Regions of Portugal

Guide to Portugal

Administrative division of the country

Mainland Portugal - The territory of Portugal, in the past was divided into provinces or natural regions.

Lisbon and Porto

The two main urban agglomerations in the country
Currently, it is divided into five major geographic regions and 18 districts (states in Brazil).

Portugal has 275 municipalities
In turn, the districts are composed of concelhos (municipalities), in a total of 275.

The Regions of Portugal

Continental Portugal

The 92,152 km² territory of Continental Portugal is divided into 5 major geographical regions:

1. Lisbon and Region

With 3,001 km² and just under three million inhabitants, the Lisbon Region comprises the Greater Lisbon and the Setúbal Peninsula.

Main cities, besides Lisbon, the country's capital:

• Sintra

• Cascais

• Oeiras

2. Central Region

The second largest (27,136 km²), the Central Region is located between the capital and the north of Portugal.

It is a region with beautiful landscapes (Serra da Estrela) and a diversity of centers of interest: nature, sea, gastronomy, history, historical villages and culture.

Two major tourist centers, in addition to Coimbra - the region's capital - famous for its old university center:

• Fatima: and its world-famous Sanctuary of Fatima

• Nazaré: charming village and its large waves, appreciated by surf lovers from all over Europe.


The main cities of the Central Region:

• Coimbra

• Aveiro

• Leiria

3. Northern Region

The Northern Region is the 3rd largest (21,286 km²) in the country, the birthplace of the nation with the County of Portucale. Other highlights include the gastronomy, the world-famous Port Wine and the vineyards of the Douro Vinhático, the first demarcated wine region in the world.

Main cities of the Northern Region:

• Porto, a capital da região.

• Vila Nova de Gaia, famous for its Port wine cellars.

• Braga, known for being the oldest city in Portugal and the capital of Minho.

4. Alentejo

The Alentejo, located south of the Tagus River, is the largest region (31,711 km²).

The Alentejo region, with its typical gastronomy, produces excellent wines and olive oils (the largest producing region in the country).

The main cities of Alentejo are:

• Évora, located in the heart of the region, the capital of the Alentejo, is a World Heritage city (UNESCO).

• Beja, famous for its Marble Castle and rich heritage; it is located in the south of the region.

• Elvas, well known and appreciated for its historical fortifications; a World Heritage city (UNESCO).

5. Algarve

With 4,960 km², the Algarve offers a diversity of landscapes and, above all, a coastline dotted with beautiful beaches.

With almost 160 km of beaches, this is the preferred region for vacationers from all over Europe. Summer in the Algarve is a dream for many.

The main cities of the Algarve are:

• Faro, located in the heart of the coastal region, with the Barlavento to the west and the Sotavento to the east, extending to the border with Spain at Vila Real de Santo Antônio.

Faro is the capital of the Algarve, a city with an important regional airport, the Faro International Airport.

• Albufeira, famous for its beautiful beach, one of the favorites in the region.

• Portimão, the second most populous city, is very well known and appreciated for its famous Praia da Rocha beach, one of the country's most iconic landmarks.

The sardines of Portimão are renowned and appreciated beyond the borders of Portugal.

Portugal's Districts

Mainland Portugal - The territory of 92,152 km² of Portugal is divided into 5 major geographic regions (Lisbon and Region, Center, North, Alentejo and Algarve), and in 18 districts, with 275 municipalities (municipalities).

Insular Portugal - The archipelagos of Madeira and Azores are Autonomous Regions of Insular Portugal.

Follow the links below and have a nice visit!

Geographical regions

Lisbon

Center

North

Alentejo

Algarve (South)

RA Madeira

RA Azores

Natural Regions (Provinces)

Minho

Trás-os-Montes/Alto Douro

Douro Litoral

Beira Alta

Beira Baixa

Beira Litoral

Ribatejo

Extremadura

Alto Alentejo

Alentejo Central

Alentejo Litoral

Baixo Alentejo

Algarve

The Districts (States)

Important administrative division of the country, after the regions, the districts in turn are divided into municipalities (or counties). Municipalities, on the other hand, are divided into parishes. In translations into other languages, in general, the term civil parishes is used.

Selection of Tourist Destinations

1. Costa Vicentina
2. Albufeira
3. Vilamoura
4. Cities of Historic Heritage
5. Discovery of the Douro
6. Monchique Spa and Thermal Baths