Two young people died on Sunday in Portugal after drowning in river beaches, reports CNN Portugal. A 13-year-old boy and an 18-year-old passed away in Cartaxo and Santa Comba Dao.
The 13-year-old boy died after drowning in the river Tejo in front of the Valada river beach. A drowning alert was set at 7:10 PM. Around half an hour later, the body was found by firefighters, and CPR was administered.
Unfortunately, the firefighters were unsuccessful, and the time of death occurred at around 8:15 PM.
A young man went missing in Santa Comba Dao at 3:45 PM on Sunday. At 9:30 PM, the body of the 18-year-old was found.
On Sunday, at least two people have gone missing on river beaches across mainland Portugal.
A 20-year-old went missing in the Peneda-Geres Park after diving in Canicada. Two of his friends dived into the river beach and were taken to Braga Hospital with mild injuries.
The search for the missing young person was stopped on Sunday night but recommenced on Monday morning.
According to NIT, in the first seven months of this year, 88 people died of drowning in beaches, pools, dams, and more, a record high in the last five years.
35 deaths occurred in the ocean and 31 in river beaches. Eight deaths were recorded in natural wells, six in dams, and three in private pools.
The Portuguese Federation of Lifeguards (FEPONS) told Expresso that the leading causes of drowning are not related to not being able to swim.
In reality, most drownings are caused by strong currents in the ocean and “excessive confidence from people” in rivers and dams.
Regarding rivers and dams seen in the country’s interior, Alexandre Tadeia of FEPONS says that people are overly confident outside of the ocean, believing it is safer, which is untrue.
He says, “they believe it is easier to swim a few meters, moving away from the shore. When they realize how far they are, they are too tired to swim back”. It is also much harder to float in river water.
In Portugal, drownings are the second cause of death for children up to five years old.
The pastel de nata is a Portuguese staple. The combination of caramelized custard, puff pastry, and cinnamon sprinkles has hooked many for life. Whether you have it for breakfast with an espresso or as a snack, the pastel de nata is a part of the daily life of the Portuguese and the tourists that visit Lisbon.
Unlike other Portuguese food items that seem to remain in their country of origin, the Portuguese custard tart fills the glass showcases of bakeries and cafes worldwide. From Lord Stow’s Bakery in Macau to even Trader Joe’s in the US, Portuguese custard tarts have marked their place all over the world.
However, the original pastel de nata recipe remains in Belem, Lisbon.
But how did the pastel de nata come about?
History of the Pasteis de Nata (Portuguese Custard Tarts)
Initially produced in Belem, Lisbon, the origin of the pastel de nata is sacred and spiritual, known as the pastel de Belem. This delicacy was created before the 18th century by Catholic monks in the Jeronimos Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site today.
Convents had an abundance of eggs used to starch the clothes of the Portuguese friars and nuns. With the leftover eggs, it was common that those in convents would make pastries. With egg as one of its main ingredients, this is how the Portuguese custard tart came about in the Jeronimos Monastery.
Jeronimos Monastery. Photo by The Creativv (Unsplash)
After the Liberal Revolution of 1820, religion took a step back in Portuguese society. Many convents and monasteries closed, leading monks to sell the Portuguese custard tarts in a sugar refinery to survive financially.
The monastery then closed in 1834. The monks sold the pastel de nata recipe to the sugar refinery, and three years later, the sugar refinery owners opened the Fabrica de Pasteis de Belem.
Pasteis de Belem
Today, Pasteis de Belem welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors annually, a short walk from the Jeronimos Monastery, selling over 20,000 tarts daily. While it first opened as a factory, today, it features a shop with take-out service and a cafe to sit down and enjoy the specialty.
Photo by Christine und Hagen Graf (Flickr)
The place is still owned by the descendants of the initial sugar refinery owners. Pasteis de Belem also still holds the original monk recipe. The secret recipe is kept in a hidden room.
The Pastel de Belem was announced in 2011 as one of Portugal’s Seven Wonders of Gastronomy.
Along with the traditional pastel de Belem, visitors can also try out other specialties such as the English cake, Belem marmalade, king cake, and more.
This is the only place where you can try the original custard tart, but there are other places without this secret recipe serving delicious pasteis de nata in Lisbon.
Photo by Anne Lotte (Flickr)
Where to get a Portuguese custard tart (after Pasteis de Belem)
Again, you need to try the custard tart at Pasteis de Belem. However, if you are not in the area of Belem or do not have the time to stay in line, many other places are selling delicious custard tarts. Here are our favorite spots in Lisbon:
1. Manteigaria
Located in Largo de Camoes, Manteigaria is a popular pastel de nata factory and bakery. Visitors can watch the pastel de nata baking process while trying the traditional pastry. This is a familiar spot for locals who come here before work for a pastel de nata and espresso. However, it is open until midnight, making it the perfect place for dessert after dinner.
Manteigaria has more than one spot around the country, one in Porto’s historic center and another in Lisbon’s Time Out Market.
2. Confeitoria Nacional
Founded in 1829 in Praca da Figueira, Confeitoria Nacional is a place of history and cultural heritage. This place was the official confectioner of the royal family and one of the oldest pastry shops in Lisbon. While this place is most known for the king cake as the original owner bought the recipe, it has one of the country’s most delicious Portuguese custard tards.
3. Fabrica da Nata
Established as the best pastel de nata in Portugal by the readers of NIT, Fabrica da Nata’s show stopper is the pastel de nata. This place features several menus that allow you to taste the Portuguese custard tart. We recommend the custard tart with a Port wine glass for an excellent recommendation.
4. Pastelaria Santo Antonio
Located on the walk towards the Sao Jorge castle, Pastelaria Santo Antonio is situated in the oldest neighborhood of Lisbon, Alfama. The store is filled with a traditional blue and white azulejo facade, while the inside of the bakery is more modern. This place is known to have one of the best pasteis de nata in the Portuguese capital. Along with their award-winning custard tarts, they also serve delicious sandwiches and waffles.
5. Pastelaria Versailles
Pastelaria Versailles has been around since 1922, founded by Salvador Jose Antunes, a Portuguese man who loved French patisseries. While the original location is in Saldanha, a new place opened in Belem in 2017, located near the Museu dos Coches.
Starting at 3 pm, Versailles becomes a tea house similar to the older ages and serves classics such as vanilla eclairs. However, the pastel de nata is still a classic staple here!
On Wednesday, the Portuguese Communist Party (PCP) asked the government to stop rent increases in Portugal. Due to a state of high inflation, the PCP wants to protect families from eviction, as well as suspend mortgage payments.
Communist Joao Dias Coelho said in a press conference that it is time to end broken promises that do not solve an issue affecting thousands of families.
He said, “We must confront the dominant interests in the housing marketing” through measures and investments that assure the right to housing.
The Portuguese Communist Party believes that the “accumulation of profit and growing inflation” demand a significant intervention by the government to “stop the growing rent values and to guarantee a reduction in bank spreads for loans.”
The PCP proposes to the socialist government that families be protected from eviction. The party also wants to suspend mortgage payments for those owning and living in their home.
