Geography of Portugal: Diverse Terrain and Landscapes

Published on October 2, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Portugal, a country located at the southwesternmost tip of Europe, offers varied and fascinating geography. From its Atlantic coasts to its inland mountains, and including its paradise islands, Portugal is a multifaceted country that continues to captivate visitors from around the world.

Geographical Location

Mainland Portugal occupies a rectangular strip of land west of the Iberian Peninsula, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean along its entire western and southern front. It shares its land border only with Spain, spanning 1,214 km to the east and north.

The Portuguese territory extends over 92,090 km², of which 91,470 km² is land and 620 km² is territorial waters. It also includes two autonomous archipelagos in the Atlantic Ocean:

– The Azores, located about 1,500 km west of Lisbon – Madeira, located 1,000 km southwest of the Portuguese capital

This unique geographical configuration gives Portugal a significant maritime frontage, with over 1,800 km of coastline.

Topography and Landscapes

The topography of mainland Portugal is characterized by a marked contrast between the mountainous north and the gentler plains of the south:

The North

The northern region is dominated by mountain ranges, the main ones being:

– Serra da Estrela, the highest point in mainland Portugal at 1,993 meters altitude – Serra do Gerês – Serra do Marão

These mountains are interspersed with deep valleys, like that of the Douro, famous for its terraced vineyards.

The Center

The center of the country is characterized by gentler terrain, with hills and plateaus. Notable features include Serra da Lousã and Serra de Aire.

The South

The southern region is dominated by vast plains, particularly in Alentejo. The Algarve, meanwhile, offers a varied coastline alternating between steep cliffs and long sandy beaches.

Main Regions and Cities

Portugal is divided into 18 administrative districts on the mainland, in addition to the two autonomous island regions. Here is an overview of the country’s main regions and cities:

1. Lisbon Region

Lisbon, the capital and largest city of Portugal, is the country’s economic and cultural heart. With a population of nearly 550,000 inhabitants (2.8 million in its metropolitan area), it stretches along the banks of the Tagus River and offers a unique blend of history and modernity.

Other important cities in the region: – Sintra – Cascais – Setúbal

2. North

The country’s second city, Porto, is the jewel of northern Portugal. Famous for its wine and architectural heritage, it has approximately 240,000 inhabitants (1.7 million in its metropolitan area).

Other notable cities in the North: – Braga – Guimarães – Vila Nova de Gaia

3. Center

The central region is home to historic cities like Coimbra, famous for its centuries-old university, and Aveiro, nicknamed the “Portuguese Venice” for its canals.

4. Alentejo

This vast rural region south of the Tagus is known for its golden plains and fortified towns like Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

5. Algarve

The southernmost region of mainland Portugal is renowned for its beaches and sunny climate. Faro, its capital, is a popular tourist destination.

6. Azores and Madeira

These autonomous archipelagos offer spectacular volcanic landscapes. Ponta Delgada (Azores) and Funchal (Madeira) are their main cities.

Hydrography

Portugal is traversed by several important rivers, most of which originate in Spain:

– The Tagus, the longest river in the Iberian Peninsula, which flows through Lisbon – The Douro, famous for its wine valley – The Guadiana, which forms part of the border with Spain – The Mondego, the longest river entirely within Portugal

These waterways have played a crucial role in the country’s history and economy, particularly for irrigation, hydroelectric power production, and transportation.

Climate

Portugal enjoys a temperate climate, influenced by the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea:

– The north experiences an oceanic climate, with mild, rainy winters and cool summers – The south enjoys a Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild winters – The Azores and Madeira archipelagos benefit from a subtropical climate, with mild temperatures year-round

This climatic diversity contributes to the richness of Portuguese biodiversity and the country’s tourist appeal throughout the year.