Portugal’s Golden Visa program has earned its place as one of Europe’s most attractive residency-by-investment schemes. This has opened the door to residency, EU mobility, and even citizenship for thousands of families worldwide. However, with fresh parliamentary discussions set to begin this September, change may once again be on the horizon.
If you’ve been considering applying for the Portugal Golden Visa, this could be the decisive moment. Recent history shows how fast the rules can change, and those who hesitate may risk missing their opportunity altogether.
What’s Happening in September?
This September, Portuguese lawmakers will begin debating new proposals that could reshape the program. Early comments suggest possible tightening of eligibility or revised residency timelines. At this point, nothing has been approved. The conversations are preliminary, but they signal that the political spotlight is firmly back on the Golden Visa and changing the length of time it will take to apply for citizenship from the current 5 years to a potential 10 years for all visa holders apart from members of CPLP (Community of Portuguese Language) countries, which could extend to 7 years..
It is worth remembering that, while parliamentary debate does not mean instant change, it does start the clock ticking and changes may even be retroactive. For anyone on the fence, now is the time to pay attention.
Looking Back – The Real Estate Exit
The last major reform offers a useful case study. In November 2022, Prime Minister António Costa said that the Golden Visa “had served its purpose.” From there, the government moved quickly. By April 2023, a proposal was on the table to remove real estate as a qualifying route. Parliament approved the measure in July, although the President initially sent it back for revision. By October 2023, the law was finalized and officially published.
What began as a passing comment became law in less than a year. Once the law was enacted, the change was absolute. Real estate investments, both direct and indirect, were no longer valid. Many investors who had been waiting for clarity suddenly found themselves shut out of their preferred path.
Why This Matters Today
The real estate removal demonstrated two things. First, Portugal’s leaders are not afraid to make bold changes when they believe the program needs recalibration. Second, once the process begins, it tends to move forward quickly, even if it takes months for the final law to be enacted.
For prospective applicants, the lesson is clear. Discussions today may become restrictions tomorrow. While current debate is still in its infancy (which means there is still time to apply under existing rules), the window is unlikely to remain open indefinitely.
The Benefits of Acting Now
Applying for the Portugal Golden Visa while the current structure remains in place offers enormous advantages. First, it ensures access to today’s qualifying investment options without the risk of new restrictions. Second, it secures your residency in an EU country, with the freedom to live, work, or simply enjoy the lifestyle Portugal offers. Finally, it preserves your path to eventual citizenship after five years, one of the fastest timelines available in the European Union.
Equally important, beginning your application now gives you a head start before there is any surge in demand due to a new announcement from the Portuguese government. Because applications are first come first served, with no special fast track process, you put yourself ahead of the rush by acting quickly.
What Might Be Coming Next?
Nobody can say with certainty what the September discussions will bring, but past debates provide a clue. Lawmakers could raise minimum investment thresholds, reduce the number of eligible routes, or extend the required residency period before citizenship can be pursued. Each of these possibilities would make the program less accessible than it is today.
For many investors or those simply wishing to make Portugal their home, waiting to see what happens could mean waiting too long.
Why You Shouldn’t Delay
Procrastination has already cost some applicants their chance. When real estate was phased out in 2023, investors who assumed they had more time lost the ability to qualify through property purchases. This pattern may repeat itself if new restrictions are introduced this year.
The safest approach is not to wait for political certainty. Instead, take advantage of the clarity that exists now. Submit your application under the current framework, and protect your family’s access to EU residency before the rules change.
Join Our Portugal Golden Visa Webinar
To help investors make the most informed decision possible, we have partnered with Holborn Pass. They are hosting a live online seminar dedicated entirely to the Portugal Golden Visa. This exclusive session will offer a full overview of the program as it stands today, an analysis of potential upcoming reforms, and clear guidance on how to apply. Attendees will also have the chance to ask their questions directly to the webinar host Jason Swan, Portugal’s leading Golden Visa expert.
With Portugal’s rules continuing to evolve and political winds influencing the future of the Golden Visa program, timing has never been more critical. This live session will give you the clarity you need to act decisively and secure EU residency under the current structure.
September 3, 2025 began like any other late-summer day in Lisbon. On Rua da Glória, tourists lined up as they do every day to ride one of the city’s most beloved landmarks known as the Glória funicular. But at around 6:15 pm Lisbon time, a cable snapped and suddenly the funicular careened the down the hill and derailed, crashing into a building and killing 17 people from Portugal and around the world and injuring more than 20 more in what is now already considered one of Portugal’s deadliest transport accidents.
Lisbon has already declared a day of national mourning for September 4. Here is what we know so far about this terrible tragedy that is already under investigation.
A Historic Lisbon Icon
The Glória funicular, which opened in 1885, is classified as a national monument and connects the city’s downtown Baixa district with Bairro Alto, climbing 265 meters up a steep slope parallel to Avenida da Liberdade and Rossio station.
Capable of carrying more than 40 passengers, the funicular is both a daily commuter link and a popular tourist attraction. It carries over three million riders a year, and its operation relies on two cars running in opposite directions, counterbalanced by a cable system powered by electric motors.
For 140 years, it was seen as safe, charming, and reliable – until Wednesday evening, September 3, 2025.
The Moment of Disaster
At 6:15 p.m., with the sun still high and queues of visitors waiting their turn, tragedy struck. According to early reports, a haulage cable suddenly snapped as the uphill carriage was descending. The tram lost control, gathered speed, and careened backwards, derailing from the tracks and crashing into a building.
Another carriage waiting at the bottom dropped suddenly by two meters and passengers inside suffered minor injuries. As of September 4, 2025, seventeen people have been killed, five remain in serious condition, and 21 in total were reported injured. Emergency responders worked through the evening to pull survivors from the crumpled yellow wreckage.
Victims from around the World
The disaster has affected people from around the world, with officials confirming that multiple nationalities are among the dead and injured, including visitors from Germany, Spain, France, Italy, Switzerland, Cabo Verde, Morocco, Canada, and South Korea.
One particularly harrowing story has emerged of a three-year-old German boy pulled alive from the wreckage. His father died in the crash, while his pregnant mother was hospitalized with injuries and later transferred to a maternity clinic.
Among the Portuguese dead was André Marques, the 40-year-old brakeman on the carriage and father of two. He had worked for Carris, the city’s public transport company, for 15 years. Carris described him as a dedicated professional who was always willing to contribute to the greater good.
Eyewitnesses spoke of terror and confusion as the runaway carriage hurtled down the slope. One woman reported that the funicular had no brakes, hit a building with brutal force, and collapsed like a cardboard box.
Another described hearing the first tram jolt against a barrier at the bottom of the hill and then watched in horror as the second tram sped uncontrollably, having just enough time to run out of the way.
