We recently covered Portugal’s role in World War II. During our World War II research, we realized that it was important to go even further back in Portuguese history and talk about The Great War, also known as World War I. Portugal’s role in World War I is often summarized in a single sentence about the Battle of La Lys. The real story is far richer and stretches from the trenches of Flanders, the savannas of Angola, the river valleys of Mozambique, and even out into the Atlantic around the Azores and Madeira. Here are 16 lesser-known facts that reveal how widely and deeply the war touched Portugal.

1. Portugal was pulled into the war after seizing 36 Central Powers ships in Lisbon.

Although the Portuguese Republic initially declared neutrality in 1914, it honored a British request in February 1916 to requisition German and Austro-Hungarian merchant ships lying in Portuguese ports. Portugal boarded and took control of 36 vessels in Lisbon, a move that triggered a German declaration of war on March 9, 1916 and formally brought Portugal into the conflict on the Allied side.

2. The Portuguese Expeditionary Corps put around 55,000 men on the Western Front.

Portugal raised the Corpo Expedicionário Português (CEP), an expeditionary force of roughly 55,000 troops, who began arriving in France in early 1917. By November, the CEP was holding a contiguous sector of the front under British First Army control, after undergoing further training and reorganization in France to fit British patterns of trench warfare.

3. Portugal also sent heavy railway artillery that fought under French command.

Alongside the infantry, Portugal created the Independent Heavy Artillery Corps operating railway guns supplied by France and Britain. The French designated it the Corps d’artillerie lourde portugais (CALP) and integrated Portuguese gunners directly into French heavy-artillery operations.

4. The Portuguese held an 18-kilometer sector and were equipped with British supplies and equipment.

From November 1917, the CEP took responsibility for an approximately 18-km frontage in French Flanders. Once deployed, Portuguese units trained for trench warfare and were issued British rifles and equipment before taking over their sector between Neuve-Chapelle, Laventie, and nearby villages.

5. La Lys, April 9, 1918: The German barrage combined explosive shells with poison gas

At about 4:15 a.m. on April 9, 1918, the German Sixth Army launched Operation Georgette with a four-and-a-half-hour artillery bombardment of the Portuguese sector. The barrage mixed conventional explosive shells with poison gas, which blended with the morning fog and disrupted communications. When the infantry attack followed, the weakened defenses quickly collapsed in several areas.

6. One of Portugal’s greatest battlefield heroes covered the retreat alone.

During the same battle, Aníbal Milhais, nicknamed “Soldado Milhões” for being “worth a million men,” used a Lewis gun to delay German assaults and help fellow Allied troops withdraw. He became Portugal’s most decorated World War I soldier and received the Military Order of the Tower and Sword.

7. Portuguese losses at La Lys were counted more in prisoners than in dead.

La Lys was a national trauma, yet the grim arithmetic often surprises readers: deaths among the Portuguese that day were in the low hundreds, while more than 6,000 men were captured. The result was the CEP’s temporary dismembering as a fighting formation by British command.

8. Even after La Lys, Portuguese troops fought on through the Armistice day.

The CEP continued to serve in France through 1918. On November 11, 1918, a Portuguese company helped force a crossing of the Scheldt just before the ceasefire took effect. By the Armistice, the CEP’s cumulative losses included 2,160 dead, 5,224 wounded and 6,678 captured, roughly 14,000 casualties from an establishment of near 60,000.

9. Portugal has a national World War I cemetery in northern France.

The Portuguese Military Cemetery at Richebourg in Pas-de-Calais holds 1,831 graves, which consolidated burials of CEP soldiers from across France, Belgium, and POW camps. It is the only Portuguese military cemetery in France and remains a focal point for commemorations of La Lys.

10. The war reached Portuguese soil: German U-boats shelled Madeira three times.

The city of Funchal on Madeira was shelled by U-38 on December 3 and December 16, 1916, sinking ships in the harbor and bombarding the town, and again by U-156 and U-157 on December 12, 1917. Civilians were killed and wounded, and a memorial sanctuary, Nossa Senhora da Paz, was later erected overlooking the city.

