Date of publication 05/11/2025
Beyond fado and cod: the curiosities that make Portugal unique
A stay at any of our hotels in Portugal is an invitation to rediscover one of Europe’s most inspiring destinations and to experience the curiosities that make it unlike anywhere else. History, innovation, gastronomy, art, beaches, and local celebrations all come together in a country full of wonder. Here are just a few fascinating facts about Portugal to inspire your next visit.
A land of contrasts and surprising traditions
Historical influences that shaped Portugal
Portuguese culture is a tapestry of contrasts and remarkable traditions. Arabs, Phoenicians, and Romans all left their mark on the Iberian lands that now form Portugal—a country of explorers and artists. Want to start discovering its emotional legacy in the capital? Iberostar Selection Lisboa is the hotel in Lisbon you’ve been looking for. This five-star property connects perfectly with both the historic heart of the city and its cosmopolitan side. Located in the business district, just steps from the bohemian Avenida da Liberdade and minutes from Marquês de Pombal, it offers the ideal balance between tradition and modernity. After a day of exploring, unwind in its spectacular spa or savor the finest Portuguese cuisine at its restaurants.
Festivities you won’t find anywhere else
Our hotels in Portugal—set in one of the world’s most welcoming LGTBI+ destinations—offer access to unique folkloric celebrations that are as authentic as they are joyful. A few examples? The Feira da Serra de São Brás de Alportel in the Algarve, a tribute to summer, rural life, and local honey production. Or the Festival MED in Loulé, where music fills Moorish courtyards. Don’t miss Lisbon’s Festas de Santo António in mid-June, when the city’s oldest neighborhoods burst into color with garlands, fado performances, popular parades, and even mass weddings—yes, really—known as the Casamentos de Santo António. Join the celebration with family or friends and experience the spirit of Portugal at its most festive.
Hidden places with fascinating stories
Towns and corners steeped in legend
Visiting the Algarve with children is always a great idea. The little ones will be captivated by stories like that of the mermaids of Lagos, said to enchant lost sailors with their songs at sunset, or the ghost of Prince Henry the Navigator, whose figure is still believed to watch the horizon from the cliffs of Sagres. And if you’re planning to spend a few days in Lisbon, share with them the myth of Ulysses and the Tagus River nymph, whose love turned into the sigh that gave birth to the city itself.
Monuments and landscapes with secrets to uncover
Reconnect with nature on a cycling route through the Algarve, from the mysterious Benagil Caves to the dramatic Sagres Cliffs. Then, create your own walking itinerary through Lisbon to admire some of its most iconic landmarks. Did you know that the Jerónimos Monastery hides secret symbols once used by sailors and alchemists? The Santa Justa Lift offers a panoramic view like no other. And nearby, in the beautiful and intriguing Sintra, you’ll find yourself happily lost among palaces and gardens that once witnessed duels, romances, and rituals.
Flavors and customs beyond cod
Traditional sweets and centuries-old recipes
One of the many advantages of choosing an All-Inclusive hotel in Portugal is the opportunity to taste an endless variety of sweet and savory dishes made with high-quality local ingredients. Some of these recipes date back centuries. Take the pastéis de nata, for example—recognized among the world’s best desserts. In Sintra, travesseiros and queijadas preserve the flavors once crafted in the kitchens of ancient monasteries. In the Algarve, try morgadinhas and doces finos, delicate almond-based confections shaped by hand with care and artistry passed down through generations. As for cod, we’ll get to that later.
Coffee culture and its curious rituals
A sensory journey through Portugal isn’t complete without experiencing its coffee traditions. In Lisbon, it’s customary to order a bica—a short, intensely flavored espresso—at historic cafés such as A Brasileira. Ordering a café pendente means paying for an extra cup for someone who cannot afford it, joining a quiet act of solidarity unique to the capital. In the Algarve, and especially by the sea, you’ll find the authentic galão, similar to a latte but with more milk. Further north, particularly in Porto, locals favor the cimbalino, named after the Italian espresso machine used to prepare it.
Innovative and creative Portugal
Portuguese inventions that changed the world
Did you know that the multibanco—the global ATM system that allows transactions across different branches—was invented in Portugal? The same goes for Via Verde, which enables toll payments without stopping; black toilet paper, a bold creation by the Renova brand; and even tempura, which, contrary to popular belief, originated in Portugal, not Japan. It was also a Portuguese engineer, Jaime Filipe, who invented the wheelchair lift, improving accessibility and travel for people with reduced mobility.
Yet, the field where Portuguese inventors have historically excelled most is navigation. The caravel, the black carrack sword, and the nonius are enduring symbols of this maritime legacy.
Craftsmanship and designs that set trends
Your stay at one of our hotels in Portugal will be filled with exclusive experiences and moments of aesthetic inspiration. Best of all, during your vacation you’ll be able to discover both traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design. In a country where past and future coexist in harmony, the boundaries between tradition and innovation are beautifully blurred.
