Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa announced on Friday that the new Socialist-majority government is set to form its government on March 30. The ministers and secretaries of state of the new Portuguese government will be set to take over if all the necessary proceedings run smoothly. The Socialist Antonio Costa will deliver the names of the people that will make up the government on the 23rd of March.
The President of Portugal said that this calendar is based upon the fact that the 23rd of March is when the repeated election results in the European circle will be known. Portuguese voters in Europe went to cast their votes for a second time on March 12 and 13 as over 150,000 of the initial votes were made invalid in the General Election. If these results do not change the outcome of the election, the schedule remains in place and the new government is likely to be formed on March 30.
The Portuguese General Election occurred on January 30 to elect 230 members to the Assembly of the Republic. The Socialist Party won a majority with 117 seats, 9 up from the last election. Antonio Costa, the leader of the Socialist Party will thus remain as Prime Minister if the second-round of European circle votes allow it.
The new government will be a Socialist majority so the Socialist Party will not need to form a coalition with other parties. Without a majority, it was impossible for the party to pass their proposed state budget that was rejected before the election. Now, with a majority, the same state budget is very likely to pass in the Spring or Summer. Take a look at an overview of the proposed state budget here.
However, Prime Minister Antonio Costa has stated that despite this victory, “An absolute majority doesn’t mean absolute power. It doesn’t mean to govern alone. It’s an increased responsibility and it means to govern with and for all Portuguese”.
Take a look at our article on the Portuguese Political System to find out about the democratic process in Portugal.
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The second-largest city in Portugal, over 1 million tourists visit Porto every year. One of the oldest cities in Europe, Porto is both a historically rich and cosmopolitan city that lies along the Douro River. Home to Port wine, one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, and the stunning Ribeira district, Porto is not lacking in activities to experience. But like any major European city, if you’re looking for a once in a lifetime trip, you need to know how to avoid the “tourist trap” attractions. Luckily, we have selected the 12 best things to do in Porto so that you know exactly where to go on your next trip to Northern Portugal.
1. Explore the world’s most iconic bookstore in the world
One of the oldest bookstores in the world, founded in 1906, Lello bookstore is part of the historical heritage of Porto. Many would argue this is the most iconic bookstore in the world, with huge literary figures finding refuge in its walls. The Guardian has ranked Lello as the third best bookstore in the world. The bookstore’s exterior has Neo-Gothic and Art Noveau elements and the two-story interior reflects Art Deco elements.
The ample staircase takes center stage, as well as the stained glass window on the ceiling. Around 300,000 books are sold from this book shop each year. Visitors would be able to enter the Lello bookstore for free, but of around 4,000 visits a day, less than 5% would purchase a book. Since then, you must buy a ticket to enter that costs €5.
Photo by Marina SCISSOR (Flickr)
2. Visit Palácio da Bolsa – the Stock Exchange Palace
Built in the nineteenth century by Porto’s Commercial Association, the Palácio da Bolsa used to function as a stock exchange. Located in the historical center of Porto, a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, today it’s open to the public and hosts important visitors such as Queen Elizabeth II in 1957. The inside of the palace features furniture by the architect José Marques da Silva and sculptures by the famous sculptor Teixeira Lopes. The most famous room is the “Arab Room” built between 1862 and 1880 and decorated in the Moorish Revival style. Today, this room is used as a hall for prestigious visitors to Porto like heads of state. Buy an entry ticket to visit the placefor €10.
3. Take a day trip to the World Heritage Site of the Douro Valley
Home to the Douro River, the third largest river in the Iberian Peninsula, the Douro Valley was made a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in the early 2000s. Departing from Porto and ending in Spain, the Douro river flows in the middle of the Douro Valley, a cultural landscape of vineyards where Douro wines are grown and produced. A once in a lifetime experience, the Douro Valley is the location of romantic getaways, weddings, and unforgettable family vacations.
Visiting the Douro Valley is quite expensive by Portuguese standards, but it’s worth it if you do it right. The best way to visit the Douro Valley is by hiring a private car transfer or renting a car as transportation is scarce in the area, especially if you want to visit multiple vineyards for wine tastings. Alternatively, we recommend booking a Douro vineyard “hopping” tour so that you can experience a variety of locations.
Photo by Maksym Kaharlytskyi (Unsplash)
For a unique experience, book this river cruise from Porto where you will get to stop at various wineries for tastings, with lunch included. Our favorite vineyards to visit are Quinta da Roêda (Pinhão), Quinta do Crasto (Sabrosa), and Quinta do Seixo (Valença do Douro).
Quinta da Roêda does not just offer Port wine tastings, but also, visits to the vineyards, picnics, workshops, and more. You can explore the gorgeous vineyard with a guided tour and have a tasting of three wines for only €12 per person. Their packages go up to €44 per person for a larger number and variety of wines.
Quinta do Crasto is included in the Top 20 of the World’s Best Vineyards, winning 16th place in 2021. The wine tasting here lasts around 90 minutes where you get to taste 5 of their wines, visit the wine cellars, and more for €29 per person.
