A first guide to Portugal’s geography

Portugal on the map

Portugal is in southwestern Europe. Its mainland shares a land border with Spain, and the Portuguese coast borders the Atlantic Ocean. The country also includes two archipelagos in this ocean: the Azores and Madeira. When reading a question, notice whether it refers to the whole country or only to mainland Portugal.

Cities and rivers

Lisbon is Portugal’s capital and lies beside the Tagus estuary. Porto is near the mouth of the Douro, while Coimbra is on the banks of the Mondego. To remember these connections, form three pairs: Lisbon–Tagus, Porto–Douro and Coimbra–Mondego.

Funchal is the capital of the Autonomous Region of Madeira. Faro is known as the capital of the Algarve. Keep these regional descriptions separate from the country’s capital.

Islands and mountains

The Azores consist of nine islands; São Miguel is the largest by land area. Porto Santo belongs to the Madeira archipelago.

Mount Pico, in the Azores, is Portugal’s highest mountain. The highest point in mainland Portugal, however, is in Serra da Estrela. The word “mainland” therefore changes the answer.

Put it into practice

Before answering, identify what the question asks for: a city, a river, an island or a mountain range. Then check the explanation and revisit any connections you still confuse. You can start with the short quiz below.

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FAQ

How can I distinguish mainland Portugal from the archipelagos?

Use the map and islands sections to connect each place with its territory. Before answering, check whether the question concerns the whole country or only the mainland; verify the information in the guide’s sources.

How can I review the connections between cities and rivers?

Read the cities and rivers section and pair the names presented there. Try recalling each pair before checking the explanation in the geography questions.