11. A Portuguese trawler fought a two-hour duel with Germany’s top U-boat ace.

On October 14, 1918, the converted naval trawler NRP Augusto de Castilho shielded the passenger steamer São Miguel from U-139. It was commanded by ace Lothar von Arnauld de la Perière. Outgunned by the submarine’s 150-mm weapons, the trawler fought for hours until sunk. Its commander, Carvalho Araújo, was killed, but the steamer escaped to the Azores.

12. The first Azores attack prompted the creation of a U.S. naval base at Ponta Delgada.

On July 4, 1917, U-155 shelled Ponta Delgada on São Miguel in the Azores. Within weeks the United States dispatched USS Panther and destroyers and created Naval Base 13 to safeguard mid-Atlantic routes and deny Germany a forward foothold. American Marines and naval air units operated from the archipelago through 1919.

13. Portugal fought early and hard in Africa, starting with the Naulila crisis in Angola.

Months after war began in Europe, a German column from German South-West Africa crossed into Angola in October 1914 without authorization, which set off the Naulila incident. Fighting escalated and culminated in a German victory at Naulila on 18 December 1914 against Portuguese colonial forces.

14. In Mozambique, Lettow-Vorbeck’s veterans crushed a Portuguese force at Ngomano.

Looking for supplies after hard fighting against the British, Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck led German East African troops across the Rovuma River into Portuguese East Africa and defeated the garrison at Ngomano on November 25, 1917. From there, the Germans lived off Allied stores and continued a mobile campaign deep inside Mozambique.

15. The human cost was heavy, especially from disease in Africa.

Across all fronts, U.S. War Department records list about 100,000 Portuguese troops mobilized and 33,291 total casualties. Portuguese sources point to at least 6,232 confirmed deaths, with some estimates reaching as high as 8,787. Of these, between 5,533 and 5,732 occurred in Africa, where disease proved to be an especially deadly threat.

16. War strain reshaped Portuguese politics and mobilized women on the home front.

The war years saw deep political upheaval. In December 1917, Sidónio Pais seized power in a coup and presided over a short-lived “New Republic” before being assassinated in December 1918, which left the country in turmoil. At the same time, women organized to support the war effort: the Portuguese Women’s Crusade, founded on March 20, 1916 by Elzira Dantas Machado and others, trained nurses and coordinated relief for soldiers and families.

Final Thoughts

Portugal’s First World War story does not fit neatly into a single battlefield narrative. It includes the decision to defy Berlin by seizing ships in Lisbon, the creation of a sizable expeditionary corps that fought and bled in Flanders, a heavy rail-artillery arm that worked with the French, and a home front that absorbed U-boat bombardments on Madeira and the Azores. It features colonial campaigns in Angola and Mozambique where disease and logistics were as deadly as bullets, and it reaches into Portuguese political life, where the strain of war tilted the Republic off balance. The names inscribed at Richebourg and the monument on Lisbon’s Avenida da Liberdade are the most visible markers, but the legacy runs through memorials across the country and through families whose histories still trace back to these events. After Portugal’s horrific experience during the Great War, it is not surprising that they decided to remain neutral during World War II. 

In 2006 and 2007, Portuguese public broadcaster RTP ran a nationwide poll called Os Grandes Portugueses (The Greatest Portuguese). Inspired by the BBC’s 100 Greatest Britons, the series asked citizens to vote for the most important historical figures of their country. Hosted by journalist Maria Elisa, the program presented documentaries about the top candidates, while the public debated and voted by phone. On 25 March 2007, the final results were revealed and sparked a lot of admiration and controversy. António de Oliveira Salazar, the long-time authoritarian leader, won the contest, but the full list reflected a diverse range of monarchs, explorers, poets, saints, scientists, and artists who shaped Portugal’s past and identity.

Below, we explore the Top 10 Greatest Portuguese as voted on in the contest, followed by the next 15 names with shorter biographies. Together, these figures show how the Portuguese see their own history full of courage, culture, and complexity.