Joao Dias Coelho also pointed out that “Lisbon is the third most expensive city in the world to live in,” according to a recent study. The study compares the average salary and cost of living in each city in the world.
“With the average salary in Lisbon of 1037 euros, an average rental of a three-bedroom at 1625 euros, access to housing is inaccessible to most of the population”, said Coelho.
The party believes the rise in rent prices is aggravated by a “politics of low salaries and labor and job insecurity.”
🏠🏬 A situação, hoje, coloca grandes dificuldades de acesso à habitação para a maioria da população e exige medidas urgentes, mais que a repetição de promessas sempre incumpridas que adiam a resposta a um problema que atinge milhares de famílias, em particular …
+ pic.twitter.com/xQwN4o1SDb
Seven hundred kilometers from the Moroccan coast lies Madeira, an island filled with green vegetation and mountainous rocks with a population of 250,000. Its capital, Funchal, is one of the ten cities of Madeira and perhaps the most visited on the island. Funchal is one of the safest travel destinations in the world, and tourists can also enjoy an all-year-round summer climate, gorgeous landscapes, and tropical-like beaches.
If you are planning your next trip to the Autonomous Region of Madeira, here are our 9 best things to do in Funchal.
Funchal is a history enthusiast’s dream, filled with historic churches and buildings throughout the city. One of our favorites is the 16th-century Sé (Cathedral), built at the peak of the Portuguese Discoveries era. Its beautiful ceilings, made out of wood from Madeira, are known as the most beautiful of all churches in the country.
Se do Funchal. Photo by Erik Karits (Flickr)
The Church of Nossa Senhora do Monte is another must-see. Built in 1471, this unique church is located in the mountains. Its highlights are the large chandeliers and the statue and the tomb of Charles I of Habsburg, the last Emperor of Austria who was exiled to Madeira.
We also recommend heading to the Convent of Santa Clara, a beautiful convent founded in 1496 by João Gonçalves de Câmara, the grandchild of the discoverer of the island.
2. Enjoy the views from Miradouros
Funchal has plenty of miradouros (viewpoints) that provide gorgeous views. The best way to get to these are definitely by car. The most famous viewpoint in Madeira is Pico dos Barcelos in Funchal.
This viewpoint was created in 1950 and sits 355 meters above the ocean. You can see the whole of the Funchal bay, as well as the Ilhas Desertas far away. There is also a playground area nearby if you have kids to entertain!
If you have time to scout the whole island for viewpoints, also stop by these miradouros: Balcoes, Veu da Noiva, and Eira da Achada.
3. Day at the beach
Funchal has beautiful beaches, as well as other parts of the island, such as Calheta. These beaches offer a unique environment with a contrast of rock and mountain views.
Water temperatures are warm all year round, rating between 19°(66°F) in the winter and 24°C (75°F) in the summer. The best month to visit for warm water and the perfect beach days is in September.
Our favorite beaches in Funchal are Praia Formosa, Praia da Barreirinha, and Ponta Gorda. We recommend packing lunch as some of the restaurants near these can be pricey and bringing a sun umbrella.
Praia Formosa. Photo by Vitor Oliveira (Flickr)
4. Foodie experience
Madeirense food is known for its soups, seafood, and exotic fruit, as well as some of the bread in the world. We recommend trying limpets, mollusks that are attached to rocks on the coast, and a prego no bolo de cacao, a grilled steak served on local caco bread. Our favorite restaurants are O Celeiro, Il Gallo D’Oro, and Quinta do Furão.
However, if you want an all-inclusive experience where you get to try a bit of everything with the help of a local guide, booking a food tour in Funchal is a foodie’s dream.
Here are our favorite food tours in Funchal:
Madeira Food & Cultural Tour: Walking tour in Funchal where you make the most of your day by visiting seven different places and tasting local specialties.
Food and Wine Walking Tour in Funchal: Taste your way through Funchal’s restaurants and markets while learning about Madeira’s rich gastronomic history in a 3-hour tour.
Limpets, known as Lapas. Photo by Yong Yi (Unsplash)
5. Ride the cable cars
The cable cars in Madeira are a great way to see the island and ocean views. This is the perfect activity for the whole family. The best cable car is the one in Funchal, a 20-minute ride that goes up to 560 meters high. This one takes you from Funchal to Monte for 15 minutes, providing views of the mountains in Monte and a 360-view of Funchal.
We also recommend the Achadas da Cruz cable car, on the Northern part of Madeira in Porto Moniz. This cable car is around 450 meters high and passes through the Fajã da Quebrada Nova where you can see crystal clear waters.
Dolphin and whale watching are a must when you visit the island of Madeira and are easily accessible in Funchal. To see certain whales, we recommend going between April and October. However, you can spot bottlenose dolphins, pilot whales, and sperm whales all throughout the year.
Here are our favorite whale and dolphin watching tours in Funchal at various price points:
If you’ve never been to Madeira, this activity might sound crazy. A unique transportation method in Madeira is riding basket sledges. With more than one hundred years of history, traditional basket sledges are made of wood and wicker and can take up to three people.
Large basket cars go down two-kilometer hills with no mechanical breaks. But don’t worry, you are in safe hands as two specialists control the baskets so that no one is injured. This is quite a fun activity, but some small children might be scared to do it.
Madeira has its own special wine, so an afternoon to explore its culture is a must. Madeira wine is a fortified wine that is made from a variety of grapes, such as Tinta Negra Mole, Sercial, Verdelho, Bual, and Malvasia. It has a higher alcohol level than the average wine, usually about 20%.
From dry to sweet Madeira wine, a local Funchal wine tasting will allow you to taste these special flavors. We recommend booking this professional wine tasting a visit to vineyards in a 4×4.
This half-day wine tour takes you to amazing wineries that date back to 1850, where you’ll get to learn about the wine-making process and try some local wine.
Combine two activities in one: ride a cable car and visit a gorgeous botanical garden. The Botanical Garden Cable rides from the Botanical Garden to Monte for 9 minutes, where you will get to see green hills and the Laurissilva forest, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site.
The Madeira Botanical Garden was created in 1960 in Quinta do Bom Sucesso. With 35,000 m2, it is home to 2000 exotic plants of various colors. Along with being open to visitors due to its beauty, the garden serves as a Science and Culture Center.
When walking around the garden, you can read the labels on the plants to find out their origin and scientific names.
In 2017, the garden got an upgrade to celebrate its anniversary with new lakes, a garden of camellias, and an app for guided tours.
A third heat wave is coming to Portugal on Saturday, August 20, and will last until September. Minister Jose Luis Carneiro warns that the high temperatures increase the fire risk.
Carneiro says that September is expected to be “50% to 60% hotter than previous years and 40% drier”. He also says that the fire period could last as long as October.
The Directorate‑General of Health of Portugal has published the following protection measures against the heat:
People should stay in cold and ventilated spaces
Increase water consumption and/or drink natural fruit juices without sugar
Avoid alcoholic drinks
Avoid direct sun exposure, particularly between 11 AM and 5 PM
Use loose clothing that covers most of the body, large hats, and sunglasses
Avoid physical activity outside
Special attention to vulnerable groups such as the elderly, pregnant people, etc.
