government agencies. Always check posted signs or follow official guidance on the spot.

1. Removing historical tiles from a façade is tightly controlled.

Portugal treats azulejos as national heritage. Removing tiles from a façade requires a municipal license and is only allowed in specific cases where the removal can be justified. Lisbon put protective rules into place in 2013, and Portugal as a whole made this law in 2017.

2. Ignoring the red flag at the beach can get you fined.

On protected beaches in Portugal, the flag system is not a suggestion. Green means you can bathe, yellow means you must not swim, and red means you cannot enter the water. Disobeying the flags or lifeguard instructions is an offense that can get you fined under the current rules in Portugal.

3. Lifeguard zones and beach rules are set nationally each season.

Every beach season, the Portuguese maritime authority issues an official beach edict that sets rules about signage, lifeguard posts, and safety equipment. Concessions must comply, and beach-goers must respect the marked swimming areas and corresponding instructions.

4. Official naturist beaches must be clearly sign-posted, and, yes, naturist beaches are legal in Portugal.

The law requires signage at access points so visitors know they are entering an authorized naturist area (otherwise known as “nudist” beaches to those not familiar with the “naturist” term). If it’s not sign-posted, do not assume naturism is permitted.

5. Night-time “quiet hours” are protected by national noise law.

Portugal’s General Noise Regulations went into effect in 2007 and restrict noisy activities during nighttime hours and gives authorities tools to sanction disturbances including in residential buildings and outdoor venues. The hours deemed as “nighttime” are officially from 11:00 pm to 7:00 am. Please keep it down during these hours.

6. Recreational sea fishing requires a license.

Casting a line from the rocks or beach is popular, but you still need a recreational maritime fishing license, with different types depending on where and how you fish. Exceptions are made for people fishing by hand without any tools, and for children under 16 if they are accompanied by a licensed adult

7. Metal detectors for archaeological purposes are broadly restricted without a license.

Using or even transporting unlicensed metal detectors for archaeological purposes is prohibited. Licenses are handled by the national cultural heritage authority, which also supervises detection in research contexts.

8. You must be 18 or older to buy any alcoholic drink.

Portugal set the minimum age at 18 years old for the legal consumption of any alcoholic beverages. Selling or supplying alcohol to minors is prohibited in public places and places open to the public.

9. Some places cannot sell alcohol at all.

There are blanket bans on selling alcohol in certain locations, such as inside health facilities and a few other sensitive settings defined by law. Bars and shops must refuse alcohol sales to intoxicated people, and staff can be sanctioned for selling to obviously intoxicated individuals. Establishments must comply with posting and layout rules that support responsible sales.

10. Smoking is banned in enclosed public spaces and several child-focused outdoor areas.

The tobacco law restricts smoking in enclosed public places and extends protections to spaces intended for minors, such as playgrounds. Fines can apply to venues that fail to post required notices and to individuals who violate the ban.

11. Hotels and short-term rentals must register foreign guests with authorities.

Whether you stay in a hotel or a licensed short-term rental, your host must collect your details and report your stay electronically to the government within a short deadline. This rule applies to all foreign nationals including EU citizens. Failing to submit those guest forms can lead to fines.

12. You must be 18 to drive and keep passing medical checks as you age.

In Portugal, the minimum age to hold a standard car license (Category B) is 18 years old. Younger teens can drive mopeds or scooters under specific light-vehicle categories starting at 16, but they cannot drive regular cars until they reach 18.

There is no upper age limit that automatically bans older drivers. However, once you turn 70, your license must be renewed more often and you’ll need to provide a medical certificate proving you’re still fit to drive. For professional categories like truck or bus drivers, the rules are even stricter, requiring earlier and more frequent health checks.

13. Driving without a reflective vest and warning triangle in your car is illegal.

Portuguese road rules require a high-visibility vest and a hazard triangle in the vehicle. Forgetting either can cost you. Keep them handy.

14. Drones must follow EU open-category rules and national guidance.

Planning to film cliffs and castles? Drone operations in Portugal follow EU rules on registration, categories, distances and no-fly zones, with national aviation authority guidance layered on top.

