Portugal, a country with a rich history and vibrant culture, has also made significant contributions to the world of sport, science, and innovation, resulting in several world records. We’ve picked a few of our favourites.
Longest Bridge in the EU
Portugal is home to Ponte Vasco da Gama, the longest bridge in the European Union with a total length of approximately 17.2 kilometres (10.7 miles).
The bridge spans the Tagus (Tejo) River, connecting the cities of Lisbon and Montijo. Its construction was a significant milestone, showcasing Portugal’s expertise in infrastructure and engineering and was completed in 1998 read for Expo 98.
Longest table setting
Taking place on the Ponte Vasco da Gama in 1998, a table was laid for 15,000 people, spanning 5,050 metres, who all then enjoyed the Portuguese pork and bean stew known as feijoada.
Fairy Liquid sponsored the event with a television advert. Click here to read more about iut and also the three Portuguese bridges considered the most beautiful, amongst the top 15 in Europe.
Largest Cork Producer
Portugal is the largest producer of cork in the world. The cork industry is a crucial part of the country’s economy, and Portugal’s expertise in cork production has been recognised globally.
Nasa and the European Space Agency (ESA) use cork for insulation solutions. It was even used in the Apollo XI voyage to the moon.
Lady Gaga had a dress made, by Portuguese designer Teresa Martins, in gold and silver-plated cork with beads and metallic thread and wore it to the 2014 ArtRave event in Lisbon.
Garrett McNamara, the world-renowned surfer, owns a surfboard made entirely out of Portuguese cork created in the middle of the last decade. Take a look at the ins and outs of what was required and how the boards are made today.
Largest waves surfed
Five out of the world’s six biggest waves ever surfed have been at Nazaré, Portugal.
In 2011, Garrett McNamara was the first to surf the world’s largest wave (23.8m) followed by Brazilian Rodrigo Koxa in 2018 who surfed a 24.4m wave. The women’s world record was set by Brazilian Maya Gabeira in 2018 surfing a 20.7m wave and then again in 2020 on a 22.4m wave.
Click here to watch a video about how these waves are formed, those who surf them and Nazaré’s historical association with the Atlantic Ocean.
Oldest dog
The world’s oldest dog is Bobi, who celebrated his 31st birthday in May 2023.
A Rafeiro do Alentejo (a livestock guardian dog) Bobi lives with the Costa family in Leiria, not far from Nazaré.
Although going blind, he enjoys spending time with the family cats in the back garden after having had total freedom to roam the surrounding farmland during his lifetime.
UPDATE: Bobi died at 31 and 165 days.
Oldest alliance still in force
The Anglo-Portuguese Alliance, signed in 1386, is one of the oldest diplomatic alliances in the world that is still in force today.
This enduring alliance has stood the test of time, symbolizing the historical and diplomatic relationships between Portugal and the United Kingdom.
Largest Dom Rodrigo
Finally, we finish in the Algarve with the world record for the largest Dom Rodrigo made.
Set in July 2019, this Portuguese dessert was made by eight confectioners over three days and weighed in at 125.4kg.
These are just a few world records achieved in Portugal and are a testament to the talent, ingenuity and determination of the Portuguese people.