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Cost of Living in Aveiro: Aveiro Monthly Budget

Lara Silva
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Cost of Living in Aveiro: Aveiro Monthly Budget

Aveiro is a city located on the northern coast in the Central Region of Portugal. This city is often called the “Portuguese Venice” since it is dominated by the Ria de Aveiro and the arms of water that penetrate the urban space and have permanently marked the history, heritage, culture, and local identity.

While Aveiro has not been fully discovered by storms of tourists like Lisbon, many are choosing this less-known city as their new temporary and permanent home. But how much does it cost to live in Aveiro? Aveiro is around 15% cheaper all around than Lisbon, while rent is almost 50% cheaper!

If you’re considering Aveiro as a permanent or temporary home, let’s take a look at the average monthly budget for expats without children, families, and digital nomads.

Guide to Aveiro

Cost of Living in Aveiro for an Expat

The monthly budget for an expat in Aveiro is at least €1070.

A one-bedroom apartment costs around €570 in the city center, but you can find cheaper apartments outside the center.

A monthly transportation pass is around €30 or less for buses. 

Utilities cost around €130, including phone data and cable TV.

For exploring Aveiro, eating out at your favorite restaurants, and exploring the nightlife, budget around €160 a month. You can easily spend less or more, depending on your lifestyle. 

Groceries for a single person average out at around €45 a week.

Health care could add to your monthly budget in Aveiro. EU citizens with a valid European Health Insurance Card can use the National Health Service (SNS) for free for up to 90 days in Portugal. This allows them time to get registered as legal residents to continue using the public health system.

However, non-EU citizens are only entitled to use the public health system if they are employed and pay social security in Portugal, having to be registered as legal residents as well.

Even if this is the case, they must purchase private health insurance to cover medical care before arriving in Portugal and becoming a legal resident.

Cost of Living in Aveiro for a Digital Nomad

The cost of living in Aveiro for a digital nomad is at least €1140 a month. This is the case if you sleep in a hostel’s dorm and cook most of your meals. If not, expect to need around double this amount. 

If you opt for the budget option of a shared dorm in a hostel, expect only to need to pay €20 a night, so around €600 a month. However, a private Airbnb would cost you around €1500.

Renting a desk at a co-working place in Aveiro costs around €130. Transportation costs around €30. 

Budget at least €200 for leisure such as eating out, bars, and tourists to discover Aveiro.

Food can easily max out your monthly budget. If you want to save and have a kitchen at your disposal, a weekly shop shouldn’t cost more than €45.

However, if you plan to eat out, an affordable meal is around €10. This would set you back around €1,000 in a month. 

Cost of Living in Aveiro for a Family of Four 

Expect to spend at least €2200 a month for a family of four in Aveiro. 

A three-bedroom apartment in Aveiro will set you back around €1400. However, prices can go up to €1900 or more, depending on the apartment type and amenities. 

Budget around €150 a month for monthly transport passes. However, it is definitely more convenient for a family of four to own a car and drive. Fuel will cost you anywhere between €150 and €250 a month. 

Utilities cost around €160 and include electricity, heating, water, etc. However, this can be much higher in the winter or depending on your family’s consumption.

Groceries for a family of four in Aveiro should cost around €125 a week, so budget at least €500 a month.

If you need to purchase health insurance for the whole family, this will cost you at least €200 a month.

However, you might be eligible to use access to healthcare for free. EU citizens with a valid European Health Insurance Card can use the National Health Service (SNS) for free for up to 90 days in Portugal. After becoming legal residents, they can continue to use the SNS.

Non-EU citizens are only entitled to use the public health system if they are employed and pay social security in Portugal, having to be registered as legal residents as well.

If you want your kids to attend a private school, this will cost you! While public schools are free, private international schools can cost between €6,000 and €10,000 a year in Aveiro.

New hotel born every 5 days in Portugal

Lara Silva
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New hotel born every 5 days in Portugal

In 2023, a record number of hotels will be inaugurated in Portugal, 75 in total, to be exact. This means a new hotel will technically be born every five days in Portugal, with almost 6,000 new rooms nationally.

In the last five years, almost 300 hotels opened around the country, according to Cushman & Wakefield’s data for CNN Portugal/TVI.

The 2023 predictions reflect a large growth in comparison to the pre-pandemic period.

Gonçalo Garcia, director of the hospitality sector of Cushman & Wakefield in Portugal told CNN, “Surely 2023 will be one of the years where we see the most hotels opening all over Portugal, from north to south. A growth of 75 new hotels a year is not normal. In fact, it is an extraordinary number.”

Cushman & Wakefield’s analysis also examined how this industry has grown in the last five years, despite the pandemic. From 2019 to 2023, 292 hotels have been inaugurated, adding up to almost 20,000 rooms. 

