List of cities in Portugal
This is a list of cities in Portugal. In Portugal, a city (Portuguese: cidade) is a honorific term given to locations that meet several criteria, such as having a minimum number of inhabitants, good infrastructure (schools, medical care, cultural and sports facilities), or have a major historical importance. The country's demographic expansion of the 1980s prompted the elevation of several towns to city status and, currently(2006), 151 locations in Portugal are considered a city(cidade).
In Portugal, the city is not an administrative division, therefore a city generally does not necessarily correspond to a municipality, with the exception of the entirely urban municipalities, such as Lisbon, Porto, Funchal, Entroncamento e São João da Madeira. Some municipalities may even contain more than one city (example: the municipality of Paredes includes four cities) and, on the other hand, the least populated municipalities contain no cities. Equally, a city does not necessarily correspond to a parish, the lowest level administrative division in Portugal and several cities are composed by more than one parish, however smaller cities may be composed of just one parish. The seat—for example, the municipal offices and services of a municipality—are usually located in its most important city (cidade) or town (vila).
One particular case is Sintra, which—despite being currently one of the largest urban areas of the country, and containing two cities in its municipality (Agualva-Cacem and Queluz)—still holds the rank of vila, by wish of its elected officials, who refuse to let it become a city. Also, the towns of Cascais and Oeiras, densely populated, are officially towns, not cities. Also interesting to note is that some cities have fewer than 2,000 inhabitants—such as the case of Meda and Miranda do Douro ,while the towns (vilas) of Algueirão-Mem Martins,Rio de Mouro ,Cascais,Oeiras,Sesimbra,Aguas SantasSenhora da Hora,Corroios,Sintra have over 20,000 inhabitants.Even the village of Estoril has over 20.000 residents.
Until 1910, a location was proclaimed city by royal charter, which happened 25 times to current Portuguese cities (royal charters were also granted to cities of the Portuguese Empire; for example, São Paulo in 1711). During the Portuguese First Republic, the process was transferred to the Parliament, which elevated three towns to the category of city. The dictatorial Estado Novo regime proclaimed seven cities on the Portuguese mainland (as well as some more in the colonies), this time by government decree. After the Carnation revolution, proclamation of cities returned to Parliament and now, Portugal has 151 cities, one of the consequences being that the title no longer holds the prestige it once had.
Eight locations have been always considered cities since Portugal became an independent kingdom (de facto 1128): Braga, Coimbra, Lamego, Porto and Viseu, as well as Évora, Lisbon and Silves, which were annexed at a later date. Guarda was the first promoted to city in the XII century(not counting the immemorial cities),afer the Kingom of Portucale,was renamed Portugal. The newest city is Caniço,recently promoted in 2005.
List
Crest |
City |
Municipality |
Population[1] |
Since |
|
Abrantes
|
Abrantes
|
14,775 |
14 June , 1916
|
|
Agualva-Cacém
|
Sintra
|
121,000
|
12 July , 2001
|
|
Águeda
|
Águeda
|
11,357
|
14 August , 1985
|
|
Albufeira
|
Albufeira
|
16,237
|
20 August , 1986
|
|
