A Guide to Christmas in Portugal

A large, illuminated Christmas tree with green, red, and yellow lights stands prominently in a town square at night. An ornate building with an archway and statues, also lit up, serves as a backdrop. The scene is festive and vibrant with holiday decorations.

Christmas in Portugal is a unique experience. For some people, particularly those that come from very cold parts of the world, it doesn’t feel Christmasy enough. For others, the ability to walk outside and even get a little Vitamin D …

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What is Saudade?

A silhouette of a person sitting on a swing by the beach at sunset, with one arm outstretched towards the empty swing beside them. The sky is a vibrant orange, and the sun is setting over the ocean in the background.

Saudade is a Portuguese word that’s often described as untranslatable but, open a bottle of wine with a Portuguese friend and, they’ll happily try to explain it to you. The truth is that saudade can’t be translated into a singular …

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Olivenza: The Portuguese Town That’s in Spain

A European Union border sign with the word "España" in the center, surrounded by yellow stars on a blue background. Graffiti at the bottom reads "OLIVENÇA É NOSSA, É PORTUGAL" in white paint. The sign is positioned in a rural area with trees and grass.

Drive over the bridge that crosses the Guadiana River, the river that separates Portugal and Spain, and you’ll be greeted with a sign welcoming you to Spain. Like the hundreds of other signs that are dotted along the Spanish border, …

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Portugal, a Nation of Desenrascados?

A cute cartoon illustration of a hanging light bulb with a surprised face. The bulb has small eyes, an open mouth, and is radiating yellow light. It has arms, one of which is holding onto the cord from which it is suspended. The background is blue.

There are a few words that help explain Portuguese culture. One of them is saudade, a word that’s considered to be untranslatable but the closest interpretation is a feeling of longing. You can feel saudade for anything: a different time, …

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9 Of the Weirdest Things You’ll See in Portugal

A group of people dressed in vibrant, multicolored costumes with red masks and large headdresses perform in the street. They are walking on a dirt path near a stone wall and a white van. One person in the background is photographing the scene. The weather is sunny.

When most people think of Portugal, they think of the sandy beaches, the grilled sardines, or the picturesque cobbled streets and colourful tiles. It can feel like quite a normal country, but that isn’t necessarily the case – there are …

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24 Must-Read Books Set in Portugal

A woman with sunglasses and a braid is lying on a striped blanket at the beach, reading a magazine. She is wearing a white sweater and appears to be relaxed, with the sea and sky in the background.

Portugal has been the setting for numerous captivating novels that bring its essence to life. These books, especially those written by Portuguese authors, offer an immersive experience into the country’s soul, perfect for those wishing to learn more about its …

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