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D7 vs Golden Visa: Which Route to Portugal Is Right for You in 2025?

Becky Gillespie
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D7 vs Golden Visa: Which Route to Portugal Is Right for You in 2025?

If you are considering Portugal, whether to retire, relocate, invest, or simply secure a “Plan B,” you are far from alone. Portugal remains one of the most attractive countries in Europe thanks to its quality of life, excellent healthcare, safety, tax benefits, and EU access.

The big question for many is: which visa is right for me, the D7 or the Golden Visa? Both can lead to residency and citizenship, but they serve very different goals.

The D7 Visa: For Those Ready to Build a Life Here

Often called the “passive income visa,” the D7 is aimed at people who can support themselves through pensions, rental income, dividends, royalties, or remote work.

Think of the D7 as the visa for a full-time life in Portugal. To qualify, you must show a stable passive income of at least €870 per month in 2025 for a single applicant, with higher thresholds for dependents. In return, you commit to living in Portugal for at least 183 days a year.

The benefits are clear. You become a tax resident, you gain access to healthcare, your children can enter the education system, and after five years you can apply for permanent residency or citizenship.

For retirees and remote workers who want to immerse themselves in Portuguese life, this is often the simplest and most affordable option.

The Golden Visa: Residency through Investment

Launched in 2012, the Golden Visa was designed to attract foreign investment. Real estate was phased out in 2023, so the program now focuses on other qualifying options such as:

  • €500,000 in an approved investment fund
  • €250,000 in cultural heritage or the arts (lower thresholds apply in some regions)
  • €500,000 in scientific research
  • Job creation through a company in Portugal

The main attraction of the Golden Visa is the flexibility. You are only required to spend seven days in Portugal in the first year and fourteen days in every two-year renewal period. This makes it ideal if you want the security of EU residency but are not ready to move full-time.

It does require significant capital, between €250,000 and €500,000 depending on the route. However, for many investors and families, the minimal stay requirement makes this an attractive option. 

Key Differences

  • Purpose: The Golden Visa is tailored for investors who want maximum flexibility. It allows you to secure Portuguese residency without committing to living there full-time, making it ideal for busy professionals, frequent travelers, or those who value international mobility. By contrast, the D7 visa is designed for individuals who plan to relocate to Portugal permanently and can demonstrate passive income.
  • Financial Criteria: With the Golden Visa, applicants qualify through an eligible investment ranging from €250,000 to €500,000, depending on the route chosen. This transforms your capital into a residency pathway while also offering potential returns from real estate, funds, or cultural projects. The D7 visa, however, requires proof of stable passive income of around €870 per month. While lower in cost, this ties eligibility to ongoing income streams, which can be restrictive compared to the one-time investment approach of the Golden Visa.
  • Residency Requirements: One of the Golden Visa’s greatest strengths is its flexibility: holders only need to spend 14 days in Portugal within a two-year period, making it one of the most time-efficient residency options in Europe. In contrast, the D7 visa requires maintaining Portugal as a primary residence, with long-term physical presence obligations that may not suit investors who value global mobility.
  • Tax Implications: Golden Visa applicants often structure their residency to optimize tax planning, as the minimal physical stay requirement reduces the likelihood of becoming a Portuguese tax resident. This allows many investors to enjoy the benefits of residency while avoiding heavier tax exposure. D7 visa holders, by living in Portugal full-time, are more likely to become tax residents, which can lead to worldwide income being taxed unless exemptions are applied.
  • Path to Citizenship: Both the Golden Visa and the D7 visa lead to permanent residency after five years, and both currently allow for citizenship after the same period. The key difference lies in the level of commitment required: Golden Visa holders can reach this milestone with minimal time spent in Portugal, while D7 visa holders must maintain continuous residence. Although parliamentary debates have considered extending the citizenship timeline to ten years for most applicants (and seven for CPLP nationals), the Golden Visa remains the more attractive, low-commitment pathway to European citizenship.

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose the D7 Visa if you want to live in Portugal full-time, you can demonstrate reliable income, and you are happy to become a tax resident.

Choose the Golden Visa if you prefer flexibility, you have investment capital, and you want the benefits of EU residency without committing to long stays.

Both visas remain strong in 2025, but rules can change quickly. The citizenship timeline, in particular, is under review and could extend in the near future. For that reason, getting clear advice before you apply is crucial.

Whether you dream of retiring by the sea, working remotely under the sun, or investing strategically while keeping your global freedom, we’re here to cut through the complexity and help you make the choice that’s right for you and your family.

Ready to Learn More?

If you’re ready to learn about the D7 vs. Golden Visa in more detail, join us for a webinar where we’ll compare Portugal’s most popular visas side by side – so you can clearly see which path best fits your future.

Join the webinar – Register Now

10 Events You Must Attend in Porto, October 2025

mihaelagutu
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0
10 Events You Must Attend in Porto, October 2025

Coming to Porto this October? We have to compliment you on an excellent choice. The city feels especially alive in autumn. Its historic streets glow with warm light, the Douro River reflects golden sunsets, and the cafés buzz with locals escaping the first cool evenings.

Porto has always been a city of culture and celebration, and this month is no exception. The October calendar is filled with events that highlight both tradition and innovation from music and cinema to food festivals and marathons. In short, you’ll find plenty of reasons to fall in love with Porto all over again, whether you’re here for a weekend or longer!

As such, here are 10 of the best events to attend in Porto in October 2025.

1. Epopeia das Águas – A Comedy About Public Space

When: October 1-5, 2025

Where: O LUGAR da Palmilha Dentada, Tv. das Águas 125

How much: Reservations required

What happens when everyday stories from your neighborhood turn into theater? That’s the spirit behind Epopeia das Águas, a comedy created by Teatro da Palmilha Dentada together with the residents of Travessa das Águas in Porto. Based on real interviews, it transforms daily life and the quirks of public space into a witty, engaging performance.

Directed by Rodrigo Santos and supported by Junta de Freguesia do Bonfim and Porto City Council, the show blends humor with local identity, which makes it both entertaining and deeply connected to its community. So, it’s perfect for anyone who is curious about how theater can spring directly from the streets themselves. It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about locals and Portuguese culture.

2. Cartão-postal… Escrever, Presentear e Circular #8

When: October 8 and 22, 2025

Where: Casa do Infante, Gabinete do Tempo, R. da Alfândega 10

How much: Free (registration required)

When was the last time you sent or received a postcard? This free writing workshop, led by Norma Pott and Jorge Velhote, invites you to rediscover the charm of handwritten communication in an age dominated by screens! Under the theme “Escrever, presentear e circular,” the workshop blends the classic and the contemporary, encouraging creativity through the simple act of writing, gifting, and sharing postcards!

The sessions promise both nostalgia and surprise and show how a small card can carry big meaning. It’s certainly a must-try for those who love writing, value personal connections, or simply want to experience a slower, more thoughtful way of communicating!

Events in Porto in October 2025
Porto. Photo by Serge Le Strat (Unsplash)

3. Corte Liminal – Teresa Adão Fonseca

When: October 1-31, 2025

Where: Vidro Duplo, Rua de Sobreiras, 516

How much: Free admission

How can a single suspended piece of paper hold memory, body, and nature all at once? Corte Liminal, the new exhibition by Teresa Adão Fonseca (TAF), does exactly that! Using paper as a translucent body of water and pigment, the work plays with light and shadow, material, and immaterial. It invites visitors into an in-between space where time seems to pause.

Born in Porto, TAF is a multidisciplinary artist whose practice reflects her travels and studies abroad, blending poetics of space, time, and femininity. Awarded the 2024 Viana de Lima Prize for academic excellence, she now returns to her hometown with a meditative piece that feels both delicate and powerful. This exhibition is a quiet gem for anyone drawn to contemporary art and reflection!

4. Um Ano no Parque

When: October 1-31, 2025

Where: Parque de Serralves, R. Dom João de Castro 210

How much: Ticket prices vary

What if you could witness the passing of seasons captured in silence? Um Ano no Parque, inspired by Jorge Sarmento’s book with the same name, invites you to contemplate time, memory, and nature through photography. Set in the iconic Parque de Serralves, the exhibition reveals the subtle, unpredictable beauty of a living landscape in constant transformation – almost like you’d witness Monet capturing the passing of time in his paintings!

The installation unfolds like a Möbius strip: on one side, the physical presence of the book, a permanent imprint of light and matter; on the other, the fleeting essence that escapes the page, extending into space and memory. Sarmento’s photographs go beyond documentation and act as bridges between the visible and invisible. Ultimately, it’s a poetic journey into the cycles of nature and our place within them.

Things to do in Porto in October 2025
Porto. Photo by Ricardo Resende (Unsplash)

5. Cenários Futuros – Multimedia Exhibition

When: October 2, 3, 4, 2025

Where: Adega, Pele, Tv. Granja 176

How much: Free admission

What does nature look like in the age of the Anthropocene? Cenários Futuros tackles this urgent question through a multimedia installation shaped by artists Carina Moutinho, Carolina Ribeiro, Fernando Almeida, Paulo César Silva, Rodrigo Malvar, and Tito Mouraz. Developed in a rural setting, the project reflects on how human activity has become a geological force, blurring the boundaries between the natural and the artificial.

Through sound, image, and immersive design, the exhibition explores landscapes that are anything but untouched, as they are affected by climate change, consumption, pollution, and shifting ecosystems. You are invited to listen, observe, and experience a symbolic crossing where nature, culture, and society intertwine…a thought-provoking journey into the paradoxes of our present.

6. The Jury Experience – An Immersive Trial

When: October 23, 2025

Where: Auditório Francisco de Assis, Rua do Amial 478

How much: 17-42 EUR

Ever wondered what it feels like to be part of a jury and decide someone’s fate? The Jury Experience puts you right in the middle of a gripping courtroom drama, where your judgment will determine the outcome. Over the course of an hour, you’ll hear testimonies, examine forensic evidence, and wrestle with moral dilemmas that test your sense of justice.