The Top 10 Greatest Portuguese

1. António de Oliveira Salazar (1889–1970)

Salazar served as Portugal’s Prime Minister from 1932 to 1968. He ruled under the authoritarian Estado Novo regime. A former economics professor at the University of Coimbra, he stabilized public finances during the Great Depression and established a corporatist state modeled on Catholic and conservative principles. His government emphasized neutrality during World War II and maintained delicate relationships with both Allied and Axis powers. Critics point to the censorship, secret police, and repression under his rule, while supporters highlight his financial discipline and long-lasting stability. His controversial victory in the RTP poll revealed deep divisions in how modern Portuguese view their past. Salazar received 41.0% of the Top 10 votes.

2. Álvaro Cunhal (1913–2005)

As the longtime leader of the Portuguese Communist Party, Álvaro Cunhal symbolized resistance against Salazar’s dictatorship. He was imprisoned for over a decade and made a dramatic escape from the high-security Peniche Fortress in 1960. Living in exile for many years, he became a cultural and political icon for leftist movements and returned to Portugal after the Carnation Revolution of 1974. Beyond politics, Cunhal was also an accomplished writer and translator and used literature as a tool for ideological expression. His second-place ranking in the poll highlighted Portugal’s polarized 20th-century history. Álvaro Cunhal received 19.1% of the Top 10 votes.

3. Aristides de Sousa Mendes (1885–1954)

A career diplomat, Sousa Mendes became famous for his heroic actions during World War II. As Portuguese Consul in Bordeaux in 1940, he defied Salazar’s orders and issued thousands of visas to Jews and other refugees fleeing Nazi persecution. His bravery saved an estimated 30,000 lives. For his defiance, he was dismissed from the foreign service and lived the rest of his life in poverty, but his legacy is now celebrated worldwide. He has been honored posthumously as “Righteous Among the Nations” by Israel’s Yad Vashem. Aristides de Sousa Mendes received 13.0% of the Top 10 votes.

4. Afonso I (1109–1185)

Known as Afonso Henriques, he was the founder and first King of Portugal. After rebelling against his mother and her Castilian allies, he declared independence in 1139 and secured recognition from the Pope in 1179. His military campaigns against the Moors expanded Portugal’s territory and set the foundations for the modern nation-state. Revered as a warrior-king and national father figure, Afonso I represents the very birth of Portugal as an independent country. The founder and first King of Portugal received 12.4% of the Top 10 votes.

5. Luís de Camões (1524–1580)

Portugal’s greatest poet, Luís de Camões is best remembered for his epic masterpiece Os Lusíadas, which immortalized the voyages of Vasco da Gama and celebrated Portugal’s Age of Discoveries. Often compared to Homer, Virgil, and Shakespeare, Camões blended lyrical genius with patriotic fervor. His turbulent life included shipwrecks, travels in Asia, and brushes with poverty. Today, 10 June (the date of Camões’ death) is celebrated as Portugal’s National Day. Luís de Camões received 4.0% of the Top 10 votes.

6. John II of Portugal (1455–1495)

Nicknamed “O Príncipe Perfeito” (“The Perfect Prince”), John II centralized royal power, curbed aristocratic privilege, and restored order to the kingdom. He revived Portugal’s overseas explorations and strengthened maritime trade routes that would eventually lead to Vasco da Gama’s voyage to India. John II also consolidated diplomatic alliances in Europe and positioned Portugal as a rising power of the late 15th century. His reign marks a turning point in the Portuguese Renaissance. John II received 3.0% of the Top 10 votes.

7. Henry the Navigator (1394–1460)

Infante Dom Henrique, better known as Henry the Navigator, was instrumental in launching Portugal’s Age of Discoveries. Although he rarely sailed himself, he sponsored expeditions along Africa’s west coast and supported innovations in navigation and shipbuilding. The school at Sagres that he fostered became a hub of maritime knowledge and trained explorers who would eventually link Europe, Africa, and Asia. His vision paved the way for Portugal’s global empire. Henry the Navigator received 2.7% of the Top 10 votes.