In 2019, 63 hotels opened, while a year later in 2020, 40 hotels opened. In 2021, 70 hotels were integrated due to having been postponed the year before due to the pandemic.

In 2022, once again, only 40 hotels opened due to these effects. Therefore, the year 2023 is one of pandemic recovery that exceeds prior numbers. 

In Portugal, there are around 1800 hotels. These figures include 1572 establishments of 1 to 5 stars, 43 lodges/inns, and around 153 apart-hotels.

14-day Portugal Surf Itinerary: Surfing the Portuguese Coast in 2 weeks

Lara Silva
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14-day Portugal Surf Itinerary: Surfing the Portuguese Coast in 2 weeks

In more recent years, surfers from all over the world have been taking notice of Portugal. Along with amazing waves, Portugal’s surf culture has been booming. From waves for beginners to more challenging waves for pros, Portugal has it all. 

If you are planning to travel to Portugal for some waves, we have made a useful surf itinerary with the best places to surf in Portugal.

During two weeks, you will drive throughout Portugal to surf the Portuguese coast. The itinerary becomes in the iconic city of Nazare where Garret McNamara conquered the world’s biggest wave to the south of Portugal.

Let’s take a look at our 14-day Portugal surf itinerary for surfing the Portuguese coast in 2 weeks!

What is the best time of year for surfing in Portugal?

The best time of year for surfing in Portugal depends on your experience. If you are a beginner, we recommend visiting Portugal for surfing in the summer. During this season, waves are smaller. However, popular surf spots could get crowded during this time.

If you are an experienced surfer, the best time of year for surfing in Portugal is between the late winter and early spring, so between September and April. During this time, you will see heavy waves between 2 to 4.5 meters for experienced surfers. 

Day 1 – 3: Nazare

We recommend flying to Lisbon airport. However, since you are here to surf, when you arrive, travel directly to the city of Nazare, around 1h30 away. We recommend renting a car at the airport so you can get to remote locations and carry your surfboard easily.

If you want to enjoy Lisbon, you can also cut your Nazare trip by a day. Take a look at our Lisbon travel guide here.

Nazare is home to the largest surfable waves on the planet, particularly Praia do Norte. Nazare became the stuff of surfing legend in 2011 when Garret McNamara conquered the world’s biggest wave at Nazare’s Praia do Norte.

Since then, it has become a place of pilgrimage for the world’s most dauntless surf riders, with Brazilian surfer Rodrigo Koxa outdoing McNamara and setting the world’s Guinness record for surfing the world’s largest 24.4m wave in 2017.

Nazare. Photo by Karim Sakhibgareev (Unsplash)

The best beaches in Nazare for surfing are:

  • Praia do Norte (largest waves in Europe)
  • Praia do Nazare
  • Praia do Sul

Nazare Hotels

Nazare Restaurants
  • A Tasquinha
  • Restaurante Maria do Mar
  • Rosa dos Ventos
  • Restaurante Casa Pires

Day 4 & 5: Peniche

A 45-minute drive away, Peniche is another popular surf town. The sea, the views, the cliffs, the colors, and the flavors make this area one of the most beautiful and diverse natural landscapes in Portugal.

Peniche is known as one of the surf capitals of Portugal, featuring protected surf beaches to the north that are best for beginners and less-protected areas to the south. 

Every year, Peniche hosts the Rip Curl Pro on the legendary Supertubos beach. This year, the Rip Curl Pro in Peniche will take place between March 8 to 16, 2023. 

Peniche. Photo by Luka Senica (Unsplash)

The best beaches in Peniche for surfing are:

  • Supertubos
  • Prainha
  • Gigi
  • Cantinho da Baia

Peniche Hotels

Peniche Restaurants

  • A Sardinha
  • Marisqueira Mirandum
  • S. Pedro Peniche
  • Rocha

Day 6 & 7: Ericeira

Ericeira is an hour’s drive away from Peniche. A seaside town in Mafra, Ericeira is known to many as the surfing capital of Europe. The only World Surfing Reserve in Europe, Ericeira has the perfect coastline conditions for surfing. 

Being labeled a surfing reserve, Ericeira is a protected surfing area covering 3 kilometers of great wave quality. The official Ericeira World Surfing Reserve spots are Cave, Pedra Branca, Reef, Crazy Left, Ribeira D’Ilhas, Coxos, and Sao Lourenco. 

The great thing about surfing in Ericeira is that the conditions cater to all, including newbies and those advanced. For beginners, we recommend booking a surf class! The best beaches for beginners are Foz do Lizandro and Praia do Sol. Beaches like Sao Lourenco and Ribeira D’Ilhas are more suitable for intermediate and advanced surfers.