Recommended for ages 12 and up, this immersive theater experience is intense, thought-provoking, and highly interactive. Whether you leave convinced of guilt or innocence, one thing is certain: the responsibility, and the tension, will rest squarely on your shoulders. It’s perfect for those who love theater that doesn’t just entertain, but makes you part of the story!

October events in Porto
Porto. Photo by Murilo Silva (Unsplash)

7. It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley – Documentary Screening

When: October 4, 2025

Where: Cinema Trindade, Rua do Almada 412

How much: 9 EUR

What happens when a voice that seemed eternal is silenced too soon? It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley explores the short yet incandescent life of one of the most enigmatic musicians of the 1990s. Combining never-before-seen footage with the moving testimonies of the women who knew him best, the documentary reveals the brilliance, fragility, and mystery behind the man whose debut album reshaped modern rock.

Presented by BADLANDS, this intimate film is a haunting meditation on artistry, love, and loss. In short, it’s a must-see for music lovers and Jeff Buckley fans.

8. La Bohème – Giacomo Puccini’s Timeless Opera

When: October 10, 2025

Where: Coliseu Porto Ageas, R. de Passos Manuel 137

How much: 15-45 EUR

Few works capture the beauty and tragedy of youth quite like Puccini’s La Bohème. This celebrated opera returns to the grand stage of Coliseu Porto Ageas, bringing with it a story of love, passion, and heartbreak in 19th-century Paris. Through unforgettable orchestration, the tale of Mimi and Rodolfo unfolds, a fragile romance overshadowed by poverty and illness.

Considered one of the greatest operas ever composed, La Bohème resonates as strongly today as it did at its premiere. And on October 10, you have the incredible chance to witness Puccini’s masterpiece in one of Porto’s most iconic concert halls!

Events in October in Porto
Porto. Photo by Weliton Soranzo (Unsplash)

9. Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars – David Bowie on the Big Screen

When: October 5 and 22, 2025

Where: Batalha Centro de Cinema, Praça da Batalha 47

How much: 5 EUR

Step into 1973 and relive the night when Ziggy Stardust said goodbye. Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars captures David Bowie’s legendary farewell concert at London’s Hammersmith Odeon, an electrifying performance that defined an era. Created by D.A. Pennebaker, the concert film immortalizes this pivotal moment: the strangeness, the glamour, and the raw power of an artist who transformed music and style forever.

On the big screen at Batalha, surrounded by fellow fans, you’ll feel the shock and elation of Ziggy’s final bow, a cinematic time capsule that takes you straight into the heart of glam rock history.

10. Os Azeitonas – 20 Years Anniversary Concert

When: October 2, 2025

Where: Coliseu Porto Ageas, R. de Passos Manuel 137

How much: 15-90 EUR

Twenty years, countless songs, and a loyal following later, Os Azeitonas, one of Portugal’s most celebrated pop rock bands, are celebrating two decades of music with a very special concert in Porto! Known for their feel-good melodies and ability to capture everyday Portuguese life in song, the band has carved out a unique place in the national pop-rock scene.

This anniversary show promises to be a journey through their greatest hits and fan favorites, a celebration of the energy and stories that have kept audiences singing along for two decades. So, if you’ve ever hummed one of their catchy lines (or even if you haven’t but want to learn more about the Portuguese culture), this is where you’ll want to be on October 2.

10 Events You Must Attend in Lisbon, October 2025

mihaelagutu
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10 Events You Must Attend in Lisbon, October 2025

Coming to Lisbon this October? Your timing couldn’t be better!

The city shines under warm autumn light, with sunny days, cooler evenings, and just the right amount of breeze off the Tagus. It’s the season when Lisbon feels both vibrant and relaxed: the smell of coffee fills the streets, people still gather (without too much of a chill in the air) to catch golden sunsets over the hills, and the cultural calendar is bursting with surprises.

From music and film to food festivals and open-air celebrations, there’s no shortage of reasons to fall in love with the city this month! As such, here are 10 of the best events to attend in Lisbon in October 2025.

1. Japan: Festivities and Traditions

When: October 1-31, 2025

Where: Museu do Oriente, Doca de Alcântara Norte, Av. Brasília 352

How much: From €8

Ever wondered how Japan celebrates the New Year or honors fertility rituals that date back centuries?

This immersive exhibition at the Museu do Oriente takes you straight to the heart of Japanese tradition. It features over 1,500 objects ranging from altars and statuettes to detailed recreations of cult spaces. It’s a fascinating blend of Shinto, Buddhist, and Christian influences, all under one roof.

This is perfect for culture lovers looking to spend a few hours exploring a world of rituals and celebrations without leaving Lisbon.

2. Deconstructing Colonialism, Decolonizing the Imaginary

When: October 1-31, 2025

Where: National Museum of Ethnology, Avenida Ilha da Madeira

How much: To be confirmed

How do you confront history while opening space for new perspectives? That’s exactly what this exhibition at the National Museum of Ethnology sets out to do.

Conceived by historian Isabel Castro Henriques and a team of researchers, it explores Portuguese colonialism in Africa during the 19th and 20th centuries, challenging the myths created by colonial ideology.

The exhibition unfolds along two axes: thematic panels that trace colonial history through text and image and a selection of 139 African works of art that give voice to diverse cultures and perspectives. With film screenings, talks, and a travelling program, it’s a rare opportunity to reflect on Portugal’s past and its legacy today!

3. The CHPR Collection in Dialogue

Casa das Histórias Paula Rego
Casa das Histórias Paula Rego. Photo source: Wikimedia Commons, L’Éclipse

When: October 1-26, 2025

Where: Casa das Histórias Paula Rego, Av. da República 300, Cascais

How much: From €5

Fifteen years ago, the striking red Casa das Histórias Paula Rego opened in Cascais. It quickly became a landmark dedicated to Portugal’s most celebrated contemporary artist. To mark this anniversary, the museum presents The CHPR Collection in Dialogue, an exhibition showcasing key works while sparking new conversations around Paula Rego’s bold, imaginative world.

Internationally acclaimed for her story-like paintings that weave fairy-tale imagery with sharp social commentary, Rego’s art both challenges and enchants. This exhibition doesn’t just celebrate her legacy; it highlights how her work continues to resonate today. So, whether you’re discovering Rego for the first time or revisiting her brilliance, it’s a rare opportunity to explore her vision in the very museum created to honor her.

4. Vivienne Westwood: O Salto da Tigresa

When: October 1-12, 2025

Where: MUDE – Museu do Design, R. Augusta 24

How much: To be confirmed

Few designers have left a mark on fashion history quite like Vivienne Westwood. Known as the “queen of punk” and a constant provocateur, she combined rebellion with a deep love of history, pulling from the 18th century to the raw street fashion of the 1970s.

O Salto da Tigresa, inspired by philosopher Walter Benjamin’s concept of “The Tiger’s Leap,” brings together around 50 pieces, including clothing, accessories, illustrations, and photography.

You’ll discover how Westwood subverted symbols of British culture, reimagined traditional tailoring, and infused historical references into bold, avant-garde designs. The exhibition captures both her playfulness and her razor-sharp critique of convention – from opulent brocade silks to punk-era statements.

In short, it’s a must-see for anyone passionate about fashion, art, or cultural identity.

5. BoCA – Biennial of Contemporary Arts 2025

When: October 1-26, 2025

Where: Various locations in Lisbon, including Teatro do Bairro Alto, Museu Nacional de Arte Contemporânea do Chiado, Cinemateca Portuguesa, Sociedade Nacional de Belas Artes, Centro Cultural de Belém, and Teatro Nacional D. Maria II

How much: Ticket prices vary

Ready to see Lisbon transform into a stage where boundaries between art forms dissolve? That’s the spirit of BoCA 2025, returning for its 5th edition with an ambitious program that blurs the lines between visual arts, performance, music, film, and even science. This year’s theme, Camino Irreal, goes beyond tourist maps and official guides. Instead, it creates a path that pulses with artistic resistance and reinvention.

What makes this edition truly unique is its cross-border collaboration: Lisbon and Madrid host a shared program and turn the biennial into a bridge between two cultural capitals. With projects spread across some of Lisbon’s most iconic venues, expect a journey of experimentation and surprise at every turn. All in all, for art lovers who crave the unexpected, BoCA is one of the season’s absolute highlights!

6. ModaLisboa – Lisbon Fashion Week 2025

Things to do in Lisbon in October 2025
Lisbon. Photo by Sandra Grünewald (Unsplash)

When: October 1-5, 2025

Where: Pátio da Galé, Praça do Comércio nº 10

How much: Reservation required

Lisbon turns into a runway this October as ModaLisboa returns with its dazzling mix of creativity, boldness, and style. Since its launch in 1991, this event has been the heartbeat of Portuguese fashion, giving designers a professional stage to present their collections and shaping Lisbon’s international image as a fashion-forward capital.

Across five days, the city welcomes designers, brands, models, and journalists for a vibrant showcase of Spring/Summer trends that balance innovation with tradition. In short, expect audacious silhouettes, surprising fabrics, and an atmosphere that feels both festive and cutting-edge! And don’t underestimate its popularity. Tens of thousands of visitors come here every year…not just for the fashion, but for the energy that comes with seeing Portugal’s creative spirit take center stage.

So, if you want to witness Lisbon at its most glamorous, ModaLisboa is your front-row ticket!