8. Fernando Pessoa (1888–1935)

One of the greatest modernist poets of the 20th century, Fernando Pessoa remains an enigmatic literary figure. Writing under multiple “heteronyms” with distinct personalities and styles, he created an entire universe of voices in Portuguese literature. His Livro do Desassossego (Book of Disquiet) captures the existential anxieties of modern life. Although little-known in his lifetime, Pessoa’s reputation has grown enormously and made him a central figure of European modernism. Fernando Pessoa received 2.4% of the Top 10 votes.

9. Marquês de Pombal (1699–1782)

Sebastião José de Carvalho e Melo, better known as the Marquês de Pombal, was the powerful minister of King José I. After the catastrophic Lisbon earthquake of 1755, he led the reconstruction of the capital with innovative urban planning and modern architectural designs. A strong advocate of Enlightenment ideals, he curbed the power of the nobility and Jesuits while centralizing authority in the crown. Both admired for his reforms and criticized for his authoritarian methods, Pombal reshaped 18th-century Portugal. The Marquês de Pombal received 1.7% of the Top 10 votes.

10. Vasco da Gama (1469–1524)

The most celebrated explorer of Portugal’s Age of Discoveries, Vasco da Gama was the first European to sail directly from Europe to India (1497–1499). His voyage opened the way for Portuguese dominance in Asian trade routes and transformed global commerce. Later serving as viceroy in India, he consolidated Portugal’s overseas empire. His journeys cemented Portugal’s role as a pioneer in world exploration. Vasco da Gama received 0.7% of the Top 10 votes.

The Next 15 (11th to 25th)

11. Salgueiro Maia (1944–1992)

A young military officer, Maia played a decisive role in the Carnation Revolution of 1974, which peacefully ended Portugal’s dictatorship. Leading troops into Lisbon, he refused violence and helped secure the transition to democracy. His calm courage turned him into a symbol of Portugal’s peaceful struggle for freedom.

12. Mário Soares (1924–2017)

A central figure in modern Portuguese democracy, Soares co-founded the Socialist Party, opposed dictatorship, and became both Prime Minister and President. He guided Portugal into the European Union and oversaw crucial economic reforms. His long political career earned him the title “father of Portuguese democracy.”

13. Saint Anthony of Lisbon (1195–1231)

Though often called “of Padua” for his burial place in Italy, Saint Anthony was born in Lisbon and began his religious career in Portugal. Known for his eloquence, devotion, and miracles, he became one of the Catholic Church’s most beloved saints. He remains a patron of Lisbon, with June 13 celebrated as his feast day.

14. Amália Rodrigues (1920–1999)

The “Queen of Fado,” Amália Rodrigues brought Portugal’s mournful national music to the world stage with her dramatic voice and emotional interpretations. She helped transform fado from a local Lisbon tradition into a global art form. Her legacy continues to inspire new generations of Portuguese singers.

15. Eusébio (1942–2014)

Nicknamed “O Pantera Negra” (The Black Panther), Eusébio was one of the greatest footballers of all time. Playing for Benfica, he scored more than 700 goals and became a legend in Portugal and abroad. He also led the national team to third place in the 1966 World Cup, thus cementing his heroic status.

16. Francisco Sá Carneiro (1934–1980)

Founder of the Social Democratic Party, Sá Carneiro was a charismatic reformer who rose to become Prime Minister in 1980. His life was tragically cut short in a plane crash the same year, shocking the nation. Even today, he is remembered as a symbol of hope and democratic renewal.

17. Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa (b. 1937)

President of Futebol Clube do Porto since 1982, Pinto da Costa transformed the club into one of Europe’s most successful football institutions. Under his leadership, Porto won multiple European and international titles. His influence has made him both admired and controversial in Portuguese sports.

18. Nuno Álvares Pereira (1360–1431)

A brilliant general and strategist, Pereira secured Portugal’s independence in the 1385 Battle of Aljubarrota, defeating Castilian forces against great odds. Later, he renounced wealth and power to live a religious life as a Carmelite. Canonized in 2009, he is revered as both a saint and a national hero.

19. João Ferreira Annes de Almeida (1628–1691)

A Protestant missionary, Almeida dedicated his life to spreading the Christian faith in Asia. His crowning achievement was the first complete translation of the Bible into Portuguese, a version still in use today. His work made scripture accessible to Portuguese speakers across the globe.