Quinta do Seixo has over 100 hectares and is one of the most traditional wine-producing estates in the region. Their cheapest visit is €15 for a 40-minute tour of the winery and tasting of 2 port wines. Their most luxurious option is a 3-hour picnic in the vineyard where you can taste their wines and enjoy Douro cuisine for €40 per person (only available from March to October).
Only 8 kilometers from the city center, Matosinhos is a fishing town, perfect for a sunny day at the beach. Only a 20-minute drive from Porto, Praia de Matosinhos is the largest beach close to Porto. From surfing to relaxing at a beach bar, as well as lifeguards on-site, the facilities at this beach are great for a family day at the beach. The best time to go is between June and August during the week. Avoid the weekends as it will be overly crowded during this time.
Photo by Pedro Menezes (Unsplash)
After a dip in the sea, you must explore the seafood culture in this fishing town. Some of the best seafood restaurants in Matosinhos are TITO 2 (around €40 for two people), A Marisqueira de Matosinhos (around €50 for two people), and Marisqueria A Antiga (around €70 for two people).
Inspired by the Crystal Palace in London, the Crystal Palace in Porto was inaugurated in 1865 but later demolished in 1951 to build a sports pavilion. Set on a hilltop, the Crystal Palace gardens remain on-site, with about 8 hectares of green space with views of the River Douro.
Only a 15-minute walk from the center, you will find the gorgeous landscaped gardens with walking paths, fountains, sculptures, and trees. Landscaped by German Émille David in the nineteenth century, the Crystal Palace Gardens are the best spot in the city for a picnic, as well as a short stroll. Buy some wine and cheese from a closeby grocery store and enjoy the view of the river from the gardens.
6. Enjoy the architecture of the Casa da Musica
Designed by the architect Rem Koolhaas, Casa da Musica is an iconic concert hall in the historical center of Porto built in 2005. The building was constructed to mark the festive year of 2001 when Porto was designated the European Capital of Culture. Casa da Musica hosts exciting events with concerts by the Symphony Orchestra and more, from every music genre. Although a tour of the inside costs €10, the best part of this place is the exterior. You can also enjoy a meal at the restaurant on the top floor, providing a view of the center. We also recommend booking a ticket for a concert, as this is a unique experience in such a remarkable building.
Photo by Catarina Monteiro (Unsplash)
7. Taste traditional Porto cuisine
You can’t go to Porto without experiencing the traditional cuisine of Porto. With more affordable prices than Lisbon, Porto is the perfect place for a foodie looking to experience authentic Portuense restaurants. There are a few dishes that are definite must-tries. The top dish is a francesinha, a ham, sausage, and steak sandwich with melted cheese and spiced tomato and beer-based sauce, as well as fries on the side. Our favorite spots for a francesinha are Casa Guedes and the Tasquinha Ze Povinho.
Francesinha. Photo by Siegfy (Flickr)
We recommend also trying the following dishes:
Tripas à moda do Porto: A century-old heavy meat-based dish with beans, carrots, steak, veal, and pork stomach
Sandes de pernil: a roast pork butt sandwich with mountain cheese
Bacalhau à brás: shredded codfish with scrambled eggs, potatoes, and onions
Caldo verde: green vegetable soup with sausage
Alheira: sausage made from chicken, turkey, or duck
Bacalhau à brás. Photo by MollySVH (Flickr)
Broa de Avintes: brown bread from Porto
Tarde de amendoa: almond tart from Douro
Sardinhas assadas: sardines paired with potatoes, peppers, and salad
Cachorrinho: Porto style hot dog with spicy sauce
Cozido à Portuguesa: heavy meat stew with carrots, cabbage, onions, and potatoes
Built in 1763 by Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni, the Clérigos Tower offers a panoramic view of the historical center of Porto. At 75 meters high, visitors can climb 225 steps to the top of the tower which is worth the workout. We recommend going at night when there are fewer tourists and you get a glittering light view of the buildings, as the tower is open until 11 PM. The tower is built on a Roman Catholic church with baroque motifs from the seventeenth century which you can visit for free. To visit the Clérigos Tower, book this entrance ticket to skip the line through a separate entrance.
Port wine is a Porto classic. Also known as vinho do Porto, Port wine is a sweet red wine produced in the Douro Valley that is usually served with dessert, at the end of a meal. You’ll find many spots for a Port wine tasting in Porto, as well as Vila Nova de Gaia, a 10-minute drive from Porto.
Photo by L E (Unsplash)
It’s important to know where to go as with Port wine, you must focus on quality over quantity. We recommend booking this experience where along with a Port wine tasting, you will get to enjoy an intimate acoustic performance of traditional Fado in the center of Porto.
10. Walk the Dom Luis I bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia
The iconic Dom Luis I bridge connects the Ribeira distinct of Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia, across the Douro river. This metal arch bridge was built in 1886 by designer Théophile Seyrig who cofounded the Eiffel company and one was the longest of its type at the time. You can walk across the bridge which is 60 meters high, on the upper level of the bridge on the pedestrian walkway. Walking through the 1-kilometer bridge, you will have one of the best views of the Douro river, as well as easy access to Vila Nova de Gaia.