15. Wild camping is restricted, especially in protected or high-risk areas.

Portugal tightened its wild camping rules in 2021 through updates to its Road Code, particularly Articles 48 and 50-A, effectively banning camping outside authorized areas and limiting overnight stays in vehicles. Today, pitching tents or setting up camp in public spaces, beaches, or protected zones is illegal unless you have explicit permission. Overnight parking in a motorhome or campervan is only allowed for up to 48 hours within the same municipality, provided no camping behavior is shown (like chairs, awnings, or barbecues). Staying overnight is often tolerated between 9:00 pm and 7:00 am, but local municipalities can impose stricter bans or fines—especially in coastal and nature areas. Travelers are encouraged to use official campsites, designated motorhome service areas, or private properties with permission to stay fully within the law.

16. During the critical fire period in Portugal, outdoor fires and certain grills are prohibited.

Each year the rural fire law sets a “critical period.” Lighting fires, burning yard waste, and using grills or equipment in or near forested areas can be restricted or banned, and there are heavy penalties for violators.

17. Dangerous or “potentially dangerous” dog breeds come with special obligations.

Owners of listed breeds, or cross-breeds with similar traits, must have a municipal license, keep liability insurance, and follow strict handling rules. These dogs must use a functional muzzle and a short leash in public, and there are age and suitability rules for handlers. Housing and signage requirements are part of the safety regime. Municipalities and veterinary authorities can enforce compliance, and non-compliance can trigger sanctions.

18. You can get fines for insulting the national flag or anthem.

Portuguese criminal law protects national symbols. Outrage or desecration of the flag or the national anthem is a criminal offense. So please be respectful at official ceremonies.

19. Portugal bans wild animals in circuses.

Portugal passed a landmark animal welfare law in 2018 that prohibited the use of wild animals in traveling circuses. The legislation was approved by Parliament in October 2018 and granted circuses a six-year transition period to comply, with a complete ban taking effect in 2024. The law covers about 40 species, including lions, tigers, elephants, camels, and primates.

During the transition, circus owners were required to register all wild animals in a national database and arrange for their transfer to sanctuaries or licensed care facilities.

20. Funerals must happen very quickly after death.

In Portugal, the timeframe from death to burial or cremation is tightly regulated. Typically, a funeral (burial or cremation) takes place within around 48 to 72 hours of death, or 48 hours after a post-mortem if one is required. That means that, if someone dies, arrangements are often expected to be made and executed very quickly compared to many other countries. This quick turnaround reflects both practical and legal frameworks in the country.

21. Prostitution is legal, but organized sex work and third-party profiteering are illegal.

In Portugal, the act of selling sexual services by consenting adults is legal, as surprising as that might sound. However, it is illegal for third parties to profit from, promote, encourage, or facilitate the prostitution of another person (for example, running brothels or pimping). Organized prostitution rings and exploitation are criminal offenses. You also cannot rent an apartment to a sex worker, but working on the streets is legal.

22. Pornography is legal but strictly regulated.

Pornography is legal in Portugal for adults, yet it sits within a framework of tight regulation. You must be 18 or older to buy, view, or distribute any pornographic material. Stores and websites that sell adult content must clearly display age warnings and cannot sell or show explicit material to minors. However, producing or distributing violent, coercive, or child-related content is a serious criminal offense with severe penalties. Overall, although adult entertainment is legal, it is heavily monitored and clearly separated from general media.

23. Possessing small amounts of drugs has been decriminalized, but it is not technically legal.

Portugal made global headlines in 2001 for decriminalizing the personal possession and use of all drugs including marijuana. This means that if you’re caught with a small quantity intended for personal use (roughly a ten-day supply, such as about 25 grams of cannabis or 5 grams of hashish), you will not be arrested or prosecuted as a criminal. Instead, you may be referred to a “Commission for the Dissuasion of Drug Addiction,” which can recommend counseling or small fines. However, dealing, trafficking, or cultivating cannabis without authorization remains a serious criminal offense that can lead to prison time. Decriminalization isn’t legalization. It simply shifts the focus from punishment to public health.

24. You can vote at 18 but only if you’re mentally and legally capable.

The voting age in Portugal is 18, and all Portuguese citizens have the right to vote except in rare cases of legal incapacity. Voting is voluntary, not mandatory, which surprises many foreigners used to compulsory voting systems.

25. You must be at least 21 years old to rent a car.

Rental agencies in Portugal generally require drivers to be 21 or older, and many charge an extra fee for drivers under 25.

