5 Things We Bet You Didn’t Know About Portugal

Portugal is an amazing country which is filled with an amazing variety of activities which can help you to understand the various aspects of the culture and lifestyle of Portugal. Portugal has a culture which is deeply rooted with the long age customs and various historic beliefs which still exist in the present day. Along with its long history and colorful culture, it has many things which are worth noticing. With an amazing mix of civilizations, Portugal has many secrets which most of the people do not know even at present.

Most of the people may think they know much about Portugal but actually, this is not true. It is because like every other place, Portugal also has some secrets which most of the people do not know. if you are the one who thinks that he knows everything about the picture-perfect and beautiful Portugal then this is the time you must rethink. It is because there are various lesser-known facts present which are present about this European hotspot in the back pocket of someone and can sound extra intelligent at the next dinner party.

If you want to know some of the most amazing facts about Portugal then you must have a look at the following information in this regard.

1. Portugal is Home to the Oldest Bookshop in the World

Most interestingly, Lisbon is home of the oldest bookshop in the entire world. The Bertrand bookshop is around since the year 1732. It means that this amazing bookshop is 280+ years old and it is holding some of the best and greatest minds of its time. Bertrand in Lisbon is the cornerstone of this chain. Although the bookstore was destroyed in the year 1755 due to an earthquake, however; the bookstore was moved to the exact same location in the year 1773 where you can find that at the present too.

2. Portuguese are Master in Breaking Records

Most of the people do not know that people of Portugal are master in breaking the records. They always tend to set new trends. So, when we talk about the record-breaking capabilities of Europe then you must know the fact that Portugal contains the largest bridge in Europe whose name is Vasco de Gama. This largest bridge was opened in the year 1998. Even more, this great bridge is 17 km long. Although, this bridge is the recent but an amazing addition to the city scene of Portugal, however; the bridge was officially opened years ago.

Portugal is one of the most amazing and leading surf destinations. Most interestingly, the biggest wave of the world was surfed in Lisbon which is the city of Portugal by a Hawaiian surfer in October 2011. Name of the surfer was Garrett McNamara. That hopping wave reached to the height of 30 meters.

3. Lisbon is the Oldest City in Western Europe

Lisbon is the capital of Portugal and it is said that this is the oldest city and capital in Europe. More often it is being argued that this city became a capital 400 years ago even before the era of Roman. Even more, this is a fantastic city to have a great break too with cobbled narrow streets, amazing coastal views and perfect tram rides which can make the place best to visit.

4. Portugal is the Largest Producer of the Cork

Portugal is being accounted for approximately 50% of the cork production of the world. Portugal is producing 100,000 tons of cork on an annual basis. This is being used in the badminton shuttlecocks, thermal insulations, bottle stoppers, and many other things.

5. Portuguese Can Eat Bacalao Every Day

This is exactly what you have read but they could if they want to. Bacalao can be a word of cod for Portuguese because they knew more than 365 ways to cook the Bacalao. It means that if they want they can easily eat this throughout the year without even repeating its recipe.

These are the most amazing facts about Portugal which can be informative for you. However, people, there are extremely friendly and welcoming; therefore, you can easily enjoy the best trip in Portugal.