7. French Film Festival 2025

When: October 2-12, 2025

Where: Various venues in Lisbon, including Cinema São Jorge (Av. da Liberdade 175, 1250-141 Lisboa) and Cinemateca Portuguesa (R. Barata Salgueiro 39)

How much: Ticket prices vary

Et voilà! The French Film Festival returns to Lisbon this October, filling cinemas across the city with the very best of French movies from long-awaited premieres to animated features and timeless classics! Without a doubt, the festival is a true celebration of storytelling on the big screen.

This event is definitely for every movie lover, whether you’re a fan of cutting-edge contemporary productions or curious to rediscover cinematic gems from the past. Plus, the screenings take place in iconic venues like Cinema São Jorge and the Cinemateca Portuguesa, so the experience is also about the atmosphere.

Ultimately, if you’re looking for a cozy autumn escape into the world of French culture while also exploring some of Lisbon’s most iconic cinematic venues, this festival is a perfect pick!

8. Lisbon Marathon 2025

October events in Lisbon
Lisbon. Photo by Artem Skokov (Unsplah)

When: October 25, 2025

Where: Starting points include Carcavelos, Vasco da Gama Bridge, and Parque das Nações

How much: Registration required (prices vary by race)

Ready to take on one of the world’s most scenic races? The Lisbon Marathon has been praised by Forbes, Huffington Post, and American Express as being one the most beautiful on the planet, and it’s quite easy to see why. The 42-km course begins in Carcavelos, continues along the Atlantic, and ends at the iconic Praça do Comércio.

Not up for the full marathon? The half marathon starts on the Vasco da Gama Bridge and offers a 21-km run into the city with sweeping views! There’s also an 8K mini marathon and “New Generation” races open to all ages!

9. Doclisboa – International Documentary Film Festival 2025

When: October 16-26, 2025

Where: Various venues in Lisbon

How much: Ticket prices vary

If you love stories rooted in reality, Doclisboa is the festival you can’t miss. Entirely dedicated to documentaries, it shines a spotlight on the very best of national and international productions from hard-hitting investigations to poetic portraits of everyday life. Every October, it turns Lisbon’s cinemas into meeting points for filmmakers, critics, and curious viewers eager to see the world through a different lens.

Expect premieres of standout films from the past season, as well as non-competitive programs and a retrospective of an internationally acclaimed director. With many titles screened for the first time in Portugal, Doclisboa is a chance to explore the reality of the world without leaving your seat.

10. Lisbon Architecture Triennale 2025 – How Heavy is a City?

When: October 2-31, 2025

Where: Various venues across Lisbon (details to be announced)

How much: Ticket prices vary

How do we measure a city? By its buildings, its people, or the weight of its impact on the planet? That’s the central question of the 7th Lisbon Architecture Triennale, How Heavy is a City? This edition opens a space designed for debate, speculation, and imagination, inviting us to rethink how architecture shapes our shared future.

Curated by Ann-Sofi Rönnskog and John Palmesino of the Territorial Agency, the Triennale unfolds through three research lines: Fluxes, Spectres, and Lighter, each resulting in an exhibition, book chapter, and talks. Scientists, philosophers, and artists join architects to explore the transformations of the Anthropocene and emerging forms of cooperation.

The Latest Apple AirPods Offer Translation of Portuguese Directly in Your Ears

Becky Gillespie
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0
The Latest Apple AirPods Offer Translation of Portuguese Directly in Your Ears

Imagine being in Lisbon or Porto, talking with someone who speaks only Spanish, French, German, or Portuguese, and understanding every sentence without needing to ask them to repeat, slow down, or translate themselves. That is the promise of Apple’s latest AirPods Pro 3 with Live Translation (available from September 19, 2025 for €249), a feature that uses artificial intelligence to translate spoken language in real time, directly through your earbuds.

Here’s what this means, why it matters in Portugal, and what you should know before trying it yourself.

What is Live Translation on AirPods

Apple has recently introduced a feature called Live Translation, part of its Apple Intelligence tools, that allows AirPods wearers to hear translations of speech as it happens. The earbuds pick up speech through their microphones, process it with the help of the iPhone running iOS 26 or later, and deliver the translation to the listener. At launch, the available languages are English, French, German, Portuguese, and Spanish. Additional languages like Chinese, Italian, Japanese, and Korean are expected later this year.

Why This Matters in Portugal

Portugal is a crossroads of languages and cultures, with millions of tourists arriving each year, large immigrant communities, and frequent business exchanges with Spain, France, Germany, and Portuguese speaking communities around the world. In this context, being able to understand people in real time without reaching for your phone could transform daily communication.

For those working in tourism, from hotels to restaurants and shops, Live Translation can create smoother and more personal interactions with visitors. In service industries such as construction, deliveries, or home repairs, the ability to bridge gaps between Portuguese and English or Spanish speakers will be able to help reduce misunderstandings. Students, teachers, and professionals will also benefit in classrooms or workplaces where multiple languages are spoken, granted the schools allow the use of smart phones. Even in casual conversations with neighbors or friends, the technology will be able to help make connections stronger by reducing the language barriers between them.

How Do These New AirPods Work?

To use Live Translation with AirPods, you need compatible hardware and software. That means AirPods Pro 2 or later, or AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation, paired with an iPhone that supports iOS 26. The languages you want to use must be downloaded in advance through the Translate app. While Apple plans to expand coverage, some features are not immediately available in every country or account region. It is also important to remember that this technology is still evolving. Although the translations are impressively accurate, the system can miss cultural context or emotional nuance that goes beyond words. Like any AI program, expect hiccups and delays at the beginning.

Getting started is straightforward. Open the AirPods case next to your iPhone and tap to pair. Update the iPhone to iOS 26 and turn on Apple Intelligence. Open the new Translate app and download the languages you want to use. Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, and English are available now, with more coming soon. Select the language being spoken and the language you want to hear. To activate the interpreter, press and hold both stems of the AirPods for a few seconds until you hear a tone, and then both people can begin talking. A transcript of the conversation appears in the Translate app while a voice reads the translation in your earbuds.

A recent iPhone such as the iPhone 15 Pro or a device from the 16 series is still required for Apple Intelligence. For the smoothest two-way experience, it helps when both people are wearing AirPods, although the feature can still be useful when only one person has earbuds, since many speakers are comfortable talking in their own language while understanding replies in English. 

Apple in Portugal

One important point for people in Portugal is that there is no official Apple Store in the country. Instead, Apple products are sold and serviced through authorized retailers and premium resellers. These stores provide warranty and support, but they are not directly operated by Apple. Prices may vary slightly compared to other countries, and the newest models are not always available as quickly as in markets with official Apple Stores. The closest Apple Store is in Madrid, Spain. For many Portuguese consumers, this means relying on online orders or authorized resellers for the latest technology, including the new AirPods with Live Translation.

Conclusion

The arrival of real-time translation in AirPods marks a major step in making artificial intelligence useful in everyday life. For people in Portugal, this has the potential to change how both locals and visitors communicate in a country where multiple languages constantly intersect. Whether for tourism, education, business, or casual conversation, Live Translation offers a new level of accessibility and ease. Even though Portugal does not yet have an official Apple Store, the technology is within reach through authorized resellers, and it promises to make communication simpler and faster. Are you excited to try these new AirPods in Portugal? Let us know in the comments!

9 Top Brunch Spots in Porto

Becky Gillespie
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9 Top Brunch Spots in Porto

Brunch in Porto has become quite the tradition, and there are a plethora of places to eat your eggs Benedict or blueberry pancakes in a beautiful setting. Like our brunch guide to Lisbon, we scoured the city for the best scrambled eggs, French toast, and mimosas to bring you what we hope will be a helpful guide to brunch around Portugal’s second city. This is not an exhaustive list, nor is it ranked from best to worst, but here are nine of our top brunch spots in Porto. 

1. Do Norte Café by Hungry Biker

Start your day off right in the heart of Porto with one of two spots on our list by Hungry Biker. Do Norte Café offers serves up generous portions of all that you’ve come to expect from brunch. Prices are reasonable, the staff are attentive, and the plates are innovative with options such as the pastrami salty waffles or “French toast Do Porto,” the café’s twist on Portuguese “rabanadas.” 

Why go? Big comfort, small bill, and all-day good vibes in the center.

Address – Rua do Almada 57/59
Phone – N/A
Opening Hours – Every day, 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM

2. Tomás Coffee Brunch

Tomás Coffee Brunch is about a 15-minute walk northeast of São Bento station and serves a huge vegetarian brunch, fluffy pancakes, and a smoked salmon platter that regulars swear by. The portions are generous, the owner is delightful, and the prices make it easy to become a repeat customer.

Why go? Friendly service and usually has no waiting time to get in due to not being right in the center of town

Address – Rua de Fernandes Tomás 355
Phone – +351 22 407 1728
Opening Hours – Friday–Monday, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm; Tuesday, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm; Closed Wednesday and Thursday

3. CA Downtown

Set just off a lively square, this crowd-pleaser nails the details: excellent coffee, quick service, and a brunch menu that swings from rich French toast to lighter plates. Prices are friendly for the location.

Why go? Service with a smile and standout French toast in the city center

Address – Praça de Carlos Alberto 89
Phone – +351 914 291 638
Opening Hours – Tuesday-Sunday, 8:15 AM – 4:30 PM, Closed Monday

4. Zenith

All-day brunch, a menu that covers shakshuka, tapioca, francesinha pancakes, and plenty of vegan options. The staff act as if they have all had power smoothies at the start of the day and will do their best to get you a table even if you don’t have a reservation. 

Why go? An all-day bruncher with range, great coffee, and an even better sangria jug.

Address – Praça de Carlos Alberto 86
Phone – +351 220 171 557
Opening Hours – Daily, 8:00 am – 6:00 pm

5. Floresta Café by Hungry Biker

This place is so popular that you should expect to wait for a seat at peak times and then break into a big smile once you’re seated due to the generous portions, good value for money, and attentive service. The Strawberry Fields toast is so tasty that you may find yourself wanting to stay forever. 

