Ever wondered what it’s like to date a Portuguese person?
Want to know what the customs are for dating in Portugal?
What about Valentine’s Day? What are you supposed to do?
I have some answers right here to help you look for love in Portugal.
The two sides of dating in Portugal
Portuguese people can be a bit difficult. You can find two types of them here: the very conservative ones and the more “open to it” kind.
Bearing this in mind, I am going to tell you more about the wonders of dating in Portugal and also the downsides you can expect.
How is dating in Portugal?
Well, it truly depends on the person you’re seeing – and I know that that sounds like something you hear in every possible country. But let me tell you why it is not the same case here: people in Portugal can be very shy and cautious, which really is a pity.
I already know, or can guess, that when “Portugal” comes to your mind you immediately think about one of two things: food and beaches in Portugal. Indeed, my country is a marvellous scene that appears to come out of a movie, but not all the characters are open to love.
However, you can expect to find very friendly and “ready to help” people on every other corner, which is one of our main visitor drawcards. But as they seem so available, they are not very good with words with their significant other half.
And why is that?
Traditionally, we are very sheepish and not very good with expressing our emotions, so that is one of the reasons why dating in Portugal can be hard. For example, if you are American, or even English, you have no problem in saying “I love you” a gazillion times a day.
That is because you are in your essence, but also because you hear that all the time in movies, TV shows and other types of media. And that is really helpful in languages like you can learn or teach English in Portugal. However, the same does not happen in Portuguese.
We seem to be very afraid of using words, of saying how much we care for the person we’re with and how important he or she is to us. And that has always been like that, which is why we can seem a bit cold – which we aren’t, trust me.
“I love you” or “Eu amo-te”
You guessed it: “eu amo-te” means “I love you” in Portuguese, which is something you will rarely hear while dating in Portugal. It really depends on the person, but if I were to guess, only one in five people are able to say that to their girlfriend or boyfriend.
You are more likely to hear “I like you” or “I adore you”, which in Portuguese is “weaker” than saying “Eu amo-te”, or only “Amo-te”. We are kind and loving people, but we do not often express how we feel – like, hardly ever.
You might like to read: 10 Things You Should Not Say to a Portuguese Person… Ever!
Dating in Portugal’s different cities
Portugal has big cosmopolitan cities such as Porto, Lisbon, Braga or Faro in the Algarve which naturally means a bigger dating scene. But in the more rural areas of Portugal you may find it to be more difficult to date someone. People tend to be more conservative in those areas – not meaning they are less loveable.
It is just different, I mean in big cities you have more knowledge of places to go (like restaurants or bars) and are at ease with things like dating apps. In smaller towns, people are a bit more shy, but are probably the most kind.
Is Tinder good in Portugal?
It’s as good as you would expect for what it is. A bit vague, I know, but if you are a woman, Tinder is really a good place to start because you can chat for a while before setting a date.
Portuguese men tend to like arranging a date quickly at a club or a bar so chatting for days on Tinder before meeting up is not likely to happen.
Portuguese people are still quite traditional so online dating is not as huge as it is in the US and some other countries. Saying that though, for Millennials… that’s another story. Most young people try to find love on such platforms as they are much more used to online socialising.
Nowadays, it seems impossible to live without your smartphone, so finding a date on platforms like Tinder is becoming more common.
Dating in Portugal can be difficult, but it is indeed possible.
Here is a list of sites which you can use in Portugal to find that special someone:
- Felizes.pt (website is in Portuguese);
- Meetic.pt (website is in Portuguese);
- Badoo;
- OkCupid;
- Happn;
- Bumble; and
- POF (Plenty of Fish).
There are also a few Reddit groups you can join which will help you connect with people near you:
- Dating scene for 30s.
- Encontros em Portugal AKA Dating Mulheres (in Portuguese); and
- Speed Dating Lisbon (in Portuguese).
What it’s like to date a Portuguese woman
Well, speaking of Portuguese women… we may seem very tough, we’re extremely proud (in every single thing) and are always right (of course). We run the world, right? That is no different in Portugal, but here we have some of the most beautiful women of them all.
And I do not mean a stereotype kind of beauty, but honestly, Portuguese women are so very beautiful – in shape, size, hair colour… you name it.
Portuguese women tend to appear more serious and have difficulty in admitting they need someone to take care of them – whether it is a man or a woman. But, when they give themselves to someone, prepare yourself, because they will give it all.
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What about Portuguese men?
Such gentlemen! They are kind, yet mysterious. They are very needy, but only show it while dating. Portuguese men also tend to appear very tough, but there are some who can shed tears whenever they feel like it.