Children under six months old should not face direct or indirect sun exposure
Back in July, Portugal saw its hottest summer yet as temperatures reached 47ºC in some areas in the country.
This third heat wave worries the Portuguese Institution of the Ocean and the Atmosphere. The President, Jorge Miguel Miranda says that preventive action is necessary or the fire situation will get more complex. He even gave examples of the fires in Australia and California.
Earlier this week, the fire in Serra da Estrela destroyed 16% of the Natural Park. Miranda says that although every fire is different, “we are living in a complicated monument in our climate history.”
Portugal has a distinct set of social norms and etiquette rules. To internationals, these might seem intimidating and even exaggerated. But to the Portuguese, they are a part of daily life and norms that are no longer questioned. If you are visiting Portugal or moving to the country, many of these might surprise you.
While you are not expected to change your way of life and adapt all the social customs and etiquette rules of Portugal, being aware of them will make your life easier. From greetings and dining etiquette to gift giving, let’s look at the do’s and dont’s of Portuguese social etiquette.
Greetings in Portugal
Portuguese greetings are one of Portugal’s most important parts of social etiquette. If you are going to stick to one thing, stick to greetings.
Greetings in Portugal are highly gendered. Men greet each other by shaking hands. If they are close friends, they might shake hands with a pat on the back, like a half hug. They might also give two kisses, one on each cheek if they are related. This depends on a particular family’s dynamic.
Women greet men and other women with two kisses. The first kiss goes on the right cheek and the second on the left. However, it is common for women to shake hands in a professional setting.
However, it can get a bit complicated. In some areas of Lisbon, some people only give one kiss on the cheek. You will have to figure out which friends do this, or you will be left awkwardly hanging. Many argue that those who give one kiss are what is considered “posh” in Portugal.
In big cities, strangers do not usually greet each other in passing, but this depends on your neighborhood. In smaller villages, this is customary. Use bom dia (good morning), boa tarde (good afternoon), or boa noite (good night), depending on the time of day. Use these greetings if you are running into a neighbor on an elevator or outside your house.
Portuguese Dress Code
Regarding the Portuguese dress code, we believe it’s up to you what you wear. Whether you are living in Portugal or visiting, you should express yourself in whatever way you see fit. However, if you want to know the dress code in Portugal, let’s take a look.
It’s been known that Portuguese people equate nice clothing with status. Many can’t afford expensive clothes but will still purchase them. However, this does not necessarily apply to luxury brands like Louis Vuitton or Gucci. Such displays of wealth are often frowned upon if they are not discrete. This does not mean that you can’t have a luxury bag, but pieces such as a Versace coat with the logo all over are seen as tacky.
The Portuguese dress in a casual and elegant style. Jeans are very popular, but they are usually smart and clean. Shirts are typical in the summer, particularly linen ones for both men and women. Dresses are also worn year-round, but particularly in the warmer months. People of all ages wear sneakers, but they are usually well taken care of and clean.
Photo by Alyssa Strohmann (Unsplash)
It’s common for people to dress up and men to wear suits to work (usually without a tie). Heels are usually worn on special occasions such as weddings, graduations, and black tie parties.
“Revealing clothes” on women are often frowned upon, especially by the older generation. However, younger women tend to wear whatever they want. We suggest you do the same, regardless of age!
We have noticed that American women often take to Facebook groups to ask whether leggings are worn in Portugal? While they were more common in the early 2010s, recently, they are not perceived as “stylish.” But again, wear whatever makes you comfortable!
Gift Giving in Portugal
Gift giving is significant in Portugal. Gifts are a sign of respect, not bribes. In a business environment, it’s common for companies to send gifts to their business clients and partners, usually in the form of gift baskets. Gifts typically include spirits, whiskey, Port wine, or coffee table books.
This is particularly common for Christmas. You are expected to thank the person for the gift, and an extra thank you note is welcomed.
Photo by Dmitry Mashkin (Unsplash)
If you receive a wrapped gift in person, you should open it immediately and thank them. If you are close with the person, usually you would give two kisses to express gratitude.
Bring a gift whenever you are invited to someone’s house for dinner. It doesn’t have to be something expensive; a bottle of wine or dessert will do. If your host says you don’t need to bring anything, do so anyway.
Rejecting any gift is seen as very offensive. Make sure that if you give a gift, never give 13 of that same gift, such as 13 flowers. The number 13 is a bad omen in Portugal, and many older people take this seriously. Some hotels don’t even have rooms with the number 13.
Dining Etiquette in Portugal
Dining etiquette in Portugal can be a bit daunting for first-timers, but you will easily get the hang of it.
The host usually decides where people sit if you are having dinner at someone’s house. You don’t start eating until everyone is served. It’s common for the host to say “bom apetite” or “bom proveito” to signal everyone can start eating.
It gets a bit confusing when it comes to utensils. The knife is held on the right hand and the fork on the left. Do not only use a fork to eat, this is considered rude. The smaller fork and spoon above your plate are for dessert.
When you are done, the knife and fork are set parallel to each other on the plate. This signals to your host or waiter that you are finished. If you are not yet finished, you can lay your cutlery down on either side of the plate. This way, a waiter won’t take your plate.
Photo by Jonathan Borba (Unsplash)
While dipping bread in a sauce is delicious, it is bad etiquette to do so with your hands in fancier settings. Cut a bit of bread using your hands and then use your fork to dip it in a sauce.
Napkins are usually placed on your lap while eating, especially if it’s made of cloth. When you are done with your meal, fold it before putting it down on the table.
Who pays the bill in Portugal? This varies, but it is usually the one who does the inviting that pays the bill, particularly for adults over 40. However, younger people often just split the bill.
Lunches and dinners often go on until later. Forget a quick meal, this is not common unless you tell them you have to be somewhere. It’s commonplace for guests to enjoy coffee after a meal and socialize. Especially if it is a traditional family lunch, known as an almoco de familia, a meal that starts at 1 pm will easily end at 5 or 6 pm. These family lunches are common in Portugal, especially on Sundays.
Public Displays of Affection (PDA) in Portugal
PDA is often frowned upon in Portugal. This doesn’t obviously include holding hands, hugging, and a quick kiss. However, intense kissing is disrespectful and will get you lots of stares. People might actually come up to you and call this behavior out.
However, sadly, what is considered acceptable PDA does not apply to everyone in a traditional society. Although Portugal has been making progress regarding LGBT rights, it is common for gay couples holding hands to get harassed.
Arriving Late
If you have Portuguese friends, you know they are often late to plans. Booking an 8 pm reservation often means they will be there at 8:30. This is generally accepted but, in excess, can be quite rude.
While not being on time for social events is commonplace, this is seen as unprofessional in the business world.
Talking About Money in Portugal
If you have lived in places like the Netherlands, where you will be often asked the price of your rent, Portuguese culture can come as a shock. It is not socially acceptable to ask people you don’t know well how much they paid for a product or the price of their house.
Definitely never ask someone their salary as this is even frowned upon among family members and close friends.