Why go? Filling portions, great value, and service that wins people over.

Address – R. das Flores 146
Phone – +351 912 100 591
Opening Hours – Monday–Saturday, 8:30 am – 4:00 pm; Sunday, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm

6. Morada Brunch

A cozy corner with welcoming staff and a menu that ranges from tapioca to a cheeky Francesinha plus pancakes and solid coffee. Simple, friendly, and well-priced for the historic center.

Why go? Warm hospitality and options for both classic brunch and iconic dishes from Porto.

Address – Rua das Taipas 72
Phone – +351 910 427 669
Opening Hours – Thursday–Tuesday, 8:00 am – 3:00 pm

7. Canvas Speciality Coffee and Brunch

A hidden gem that’s not really geared for big groups (word of warning). There is seating both inside and about four tables outside, and you may have to wait due to the small size of the café. Once you’ve been seated, your patience will be rewarded with delicious specialty coffee and yummy açaí bowls. 

Why go? Superb coffee and one of the only ice matches in town

Address – Av. de Rodrigues de Freitas 389
Phone – +351 933 823 828
Opening Hours – Daily, 8:00 am – 6:00 pm

8. Balta Brunch

Located down a quiet street, Balta offers excellent mushroom toast, delicious bagel sandwiches, and gluten-free bread. Prices are also reasonable enough to come back twice.

Why go? Relaxing brunch on a breezy hillside terrace is the perfect way to start your day

Address – R. do Dr. Barbosa de Castro 36
Phone – +351 912 017 727
Opening Hours – Monday–Saturday, 8:00 am – 3:00 pm; Sunday, 8:00 am – 12:30 pm

9. Cielo Brunch Garden

Delightful new option for brunch that offers freshly prepared food, fantastic mimosas, friendly staff, and a lovely space in the shade outdoors. Try the fresh juice and lemonade for a perfect start to your day in Porto.

Why go? Beautiful interior design, fresh ingredients, and creative presentation of dishes

Address – R. da Laje 46
Phone – +351 925 431 877
Opening Hours – Tuesday–Sunday, 9:00 am – 6:00 pm

Brunch, Porto Style 

You may not think that Porto’s brunch game would be able to compete with Lisbon’s, but that’s where you would be wrong. Porto has these nine spots and a host of others to try while you’re in town. If you’ve read this far, we may also suggest Porto’s most eclectic spot for brunch: the McDonald’s Imperial (Praça da Liberdade 126). Walk inside and you’ll know why we recommended it.

The 12 Best Brunch Spots in Lisbon

Becky Gillespie
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0
The 12 Best Brunch Spots in Lisbon

Lisbon has turned slow mornings into an art form over the last several years. It wasn’t so long ago when the pastelariawas the only place to get your breakfast in Portugal in which case you would typically grab a pastel de nata and an espresso and start your day. But, nowadays, the city serves out of this world brunches that range from fluffy pancakes to sourdough bread and toast loaded with avocados. We explored the capital to find a dozen favorites for every mood across the city. Just like our pizza guide to Lisbon, this list is not ranked from best to worst. Every spot deserves a seat at the table.

1. Liberty: Brunch, Coffee, and Books

Part café, part book nook, Liberty is where readers, remote workers, and brunch lovers come together. The vibe is relaxed and neighborly, which is just perfect for a slow morning in Santos. Try the Turkish eggs, the hash browns, and the lemon pie.  

Why go? For the rare combo of brunch, coffee, and a curated selection of books in one cozy room.

Address – Rua da Esperança 21
Phone – +351 21 390 1719
Opening Hours – Every day, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

2. The Folks

What began as a tiny breakfast bar has grown into one of Lisbon’s most prolific brunch mini-chains. It is known for pancakes, brioche, and strong espresso. Each branch has its own personality. Let us know which one is your favorite!

Why go? Consistency across the city and an easy, modern menu that works for early birds and late risers alike. To ensure that you have a seat at the table without a line, arrive close to opening time. 

Address – Four handy locations: Chiado, R. dos Sapateiros 111; Alfama, R. de São Tomé 27; Belém, R. Vieira Portuense 18, Santos, R. de São Bento 51
Phone – +351 914 055 948
Opening Hours – Varies by location, generally daily 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM on weekdays and 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM on weekends

3. Dear Breakfast

Dear Breakfast is one of the classic Lisbon brunch spots and has been successful enough to now have four locations across the city. Try the eggs Benedict, one of their delicious smoothies, the caramel pancakes, or the pancakes with peanut topping. With a name specifically devoted to the first meal of the day, it has to be good, right? 

Why go? Multiple locations and a menu that nails the classics with quality ingredients.

Address – Four locations: Bica, R. das Gaivotas 17; Chiado, Calçada de São Francisco 35; Alfama, Largo Santo António da Sé 16; Santos, Calçada do Marquês de Abrantes 146
Phone – +351 964 867 125
Opening Hours – Every day, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

4. Augusto Lisboa

Tucked away in the classic neighborhood of Alfama, Augusto is a tiny, cheerful café that is popular enough to sometimes make you wait in line. It is known for its incredible banana bread, avocado toast, and delicious mimosas. There are also vegan options available. If you’re headed over to the Feira da Ladra (Thieves’ Market), this is a great place to stop beforehand. 

Why go? A postcard-worthy Alfama stop with delicious food that tastes as good as it looks

Address – R. de Santa Marinha 26
Phone – +351 962 625 552
Opening Hours – Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM, Saturday-Sunday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

5. Hygge Kaffe

Scandi-inspired comfort meets Lisbon hustle and bustle at Hygge Kaffe, now with more than one address. Picoas offers longer hours and a roomy second floor, while Baixa is a great option if you want to start the day early with a rare for the city 7:30 AM opening time. Hygge is also 100% halal and has options for vegans and vegetarians as well. 

Why go? Two central locations, delicious juice (try the watermelon ginger!), and the beautiful interior design 

Address – Picoas, R. Tomás Ribeiro 95B; Baixa, R. dos Fanqueiros 53
Phone – Picoas +351 211 506 290; Baixa +351 931 329 691
Opening Hours – Picoas, daily 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Baixa, daily 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM

6. CO-OP Layday

All-day breakfasts, specialty coffee, and a creative crowd make this Baixa hangout a go-to for eggs Benedict, pancakes, and a solid V60. The interior is stylish and spacious with interesting dishes such as scrambled eggs with parmesan and truffle and pistachio raspberry French toast.

Why go? Central, friendly, and reliably open every day for that late-morning fix

Address – R. do Crucifixo 33
Phone – +351 960 177 989
Opening Hours – Daily, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

7. Miolo

A small, stylish café that punches above its weight with brioche toasts, French toast, and balanced savory plates. With locations in Belém and Baixa, it’s a perfect stop before either a walk along the Tejo or some shopping in the center of Lisbon.

Why go? A polished brunch with friendly prices and two convenient neighborhoods to choose from.

Address – Two locations: Belém, R. de Belém 36; Baixa, R. dos Fanqueiros 153
Phone – +351 913 504 260
Opening Hours – Belém, daily 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM; Baixa, daily 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

8. Mendo Café

A neighborhood charmer in Anjos with sunny vibes and a menu of eggs, sandwiches, and sweets that keeps locals coming back. It is the kind of place where the barista remembers you and the terrace seats disappear quickly on sunny days. It now has a second location in Arroios, which is how you know it’s good!

Why go? Friendly service, fair prices, and a steady brunch menu from mid-morning through late afternoon at two locations.

Address – Anjos, R. Maria 68C; Arroios, R. Morais Soares 45D
Phone – +351 920 442 321
Opening Hours – Thursday to Tuesday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Anjos), Thursday to Tuesday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Arroios); Wednesday, Closed

9. Heim Café

One of the pioneers of Lisbon’s modern brunch wave, Heim continues to pack them in with its pancakes, shakshuka, and specialty coffee. The small space adds to the buzz, and the location puts you close to galleries and the Tejo. Try the salted caramel latte and blueberry pancakes.

Why go? A crowd-pleasing classic with a greatest-hits brunch menu and friendly service

Address – R. Santos-O-Velho 2–4
Phone – +351 935 775 833
Opening Hours – Daily, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

10. Seagull Method

A sister café to Heim, Seagull Method brings a slightly more intimate feel to Príncipe Real, with great energy and playful twists on brunch staples (Spice Girls pancakes, anyone?). Coffee is taken seriously, and the playlist is always on point. 

Why go? A compact café with personality in one of Lisbon’s most popular neighborhoods.

Address – R. da Palmeira 23
Phone – +351 963 842 543
Opening Hours – Daily, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

11. Sage Brunch

A newer arrival with bright interiors and a plant-forward menu that still satisfies traditionalists. Expect eggs, loaded toasts, pastries, and specialty coffee, all a short walk from Chiado and Cais do Sodré. If you’re a vegan, vegetarian, or someone with a gluten allergy, this is a great brunch munch.

Why go? A fresh space with an easy, modern menu and very central location

Address – Tv. da Portuguesa 60
Phone – +351 218 210 964
Opening Hours – Wednesday-Monday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Tuesday, Closed

12. Amélia Lisboa

The Campo de Ourique sister of Nicolau and Basílio is famous for its leafy patio, berry-topped pancakes, and tartines. Families love it, locals swear by it, and the extended weekend hours make it a fun brunch-dinner crossover choice too.

Why go? A neighborhood favorite with plenty of seating and a menu that works from breakfast through early evening.

Address – R. Ferreira Borges 101
Phone – +351 21 385 0863
Opening Hours – Sunday to Thursday, 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM; Friday to Saturday, 8:30 AM – 10:00 PM

Final Thoughts

Lisbon is a city that truly takes its time, and brunch is no different. These twelve locations are only a small sampling of what Lisbon’s brunch scene has to offer. If your go-to café isn’t here, tell us about it so we can be sure to include it in a future article. In the meantime, happy brunching in the Portuguese capital! 