Photo by Marco Varisco (Flickr)
Vila Nova de Gaia is known for its port wine cellars, as well as a cable car that opened in 2011 and rides up and down the south bank of the Douro. You should also visit the Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar, a sixteenth-century monastery with sculptures of the saints Augustine, Apollonia, and Eulalia. For a Port wine tasting, visit Caves Ferreira or Ramos Pinto, some of the most popular in the area.
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ribeira is a picturesque neighborhood in Porto, situated on the riverbank of the Douro. The riverfront district of Ribeira is the perfect place for a relaxing stroll during the day. At night, Ribeira comes alive with lively bars and restaurants overlooking the river, as well as Dom Luis I bridge and Vila Nova de Gaia.
Photo by Pedro (Flickr)
We recommend having some Portuguese tapas by the river at Jimão Tapas e Vinhos. For one of the best views in Ribeira, ride the Elevator of Ribeira that connects the port to a part of the neighborhood called Barredo.
Azulejo tiles are an iconic part of Porto‘s cultural heritage and let’s be honest, are a great backdrop for a selfie. There are plenty of places across the city where you can find azulejo tiles. Our favorite place is at Porto’s cathedral from the eighteenth century where inside the cloisters you will find stunning white and blue ajulezo tiles. You will also find over 20,000 ajulezo tiles at São Bento Railway Station, made by Jorge Colaço. His tiles cover an area of over 500 square meters in the interior of the station, depicting moments of Portuguese history such as the Discoveries.
Photo by Ray in Manila (Flickr)
You will also find Colaço’s tiles at the Church of Saint Ildefonso built in 1739, with over 11,000 white and blue tiles decorating the exterior. Other great places to find Portuguese ajulezo tiles in Porto are Casa da Musica and Ribeira Negra panel.
⬇️Please share your favorite activities and things to do in Porto in the comments below ⬇️
In the last three weeks, over 10,000 Ukrainian refugees have arrived in Portugal. Publico reported that this amount is almost equal to the number of refugees, of all countries, that Portugal welcomed since 2015. In the last seven years, 10,927 refugees from different countries arrived to find refuge in Portugal. In the last 3 weeks, 10,068 Ukrainian refugees arrived to flee the Russian invasion.
Prime Minister Antonio Costa announced at the beginning of the invasion that all Ukrainians with family, friends, and acquaintances in Portugal were welcome. Ukrainian refugees have made use of the measures implemented by the government to fast-track the asylum process.
The Portuguese Foreigners and Borders Service (SEF) launched an online platform on Monday to simplify the processing of bringing Ukrainians to safety in Portugal under a temporary protection regime. A task force has been created to help Ukrainian refugees find employment and housing and children have been allocated schools to attend. Ukrainian refugees are automatically given a national health service number, a social security number, and a VAT identification number (NIF).
Está em pleno funcionamento a plataforma online do SEF para registo de pedidos de proteção temporária de cidadãos ucranianos e seus familiares (agregado familiar), bem como de qualquer cidadão estrangeiro a residir na Ucrânia.https://t.co/Lwk1BF9hHWpic.twitter.com/3h2PrmZi7s
The multinational energy corporation Galp, headquartered in Portugal, will raise its electricity and natural gas prices on April 15. Natural gas could rise by 3 euros and electricity could rise by 2 euros, according to CNN Portugal. Galp told CNN that the new prices reflect the cost to acquire energy in line with the price increases in the international market.
Energy prices are at an all-time high as governments face an energy crisis. The increase in prices is linked to the war in Ukraine, leading to prices ten times higher than those at the beginning of 2021, according to Publico.
The war in Ukraine and the economic sanctions in Russia have also led countries to the brink of a food crisis, including Portugal. Wheat prices have increased massively as Russia and Ukraine account for 30% of wheat exports globally. The price of bread is set to continue to rise exponentially in Portugal. Fertilizer prices are also at an all-time high without Russian exports, as well as due to the increase in natural gas price, an ingredient necessary to produce nitrogen-based fertilizers. Vehicle fuel continues to rise as well, as gasoline prices have already reached over 2 euros a liter in Portugal.
While Portugal was set to lift all Covid-19 restrictions on April 3, this is likely to be postponed as cases continue to rise. Researcher Miguel Castanho told CNN Portugal on Friday that the government should postpone lifting Covid-19 restrictions in order to avoid a sixth wave in the winter.
He says that not only is this postponement “inevitable” but a worsening of the situation could lead to reinstating older measures that the country has now abandoned. The researcher states that controlling the pandemic and making sure the number of cases, hospitalizations, and deaths is very low during the spring and summer is necessary so that the virus is circulating at a low level during autumn.
The Covid-19 pandemic is worsening due to the new BA.2 variant of Omicron that is dominant in Portugal. Researcher Miguel Castanho has said that Omicron BA.2 is not necessarily more severe than Omicron BA.1 but that it can lead to the inefficiency of antibodies, even for those vaccinated or who have tested positive previously.