The fire in Serra da Estrela began on August 6 and has already destroyed 16% of the natural park, reports CNN Portugal. The fire reactivated on Monday, and over 1,300 firefighters were at the scene by Tuesday night. The areas of Manteigas, Covilha, and Guarda have been affected.
A total of 14,000 hectares have been destroyed, and all of the burnt trees will have to be taken down.
Andre Fernandes, the national commander of the Civil Protection said in a press conference that the fire has “a violent behavior, in many areas with an elevated intensity.”
Various villages were evacuated as people fleed their homes to safety. 24 people were injured in the fire in Serra da Estrela, three people seriously.
A large fire has just resumed in central Portugal, in the Serra da Estrela Natural Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fire was the largest in the country in four years: more than 17,000 hectares were engulfed in flames. pic.twitter.com/poH53Lp4Nr
Along with the fire in Serra da Estrela, around 50 municipalities in the north, center, Alentejo, and the Algarve are classified under maximum fire risk.
This year, 68 people have been arrested under suspicion of starting forest fires, 16 more than last year. A lot of these cases are not deliberate.
For example, in Albufeira, the police arrested a 50-year-old that started a “queimada” (small controlled fire to fertilize soil or burn unnecessary plants), and the situation got out of control.
Portugal is set to enter a third heat wave on August 20.
According to the Portuguese Institute of the Ocean and Atmosphere, the next few days will be hotter, and temperatures could reach 40 degrees. This will make fighting fires harder.
Thousands have been making the choice every year to relocate their lives to the Mediterranean country of Portugal. Between 2011 and 2021, Portugal’s immigrant population increased by a whopping 40%.
With a population of around 10 million people and thousands of kilometers of coastal shore, this small country is making strides as one of the top places to relocate to in Europe. Moving to Portugal is a life-changing decision that allows you to enjoy a relatively affordable cost of living while maintaining a high quality of life.
Portugal boasts more than 300 days of sun, a relatively warm climate all year long, and beautiful natural landscapes. Whether you are looking to move to a coastal town, rural area, or a major city such as Lisbon, preparation is key.
Our Ultimate Guide to Moving to Portugal has everything you need to know. From how to find housing and the work culture to taxes and the cost of living, this guide makes sure you are more than prepared to relocate.
If you are considering moving to Portugal, here are some pros and cons commonly expressed by immigrants that relocated to the country.
Photo by João Reguengos (Unsplash)
Pros
(Mostly) free public healthcare
Free public education in Portuguese
300+ days of sun
Arguably affordable
NHR tax regime
Attractive visas
Large international community
Cons
No central heating or AC in most houses
Bureaucracy
High energy bills
Overcrowndess due to tourism in Spring and Summer (Main cities & Algarve)
Learning Portuguese is helpful for government services
Cost of Living in Portugal
The cost of living in Portugal will vary by city. Let’s take a look at the average cost of living for Lisbon and Porto. Keep these in mind if you are planning to move to Portugal, but it’s much cheaper to live in rural areas.
While in cities like Porto and Lisbon a single person can live with around €1,500, in other areas €1,000 is enough (after tax). If you make more than €2,000 a month, you can live very comfortably in Portugal.
Cost of Living in Lisbon
Lisbon is around 40% less expensive than Amsterdam and London.
For a single person, expect to need a bit less than €1,500. Let’s take a look at these costs:
Housing & Utilities: You can get a one-bedroom in the city center for around €830, but this can go up to €1,000. Utilities, including electricity, wifi, etc, won’t cost you more than €150 a month.
Transportation: Public transport is extremely affordable at €50 a month.
Groceries: Food shops should not run you more than €200 a month.
Healthcare: You can use the national health service (SNS) as a legal resident. If you want to access private healthcare, insurance is around €50 a month.
Eating Out & Leisure: Budget around €200 a month for restaurants, concerts, going out, and any leisure activity.
Cost of Living in Porto
Porto is more affordable than other European cities, including Lisbon, due to the rent in particular. Porto’s rent prices are 20% lower than in Lisbon and a whopping 65% lower than in London.
For a single person, expect to need a bit less than €1,300. Let’s take a look at these costs:
Housing & Utilities: A one-bedroom will cost you around €700 in rent a month, while some can cost up to €1000 or more. Utilities are around €140.
Transportation: A monthly transport pass costs around €35 which is a lot more affordable than renting a car and paying for fuel.
Groceries: Your grocery budget is around €200 a month.
Healthcare: You can use the national health service (SNS) as a legal resident. If you want to access private healthcare, insurance is around €50 a month.
Eating Out & Leisure: Budget at least €150 for eating out in restaurants and exploring the city’s culture and nightlife.
Housing in Portugal
Whether you are looking to rent or buy in Portugal, the housing market has seen a boom all over the country. While prices are perceived as affordable to many expats, these are detrimental to the cost of living for the general population.
When moving to Portugal, you should figure out if you are looking to purchase real estate or rent to a landlord. Purchasing a house can have visa benefits in some areas, but we will get into that later on.
Before we get into it, just known that central heating is extremely rare in most Portuguese houses.
Photo by Jack Krier (Unsplash)
Renting in Portugal
Finding a rental: Adverts
You will likely have to look for an apartment or house to rent online, as, without the right connections in Portugal, word of mouth will be difficult.
When you’re searching online, you might be shocked to find that most adverts include little information. Many might just say “T1 available in Leiria” without the price and with a low-quality photo.
You will have to contact the person directly. We recommend calling rather than sending an email!
Can you negotiate rent prices in Portugal?
In Portugal, rent prices are usually negotiable. It is never seen as rude to try to negotiate. However, it can be harder to negotiate your rent price down in Lisbon, particularly between February and October when landlords rent to tourists for shorter periods.
A discount of around 10% is a lot of times possible. Just make sure not to accept any shady deals without a contract to save money. We’ll explain this in the next section.
Lack of Contracts
An unusual factor about the renting culture in Portugal is that you might not get offered a contract which is not advisable.
Many landlords choose not to declare their rental income with the tax authorities. These do not pay the tax for non-tourism properties, which is set at 28%. This is obviously illegal.
As a tenant, you will have no protection against rent increases and the security of your deposit. If you need a rental contract for a residency permit, this is also a huge issue.
While you could get a 28% discount on your rent, your tenant rights won’t be ensured.
Tenant Rights
Having an official contract will make sure your tenancy rights are protected under Portuguese law. Portugal is one of the best countries to live in regarding tenant rights. Tenancy laws in Portugal tend to favor tenants as it can be hard for landlords to evict tenants on long-term contracts.
Let’s take a look at some of your rights as a tenant in Portugal:
People living in a place for over 15 years that are over 65 years old or people living with disabilities cannot get evicted
Protection laws against harassment and discrimination by a landlord
If a landlord needs to renovate a home and the tenant needs to leave the space to do so, the landlord must find temporary accommodation for the tenant in the same region.
The tenant also has the right to be refunded for any paid renovations that are necessary.
Tenants in Portugal have the right to live in a rental with their family up to the third degree and their partners.
Tenants can also have three extra guests at any time.
Rental Contracts
What do you need for a rental contract in Portugal?