Beating Winter Humidity in Portugal: Why Homes Get Damp and What You Can Do About It

Becky Gillespie
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Beating Winter Humidity in Portugal: Why Homes Get Damp and What You Can Do About It

When you check the temperature in Portugal on your weather app during the winter, it’s hard not to get jealous. While it may look warmer online, Portugal’s winters feel colder and wetter in reality – even if it’s not raining. We’re here today to talk about the “wetter” part of the previous statement.

During the Portuguese winter, cool temperatures combine with frequent rain and high coastal humidity. Many homes are older and lack insulation, so homes feel colder on the inside and the moisture in the air wets your windows in the morning as the temperatures start to warm up. If left unchecked, the high humidity in the Portuguese air can result in wet patches and the mold that so many new resident in Portugal might notice by their first January. This article explains what is happening, which homes are most at risk, how to protect your health and property, why airing out your home in winter matters even when you are away, and which tools will actually help you protect your home successfully.

Why Portuguese Homes Get Wet in Winter

Climate

Along much of Portugal’s coast, humidity is relatively high in the winter and rainy days are common. High outdoor humidity does not automatically create mold inside, but it means your home begins each day with a higher moisture baseline. 

Structure

A large part of the housing in Portugal predates modern insulation standards. Single glazing and uninsulated walls or roofs keep interior surfaces cold. When warm, moist room air touches those cold surfaces, water condenses. You see it on windows at dawn, in external corners, behind chests of drawers pressed against outside walls, and inside enclosed balconies.

Lifestyle

Daily routines add more moisture than most people expect. Cooking without lids, showering without a window or extraction fan, drying clothes indoors, and even breathing in a sealed room all increase the amount of indoor humidity. A typical load of wet laundry can release a couple of litres of water into the air. In a small flat with cool walls, that is enough to push you past the dew point and feed visible mold.

Put those factors together and you have the classic winter pattern in Portugal. Condensation appears on the coldest surfaces, paint blisters or flakes, wood swells, the house smells musty, and black or green speckles appear where air is still and surfaces are cold.

Double- or triple-glazed windows can really help you during a Portuguese winter, DepositPhotos.com

Moisture and Mold – What They Do to Your Health

Public health guidance is clear. Moisture problems and mold are associated with more respiratory symptoms, more asthma and allergy issues, and general irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat. There is no safe amount of persistent visible mold. The goal is to remove existing growth and control moisture so it does not return. That means fixing the cause, not just treating the mold.

How Moisture Gets In: Three Common Problem Types

1) Condensation problems

This is the most common indoor issue in Portugal. Moist room air condenses on cold surfaces such as window panes, exterior corners, and tiled bathrooms. The telltale sign is water beading on windows in the morning and mold in cold corners or behind furniture.

2) Ground moisture intrusion

On ground floors and semi-basements, moisture from the soil can wick up walls if the moisture barrier failed or was never installed. You may see blistering paint near the baseboard level and white salty deposits known in Portuguese as salitre. This needs diagnosis and usually requires a structural fix.

3) Water intrusion from outside

Rainwater enters through cracks in facades, failed sealants around windows, terrace and roof defects, or blocked gutters. Top floors and attic apartments are particularly vulnerable during winter storms. If stains darken after heavy rain or you see drips at ceiling joints, you need to investigate the building’s structure.

Which Apartments Are the Worst for Winter Humidity

Ground floors and semi-basements are often the most moisture-prone because they are closest to the soil and receive less sun. They can be cool even on bright days, and, if ventilation is limited, they hold on to moisture.

Top floors under an uninsulated roof or roof deck can suffer from leaks and condensation on cold roof elements. Gutters clogged with leaves can push water into places it does not belong.

North-facing apartments stay cooler in winter, so walls remain closer to the dew point and condensation forms more easily. Enclosed balconies can trap moisture if they are sealed tightly without proper ventilation.

Interior bathrooms and kitchens with no vented exhaust fan force steam to drift into bedrooms and common areas, which then become mold hot spots.

Your Targets for Indoor Humidity and Temperature

You need to aim for indoor relative humidity between 40 percent and 60 percent, with the lower half of that range preferable during cold snaps. Keep rooms where you spend time at around 18 to 21 degrees °C, roughly 65 to 70 degrees °F in winter. Cold rooms with still air are condensation magnets. A small digital hygrometer will tell you when humidity stays above 60 percent for hours at a time. If you see that pattern, you need to take action.

The Three-Step Plan – Ventilate, Heat, Remove Moisture

1) Ventilate on purpose

Use short, deliberate airing sessions. Open windows fully for five to ten minutes to create a cross-breeze in the morning and again in the evening. A full opening replaces humid indoor air quickly without over-cooling the building. After steam producing activities such as showers and cooking, ventilate or run the exhaust until the mirrors and windows clear.

Mechanical help is worth it. Install vented exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms and use them every time you cook or shower. In homes that are very tight, or where opening windows is impractical because of noise or security, consider a continuous ventilation system with heat recovery. It exchanges stale air for fresh while keeping most of the heat inside.

If you will be away in winter, do not seal the apartment for days without a plan. Ask a neighbor to air it briefly every couple of days, or set mechanical ventilation or a dehumidifier with a humidistat to maintain safe levels while you are gone.

Important practical tip. When you run a dehumidifier in a room, keep the windows and interior doors closed so the machine is not constantly trying to dry outside air. Ventilate first, then close up and pull the moisture out.

Your dehumidifier is your best friend during a Portuguese winter, DepositPhotos.com

2) Keep key rooms warm enough

Condensation forms on surfaces that are much colder than the room air. Keeping living areas near 18 to 21 degrees °C, 65 to 70 degrees °F, narrows the temperature gap and helps prevent dew-point conditions. Even modest, steady heat is preferable to bursts of high heat with long cold periods. Upgrades such as double-pane low-E windows, insulated frames, and roof or wall insulation make a major difference by warming the surfaces where condensation typically appears.

3) Actively remove moisture

Dehumidifiers are the workhorse in a Portuguese winter. They are especially useful in bedrooms at night, in laundry rooms on drying days, and in north-facing rooms that never quite warm up. When drying clothes indoors, pick a separate room and keep the door shut while the dehumidifier runs until humidity drops below about 55 percent. Use pot lids and a range hood vented outside while cooking, and keep the bathroom door closed while you shower so steam does not drift into the rest of the home.

Room by Room Tactics

Bedrooms – Keep closets and large furniture a few inches away from external walls so air can circulate. If windows fog each morning, add a short airing immediately after waking and consider an overnight run of a small dehumidifier.

Bathrooms – Install a proper exhaust fan vented outdoors and run it during showers and for ten to fifteen minutes afterward. Squeegee tiles and glass to remove water so it cannot evaporate back into the room.

Kitchens – Use lids on pots, run the range hood on high during cooking, and give the room a short airing after boiling, simmering, or oven baking.

Closets and storage – Do not press textiles against an external wall. Use breathable storage and avoid sealed plastic bins in rooms that are already humid.

Enclosed balconies – Treat these as buffer zones. Make sure they have both adequate sealing against rain and some controlled ventilation. Otherwise, they trap moisture and push it into adjacent rooms.

Cleaning Mold Safely and Effectively

Fix the moisture problem first and then remove the mold. For small patches on non-porous surfaces, use a cleaner formulated for mold or a suitable disinfectant. Avoid mixing chemicals. Bleach can whiten stains but does not penetrate porous materials deeply, so growth may return if moisture remains. Porous materials such as drywall, insulation, or carpet underlay that are colonized often require removal and replacement once the source of moisture is addressed. After cleaning, dry the area thoroughly and keep humidity in the target range to prevent regrowth. If growth is extensive or if anyone at home has severe respiratory conditions, seek professional remediation and a building diagnosis.

Why Opening Windows Matters Even When You Are Away

It feels counterintuitive to open windows in January, but wide open windows are one of the most effective tools you have. A five- to ten-minute cross-breeze dumps humid indoor air and resets the moisture balance without freezing the walls. Leaving a window tilted open for hours cools the nearby surfaces while barely changing the room air, which can make condensation worse. If you will be away for several days, arrange for short periodic airing or rely on mechanical ventilation or a dehumidifier with a humidistat so humidity never builds up. When you return, resume the simple rhythm of ventilate, heat, and dehumidify.

Opening the windows is key during Portuguese winters, DepositPhotos.com

Portugal-Specific Realities and a Practical Mindset

Portugal has a higher share of homes with moisture problems or leaks than many EU countries, largely because of an older stock of housing and a temperate climate that encouraged insulation-light construction. That does not mean moisture problems are inevitable. It means that you need a plan. The physics are simple. Humid air plus cold surfaces plus moisture from daily life equals condensation and mold. Break that triangle with deliberate ventilation, enough heat for key rooms, and active moisture removal. If your apartment is on the ground floor or under a roof deck, add regular checks for foundation moisture and roof leaks to your winter routine.

Tools and Products That Work

This section keeps the list short and practical, then explains how to choose and use each item.

