Does Portugal have forests? The answer is most certainly yes, as Portugal is the 9th country in the European Union (EU) when it comes to area covered by forests: 36% of the land area in Portugal is home to forests to be precise, a figure slightly lower than the average for the region (38%). This is according to data released recently by Eurostat on the International Day of Forests, which was celebrated at the end of March 2021.
According to the European statistics office and the data released for 2020, only 5 EU member states had more than half of their land area covered by forests: Finland (66%), Sweden (63%), Slovenia (61%), Estonia (54%) and Latvia (53%). The opposite is true for Malta, where only 1% of the land area was covered by forests last year.
In 2020, there were about 159 million hectares of forest in the EU, almost 10% more than 30 years ago, i.e. in 1990 (145 million hectares), and in the case of Portugal, the country confirms its diversity with its wide range of forests, on top of stunning coastline, countryside, mountains and other natural landscapes that Portugal has to offer.
The best dog-friendly beaches in Portugal
Planning a beach holiday with your dog? Portugal is home to some of the best dog-friendly beaches in Europe, offering sun, sea, and plenty of space for your four-legged friend to roam. From the golden shores of the Algarve to the wild beauty of the Azores and the Lisbon Coast, you’ll find a range of pet-friendly beaches where dogs are welcome to splash, play, and relax by your side. In this guide, we highlight the top dog-friendly beaches in Portugal and recommend nearby pet-friendly accommoda
Águeda: 2026 winner of the European Leaf Award
Tucked away in the heart of central Portugal, Águeda is a lively riverside town best known for its colourful umbrellas and forward-thinking community spirit. With a population of just over 47,000, it sits within the Aveiro district.
Guimarães: Europe's Green Capital for 2026
Situated in the rolling hills of northern Portugal, Guimarães isn’t just any old town—it’s often called the cradle of the nation. You’ll find it a short train ride from Porto, in the Minho region. Locals take pride in their vinho verde and leafy landscapes. Guimarães is a walkable city, home to about 160,000 people, but it feels much cosier thanks to its medieval centre, winding lanes and lively squares.
Porto Book Fair 2025: dates, programme, and what not to miss
From 22 August to 7 September, the city of Porto welcomes thousands of book lovers to celebrate the written word in one of Portugal’s most beautiful settings.
Next stop: Portugal’s most beautiful train stations
Portugal is a country that’s easy to explore from north to south by rail. But some of its train stations deserve to be more than just passing points – they’re living postcards, steeped in history and national heritage.
EuroPride 2025: what's on in Lisbon
Lisbon is shaping up to be the place to be, as EuroPride 2025 rolls into town and promises a proper celebration of LGBTQIA+ life and community. The city has a knack for bringing people together, and this time, the streets will be full of colour, music, and the kind of atmosphere that makes you want to stick around till sunrise. You’ll find parades winding through bustling neighbourhoods, open-air parties down by the river, and a real sense of togetherness across every event.