Alcácer do Sal
|
Alcácer do Sal
|
9,118
|
12 July , 1997
|
|
Alcobaça
|
Alcobaça
|
9,775
|
30 August , 1995
|
|
Almada
|
Almada
|
101,500
|
16 June , 1973
|
|
Almeirim
|
Almeirim
|
11,607
|
16 August , 1991
|
|
Alverca do Ribatejo
|
Vila Franca de Xira
|
29,086
|
9 August , 1990
|
|
Amadora
|
Amadora
|
151,500
|
17 September , 1979
|
|
Amarante
|
Amarante
|
11,000
|
14 August , 1985
|
|
Amora
|
Seixal
|
53,638
|
2 July , 1993
|
|
Anadia
|
Anadia
|
3,533
|
9 December , 2004
|
|
Angra do Heroísmo
|
Angra do Heroísmo
|
21,200
|
21 August , 1534
|
|
Aveiro
|
Aveiro
|
67,003
|
11 April , 1759
|
|
Barcelos
|
Barcelos
|
20,000
|
6 September , 1928
|
|
Barreiro
|
Barreiro
|
50,232
|
28 June , 1984
|
|
Beja
|
Beja
|
23,475
|
10 April , 1521
|
|
Braga
|
Braga
|
170,250
|
From time immemorial
|
|
Bragança
|
Bragança
|
19,998
|
23 February , 1464
|
|
Caldas da Rainha
|
Caldas da Rainha
|
30,006
|
26 August , 1927
|
|
Câmara de Lobos
|
Câmara de Lobos
|
16,842
|
2 August , 1996
|
|
Caniço
|
Santa Cruz
|
11,586
|
9 June , 2005
|
|
Cantanhede
|
Cantanhede
|
7,066
|
16 August , 1991
|
|
Cartaxo
|
Cartaxo
|
10,115
|
30 August , 1995
|
|
Castelo Branco
|
Castelo Branco
|
34,525
|
20 March , 1771
|
|
Chaves
|
Chaves
|
19,307
|
18 March , 1929
|
|
Coimbra
|
Coimbra
|
150,000
|
From time immemorial
|
|
Costa da Caparica
|
Almada
|
14,100
|
9 December , 2004
|
|
Covilhã
|
Covilhã
|
36,147
|
20 October , 1870
|
|
Elvas
|
Elvas
|
15,505
|
3 April , 1513
|
|
Entroncamento
|
Entroncamento
|
20,065
|
16 August , 1991
|
|
Ermesinde
|
Valongo
|
40,139
|
10 August , 1990
|
|
Esmoriz
|
Ovar
|
11,200
|
2 July , 1993
|
|
Espinho
|
Espinho
|
10,500
|
16 June , 1973
|
|
Esposende
|
Esposende
|
9,148
|
2 July , 1993
|
|
Estarreja
|
Estarreja
|
7,000
|
9 December , 2004
|
|
Estremoz
|
Estremoz
|
9,011
|
31 August , 1926
|
|
Évora
|
Évora
|
46,417
|
From time immemorial
|
|
Fafe
|
Fafe
|
15,323
|
23 August , 1986
|
|
Faro
|
Faro
|
43,757
|
7 September 1540
|
|
Fátima
|
Ourém
|
10,302
|
12 July , 1997
|
|
Felgueiras
|
Felgueiras
|
15,100
|
10 August , 1990
|
|
Figueira da Foz
|
Figueira da Foz
|
36,500
|
20 September , 1882
|
|
Fiães
|
Santa Maria da Feira
|
13,100
|
12 July , 2001
|
|
Freamunde
|
Paços de Ferreira
|
7,452
|
12 July , 2001
|
|
Funchal
|
Funchal
|
100,526
|
21 August , 1508
|
|
Fundão
|
Fundão
|
8,957
|
19 April , 1988
|
|
Gafanha da Nazaré
|
Ílhavo
|
14,021
|
21 July , 2001
|
|
Gandra
|
Paredes
|
5,200
|
26 August , 2003
|
|
Gondomar
|
Gondomar
|
25,000
|
16 August , 1991
|
|
Gouveia
|
Gouveia
|
3,500
|
1 February , 1988
|
|
Guarda
|
Guarda
|
32,274
|
27 November , 1199
|
|
Guimarães
|
Guimarães
|
52,181
|
23 June , 1853
|
|
Horta
|
Horta
|
9,000
|
4 July , 1833
|
|
Lagoa
|
Lagoa
|
5,000
|
12 July , 2001
|
|
Lagos
|
Lagos
|
20,000
|
27 January , 1573
|
|
Lamego
|
Lamego
|
12,000
|
From time immemorial
|
|
Leiria
|
Leiria
|
50,264
|
13 June , 1545
|
|
Lisbon
|
Lisbon
|
508,209
|
From time immemorial
|
|
Lixa
|
Felgueiras
|
15,500
|
30 August , 1995
|
|
Loulé
|
Loulé
|
24,000
|
1 February , 1988
|
|
Loures
|
Loures
|
26,000
|
9 August , 1990
|
|
Lourosa
|
Santa Maria da Feira
|
11,300
|
12 July , 2001
|
|
Macedo de Cavaleiros
|
Macedo de Cavaleiros
|
7,800
|
24 June , 1999
|
|
Maia
|
Maia
|
40,000
|
23 August , 1986
|
|
Mangualde
|
Mangualde
|
8,107
|
12 July , 2001
|
|
Marco de Canaveses
|
Marco de Canaveses
|
9,000
|
2 July, 1993
|
|
Marinha Grande
|
Marinha Grande
|
29,100
|
19 April, 1988
|
|
Matosinhos
|
Matosinhos
|
47,703
|