Ericeira. Photo by Adam Hornyak (Unsplash)

The best beaches for surfing in Ericeira are:

  • Praia de São Julião
  • Sao Lourenco
  • Ribeira D’Ilhas
  • Praia dos Pescadores

Ericeira Hotels

Ericeira Restaurants

  • Mar d’Areia
  • Mar das Latas
  • GiG – Green is Good 
  • Mar a Vista
  • Avo Restaurante

Day 8 & 9: Carcavelos & Cascais

A 40-minute drive from Ericeira, Carcavelos is located between Lisbon and Cascais. Carcavelos is a lively area with a long stretch of sandy beach. In the winter, the Carcavelos beach is filled with surfers due to its large waves. In the summer, this is a great time for beginners to take surfing lessons at the beach.

Only a 20-minute drive from Carcavelos or a 10-minute train, the town of Cascais is another popular surf town. Cascais is known for its three stunning bays and boasts delicious upscale restaurants, luxurious hotels, and amazing beaches.

However, the best beach in Cascais for surfing is not in the center of Cascais. Rather, it’s the larger Praia do Guincho, a 25-minute bus ride from the center of Cascais or a 15-minute drive. 

Carcavelos. Photo by ZACHARY PEARSON (Unsplash)

Cascais/Carcavelos Hotels

Cascais/Carcavelos Restaurants

  • Mar do Inferno
  • Porto Santa Maria
  • Hifen
  • O Biscoito

Day 10 & 11: Arrifana

For day 9, it’s time to head to the south of Portugal! Your first trip will be Arrifana in Aljezur, a 3:30 hour drive from Lisbon. On the way to your next destination, feel free to stop at places like Vila Nova de Milfontes for a quick swim or surf. 

The Arrifana beach has a south-westerly orientation that provides consistent waves, even in the summer. This beach is great for surfers of all levels, as the beach break features a sandy bottom for beginners, as well as areas with larger waves. 

Arrifana also boasts many surf shops, such as Aljezur Surf Shop, as well as inviting bars and restaurants. 

Arrifana. Photo by
Leonor Oom (Unsplash)

Arrifana Hotels

Arrifana Restaurants

  • Sea You Surf Cafe
  • Tasca d’Arrifana
  • Terra Mar
  • The Elsa Kitchen

Day 12 & 13: Lagos

A 40-minute drive from Arrifana, Lagos is one of the most popular towns in the Algarve. Lagos is a beautiful city in the Algarve that welcomes thousands of tourists yearly, many coming for the surf. This is an all-year surf destination for all surf levels. 

The town also features plenty of surf shops, schools, hostels, bars, and restaurants. In the summer, it has a very lively atmosphere and can actually get quite busy with tourists. 

Lagos. Photo by Reiseuhu.de (Unsplash)

The best beaches for surfing in Lagos are:

  • Meia Praia
  • Praia de Porto de Mos

Lagos Hotels

Lagos Restaurants

  • A Petisqueira
  • Restaurante dos Artistas
  • Arribale
  • Avenida

Day 14: Travel home

It’s time to go home! You can either drive close by to Faro airport and fly back to your home country or take the 3-hour drive to Lisbon airport. Depending on the season of the year, prices will vary, but during the winter, flights from Faro tend to be cheaper. 

Childcare and Education in Madeira: Best Funchal Schools

Lara Silva
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Childcare and Education in Madeira: Best Funchal Schools

Of the 1 million tourists traveling to Madeira every year, it seems many end up deciding to relocate permanently. If you are thinking of becoming an expat family in Madeira, childcare and education must be on your mind. 

Will your kids be going to a private school? Are there international schools in Madeira? At what age does schooling become mandatory in Madeira? Luckily, we have all the answers to your questions about childcare and education in Madeira!

Education System in Portugal

Let’s take a look at the education system in Portugal, which also applies to Madeira. Schooling is only compulsory from 6 to 18 years old. Before that, nurseries and preschools are not mandatory. 

Nurseries, known as creches in Portugal, are for children under three years old in Portugal. Children in Portugal spend over 39 hours per week in a nursery, just like a full-time job.

Portugal has private and IPSS creches. An IPSS is a Particular Social Solidarity Institution. As a general rule, these are always paid by the family, although the government subsidizes a part of the value in relation to the tax bracket of each family for most facilities. 

The general value for a creche in Portugal is around €200 and €300 per child. Again, this depends on your family’s tax bracket.

For example, in Cascais, a family in the first tax bracket might pay around €80 to €100, while a family in the third tax bracket might pay around €200, depending on the child’s age. 

However, the Portuguese government announced back in April of 2022 that daycares, with agreements with the social security system, would be free for all children up to one year old for the years 2022/2023. 

Photo by CDC (Unsplash)

Here are some popular creches in Funchal, Mandeira:

  • Refugio do Bebe
  • O Canto dos Regulias
  • O Sapatinho
  • Os Louros
  • O Pimpao
  • Quinta Betania
  • Jardim De Infância Dona Lívia Nosolini

In preschool or kindergarten, children from the ages of three to five years old are taught to read, write, count, and draw, as well as take part in activities and sports.