The transmissibility index (Rt) reached 1,09, as of the end of last week. The Rt indicates how many people an individual can infect in a given time, which is rising under the new variant and could potentially result in a sixth wave, according to the Instituto Superior Técnico (IST).
The Directorate-General of Health of Portugal has decided to no longer publish daily COVID-19 cases and deaths. Rather, they will be publishing the data on a weekly basis. An “open house” strategy for vaccination has also been established. Those over 18 without a COVID-19 booster, those over 12 without the first COVID-19 dose, and those over 50 without a booster against the flu can get vaccinated without an appointment.
A Casa Aberta está disponível para pessoas com:
👉 18 ou + anos que não foram vacinadas com dose de reforço contra a COVID-19.
👉 12 ou + anos que não foram vacinadas com dose primária contra a COVID-19.
👉 50 ou + anos que não foram vacinadas com dose de reforço contra a Gripe. pic.twitter.com/jiCd6vnSQZ
The Municipal Assembly of Lisbon approved on Tuesday a proposal by the Socialist Party (PS) to distribute free reusable period products in public schools to students. This measure is meant to combat period poverty, as well as promote sustainable practices. Reusable pads and cups will be distributed to over 100 public schools in Lisbon. In addition, the proposal passed urges for the start of campaigns that combat disinformation and stigma surrounding menstruation. Lisbon is the first city in Portugal to enact such a measure to combat period poverty.
The far-right party Enough (Chega) and the center-right party Liberal Initiative (IL) voted against the measure, along with a member of the Christian center-right party CDS-PP. The following parties voted in favor of the measure: the Socialist Party (PS), the Left Bloc (BE), the Communist Party (PCP), People-Animals-Nature (PAN), Free (Livre), and two independents of the PS/Free coalition in Lisbon.
CDS-PP, Enough (Chega), and the Liberal Initiative (IL) believe this proposal is discriminatory, a response that has angered many on social media. A member of the Liberal Initiative (IL), Angelique de Teresa told TSF that this measure creates an “apartheid” within the public sector, discriminating against students in private schools. She believes period products should be accessible to all by reducing prices in supermarkets. A member of the far-right party Enough (Chega), Patricia Branco also believes the measure is discriminatory by excluding private school students and even stated that it excludes men who need to purchase shaving products.
The party Free (Livre) who votes in favor hopes that the distribution of period products will be conducted inclusively by including transgender students. The party is also urging for an improvement in education surrounding menstruation to combat period stigma. People-Animals-Nature (PAN), another party that voted in favor of the measure hopes that this measure will be extended to other sections of the population, such as women who are facing homelessness.
Take a look at our article on the Portuguese Political System to find out about the democratic process in Portugal.
⬇️Please let us know your thoughts in the comments below ⬇️
The Douro Wine Region is located surrounding the Douro River, passing through the regions of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro.
The region is a very mountainous one, with the vineyards being located on the margins of the river, on very steep hills that have been prepared for this production. The mountains protect its climate from the influence of the coastal weather, with its rain and winds, creating a good climate for wine production.
The region produces the world-renowned Port wine, Queen’s Elizabeth digestif, but we may not disregard the table wine produced here, known simply as “Douro wines”, and are considered of really excellent quality.
As the Vinho Verde region, the Douro is considered a DOC (Denominação de Origem Controlada or Controlled Origin Denomination), the highest classification for a region of wine in Portugal. Besides this, it is a Protected Designation of Origin both under EU and UK law and it is a Geographical Indication in several other countries which have signed agreements with Portugal.
As for the wine style produced here, it ranges from light, Bordeaux-style claret to rich Burgundian-style wines aged in new oak. The red wines are considered the most elegant of Portugal.
If you are looking for a good fortified wine for a digestif or for a good meal wine, a Douro wine is always a great option.
It is thought that wine has been made in the region for a while, with grape seeds being found in ancient archaeological sites in the Douro region, but the oldest archaeological evidence for the production of wine there dates back to the 3rd and 4th centuries, at the time of the fall of the Western Roman Empire.
This continued to the Medieval Ages, with the Order of Cistercians, a Catholic religious order, in the 12th century, having a big influence on the region’s winemaking, since they produced it in their monasteries.
500 years later, the region’s vineyards were much bigger and we find the first known mention of Port wine, dating back to 1675. A few years later, the famous Methuen Treaty between Portugal and England happened, leading to the creation of several British Port wine companies in Porto. Port wine, thus, became a primary product of the region and increasingly important to the economy of Portugal.
In 1756, a royal charter defined the region for the production of Port wine, as a part of the production and trade regulation of this important part of the economy. This way, it became the third wine region in the world to have a formal legal demarcation zone, after the Tokaj-Hegyalja region in Hungary, created in 1730, and Chianti, in Italy, in 1716. At the time, the region only included the western part of the current region and it progressively expanded to the east.
In the 19th century, some vine diseases attacked the area, like powdery mildew (oidium), in 1852, and Phylloxera, in 1863.