They are also quitechivalrous on dates and will usually insist on paying for the meal. That’s not so bad, is it?
Portuguese men are generally very helpful and interested (sometimes!) and really care about their partner. So, if you are wondering what it is like dating a man in Portugal, don’t worry, they can seem tough, but they’re really softies at heart.
You might like to Learn Essential Phrases in Portuguese.
Valentine’s Day in Portugal
Dating in Portugal, as in other European cities, can be stressful and some people get really anxious about Valentine’s Day. And since it is just around the corner, I can tell you it is a big deal here in Portugal.
All the restaurants have special menus, you will see heart balloons every now and then and everyone seems to be so in love.
It is a funny day, because single people always tend to say they will be “forever alone” and go out with their friends. They tend to watch movies and eat tons of ice cream while lovers make the day special and give each other big bouquets of roses, boxes of chocolates and dine in good restaurants.
It is also common to take some time off and enjoy a little vacation in other cities of the world.
Looking for something special to do in Lisbon for Valentine’s Day? How about a 2-hour sunset boat cruise with a glass of sparkling wine? Very romantic! Check out this amazing Get Your Guide deal here.
We hope you enjoyed learning about dating in Portugal and wish you the best of luck in your search for love.
If you have any experiences about dating in Portugal you would like to share, feel free to leave a comment below.
FAQs
What is dating like in Portugal? ›
Essentially, dating in Portugal is similar to other European countries. Teenagers tend to begin dating people they meet through school and their friendship groups. Meanwhile, older generations generally meet their partners through friends, work, socializing, and online dating.
Are Portuguese men romantic? ›Commitment is More Important than Romance
Portuguese men don't have the same reputation as Italians and Spanish men when it comes to romance - but don't let that be a turn-off. Portuguese men are still a thousand times more romantic than most American men!
Commitment and dedication are two qualities that every Portuguese woman possesses. She is taught from a young age to be true to her traditions, and that means that she will always take every relationship seriously. Don't expect your date to commit to more after one or two dates.
Is it easy to date in Portugal? ›Portugal has big cosmopolitan cities such as Porto, Lisbon, Braga or Faro in the Algarve which naturally means a bigger dating scene. But in the more rural areas of Portugal you may find it to be more difficult to date someone. People tend to be more conservative in those areas – not meaning they are less loveable.
How to flirt in Portugal? ›- Você vem sempre aqui? Do you always come here?
- Você quer sair comigo? Do you want to go on a date with me?
- Você está só aqui? Are you alone [implied: single]?
- Você tem namorada/namorado? Do you have a girlfried/boyfriend?
- Oi, sumido/sumida!
Women greet men and other women with two kisses. The first kiss goes on the right cheek and the second on the left. However, it is common for women to shake hands in a professional setting.
How do you compliment a Portuguese man? ›- You are sweet! — Você é doce!
- You have beautiful eyes. — Você tem olhos bonitos.
- You are very nice. — Você é muito simpático.
- I love your smile, it's so charming. ...
- I like your new haircut. ...
- I like this color, it really suits you! ...
- I knew you would succeed! ...
- That's what I call smart!
One thing you really needn't worry about if you plan to move to Portugal alone is meeting other people. Moving to Portugal as a single person isn't at all unusual. This applies to men and women, and both pensioners and younger people.
What is a typical Portuguese personality? ›Portuguese people are known for being a very welcoming nation and receive other people with great joy. While first impressions in some cases may tell you otherwise, the majority of Portuguese people will make you feel right at home and will happily go out of their way to help, making them great hosts.
What are the beauty standards in Portugal? ›The standard beauty in Portugal is tall, lean, brown hair and big dark eyes. In the country, a plump, rosie-cheeked girl is a beauty, and is considered beautiful at all ages.
Do people hug in Portugal? ›
It is common for friends to greet each other with a hug. Among men who are close to one another, they will often shake hands and engage in a light hug or a light pat on the back. Men greeting women usually wait for the woman to offer her hand before engaging in a handshake.
Can you kiss in Portugal? ›The Portuguese are quite formal, but greeting norms are relatively simple. Men greet each other by shaking hands. Women greet man or other women with two kisses, the first on the right cheek and the second on the left. There is, however, one tricky exception: in Lisbon close friends kiss only once, on the right cheek.
What month is best for Portugal? ›The best time to visit Portugal is in spring (March-May), when the country is in bloom and waking after the winter. You could also go in fall (between September and October) when the sun is still shining, the weather is warm, and many of the crowds have dispersed.