State preschools are free of charge. Still, disadvantaged families are given priority due to the limited number of places. Therefore, almost 50% of Portuguese children are attending private preschools at the moment.

A private kindergarten will cost you anywhere between €350 a month to €1,800, the latter mostly for international schools. Private kindergartens always teach a foreign language and tend to have no long waiting lines.

For a public school, expect to wait for 1 to 2 years. Although these are free, meals and transport could cost you around €50 a month. 

Compulsory Education

School only becomes compulsory from 6 to 18 years old. At six years old, basic education begins, also known as Primeiro Ciclo.       

Take a look at the stages of mandatory education in Portugal:

  • Primeiro Ciclo (1st Cycle): Ages 6 to 10 (1st to 4th grade)
  • Segundo Ciclo (2nd Cycle): Ages 10 to 12 (5th and 6th grade)
  • Terceiro Ciclo (Third Cycle): Ages 12 to 15 (7th to 9th grade)
  • Ensino Secundario: Ages 15 to 18 (10th to 12th grade)
Photo by Redd F (Unsplash)

International Schools in Madeira

There are only two international schools in Madeira: the International School of Madeira and the International Sharing School Madeira, both located in Funchal.

These are a lot more affordable than international schools in mainland Portugal which can cost up to €20,000 a year.

International Sharing School Madeira

The International Sharing School in Madeira is a school for students from the age of 3 to 16 from 23 different nationalities. Each class has a maximum of 18 students and the whole school has less than 200 students. 

The school offers the prestigious IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) and the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP). These programs allow students to build confidence in managing their own learning and prepare for IB Diploma examinations. 

Students are learning in a bilingual environment from the age of 3, prepared for the PYP with a bilingual foundation by the age of 6. Along with English and Portuguese, students can learn German, Spanish, French, Mandarin, and Russian. 

Yearly fees range between €4,950 and €10,945. 

International School of Madeira

The International School of Madeira offers a bilingual education for kids from the age of 3 to 10 years old in both English and Portuguese. Classes are kept small, with a maximum of 12 students per class, so that every pupil gets the attention they need.

Along with Portuguese and English as first languages, students learn maths, information technology, science, and social studies in both languages.

There are also enrichment courses such as art, music, and physical education as part of the curriculum, as well as extracurricular activities such as swimming, zumba, and piano.

Yearly fees range between €2,750 for 3 and 4-year-olds to €3,300 for 9-year-olds. 

Cost of Living in Braga: Braga Monthly Budget

Lara Silva
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Cost of Living in Braga: Braga Monthly Budget

Braga is becoming an increasingly popular relocation destination for expats from all over the world. The oldest city in Portugal, Braga is located in the north of Portugal and is known as the “Rome of Portugal” due to its abundance of churches and astonishing architecture. 

But is it expensive to live in Braga? Braga’s cost of living is relatively lower than other Portuguese cities like Lisbon. Consumer prices are around 16% lower than in Lisbon, and rent is almost 50% lower. 

If you’re considering Braga as a permanent or temporary home, let’s take a look at the average monthly budget for expats without children, families, and digital nomads.

Guide to Braga

Cost of Living in Braga for an Expat 

The monthly budget for an expat in Braga is at least €1090.

A one-bedroom apartment costs around €590 in the city center. However, you can save by renting outside the city center for around €445.

A monthly transportation pass is around €30 or less. You can also get a train to many cities from Faro, such as Lisbon and Porto. 

Utilities cost around €130, including phone data and cable TV.   

For exploring Braga, eating out at your favorite restaurants, and exploring the nightlife, budget around €160 a month. You can easily spend less or more, depending on your lifestyle. 

Groceries for a single person average out at around €45 a week.

Health care could add to your monthly budget in Braga. EU citizens with a valid European Health Insurance Card can use the National Health Service (SNS) for free for up to 90 days in Portugal. This allows them time to get registered as legal residents to continue using the public health system.

However, non-EU citizens are only entitled to use the public health system if they are employed and pay social security in Portugal, having to be registered as legal residents as well.

Even if this is the case, they must purchase private health insurance to cover medical care before arriving in Portugal and becoming a legal resident.

Cost of Living in Braga for a Digital Nomad 

The cost of living in Braga for a digital nomad is at least €1140 a month.

If you are looking to stay at a private Airbnb, this could almost triple your budget as it will cost around €2000 a month.

A shared room in a hostel starts at around €20 a night, and a private room is around €40 a night. 

Renting a desk at a co-working place in Braga can cost around €150 a month. Transportation costs around €30. There are plenty of buses in the city and a train station connecting you to other main Portuguese cities.

Budget at least €200 for leisure such as eating out, nightlife, and trips to nearby cities and villages.

Food can easily max out your monthly budget. If you want to save and have a kitchen at your disposal, a weekly shop shouldn’t cost more than €40.