26. The legal age to buy cigarettes is 18.

It is illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone under 18. Shops can be fined heavily if they fail to verify age. Cigarette machines even require an ID card or age-verification system before dispensing them.

27. You can drink in public – with some restrictions.

In Portugal, drinking alcohol in public is generally tolerated as long as you behave responsibly. You can walk around with a drink bought from a bar or café in many areas, but being visibly intoxicated, disruptive, or drinking where it’s expressly prohibited can lead to fines or police action. Local rules vary. Some municipalities restrict public drinking or limit alcohol sales for street consumption particularly at night. For example, Porto introduced a ban on drinking alcohol in the streets between 9:00 pm and 8:00 am in certain zones in 2025. Always check posted signs, especially in parks, beaches, or historic districts, since some areas like parts of Lisbon enforce additional restrictions.

Final Thoughts

Portugal has a long list of uniquely specific laws designed to protect its culture, environment, and public well-being. The nation also leads in progressive reforms decriminalizing personal drug use in 2001, banning wild animals in circuses by 2024, and legalizing prostitution under tight conditions while outlawing third-party profiteering. Although Portugal’s regulations may seem unusual to outsiders, together they reveal a country that balances freedom while also continually monitoring its best practices to protect its citizens.

When people first learn that Portugal has both a President and a Prime Minister, it can be confusing to understand how their roles differ. Unlike countries that have only one leading figure (such as the United States with its President or the United Kingdom with its Prime Minister), Portugal divides executive power between the two. The arrangement stems from its history as a young democracy that wanted to balance leadership, avoid authoritarianism, and ensure stability.

To understand how Portugal is governed today, it helps to explore what each of these leaders does, how they are elected, and why this system exists at all.

Portugal’s Semi-Presidential System

Portugal is a semi-presidential republic. This means that the President serves as head of state, while the Prime Minister is the head of government. Power is shared between them but in distinct ways.

The President’s role is largely constitutional and supervisory. This ensures that laws and institutions function properly. The Prime Minister, on the other hand, handles the country’s daily governance, running ministries, implementing policies, and working closely with Parliament.

This structure has existed since the Constitution of 1976, which followed the Carnation Revolution of 1974, the peaceful movement that ended nearly five decades of dictatorship. The framers of the new Constitution wanted a system that could never again allow power to become concentrated in the hands of one person. The result was a balance between two powerful offices: one representing the unity and permanence of the nation and the other driving its political direction.

The President of Portugal

The President of the Republic is the symbolic and constitutional guardian of Portugal. Though not involved in everyday government decisions, the President has important powers that can shape national politics.

The President appoints the Prime Minister after parliamentary elections, typically selecting the leader of the party or coalition that can command a majority in the Assembly of the Republic. The President also has the authority to dissolve Parliament and call new elections, but this power is used sparingly, usually during times of political deadlock or crisis.

Another significant power of the President is the ability to veto legislation or request a review by the Constitutional Court if a law appears to violate the Constitution. This function helps ensure that no government action undermines the country’s democratic principles.

The President also represents Portugal internationally, ratifies treaties, and serves as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. While this title is mostly ceremonial, it reinforces the idea that the President stands above party politics and represents the nation as a whole.

Presidents in Portugal serve five-year terms and are directly elected by the public. If no candidate receives more than half the votes in the first round, a runoff is held between the top two candidates. The most recent presidential election took place in January 2021, and the next one is scheduled for January 18, 2026, with a possible second round on February 8 if no candidate wins outright.

The Prime Minister of Portugal

The Prime Minister, known in Portuguese as the Primeiro-Ministro, is the country’s chief executive. The Prime Minister leads the government, sets national policies, and coordinates the work of all ministries.

Unlike the President, the Prime Minister is not directly elected by voters. After legislative elections, the President appoints a Prime Minister. This is usually the leader of the party with the most seats in Parliament. The Prime Minister must then maintain the confidence of the Assembly of the Republic, Portugal’s unicameral legislature. If the Assembly passes a vote of no confidence, the government falls, and the President may call new elections.

The Prime Minister’s duties include leading the Council of Ministers, preparing the national budget, proposing new laws, and overseeing their implementation once approved. The Prime Minister also represents Portugal at European Union meetings and international summits.