28 June , 1984
|
|
Mealhada
|
Mealhada
|
5,500
|
26 August , 2003
|
|
Mêda
|
Mêda
|
2,004
|
9 December , 2,000
|
|
Miranda do Douro
|
Miranda do Douro
|
2,000
|
10 July , 1545
|
|
Mirandela
|
Mirandela
|
11,000
|
28 June , 1984
|
|
Montemor-o-Novo
|
Montemor-o-Novo
|
14,000
|
18 April , 1988
|
|
Montijo
|
Montijo
|
30,486
|
14 August , 1985
|
|
Moura
|
Moura
|
10,000
|
1 February , 1988
|
|
Odivelas
|
Odivelas
|
54,500
|
10 August , 1990
|
|
Olhão
|
Olhão
|
31,100
|
14 August , 1985
|
|
Oliveira de Azeméis
|
Oliveira de Azeméis
|
15,000
|
16 May , 1984
|
|
Oliveira do Bairro
|
Oliveira do Bairro
|
5,005
|
26 August , 2003
|
|
Oliveira do Hospital
|
Oliveira do Hospital
|
4,000
|
2 July , 1993
|
|
Ourém
|
Ourém
|
11,100
|
16 August , 1991
|
|
Ovar
|
Ovar
|
18,900
|
28 June , 1984
|
|
Paços de Ferreira
|
Paços de Ferreira
|
9,000
|
2 July , 1993
|
|
Paredes
|
Paredes
|
12,500
|
16 August , 1991
|
|
Penafiel
|
Penafiel
|
10,000
|
3 March , 1770
|
|
Peniche
|
Peniche
|
15,500
|
1 February , 1988
|
|
Peso da Régua
|
Peso da Régua
|
10,000
|
14 August , 1985
|
|
Pinhel
|
Pinhel
|
3,500
|
25 August , 1770
|
|
Pombal
|
Pombal
|
18,500
|
16 August , 1991
|
|
Ponta Delgada
|
Ponta Delgada
|
46,102
|
2 April , 1546
|
|
Ponte de Sor
|
Ponte de Sor
|
11,000
|
14 August , 1985
|
|
Portalegre
|
Portalegre
|
15,700
|
23 May , 1550
|
|
Portimão
|
Portimão
|
40,700
|
11 December , 1924
|
|
Porto
|
Porto
|
240,227
|
From time immemorial
|
|
Porto Santo
|
Vila Baleira/Porto Santo
|
4,475
|
2 August , 1996
|
|
Póvoa de Santa Iria
|
Vila Franca de Xira
|
28,000
|
24 June , 1999
|
|
Póvoa de Varzim
|
Póvoa de Varzim
|
38,257
|
16 June , 1973
|
|
Praia da Vitória
|
Praia da Vitória
|
6,500
|
20 June , 1981
|
|
Quarteira
|
Loulé
|
21,000
|
24 June , 1999
|
|
Queluz
|
Sintra
|
116,124
|
24 July , 1997
|
|
Rebordosa
|
Paredes
|
12,100
|
26 August , 2003
|
|
Reguengos de Monsaraz
|
Reguengos de Monsaraz
|
7,900
|
9 December , 2004
|
|
Ribeira Grande
|
Ribeira Grande
|
6,350
|
29 June , 1981
|
|
Rio Maior
|
Rio Maior
|
11,102
|
14 August , 1985
|
|
Rio Tinto
|
Gondomar
|
61,227
|
30 August , 1995
|
|
Sabugal
|
Sabugal
|
2,300
|
9 December , 2004
|
|
Sacavém
|
Loures
|
17,000
|
4 June , 1997
|
|
Santa Comba Dão
|
Santa Comba Dão
|
3,200
|
24 June , 1999
|
|
Santa Cruz
|
Santa Cruz
|
6,500
|
2 August , 1996
|
|
Santa Maria da Feira
|
Santa Maria da Feira
|
16,100
|
14 August , 1985
|
|
Santana
|
Santana
|
3,300
|
1 January , 2001
|
|
Santarém
|
Santarém
|
30,100 </ref>
|
24 December , 1868
|
|
Santiago do Cacém
|
Santiago do Cacém
|
7,753
|
16 August , 1991
|
|
Santo Tirso
|
Santo Tirso
|
14,100
|
14 August , 1985
|
|
São João da Madeira
|
São João da Madeira
|
21,102
|
28 June , 1984
|
|
São Mamede de Infesta
|
Matosinhos
|
27,000
|
12 July , 2001
|
|
São Salvador de Lordelo
|
Paredes
|
11,000
|
26 August , 2003
|
|
Seia
|
Seia
|
7,000
|
23 August , 1986
|
|
Seixal
|
Seixal
|
31,101
|
2 July , 1993
|
|
Serpa
|
Serpa
|
9,990
|
26 August , 2003
|
|
Setúbal
|
Setúbal
|
120,150
|
19 April , 1860
|
|
Silves
|
Silves
|
11,000
|
From time immemorial
|
|
Sines
|
Sines
|
15,555
|
12 July , 1997
|
|
Tarouca
|
Tarouca
|
3,200
|
9 December , 2004
|
|
Tavira
|
Tavira
|
13,300
|
16 March , 1520
|
|
Tomar
|
Tomar
|
20,000
|
12 February , 1844
|
|
Tondela
|
Tondela
|
10,120
|
1 February , 1988
|
|
Torres Novas
|
Torres Novas
|
14,900
|
14 August , 1985
|
|
Torres Vedras
|
Torres Vedras
|
27,200
|
3 February , 1979
|
|
Trancoso
|
Trancoso
|
3,350
|