However, if you plan to eat out, an affordable meal is around €10 nowadays.

Cost of Living in Braga for a Family of Four

Living with Braga with kids is a lot more affordable than in another European cities. Expect to spend at least €2035 a month for a family of four in Faro. This amount can be a lot higher depending on your kids’ education and healthcare.

A three-bedroom apartment in Faro will set you back around €916. However, prices can go up to €1000 or more, depending on the apartment type and amenities. 

Budget around €150 a month for monthly transport passes. However, it is definitely more convenient for a family of four to own a car and drive. Fuel will cost you anywhere between €150 and €250 a month. 

Utilities cost around €160 and include electricity, heating, water, etc. However, this can be much higher in the winter or depending on your family’s consumption.

Groceries for a family of four in Braga should cost around €125 to €150 a week, so budget at least €500 a month.

If you need to purchase health insurance for the whole family, this will cost you at least €200 a month.

However, you might be eligible to use access to healthcare for free. EU citizens with a valid European Health Insurance Card can use the National Health Service (SNS) for free for up to 90 days in Portugal. After becoming legal residents, they can continue to use the SNS.

However, non-EU citizens are only entitled to use the public health system if they are employed and pay social security in Portugal, having to be registered as legal residents as well.

If you want your kids to attend a private school, this will cost you. While public schools are free, private international schools can cost between €6,000 and €20,000 a year. You could pay around €2000 a month for two kids just for education. 

New Year’s Eve in Lisbon

Lara Silva
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New Year’s Eve in Lisbon

Lisbon is magical on New Year’s Eve. Not just because this night brings about the start of the new year celebrations but because the remnants of Christmas remain. In fact, they only really end on January 6, the Day of the Kings.

The Portuguese capital has so much to offer. Whether you are looking for an intimate dinner or a gala event, Lisbon has the perfect New Year’s Eve plans for you. But first, let’s take a look at the most popular New Year’s Eve traditions in Portugal.

New Year’s Eve Traditions in Portugal

New Year’s Eve looks different all over the globe. In Portugal, there are a set of traditions and practices to celebrate the new year that might seem unusual to many. Let’s take a look at the most common New Year’s Eve traditions in Portugal:

  • 12 Raisins: At the stroke of midnight, the Portuguese begin eating their 12 raisins to represent the 12 months for good luck. If you are spending New Year’s Eve at a restaurant, these will usually be handed out to you.
  • Champagne toast: It’s customary to toast with your friends in attendance, making sure not to cross your arms with others and to make eye contact. 
  • Money: Portuguese superstition says that you should have money with you when the clock strikes midnight for wealth. The tradition varies, with some holding the money in their hands and others keeping it in their wallet or even shoes. 
  • New outfit: It is said to bring about good luck to wear a brand new outfit. Everything should be brand new, particularly your underwear!
  • Ocean swim the next day: Many heads to the beach on the morning of January 1. The brave ones enjoy the first dip of the year in the ocean.

Best Hotels for New Year’s Eve in Lisbon

1. Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon

If you want to go all out for this special night, nothing says luxury like a Four Seasons! Whenever celebrities come to visit Lisbon, this is where they stay.

The Ritz in Lisbon is planning a magical New Year’s Eve dinner and party at its Grand Ballroom. You will be served dishes by Chef Pascal Meynard, including Dublin Bay prawn with Neuvic Oscietra caviar, daikon, and yuzu. If you want a more intimate setting, opt for a dinner at Chef Pedro Pena Bastos’ CURA Restaurant. 

The hotel has an updated Louis XVI style and has views of the Lisbon hills, located in central Lisbon. The Ritz has everything you would need: a high-end restaurant called CURA, a bar terrace, a gym, and a spa. If you fancy some shopping, Avenida da Liberdade is a 10-minute walk away.

The Ritz is probably the most expensive hotel in all of Lisbon. Therefore, expect high New Year’s Eve rates. 

2. Pestana Palace Lisboa

A member of “The Leading Hotels of the World”, Pestana Palace is located in a 19th-century palace. It is the only resort in Lisbon and has a lake pool, a spa, and large gardens. With views of the Tagus river, this hotel includes a sophisticated restaurant that serves iconic Portuguese dishes. 

This year, Pestana Palace Lisbon is offering New Year’s packages from 482 euros a night. For dinner, expect welcome drinks, a 5-course gala dinner with drinks, live music, fireworks, and a DJ to dance the night away.   

3. Bairro Alto Hotel

This hotel is situated in the best location in Lisbon, between Bairro Alto and Chiado in an 18th-century building in central Lisbon. It is uncommon for a luxury hotel of this standard to be located here. It is also the only luxury boutique hotel in Lisbon that has under 100 rooms. The hotel features a restaurant with award-winning Chef Nuno Mendes and Executive Chef Bruno Rocha. We recommend heading to the bar on the top floor of the hotel, which has some of the best views of the city!