Is Portugal friendly to foreigners? ›Is Portugal friendly to foreigners? Portugal is always welcoming foreigners with open arms, and the Portuguese people are very friendly. Most of the Portuguese locals know how to express themselves in English, which will make it easier for you to communicate everywhere.
What is the most used dating app in Portugal? ›Tinder. Love it or hate it, Tinder is probably the most popular dating app in Portugal. Unlike other dating apps where you search based on a number of specific filters (e.g. does the person want a relationship, do they have kids, how tall are they, etc), Tinder leaves the hard work up to you.
How do you get someone's attention in Portuguese? ›First of all, it can be used to get someone's attention. A polite way to do this in Portuguese is to say com licença or simply licença. Licença is also what you'd say if you were pushing through a crowd; it's a polite way to ask someone to step out of your way.
What attracts people to Portugal? ›Portugal's natural beauty, warm weather, and welcoming culture have attracted visitors for many years and its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities continue to win hearts and minds.
How do you express love in Portuguese? ›- Eu te amo/te amo – I love you.
- Te amo muito –I love you very much.
- Te amo muitíssimo – I love you so much.
- Eu estou apaixonado por você – I'm in love with you.
- Eu quero-te – I want you.
- Estou apaixonado por ti – I'm in love with you.
Dealing with females
The correct handle for a woman's name is dona. If you ever meet my wife and decide you should address her as a senhora (which I recommend you don't), it would be dona Vera, a senhora quer....
Greetings. Ways to greet people include: Bom dia (bong jee-ah) – good morning, Boa tarde (bowa tarjay) – good afternoon/evening, Boa noite (bowa noychay) – good night. And more informally: Oi! Opa! and Tudo bem? (toodoo beng) – hi / how are you?
What is the dining etiquette in Portugal? ›
Table manners are Continental -- the fork is held in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating. Do not begin eating until the hostess says "bom apetite".
How do you confess your love in Portuguese? ›Eu te amo tanto… – “I love you so much…” Acho que estou apaixonado (a) por você. – “I think I am in love with you.” Sonhei com você esta noite.
What do you call Portuguese boyfriend? ›Apart from “love”—the most commonly used, other pet names for a lover could be: amoreco (“beloved”), môre (“special”), fofo (“fluff”), fofinho (“cuddles”), minha vida (“my life”), meu bebê (“baby”), paixão (“passion”), coração (“heart”), xuxuzinho (“sweet pumpkin”), flor de maracujá (“passion flower”)…
How do you call a man handsome in Portuguese? ›Você é linda/lindo. (“You are beautiful/handsome.”)
What is the male to female ratio in Portugal? ›The Sex Ratio in Portugal in 2021 is 89.84 males per 100 females. There are 4.81 million males and 5.36 million females in Portugal. The percentage of female population is 52.68% compare to 47.32% male population. Portugal has 0.54 million more females than males.
Can men wear shorts in Portugal? ›Shorts, t-shirts and camisoles are perfectly acceptable.
How do men dress in Portugal? ›The Portuguese dress conservatively. Women usually wear dresses, and men's clothing is based primarily around a jacket and tie. Business etiquette dictates suits and ties or sports jackets and ties for men.
What are the Portuguese values? ›The Portuguese have an open-minded society but place a greater importance on religious values than those in other western European nations. In Portuguese culture, people and relationships are considered more important than time, so punctuality is not as emphasized.
How do people in Portugal behave? ›- Consider how you dress and present yourself. ...
- Similarly, it is important to speak respectfully and politely. ...
- Show respect for Catholicism and the Christian tradition. ...
- Be compassionate and caring should your Portuguese counterpart share their experiences about their financial and job security.
Portugal is one of the most ethnically homogenous countries in the world. About 95% of the country's population is ethnic Portuguese. The largest minority is made up of Africans from former Portuguese colonies.
What is negative about living in Portugal? ›
Low wages in Portugal
A major downside to living in Portugal is finding a well-paying job. Whether you are making minimum wage or the average salary, do not expect to make a lot of money. In 2022, the national minimum salary in Portugal is €705 a month before tax.
Be mindful of your clothing
Most Portuguese go out dressed nicely and don't normally wear super casual clothing like sweatpants in public. You don't have to get completely dressed up to go sightseeing, but dressing a bit more smartly will help you to fit in with the locals.
Western-style clothing is the norm in Portugal. However, like many European countries, Portugal has deep religious roots and therefore the Portuguese tend to dress conservatively. Portugal is perfect for exploring on foot, which is why you should pack comfortable walking shoes.