As for table wine, it was always produced in the region, but for a long time, it was mainly sold inside it. The farms in the region were focused on the production and export of only Port wine since it was the unique regional product for the external buyers and these had little interest in the other wines produced there. Even though the wines were of good quality, this discouraged the producers from using their grapes to produce table wine of better quality.
This was until Fernando Nicolau de Almeida, an oenologist of the Ferreira Port house, decided to create his own table wine. For this, he visited Bordeaux during World War II to gain inspiration. Finally, in 1952, the wine Barca Velha was first produced on the Quinta do Vale de Meão in the Douro Superior sub-region.
At first, it was hard getting people to buy it outside of Portugal since most Port houses continued to produce Port wine. But in the 70s, some Douro table wines started to appear, and finally, in the 90s there was a boom, mainly due to Portugal entering the EEC (European Economic Community, now the European Union) and the Port houses monopoly losing their monopoly on the Douro valley. This made so that new producers started to invest in the region and make their own wines and the Port houses started to have table wines on their shelves.
In 2001, this region became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Grapes of Douro
Photo by Maksym Kaharlytskyi on Unsplash
The main grape varieties in this region are:
Red Grapes: Bastardo, Mourisco tinto, Tinta Amarela, Tinta Barroca, Tinta Cão, Tinta Roriz (the same as Spain’s Tempranillo), Touriga Francesa and Touriga Nacional
White Grapes: Donzelinho branco, Gouveio, Malvasia Fina, Rabigato, and Viosinho
In the old days, the grape varieties were not that well studied, with the norm being mixed varieties plantations since the farmers didn’t know which grape varieties they were growing.
However, in the 1970s, the Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Touriga Francesa, Tinta Cão, and Tinta Barroca were identified as the best red wine grape varieties. This was very important since the producers now knew what type of grapes to use to get better quality wines. This gave rise to better Douro wines, including the very well-known Port wines. Nowadays, most of the great quality productions cultivate single-variety vineyards and focus on specific varieties, as to be specialized in those. But you can still find mixed production in the old vineyards, which still continue to produce.
The Region and Climate of Douro
The Douro region is, as the name implies, around the Douro river valley, as well as on the valleys of the Douro tributaries of Varosa, Corgo, Távora, Torto, and Pinhão.
It is divided into 3 subregions:
Baixo Corgo (Below Corgo): this region has a mild climate and is rainier. It has 14.000 hectares of vineyards (around 35.000 acres) and besides being the subregion that was planted first, it is considered the one that has fewer quality wines.
Cima Corgo (Above Corgo): it’s the largest one, with around 19.000 hectares (47.000 acres) of vineyards. Its main city is the town of Pinhão and its famous for being the home to the famous vineyards of Port wine on the river banks.
Douro Superior (“Upper Douro”): with around 8.700 hectares (21.000 acres) of cultivated wine fields, it’s the one with less cultivated space, but the largest subzone in overall area. This is probably because it was the region that was most recently planted and is still in the process of being expanded. However, it is considered to have one of the best quality wines, especially its red wines. It has the hottest and driest climate and goes all the way until the Spanish border.
Overall, the region has a continental climate, with hot and dry summers and cold winters, since it is sheltered from the winds coming from the Ocean by the Marão and Montemuro mountains.
The view is packed with terraced vineyards with many of them being dedicated to the production of Port wine, these ones are usually planted on schist-based soils while the table wine production is usually on granite.
Port Wine
Photo by Bruno Martins on Unsplash
We can’t talk about Douro wine without talking about Port wine. This is probably the most famous Portuguese wine, and it’s not even a table wine!
It’s a fortified wine, usually sweet and served in small glasses. It is much heavier than a normal wine and it has an alcohol percentage of around 19-20% (this being the reason it is served in small glasses).
It’s very famous all around the world, especially in Britain, and with many countries having their own Port-inspired wine. Normally, it’s served as a digestif, this is, after meals, but if it’s a tawny or white port it can be served as an aperitif, meaning ‘before meals’.
Port wine was the main production of the Douro region until very recently when many Port houses decided to invest in professionally made table Douro wine, so it is a wine dilled with history, besides its already unique flavor.