Investigations Underway
While the official cause has yet to be determined, local media have reported that the cable system may have failed. Forensic teams and transport safety officials worked overnight to collect evidence from the wreckage. In fact, on 7 May 2018, one of the Glória funicular cars derailed due to a lack of maintenance of its wheels, but no one was injured. The maintenance record will need to be given a hard look to determine and ensure that it was up to date.
Portugal’s National Institute of Legal Medicine has been tasked with identifying victims, while the National Transport Safety Authority, the Lisbon police, and Carris have all launched investigations.
The city council has suspended operations of Lisbon’s other funiculars – Bica, Lavra, and Graça – pending urgent safety inspections.
Mourning and Reactions
President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa declared Thursday a national day of mourning. “The President of the Republic deeply regrets the accident, particularly the fatalities and serious injuries.
Lisbon’s mayor, Carlos Moedas, who visited the site, called it “a tragedy that has never happened before in our city,” adding, “Lisbon is in mourning. Now is the time for action and help.”
Residents of Bairro Alto expressed both sorrow and frustration. The head of the neighborhood residents’ association blamed excessive tourism for overloading the historic system, further claiming that it was used so much in recent years that the locals lost the ability to use it as public transport, and it became primarily a tourist attraction.
What Comes Next
As Lisbon grieves, attention now shifts to accountability. How could a national monument carrying millions of passengers a year fail so catastrophically? Was the cable system inadequately maintained? Did braking systems malfunction?
The coming days weeks must bring answers. For now, Portugal is focused on honoring the dead, the survivors, and its shaken capital.
Seventeen lives lost on a tram that was supposed to symbolize Lisbon’s charm and history. Now, the Glória funicular has become the site of national tragedy.
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.
António de Oliveira Salazar, Public Domain
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.
Álvaro Cunhal IN 1980, Fernando Pereira / Anefo – Derived from the National Archive, Wikimedia Commons
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.
Aristides de Sousa Mendes, 1940, Wikimedia Commons
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.
Statue of Afonso Henriques in Guimarães, Béria L. Rodríguez, Wikimedia Commons
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.
Statue of Luis de Camoes at Jardim Marques de Pombal, Oeiras, Portugal. Photo by Pedro Ribeiro Simoes (Flickr)
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.
Supposed portrait of King John II of Portugal, but some historians disagree with this identification, Author unknown, Wikimedia Commons
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.
Fernando Pessoa
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.
The Marquês De Pombal, Public Domain
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.
Vasco da Gama, António Manuel da Fonseca, Wikimedia Commons
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?)
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.)
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.
Hidden beneath the busy streets of downtown Lisbon lies one of the city’s most mysterious and exclusive archaeological treasures: the Roman Galleries of Rua da Prata. These vaulted underground chambers, known as a cryptoporticus, were originally built by the Romans nearly two thousand years ago. Today, you can only step inside for only eight days each year, which makes this one of the hardest tickets to get in all of Portugal!
A Glimpse into Roman Olissipo
The Roman Galleries date back to the reign of Emperor Augustus when Lisbon was still the Roman city of Felicitas Iulia Olisipo. They were built on sandy, unstable soil close to the Tagus River and acted as massive subterranean foundations. This hidden structure made it possible for Romans to erect important public buildings above temples, markets, or perhaps even a forum right in the heart of the city.
After the 1755 earthquake devastated Lisbon, the galleries were rediscovered in 1771 during the reconstruction of the Baixa Pombalina. Remarkably, they had survived the catastrophe intact and continued to support the buildings above them. By the early 20th century, the local population even used the chambers as a cistern and called them the “Conservas de Água da Rua da Prata”. Today, their survival is thanks to Roman engineering genius.
Why the Galleries Are So Rarely Open
So why are the Roman Galleries only open for 8 days per year? Most of the time, the galleries are submerged. Groundwater from an underground aquifer fills the chambers to more than a meter deep, which makes them inaccessible. Before each opening, the city pumps out the water and carefully prepares the monument for visitors.
Because of this unique condition, the galleries open for just eight days a year – four in April and four in September. Tickets for these openings sell out within days, if not hours, so advance planning is essential.
Visiting the Roman Galleries
The next opportunity to explore the galleries is September 18–21, 2025. Tours run as follows:
September 18–19: 2:30 pm to 6:30 pm
September 20–21: 9:30 am to 6:30 pm
Visits are guided by the Educational Service team of the Museum of Lisbon in Portuguese. Even if you don’t speak the language, the chance to wander through the space will be a unique and likely unforgettable experience. Tickets are only 3 € and must be booked in advance through the Blueticket platform. Keep a close eye on the Museu de Lisboa website to find out when the tickets become available. You can also check Portugal.com’s Instagram page @portugaldotcom.
Important details for visitors:
Meeting point – corner of Rua da Conceição and Rua dos Correeiros (arrive 15 minutes early)
Age – 6+ years old
Duration – about 25–30 minutes
Wear waterproof shoes and comfortable clothing. Please note that conditions are damp and humid.
The tour is not recommended for those with reduced mobility
What to Expect Inside
Don’t expect grand mosaics or statues here. Instead, the Roman Galleries offer a raw and atmospheric encounter with the city’s Roman foundations. Visitors walk through six vaulted galleries and several narrow passageways. Some chambers are so low you must stoop, and in others, you may still see puddles despite the area recently being pumped out.
One particularly striking spot is the Gallery of the Springs, where groundwater still seeps through. This will remind you of the structure’s dual role as both an engineering marvel and a living, breathing part of Lisbon’s geology.
It feels more like walking through the veins of the city than visiting a traditional ruin – moody, damp, and deeply authentic.
Special Tours
If you’d like to extend your Roman experience in Lisbon, there’s a special walking tour that pairs a visit to the Roman Galleries with a stop at the Archaeological Center of Casa dos Bicos. Here, you’ll see the Roman wall and fish-salting tanks that once fueled the prosperity of Olisipo.
Date – September 20, 2025 at 3:30 pm
Price – 7 €
There’s also an adapted visit in Portuguese Sign Language on September 20 at 6:45 pm, which makes the experience accessible to more visitors.
Want to Make It a Roman Holiday?
The Roman Galleries aren’t the only traces of Olisipo beneath Lisbon. Just a ten-minute walk away lies the Roman Theatre Museum, another essential stop for anyone intrigued by the city’s ancient past.
Built in the 1st century AD and rediscovered after the 1755 earthquake, the Roman Theatre once hosted performances for the people of Olisipo. Today, you can see its orchestra, stage, and seating area, alongside exhibits that trace the history of Roman Lisbon.