To rent an apartment in Portugal, you will need your Individual Tax Identification Number, also known as a NIF, and your identification documents.
A rental contract in Portugal, known as a Contrato de Arrendamento, is the same as anywhere else, a document establishing the duties and rights of the landlord and tenant.
A rental contract will include:
The identification of the landlord and tenant, including date of birth, nationality, and civil status
The address of the house
The number and date of the house’s license
The rent amount and when it must be paid. It might also include whether the rent can be altered. If not, the rent will be altered per inflation rates
The date of the contract
Rental Deposits and Guarantors
A rental deposit in Portugal usually amounts to two months’ rent. However, many landlords also require a guarantor, also known as a fiador. If you can’t provide a fiador, you might be asked to many a lot more rent upfront, usually 6 to 12 months.
A guarantor is someone who will be legally obliged to pay your rent if you are unable to pay the landlord. The guarantor must be Portuguese, which can be tough if you are new to the country. They must also prove that they have the financial means, usually by submitting tax returns or payment slips.
However, a bank can also be your guarantor for a fee through a service called Garantia Bancária.
Buying a House in Portugal
If rather than renting, you can afford to buy a house in Portugal, this could be a great choice.
Although during the 2008 economic crisis, the Portuguese real estate market was hit hard, today, buying property in Portugal won’t only provide you with a home but a sound investment. The real estate market has been growing in value all around the country.
Buying a home could potentially even land you Portuguese citizenship if you are eligible to apply for a Portugal Golden Visa.
To buy a house in Portugal, all you need is a VAT identification number, known as a número de identificação fiscal (NIF) or número de contribuinte in Portugal. Anyone can get this by opening a Portuguese bank account or through a tax office in the country.
The best way to buy real estate is to contact a Portuguese real estate agency for help. You can also check out houses and their prices on Idealista.
What are some good real estate agencies in Portugal?
If you are not yet a resident, this impacts how much you can borrow for a mortgage. Non-residents will only be offered loans up to 65-75% of the value of the home or the sale price (whichever is lower), while fiscal residents can borrow up to 90% of the sale price (whichever higher).
Most banks will also not allow your existing debts and your new mortgage payments to go over 35% of your monthly income. Portuguese banks will usually give you a mortgage that runs for 25 years, sometimes up to 30.
When applying for a mortgage with a bank, make sure to get proposals from multiple banks so you can find the best deal. These are written in Portuguese, so hire a translator.
Here are some mortgage-related fees that you might need to pay:
Deed registration: 1%
Mortgage arrangement: 1%
Mortgage administration: 1%
Non-refundable commitment fee: around €600
Survey and appraisal: €500–€800
Legal fees (optional): at least €1,000
You’ll also need to gather the following documents to apply for a Portuguese mortgage:
ID
Current proof of residency
Proof of income
Documentation of existing rent, mortgage, and debt obligations
Bank statements (last 60 days)
Proof of deposit (last 60 days)
Property details (Contract, property plan, or more)
Property Taxes: How much tax do you pay for buying a house in Portugal?
Property owners in Portugal need to pay three main taxes to the government:
1. Municipal Property Tax (IMI)
The IMI translates to Imposto Municipal Sobre Imóveis. The IMI rate differs by the municipality, and the money is invested into public infrastructure. This is why areas with larger houses tend to have more funds to invest in infrastructure, such as Cais.
The IMI rates usually range from 0.3% to 0.45%. To calculate the IMI, you multiply the value of the tax asset with the IMI rate. The IMI is paid yearly in your finance portal.
You must pay the IMI every year. For example, if your property is valued at €500,000 and you live in the municipality of Cascais with a rate of 0.34%, then your yearly IMI is €1,700. You can see the house’s value in the property’s caderneta, and it is often not the value you paid for it but lower.
You can be exempted from the IMI if your annual taxable income of the whole household does not surpass €15,295.
2. Property Purchase Tax (IMT)
The IMT is also known as the Imposto Municipal sobre as Transmissões Onerosas de Imóveis. This tax is paid when a house is bought in Portugal, so it is a one-time payment for buying a house.
The rate of the IMT will depend on the type and value of the property, as well as whether this property is a principal or secondary residence.
This is how you calculate the IMT = value of the deed or net worth tax (the larger amount) x rate – tax reduction. You won’t have to pay IMT if you buy a house in mainland Portugal and the price doesn’t exceed €92,407.
IMT usually will range between 2% to 8%, depending on the case. However, properties acquired by companies located in a “blacklisted jurisdiction” pay 10% for IMT.
3. Tax on Stamps (IS)
You’ll also need to pay an Imposto de Selo, a stamp tax on contracts, loans, documents, and more. The rate also changes depending on the property and task, but it is usually between 0.4% and 0.8%.
For example, for a mortgage of five years, the stamp duty tax is 0.6%.
Step by Step: Buying a House in Portugal
Where to Live in Portugal
Portuguese cities are welcoming internationals with open hands, many even having thriving expat scenes to make sure you will not feel alone. From seaside views to a countryside or cosmopolitan life, here are our top 5 places to live in Portugal.
With 87 different nationalities, the capital of Portugal provides a high quality of life for those coming from abroad. Lisbon has heavily invested in public infrastructure and has quality schools, transportation, and hospitals. Lisbon also has a thriving cultural and nightlife scene, with excellent museums, restaurants, bars, and clubs.
The second-largest city after Lisbon, many expats, digital nomads, and retirees from abroad live in Porto. Porto essentially has everything Lisbon offers but has a lower cost of living. From a UNESCO World Heritage historical center to one of the best cuisines in the country, Porto is one of the best cities in Portugal to live in.
Less than 15 kilometers from Lisbon, Sintra is known for stunning properties that once belonged to royal families and romantic greenery. You can find some of the most beautiful properties in Sintra, particularly if you’re looking for a countryside life, where you are still close to the hustle and bustle of the town center.
Located on the Portuguese Riviera, Cascais is one of the richest municipalities in the whole of Portugal. Cascais has a 30-kilometer seacoast with some of the best beaches in the country, as well as quality restaurants and the largest casino in Europe. This place is a top choice to raise a family due to its nature, clean parks, and quality public schools.
Located on the island of Madeira, Funchal is the home to many internationals, particularly retirees, due to its year-round sunny weather. The city is built between mountainous cliffs, offering views of the Atlantic ocean. If you want to live the island life but still experience a city environment, Funchal is the place for you. It has some of the best weather on the island due to its location in the South, having the most hours of sunlight in Madeira.
Portugal takes 12th place in the World Health Organization (WHO)’s ranking of healthcare systems. Portugal has quality healthcare available at both the private and public level, the latter through the Servico Nacional de Saude (SNS).
Remember that the emergency number in Portugal is 112, which connects you to an ambulance, police, and fire services.
Public Healthcare
All residents in Portugal can access universal healthcare, which is mostly free. The public health system occasionally charges low amounts (less than 20 euros) for particular treatments, prescriptions, and specialists. However, children under 18 and people over 65 can enjoy 100% free healthcare.
