Portugal’s 7 regions main features
Map of the regions and districts of Portugal
Portugal is composed of seven distinct regions, each showcasing its own unique characteristics and attractions.
Portugal mainland regions, districts & main cities
Table with the regions of Portugal, their respective districts, and the largest, second-largest, third-largest, and fourth-largest cities in each district:
North Region
The North Region of Portugal, known as Norte, features Porto, known for Port wine, the mountainous Peneda-Gerês National Park, the terraced vineyards of the UNESCO-listed Douro Valley, and a robust industrial sector including textiles, footwear, and manufacturing. Norte districts are Viana do Castelo, Braga, Vila Real, Bragança, and Porto.
| District | Largest City | Second-largest City | Third-largest City | Fourth-largest City |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viana do Castelo | Viana do Castelo | Ponte de Lima | Valença | Monção |
| Braga | Braga | Guimarães | Barcelos | Vila Nova de Famalicão |
| Porto | Porto | Vila Nova de Gaia | Matosinhos | Maia |
| Vila Real | Vila Real | Chaves | Peso da Régua | Ribeira de Pena |
| Bragança | Bragança | Mirandela | Macedo de Cavaleiros | Vimioso |
| Aveiro | Aveiro | Ovar | Espinho | São João da Madeira |
Bragança
Bragança, a Blend of History and Natural Beauty in Northern Portugal Bragança is a remarkable city nestled in the Norte region of Portugal, holding the status as the capital of the district of Bragança. With a population of approximately 35,000 residents, it...
Viana do Castelo
Viana do Castelo, a Vibrant Maritime City in Northern Portugal Viana do Castelo is an attractive city positioned in the Norte region of Portugal, serving as the capital of the district of Viana do Castelo. Boasting a population of around 88,000 residents, the city...
Vila Real
Vila Real, A Picturesque City in Northern Portugal Vila Real is an enchanting city nestled in the Norte region of Portugal, known as the capital of the district of Vila Real. Boasting a population of about 51,000 residents, the city effortlessly blends traditional...
Braga
Braga, the Age-Old City of Archbishops Braga is an ancient yet dynamic city in the Norte region of Portugal, serving as the capital of the district of the same name. Home to approximately 192,000 inhabitants, it stands as the seventh largest city in Portugal, and...
Porto
Porto, a Historic Masterpiece in Northern Portugal Porto, also known as Oporto, is a captivating city in the Norte region of Portugal, serving as the heart of the Porto district. With a population of around 1.7 million inhabitants in its metropolitan area, the city is...
Centro Region
The Centro region is known for the city of Coimbra, with its historic university designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Serra da Estrela, the highest mountain range in mainland Portugal. Aveiro, referred to as the ‘Venice of Portugal’, Nazaré, renowned for its giant waves. Center inland, the site of Fátima is one of Portugal’s main attraction. Centro districts are Aveiro, Viseu, Guarda, Coimbra, Castelo Branco, and Leiria
| District | Largest City | Second-largest City | Third-largest City | Fourth-largest City |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coimbra | Coimbra | Figueira da Foz | Pombal | Lousã |
| Viseu | Viseu | Lamego | Tondela | Mangualde |
| Guarda | Guarda | Seia | Gouveia | Pinhel |
Santarém
Santarém, the Gothic Capital of Portugal Santarém is an historic city in the region of Ribatejo, Portugal, serving as the capital of the district of Santarém. With a population of around 61,000 inhabitants, the city beautifully blends the essence of Portugal's rich...
Leiria
Leiria, a Historic Gem in Central Portugal Leiria is a historic city located in the Centro region of Portugal, serving as the capital of the district of Leiria. With a population of approximately 126,000 inhabitants, it exudes a blend of traditional charm and modern...
Aveiro
Aveiro, the Venice of Portugal Aveiro, affectionately referred to as the Venice of Portugal, is a vibrant city situated in the Centro region, serving as the capital of the Aveiro district. With a population of nearly 80,000 inhabitants, it harmonizes traditional...
Castelo Branco
Castelo Branco, a Distinctive Jewel in Eastern Portugal Castelo Branco is a remarkable city tucked in the eastern region of Portugal, known as the capital of the district of Castelo Branco. It is home to approximately 31,000 inhabitants and offers a rich mix of...
Guarda
Guarda, an Intriguing Mix of History and Beauty in Northeastern Portugal Guarda is a historic city in the northeastern region of Portugal, known as the highest city in the country and the capital of the district of Guarda. With a population of roughly 42,000...
Coimbra
Coimbra, a Historic and Cultural Hub in Central Portugal Coimbra is a historic city nestled in the Centro region of Portugal, serving as the capital of the Coimbra District. With a population of roughly 143,000 residents, it beautifully fuses the allure of traditional...