Douro Wine Suggestions: Best Wines in Douro
If you are looking for Port wine, these are the brands that you can confidently look for knowing you will get a good one:
Graham’s
Ferreira
Dow
Quinta do Vallado
Taylor’s
Quinta da Pacheca
Offley
Niepoort
Sandeman
If what you are looking for is a nice Douro table wine, these are some of the brands that you can look for:
Burmester
Porca de Murça
Gaivosa
Casa Amarela
Quinta da Pacheca
Barca Velha
Papa Figos
Vinhas Velhas
Quinta do Romeu
And many many others
According to Vivino, a website for wine review, in 2021 these were the top 25 Douro wines:
Quinta Do Crasto Reserva Vinhas Velhas 2017
Casa Ferreirinha Castas Escondidas Douro 2018
Brites Aguiar Bafarela Grande Reserva 2019
Quinta Nova De Nossa Senhora Do Carmo Grainha Reserva 2019
Roquette & Cazes Douro 2018
Quinta Nova De Nossa Senhora Do Carmo Douro Tinto (Colheita Unoaked) 2019
Quinta Do Vale Meão Meandro Douro Tinto 2019
Prats & Symington (P+S) Post Scriptum (De Chryseia) Douro 2019
Quinta Do Vesuvio Pombal Do Vesuvio Douro 2018
Quinta Do Crasto Crasto Superior Red 2017
Quinta Nova De Nossa Senhora Do Carmo Reserva Terroir Blend 2018
Ramos Pinto Duas Quintas Tinto 2018
CARM Douro Tinto 2018
Quinta Do Noval Cedro Do Noval 2018
100 Hectares Touriga Nacional 2019
Casa Ferreirinha Papa Figos Douro 2019
Brites Aguiar Bafarela Reserva 2019
Pacheca Raizes Velhas 2019
Symington Vale Do Bomfim 2019
Quinta Do Vallado Tinto 2020
Lavradores De Feitoria Estrada Reserva 2018
Quinta De Ventozelo Reserva Tinto 2019
Quinta Nova De Nossa Senhora Do Carmo Pomares Tinto 2019
This tour allows you to enjoy a wine tasting, visit 2 wine estates, try traditional specialties at a renowned local restaurant, sightsee the UNESCO World Heritage Douro region and go on a boat cruise on a traditional ‘rabelo’ boat, all in a one day tour from Porto.
By visiting the beautiful towns of Amarante, Régua, and Pinhão, you will discover all the history of the Douro Valley and of Port Wine. You will see the incredible vineyards on the hills and visit a wine estate to taste Port wine.
Experience the magic scenery of the Douro Valley on a day trip to Porto. You will taste three wine types as you go through two different wine estates and have a wonderful lunch on one of them with a view of the vineyards. After that, you will be able to relax on a River Cruise in Pinhão through the wonderful Douro River.
The capital of Portugal, Lisbon gets over 4 million tourists a year for a reason. One of the oldest cities in Western Europe, Lisbon is a cosmopolitan city filled with historical heritage, culture, and architecture that will leave a mark to remember. From the iconic calçada Portuguesa (cobbled streets) to the lively streets of Bairro Alto, Lisbon’s environment provides a comforting experience that will make you feel at home. If you’re planning your next visit to the Portuguese capital and wanting to avoid the “tourist traps”, we have got you covered. Lisbon has a variety of activities for tourists to enjoy, from monuments to wine tastings in a range of prices to accommodate all visitors. Here are the 10 best things to do in Lisbon.
1. Try some of the best wines in the world
Photo by Kevin Kelly (Unsplash)
Portugal is home to one of the first wine-producing regions of the world and has some of the highest quality wines in the world. Lisbon has wine bars at every corner with incredibly affordable prices where you can try out unique flavors, from port wine to red wine. This is the perfect activity for an afternoon, where you can have wines paired with regional cheeses and bread. We recommend booking this 3-hour tasting where you’ll get to try Portuguese pastries, cheese, and wines from the Alentejo. For a premium experience, book this tasting where you’ll get to taste five different artisanal kinds of cheese, sausages, and ham, as well as five Portuguese wines. For a super cheap option, visit the Wines of Portugal Tasting Room in Terreiro do Paço. This is a large modern tasting room with shared tables and wine starting at €1.
The São Jorge Castle is located at the top of the city in Santa Maria Maior. A part of the castle was built in the fifth century by the Visigoths which was made larger by the Moors in the eleventh century. It was then officially made into the Royal Palace in the twelfth century during the reign of Afonso I of Portugal. The palace was later on restored in 1938 by the dictatorship of Salazar to look the way it is presented now. Tourists can visit the castle complex which consists of the castle itself, the ruins of the royal palace, gardens, and a terraced square with panoramic views of the city. A ticket to visit costs between €5 and €10. You can also pay a little extra to skip the line.
3. Taste traditional Portuguese cuisine
Sardines. Photo by Alex Teixeira (Unsplash)
Lisbon’s food scene is renowned all over Europe. If you visit the capital, you must explore traditional restaurants called tascas (taverns). These provide a relaxing environment where you can try out some cheap traditional Portuguese food for anywhere between €10 and €15. Our favorite tascas are Zé dos Cornos, 1 de Maio, and Alfaia.
We recommend ordering the following:
Pastel de Nata. Photo by Samantha Gollnick (Unsplash)
Bifana (pork sandwich)
Sardinhas (sardines)
Frango de churrasco piri-piri (piri-piri chicken)
Bacalhau (codfish)
Polvo à la lagareiro (octopus)
Bitoque (thin steak)
Secretos de porco preto (Iberico pig)
Caldo verde (green soup)
Cozido à portuguesa (meat stew)
Pastel de nata (custard tart)
Baba de camelo (camel drool or condensed milk mousse)
Arroz doce (rice pudding)
Bolo de bolacha (portuguese biscuit cake)
Also, make sure to stop by Pastéis de Belem where the traditional Portuguese custard tart was first invented. The recipe from this place is a secret. You´ll have to wait in line, but it is so worth it.