4. Corinthia Lisbon

A stylish 5-star hotel, Corinthia Lisbon features two restaurants and the largest spa area in Lisbon of 3000m2. The large Sky Lounge is located on the 24th floor, featuring panoramic views of the city.

Stay in a lovely refurbished guest room for a luxurious night. Corinthia Lisbon’s New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner has a glamorous theme: The Great Gatsby. In a jazzy celebration, you will get inspired by the roaring twenties. You will also get to enjoy some live music with Joana Lobo Anta’s Quintet. After dinner, dance the night away with drinks and a DJ.

The next morning, a large breakfast buffet is available to celebrate the first day of the year. Prices start at 527 euros per night. 

Top Restaurants for New Year’s Eve in Lisbon

Alfaia

One of the oldest restaurants in all of Lisbon, Alfaia opened in 1880. If you’re looking to try some traditional Portuguese food that tastes like a homecooked meal, Alfaia is the place to be for an old-fashioned meal. We recommend the cozido à Portuguesa, a classic Portuguese stew with beef, pork, blood sausage, and vegetables, as well as the old-fashioned shredded duck with rice. 

Alma

Founded by Portuguese Chef Henrique Sá Pessoa, Alma offers an exclusive fine dining experience. The two-Michelin star restaurant’s dishes reflect Portuguese cuisine with an influence of the Chef’s international travels. Located in the heart of the Chiado district in an eighteenth-century building, Alma offers two tasting menus and an à la carte menu. The two tasting menus are Costa a Costa, a sea-focused tasting, and Alma, the Chef’s favorite dishes. 

Belcanto

Awarded two Michelin stars, Belcanto is 42nd on the list of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants. Located in Chiado, this restaurant is one of the most expensive in all of Portugal, welcoming celebrities from all over the world. Founded by Chef José Avillez, you’ll taste some of the best flavors of Portuguese cuisine, reinvented for a more elevated dining experience. You can opt for choosing dishes à la carte or select the tasting menus, the latter being the most unique option. 

Palacio Chiado

Palácio Chiado is located in the eighteenth-century Quintela Palace in the heart of Chiado, a palace that was closed to the public for decades. The restaurant offers a sophisticated atmosphere, with music playing at night setting a more bar-like experience. Curated by  Chef Manuel Bóia, the restaurant’s dishes are diverse in origin, from Portuguese food to international cuisine. 

Photo provided by restaurant.

New Year’s Eve Fireworks in Lisbon

Lisbon puts on a show on New Year’s Eve. There might be no iconic ball drop, but the fireworks don’t disappoint. But where can you watch the New Year’s Eve fireworks in Lisbon? Terreiro do Paco, translating to Commerce Square. This large square has plenty of room for all and is the best place to watch the fireworks above the Tagus river.

Moreover, Terreiro do Paco hosts entertainment prior to the fireworks. Local bands start playing music at around 10 pm. The fireworks only come on at midnight, lasting around 10 to 15 minutes. After the fireworks display, more bands play, and even a DJ takes the stage.

However, the fireworks are visible from loads of places across the city, including some hotels.

Cost of Living in Coimbra: Monthly Budget

Lara Silva
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Cost of Living in Coimbra: Monthly Budget

If you are looking to move to Portugal but the capital’s higher prices are putting you off, there are plenty of cosmopolitan cities that remain affordable. Coimbra, once the proud capital of the Portuguese nation, is still relatively affordable, despite rising prices all over the country.

One of Portugal’s oldest cities, Coimbra boasts the oldest University in Portugal, which happens to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as a place full of history and culture.

The best part – Coimbra is around 25% to 30% cheaper than Lisbon. But how much does it exactly cost to live in Coimbra? Let’s take a look at the monthly budget for an expat, digital nomad, and family of four in Coimbra.

Travel Guide to Coimbra

Cost of Living in Coimbra for an Expat 

The monthly budget for an expat in Coimbra, Portugal, is at least €1,000 if you want to live in the center.

A one-bedroom apartment in the center costs around €530. Outside of the center, it can cost around €380.

A monthly transportation pass is around €30 or less per person. Utilities cost around €130, including phone data and cable TV.

For exploring Coimbra, eating out at your favorite restaurants, and exploring the nightlife, budget around €150 a month. You can easily spend more, this depends on your lifestyle. 

Groceries for a single person average out at around €40 a week. 

Cost of Living in Coimbra for a Digital Nomad

The cost of living in Coimbra for a digital nomad is at least €1,090 a month. This is the case if you sleep in a hostel’s dorm and cook most of your meals. If not, expect to need €3,000+ a month in Coimbra. 

How did we get from around €1,000 to over €3,000? If you opt for the budget option of a shared dorm in a hostel, expect only to need to pay €20 a night, so around €600 a month. However, a private Airbnb would cost you at least €2,000.

