Let's pay a visit to Portugal

Its sparkling coastlines, mouth-watering cuisine and friendly locals draw millions of visitors to Portugal each year. But there’s so much more to this country than what the travel guides tell you. IKEA first opened its doors in Portugal in 2004, and today continues to be shaped by this remarkable country, and the cultures and values of the people who call it home. Curious to see a bit of what life (and IKEA) is like in this small, sun-kissed nation? Vamos lá!

  • “Olá!” is how you say "hej!" in Portuguese.

  • 10.3 million people live in Portugal.

Illustration of Portugal

  • Lisbon is the country's vibrant capital city.

  • 5 IKEA stores across Portugal today, plus 8 planning studios.

  • 51 million online visits to IKEA Portugal in FY22.

Colourful illustrated apartment building in a traditional Portuguese style.

Life at home Sinta-se em casa! Be our guest!

Despite tough economic conditions, life in Portugal is characterised by an importance placed on social connection, education and – not least of all – good food. At home, the Portuguese find many ways to make the most of their space and resources; and many reasons to gather and enjoy life with loved ones. Even strangers might crack an invite to lunch if they’re lucky!

Money matters

  • The average monthly salary in Portugal is roughly 1300€

  • 22% of the population live on minimum wage

  • Money saved at the end of the month is out of reach for 38% of people in Portugal

  • 33.6 years is the average age when Portuguese adults leave their parental home

Sources: IKEA Retail (Ingka Group): 2020 GlobeScan;
Eurostat "Age of young people leaving their parental household" (YTH_DEMO_030)

Typically Portuguese

Arched doorways, tiled floors and a washing machine in the kitchen are just a few signs that you might be inside a Portuguese home. Check out these other commonly-found features:

A TV bench in dark-stained wood.
A sunny balcony with a small table and a folded drying rack hanging on the wall.
A SKARPÖ chair sits in a room with a tiled floor
IDANÄS storage unit filled with crockery, with plates hanging above and ornaments.
A woman is laying the dining room table and smiling. A boy is lying on the floor smiling and drawing.
A colourfully illustrated plate with fish and cutlery.

Food facts From sea to plate

Portugal's location on the Atlantic coast makes fish an important part of the local diet. Of course it wouldn't be IKEA without our classic meatballs and mash (or plant balls if you prefer), but locally loved ingredients like MSC-certified codfish make regular appearances on the weekly menu too.

  • A plate with cod and rice on a grey table.
  • Two plates with cod and vegetables sit on a festive table with a striped tablecloth.
  • A plate of rice with duck sits on a whitewashed wood table.
  • Portuguese custard tarts are stacked on a tile surface.
Illustration of an IKEA clock and lamp.

Top IKEA products What's in the bag?

Tableware and clothing organisers top the list of IKEA Portugal's most popular products, including GOTTFINNANDE espresso cups, SPRUTTIG hangers and OFTAST bowls and plates. But the most-shopped item of all is the shopping bag itself: a whopping 465,000 units of the durable, versatile FRAKTA bag were sold in 2022.

A cutout of a white bowl.

415,000

A cutout of a glass espresso cup.

385,000

A cutout of a group of black SPRUTTIG hangers.

300,000

A large blue FRAKTA bag

Kick back and relax

Comfort reigns supreme when it comes to sofas in Portugal. Designs with chaise longues and high backs are very popular, giving every bit of the body – from head to feet – some well-deserved support after a long day. And with 80% of people in Portugal using their couch for sleeping, it's no surprise that Portugal's top sellers are all sofa beds.

A blue ESKILSTUNA sofa in a blue living room.
A blue ESKILSTUNA sofa in a living room with tables next to it.
A HAMMARN sofa bed in different stages of opening, against an ochre background.
A pale blue SLATORP sofa in a living room. There is a lamp in the forefront.
A white LYCKSELE LÖVÅS sofa with a lamp beside it.
Illustration of a smartphone with a red heart displayed on its screen.

Campaigns Entrem na casa da...

There's no place like home, and no home quite like yours! The latest campaign from IKEA Portugal welcomes viewers into the homes of both everyday Portuguese families and familiar faces, each sharing the spaces, activities and memories that they love most about where they live.

  • A young family who traded city life for the countryside.

  • A couple creating a calm, harmonious "nest" for their newborn.

  • For some, home is not a place, but a very special person.

Illustration of a red speech bubble containing the word "Hej!"

Our co-workers Ask the locals

Whether you're inspired to visit Portugal or your nearest IKEA store, the friendly co-workers at IKEA Portugal are always happy to share their local knowledge and IKEA love.

IKEA co-worker Catarina smiles at the camera.

Catarina Online content specialist

IKEA co-worker Daniel smiles at the camera.

Daniel B2B Remote Team Leader

IKEA co-worker Ines smiles at the camera. She is wearing her name badge around her neck.

Ines Business navigator

  • What's your favourite IKEA product at home and why?

  • Instead of bookcases, I have my books organized by colour on LACK shelves. They’re also a great background for online meetings at my home office, showing my personality and passion for reading.

    Catarina

  • The GLADOM tray table: what's not to love? It's so affordable and versatile.

    Daniel

  • The PAX wardrobe, because it's so modular and can be designed to suit anyone's needs and budget. For example, I chose not to put doors on mine, because I like to choose my clothes while enjoying a few more minutes in bed!

    Ines

  • What should visitors to Portugal do?

  • Try our local gastronomy: we have food for all tastes. Pasteis de nata are mandatory! 😊

    Catarina

  • Try our fantastic food: with so many good sweets and traditional plates, the hard part is what to choose. Like Catarina said, I suggest everyone tries some pasteis de nata!

    Daniel

  • Enjoy a walk around the Ribeira neighbourhood in Porto. It's one of the oldest and liveliest areas of the city.

    Ines

  • What do you like most about working for IKEA?

  • At IKEA, we feel cared for and respected as co-workers and valued as individuals. We can be our authentic selves, we are encouraged to share our different opinions and to think outside the box.

    Catarina

  • Feeling like I'm part of a company that is focused on developing not only the business, but the people too. It's now 7 years of belonging to this family with many more to come.

    Daniel

  • Being encouraged to experiment and develop new ways of working together with the IKEA values, and knowing that – regardless of the IKEA store we are at – it always feels like home.

    Ines

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