[takeaways] • Portugal sits on the Iberian Peninsula's southwestern corner, bordered by Spain to the north and east and the Atlantic Ocean everywhere else.
• The Spain-Portugal border, nicknamed "A Raia," is the EU's longest and oldest, stretching about 1,234km (767 miles).
• Lisbon is the westernmost capital in mainland Europe, with Reykjavík the only capital further west overall.
• Portugal follows WET (UTC+0 in winter, UTC+1 in summer), though the Azores sit on their own time zone an hour behind.
• Expect sunny coastlines, rugged mountains like the Serra da Estrela, and vineyard-covered valleys like the Douro, all within a relatively small country.
• A SIMOVO eSIM for Portugal keeps you connected, without a surprise roaming bill. [/takeaways]
Portugal is one of Europe's most visited countries, thanks to its fantastic beaches and enviable location. But, many people who want to come here aren't quite sure where it's located!
Portugal is located on the Iberian Peninsula. It borders Spain to the east, so it is easy to travel between the two countries on a tour of southwestern Europe.
Before you go on vacation to Portugal, read on to learn more about its geography, its neighbors, and what you can do in the area if you want to make your adventure longer than a simple trip to Lisbon!
Where is Portugal in relation to Europe?
Looking at Europe on the map, Portugal can be found in the southwesternmost corner. If you can find the UK and Ireland, trace your finger south and you'll find Spain, with Portugal as the territory to the west.
In relation to the rest of Europe, Portugal has few neighbors. As mentioned, it borders Spain, and is close to Morocco in the south. However, it otherwise borders the Atlantic Ocean, meaning there are some truly incredible sea views to take in.
Where exactly is the border between Spain and Portugal?
The border between the two countries is known as The Stripe, or A Raia in Portuguese (and La Raya in Spanish), and it stretches about 1,234km (767 miles), connecting the Minho River to the southern Atlantic coast.
The border is generally considered peaceful. However, there is one town – Olivenza – that plays a part in what's seen as something of a dormant dispute. According to Portugalist, Olivenza is a town that is technically in Spain, but which Portugal has laid claim to over the years. This dates back to the Treaty of Badajoz in 1801, where Spain retained ownership of the town following the War of the Oranges.
Portugal hasn't made a claim to Olivenza in more than two centuries, but that said, it's never officially recognized it as being part of Spain, either!
Don't worry about potential unrest between Spain and Portugal! Portugal is regarded as a safe country for tourists to explore at the time of writing, with a prominent place close to the top of the Global Peace Index. That said, taking general precautions and observing common sense is still important.
What time zone is Portugal in?
Portugal typically follows the same time zone as the UK and Ireland, which is WET or UTC+0 during the winter, and UTC+1 during the summer. However, there are some islands off the coast of Portugal that actually sit in a different time zone.
The islands form part of the Azores, a gorgeous archipelago that actually sits at UTC-1 in the winter and UTC+0 in the summer.
If this sounds confusing, don't worry. Portugal, like the UK, transitions to and from summer time every year, on the very last Sunday of March. On the last Sunday of October, Portugal moves its clocks back again.
These points are worth keeping in mind if, for example, you're traveling to the area in the winter and are wondering why the nights draw in so fast! The longest days here fall between March and October.
Where is Lisbon?
Lisbon, the capital city of Portugal, sits along the country's western coast. It is actually a title holder, in that it is the westernmost capital in mainland Europe – with only Reykjavík, Iceland, sitting further west overall – making it a genuinely unique capital city break.
Lisbon is also famous for its rising terraces and hills, and it's Portugal's main and most important port. Naturally, it's also seen as an epicenter of tourism and commercial development. The country's economy has grown in part thanks to Lisbon's superb fishing access, though Portugal has since diversified into pharmaceuticals and technology as major sources of income, according to Britannica.
If you'd like to make a trip to Lisbon an important step in your Portuguese adventure, make sure to check out our guide on things to do in the city before you travel!
