In a previous article, we focused on the exploring history of Portugal and talked about those who dared to dream the grand dream that the world was actually much wider and more fascinating than they would ever have expected.

But on the list of Portuguese Personalities, there are other famous people to name. The Portuguese are renowned for a bunch of things, one of which is music. The sad strings of the Fado perfectly reflect the melancholy and gentle spirit of the nation born by the shores of the Atlantic Ocean and an iconic Fado singer was Amalia Rodrigues. She was born in 1920 in Lisbon and had a 50 year career in music and acting. After her death in 1999, her ome became a museum and people still pay tribute to her memory and to her artistic legacy.

Today, the Grammy-nominated Portuguese singer Mariza is the new voice of Fado today. In 2004, the whole world was lucky to hear her sing a duet with Sting for Athens’ Olympics.

Sports is yet another field where the Portuguese excel. Like most of Europe, soccer is the “national game” and lots of personalities in the domain take pride in their Portuguese origins. Portugal in turn is also proud to claim them. Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the most loved football players in the world today. He has been captain of the national team since 2008. Coach Jose Mourinho has managed Internationale and Real Madrid before returning to Chelsea in 2013.

As for writers, let’s not forget about Jose Saramago, who received the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1998.

In European and world politics today, Portugal no longer maintains the appearance of a very prominent player. Nevertheless, the historical contribution of this country and its people has been ample along the centuries, especially in the age of great discoveries. Born and bred near the ocean, the Portuguese have always looked at the sea wistfully and hopefully, eager to discover the wonders of the world wherever the tide might take them.

In the gallery of outstanding Portuguese personalities, the first in line are the great explorers. Born in the 1460s, Vasco da Gama found the route to the East by sea and virtually began the story of globalization. Lisbon celebrated his name 500 years after his voyage, naming three important tourist attractions in Portugal’s capital city after him: the Vasco da Gama Tower the Bridge and a shopping mall.

Another 15th century internationally acclaimed figure is Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese explorer who was the one to organize the first circumnavigation of the Earth, the result of his Spanish expedition.

Politics were also involved in the development of European worldwide exploration and trade. The Portuguese celebrate Prince Henry the Navigator, the 14th century Porto-born blue-blood who believed and lived this dream.

The Portuguese are grateful for the legacy of all these figures and celebrate their memory all around the country. Be an explorer yourself and travel throughout Portugal from Lisbon Airport with an airport transfer!