To access public healthcare, you must register with your local council, called a junta de freguesia. After successfully registering with your health center, you will be given a Portuguese healthcare numero, a numero de utente. This number will be used whenever you access public healthcare services.
Private Healthcare
Residents can also choose to access the private sector if they prefer. The private sector is naturally an added cost, but that can be covered through medical insurance.
Private healthcare is less expensive than in most countries, with an appointment costing around €40 to €50. However, certain doctors will charge higher prices at around €100, particularly specialists such as dermatologists.
The average price for health insurance is around €50, but again this can increase depending on various factors such as age and existing illnesses.
Public schools in Portugal are 100% free. However, while English is taught as a second language, the education is provided in Portuguese. Portugal has a diverse range of private international schools with curriculums from all over the world, such as the American High School Diploma and the International Baccalaureate (IB).
However, keep in mind that the tuition for these can range anywhere between €7,000 to almost €20,000 a year, depending on the school.
If you want your children to be enrolled in an international school, here are our top three favorites:
1. Deutsche Schule Lissabon – German School, Lisbon
Founded in 1848, this German-speaking school is the second oldest German school in a foreign country. Despite its quality of education, it is one of the most affordable out of our favorite international schools.
The school has a little over 1,000 students and a staff of 145 teachers and educators. Made up of 8 buildings, the primary school and social sciences have their own buildings. The school also has a library with around 12,000 books, 2 IT rooms, an auditorium, as well as a pool and terrace.
2. St Julian’s School, Carcavelos
Founded in 1932, St Julian’s is the largest British International School in Portugal with a strong record of academic achievements with around 45 different nationalities. For those 17 and 18 years old, the school offers the International Baccalaureate (IB), a prestigious diploma. A
long with an international curriculum, the school has a Portuguese section where children between the ages of 6 and 15 can access the Portuguese national curriculum.
3. Carlucci American International School of Lisbon (CAISL), Sintra
CAISL has over 700 students of 57 different nationalities. The curriculum includes an American collegial preparatory leading to the American High School Diploma with the option of pursuing the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) in the last two years of high school. Students who opt for the IB Diploma will also graduate with an American High School Diploma.
CAISL has a library media center with over 40,000 print items, fully equipped science laboratory classrooms, art, and music classrooms, a state-of-the-art 450-seat theater, cafeteria, and snack bar, 1400m2 covered gymnasium, as well as more than 10,000m2 of outdoor sports fields.
In the last few years, there has been a growth of internationals working in Portugal, making up 3.2% of the working population in Portugal. However, this is still quite low in comparison to other European countries. Let’s take a look at what you can expect trying to find work in Portugal.
Photo by Freddie Marriage (Unsplash)
How to find a job in Portugal?
Portugal is still recovering from the 2008 economic crisis so finding a job isn’t always easy. However, if you have the right academic qualifications and past work experience, you can find a good job in Portugal, although salaries are not high.
Most jobs in Portugal require you to speak Portuguese. However, there are many jobs out there, particularly in larger companies, that also tend to pay better salaries that are English speaking. You can also live and work in Portugal remotely as many companies offer this opportunity.
To find a job in Portugal, we suggest searching on the following websites:
Portuguese salaries are low. In 2020, the average grossmonthly salary in Portugal was €1,314, around €18,000 yearly (including holiday bonuses). Considering the average salary in the US is at least €50,000 and in the UK, it’s around €40,000, Portugal falls behind.
However, if you can find a job in certain industries and positions, you could make more money. The highest salaries are attributed to managerial positions in operations general management (Tourism), medical management, legal counsel, purchasing management, and industrial boardroom positions. Many in top management positions, particularly in Lisbon, are making over six figures.
What’s the minimum salary in Portugal?
In 2021, the national minimum wage in Portugal was around €775 per month, and €9,310 per year (with 12 payments per year). The minimum wage has risen in the last few years. In 2010, the minimum wage in Portugal was less than €550.
Labor Rights in Portugal
Even if you are not a Portuguese citizen, you have the same rights as a worker in regard to salary, working conditions, and social security. Let’s take a look at some of your labor rights and laws working in Portugal:
Minimum working age of 16
Maximum work week 40 hours
Maximum daily work period 8 hours
At least one day of rest a week
Night work pay increased by 25%
Work on a rest day or public holiday leads to 50% wage increase
22 working days of holidays + 12 mandatory public holidays + 2 optional holidays
Christmas allowance, which is a 13th-month salary. Paid by December 15
The Portuguese tax year runs from 1 January to 31 December. Workers must complete their tax returns for 2021 between 1 April and 30 June 2022. Self-employed people can pay their tax in three installments, July, September, and December.
Photo by Amol Tygai (Unsplash)
Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) Tax Regime
If you are moving to Portugal, you might be eligible for the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime. The NHR tax regime in Portugal attracts thousands of residents by offering reduced tax rates and even full tax exemptions for the first ten years of residence. The NHR tax regime was introduced in 2009 and is available to all new tax residents in Portugal that were not tax residents in Portugal for the 5 years prior.
Income Tax under NHR
Those who work in Portugal (freelance or regular employment) under the NHR tax regime only pay a 20% flat rate on personal income tax (IRS). To be considered “high value”, the job must be related to activities of scientific, artistic, or technical character. See what you would save below with a high-value tax rate under the regime. Below, you can see how much you would save under this regime.
You will also not pay any tax on dividends, interest, royalties, capital gains, rental income from real estate outside Portugal, and income from employment in another country.
Known as IVA in Portuguese, VAT is paid by consumers when purchasing goods and services. The seller receives the VAT and then pays it to the tax authorities.
The VAT rate varies around Portugal. For mainland Portugal, the rates are either 6%, 13%, and most commonly 23%. In the Azores, the VAT rate is either 5%, 10%, or 18%. In Madeira, the VAT rate is either 5%, 12%, or 22%.
Self-employed people and companies that produce, market, or provide products and services in Portugal must pay the VAT to tax authorities.
Corporate Tax in Portugal
Corporate tax is set at a flat rate of 21% on taxable profit, slightly below the EU average. Small and medium-sized businesses paid a discount fee of 17% in mainland Portugal, 11.9% in Madeira, and 12.5% in other areas on their first €25,000 of taxable profit.
If your company turns over more than €10,000 a year, you’ll need to pay VAT. Along with corporate tax, you need to pay a surcharge to your local municipality, at around 1.5% on the profit charged by the regional municipality.
Social Security Contributions
If you are working in Portugal, either employed or self-employed, you will also have to pay social security, which will one day assure you a retirement pension.
The Portuguese Social Security is a system that also secures the basic rights of citizens and ensures equality in opportunities, providing measures of support such as unemployment allowances, paternal leave, and other financial support.
Employees pay 11%, while their employers pay 23.75%. Those who are self-employed pay 21.4%.
If you are an EU national, you do not need a visa to move to Portugal. However, if you are a non-EU/EEA/Swiss national, the most famous Long Stay Residency visas in Portugal are the Golden Visa,D7 Visa, and D2 Visa.
All of these visas share similar benefits. From being able to travel freely within the Schengen area, being able to study and work in Portugal, family reunification, and eventually being eligible for Portuguese citizenship, the perks are endless.
