The year 2024 was marked by great achievements for Portugal, with the country standing out in various global and regional rankings. In this article, we revisit some of the most notable moments, celebrating the areas where Portugal excelled.
Awards and Recognitions
Lisbon Named Best World Heritage City of 2024
The Portuguese capital stood out for its cultural richness, historical preservation, and dedication to sustainable tourism. This title places Lisbon as an international reference and an example of healthy coexistence between heritage preservation and tourism.
Portugal: 7th Largest Natural Stone Producer in the World
The natural stone sector not only drives the national economy but also enhances Portugal’s prestige in global markets, showcasing the excellence of its production and exports.
European Startup Hub
Portugal is much more than a tourist destination; it is also a powerhouse in the startup world. In 2024, the country shone as one of the main innovation hubs in Europe, being the choice of some of the fastest-growing startups in the region.
World Travel Awards 2024 Recognitions
Portugal was widely recognized at the 31st edition of the World Travel Awards, winning 31 awards, including:
- Europe’s Leading Island Destination: Madeira
- Europe’s Leading Beach Destination: Porto Santo
- Europe’s Leading City Destination: Lisbon
- Europe’s Leading Seaside Metropolitan Destination: Porto
These distinctions reinforce Portugal’s position as a destination of excellence.
Other Rankings and International Recognitions
Lisbon and Porto in Global City Rankings
Lisbon and Porto stood out in the annual Time Out Global ranking of the 50 best cities in the world for 2024, with Porto reaching 10th place and Lisbon 13th, surpassing cities like Los Angeles, Amsterdam, and Singapore.
Portuguese Passport
In 2024, the Portuguese passport remained among the most powerful in the world, ranking 5th globally and allowing holders visa-free access to over 190 destinations. This is a testament to Portugal’s reliability and international reputation.
Renewable Energy
The country climbed to 7th position in the global ranking of attractiveness for renewable energy investments, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and energy transition.
Portuguese Olive Oil: The Best in the World
The quality of Portuguese olive oil was once again recognized in 2024, consolidating its position in the international market as the finest and most sought-after “liquid gold.”
Local Achievements with Global Impact
Porto: A Destination of Excellence
The city of Porto once again captured the hearts of travelers and was included in the rankings of must-visit destinations. Its blend of tradition, modernity, and hospitality continues to attract millions of tourists.
Sustainability in Focus
Several Portuguese cities, including Cascais and Braga, stood out in sustainable initiatives, whether through urban mobility awards or clean energy projects.
Sports Achievements
Performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics
Portugal had a historic participation in the Paris Olympics, winning four medals:
- Gold Medal: Iúri Leitão and Rui Oliveira in Men’s Madison Track Cycling
- Silver Medal: Iúri Leitão in Men’s Omnium Track Cycling
- Silver Medal: Pedro Pichardo in Men’s Triple Jump
- Bronze Medal: Patrícia Sampaio in Judo, -78 kg category
This performance matched Portugal’s best Olympic record, showcasing the country’s growing excellence in sports.
Portugal in the 2024 Vuelta a España
Portugal once again hosted the start of the Vuelta a España, with great success. The presence of prominent Portuguese cyclists such as Rui Costa, Nelson Oliveira, and João Almeida, along with the enthusiasm of the public, helped promote cycling routes and tourism in the country.
Qualification for Euro 2024
The national football team achieved a remarkable qualification for Euro 2024, winning every game in the qualifying stage—a first in Portuguese football history.
Portugal reaffirms its prominent position on the global stage, being a reference for resilience, creativity, and quality in various fields. May 2025 bring even more achievements to celebrate!