Closed Mondays and on January 1, May 1, and December 25
Together, the Roman Galleries and the Roman Theatre provide a rare glimpse into the earliest days of Lisbon.
How to Get Tickets
Since tickets sell out quickly, the best strategy is to monitor the Museu de Lisboa website and Portugal.com a few weeks before the April and September openings. Tickets are exclusively sold online through Blueticket.
So set a reminder to check every day because walking through the Roman Galleries is one of the hardest tickets to get in Lisbon – and gives you access to the oldest part of the city!
Portugal is a country full of small but important social codes that locals take for granted. Some will make you laugh, others will make you scratch your head, and a few might frustrate you until you finally give in and adapt. Once you do, you’ll see why so many people fall in love with this country for its culture of warmth, hospitality, and humanity.
Here are 26 unwritten customs you should know before settling into Portuguese life.
1. The Long Goodbye
If you’re used to quick goodbyes or even the “Irish goodbye,” brace yourself. In Portugal, goodbyes take time. Leaving a dinner or even a simple coffee catch-up often involves another 10–15 minutes at the door, jackets half on, chatting about everything from football results to your aunt’s latest medical exam. Finally, you’ll walk your guests to the door, sometimes all the way to the gate, with multiple waves and “beijinhos” before the actual departure.
For people new to Portugal, this can feel endless, but it’s all part of the Portuguese ritual of politeness. A rushed goodbye seems cold. In Portugal, the message is: I value your company so much that I can’t let you go easily. This is very sweet if you think about it.
2. Never Arrive Empty-Handed
Hospitality is a cornerstone of Portuguese life. If you’re invited for dinner, don’t show up with nothing. A bottle of wine, a box of pastries, or even a bag of fruit is expected. If money is tight, you can offer to set the table or wash dishes. It’s about showing gratitude, not impressing with an expensive gift. It is the thought that counts!
Fail to bring something, and you may notice raised eyebrows, especially from the older generation. They’ll still feed you, of course, but they’ll remember.
3. Helping Without Strings Attached
One of the loveliest parts of Portugal is how genuinely helpful people are. Need directions? Struggling with bureaucracy? Someone will step in – or at least it is always amazing, but never expected, when they do. However, beware of misreading this kindness. In Portugal, offering help isn’t only something someone might do with expectations of romance in mind. It is also not done with the expectation of payment. Helping is part of being a decent person.
4. Always Greet the Room
This is one that you may not be aware of but will notice the longer you stay in Portugal. When you enter a waiting room, shop, or small office, say “bom dia” (good morning) or “boa tarde” (good afternoon). It doesn’t matter if you know the people or not. Silence can make you seem unfriendly or rude.
Similarly, when leaving, it’s polite to say something like as melhoras (“get well soon”) if you’re in a doctor’s office, or simply adeus (“goodbye”).
5. Priority Seating and Service
By both law and custom, pregnant women, people with babies, and those with disabilities have priority. This means that that they get to cut in line, jump ahead in shops, and of course, sit in reserved seating on public transport. Even if a bus is packed, expect locals to leap up when someone who qualifies gets on the bus.
If you’re new to Portugal, remember don’t occupy the priority seat on public transportif you’re not prepared to give it up immediately.
Carris Metropolitana Bus, Bus Box, Flickr
6. Coffee Ends the Meal
Lunch and dinner aren’t finished until someone asks: “Quem quer café?” Coffee (usually a small, strong espresso) marks the true end of a meal. Ordering it too early will break the flow of a meal.
So if you’re at a Portuguese table, don’t rush. The meal winds down slowly, with dessert, fruit, maybe a bit of brandy, and finally, that little cup of coffee. A true Portuguese meal will last at least two hours, sometimes three.
7. Cover Up After the Beach
Portugal is beach heaven, but locals draw a sharp line: half-naked bodies stay on the sand. Walking shirtless down the street or shopping in a bikini is frowned upon. Put on a shirt, dress, or at least a wrap before leaving the beach.
The unwritten rule is respect: public spaces aren’t the beach. Remember this and you will fit in with the Portuguese way of life.
8. Don’t Confuse Portuguese with Spanish
Yes, many Portuguese people understand Spanish, but that doesn’t mean they like being addressed in it. Portugal has its own proud language and identity, which is quite distinct from Spain’s. Speaking Spanish here can feel dismissive, as if you don’t care to learn the difference.
Even if your Portuguese is basic, use it. A simple obrigado/obrigada (thank you) will go much further than a fluent gracias.
Silence on trains and the metro is golden. You’ll notice commuters quietly reading, dozing, or scrolling on their phones. Playing music on speakers or having loud phone calls is guaranteed to draw stares. Earbuds exist for a reason. Use them.
10. Don’t Complain About House Prices
Yes, rents and property prices are high, and locals definitely feel the squeeze. However, if you’re an expat from somewhere like San Francisco or London, be careful about moaning that “Portugal is so expensive.” For locals, it comes across as tone-deaf. They’ve been priced out of their own cities.
Talk instead about how beautiful the housing is, or how lucky you feel to live there. That’s more likely to win friends.
Lisbon. Photo by Maria Orlova (Pexels)
11. Respect the Food
Portuguese food is sacred and is deeply tied to family and tradition. If you don’t like something, quietly leave it on your plate, and don’t mock the portion sizes either. If a Portuguese grandmother serves you enough food for three people, just smile and eat what you can.
12. Make Sure to Grab a Ticket
In bakeries, banks, or post offices, you’ll often see a little machine spitting out paper numbers. Grab one! It’s your “senha” (ticket), and without it, you’ll get a lot of rude looks.
13. Make It Obvious When You Cross the Road and Look Both Ways
Drivers are generally respectful at crosswalks, but roads can be narrow with poor visibility. Don’t just run across. Make eye contact with the driver, raise your hand slightly, and step forward only when you’re sure they’ve seen you.
14. The Multi-Goodbye Phone Call
Ending a phone call isn’t as simple as “bye.” Expect a string of farewells that could go on for 5-10 minutes: tchau, beijinhos, boa tarde… It’s a ritual, almost like the long goodbye in person (see #1). Hang up too soon, and it feels abrupt, even rude.
15. Time Is Flexible
If someone says, “let’s meet at 5,” don’t expect them at 5. In Portugal, 5 pm might mean 5:30 pm, even 6:00 pm. Punctuality isn’t a national strength.
The unwritten rule: bring patience – or a book. You might want to get used to arriving late yourself.
16. Don’t Snitch on Your Neighbors
Complaining about minor things including laundry drying outside, music being a bit too loud, or leaving trash in the wrong place is frowned upon. Portugal’s dictatorship ended in 1974, but the culture of hating “snitches” remains. Unless something is truly dangerous, mind your own business.