4. Ride the Santa Justa lift
Santa Justa Lift. Photo by Lucie Capkova (Unsplash)
The Elevador de Santa Justa is located in the center of Lisbon and was completed in 1902 by Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard, an architecture student of the man who built the Eiffel Tower. 45 meters tall, the lift has a similar design to the Eiffel Tower and was built to connect the lower streets of Baixa to the Carmo Square for locals to have an easier passage. Today, it is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Lisbon as visitors can ride the elevator to enjoy the view of the Baixa Pombalina. The Santa Justa Lift is decorated in a Neo-Gothic style in dark iron which represents a construction style of the 1900s. At the time, elevators such as these were considered largely innovative and reflective of the modern age.
Do not Lisbon’s location go to waste. The capital is close to stunning towns and cities that are perfect for a day trip such as Cascais and Sintra. We recommend visiting Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site close to Lisbon. Sintra is only a 30-minute drive from Lisbon or a 45-minute train from Oriente station (around €2). One of the most iconic palaces in Portugal, Pena Palance is located in Sintra. The palace is designed in a romanticist style, painted in multiple colors to make you feel like you are witnessing a fairytale. Purchase your entrance ticket here to skip the line, with a free cancellation option.
Another historical building you must visit in Sintra is the Castle of the Moors, only a ten-minute walk from Pena Palace. This castle was built by the Moors in the 8th and 9th centuries and provides a stunning 360 view of Sintra. Buy your ticket here to skip the line at the entrance.
Castle of the Moors. Photo by Mark Lawson (Unsplash)
The Quinta da Regaleira is another great spot to visit, a farm designed in the early 1900s with overgrown gardens, caves, and romantic architecture.
A 40-minute train ride from Cais do Sodré (around €2), Cascais is located on the Portuguese Riviera and is one of the most well-funded and richest municipalities in Portugal. Cascais is known for its luxurious restaurants, hotels, and nice beaches. Although you can drive to Cascais, taking the train along the riviera provides gorgeous sea views. We recommend visiting Estoril, home to the largest casino in Europe, one station before Cascais. After that, get back on the train to Cascais for 5 more minutes. Then, walk for a minute toward “Frederico Arouca” street. This is essentially the high street with the major stores, as well as smaller vendors selling Portuguese souvenirs. You should also explore the City Hall of Cascais in “Praça 5 de Outubro” that overlooks a small beach called “Praia da Baía de Cascais”. The Citadel of Cascais is also a few minutes away, a set of fortifications built between the fifteenth and seventeenth-century to defend the Cascais coastline and protect Lisbon.
The city of Lisbon’s nightlife is some of the best in all of Europe. However, for a good night out, it’s important to avoid the tourist traps and know the best places to go. But first, let’s go through the nightlife culture in Lisbon. In all of Portugal really, you start at a few bars until at least 1 to 2 am. Only then do you go to your favorite club for some dancing! If you’re looking for an early night and want to enter a club earlier, it will be empty. Clubs usually close anywhere between 7 and 8 am. Also, be prepared to smell like an ashtray the morning after. Although smoking inside indoor public spaces is forbidden, this is not enforced.
Our favorite bar in Lisbon is O Palheta in Cais do Sodré for some traditional outdoor drinking the “Lisboeta” way. You can expect good music, cool vinyl records, and cheap drinks. You can always choose to have a drink inside, but it is common for Portuguese people to enjoy their beer outside and the streets are usually filled with people. If you’re looking to bar hop, just head on to the main streets of Bairro alto and you´ll see hundreds of people drinking outside cheap bars. If you stick to beer, any of these are good options.
If you’re looking for something trendy and a bit more expensive, head to Park bar in Bairro Alto, a rooftop bar at the top of a regular parking garage. You’ll be surprised to see one of the best views of Lisbon and a terrace filled with greenery and wooden tables.
Bar in Lisbon. Photo by Kawasaki Toshihiro (Unsplash)
If you’re ready to head out to a club, our favorites are Lux Fragil, Lust in Rio, and Trumps. Lux Fragil in Santa Apolónia, opened in 1991 and has a view of the Tagus river from its rooftop terrace. Major DJs from all over Europe play in Lux every week and the club mostly plays techno, especially downstairs.
Lust in Rio is known for its “Swag On” night every Wednesday where hip-hop is played. In the summer, this club is completely outdoors and overlooks the river. The club offers a VIP section that often is filled with football players and celebrities.
Trumps in Príncipe Real is one of the largest gay clubs in Portugal and has been open since the 1980s. The club is mostly full on Saturday nights and plays house and dance music, as well as pop. They also have drag queen nights. The club is also very popular with straight women. The club also hosts art exhibitions showcasing queer art during the day.