A Prime Minister’s term is not fixed in the same way as the President’s. Parliamentary terms last up to four years, and the Prime Minister remains in office as long as their government retains parliamentary support. If that support collapses, the Prime Minister may resign or face an early election.

The most recent legislative election was held on May 18, 2025, following a period of political instability. Under normal circumstances, the next election would be expected by 2029, unless the President dissolves Parliament earlier.

Comparing Their Powers

The easiest way to understand the difference between the two offices is to think of the President as a constitutional overseer and the Prime Minister as the chief operator.

The President ensures the proper functioning of democratic institutions, appoints or dismisses the Prime Minister, and can dissolve Parliament if necessary. The President can also veto laws or refer them to the Constitutional Court.

The Prime Minister, in contrast, is responsible for running the government day to day. This includes managing the economy, overseeing ministries, and ensuring that policies are executed. The Prime Minister proposes legislation and represents Portugal in international policymaking arenas, especially within the European Union.

While the President holds significant power, especially during crises, it is the Prime Minister who wields practical authority in the daily administration of the country. Portugal’s system depends on cooperation and mutual respect between these two figures, as conflict between them can paralyze the government.

How Elections Work

The Presidential election is straightforward: all Portuguese citizens can vote directly for their chosen candidate. The process is similar to other direct elections in Europe, and voter turnout tends to be high, which reflects the importance of the role.

The Prime Minister, by contrast, is a byproduct of parliamentary elections. Voters choose members of the Assembly of the Republic, and the leader of the party or coalition that wins the most support is typically invited by the President to form a government. This indirect system means that Portuguese voters effectively choose their government by voting for parties rather than individual prime ministerial candidates.

Why Portugal Has Both

The dual structure of President and Prime Minister was deliberately created to prevent the rise of authoritarian power after the fall of the Estado Novo dictatorship in 1974. The new democratic Constitution sought to balance authority and accountability between two offices with each able to act as a check on the other.

The President provides a stabilizing influence during political turbulence, while the Prime Minister ensures effective governance. This system also guarantees that the armed forces and national symbols remain separate from party politics, a key concern after decades of one-party rule.

In short, Portugal’s dual-leadership model was designed to ensure stability, accountability, and democratic resilience. It allows flexibility during crises and helps prevent any single branch of government from dominating the political landscape.

When the System Began

The current structure of Portugal’s government began with the Constitution of 1976, two years after the revolution that ended the Salazar-Caetano regime. The framers of the new Constitution borrowed elements from both presidential and parliamentary systems to create a uniquely Portuguese model of semi-presidentialism.

Over time, constitutional reforms in the 1980s and 1990s refined this balance. The President’s role became less about daily government interference and more about upholding the Constitution, moderating conflicts, and preserving stability. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister and the Assembly of the Republic became the engines of policymaking and legislation.

Today, Portugal’s democratic institutions are considered among the most stable in Southern Europe, largely because of this power-sharing design.

What’s Next for Portuguese Politics

As of now, the next presidential election will take place in January 2026, while the next parliamentary election is expected by 2029, unless the President calls one earlier. These elections often define Portugal’s political rhythm with the President setting the constitutional tone and the Prime Minister steering the country’s daily course.

Understanding these distinctions can help anyone living in or following Portugal grasp the subtleties of Portuguese politics. When news headlines mention the President’s remarks or the Prime Minister’s new policy, each comes from a different layer of leadership. One represents the country’s spirit and the other guides its steps.

The Bottom Line

Portugal’s political structure may seem complex at first, but it is a carefully balanced system designed to protect democracy. The President is the guardian of the Constitution and the face of the nation, elected directly by the people for a five-year term. The Prime Minister leads the government, serves up to four years depending on parliamentary support, and manages national policy and administration.

This balance of power created in the aftermath of dictatorship ensures that Portugal remains a democracy with both strength and restraint. The President symbolizes unity and oversight, while the Prime Minister embodies direction and action. Together, they form the heart of Portugal’s democratic leadership.