17. You Don’t Have to Pay People Cash If They Do You a Favor
If someone helps you move, gives you a ride, or translates a document, don’t pull out cash. Offering money for the Portuguese feels transactional. Instead, invite them for a coffee, buy them a drink, or repay the kindness another time. In Portugal, it’s about community, not currency.
18. Only Locals Can Criticize Portugal
Portuguese people love complaining about the Portuguese government, the bureaucracy, and the weather. But it is not ok for foreigners to join in? You can praise Portugal all you like, but keep your criticism to yourself.
19. Speak a Common Language in a Group Setting
In group settings, don’t switch into a language others can’t understand. Two foreigners chatting in German while everyone else speaks Portuguese can seem exclusionary. If you must switch, speak in another language briefly and then stick with what everyone can follow.
20. How to Address Women
Forget formal surnames like “Mrs. Silva.” In Portugal, women are addressed by first name with a respectful title: “Dona Maria.” Even older, highly respected women rarely go by surnames. It’s more personal and warmer than the style of using in last names in some other countries like the USA or UK.
21. Hosting Means Huge Portions
Hospitality here means feeding you like royalty. Even a casual lunch might include multiple courses and enough food for twice as many guests.
Refusing seconds can sometimes feel rude, but a polite “já estou cheio” (“I’m already full”) usually works.
Sardinhas Assadas. Photo by Yusuke Kawasaki (Flickr)
22. Two Kisses on the Cheek
Greeting customs matter. Men and women usually greet with two kisses, starting on the right cheek. Men often shake hands with each other, unless they’re very close friends. Don’t initiate kisses in formal or professional contexts, but expect them in social ones.
23. Cars Park Everywhere
Don’t be shocked when cars block sidewalks, crosswalks, or even your driveway. Parking laws are often flexible in practice. It’s not worth losing your temper, just work around it. And get ready to watch when an entire group of neighbors emerge from the house to pick up a car and move it out of the way for a bus that needs to pass.
24. Bread With Every Meal
Bread is an essential part of every meal. For many Portuguese, a meal without bread isn’t a real meal. If you’re preparing a meal for Portuguese friends, make sure to include bread.
Photo by Marco Verch Professional Photographer (Flickr)
25. Escort Guests to the Door
On that note, when guests leave your home, walk them to the door. In houses, you should even walk them to the gate. A simple wave from the sofa feels rude. It’s another way of the Portuguese showing that “your visit mattered to me.”
26. Cafés Are Not Coworking Spaces
Portuguese cafés are for quick coffees, chats, or snacks. Camping for hours with a laptop and a single espresso isn’t appreciated. Order more or head to a coworking space instead.
Final Thoughts
Living in Portugal is learning and absorbing these little habits that knit society together. Once you embrace the way that the Portuguese do things, you’ll stop feeling like a visitor and start feeling like a neighbor.
At the heart of it all, Portuguese customs boil down to respect: for people, for food, for time (even when late), and for community. Learn these 26 rules, and you’ll not only avoid awkward Portuguese faux pas, you’ll also be welcomed with open arms into a culture that values warmth, humor, and connection above all else.
Lisbon’s relationship with earthquakes is both tragic and mysterious. The most infamous disaster struck on All Saints’ Day on November 1, 1755 when tens of thousands of worshippers and Lisbon residents were killed as the city shook, flooded, and burned. The catastrophe stunned Europe. The French writer Voltaire, horrified, asked bitterly whether Lisbon had been more sinful than Paris or London to deserve such punishment.
Theologically, the earthquake unsettled people’s belief in Christianity itself: good Christians had perished in churches and left philosophers to question divine justice. Geologically, it was equally baffling. Lisbon is not located on a traditional fault line nor does it sit atop a subduction zone where earthquakes usually occur. For centuries, the city’s seismic fate seemed inexplicable.
Why Lisbon’s Earthquakes Made No Sense
Earthquakes typically happen in two scenarios. On continents, delamination can cause the Earth’s crust to buckle and split as the lighter magma asthenosphere forces its way upward. At sea, subduction pulls one tectonic plate beneath another and releases violent energy.
But neither of these processes seemed to apply to Portugal. The seafloor near Lisbon appeared flat and stable with no sign of fault lines. Seismic surveys revealed no subduction. In addition, on land, Portugal showed no evidence of delamination. For decades, the riddle remained unsolved: why had Lisbon suffered devastating quakes in 1755, 1969, and more recently a tremor in February 2025?
Ruins of the Carmo Convent, BK59, Wikimedia Commons
A Breakthrough Discovery Beneath the Atlantic
Finally, we may have some answers. A study published in Nature Geoscience may have finally solved the mystery. Geologists from the University of Lisbon used advanced “Earth ultrasound” techniques and seismometers placed on the seabed for eight months to peer deep into the planet’s structure. Their findings suggest that Lisbon’s earthquakes may be triggered by something almost unheard of up until now: oceanic delamination.
Researchers identified a fissure in the tectonic plate about 200 kilometers off Cabo de São Vicente near Sagres. This fissure, which is invisible from the surface, has been forming for at least five million years. It is located in the Ferradura Abyssal Plain, close to the Gorringe Bank, right where the Eurasian and African plates meet.
Instead of moving neatly like puzzle pieces, the oceanic plate here is splitting horizontally. The lower portion is peeling away and sinking into the mantle to depths of over 200 kilometers, which is double the usual thickness. Meanwhile, the upper part of the plate remains stubbornly in place. The stress created by this slow-motion tear builds up and eventually releases in the form of earthquakes.
The Southwest Iberia Anomaly
Adding to the intrigue is the discovery of what geologists call the “southwest Iberia anomaly,” a blob of magma pressing against the mantle beneath Portugal. Combined with clusters of small quakes recorded 30-40 kilometers deep, the evidence points to unusual geological forces at play.
Although delamination was long thought impossible beneath oceanic crust, the presence of serpentinite (a particularly slippery rock) may make it easier for Lisbon’s seafloor to peel apart. Computer simulations run by the research team confirm that this mechanism could explain both the depth and intensity of Lisbon’s quakes.
What It Means for Lisbon Today
The discovery has major implications for understanding seismic risks in Portugal. While Lisbon has not experienced anything on the scale of the 1755 earthquake in recent decades, the recent 4.7 magnitude quake southwest of Seixal in February 2025 is a reminder that the ground beneath the capital is far from stable.
As new generations of undersea communication cables are installed across the Atlantic, researchers hope to integrate seismic monitoring into this infrastructure. Better data could help Portugal prepare for future tremors, although predicting when the next major event will strike remains impossible.
