Pay 
Language 
Currency 
No results found
What is Portugal known for: 10 Famous Portuguese things
Explore what Portugal is known for, including famous dishes like pastel de nata and Portuguese legends like Cristiano Ronaldo.
Portugal is a land bursting with culture, flavor, and rich history. But what is Portugal known for, and why is it such a captivating destination for tourists all around the world?
From the soothing, soulful sounds of fado music echoing through cobblestoned streets to the flavorful aroma of olive oil-drizzled grilled sardines in seaside towns and Portuguese restaurants, many hidden gems and iconic Portuguese things make this vibrant country famous.
If you’ve ever wondered what Portugal is famous for, including Portuguese food, or even which famous people from Portugal have shaped the world, keep reading!
Holafly is highly rated
With a Trustpilot rating of 4.6/5 from 50,000+ reviews, our eSIMs come with a seal of approval.
1. Port wine
Portugal is best known for its port wine. Hailing from the northern city of Porto, one of the best cities in Portugal to live in, port wine is a symbol of Portuguese culture and craftsmanship. This fortified wine is stoned and aged in Douro Valley, one of Portugal’s many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and enjoyed with Portuguese delicacies such as grilled sardines, pastel de nata, arroz de pato (duck rice), or seafood stew.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo, a legendary football icon, is definitely one name that comes up when people ask what is Portugal known for. Born on Madeira island, Ronaldo is one of the most famous people from Portugal. Not only is he celebrated for his extraordinary talent but also for embodying the true epitome of Portuguese culture and staying close to his roots. His success has contributed to a boost in the Portuguese economy, the Portuguese language, and Portugal’s general image on a global scale.
3. Bacalhau
No list of famous Portuguese things would be complete without mentioning Bacalhau, a traditional Portuguese dish. This iconic salted cod meal is at the core of Portuguese cuisine and is something you’ll find in every Portuguese restaurant. It is also referred to as the “faithful friend,” clearly indicating its place as a staple in many Portuguese households.
You’ll definitely see it on tables during Christmas and other religious holidays in Portugal. You can pair this hearty dish with grilled sardines, a fried egg, melted cheese, or french fries, drizzle some olive oil on the top, and enjoy it beside some green wine and beer sauce.
If you ever plan to visit Portugal, make sure to include the best places (Laurentina, A Casa do Bacalhau, and O Beco) to try out Balcalhau in your Portugal travel itinerary.
4. Portuguese cuisine
While Balcalhau is a national favorite, Portuguese cuisine as a whole is flavorful and rich, and it is also one thing that Portugal is known for. Portuguese food is hearty and comforting, from sizzling platters of seafood stew to fresh fish, wet-cured ham, and wine. You’ll find specialties in various areas of the country, such as fresh seafood dishes in southern Portugal or more traditional Portuguese dishes with French fries, glasses of vinho verde, or port wine in northern cities like Porto.
5. Fado music
This traditional genre captures the essence of Portuguese culture and is one of the things the country is known for. The melancholic strum of the Portuguese guitar is rooted in history. Fado is said to have emerged in the 19th century from the neighborhoods of Lisbon. The Mouraria of Lisbon, in particular, is well known for hosting authentic Fado music shows. Head over to a bar, get a drink, and enjoy short shows from independent artists. Today, it’s recognized by UNESCO as a crucial part of the world’s cultural heritage.
6. The Algarve
Not only is the Algarve one of the reasons Portugal is famous, but it is also one of Europe’s top summer destinations. Its dramatic cliffs, golden sand beaches, and unique rock structures make it a captivating destination. The Algarve is also a great place to experience Portuguese culture and try out authentic Portuguese food; it’s where you can truly experience a laid-back vacation with views that overlook the Atlantic Ocean. There are many restaurants nearby, and vibrant festivals happen from time to time.
If you’re heading here anytime soon, be sure to visit this sun-soaked slice of mainland Portugal. Make sure you’re ready to navigate the Algarve smoothly with one of the best eSIMs for Portugal.
7. Madeira Island
The breathtaking island of Madeira has to be on our list of famous Portuguese things. Located in the Atlantic Ocean, this subtropical paradise offers a completely unique side to Portugal. Other than being famous for being the birthplace of Cristiano Ronaldo, Madeira is also a dream destination for nature lovers and hikers. Pico do Arieiro, in particular, is a famous hike with a vantage point that makes the trek worth it.
If you need a GPS or help navigating your hike, opt for a Portuguese SIM card or a pocket WiFi for Portugal, but in 2025, eSIMs for Portugal are the way to go.
8. Sintra town
Sintra is an enchanting town located in the hills of central Portugal near the Atlantic Ocean and is also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its lush forests, romantic palaces, and beautiful architecture, this town looks like it was pulled from a storybook.
From the vibrant National Palace of Sintra — a UNESCO World Heritage Site in itself — to the mystical Quinta da Regaleira, Sintra is packed with iconic Portuguese locations. You’ll also find amazing Portuguese cuisine here, including sweet treats like travesseiros and queijadas and savory delicacies such as duck rice.
9. Sanctuary of Fátima
The Sanctuary of Fatima is one of Portugal’s most important religious landmarks. Located in central Portugal, this sacred site is deeply rooted in Portuguese history and Catholic devotion. In 1917, three young shepherds reported apparitions of the Virgin Mary in this location, which shaped religious pilgrimage in Portugal and beyond.
Millions of pilgrims travel across Europe and South America to pay respects, light candles, and meditate at the sanctuary’s basilicas and chapels.
10. First to decriminalize all drugs
One groundbreaking event Portugal is famous for is the decriminalization of all drugs in 2001. The European Union was hit with a severe heroin crisis and the highest rate of HIV infections during the 1990s. Portugal decided to treat it as a public health issue rather than a criminal one. The policy stated that possession of small quantities of drugs for personal use would be an administrative offense, not a criminal act.
The policy shift led to a significant improvement and a reduction in drug-related deaths and HIV infection rates among drug users in Portugal.
Discover what Portugal is known for first-hand with Holafly
Whether you visit Portugal to explore iconic locations like Madeira Island or experience authentic Portuguese cuisine, staying connected makes all the difference. You’ll need reliable mobile data to navigate Portugal’s winding streets, find the best Portuguese restaurants for local delicacies, and most importantly, translate the Portuguese language.
With Holafly’s eSIM for Portugal, you can stay online without any SIM swapping or surprise roaming charges. It’s the perfect option for exploring mainland Portugal, island gems, or the shores of the Algarve. You’ll get unlimited data at affordable prices and a quick sign-up process for maximum peace of mind.
On the other hand, if you’re a digital nomad, planning an extended stay, or a remote worker visiting Portugal, Holafly Connect is an ideal solution. This monthly subscription service provides reliable internet access in over 170 destinations worldwide.
You can choose from various flexible data plans, including:
- 10 GB for $39.90/month
- 25 GB for $49.90/month
- Unlimited data for $64.90/month
With the unlimited data plan, you can also use an unlimited hotspot for all your devices and cancel anytime — no extra fees!
Match your eSIM to your vacation
Choose a plan lasting between 1 and 90 days so you never pay for days or data you don't use.
Plans that may interest you
Born and raised in Queens, New York, I'm a Psychology graduate with a passion for writing that I've been nurturing since 2019. Over the years, I've enjoyed creating meaningful content across various niches, including sports, hospitality, and career development. At Holafly, I focus on crafting useful and inspiring pieces to make your adventures more effortless. One of the best perks of this role? Creating travel content always seems to inspire my next vacation destination!