It is rare to find a cosmopolitan city that is so close to the beach. Lisbon is only 15 minutes away from the sea and you can get there by public transportation. And you won’t be going to just any beaches, Lisbon has some of the best beaches in Europe, perfect for a city break. Costa da Caparica is only 20 minutes away, an area with some of the best beaches in Greater Lisbon. Another alternative is going to Cascais or Sintra, where there are fewer busy beaches with loads of space.
Praia do Guincho, Cascais. Photo by Manuel Inglez (Unsplash)
The Oceanário de Lisboa in Parque das Nações, the city ‘s aquarium, is one of the largest in Europe. This place has over 8,000 creatures from 500 species, making it the perfect activity for a date or family day. Over 17 million visitors from 140 countries have visited the aquarium since it opened in 1998. Every year, over 1 million people visit the aquarium.
Fish at Oceanario de Lisboa. Photo by Bobo Boom (Flickr)
The Oceanário de Lisboa is divided into 4 separate bodies of water, representing the North Atlantic, Antarctic, Temperate Pacific, and Tropical Indian Ocean. From cute otters to sharks, this aquarium has every animal you want to see. Buy your ticket here to skip the line at the entrance and enjoy free cancellation.
9. Enjoy the view from a miradouro
They say the best things in life are free and Lisbon’s miradouros agree. Miradouros are city lookout points where you get beautiful panoramic views of Lisbon. You’ll always find people listening to music and drinking beer on the hundreds of miradouros in the city. Grab a bottle of wine and some cheese to enjoy the sunset. You’ll also find some small kiosks that sell drinks and coffee next to miradouros. Wondering which miradouros have the best views and environment? Our favorite lookout spots are Miradouro de Santa Luzia in Alfama, Miradouro da Graça, and Miradouro de Santa Catarina.
Miradouro das Portas do Sol. Photo by Theo Crazzolara (Flickr)
10. Discover fado culture in Alfama
Alfama. Photo by Veronika Jorjobert (Unsplash)
Have you ever heard of fado? Fado is a traditional music style that became known in the old neighborhoods of Lisbon such as Alfama. This style of music was sung in taverns, beginning in the 19th century. The most famous fado singer is Lisbon born Amália Rodrigues, one of the largest names in fado, becoming known all over the world in the 1950s. Today, tourists can discover the world of fado in various areas of Lisbon, but the best “fado houses” are located in Alfama. Visitors can enjoy a nice dinner while listening to a fado singer. Book this guided tour in Alfama to learn about the origins of fado and experience an iconic fado house. This live fado show in Chiado, Lisbon is also a great option, a 50-minute performance featuring 2 fado singers and 2 guitarists. There are also many great options including Fado in Chiado, Clube de Fado and Parreirinha de Alfama. You can always also ask the locals where to go.
Take a look at our full guide on the city of Lisbon, from restaurants, hotels, to activities, we have everything you need to know about the Portuguese capital.
The Mundo dos Sonhos association is raising the 35 thousand euros left to cover the flight costs of bringing Ukrainian family members of those already safe in Portugal. The EuroAtlantic flight will take 262 refugees from the city of Lublin in Poland to Lisbon.
The plane to Poland will not go empty, containing over 50 tons of donations, including food and health products. The founder of Mundo dos Sonhos, Carina Freire told CNN Portugal that with the number of requests for refuge in Portugal, she could fill a second plane.
The association has also sorted out accommodation in an inactive hotel for the arrival of the 262 Ukrainian refugees, as many family members do not have the conditions to house them. This project is in collaboration with the Ukrainian Association in Portugal, the Ukrainian embassy in Portugal, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who will deal with the necessary documents.
During the weekend, lines of cars filled gas stations as drivers prepared to fill up their tanks in expectation of a rise in fuel prices. However, the increase was worse than expected as fuel prices in Portugal have risen to over 2 euros a liter on Monday. This is the sharpest fuel price increase in a week to ever happen in the country, according to CNN Portugal. This means that depending on your car, you might need 100 euros to fill your tank up, according to RTP.
Gasoline remains more expensive than diesel as usual, although experts predicted the opposite would happen. Gasoline prices increased by around 11 cents and diesel prices increased by 15,5 cents, depending on the gas station. Experts had predicted an increase of 8 and 11 cents for the respective fuel types.
The Portuguese government has implemented measures to help mitigate the increase in fuel prices. For example, Portuguese residents can make use of the government’s Autovoucher increase from 5 to 20 euros until the 30th of June for some relief. In January, the government had already temporarily decreased the tax on fuel (ISP) by 2 cents for gasoline and 1 center for diesel. This is in place until the end of April, according to the Diario de Noticias.
Parties from the center to the right are calling on the Prime Minister to reduce the ISP even further. Many are crossing the border to Spain to fill up their thanks as prices remain cheaper than in Portugal due to a lower fuel tax. The difference in price can be larger than 50 cents per liter, according to CNN Portugal. Portugal’s fuel tax remains higher than the EU average, but countries such as the Netherlands, France, and Italy have an even higher fuel tax.
The increase in prices comes as a result of the war in Ukraine. As the European Union sanctions Russia, countries lose access to the world’s third-largest petroleum producer.
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