Lisbon. Photo by Portuguese Gravity (Unsplash)
Remembering the 1755 Earthquake
Lisbon still bears the scars of its past. The 1755 quake not only destroyed much of the city but reshaped European thought, influencing philosophy, politics, and even architecture. For those who wish to understand its impact, the Quake Museum in Belém offers a dramatic and immersive journey that we highly recommend. Through video mapping and simulators, visitors experience the chaos inside the Church of São Nicolau as it collapsed and walk through the aftermath of the fires and tsunamis. The exhibit even places visitors in the office of the Marquis of Pombal, the man tasked with rebuilding Lisbon in the wake of disaster.
Photo provided by the Quake Museum.
For centuries, Lisbon’s earthquakes were viewed as acts of divine wrath or geological absurdities. But modern science now points to a rare and powerful process: the slow tearing of an oceanic tectonic plate beneath Portugal.
What remains uncertain is whether the fissure off Sagres will produce another disaster on the scale of 1755 or whether Lisbon’s future tremors will be smaller but more frequent. Either way, researchers have brought us closer to understanding a mystery that has haunted Portugal for nearly three centuries.
When traveling through the mountainous villages of northern Portugal, you may come across some curious rows of narrow, stone-built structures perched on stilts. At first glance, they might look like tombs or miniature chapels, but their true purpose is more practical and tied to the agricultural traditions of the region. These are espigueiros (singular: espigueiro), the traditional granite granaries that have provided sustenance for Portuguese communities for centuries.
Espigueiros symbolize the practicality, spirituality, and community life that defined Portugal’s agrarian society in the past. They provide a look into the rhythms of northern Portuguese villages, where survival depended on careful planning, shared labor, and protection of the harvest.
Origins and Purpose of the Espigueiros
The espigueiro was designed to serve one essential role: preserving grain crops such as corn, wheat, and barley. Each structure is elevated on thick stone pillars and was built mostly of granite sourced from the surrounding mountains. These pillars rest on rounded “mushroom-shaped” bases that prevent rodents from climbing into the granary, which ensure the crops remain safe from pests.
The walls are punctuated with vertical slats or vents that allow the wind to flow through and dry the stored grain. This ventilation was especially crucial because harvests often took place in autumn just before the rainy winter season. By positioning the espigueiros on elevated ground, villagers maximized exposure to wind, which sped up drying and reduced the risk of mold.
On top, slanted granite slabs form a roof, which are often topped with a carved cross. The cross had both spiritual and practical significance. It symbolized divine blessing and discouraged birds from perching on the granary. At the entrance, rough-hewn stone steps provided access to the grain, which allowed families to climb up and check on their storage.
Each espigueiro belonged to a family, passed down through generations, and became a visible reminder of their work, land, and the long agricultural history in the region.
Espigueiros of Soajo, Vitor Oliveira, Flickr
Soajo
One of the most famous sites to see espigueiros is in Soajo, a small village in the Peneda-Gerês mountains, just south of the Spanish border. This charming settlement on the edge of Peneda-Gerês National Park features 24 granaries, most of which date from the late 18th to early 19th century.
Unlike Lindoso, where each espigueiro is owned by a family, Soajo’s cluster has long been regarded as a communal resource, which reflects the cooperative spirit of rural life. Villagers would gather in autumn to thresh grain, clean it, and store it collectively. This shared use created strong bonds between neighbors, who relied on one another for survival.
Festivals and rituals often accompanied these harvest activities. Storing grain was not only practical but also spiritual, entwined with traditions, blessings, and prayers for our daily bread.
Location – Soajo, Portugal
📍 Granaries of Soajo on Google Maps
The Espigueiros of Soajo, Vitor Oliveira, Flickr
Lindoso
Just 10 kilometers (6 miles) from Soajo lies another village equally famous for its espigueiros: Lindoso. Here, more than 50 espigueiros stand together on a raised communal threshing ground, a dramatic sight against the backdrop of the medieval Lindoso Castle.
Lindoso Castle, Flávio Ferreira, Flickr
Some of these granaries date back as far as the 17th century, while others are more recent and show signs of repairs and additions over the years. The clustering of espigueiros led historians at first to assume that they reflected a communal way of life. However, later research suggested a different explanation: building them in one place made them easier to guard against thieves.
Even today, some of the granaries in Lindoso remain in use and store corn for local families. Their preservation is a testament to their enduring practicality as well as the determination of the community to honor their traditions.
Location – Lindoso, 4980-020, Portugal
📍 Lindoso Granaries on Google Maps
The Espigueiros of Lindoso. Photo by Juan Garcia (Unspalsh)i
Cultural Significance
The presence of a cross atop many espigueiros reflects the deep religious culture of the Minho region. While it symbolized divine protection over the grain, it also links back to older folk traditions related to land, fertility, and the cycles of life and death. On a pragmatic level, the cross discouraged birds from perching on the roof and reduced the risk of damage to the structure.
The espigueiros also became gathering points for community life. During harvest, families and neighbors worked side by side, exchanging knowledge and passing down skills to younger generations. They became the centerpieces of village rituals and reinforced bonds that extended beyond the mere storage of grain.
Similarities Beyond Portugal
Espigueiros are not unique to Portugal. Across the border in Galicia, Spain, you can find nearly identical structures called hórreos, which served the same purpose of protecting grain from moisture and pests. Both traditions highlight how agrarian communities across the Iberian Peninsula adapted to similar environmental challenges.
Today, many of these granaries have been restored and legally protected, which ensure that they remain part of the landscape for generations to come.
Visiting the Espigueiros
A visit to the granaries of Lindoso and Soajo is like stepping back in time. Surrounded by mountains, medieval castles, and stone-built villages, we consider these clusters to be some of the most photogenic spots in northern Portugal.
The two sites are only a 20-minute drive apart, which makes it easy to visit both of them in a single trip. Between them, you’ll also find small restaurants and cafés where you can enjoy a hearty Portuguese meal after exploring the granaries. Their proximity to Peneda-Gerês National Park makes them an ideal stopping point along your journey through Northeastern Portugal.
From major cities, the distances are:
Porto to Lindoso/Soajo – approximately 90 minutes by car (about 120 km).
Braga to Lindoso/Soajo – about 1 hour by car (70 km).
Why Espigueiros Still Matter
Though modern silos and agricultural techniques have replaced espigueiros in most places, these stone granaries are a direct link to Portugal’s past. Preservation efforts continue to protect their cultural significance. Local councils, museums, and historical societies are working to restore damaged granaries, educate visitors, and celebrate the role these structures played in Portuguese rural life.
For visitors, espigueiros are a chance to appreciate the craftsmanship and wisdom of generations past.
Suggested Itinerary – A Day Trip from Porto or Braga
Here’s a suggested route if you’re planning a visit to Lindoso and Soajo:
Morning
Depart Porto (around 8:00 am) or Braga (around 9:00 am).