  • Hygrometers – These small sensors show relative humidity at a glance. Place one in the most moisture-prone room and one near the bedroom. Aim to live between 40 and 60 percent humidity in winter and take action whenever you spend hours above 60 percent.
  • Dehumidifiers for lived-in rooms – Compressor dehumidifiers are the usual choice for rooms kept at 15° C, about 59° F, or above. Size the unit to the space and the moisture load. A small bedroom may do fine with a compact model under 16 liters per day. A large living room often needs 16 to 21 liters per day. A whole small apartment with laundry-drying days may benefit from 20 to 30 liters per day or more. Ventilate briefly, then close windows and doors and run the machine until you reach the mid-50s. Clean filters and consider continuous drainage to a sink if you will run it for long periods.
  • Dehumidifiers for cool or unheated spaces – Desiccant models work better in cool rooms, garages, or semi-basements because they do not rely on cold coils. They also release a small amount of warmth into the room, which can be helpful on wet, chilly days.
  • Exhaust fans – Kitchens and bathrooms need exhaust fans vented to the outside. Use them during the activity that creates moisture and for ten to fifteen minutes after. Keeping the bathroom door closed during and after showers prevents steam from drifting into bedrooms.
  • Moisture absorbers – Passive tubs with calcium chloride crystals are useful in small enclosed spaces such as closets or storage rooms. They are not a substitute for a proper dehumidifier in living spaces, but they can keep a closet fresher through the wettest months.
  • HEPA air purifiers – These do not remove moisture. They help reduce airborne mold spores and dust, which can make life more comfortable for allergy sufferers once you have controlled humidity and cleaned visible mold.
  • Anti-mold and anti-condensation coatings – Primers and paints with mildewcides or insulating micro-spheres can help on recurring cold spots once you have solved the moisture source. Treat them as finishing measures rather than a cure by themselves.
  • Window and insulation upgrades – Long term, better windows and insulation reduce cold surfaces and drafts. Double-pane or triple-pane low-E windows and insulated frames warm the glass, which significantly reduces morning condensation. Roof and wall insulation keep interior surfaces closer to room temperature and ease the burden on every other tool you use.

Daily Habits That Pay Off

Begin the day with a five- to ten-minute cross-draft. Use lids and a vented range hood while cooking, and keep the bathroom door closed during showers with the fan running. Heat steadily rather than in short bursts. Dry clothes outside when possible or in a dedicated room with the dehumidifier on and the door shut. Leave a few inches behind large furniture for airflow. Check balconies and window seals after heavy rain. If you live on the ground floor, keep an eye out for tide marks and salts near the baseboards. If you live on the top floor, check gutters and the roof area after autumn storms.

Running dehumidifiers, DepositPhotos.com

Final Thoughts

Winter humidity in Portugal is manageable with the right habits and a few well-chosen tools. Understand the simple equation that drives the problem and then break it. Ventilate deliberately, keep key rooms warm enough to avoid cold surfaces, and remove moisture where it accumulates. Be extra vigilant if your apartment is on the ground floor or under the roof deck, and address structural issues promptly. Whether you are home or away, a little intentional airing out of your property or accommodation goes a long way! We hope this will help you during your first and future winters in Portugal. 

Where Can You Live the Quiet Life in Portugal but Still Be Close to the City?

Becky Gillespie
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0
Where Can You Live the Quiet Life in Portugal but Still Be Close to the City?

If you dream of slow mornings, local markets, and a sea breeze that actually smells like the sea, Portugal makes it easy to live quietly without giving up city perks. The trick is choosing a town that sits within an hour of a major hub, so you can enjoy the city life and then come home to calm. Below are seven places that keep you within an hour of Lisbon, Porto, or Faro (and their three respective airports) while offering an escape into the countryside or quiet suburbs where the pace of life is much slower. 

Each section includes the feel of the place, what kinds of people it suits, how long it takes to reach the nearest big city, plus the everyday details that matter over the long term. 

1. Cascais 

Cascais is the classic answer for people who want the best of both worlds. A 30 to 40 minute trip from Lisbon, it manages to be relaxed and sophisticated at the same time. The historic center wraps around a sheltered bay, small beaches spread out along the coast, and the promenade toward Estoril is one of the best seaside walks in the country. Inland neighborhoods like Birre and Areia feel residential and leafy, while the dramatic cliffs at Boca do Inferno and the cycling path up the coast provide a daily dose of nature on tap.

Cascais suits people who like a sophisticated vibe. You will find international schools, surf breaks, yacht-club energy, and enough restaurants for a different date night each week. On weekends, all roads lead to Guincho, the windy beach where kites feel right at home and the dunes roll toward Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. If you are a runner, cycler, or kitesurfer, you will not run out of reasons to go outside.

Commuting to Lisbon is easy. Trains run from Cascais to Cais do Sodré along a scenic waterfront line, and by car the A5 gets you into the city in about 30-40 minutes off-peak. Healthcare, supermarkets, and services are highly developed, and if you need to catch a flight, Lisbon’s airport is close enough for an early morning departure without needing to stay overnight near the terminal. Admittedly, the cost of living is higher than any other place in the country, but you are paying for a near-perfect mix of sea air, services, and easy access to the best that Portugal has to offer.

van life portugal
Photo by Jeroen den Otter (Unsplash)

2. Praia de Lavadores, Vila Nova de Gaia, Porto

On the Vila Nova de Gaia side of Porto, head south past the mouth of the river and you reach the area near Praia de Lavadores next to the Reserva Natural Local do Estuário do Douro. It is technically Vila Nova de Gaia, but Porto is right there across the bridge, and the journey to downtown typically takes 15 to 25 minutes by car, depending on the hour. Bus links and bike paths are available for commuting, but many residents also hop over to Porto’s metro network or park near a station for longer trips.

Compared to central Porto, life here feels more spread out and modern, with apartment buildings angled toward the horizon and low-key neighborhoods that prize weekend barbecues and outdoor time. For families and remote workers, the balance is hard to beat. You get the big city’s hospitals, universities, and airport within a short reach, but your own neighborhood moves at a gentler pace and is much closer to nature on a daily basis. Add in reliable supermarkets, gyms, and coastal cycleways and the daily routine becomes healthy and convenient.

3. Setúbal 

Setúbal sits on the blue-green Sado Estuary, and the beaches of the Arrábida Natural Park, are just around the headland. The Troia peninsula is just a short ferry ride away. This is a working town with a deep sense of place that just happens to have some of the loveliest water in the country.

If you need Lisbon regularly, Setúbal works. By car, the journey commonly takes 45 to 55 minutes via the A2 and A12, which makes it a very realistic commute a few days a week. There are direct train options as well, and bus links that run frequently. Many people who live here say the rhythm is what they came for. You can start your mornings with coffee at a pastelaria that knows your order, and weekends mean a hike in Arrábida, a swim at Praia Galápos or Praia Figueirinha, or seafood on the waterfront.

Housing remains more affordable than in the capital, with a range of older apartments, townhouses, and new builds. Daily life is practical. You have good markets, larger supermarkets, hospitals, and a calendar full of festivals revolving around the sea. If your definition of quiet includes real community and you want Lisbon to be a straightforward drive away, Setúbal is a smart choice.

Setubal. Photo by Alexandre Contador (Unsplash)

4. Caldas da Rainha 

Caldas da Rainha is the kind of place that turns visitors into residents. Founded around thermal waters by Queen Leanor, it grew into a charming market town known for its ceramics, creative energy, and one of Portugal’s most charming city parks. The daily fruit and vegetable market is one of a kind, and the town center is dotted with cafes where you can make Portuguese friends. Drive north and west and you have the Silver Coast beaches, from São Martinho do Porto’s seashell bay to the surf of Foz do Arelho.

Lisbon is about an hour away by car in off-peak traffic on the A8. That puts the capital’s museums, embassies, and flights within easy reach, while everyday life in Caldas remains peaceful and convenient. The hospital and clinics are well regarded in the region, there are several decent schools, and you will find a variety of housing styles, from 20th-century apartments to villas in quiet suburbs and small villages nearby.

Caldas suits people who want little rituals that add up to a good life. Buy bread from the same bakery, pick up greens and queijo fresco at the market, detour through the park on the way home, and then head to the coast for sunset a couple of times a week. Quiet here does not mean remote, it simply means unhurried. The weather here is also known for being cooler and more cloudy in the summer, a refreshing respite from the heat of southern Portugal. When you do need a bigger city, Lisbon is close enough that you can make a day of it and still be home for dinner.

Parque Dom Carlos I, Caldas da Rainha, Photo by Toms Rits, Unsplash

5. Viana do Castelo 

At the mouth of the Lima River, Viana do Castelo is one of northern Portugal’s most beautiful small cities. The Sanctuary of Santa Luzia watches over everything, and the wild Atlantic beaches north and south are never far away. Traditional festivals take over the streets each summer, but for most of the year Viana moves at a comfortable pace.

Porto is typically 50 to 60 minutes away by car via the A28, and there are train connections for days when you prefer not to drive. That means a day at Serralves, a concert at Casa da Música, or a specialist appointment in the city is entirely doable without sacrificing your coastal calm. Viana do Castelo has all the everyday infrastructure you would expect, and nature lovers thrive here. The beaches are long and wide, and the hills behind the town have hiking trails that feel more Spanish-Galician than Mediterranean. If you want to be surrounded by traditions and have access to the coast and Porto without the density of the metro area, Viana is a genuine find.

Viano do Castelo, Patricia Oliveira, Flickr

6. Esposende 

South of Viana and north of Porto, Esposende spreads along the Cávado River and a protected coastal strip of dunes and beaches. The vibe is unpretentious and outdoorsy. People fish, cycle, surf, and walk the boardwalks in the late light. Summer brings a cheerful hum, but the rest of the year the town feels like a place people actually live, not a resort that empties out when school starts.

Porto is well within an hour by car, often around 35 to 45 minutes depending on your exact starting point and traffic. Braga is also close, which opens up a second set of services and culture, and the airport sits between them. For families, this triangle of options is one of Esposende’s big strengths. You can choose schools and specialists from a wider net and still have a quiet routine once you are back home.

Housing is more affordable than the immediate Porto suburbs, with a mix of apartments in town and houses in neighboring parishes. Daily life is practical and pleasantly repetitive in the best way. Buy fish early, grab coffee on the square, get your steps in on the river or beach paths, and go for a late afternoon surf. When you want a city vibe, Porto is just a short hop, skip, and a jump away. When you want to hear yourself think, Esposende is a true haven.