In the whirlwind of seventeenth-century European politics, Catherine of Braganza, a Portuguese princess, became the queen consort of England, Scotland, and Ireland through her marriage to Charles II of England. Her life may not have been prolific in terms of heirs or glamor in the conventional sense, but her influence, while her legacy may not have seemed destined for longevity, her actions had ripple effects in unexpected ways that still endure today. Here are 14 remarkable facts about Queen Catherine that reveal the complexity of her character, the challenges she faced, and the lasting impression she left behind.

1. She was born into the powerful royal Braganza family of Portugal.

Catherine was born on November 25, 1638, at the Ducal Palace of Vila Viçosa in Portugal. She was the daughter of John IV of Portugal, who became the first king of the House of Braganza, and his wife Luisa de Guzmán. Her early life was set against the backdrop of Portuguese independence from Spanish rule, a time of national renewal for her homeland.

2. She spent her childhood in seclusion and strict religious study.

Catherine’s upbringing was characterized by seclusion and religious instruction. She spent much of her youth in the vicinity of a convent near her family’s palace, under the close supervision of her mother. Contemporary accounts remark that she “hardly had been ten times out of the palace in her life.” This sheltered upbringing shaped her quiet, pious character and set her apart at the more flamboyant English court she would later join.

3. Her marriage to Charles II was a diplomatic alliance between two kingdoms.

Her marriage to Charles II in 1662 is often touted as a strategic alliance between Portugal and England. The marriage contract brought England valuable trading privileges and territorial concessions including the port cities of Tangier and the Seven Islands of Bombay. The union thus strengthened both dynastic ties in addition to commercial and imperial ones.

4. She became Queen Consort of England, Scotland, and Ireland at just 23 years old.

Upon marrying Charles II on May 21, 1662, Catherine became Queen Consort of England, Scotland, and Ireland and held that status until the King’s death on February 6, 1685. Even though she was married into one of Europe’s most visible courts, her foreign birth, Catholic faith, and reserved manner made her somewhat of an outsider in the English court.

5. She suffered multiple miscarriages and never had surviving children.

Perhaps one of the most personally tragic aspects of Catherine’s life was that she and Charles did not produce surviving children. She suffered three miscarriages, and though her husband fathered many illegitimate children by his mistresses, none by Catherine survived to claim royal legitimacy. Her childlessness became a political issue since producing an heir was regarded as one of the essential duties of a queen consort.

6. She stayed true to her Catholic faith despite widespread hostility.

Catherine remained steadfast in her Roman Catholic faith, which in largely Anglican England made her unpopular. Her religion meant she could not participate fully in some ceremonies, and she was also targeted during the infamous Popish Plot investigations, when false accusations were made that she had conspired to poison the king. Her faith thus shaped much of her experience at the English court and influenced how the public and courtiers perceived her.

7. She introduced new food and fashion to the English court.

Though she was initially criticized for her old-fashioned Portuguese dress and manner, she gradually introduced new tastes to the English court. She imported food and fashion from her native Portugal and her dowry territories. For example, marmalade is often connected to her circle because the Portuguese quince preserve, called “marmelo,” found its way into English kitchens. She helped broaden the culinary and cultural horizons of London high society.

8. She helped make tea drinking fashionable across England.

One of Catherine’s most enduring legacies is the claim that she popularized tea-drinking in England. At the time, tea was exotic and not widely consumed in English society. Catherine’s preference for it and its acceptability at her court helped change that. The diarist Samuel Pepys wrote of seeing “my wife making of tea” in June 1667, a passage interpreted as showing tea becoming part of court life. By choosing tea rather than the heavier alcoholic beverages common in court circles, Catherine introduced a cultural shift. Over time, tea came to be associated with English identity, ritual, and sophistication, thanks in part to her example.

9. Her dowry included lands that changed the course of empires.

Catherine’s marriage settled not only a personal bond but also territorial and imperial matters. Her dowry included the port of Tangier in North Africa and the Seven Islands of Bombay in India. Later, Bombay was leased by Charles II to the East India Company, an event that contributed to the expansion of British influence in India. The territories thus had far-reaching consequences beyond the union itself.

10. She was falsely accused of treason and survived dangerous political intrigue.

Despite her reserved nature, Catherine was embroiled in the court intrigues of her era. In 1678, those who opposed her and her Catholic connections accused her of high treason and plotting to poison the king, though those charges were soon discredited. This turbulent climate reflected the tension between political, religious, and dynastic struggles of the time and placed Catherine in a precarious position at court.