Drive northeast toward Peneda-Gerês National Park
Stop at Soajo first, where you can walk among the 24 espigueiros and explore the village square
Midday
Head to Lindoso (20 minutes by car). Wander among the 50 granaries clustered beside the castle and take in the panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Visit Lindoso Castle, a medieval fortress with sweeping views of the Spanish borderlands.
Lunch
Enjoy a traditional Portuguese meal at Café Restaurante Mó or another local spot. Try regional dishes such as bacalhau à minhota or roasted goat (cabrito assado).
Afternoon
Take time to explore Peneda-Gerês National Park, either with a short hike or a drive through its rugged landscapes. Waterfalls, mountain lakes, and ancient villages dot the park and will give you plenty of opportunities for great photos.
Evening
Return to Porto or Braga, arriving back in time for dinner.
Conclusion
Visiting the espigueiros of Lindoso and Soajo gives you the chance to experience a slice of Portugal’s agricultural past and enjoy a reminder of the ingenuity that sustained rural families for centuries.
The history, the architecture, and the breathtaking landscapes of Peneda-Gerês and the espigueiros are sure to take your breath away.
Coming to Porto this September? Then, you’re in for a treat because this year the city is buzzing with some of its most exciting events yet!
No matter your interests, you’ll find a favorite among the diverse lineup: think blues and jazz concerts, international puppet festivals, bookbinding workshops, and even opera concerts.
Here are the 11 best events happening in Porto in September 2025.
1. BloomFEST 2025
When: September 19-21, 2025
Where: Maia Aerodrome, Rua Vilar de Luz 1700 4425, 4425 Folgosa, Portugal
How much: Early bird tickets 20-150 EUR, VIP passes available
You know that feeling when you discover a secret spot that feels otherworldly? BloomFEST 2025 delivers exactly that experience by transforming Portugal’s first runway festival space into a pulsating dance paradise. This electronic music event features headliners like WhoMadeWho, Carlita, Folamour, and Dj Tennis across deep house, progressive house, and melodic techno genres.
Since it’s held at an actual airport runway, the space is completely unique but also exposed, so bring a jacket because September evenings can be chilly in Porto. Moreover, the location is about 20 minutes from central Porto, so plan your transport in advance.
2. Porto Pride Festival 2025
When: September 12-14, 2025
Where: Largo Amor de Perdição, Campo dos Mártires da Pátria 2117, 4050-600 Porto
How much: Free admission
The Porto Pride Festival transforms this northern Portuguese city into a rainbow celebration that’s been enriching the city’s cultural agenda since 2001. As the oldest Pride event in northern Portugal, this three-day festival combines conferences, cultural activities, and vibrant celebrations that welcome over 10,000 people annually.
The festival is completely free and takes place in the beautiful Cordoaria area near the city center. Day one features a summit with important discussions, while the weekend brings outdoor festivities.
3. International Puppet Festival of Porto
Porto. Photo by Weliton Soranzo (Unsplash)
When: September 24 – October 19, 2025
Where: Various theaters across Porto and Matosinhos
How much: To be confirmed
Remember when you believed puppets could come alive? This magical festival brings that childhood wonder back through world-class puppetry! Held across multiple venues in Porto and neighboring Matosinhos, the festival showcases both Portuguese and international puppet artists in performances that captivate adults as much as children, so book tickets for your entire family!
The festival runs for almost a month, so you can catch multiple shows during your visit. Make sure to book popular performances in advance and don’t forget that the Puppet Museum itself (Museu das Marionetas) is worth visiting during the festival!
4. BaianaSystem Concert
When: September 12, 2025
Where: Hard Club, Mercado Ferreira Borges, 4050-252 Porto
How much: 25 EUR
Picture the energy of Brazilian carnival meeting modern electronic beats: that’s exactly what BaianaSystem delivers to Porto’s legendary Hard Club.
This Brazilian band blends traditional Bahian rhythms with contemporary sounds and creates an infectious party atmosphere that gets everyone dancing.
5. Sílvia Pérez Cruz & Salvador Sobral Concert
When: September 20, 2025, 9:00 PM
Where: Coliseu Porto Ageas, R. de Passos Manuel 137, 4000-385 Porto
How much: 20-180 EUR, depending on ticket type
You know Salvador Sobral, right? He won the Eurovision Song Contest 2017. Well, what about Silvia Perez Cruz? You probably know her as well if you’re a music lover, particularly her song No te puedo encontrar, which brought her a Goya Award for Best Original Song.
Well, now you have the opportunity to listen to this iconic duo at Coliseu Porto Ageas, which promises to be one of Porto’s most emotionally resonant concerts of the year.
Make sure to book your tickets as soon as possible, because they’re selling quite fast!
6. Ballet of Lights: Sleeping Beauty
When: September 12, 2025
Where: Auditório Francisco de Assis, Rua do Amial 478, 4200-055 Porto
How much: From 38 EUR
Dance lovers, fairy tale enthusiasts, are you with us? Mark your calendars for September 12 because you’ll be going to this absolutely incredible classic ballet show that takes advantage of cutting-edge technology to transform the familiar Sleeping Beauty story into a visual feast!
This innovative production combines traditional choreography with modern lighting design that will truly take your breath away!
This show is perfect for introducing children to ballet (and reminding them of the beloved fairy tale, of course!) because the light effects usually keep younger audiences engaged throughout.
7. Maia Blues Fest 2025
Porto. Photo by Siddhant Kumar (Unsplash)
When: September 5-7, 2025
Where: Auditório Exterior do Fórum da Maia, R. Eng. Duarte Pacheco 131, 4470-136 Maia
How much: Free admission
Maia Blues Fest returns to Porto with its 7th edition, transforming the outdoor auditorium at Forum da Maia into a three-day paradise for blues lovers. And the best part? It’s completely free! The festival brings together national and international artists from Portugal, the United States, Poland, and Belgium.
The festival features an incredible lineup! Friday kicks off with Portugal’s Mabelle Blues Band, followed by Belgium’s Travellin’ Blue. Saturday showcases Poland’s Smooth Gentlemen and the legendary Big Daddy Wilson from the USA. Sunday concludes with the unique Maia Blues Fest Band, followed by the American Crying Uncle Bluegrass Band.
8. Feira do Livro do Porto 2025
When: August 22 to September 7, 2025
Where: Jardins do Palácio de Cristal, R. de D. Manuel, 4050-346 Porto
How much: Free admission
Bookworms, this one is for you! This year’s bookfest should definitely end up on your must-visit list for September. In fact, it’s been one of Porto’s most beloved cultural traditions for years now. Plus, it takes place in the beautiful Jardins do Palácio de Cristal.
