Portugal is a country known for its rich history, breathtaking landscapes and, of course, its vast cultural heritage, but it also “hides” some lands with strange and peculiar names, the kind that sound like a lie.
From places with names reminiscent of pandemics, to names that bring smiles to faces because of their uniqueness, today we’re embarking on an unusual journey from the north to the south of the country, exploring six of the Portuguese lands with the strangest and funniest names.
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Rabo de Peixe: between tradition and popularity
Let’s start with Rabo de Peixe, located in the municipality of Ponta Delgada, on the island of São Miguel, in the Azores, a well-known town that has gained even more international fame through the Netflix series of the same name.
The name, which refers to the abundance of fish tails consumed in the town, is an example of how tradition and local culture are reflected in unexpected ways.
Colo de Pito village: a Roman brushstroke
In Viseu, in the municipality of Castro Daire, we find Colo de Pito, whose name dates back to Latin and Roman times, meaning “Painted Hill”.
This name, despite its smile-inducing nature, is a tribute to the natural beauty of this village, located close to the mythical National Road 2.
Deixa-o-Resto: an invitation to curiosity
Deixa-o-Resto, in the municipality of Santiago do Cacém, is another place with a name that arouses curiosity.
This unusual name can be an excellent starting point for exploring the local beaches or the Lagoa de Santo André, promising to be more than just a signpost along the road.
Degolados: between history and imagination
The name Degolados may conjure up images worthy of horror movies, but its origins are far less macabre than you might think.
It’ s in the municipality of Campo de Maior, in the Alentejo, and the history of the name is linked to an old stream, once called Degolados, now known as Ribeiro das Horas.
Covide: where ancient history meets the present day
Located in the municipality of Terras de Bouro, near the Peneda Gerês National Park, Covide is a village that, by its name, immediately harks back to the recent times of the Covid-19 pandemic.
However, its history is much older, with around 300 inhabitants and points of interest such as the Calçada da Calcedónia Walking Trail and the Fraga da Cidade, witnesses of the Iron Age.
Venda da Gaita: music and mystery
The village of Venda da Gaita, in the municipality of Pedrógão Grande, is yet another example of how Portuguese place names can be a source of humor and mystery.
This name, one of the funniest and most prone to easy jokes, adds a touch of levity to Portugal’s rich cultural tapestry.