9 December , 2004
|
|
Trofa
|
Trofa
|
22,000
|
2 July , 1993
|
|
Valbom
|
Gondomar
|
14,100
|
9 December , 2004
|
|
Vale de Cambra
|
Vale de Cambra
|
4,200
|
2 July , 1993
|
|
Valongo
|
Valongo
|
27,900
|
10 August , 1990
|
|
Valpaços
|
Valpaços
|
4,102
|
24 June , 1999
|
|
Vendas Novas
|
Vendas Novas
|
10,103
|
2 July , 1993
|
|
Viana do Castelo
|
Viana do Castelo
|
36,750
|
20 January , 1848
|
|
Vila do Conde
|
Vila do Conde
|
32,257
|
1 February , 1988
|
|
Vila Franca de Xira
|
Vila Franca de Xira
|
19,000
|
28 June , 1984
|
|
Vila Nova de Famalicão
|
Vila Nova de Famalicão
|
30,100
|
14 August , 1985
|
|
Vila Nova de Foz Côa
|
Vila Nova de Foz Côa
|
3,303
|
12 July , 1997
|
|
Vila Nova de Gaia
|
Vila Nova de Gaia
|
178,526
|
28 June , 1984
|
|
Vila Nova de Santo André
|
Santiago do Cacém
|
12,123
|
26 August , 2003
|
|
Vila Real
|
Vila Real
|
27,250
|
20 July , 1925
|
|
Vila Real de Santo António
|
Vila Real de Santo António
|
11,000
|
19 April , 1988
|
|
Viseu
|
Viseu
|
50,250
|
From time immemorial
|
|
Vizela
|
Vizela
|
10,100
|
1 September , 1998
|
Notes
- ↑ Although the cities list doesn't indicate the cities' population, it indicates the parishes that compose them, therefore, this number is the sum of the population of the parishes. The population data was taken from the National Association of Portuguese Municipalities and is from 2004.
- Except the city of Figueira da Foz
References
- "Cidades Portuguesas". Instituto Nacional de Estatística. Retrieved on 2006-07-08.
- "Municípios Portugueses". Associação Nacional de Municípios Portugueses. Retrieved on 2006-03-27.
See also
External links
Administrative divisions of Portugal |
|
Districts |
Aveiro · Beja · Braga · Bragança · Castelo Branco · Coimbra · Évora · Faro · Guarda · Leiria · Lisboa · Portalegre · Porto · Santarém · Setúbal · Viana do Castelo · Vila Real · Viseu
|
|
|
Autonomous regions |
|
|
List of cities in Europe |
|
Sovereign
states |
Albania · Andorra · Armenia1 · Austria · Azerbaijan2 · Belarus · Belgium · Bosnia and Herzegovina · Bulgaria · Croatia · Cyprus1 · Czech Republic · Denmark · Estonia · Finland · France · Georgia2 · Germany · Greece · Hungary · Iceland · Ireland · Italy · Kazakhstan3 · Latvia · Liechtenstein · Lithuania · Luxembourg · Republic of Macedonia · Malta · Moldova · Monaco · Montenegro · Netherlands · Norway · Poland · Portugal · Romania · Russia3 · San Marino · Serbia · Slovakia · Slovenia · Spain · Sweden · Switzerland · Turkey3 · Ukraine · United Kingdom (England • Northern Ireland • Scotland • Wales)
|
|
Dependencies,
autonomies,
other territories |
Abkhazia 2 · Adjara1 · Adygea · Akrotiri and Dhekelia · Åland · Azores · Bashkortostan · Chechnya · Chuvashia · Crimea · Dagestan · Faroe Islands · Gagauzia · Gibraltar · Guernsey · Ingushetia · Jan Mayen · Jersey · Kabardino-Balkaria · Kalmykia · Karachay-Cherkessia · Republic of Karelia · Komi Republic · Kosovo · Madeira7 · Isle of Man · Mari El · Mordovia · Nagorno-Karabakh1 · Nakhchivan1 · North Ossetia-Alania · Northern Cyprus1 · South Ossetia 2 · Svalbard · Tatarstan · Transnistria · Udmurtia · Vojvodina
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Italics indicates an unrecognised or partially recognised country. 1 / 7 Entirely in Asia / on the African Plate, but historically considered European. 2 Partially or entirely in Asia, depending on the border definitions. 3 Has part of its territory in Asia. |
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