Make sure to plan your trip to the book world ahead because you’ll definitely need at least a few hours to browse hundreds of stands with eye-catching books, not to mention that you’ll probably want to attend all those book launches, poetry recitals, and conversations with writers as well.
For example, you can attend a bookbinding workshop on September 2 (definitely a dream for book lovers!), participate in a book quiz on September 3, or enjoy a book presentation on September 4.
9. Trainspotting, by Danny Boyle (Patio Movie Screening)
When: September 11
Where: Rua de Santos Pousada 826, 4000-480 Porto
How much: Free
Remember those nights when you just wanted to kick back with friends, enjoy a slice of pizza, and watch a classic film that’d take you on a whirlwind full of emotion and unforgettable characters? Well, if this sounds familiar, you should definitely add this event to your to-do list.
This September, join a special outdoor patio screening of Danny Boyle’s iconic 1996 film Trainspotting, a gritty and bold exploration of youth disenchantment and addiction set in 1990s Edinburgh.
10. Broadway em Concerto
Porto. Photo by Chastagner Thierry (Unsplash)
When: September 12, 2025
Where: Coliseu Porto Ageas, R. de Passos Manuel 137, 4000-385 Porto
How much: 20-120 EUR
You can now revisit the magic of Broadway’s greatest musicals in a spectacular live concert performed by the Banda Sinfónica Portuguesa. You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy unforgettable songs from timeless shows like The Phantom of the Opera, West Side Story, Les Misérables, Chicago, and Cats. The performance also features acclaimed soprano Marina Pacheco and tenor Sérgio Martins.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of musical theater or discovering these classics for the first time, we’re sure you’ll enjoy this tribute to the magic of musicals.
11. Rach 3 – Orquestra Sinfónica do Porto Casa da Música
When: September 26, 2025
Where: Casa da Música, Av. da Boavista 604-610, 4149-071 Porto
How much: 24-30 EUR
Are you up for a night of exceptional classical music with the Orquestra Sinfónica do Porto, featuring the young prodigy Zhexiang Li, winner of the 2024 Santa Cecília International Competition? Li will perform Sergei Rachmaninoff’s famously demanding and melodically rich Piano Concerto No. 3, a piece revered both for its technical challenges and emotional intensity.
The concert’s second half features Dmitri Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 9, which premiered in post-WWII Leningrad and was controversially banned by Soviet authorities. This symphony combines neoclassical inspiration and lyrical beauty – in other words, a dream night out for music lovers and a dreamy way to close out an eventful September in Porto.
Coming to Lisbon this September? Excellent! We’re absolutely sure you’ll have a great time. Why? Because this year in September, Lisbon is hosting some of the most incredible events of the year. And the best part is that everyone will likely find a favorite in this list – we’re talking horror and queer film screenings, opera festivals, LEGO exhibitions, K-pop concerts, and more.
As such, here are the 13 best events happening in Lisbon in September 2025.
1. LUMINA – Festival of Light
When: September 12-14, 2025
Where: Cascais (near Lisbon)
How much: Free entry
Cascais transforms into Portugal’s most luminous destination for three magical nights. This spectacular festival, which is back for its 8th edition, features stunning light art installations, interactive sculptures, video mapping, and live performances that turn the historic town into an enchanting wonderland.
Considered one of the 10 best light festivals in Europe by The Guardian,LUMINA has attracted over one million visitors with works from 122 artists across 26 countries. In short, you should definitely add it to your to-do list while you’re in Portugal.
Keep in mind that it’s best to arrive early each evening as the installations begin at sunset – the free event draws massive crowds! Oh, and don’t forget to wear comfortable walking shoes to be able to explore all the illuminated streets and gardens!
2. Queer Lisboa – International Queer Film Festival
When: September 19-27, 2025
Where: Cinema São Jorge (Av. da Liberdade 175, 1250-141 Lisboa) and Cinemateca Portuguesa (R. Barata Salgueiro 39, 1269-059 Lisboa)
How much: Individual ticket prices vary (typically €5-15)
Queer Lisboa is Lisbon’s longest-running film festival and the country’s only event dedicated exclusively to LGBTQ+ cinema. Now in its 29th edition, this groundbreaking festival screens feature films, documentaries, shorts, and experimental works exploring themes of gender, identity, and queer aesthetics.
Beyond screenings, the festival hosts debates, masterclasses, exhibitions, and workshops that provide deeper insight into queer cinema and culture.
If you want to attend it, book the tickets early, especially for the most popular screenings, as venues will definitely fill quickly. Also, consider purchasing a festival pass for better value if you plan to attend multiple films. For example, one full ticket costs 4.50 EUR, or you can buy a 5-ticket pack for only 18 EUR.
3. Portas do Mar Festival
Lisbon. Photo by Pietra Cruz (Unsplash)
When: September 12-13, 2025
Where: Campo das Cebolas (Largo José Saramago), Santa Maria Maior waterfront
How much: Free entry
This waterfront music festival transforms Lisbon’s historic riverside into a once-in-a-lifetime event, where you can enjoy live music and breathtaking views of the Tagus River.
This is the third edition of this festival, and it features an eclectic lineup including The Gift, Mundo Segundo and Sam The Kid, Ana Lua Caiano, and Tcheka with Mário Laginha.
You can also bring a picnic blanket to enjoy the riverside setting comfortably, and don’t forget that much needed jacket. September evenings in Lisbon are quite chilly!
4. MOTELx – Lisbon International Horror Film Festival
When: September 9-15, 2025
Where: Cinema São Jorge, Av. da Liberdade 175, 1250-141 Lisboa
How much: €5-€20 (5-ticket packs available)
Psycho, Jaws, Carrie, Aliens, The Silence of the Lambs, Halloween… If you know what these are, the MOTELx festival is definitely for you! The 19th edition of this acclaimed international horror festival brings over 130 films and 80 screenings to Lisbon, establishing itself as one of the world’s leading genre festivals. In short, a must-not-miss event!
This year features a special focus on women in horror, introducing the new Noémia Delgado Award for Outstanding Women in Horror. And, wait for this – Gale Anne Hurd (who produced The Terminator, Aliens, and The Walking Dead) will be a guest of honor, alongside other big names like Marion Cotillard, Paul Rudd, and Jenny Ortega.
The festival includes Portuguese premieres, plus parties, workshops, and masterclasses. Also, don’t miss the “Warm-Up” events before the main festival begins – these outdoor screenings and concerts offer a great introduction to the horror community atmosphere.