20. José Mourinho (b. 1963)

One of the most famous football managers in the world, Mourinho has coached elite clubs including Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan, and Real Madrid. Known for his tactical brilliance and fiery personality, he has won Champions League titles and dozens of trophies. He remains a global ambassador for Portuguese football excellence.

21. Agostinho da Silva (1906–1994)

Philosopher, essayist, and cultural thinker, Agostinho da Silva inspired generations with his reflections on freedom, creativity, and human potential. He lived much of his life in exile in Brazil, where his teaching shaped intellectual circles. Upon returning to Portugal after the Revolution, he became a revered public figure.

22. Eça de Queiroz (1845–1900)

Portugal’s greatest 19th-century novelist, Eça de Queiroz wrote works that critiqued society with biting wit and realism. Novels like Os Maias and O Crime do Padre Amaro addressed hypocrisy, politics, and morality. His legacy endures as one of Europe’s finest realist writers, often compared with Balzac or Dickens.

23. Egas Moniz (1874–1955)

A pioneering neurologist, Moniz won the Nobel Prize in 1949 for developing cerebral angiography, a technique to visualize brain blood vessels. He also created the controversial prefrontal lobotomy, once hailed as a breakthrough treatment for mental illness. Though debated today, his work placed Portugal at the forefront of medical research.

24. King Denis of Portugal (1261–1325)

Nicknamed “O Rei Lavrador” (The Farmer King), King Denis encouraged agricultural reform and supported farmers with new policies. He founded Portugal’s first university, in Coimbra, and promoted the Portuguese language over Latin in official use. His reign is remembered for peace, stability, and cultural flowering.

25. Fernando Nobre (b. 1951)

Founder of the humanitarian organization AMI (Assistência Médica Internacional), Fernando Nobre has spent decades delivering aid in crisis zones worldwide. A physician by training, he combined medicine with activism to support vulnerable populations. His work earned him recognition as one of Portugal’s most committed humanitarians.

Final Thoughts

The results of Os Grandes Portugueses reflect a nation proud of its poets, explorers, saints, and football stars, but also divided over its political past. The list is both a celebration and a provocation.

But history does not stand still. Do you agree with the Portuguese choices from 2007? If the poll were repeated today, would Cristiano Ronaldo, José Saramago, or contemporary leaders rank high on the list? Would younger generations vote differently and choose cultural figures, athletes, or even entrepreneurs?

Portugal’s greatest figures remind us that identity is shaped by both memory and debate. So, who would you choose as the greatest Portuguese of all time?

The more Portuguese we learn, the more we realize how practical and polite the language can be. Building on our exploration of culture through idioms, let’s turn to something every traveler or new resident eventually needs: asking for and giving directions in European Portuguese.

Navigating Lisbon’s winding alleyways, Porto’s hilly streets, or a quiet village lane will all become easier with these phrases. They will not only help you get where you’re going but also connect you with locals in a friendly way. Portuguese people are generally happy to help, and even a few well-placed phrases will earn you a smile.

Below you’ll find 25 must-know expressions, with short introductions and real-world examples in European Portuguese to help you confidently find your way and maybe even guide someone else along theirs.

1. Onde fica…?

When you need to know the exact location of something, this is the go-to question. It’s short, clear, and polite.

Examples
• Onde fica a estação de comboios? (Where is the train station?)
• Onde fica o supermercado mais próximo? (Where is the nearest supermarket?)

2. Como chego a…?

This phrase is often used when you want step-by-step directions. It’s a very natural way to ask in Portugal.

Examples
• Como chego à Praça do Comércio? (How do I get to Praça do Comércio?)
• Desculpe, como chego ao hospital? (Excuse me, how do I get to the hospital?)

3. É longe? / Fica perto?

These questions help you understand the distance before deciding whether to walk or take transport.

Examples
• É longe daqui? (Is it far from here?)
• Fica perto do centro? (Is it near the centre?)

4. Vire à direita / Vire à esquerda

Locals often use these expressions when giving directions at junctions or crossroads.