Admire the Manueline style that graces every corner, stroll through open-air street art galleries, and visit Lisbon’s José de Azeredo Perdigão Modern Art Center. On your way back from the Algarve, leave room in your suitcase for handwoven textiles, painted wooden furniture, ceramics—with the iconic azulejos taking center stage—wicker baskets, and clay figurines, each piece reflecting the creativity and soul of Portugal.
Did you know that Portugal…
… has the second-longest bridge in Europe
With architecture as impressive as its other artistic achievements, Europe’s street art capital is also home to the second-longest bridge in Europe—and one of the world’s most remarkable engineering feats. The Vasco da Gama Bridge, built in 1988 over the Tagus River for Lisbon’s World Expo, stretches for 17 kilometers (12 of bridge and 5 of viaducts), connecting northern and southern Portugal. It replaced the 25 de Abril Bridge as the only crossing between the two banks and held the record as Europe’s longest for three decades—until 2018, when the Crimean Bridge surpassed it at 18 kilometers.
… is home to the world’s oldest bookstore
Staying at a five-star hotel in Portugal means being close to truly special landmarks like the Bertrand Bookstore, founded in 1732. Located on Rua Garrett in Lisbon’s Chiado district, it takes its name from the Bertrand brothers, who brought it to fame. You might recognize its iconic façade, facing the bronze statue of writer Fernando Pessoa. In 2011, the Guinness World Records recognized it as theoldest operating bookstore in the world. Not only is it still open today, but it has expanded to more than 50 branches throughout the country.
For more cultural gems in the capital, explore this 3-day Lisbon guide, where magic and heritage go hand in hand.
… is Europe’s oldest nation
Fascinated by fun facts about Portugal and the Old Continent? Here’s one to remember: Portugal established its borders in 1139, making it the first country in Europe with defined boundaries—and an independent state that has changed very little since. While San Marino is often cited as older due to its foundation in 301 AD, it didn’t officially set its borders until 1463.
… has the world’s biggest surfed wave
Standing at 26.21 meters, the largest wave ever surfed was recorded in Nazaré, Portugal, where German surfer Sebastian Steudtner set a Guinness World Record in 2020 for this extraordinary feat.
If surfing or water sports are your thing, theIberostar Selection Lagos Algarve —a five-star, oceanfront resort—will feel like your second home. This beautiful Algarve hotel captivates with its views of the Atlantic, marine-inspired gastronomy, and sustainable philosophy. From here, you can cycle scenic routes (the hotel has its own bike station) and, after the adventure, hop on the train right at its doorstep to reach the historic center of Lagos.
… is known as “the king of cod”
The Portuguese have around 365 cod recipes, one for each day of the year. Among the most popular are bacalhau à Brás (with egg and potatoes), bacalhau com natas (a creamy gratin), bacalhau espiritual (similar to brandade), and bacalhau à portuguesa, baked and served with roasted potatoes. It’s no wonder Portugal leads the world inper-capita cod consumption. You can enjoy these and many other delicious examples of traditional Portuguese cuisine at Iberostar’s All-Inclusive hotels in Portugal.
… produces one of the world’s first protected-designation wines
Make the most of your vacation in Portugal by exploring its culinary routes and wine tastings. The country can proudly claim to produce one of the earliest wines with a protected designation of origin: Port wine. In 1756, the region where this elixir is distilled was officially demarcated, marking a milestone in wine history. With its aromatic intensity, sweetness, and distinctive tannins, Port is a wine full of character. It’s often enjoyed as an aperitif—to whet the appetite—or paired with desserts, red meats, cheeses, and nuts.
… created the foundations of modern navigation
Thanks to the techniques, charts, and navigational instrumentsdeveloped by the Portuguese between the 15th and 18th centuries—the golden age of maritime exploration—modern navigation was born. Their deep understanding of winds and currents made sailing increasingly safe and precise. Instruments like the Jacob’s staff, which measures the altitude of the sun and stars, and detailed portolan charts, mapping coasts, islands, and reefs, greatly expanded knowledge of the oceans and of the world itself. Keep this fact in mind next time you gaze at the horizon from one of the Algarve’s most beautiful beaches and coves.
… has the world’s largest collection of tiles
More than mere decoration, Portugal’s iconic azulejos tell stories that evolve with the times. Their history as an architectural and cultural element began in the Middle Ages, when Portuguese royalty adopted them from Islamic art and architecture. Today, they’re a national symbol—and Portugal leads the world in the production and use of ceramic tiles. Their omnipresence in cities like Lisbon and Porto will remind you again and again that this is a country where design truly matters. Why not experience it firsthand by staying at one of our hotels in Portugal that inspires your most creative side?