What is Portugal's landscape like?
Portugal is one of the few European countries that offers an incredible balance of sunny coastlines, rugged peaks, and wild greenery. For example, the country is famous for its super-hot Algarve, while adventure lovers will likely want to explore the Serra da Estrela.
Then, there are valleys and vineyards to behold, too. The Douro Valley, for example, is famous for its mountainside vineyards, which many people tour every year. And, as mentioned, there is also the Azores archipelago offshore, which is, like its sister Madeira, volcanic land with incredible ocean cliffs.
Crucially, Portugal is a great place to visit if you're interested in rugged walks and climbs or if you just want to chill out on the beach. You can pretty much mix up what you do here based on how you feel each day!
And with that, always make sure you have a Portugal eSIM ready to go so you can stay connected to the best mobile networks in the area. A SIMOVO eSIM can be topped up before you go, meaning you have total control over the data you have to use. There are no nasty bills, and you can keep chatting to friends and family over IM and streaming your trip on social media to your heart's content.
[esim flag="🇵🇹" label="Portugal" data="10GB · 30 days" price="$8.50" href="/products/portugal" benefits="Instant QR setup · Reliable 4G/5G · No contract"]Get connected before you go, from the Algarve coast to Lisbon and beyond[/esim]
What's the climate like in Portugal?
Portugal's enviable position means it gets the best of the Mediterranean, while its border with the Atlantic Ocean brings moisture, rain, and wind. However, as mentioned, the Portuguese landscape is highly variable, and so is its weather.
For a maritime adventure, it's usually best to head north, while mild and sunny summers await you further toward Lisbon. As you head inland, Portugal tends to get hotter, meaning you can expect scorching summers. The same can be expected from the Algarve to the south, with mild winters.
Up in the Serra da Estrela, of course, the peaks are much chillier than you'd expect elsewhere in the country – and yes, it even snows in Portugal, up here in the mountains!
Tips for visiting Portugal
Let's break down a few important tips to keep in mind if you're intent on giving Portugal a try for your next vacation.
[tip title="Consider visiting in fall"]While the summers are fantastic for sun and sea in Portugal, keep in mind that a lot of people will want to soak up the great weather, too. If you prefer a milder vacation with smaller crowds, hold out until fall if you can.[/tip] [tip title="Carry cash in rural areas"]Some of Portugal is quite rural, meaning if you'd like to buy from local businesses, we recommend you take change or at least paper cash with you. Plastic can be accepted in the big cities, but don't always expect it in non-tourist spots.[/tip] [warning]Portugal is, as mentioned, a safe country to visit in the main. However, it is still important to keep your belongings close and to avoid getting your phone out too much in public places. Pickpocketing is still a risk in some of the bigger tourist spots, so don't take the place on the GPI for granted.[/warning] [faq] [q]Where is Portugal located?[/q] [a]On the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe, bordered by Spain to the north and east and the Atlantic Ocean elsewhere.[/a] [q]How long is the border between Spain and Portugal?[/q] [a]About 1,234km (767 miles) – the EU's longest and oldest border, nicknamed "A Raia."[/a] [q]Is Lisbon the westernmost capital in Europe?[/q] [a]It's the westernmost capital in mainland Europe – only Reykjavík, Iceland, sits further west overall.[/a] [q]What time zone is Portugal in?[/q] [a]WET, UTC+0 in winter and UTC+1 in summer, the same as the UK. The Azores run an hour behind mainland Portugal.[/a] [q]Is Portugal safe to visit?[/q] [a]Yes – it regularly ranks near the top of the Global Peace Index, though normal precautions like watching for pickpockets in busy tourist spots still apply.[/a] [/faq] [esim flag="🇵🇹" label="Portugal" data="10GB · 30 days" price="$8.50" href="/products/portugal" benefits="Instant QR setup · Reliable 4G/5G · No contract"]Grab a Portugal eSIM and explore from Lisbon to the Algarve without a roaming worry[/esim]