Examples
• Vire à direita depois do banco. (Turn right after the bank.)
• Vire à esquerda na segunda rua. (Turn left at the second street.)

5. Siga em frente

This is one of the most common instructions. It simply means to keep going straight.

Examples
• Siga em frente até ao fim da rua. (Go straight ahead until the end of the street.)
• Depois do semáforo, siga em frente. (After the traffic light, go straight ahead.)

6. Está do lado direito / Está do lado esquerdo

These phrases point out on which side of the road your destination is.

Examples
• O café está do lado direito. (The café is on the right-hand side.)
• A farmácia fica do lado esquerdo. (The pharmacy is on the left-hand side.)

7. Perto daqui / Longe daqui

Quick expressions that locals often use to indicate distance in a simple way.

Examples
• Sim, é perto daqui. (Yes, it’s close by.)
• Não, é longe daqui. (No, it’s far from here.)

8. Pode mostrar-me no mapa?

If spoken directions are difficult to follow, this phrase allows you to ask for a visual explanation.

Examples
• Desculpe, pode mostrar-me no mapa? (Excuse me, can you show me on the map?)
• Não percebi bem, pode mostrar-me no mapa? (I didn’t quite understand, can you show me on the map?)

9. Fica ao pé de…

In Portugal, people often describe locations relative to landmarks. This is the phrase they’ll use.

Examples
• O museu fica ao pé da catedral. (The museum is next to the cathedral.)
• O hotel fica ao pé do rio. (The hotel is near the river.)

10. Atrás / À frente

These words help explain where something is in relation to another landmark.

Examples
• O restaurante fica atrás da igreja. (The restaurant is behind the church.)
• O mercado fica à frente da estação. (The market is in front of the station.)

11. Pode ajudar-me? Estou perdido/a.

If you’re really lost, this phrase is both polite and effective. 

Examples
• Desculpe, pode ajudar-me? Estou perdido. (Excuse me, can you help me? I’m lost – said by a man.)
• Desculpe, pode ajudar-me? Estou perdida. (Excuse me, can you help me? I’m lost – said by a woman.)

12. Obrigado/a pela ajuda!

A polite thank-you always leaves a good impression.

Examples
• Obrigado pela ajuda! (Thank you for your help! – said by a man.)
• Obrigada pela ajuda! (Thank you for your help! – said by a woman.)

13. Pode repetir, por favor?

If you didn’t catch everything, this phrase is the polite way to ask again.

Examples
• Não percebi. Pode repetir, por favor? (I didn’t understand. Can you repeat, please?)

14. Fale mais devagar, por favor

In European Portuguese, “fale” is the polite form. It’s very useful when you feel that  the Portuguese is being spoken too quickly for you to understand.

Examples
• Desculpe, pode falar mais devagar, por favor? (Sorry, can you speak more slowly, please?)

15. Está longe a pé?

This question checks if it’s realistic to walk or better to use transport.

Examples
• Está longe a pé ou devo apanhar o autocarro? (Is it far on foot or should I take the bus?)

16. É a primeira/segunda rua

Portuguese directions often refer to the “first” or “second” street. This keeps things clear.

Examples
• É a primeira rua à esquerda. (It’s the first street on the left.)
• É a segunda rua à direita. (It’s the second street on the right.)

17. Antes do… / Depois do…

Landmark-based directions are very common. These phrases help you place things correctly.

Examples
• O hotel fica antes da ponte. (The hotel is before the bridge.)
• A padaria está depois do jardim. (The bakery is after the garden.)

18. Fica na esquina

If something is located right on the corner, this is the phrase to use.

Examples
• O restaurante fica na esquina. (The restaurant is on the corner.)

19. Atravessa a rua

When you need to cross the road, this short instruction is essential.

Examples
• Atravessa a rua e vai ver a farmácia. (Cross the street and you’ll see the pharmacy.)

20. Ao fundo da rua

This expression means right at the end of the street.

Examples
• A escola fica ao fundo da rua. (The school is at the end of the street.)

21. Suba / Desça a rua

Portugal’s hilly streets make these phrases very common. They mean to go up or down the street.