Rio Cávado, Vítor Oliveira, Flickr

7. Tavira 

On the eastern Algarve, Tavira is a gentle town along the Gilão River and topped with castle walls and church towers. It is famous for its photogenic rooftops, salt pans, and a pace that never feels rushed even in mid-summer. The beaches are postcard-perfect but never right on your doorstep because they sit across the Ria Formosa lagoon, which preserves both the landscape and your sense of peace.

Faro is typically 30 to 40 minutes away by car, and there are regular trains as well. That proximity gives you quick access to the region’s main hospital, big-box shopping when you need it, and the airport for easy getaways. Day to day, Tavira’s life is centered on the riverside, local markets, and quiet streets lined with townhouses. There is a growing community of remote workers and retirees who value its walkability and quiet charm.

For nature lovers, the Ria Formosa is a year-round playground of birdlife and tidal flats. For food lovers, be sure to try the local catch on the menu. If your version of quiet includes a warm winter, a friendly “Bom dia” from your grocer, and a city close enough for big errands, Tavira will feel like the right size.

Tavira. Photo by
Alexandra Marta (Unsplash)

Which Area Should You Choose?

All seven places deliver calm within an hour of a major city, but if you want cosmopolitan flair and a commuter-friendly train into the capital, start with Cascais. For oceanfront living on Porto’s doorstep, look at the neighborhoods near Praia de Lavadores in Gaia. If you’re looking for a working town with nature on every side and a straight shot to Lisbon, try Setúbal. Caldas da Rainha wins if markets, parks, and an easy A8 drive to Lisbon work for you. If you want to move further north and be surrounded by traditions, Viana do Castelo might just be your place. If you prefer smaller and more affordable with beaches and bike paths to spare, Esposende may be the sweet spot. Finally, if winter sunshine, salt pans, and a half-hour to Faro sound like your kind of balance, Tavira is hard to beat.

How to Live Your Best Quiet life Near the City

Getting around matters more than you think. If you plan to drive, choose a home with straightforward access to a main road rather than a street that adds 15 minutes of turns each morning. If you prefer public transport, check timetables outside of peak tourist season and look for backup options, such as a bus route that runs if the train line is down for maintenance.

Healthcare access is another quiet-life essential. Even if you are fit and well, knowing where the nearest urgent clinic and larger hospital are will let you relax. All of the towns above have reasonable choices on their own or within the nearby city, but the exact drive time from your street matters on the day you actually need it.

Most areas now have fast internet, but older buildings or more rural towns can have weaker connections. Pay attention to the orientation of the sun, especially near the Atlantic. A wind-protected terrace and afternoon light make winter feel less harsh in northern Portugal.

Final Thoughts

Quiet and connected is not a contradiction in Portugal. Cascais, the neighborhoods around Praia de Lavadores in Gaia, Setúbal, Caldas da Rainha, Viana do Castelo, Esposende, and Tavira all keep you within an hour of Lisbon, Porto, or Faro while basing you in places where life still feels like it moves at a relaxed pace. If your ideal day includes an espresso in a real town center with a swim, surf, or sunset walk, you can have it here. Start with a scouting trip, test the commute, and let the right kind of quiet find you in Portugal.

16 Astonishing Facts That You Probably Didn’t Know about Portugal during World War I

Becky Gillespie
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16 Astonishing Facts That You Probably Didn’t Know about Portugal during World War I

We recently covered Portugal’s role in World War II. During our World War II research, we realized that it was important to go even further back in Portuguese history and talk about The Great War, also known as World War I. Portugal’s role in World War I is often summarized in a single sentence about the Battle of La Lys. The real story is far richer and stretches from the trenches of Flanders, the savannas of Angola, the river valleys of Mozambique, and even out into the Atlantic around the Azores and Madeira. Here are 16 lesser-known facts that reveal how widely and deeply the war touched Portugal.

1. Portugal was pulled into the war after seizing 36 Central Powers ships in Lisbon.

Although the Portuguese Republic initially declared neutrality in 1914, it honored a British request in February 1916 to requisition German and Austro-Hungarian merchant ships lying in Portuguese ports. Portugal boarded and took control of 36 vessels in Lisbon, a move that triggered a German declaration of war on March 9, 1916 and formally brought Portugal into the conflict on the Allied side.

Portugal and UK, DepositPhotos.com

2. The Portuguese Expeditionary Corps put around 55,000 men on the Western Front.

Portugal raised the Corpo Expedicionário Português (CEP), an expeditionary force of roughly 55,000 troops, who began arriving in France in early 1917. By November, the CEP was holding a contiguous sector of the front under British First Army control, after undergoing further training and reorganization in France to fit British patterns of trench warfare.

3. Portugal also sent heavy railway artillery that fought under French command.

Alongside the infantry, Portugal created the Independent Heavy Artillery Corps operating railway guns supplied by France and Britain. The French designated it the Corps d’artillerie lourde portugais (CALP) and integrated Portuguese gunners directly into French heavy-artillery operations.

4. The Portuguese held an 18-kilometer sector and were equipped with British supplies and equipment.

From November 1917, the CEP took responsibility for an approximately 18-km frontage in French Flanders. Once deployed, Portuguese units trained for trench warfare and were issued British rifles and equipment before taking over their sector between Neuve-Chapelle, Laventie, and nearby villages.

5. La Lys, April 9, 1918: The German barrage combined explosive shells with poison gas

At about 4:15 a.m. on April 9, 1918, the German Sixth Army launched Operation Georgette with a four-and-a-half-hour artillery bombardment of the Portuguese sector. The barrage mixed conventional explosive shells with poison gas, which blended with the morning fog and disrupted communications. When the infantry attack followed, the weakened defenses quickly collapsed in several areas.

6. One of Portugal’s greatest battlefield heroes covered the retreat alone.

During the same battle, Aníbal Milhais, nicknamed “Soldado Milhões” for being “worth a million men,” used a Lewis gun to delay German assaults and help fellow Allied troops withdraw. He became Portugal’s most decorated World War I soldier and received the Military Order of the Tower and Sword.

Portrait of Anibel Augusto Milhais from the Museu Militar do Porto, Joseolgon, Wikimedia Commons

7. Portuguese losses at La Lys were counted more in prisoners than in dead.

La Lys was a national trauma, yet the grim arithmetic often surprises readers: deaths among the Portuguese that day were in the low hundreds, while more than 6,000 men were captured. The result was the CEP’s temporary dismembering as a fighting formation by British command.

8. Even after La Lys, Portuguese troops fought on through the Armistice day.

The CEP continued to serve in France through 1918. On November 11, 1918, a Portuguese company helped force a crossing of the Scheldt just before the ceasefire took effect. By the Armistice, the CEP’s cumulative losses included 2,160 dead, 5,224 wounded and 6,678 captured, roughly 14,000 casualties from an establishment of near 60,000.

9. Portugal has a national World War I cemetery in northern France.

The Portuguese Military Cemetery at Richebourg in Pas-de-Calais holds 1,831 graves, which consolidated burials of CEP soldiers from across France, Belgium, and POW camps. It is the only Portuguese military cemetery in France and remains a focal point for commemorations of La Lys.

10. The war reached Portuguese soil: German U-boats shelled Madeira three times.

The city of Funchal on Madeira was shelled by U-38 on December 3 and December 16, 1916, sinking ships in the harbor and bombarding the town, and again by U-156 and U-157 on December 12, 1917. Civilians were killed and wounded, and a memorial sanctuary, Nossa Senhora da Paz, was later erected overlooking the city.

Monument in devotion to Our Lady of Peace in Terreiro da Luta, Monte, Funchal, Diogo Correia, Wikimedia Commons

11. A Portuguese trawler fought a two-hour duel with Germany’s top U-boat ace.

On October 14, 1918, the converted naval trawler NRP Augusto de Castilho shielded the passenger steamer São Miguel from U-139. It was commanded by ace Lothar von Arnauld de la Perière. Outgunned by the submarine’s 150-mm weapons, the trawler fought for hours until sunk. Its commander, Carvalho Araújo, was killed, but the steamer escaped to the Azores.

12. The first Azores attack prompted the creation of a U.S. naval base at Ponta Delgada.

On July 4, 1917, U-155 shelled Ponta Delgada on São Miguel in the Azores. Within weeks the United States dispatched USS Panther and destroyers and created Naval Base 13 to safeguard mid-Atlantic routes and deny Germany a forward foothold. American Marines and naval air units operated from the archipelago through 1919.

13. Portugal fought early and hard in Africa, starting with the Naulila crisis in Angola.

Months after war began in Europe, a German column from German South-West Africa crossed into Angola in October 1914 without authorization, which set off the Naulila incident. Fighting escalated and culminated in a German victory at Naulila on 18 December 1914 against Portuguese colonial forces.

14. In Mozambique, Lettow-Vorbeck’s veterans crushed a Portuguese force at Ngomano.

Looking for supplies after hard fighting against the British, Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck led German East African troops across the Rovuma River into Portuguese East Africa and defeated the garrison at Ngomano on November 25, 1917. From there, the Germans lived off Allied stores and continued a mobile campaign deep inside Mozambique.

15. The human cost was heavy, especially from disease in Africa.

Across all fronts, U.S. War Department records list about 100,000 Portuguese troops mobilized and 33,291 total casualties. Portuguese sources point to at least 6,232 confirmed deaths, with some estimates reaching as high as 8,787. Of these, between 5,533 and 5,732 occurred in Africa, where disease proved to be an especially deadly threat.

