Recent earthquakes in Portugal
Portugal lies near the diffuse boundary between the African and Eurasian plates, which runs offshore to the southwest along the Azores-Gibraltar fracture zone. This region produced the catastrophic 1755 Lisbon earthquake, estimated at magnitude 8.5 or greater, whose tsunami and fires destroyed the city. Large offshore earthquakes remain the country's principal seismic hazard. In the past 24 hours, Portugal has recorded no earthquakes above the reporting threshold.
Counts include M2.5+ events — the smallest size USGS reports consistently worldwide.
Recent earthquakes
| Magnitude | Time (UTC) | Depth | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| M3.1 | Jul 26, 13:39 UTC | 10 km | 2 km N of Armilla, Spain |
Notable recent activity
An M3.1 earthquake struck 2 km N of Armilla, Spain at 13:39 UTC on Jul 26 at a depth of 10 km.
Frequently asked questions
Why does Portugal have earthquakes?
Portugal sits near the slow-moving boundary between the African and Eurasian plates, offshore to the southwest. Large earthquakes there are infrequent but can be very large, and the Azores region to the west is also seismically and volcanically active.
What was the 1755 Lisbon earthquake?
On November 1, 1755, a great offshore earthquake estimated at magnitude 8.5 or larger struck southwest of Portugal. The shaking, a major tsunami, and widespread fires destroyed much of Lisbon and killed tens of thousands, profoundly influencing European science and philosophy.
Does Portugal still get earthquakes?
Yes, though large ones are rare. Portugal experiences frequent small earthquakes, and the 1969 magnitude 7.8 offshore earthquake shook the country widely. The long intervals between great events make preparedness a continuing focus.
Nearby regions
Live data from the USGS earthquake feeds. Magnitudes and depths are automated readings and may be revised. Not for emergency use.