What is considered taboo in Portugal? ›First, Portugal has a few taboos that shouldn't be broken. For example, discussing personal topics in public or leaving food uneaten is a big no-no here. Whistling indoors is also frowned upon.
Why do Americans love Portugal? ›Why do Americans move to Portugal? An excellent year-round climate, fantastic beaches a short distance from the capital, great food, high quality of life, and low living costs are some reasons Americans move to Portugal. There are also some successful tax incentives that US citizens can benefit from in Portugal.
Do people wear leggings in Portugal? ›The clothing style is pretty casual in Lisbon, but it is still the capital of a European country, so when choosing what to wear in Lisbon, don't be afraid to add dressy elements. Dresses and leggings or tights are a great option, or pants with a flowy blouse.
What does 3 kisses on the lips mean? ›Three kisses suggest that the other person might like you. If you put three and they respond with three you have entered into a little game. It means they are definitely feeling you out.
Does Portugal have any strange laws? ›Yes, you read it correctly: it's against the law to pee in the ocean in Portugal. Local laws actually aim at keeping beaches family-friendly which means no urinating while taking a plunge. So if you happen to swim into an unusually warm patch of water at a Portuguese beach, someone's broken the law!
How much money a month do you need to live in Portugal? ›How much it costs to live in Portugal depends on your budget. Generally, one person can live comfortably with an income or allowance of $2,000 per month. A family of three can live on $3,000 per month with ease.
What is the coldest month in Portugal? ›The weather in Portugal in January is never above 60°F, as this is the coldest month of the year. The further you travel up north, the colder it gets, with some smaller towns reaching minimum temperatures as low as 15°F.
How much should I budget for a month in Portugal? ›
The average monthly salary, after taxes, is about USD$881-1,077. If you're committed to living frugally, you can live for less in Portugal. Many locals get by on less than USD$870-$1,060 a month. A couple can live in one of Portugal's smaller cities for about USD$990-$1,200 a month.
Are Americans accepted in Portugal? ›The Portuguese government welcomes expats from the US and the move is generally straightforward. Before getting into details on a visa, there are a few things you need to know about Portuguese law when it comes to foreigners entering the country.
What is the Portuguese attitude to foreigners? ›The people of Portugal have a great attitude towards guests and immigrants and are always ready to help. High quality of life in Portugal. The country ranks 28th out of 160 in the Prosperity Index and 20th in terms of quality of life by the Numbeo website.
Is Portugal safer than USA? ›Yes, Portugal is considered safer than the USA by almost all measures Portugal has a lower crime rate, particularly in terms of violent crime, has almost zero gun crime, and is known for its relatively safe and peaceful cities.
What is the dating culture in Portugal? ›Essentially, dating in Portugal is similar to other European countries. Teenagers tend to begin dating people they meet through school and their friendship groups. Meanwhile, older generations generally meet their partners through friends, work, socializing, and online dating.
Is Tinder popular in Portugal? ›Tinder: Tinder is probably the most popular dating app in Portugal.
Is Portugal good for singles? ›One thing you really needn't worry about if you plan to move to Portugal alone is meeting other people. Moving to Portugal as a single person isn't at all unusual. This applies to men and women, and both pensioners and younger people.
Is Portugal friendly to US citizens? ›Portugal is very safe, ranking sixth in the 2022 Global Peace Index. International schools in the country are also excellent, attracting many American families looking to move to Europe.
Is Portugal safe for single woman? ›Is Portugal Safe For Solo Female Travellers? Yes! In recent years, Portugal has become one of the safest countries in Europe. Violent crime is almost nonexistent and petty crimes like pickpocketing happen very rarely too.
Are a lot of Americans moving to Portugal? ›According to the latest data from the Portuguese border agency (SEF), there were over 7,000 US citizens living in Portugal at the end of 2021. That's the highest number of Americans living in Portugal over the last 10 years.
How much money do you need to live comfortably in Portugal? ›
How much it costs to live in Portugal depends on your budget. Generally, one person can live comfortably with an income or allowance of $2,000 per month. A family of three can live on $3,000 per month with ease.
Are jeans acceptable in Portugal? ›Jeans are very popular everywhere in Portugal, especially with younger people, but they are always smart and clean. Also In the cities, unless you are staying at a hotel with a pool, leave your swimming costume at home – as you are unlikely to use it.
How do you get someone's attention in Portugal? ›First of all, it can be used to get someone's attention. A polite way to do this in Portuguese is to say com licença or simply licença. Licença is also what you'd say if you were pushing through a crowd; it's a polite way to ask someone to step out of your way.