16. War strain reshaped Portuguese politics and mobilized women on the home front.

The war years saw deep political upheaval. In December 1917, Sidónio Pais seized power in a coup and presided over a short-lived “New Republic” before being assassinated in December 1918, which left the country in turmoil. At the same time, women organized to support the war effort: the Portuguese Women’s Crusade, founded on March 20, 1916 by Elzira Dantas Machado and others, trained nurses and coordinated relief for soldiers and families.

Final Thoughts

Portugal’s First World War story does not fit neatly into a single battlefield narrative. It includes the decision to defy Berlin by seizing ships in Lisbon, the creation of a sizable expeditionary corps that fought and bled in Flanders, a heavy rail-artillery arm that worked with the French, and a home front that absorbed U-boat bombardments on Madeira and the Azores. It features colonial campaigns in Angola and Mozambique where disease and logistics were as deadly as bullets, and it reaches into Portuguese political life, where the strain of war tilted the Republic off balance. The names inscribed at Richebourg and the monument on Lisbon’s Avenida da Liberdade are the most visible markers, but the legacy runs through memorials across the country and through families whose histories still trace back to these events. After Portugal’s horrific experience during the Great War, it is not surprising that they decided to remain neutral during World War II. 

Fix This City – How to Speed Up Repairs in Lisbon

Becky Gillespie
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Fix This City – How to Speed Up Repairs in Lisbon

I have lived in Lisbon for five years now. Long enough to have roots, routines, and friendships here. Long enough to understand the rhythms of the city, but also long enough to notice its glaring flaws. 

And here is the truth: Lisbon does not fix things. Or, more accurately, Lisbon does not fix things quickly enough.

I don’t say this to rage bait, but because I have seen it, again and again, to the point of absurdity. A broken elevator at a metro station sits unusable for months. A stairwell escalator has its “out of order” sign for over a year before anyone even thinks of touching it. A tagged wall is left smeared with paint for at least the five years since I have known it.

Please don’t come at me because I am not Portuguese. In fact, it is my outside yet also inside perspective that may provide the kind of reflection Lisbon, and its government, needs to hear.

When you live here, you stop asking “why” and start asking “when.” Except the “when” never seems to arrive.

The Escalator Problem

Let’s start with the single most obvious and pressing issue: escalators and elevators.

Lisbon may be one of the worst cities in Europe for people with physical disabilities, the elderly, or anyone pushing a stroller. Public transportation is supposed to be a lifeline for everyone. But here? I would challenge anyone in a wheelchair to ride the metro consistently without running into a dead end.

Escalators break and remain broken for months. Elevators too. It is not simply inconvenient, it is exclusionary. For a wheelchair user, it means being effectively locked out of the metro system. For the elderly, it makes a simple trip exhausting and dangerous. For parents with strollers, it creates humiliating situations where you have to rely on strangers to help carry your baby carriage up thirty stairs to the ticket gates.

This is not just about accessibility, it is about dignity.

And what makes it worse is the lack of transparency. When an escalator breaks, there is no way to know if it will be fixed tomorrow, next month, or next year. You walk into a metro station and it’s a lottery: will the machines work today? Or will you be stranded, forced to climb or detour around a problem that should not exist?

We live in an age of real-time data. We can see traffic patterns minute by minute. We can be told where the speed traps are and where the police are lying in wait to write us a ticket. Yet, we cannot know whether the elevator at Oriente station is functioning (hint: it’s been broken for at least two years). Why?

The Graffiti Problem

Escalators and elevators may be the most obvious, but they are not the only symptom of Lisbon’s paralysis. Let’s talk about graffiti.

I am not talking about murals or street art. Lisbon has some of the best in the world. That is art. That is identity.

But tagging sloppy scribbles of names and profanities sprayed onto doors, windows, and monuments is another matter altogether. Tagging is vandalism. It is the visual equivalent of a dog marking territory. And when left unchecked, it sends a very clear message: “This place is not cared for.”

Tourists notice it. Residents notice it. The longer it sits, the more it multiplies. 

And once again, Lisbon lets it linger.

The Airport Problem

Another glaring example of Lisbon’s slow-motion approach to infrastructure is its airport.

Lisbon Airport, or Humberto Delgado Airport, opened on 15 October 1942 and has served as the city’s primary air transport hub ever since. In the last decade, the airport’s traffic has ballooned from around 20 million annual passengers in 2015 to over 35 million in 2024, marking a staggering growth spurt.

However, the airport infrastructure has not kept pace. Planning for a new airport began decades ago. Studies started in the mid-1960s with site proposals still being bandied about in the 2000s, almost half a century of indecision. It wasn’t until 10 January 2008 that Alcochete was selected as the preferred location, only for plans to be shelved again in 2013.

Finally, in 2024, a new location was chosen: the government has asked ANA (Vinci Airports) to formalize a proposal for a new airport in Alcochete, aiming to open by 2034, at a projected cost of up to nine billion euros, with no direct state funding required. Meanwhile, the existing airport is undergoing expansion: construction on Terminal 1 started in December 2024, with new jet bridges and apron space aiming to boost capacity toward 50 million passengers annually by 2027.

On the metro front, expansion announcements repeatedly slide off schedule. The Red Line extension from São Sebastião to Alcântara still hasn’t started, despite the first timelines announcing 2026 as the year of completion. Metro expansion projects such as the Violet Line to Loures and Odivelas, originally slated for the end of 2025, are still delayed.

This really isn’t something to laugh about. When every timeline drifts 5 to 10 years past expectations, the economic, social, and emotional cost mounts. Inflation eats budgets. Tourist lines grow. Daily life becomes a waiting game.

This has to stop. Inflation is real, and the cost of delay in materials, labor, and frustration far outweighs the headaches of taking action in the present. Lisbon has every right and ability to become a world-class city. Maybe it’s the collective work of the people through the use of technology that will make the difference. Call me crazy, but I don’t think this is too farfetched or too much to ask. Enter a potential solution. 

The Solution: An Eyes & Ears App

I am no app developer, but if there is someone reading who is, I would your help. In my opinion, here is what Lisbon needs: a collective tool. Let’s call it “Eyes & Ears.”

Imagine opening an app and seeing, in real time, the status of every elevator and escalator in the city, public or private. Whether it is a metro station, shopping center, or apartment buildings, if something breaks, a citizen can log it immediately.

And not just log it. The information could be shared publicly, mapped like traffic reports on Google Maps. Suddenly, people know before they leave home whether they can actually rely on the infrastructure they need.

Citizens could also use Eyes & Ears to report new tags instantly with geolocation and photos. Companies specializing in graffiti removal could bid on removing it, just like escalator repairs. If the internet can collectively track down criminals in hours, or at most days, why can’t a city collectively erase a tag in the same amount of time?

If the government flexed its muscles, both with stricter punishments for taggers and faster clean-up, the culture would shift. Lisbon would look less like a neglected space and more like a city that respects itself.

But that’s just the first step.

The real innovation would be creating accountability and speed through open contracting. Why should the public wait months for a repair when private contractors could compete to fix it faster with taxpayer money? Here’s how it could work:

  1. A broken machine gets reported on the app.
  2. The government or private owner sets aside money for its repair.
  3. Contractors bid to fix it, with the contract automatically awarded.
  4. Payment is locked until the repair is confirmed, not by the owner but by multiple app users verifying it works.
  5. The longer it takes, the less money the contractor earns.

This model incentivizes quick action. It creates transparency. And it breaks the cycle of waiting around for some faceless bureaucracy to remember us.

Lisbon could become a pioneer in citizen-monitored infrastructure.

Beyond Lisbon: A Model for Cities Everywhere

Now, I know Lisbon is not unique. Many cities suffer from the same disease: broken things stay broken because fixing them lacks urgency. Governments and municipalities work on bureaucratic timelines, not human ones.

But Lisbon has an opportunity here. This city is on the world stage: tourists, expats, digital nomads, investors – everyone is watching. What if Lisbon became the first city to truly crowdsource infrastructure accountability?

Instead of feeling powerless or left in the dark regarding how long it will take or something to be fixed, we can feel empowered. Instead of a culture of “wait and see,” we would have a culture of “report and repair.”

The Cultural Shift Lisbon Needs

Ultimately, this is about culture. Right now, Lisbon has a culture of complacency. Things stay broken because people have gotten used to them staying broken – and when people get used to brokenness, they stop believing change is possible.

That is toxic.

To become the city it aspires to be, welcoming, inclusive, proud, Lisbon needs to shift to a culture of efficiency. And not efficiency in the corporate sense, but in the human sense. A culture where residents believe their effort makes a difference, where reporting a problem does not feel like shouting into the void.

An app like Eyes & Ears is just a tool, but tools can transform habits. The internet already shows us the power of collective attention: online communities solve crimes, identify scammers, and trace anonymous posters. If we can do that, we can certainly keep track of broken escalators.

The key is this: let the people help. Stop bottlenecking everything at the level of slow-moving offices. Put the power in citizens’ hands. Lisbon doesn’t need more excuses, it needs more solutions.

A Dream Worth Building

Maybe this sounds idealistic. Maybe it sounds like a dream. Maybe you want to call me a capitalist. But every real change began with someone daring to say, “This doesn’t have to stay this way.”

Lisbon deserves better than escalators that take months to fix. Lisbon deserves better than walls defaced and ignored. Lisbon deserves better than an airport that is out of date and overwhelmed. Lisbon deserves better than telling wheelchair users and parents with young children, “Sorry, you’re on your own.”

I live here. I care. I love this city. But love also means honesty.

If Lisbon wants to be not just a postcard-perfect destination but a livable, equitable city, it needs to fix itself, fast. And it needs to let us, the people who walk its streets every day, be part of that fixing.

So let’s do it. Let’s put Eyes & Ears everywhere. Let’s track what breaks, let’s fix it faster, and let’s build a Lisbon that takes pride in being cared for.

Dreams, as I like to say, contain within them the seeds of reality. It’s time to fix Lisbon and make it a model for the world.

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