Renting a desk at a co-working place in Coimbra costs around €100. Transportation costs around €30. 

Budget at least €200 for leisure such as eating out, bars, and tourists to discover the island.

Food can easily max out your monthly budget. If you want to save and have a kitchen at your disposal, a weekly shop shouldn’t cost more than €40.

However, if you plan to eat out, an affordable meal is around €10. This would set you back around €1,000 in a month. 

Cost of Living in Coimbra for a Family of Four 

Expect to spend at least around €2,000 a month for a family of four in Coimbra, which is more than double the budget of a single expat. 

However, if you need health insurance for the entire family and your two kids will attend private school, you will spend thousands more.

A three-bedroom apartment in the center of Coimbra will only set you back around €725. However, prices can go up to €1,000, depending on the apartment type and amenities. Moreover, if you want to save money, opting for an apartment outside the center can save you another couple hundred euros.

Budget around €150 a month for monthly transport passes. However, it is more convenient for a family of four to own a car and drive around Coimbra. This way, you can also more easily visit neighboring cities. Fuel will cost you anywhere between €150 and €250 a month. 

Utilities cost around €160 and include electricity, heating, water, etc. However, this can be much higher in the winter or depending on your family’s consumption.

Groceries for a family of four in Coimbra should cost around €125 a week, so budget at least €500 a month.

If you need to purchase health insurance for the whole family, this will cost you at least €200 a month.

However, you might be eligible to use access to healthcare for free, even if you are not an EU resident. Non-EU citizens are only entitled to use the public health system if they are employed and pay social security in Portugal, having to be registered as legal residents as well.

While public schools are free, private schools can cost anywhere between €6000 and €2000 a year, depending on the establishment and age of your child. You could pay around €4000 a month for two kids just for education. 

New Year’s Eve in Porto

Lara Silva
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New Year’s Eve in Porto

Porto is beautiful in the winter. Not only due to the way the city lights up during the Christmas season and fewer hoards of tourists but because of the celebrations on December 31. The last day of the year is a memorable one in Porto, with locals and expats alike taking to the streets to celebrate and admire the fireworks. 

If you are trying to figure out your plans for your next New Year’s Eve in Porto, we have got you covered. From the best hotels to our favorite restaurants to celebrate this night, Porto has a lot to offer. But first, let’s take a look at the New Year’s Eve traditions in Portugal so you know what to expect!

New Year’s Eve Traditions in Portugal

  • 12 Raisins: At the stroke of midnight, the Portuguese begin eating their 12 raisins to represent the 12 months for good luck. If you are spending New Year’s Eve at a restaurant, these will usually be handed out to you.
  • Champagne toast: It’s customary to toast with your friends in attendance, making sure not to cross your arms with others and to make eye contact. 
  • Money: Portuguese superstition says that you should have money with you when the clock strikes midnight for wealth. The tradition varies, with some holding the money in their hands and others keeping it in their wallet or even shoes. 
  • New outfit: It is said to bring about good luck to wear a brand new outfit. Everything should be brand new, particularly your underwear!
  • Ocean swim the next day: Many heads to the beach on the morning of January 1. The brave ones enjoy the first dip of the year in the ocean.

Best Hotels for New Year’s Eve in Porto

What better way to spend New Year’s Eve in Porto than in a nice luxurious hotel? Many even have special packages for the occasion that include a delicious New Year’s Eve dinner and other activities, such as a relaxing spa day. Let’s take a look at the 5 best hotels for New Year’s Eve in Porto.

1. NH Hotel Porto Jardim

This four-star hotel feels like its five stars. It has a 70 cm deep outdoor people, a spa a few meters away, and a gym. It is located within walking distance of main attractions like Bolhão market, Aliados Avenue, and Ribeira, great spots to watch the fireworks after dinner. 

The hotel restaurant serves local and international cuisine and has a great selection of Portuguese wines for your New Year’s Eve dinner.

2. Hotel Premium Porto Downtown

Located in the old town, this modern 4-star hotel has a sun terrace with views of the city of Porto, the perfect place to enjoy some port wine. You’ll be close to everything you need, Santa Catarina street, Aliados Avenue, and the cathedral. The hotel offers unique and affordable experiences, like driving your own plane (A320) over Porto for €30 and boat trips on the river for €15, which are the perfect activities for the first day of the year. 

3. Mercure Porto Centro Aliados

This hotel mixes the modern with rustic and has a real-life tree inside the restaurant, “O Sítio Esquecido” (the forgotten place). Mercure Porto has a restaurant, pool, and sun terrace: it feels like a retreat away from the city. One of the best locations for a hotel, you’ll be a few minutes away from the hotspots to watch the fireworks after dinner!