Viseu
Viseu, a Historic and Cultural Beacon in Northern Portugal Viseu is a historical city nestled in the northern region of Portugal, serving as the capital of the district of Viseu. Home to approximately 100,000 inhabitants, it seamlessly intertwines the allure of...
Lisbon Metropolitan Region
The Lisbon and Tagus Valley region, centered around Portugal’s capital, Lisbon, is known for its rich history, cultural significance, and economic importance. The region features the Tagus River estuary, which has historically been a hub for maritime activities and trade. Lisbon itself offers a mix of traditional architecture, contemporary culture, and vibrant nightlife. The region also encompasses towns like Sintra and Cascais. Lisbon districts are Lisbon and Setúbal.
| District | Largest City | Second-largest City | Third-largest City | Fourth-largest City |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lisboa | Lisbon | Sintra | Amadora | Cascais |
| Santarém | Santarém | Tomar | Entroncamento | Rio Maior |
| Setúbal | Setúbal | Almada | Barreiro | Montijo |
Lisbon Parishes
Ajuda: Residential Areas, Tourist Hotspots (due to the presence of the Ajuda National Palace) Alcântara: Transportation Hubs (major railway and port connections), Coastal Areas (adjacent to the Tagus River), Mixed-Use Areas (commercial and residential spaces)...
Carcavelos
Carcavelos • costal town near Lisbon Portugal Carcavelos is a beach front town in Portugal situated to the west of Lisbon and east of Oeiras and Cascais. It occupies an area of 4.51 square kilometers with an approximate population of 24,000 residents. The town...
Estoril
Estoril is a town in Portugal, east of Cascais, with an area of 8.79 km², including 3.6 km of seafront. With a population of approximately 27,000 inhabitants, it is strategically located along the Estoril coast. The town is well-connected to Lisbon city, with the...
Lisbon
To enhance your understanding of Lisbon, we have divided the information into smaller, focused articles. Each article covers a specific parish and its neighborhoods in Lisbon, detailing aspects such as size, population, unique features, residential areas, tourist...
Oeiras
Oeiras • neighboring Lisbon Oeiras is both a town and a municipality situated in the western segment of the Lisbon metropolitan area in continental Portugal. The entire municipality spans an area of 45.88 square kilometers. Within the municipality, the town of Oeiras...
Algés
Algés, nestled between the hills and the banks of the Tagus River, is a charming neighborhood in the Oeiras municipality of Greater Lisbon. Boasting a rich historical legacy, scenic landscapes, and an enviable location near the coast, Algés is a captivating prospect...
Setúbal
Setúbal, A Vibrant Coastal City in Portugal Setúbal is a dynamic city serving as the capital of the Setúbal District, which comprises municipalities in both the Lisbon Metropolitan Area and the Alentejo Litoral sub-region of the Alentejo region. With a population of...
Sintra
Sintra / Visiting / Things to do / Living in Sintra Photo -> 01-sintra-portugal.jpg Sintra is a portuguese municipality and town with a total population of 385 000, known for its historic palaces, Romanticist architecture, and UNESCO World Heritage status situated...
Cascais
Cascais, the Portuguese Riviera Cascais, often referred to as the Portuguese Riviera, is a renowned coastal village located along the Atlantic Ocean, 30 minutes from the portuguese capital city of Lisbon, harboring approximately 210,000 inhabitants. Historically a...
Alentejo Region
The Alentejo region is known for its expansive agricultural landscapes, low population density, significant wine production, historical towns, and traditional cork oak forests. It is one of the largest regions in Portugal, covering a third of the country, and is recognized for its cultural heritage, with numerous castles and Roman ruins, as well as its slow-paced lifestyle and distinctive cuisine. Alentejo districts are Portalegre, Évora, and Beja
| District | Largest City | Second-largest City | Third-largest City | Fourth-largest City |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portalegre | Portalegre | Elvas | Ponte de Sor | Campo Maior |
| Évora | Évora | Montemor-o-Novo | Estremoz | Reguengos de Monsaraz |
| Beja | Beja | Aljustrel | Serpa | Moura |
Beja
Beja, a Charming Mosaic of History and Nature in Southern Portugal Beja is an enchanting city nestled in the Alentejo region of Portugal, playing the role of the capital for the district of Beja. With an approximate population of 35,000 residents, the city seamlessly...
Évora
Évora, the Museum-City of Portugal Évora is a vibrant yet historic city in the Alentejo region of Portugal, serving as the capital of the district bearing its name. Home to approximately 56,500 inhabitants, this smaller city is teeming with charm, its rich history...
Portalegre
Portalegre, an Unspoiled Treasure in the Alentejo Region of Portugal Portalegre is a charming city nestled in the Alentejo region of Portugal, serving as the capital of the district of Portalegre. Home to around 24,000 people, this city harmoniously merges ancient...
Algarve, Portugal South Region
The Algarve region is the southernmost part of Portugal and is known for its Mediterranean beaches, golf resorts, and tourism-oriented services. The region’s mild climate, attractive coastline, and abundant sunshine make it a favorite destination for vacationers.