Examples
• Suba a rua até à praça. (Go up the street to the square.)
• Desça a rua até ao rio. (Go down the street to the river.)

22. Perto da rotunda

Roundabouts are everywhere in Portugal, often used as reference points.

Examples
• O supermercado fica perto da rotunda. (The supermarket is near the roundabout.)

23. Demora muito tempo?

This question checks how long the journey will take.

Examples
• Demora muito tempo a chegar lá? (Does it take long to get there?)

24. Siga as placas

Signs are often clearer than complicated explanations. This phrase reassures you to just follow them.

Examples
• É fácil, siga as placas para o centro. (It’s easy, follow the signs to the centre.)

25. É fácil de encontrar?

A useful way to ask whether your destination is obvious or tricky.

Examples
• Desculpe, é fácil de encontrar? (Excuse me, is it easy to find?)

Conversation Practice

Conversation 1 – Looking for the Train Station

Turista: Desculpe, pode ajudar-me? Estou perdida.
(Excuse me, can you help me? I’m lost.)

Local: Claro, diga. O que procura?
(Of course, tell me. What are you looking for?)

Turista: Onde fica a estação de comboios?
(Where is the train station?)

Local: Siga em frente até ao semáforo, depois vire à esquerda. A estação fica ao fundo da rua.
(Go straight ahead until the traffic light, then turn left. The station is at the end of the street.)

Turista: É longe daqui?
(Is it far from here?)

Local: Não, fica perto daqui. Uns dez minutos a pé.
(No, it’s close by. About ten minutes on foot.)

Turista: Muito obrigada pela ajuda!
(Thank you very much for your help!)

Conversation 2 – Finding a Restaurant in Lisbon

Turista: Boa tarde! Como chego ao restaurante Solar dos Presuntos?
(Good afternoon! How do I get to the restaurant Solar dos Presuntos?)

Local: É fácil. Vire à direita nesta rua, depois suba a rua até à rotunda. O restaurante fica ao pé do teatro.
(It’s easy. Turn right on this street, then go up the street until the roundabout. The restaurant is next to the theatre.)

Turista: Pode mostrar-me no mapa?
(Can you show me on the map?)

Local: Sim, claro. Aqui está.
(Yes, of course. Here it is.)

Turista: É a primeira rua depois da farmácia?
(Is it the first street after the pharmacy?)

Local: Exactamente. Vai ver o restaurante à frente da praça.
(Exactly. You’ll see the restaurant in front of the square.)

Turista: Perfeito. Muito obrigada pela ajuda!
(Perfect. Thank you very much for your help!)

Conversation 3 – Asking for the Pharmacy

Turista: Bom dia. Pode ajudar-me? Estou perdido. Procuro uma farmácia.
(Good morning. Can you help me? I’m lost. I’m looking for a pharmacy.)

Local: Com certeza. Há uma aqui perto. É fácil de encontrar.
(Of course. There’s one nearby. It’s easy to find.)

Turista: Demora muito tempo a chegar lá a pé?
(Does it take long to get there on foot?)

Local: Não, são só cinco minutos. Atravessa a rua, depois siga as placas para a “Farmácia Central”. Vai encontrá-la do lado direito.
(No, it’s only five minutes. Cross the street, then follow the signs to the “Farmácia Central.” You’ll find it on the right-hand side.)

Turista: Está antes ou depois do supermercado?
(Is it before or after the supermarket?)

Local: Está depois do supermercado, mesmo na esquina.
(It’s after the supermarket, right on the corner.)

Turista: Excelente. Obrigado pela ajuda!
(Excellent. Thank you for your help!)

Closing Thoughts

With these 25 essential phrases in European Portuguese, you’ll be ready for almost any situation when asking for or giving directions in Portugal. Each expression not only helps you reach your destination but also gives you a chance to interact with locals. Remember, Portuguese people appreciate when foreigners make the effort, and even a simple “obrigado/obrigada” can turn a quick exchange into a friendly encounter.

So don’t be afraid to get a little lost. With these phrases, you’ll find your way and make your journey more memorable in the process.