5. Cuca Monga Festival
When: September 26-27, 2025
Where: Jardins do Museu de Lisboa – Palácio Pimenta, Campo Grande 245, 1700-091 Lisboa
How much: €30 (day ticket), €50 (general pass)
This music festival showcases the finest of contemporary Portuguese music in the enchanting gardens of the historic Palácio Pimenta. The carefully curated lineup features leading artists from Portugal’s current music scene, including Conjunto Cuca Monga, B Fachada, MÁQUINA, and Expresso Transatlântico.
The festival takes place in beautiful historic gardens, so bring a light sweater for evening performances, as September evenings are quite chilly in Lisbon.
6. SBC Summit
Lisbon. Photo by Pietra Cruz (Unsplash)
When: September 16-18, 2025
Where: Feira Internacional de Lisboa (R. do Bojador, 1998-010 Lisboa) and MEO Arena (Rossio dos Olivais, 1990-231 Lisboa)
How much: Various pass types available, up to 600 EUR
SBC Summit is one of the world’s largest sports betting and iGaming conferences, bringing together over 30,000 industry professionals and over 600 global companies. This massive three-day event features networking opportunities, exhibitions, and conferences that shape the future of the gaming industry.
The summit includes built-in events like the Affiliate Leaders Summit and Payment Expert Summit, plus exclusive networking parties at Lisbon’s most famous venues.
Keep in mind that this is a professional industry event requiring business registration. If you’re in the gaming/tech industry, you might be entitled for a free Expo Pass, but you have to submit your application in time.
7. Living Van Gogh
When: Every day, except Mondays
Where: Reservatório da Mãe d’Água das Amoreiras, Praça das Amoreiras 10, 1250-020 Lisboa
How much: From €8.50
Are you an art enthusiast? Actually, forget that – even if you’re not an art enthusiast, you’ll probably enjoy this event as well. This immersive art exhibition brings Van Gogh’s masterpieces to life through cutting-edge technology that will take your breath away!
You’ll be part of a canvas where Van Gogh’s paintings dance around you in incredible motion, accompanied by evocative soundscapes. In other words, you’ll feel as if you’re stepping inside his famous paintings like “Starry Night” and “Sunflowers”.
8. Impressive Monet & Brilliant Klimt
When: Every day, except Mondays
Where: Reservatório da Mãe d’Água das Amoreiras, Praça das Amoreiras 10, 1250-020 Lisboa
How much: From €8.50
If you think Van Gogh’s exhibition is your cup of tea, you should definitely buy a ticket for the Impressive Monet & Brilliant Klimt exhibition as well. It pairs two artistic giants in a sensory spectacle that transforms the atmospheric underground cistern into a living gallery. Watch as Monet’s water lilies bloom around you in rippling light while Klimt’s golden patterns shimmer across the stone walls and water surfaces. You will feel as if you’ve stepped into a dream.
The exhibition uses state-of-the-art projection technology to create a 360-degree artistic environment where you can literally walk through these iconic works.
9. 31 Women: An Exhibition by Peggy Guggenheim
Lisbon. Photo by Evgeniy Beloshytskiy (Unsplash)
When: Until September 7, 2025
Where: MAC/CCB, Praça do Império, 1449-003 Lisboa
How much: Museum admission fees (12-15 EUR or 5.50-7 EUR for residents in Portugal)
This is a groundbreaking recreation of Peggy Guggenheim’s historic 1943 exhibition “Exhibition by 31 Women” at her New York gallery, featuring works by pioneering female artists who broke barriers in the male-dominated art world.
This landmark show includes pieces by Maria Helena Vieira da Silva, Anne Harvey, Frida Kahlo, and other revolutionary women artists who shaped modern art. The exhibition celebrates the vision of Peggy Guggenheim as one of the most important collectors and promoters of women artists in the 20th century.
10. Operafest 2025
When: Until September 16, 2025
Where: Centro Cultural Olga Cadaval (Praça Dr. Francisco Sá Carneiro, 2710-720 Sintra), Cinemateca Portuguesa (R. Barata Salgueiro 39, 1269-059 Lisboa), Culturgest (R. Arco do Cego 50, 1000-300 Lisboa), El Corte Ingles (Av. António Augusto de Aguiar 31, 1069-413 Lisboa)
How much: Ticket prices vary
2025 marks the 6th edition of Operafest 2025, which includes performances that revolve around love, an overwhelming force that moves human existence.
In September, you can attend the following events:
Liberation of Sound by Eleni Vosniadou: September 3 and 4
Bluebeard’s Castle by Michael Powell: September 3
Miss Julie by Alf Sjöberg: September 4
Julie by Philippe Boesmans: September 5 and 6
Day of Despair by Manuel de Oliveira: September 8
La Traviata by Franco Zeffirelli: September 9
The Magic Flute by Mozart: September 12 and 13
Opera & Literature by Paulo Ferreira de Castro: September 15
Opera and Forbidden Love by Rui Vieira Nery: September 16
11. LEGO Exhibition – The Largest European Collection
Photo by Xavi Cabrera (Unsplash)
When: Until September 28, 2025
Where: Cordoaria Nacional, Av. da Índia, 1300-598 Lisboa
This is Europe’s largest LEGO exhibition of LEGO, with hundreds of models built with almost 10 million LEGO bricks!
The models display intricate cityscapes, famous landmarks, vehicles, and original creations built by master LEGO artists from across Europe. All of these are spread over 2000 square meters. In short, this is a dream for both children and adults who are passionate about LEGO!
Can you imagine that the tallest construction is over seven meters high and consists of approximately 750,000 bricks?
12. Music Bank at MEO Arena
When: September 27, 2025
Where: MEO Arena, Rossio dos Olivais, 1990-231 Lisboa
How much: 110 EUR and 250 EUR
The Music Bank World Tour is a massive K-pop live concert featuring top Korean artists that ignites stages all around the world. Music Bank is one of the most prestigious Korean music programs, so get ready for spectacular performances, choreographed routines, and the high-energy atmosphere that K-pop is famous for.
Keep in mind that tickets sell quickly for K-pop events, so hurry up and book them ASAP. In fact, the only remaining tickets are those priced at 110 EUR and 250 EUR.
13. LIKE Lisbon – Kizomba Festival
When: September 19-22, 2025
Where: Hotel INATEL Caparica, Av. Afonso de Albuquerque, S. João de Caparica, 2825-450 Costa da Caparica
How much: 125 EUR
Hey, dancers, are you with us? This kizomba festival returns to Lisbon with renewed energy, celebrating Angola’s sensual dance culture through workshops, social dancing, and live music!
This authentic festival features decades of experience in promoting traditional kizomba, with special emphasis on cultural authenticity and quality instruction. The highlight is a live concert by Ivan Alekxei, marking the festival’s first live band performance since the pandemic.
If you’re traveling to Lisbon specifically for this event, make sure to book accommodation early, as the festival attracts international dancers.
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