For a more detailed look at each visa, take a look at our guides for each: Golden Visa,D7 Visa, and D2 Visa.
The Portugal Golden Visa might be suitable for you if you have the funds to make an investment in the country. It allows non-EU citizens to get a long-term residency permit and eventually citizenship.
There are five types of investments with different capital requirements: real estate, investment fund, capital transfer, job creation, and donation.
Real Estate: Purchase real estate in a low-density area of Portugal for €400,000 or a property that is over 30 years old in an urban rehabilitation area and renovate it for at least €350,000. You can also just purchase property for €500,000 with fewer restrictions. (Lisbon, Porto, and coastal towns are no longer eligible)
Investment Fund: Spend a minimum of a €500,000 subscription in a qualifying Portuguese investment fund that supports Portuguese businesses.
Capital Transfer: This is the most expensive option, a €1.5 million capital transfer. You must show proof of bank transfer deposits to Portugal from a foreign account that adds up to this amount.
Job Creation: Either create a minimum of ten new full-time jobs in a Portuguese business that you own or invest a minimum of €500,000 in an already existing Portuguese business and create a minimum of five new full-time jobs in that business within three years.
Donation: Invest a minimum of €250,000 in preserving national heritage in Portugal or invest a minimum of €500,000 in a research and development activity in Portugal.
The Portugal D7 Visa also called the Retirement or Passive Income Visa s suitable for remote workers and retirees. It requires no investment!
This visa is for non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens who have a reasonable passive income. This income can come from real estate, a retirement pension, a salary, etc.
The minimum passive income required is €8,460 per year for the main applicant. For a spouse, you must add 50% to this (€4,230), and for a dependent child, you must add 30% to this (€2,538).
The Portugal D2 Visa is offered to entrepreneurs, freelancers, or independent service providers from outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland looking to reside in Portugal.
If you want to start a business or startup in Portugal, transfer your existing one to Portugal, and invest in a business in Portugal, this could be the visa for you.
To be eligible, one must invest in the company’s share capital, which immigration firms advise should be at least €50,000.
You must also show that you have the financial ability to sustain yourself while living in Portugal and apply with a viable business plan.
The weather in Portugal is all around moderate, but it still varies by location. Mainland Portugal has a Mediterranean climate, with average temperatures of 10-12°C in the north, mostly mountainous, and 16-18 °C in the southern lowlands.
Madeira and Azores, on the other hand, tend to be wetter and hotter due to their geographical location. You can read more information about the average temperatures in Portugal.
The climate also varies by season:
Winter: High levels of rainfall in the northwest, drier in northeastern regions with snow. The Central region is usually wet and humid, while the south is warmer.
Spring: Rain in the first half of spring all over the house, and then sun and warmth come at moderate temperatures.
Summer: Hottest time of year in Portugal. Extreme temperatures in central and south of Portugal with a chance of wildfires. Very little rain in these parts, except in the north.
Over 215 million people around the world speak Portuguese, and it is the 6th most spoken language in the world. While you do not necessarily need to learn Portuguese if you are not planning on staying long, if you are moving long-term, this is advised.
Although most young adults in main cities indeed speak Portuguese, this is not the case for everyone. You will also find that accessing government services without knowing the language is very difficult.
Here are other platforms to learn Portuguese online:
Portugal has a distinct set of social norms and etiquette rules that have been passed down for generations. If you are moving to Portugal for the first time, many of these might surprise you. It is your choice whether you would like to abide by these, of course. Some of them are highly traditional and gendered. Here are some general Portuguese social etiquette rules:
Men greet each other by shaking hands. If they are close friends, they might shake hands with a pat on the back, like a half hug.
Women greet men and other women with two kisses. The first kiss goes on the right cheek and the second on the left.
Strangers do not usually greet each other in passing in large cities, but they usually do in smaller villages.
Gifts are a sign of respect, not bribes. In a business environment, it’s common for companies to send gifts to their business clients.
Rejecting any gift is seen as very offensive.
Bring a gift for the host if you are going to someone’s house for dinner. This can be a bottle of wine or dessert.
Talking about how much money you make is frowned upon. Never ask people about their salary.
Arriving late to personal gatherings is normalized, but doing so at professional ones is seen as rude.
Pilots and hundreds of other TAP Air Portugal workers organized a silent protest in Lisbon on Tuesday. The protest was organized by various aviation unions in Portugal, including SNPVAC, SPAC, and SITEMA.
At 8:30 AM, the protestors engaged in a “silent walk,” wearing their uniforms or black and white. The walk started in Campo Pequeno and ended at the Ministry of Infrastructure and Housing to deliver a letter.
This is the first TAP airline protest where pilots, cabin staff, and maintenance technicians join forces.
The protestors were not on the clock during the silent walk. The unions said, “we will once again relinquish our days off and vacations, guaranteeing that no passenger is affected by our protest.”
The unions seek to improve the quality of the service provided and criticize the firing of TAP staff. They also critique the “millions of errors” in the management of TAP, such as the expensive rental of planes.
Football has always been like a religion to the Portuguese. However, first founded in 1914, the Portugal National Football Team was not always successful. Great strides were made along the decades, culminating in a stronger team with iconic players such as Eusebio, Figo, and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Let’s take a look at everything you need to know about the Portugal National Team, from a historical timeline and key facts, as well as an overview of the women’s team that has been making great strides recently.
Key Facts about the Portugal National Team
Full name in Portuguese: Seleção Portuguesa de Futebol
Assistant coaches: Ilidio Vale, Nuno Sampaio, Fernando Meira
Goalkeeping coach: Rui Ouriques
Top goalscorers: Cristiano Ronaldo (117), Pauleta (88), Eusebio (64)
Team home kit: Portugal’s traditional home kit is red and green like the Portuguese flag. Alterations have been made over the years, such as dark burgundy and light scarlet.
Team away kit: Portugal’s away kits vary a lot. Usually, they are white with blue shorts or red and green highlights. A fully black kit has also been used.
Portugal National Football Team History & Timeline
1930s
Over 15 years after the Portugal National Football Team was founded, things were not looking well. Portugal was not invited to the 1930 World Cup.
Four years later, Portugal took part in the FIFA World Cup Qualification but failed to eliminate Spain. Again in 1938, Portugal failed to eliminate Syria in the qualification for the World Cup.
The next few decades would not prove very successful for Portuguese football.
1950s – Early 1960s
The largest defeat in Portuguese history happened in the 1950 qualification, where Portugal lost 10-0 to England. Portugal did not qualify again in 1954, losing against Austria with a 9-0 aggregate defeat of two games.
In the 1958 FIFA World Cup Qualification, the Portugal National Football Team won their first qualification match, a 3-0 victory against Italy. Sadly, this was not enough for them to qualify.
In 1960, the European Football Championship was created, but Portugal lost 6-3 on aggregate.
In the 1962 FIFA World Cup Qualification, Portugal was in the group against England and Luxembourg. As only the team that won in that group could qualify, Portugal, making second, did not make it.
Portugal did not qualify again for the second Euro in 1964, losing against Bulgaria.