The Algarve region is the southernmost part of Portugal, famous for its luxury resorts, the marinas, the Ria Formosa, the 37 golf courses, the Sagres fortress, 133 sunny beaches, and lively summer nightlife. The Algarve consists of the single district of Faro.
| District | Largest City | Second-largest City | Third-largest City | Fourth-largest City |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Faro | Faro | Albufeira | Portimão | Loulé |
Portugal includes two autonomous regions, Madeira and the Azores, which are groups of islands located in the Atlantic Ocean.
Azores Autonomous Region
The Azores Autonomous Region is an archipelago situated in the North Atlantic Ocean. The Azores are known for their dramatic landscapes, which include rugged cliffs, green pastures, and crater lakes. The islands are also recognized for their rich marine life, opportunities for whale watching, hot springs, and outdoor activities like hiking and diving. The Azores also noted for its dairy products, particularly cheese, and for its pineapple plantations. Azores region is made up of nine volcanic islands, divided into three groups: Eastern (São Miguel and Santa Maria), Central (Terceira, Graciosa, São Jorge, Pico, and Faial), and Western (Flores and Corvo).
| Island Group | Largest City | Second-largest City | Third-largest City | Fourth-largest City |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| São Miguel | Ponta Delgada | Ribeira Grande | Lagoa | Vila Franca do Campo |
| Terceira | Angra do Heroísmo | Praia da Vitória | — | — |
| Pico, Faial, and others | Horta (Faial) | Madalena (Pico) | Velas (São Jorge) | — |
Corvo
Corvo, located in the Western Group of the Azores, an autonomous region of Portugal, is the smallest island in the archipelago both in terms of population and size. It has a population of approximately 384 residents and covers an area of just 0.16 square miles. The...
Flores
Flores, situated in the Western Group of the Azores, an autonomous region of Portugal, is known for its stunning natural beauty. The island has a population of around 3,428 residents and spans an area of 1.45 square miles. It is divided into two municipalities: Lajes...
Graciosa
Graciosa is an island in the Central Group of the Azores, an autonomous region of Portugal. With a population of approximately 4,091 residents, it covers an area of 1.73 square miles, making it one of the smaller islands in the archipelago in terms of both size and...
Santa Maria
Santa Maria, located in the Eastern Group of the Azores, an autonomous region of Portugal, is known for its distinctive character. It has a population of approximately 5,408 residents and covers an area of 2.29 square miles. The island is administratively composed of...
São Jorge
São Jorge is one of the islands in the Central Group of the Azores, an autonomous region of Portugal. It has a relatively small population of about 8,373 inhabitants and spans an area of 3.54 square miles. The island is administratively divided into two...
Pico
Pico is an island located in the Central Group of the Azores, an autonomous region of Portugal. It has a population of around 13,883 residents and covers an area of 5.87 square miles. The island is divided into three municipalities: Lajes do Pico, Madalena, and São...
Faial
Faial is an island in the Central Group of the Azores, a Portuguese autonomous region. It is home to approximately 14,334 residents and spans an area of 6.06 square miles. Faial is unique in its administrative structure, being comprised of a single municipality:...
Terceira
Terceira, the second-largest island in the Azores in terms of population, is situated in the Central Group of this Portuguese autonomous region. It boasts a population of approximately 53,244 residents and covers an area of 22.52 square miles. The island is...
São Miguel
São Miguel is the largest and most populous island in the Azores, an autonomous region of Portugal. Situated in the Eastern Group of the archipelago, it has a population of approximately 133,295 residents and spans an area of 56.38 square miles. São Miguel is...
Madeira Autonomous Region
The Madeira Autonomous Region is an archipelago distinguished by its rugged landscape and a network of levadas, which are irrigation channels designed to distribute water throughout the island’s agricultural areas. The region is characterized by its subtropical climate, verdant gardens, the renowned Madeira wine, and the colorful annual Madeira Flower Festival. The Madeira region comprises two inhabited main islands, Madeira and Porto Santo, and two groups of uninhabited islands, the Desertas and Selvagens.
| Island | Largest City | Second-largest City | Third-largest City | Fourth-largest City |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Madeira | Funchal | Câmara de Lobos | Santa Cruz | Machico |
| Porto Santo | Vila Baleira | — | — | — |
Porto Santo
Porto Santo is a small, beautiful island near Madeira in the Atlantic Ocean, and it's part of Portugal. It's not as big as Madeira, being only about 11 kilometers (around 7 miles) long and 6 kilometers (about 4 miles) wide. So, it's much smaller and you can easily...
Madeira Island
Madeira is a large island in the Atlantic Ocean, part of Portugal, and the biggest one in the Madeira Archipelago. Imagine it as the top of a huge underwater volcano that started forming over 5 million years ago. It's pretty old! The island is around 57 kilometers (35...