11. She returned to Portugal and served as regent later in life.

After Charles II’s death and several years in England, Catherine returned to her native Portugal in March 1692. Later, she served as regent for her brother, King Peter II of Portugal, in 1701 and again from 1704 to 1705 while he was absent. Although her years in Portugal were quieter than her time as queen consort, they showed that she remained an able and respected political figure in her homeland.

12. She found peace and purpose after a life of loss.

Following her husband’s death, Catherine assumed the title of Dowager Queen. She lived through significant political changes in England, including the Glorious Revolution and increasing restrictions on Catholics. She eventually withdrew from English affairs and focused on her Portuguese estates and governance. Her later life reflects a woman adapting from the high drama of the English court to a quieter but still meaningful role in Portugal.

13. She left her mark on art, architecture, and cultural memory.

Catherine’s presence left tangible traces in architecture and cultural memory. Her royal arms, which combined those of England and Portugal, appeared on her palace at Bemposta near Lisbon. There is also a ceiling painting titled The Apotheosis of Catherine of Braganza by Antonio Verrio at Windsor Castle. Such works show the symbolic role she played and how the courts acknowledged her enduring influence.

14. She is remembered as a queen of quiet strength and lasting influence.

Although Catherine never dominated the historical stage in the way some queens have, her story is one of quiet strength, duty, and perseverance. She navigated the difficulties of being a foreign queen in a land suspicious of her faith, faced personal disappointment in not having children, and yet left a cultural imprint that continues to this day. Her life reminds us that influence does not always require loud or dramatic gestures. Sometimes, it can even be as simple as sitting down with a cup of tea.

Queen Catherine: Grace Under Pressure

Queen Catherine of Braganza may not have been a queen whose name springs first to mind when we think of royal power or dynastic dominance, but her tale is compelling for precisely that reason: her strength lay in perseverance, grace under pressure, and the subtle reshaping of culture. The next time you sit down for a cup of tea, consider that this simple ritual is thanks to the Portuguese-born queen who helped make it a British institution.

Every language has its hidden treasures and words that say so much that translation can never quite capture them. European Portuguese is full of these playful, poetic, and sometimes hilariously specific gems that reveal the country’s humor and heart. Some of them describe feelings. Others describe quirks of daily life. All of them show why Portuguese is a language worth falling in love with.

1. Saudade

Perhaps the most famous of all Portuguese words, saudade has no exact English equivalent. It means a deep, nostalgic longing for someone or something that is absent, maybe forever. It is the ache of missing your childhood home, a loved one who has passed, or even a time in your life that you cannot return to. However, it is not entirely sad. Saudade carries warmth and love within the longing, as though the memory itself is a small comfort.

Example – “Tenho saudade das tardes longas na praia com os meus amigos.”
Translation – “I miss those long afternoons on the beach with my friends.”

2. Fazer festinhas

Literally “to make little caresses,” this sweet phrase means gently stroking or petting someone. It is often used with children, loved ones, or even pets. It conveys affection, comfort, and tenderness in a soft, familiar way. There is no single English word that carries quite the same gentle emotional weight.

Example – “Ela adormeceu enquanto a mãe lhe fazia festinhas no cabelo.”
Translation – “She fell asleep while her mother gently stroked her hair.”

3. Desenrascanço

If Portugal had a national skill, this would be it. Desenrascanço means the ability to untangle a mess or solve a problem at the last minute, often without the proper tools or plan. It is creative improvisation at its finest, a combination of resourcefulness, calm, and a bit of luck. In Portugal, it is a badge of pride to say, “Consegui desenrascar-me.”

Example – “O microfone avariou, mas fizemos um desenrascanço e tudo correu bem.”
Translation – “The microphone broke, but we improvised and everything went fine.”

4. Friorento / Calorento

These two words perfectly describe people’s temperature quirks. A friorento is someone who is always cold, no matter the weather. A calorento is the opposite, someone who is constantly too hot, even in mild temperatures. Both are part of daily teasing in Portugal.

Example – “Ela é tão friorenta que leva casaco até em agosto.”
Translation – “She’s so sensitive to cold that she wears a jacket even in August.”