1966 – 1970s
In 1966, took a twist to the positive. Portugal was able to finally qualify for the FIFA World Cup in 1966, topping the group against Czechoslovakia, Romania, and Turkey.
The Portugal National Football Team had their best World Cup to this day, defeating the Soviet Union 2-1 in the third place match. The iconic player Eusebio was the top scorer of the World Cup with nine goals.
Four years later, however, Portugal did not qualify as it finished last in its group. The team also failed to qualify for the 1972 Euro and both the 1974 and 1978 World Cup.
1980s – Early 1990s
The very early ’80s were not great. Portugal did not qualify for the 1980 Euro or 1982 World Cup.
However, by 1984, Portugal qualified for the Euro and actually made it to the semi-final against France. This match is considered one of the best in the history of the Euro. France scored in the 114th and 119th minutes, eliminating Portugal 3-2.
Portugal qualified for the 1986 World Cup for the first time since 1966. However, during the competition, the team went on a strike due to the Saltillo Affair, refusing to train between their first and second games, and were later eliminated after a loss to Morocco.
The Saltillo Affair was when the Portuguese Federation accused players of doing, although tests later proved this to be untrue.
Portugal did not qualify for the 1988 and 1992 Euro, as well as the 1990 and 1994 World Cup.
1995 – 2006
While the last 90s were not incredible, the team between 1995 and 2006 is known as the “golden generation.” The team consisted of young players who had won the FIFA U-20 in 1989 and 1991.
While Portugal did not qualify for the 1998 World Cup, it made it to the 2000 Euro but were eliminated in the semi-finals against France 2-1.
Portugal did not make it to the 2002 World Cup. There were many media reports of unprofessionalism and bad attitude by the players. Manager António Oliveira was fired after the World Cup.
The UEFA Euro 2004 was hosted in Portugal, and Luiz Felipe Scolari managed the team. Portugal made it all the way to the final with Greece but lost 1-0. Cristiano Ronaldo was selected for the UEFA Euro All Stars Team that year as his career progressed.
In the 2006 World Cup, Portugal reached their first World Cup semi-final since 1966 but lost 1-0 against France. Portugal won the “Most Entertaining Team” award for their performance in the World Cup.
2006 – 2014
The post-golden generation period saw mixed results, as many young players left their international careers. Portugal qualified for the 2008 Euro but lost a quarter-final with Germany 3-2. After the Euro, Scolari went to Chelsea, and Carlos Queiroz took over the Portugal national team.
In the 2010 World Cup, Portugal beat Bosnia and Herzegovina in a play-off but later lost to Spain in the round of 16, 1–0.
Carlos Queiroz eventually got fired after a series of scandals such as blocking doping testing and being insulting to testers. Paulo Bento took over as head coach.
Portugal qualified for the 2012 Euro, later defeating the Czech Republic 1-0 in the quarter-finals. However, they lost the semi-final against Spain as Portugal lost 4-2 on penalties after a 0-0 tie.
In the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying, Portugal was drawn into Group G with the US, Germany, and Ghana. Their first match against Germany was the worst defeat in World Cup history at 4-0. While they won 2-1 against Ghana, Portugal was eliminated as it had an inferior goal difference to the US, despite a 2-2 tie with the team.
2014 – Present Day
2016 was one of the best years for the Portugal National Team, with the team winning the Euro that year. However, the qualifiers began badly as Portugal lost 0-1 at home against Albania in 2014. Bento was dismissed and replaced by Fernando Santos.
The team then qualified as group winners and advanced into the knockout stage. Portugal beat Croatia 1-0, Poland 5-3, and Wales 2-0 in the semi-finals.
The final was against France. At the beginning of the game, Ronaldo got injured but was replaced by Eder. To everyone’s surprise, he scored a goal in the 109th minute, winning the Euro!
Fans celebrating the Euro 2016 victory in Little Portugal.
In the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup, Portugal made it to the semi-finals but lost to Chile, but then beat Mexico in the third place game.
Portugal qualified for the 2018 FIFA World Cup but was eliminated in the round of 16 in a 2-1 defeat against Uruguay.
In 2018, Portugal was announced as the host of the Nations League Finals, as it won against Italy and Poland in the UEFA Nations League. Portugal defeated the Netherlands 1-0 in the finals in Porto, with Goncalo Guedes scoring the only goal in the 60th minute.
While Portugal successfully qualified for the Euro 2020, the team finished 13th overall after winning against Hungary, drawing with France, and losing to Germany and Belgium. This was Portugal’s lowest ranking in the history of the Euro.
Cristiano Ronaldo was born in Funchal, Madeira, on February 5, 1985. The Portuguese player is a forward for Manchester United and is the captain of the Portugal national team. To many, he is considered the best soccer player in the world.
Ronaldo has won five Ballon d’Or awards and four European Golden Shoes. His track record is astonishing, with 32 trophies in his career. Ronaldo holds many records, including for most appearances in a game (183) and goals (140).
He was ranked the world’s highest-paid athlete by Forbes in 2016 and 2017, as he is the first footballer to earn 1 billion dollars in his career.
The forward began his football career in Sporting CP and then signed with Manchester United at 18. In 2009, he was the most expensive football transfer at the time when he signed with Real Madrid for €94 million.
In 2018, he signed with Juventus in a €100 million transfer. In 2021, he returned to Manchester United, where he remains.
Fernando Santos was born October 10, 1954, in Lisbon, Portugal. He is the manager for the Portugal national team, as well as a former defender.
After retiring as a defender, he became a coach in 1988. Throughout his career, Santos managed Portugal’s Big Three (Benfica, Sporting, and Porto). He won five major titles with Porto and also managed Estoril.
In the early 2000s, he relocated to Greece, where he managed mostly AEK Athens and PAOK. In 2010, he coached the Greek national team for the World Cup and Euro.
In September 2014, he was chosen as the manager of Portugal after the dismissal of Paulo Bento. In 2016, he led the team to the finals with France, where Portugal won its first Euro. He is still the current coach for Portugal and will be leading the team to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar next winter.
Portugal Women’s National Team
While the Portuguese women’s national football team was left under the radar since its founding, in recent years, it has been making major strides.
In 2017, Portugal qualified for the UEFA Women’s Euro, which was the team’s first appearance in a major tournament. However, they finished last in their group.
In 2019, Portugal finished third in their qualifying group for the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Although they were unable to qualify, they worked hard to be able to do so for the UEFA Women’s Euro.
In May 2020, the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) released a salary restriction announcement for women’s leagues that was deemed incredibly discriminatory. It established a €550,000 salary cap on women’s clubs.
As a result, female players organized an activist movement called Football Without Gender to draw attention to this. In July, the federation retreated from this initiative after criticism.
In 2022, Portugal qualified for the Women’s Euro due to unique circumstances. Portugal won all the qualifying games except for two against Finland and Scotland. The team reached the play-off stage against Russia but unfortunately lost. However, due to the invasion of Ukraine, Russia was banned from the Women’s Euro, and Portugal took its place!
Subscribe to our newsletter below to get the latest news, reviews, info and more!
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.
