Portugal is no longer in the Top 10 European countries where LGBTI people have more rights, due to the lack of an action plan on this issue. The country fell two positions in the ILGA Europe annual ranking, to 11th place, compared to last year - when it was in 9th position in the table. It has now been losing positions in the table for two years. Let's have a closer look at LGBTI rights in Portugal and in Europe, according to the ranking.
LGBTI rights in Portugal
Portugal has made significant progress in advancing LGBTI rights over the years. The country has enacted several laws and implemented policies aimed at promoting equality and protecting the rights of LGBTI individuals. However, it is important to note that while significant progress has been made, challenges and discrimination persist. The country failed to maintain or increase its previous score on Rainbow Europe 2023, the tool that ranks 49 European countries on their respective legal practices and policies for LGBTI people, from 0 to 100%.
To create the country rankings, ILGA Europe examines the laws and policies in different countries using 74 criteria, divided into seven thematic categories: equality and non-discrimination; family; hate crime and hate speech; legal gender recognition; intersex bodily integrity; civil society space; and asylum.
Rainbow Map 2023: how Portugal compares to the rest of Europe
- For the eighth consecutive year, Malta continues to hold the top spot on Europe's Rainbow Map, with a score of 89%.
- With 76 points, Belgium is now in second place, up four points, due to the inclusion of gender identity and sexual characteristics as aggravating factors in the country's penal code.
- Denmark comes third with a score of 76, up two points due to its new equality action plan, which includes specific measures on sexual orientation and gender identity, but falls short of including projects on sexual characteristics.
- The three countries at the other end of the Rainbow Europe scale are Azerbaijan (2%), Turkey (4%) and Armenia (9%), exactly the same as the last three years.
- Spain, Iceland, Finland, Moldova, Switzerland and Croatia are the countries with the biggest jump in scores. In a statement, ILGA highlights Spain, which introduced a comprehensive law regulating legal gender recognition (LGR) based on self-determination, prohibiting genital mutilation on intersex minors, so-called "conversion" practices and banned discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity and sexual characteristics.
Things to do in Madeira: hikes, Funchal sights & local food
Floating in the Atlantic Ocean, closer to Africa than to mainland Portugal, Madeira is an island with a character all its own. It's often called the 'island of eternal spring', and for good reason, as the weather stays mild throughout the year. The landscape is dramatic, a mix of jagged volcanic peaks, incredibly lush valleys, and a rugged coastline where cliffs drop straight into the sea. This natural setting shapes the best things to do in Madeira; activities are less about sandy beaches and m
Traditional Portuguese food: 10 must-try dishes
Planning a holiday or thinking of moving to Portugal in 2025? Then you’re in for a real treat—literally. Portuguese food is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets, offering bold flavours, hearty dishes, and rich culinary traditions influenced by Mediterranean and Atlantic cuisines. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning for more, no trip is complete without tasting the country’s most iconic dishes.
Portuguese passport ranks 4th globally: visa-free travel & EU benefits
A passport is far more than a simple travel document; it is a measure of global mobility and the key that can unlock opportunities across the world. The strength of the passport you hold directly influences your freedom to explore, work, and live internationally, with some nationalities enjoying far greater access than others.
4 affordable outdoor pools to visit in the Algarve
Looking for the best outdoor pools in the Algarve for a relaxing swim, family fun, or an affordable day pass? With well-maintained facilities, extended opening hours and budget-friendly entry fees, these outdoor pools across the Algarve are increasingly popular with locals and visitors alike.
Where Portugal’s football stars live: from Cascais to London and beyond
Following their victory in the 2024/25 Nations League, all eyes are on the players of the Portuguese national team. Beyond their performances on the pitch, there is growing curiosity about their lives off the field – in particular, where the stars representing the country at the highest level of international football have chosen to call home.
Living in Funchal: Madeira’s gentle capital
Located between Atlantic waves and green hills, Funchal is Madeira’s easy-going capital with a distinctly local flavour. Life unfolds at a comfortable pace, with daily routines shaped by the sea, mountain air, and a city centre full of markets and friendly faces. Living in Funchal means enjoying mild weather, great food, and a welcoming community that makes it easy to slip right in.
Best places in Portugal for digital nomads
Thinking about life as a digital nomad in Portugal? While Lisbon and Porto often top lists of the best places in Portugal for digital nomads—with all the perks and some rapidly rising rents—they’re far from your only options. Across the country, smaller towns and rural regions offer affordable living, great scenery, and a slower pace that many remote workers now prefer. Don’t overlook Portugal’s lesser-known spots, where you can enjoy authentic local life and still stay connected.