5. Queridinho / Queridinha

This affectionate word is like “sweetheart” or “darling,” but with a softer, more familiar tone. It can describe someone you adore including a partner, a child, or even a pet. It can also be playful or teasing, depending on tone.

Example – “O meu cão é o meu queridinho, não consigo dormir sem ele.”
Translation – “My dog is my sweetheart, I can’t sleep without him.

6. Caprichar

To caprichar means to put extra effort into something, to do it beautifully and carefully. It is used when someone adds special touches, whether decorating, cooking, or dressing up. To caprichar is to care enough to make something shine.

Example – “Ela caprichou no jantar de aniversário, estava tudo perfeito.”
Translation – “She put so much care into the birthday dinner, everything was perfect.”

7. Remedeio

A true Portuguese word for a quick, temporary fix, a way to “patch things up” when the perfect solution is out of reach. A remedeio is not perfect, but it will do for now. It is related to the verb remediar, which means to make do or to salvage a situation.

Example – “A cadeira partiu-se, mas arranjámos um remedeio com um pedaço de corda.”
Translation – “The chair broke, but we fixed it temporarily with a piece of string.”

8. Malandro

A malandro is a rascal, someone sly, charming, and always one step ahead. Depending on the tone, it can mean playful trickster or clever opportunist. In Portugal, it often carries a kind of affectionate humor. Everyone knows at least one malandro who always finds an easy way out.

Example – “Aquele malandro convenceu o segurança a deixá-lo entrar sem bilhete.”
Translation – “That rascal convinced the security guard to let him in without a ticket.”

9. Marmita

In Portugal, a marmita is a packed meal, usually homemade and carried to work or school. When someone brings their marmita, it often means they have cooked something special instead of eating out.

Example – “Levei a minha marmita para o trabalho, sobrou do jantar de ontem.”
Translation – “I brought my lunchbox to work, it’s leftovers from last night’s dinner.”

10. Sobremesa

While sobremesa literally means “dessert,” it also refers to the long, leisurely time spent at the table after a meal chatting, laughing, or sipping coffee. The focus is on the food but more importantly the company and conversation.

Example – “Ficámos à sobremesa até tarde, a rir e a contar histórias.”
Translation – “We stayed after dinner talking and laughing until late.”

11. Miminho

A miminho is a small act of affection, a cuddle, a gift, or a sweet gesture. It can be as simple as bringing someone their favorite pastry or giving them a hug when they need it. It is one of Portugal’s most heartwarming words.

Example – “Trouxe-te um pastel de nata, só um miminho.”
Translation – “I brought you a custard tart, just a little treat.”

12. Passeio

Technically, passeio means a walk or a stroll, but in Portugal it has a deeper sense. It is about enjoying life slowly wandering through the streets, stopping for a coffee, and watching the world go by. It is about being truly present.

Example – “Ao domingo gosto de fazer um passeio à beira-mar depois do almoço.”
Translation – “On Sundays I like to take a walk by the sea after lunch.”

13. Embriagado de sono

Literally “drunk with sleep,” this lovely phrase describes that half-dreaming, drowsy state between sleep and wakefulness. It often refers to children in pajamas who can barely keep their eyes open.

Example – “O menino estava embriagado de sono e mal conseguia manter-se de pé.”
Translation – “The little boy was drunk with sleep and could barely stand.

14. Barrigudo / Barrigudinha

A playful word meaning “big-bellied,” but used affectionately, never harshly. You might use it to describe a plump pet, a round-bellied granddad, or a friend you adore. It is teasing in tone but full of warmth.

Example – “O meu gato está tão barrigudo que parece uma almofada.”
Translation – “My cat is so round-bellied he looks like a cushion.”

15. Cusco / Cusca

A cusco (male) or cusca (female) is a nosy person, someone who loves to gossip or peek into everyone’s business. It is often used humorously rather than critically, and almost every Portuguese neighborhood has one.

Example – “A vizinha é tão cusca que sabe tudo o que acontece na rua.”
Translation – “The neighbor is such a gossip that she knows everything happening on the street.”

The Charm of European Portuguese

These fifteen words capture what makes European Portuguese so charming. They show a language that values emotion, humor, and connection, one that lingers at the table, improvises when things break, and expresses love in tiny, meaningful ways.

Learning these words helps you step into the Portuguese way of life: slow, affectionate, resilient, and always ready with a story.