4. The Yeatman, Gaia

This luxury hotel isn’t really in Porto – it’s 15 minutes away, crossing the bridge in Vila Nova de Gaia. You get a full view of Porto across the Douro river, showcasing the fireworks along the water. Especially at night, this view is magazine-worthy. Have your New Year’s Eve dinner with some Portuguese wine at the 2 Michelin awarded Yeatman Restaurant.

The hotel has a luxury spa offering panoramic views of the city, perfect for a relaxing day on January 1. Each double bedroom comes with a private terrace. The bathrooms have a large bathtub and shower and come with Caudalie skincare products.

5. Maison Albar Hotels Le Monumental Palace

If you want to go all out, Le Monumental is for you! Located in a historic building from 1923, this 5-star hotel has two restaurants, a bar, a Spa, and a large indoor pool. Situated in the iconic Aliados Avenue, Monumental Palace is a 6-minute walk away from Clerigos Tower and the Livraria Lello.

The New Year’s Eve celebration at the hotel include dinner, cabaret, singers, and other performances. Offers start at 550 euros per person and include dinner and a room, although there is a minimum stay of two nights. 

On January 1st, the hotel is offering a New Year’s Day brunch for 120 euros per person. 

The hotel also has two Michelin star restaurants: Le Monument and Yakuza Porto by Olivier. The latter is a famous Japanese restaurant with Brazilian influences by Chef Olivier that is well known in all of Portugal.

 

Best Restaurants for New Year’s Eve in Porto

The perfect New Year’s Eve needs a delicious New Year’s dinner! It is your last meal of the year, after all. Here are the 5 best restaurants in Porto for New Year’s Eve dinner. 

1. Antiqvvm

Located in Rua de Entre Quintas, Antiqvvm has one of the best views of the River Douro from its garden. The Michelin-star restaurant was opened by Chef Vitor Matos, who uses local ingredients to produce dishes, picking out produce by season.

The wines at the restaurant are specially selected by sommelier António Lopes. You can choose from a set menu or opt for the à la carte menu, where vegetarian options are available. 

Photo provided by restaurant

2. Pedro Lemos

Located in a restored ancient stone house, Pedro Lemos was opened in 2009 by Chef Pedro Lemos, making it the first restaurant in Porto to receive a Michelin star. You’ll find this place in Foz, a historical neighborhood of Porto, 20 minutes away from the center of the city. This place has a rooftop terrace to enjoy the view of the river and watch the fireworks. 

3. Enoteca 17.56

One of the trendiest restaurants in Gaia, Enoteca 17.56 has a cool atmosphere and a modern interior design. With a terrace offering a gorgeous view of Porto and the Douro River, this restaurant is also a great spot for a sunset drink. Enoteca is known for its sushi, fillet steaks, and focaccia, as well as an extensive wine list. 

Photo provided by restaurant.

New Year’s Eve Fireworks in Porto

The best part about New Year’s Eve in Porto is the fireworks display that the city puts on. These are displayed by the Douro river and can be seen both from Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. People gather on the margins of the Douro river to watch the fireworks celebrations above the D. Luis I bridge. The best way to see these is either by staying at a hotel or finding a restaurant with great views. Alternatively, walk down to Ribeira on the sidelines of the river to watch the beautiful fireworks.

Photo by Renan (Unsplash)

New Year’s Traditions in Portugal

Lara Silva
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New Year’s Traditions in Portugal

New Year’s Eve looks different all over the globe. In Brazil, people dress up in white and party the night away. In the United States, New Yorkers watches the dropping of the ball in Times Square.

If you’re visiting Portugal for this holiday, you might be wondering how Portugal celebrates New Year’s Eve. Let’s take a look at New Year’s traditions in Portugal and the best places to celebrate this special night. 

Portuguese New Year’s Traditions

12 Raisins

Probably the most popular tradition in Portugal to celebrate New Year’s Eve revolves around a tiny dried grape. At the stroke of midnight, the Portuguese begin eating their 12 raisins to represent the 12 months. One raisin is traditionally eaten at each stroke of the clock. 

It’s said that these raisins will bring you luck for the year to come. When you eat them, you’re supposed to make a wish such as good health or prosperity. 

Before midnight strikes, the Portuguese will already be diving their raisings, so each person in attendance has 12. If you are spending New Year’s Eve at a restaurant, these will usually be handed out to you.

Photo by Erda Estremera (Unsplash)

Champagne toast

Like in most countries, the Portuguese also toast with champagne at midnight. Usually with champagne in one hand and raisins in another. It’s customary to toast with your friends in attendance, making sure not to cross your arms with others and to make eye contact. 

Photo by Billy Huynh (Unsplash)

Money in your pocket

Another New Year’s tradition in Portugal that is quite unusual revolves around money. Portuguese superstition says that you should have money with you when the clock strikes midnight. The tradition varies, with some holding the money in their hands and others keeping it in their wallet or even shoes. 

This tradition is said to bring about wealth for the new year. It is said that if your pockets are empty in the New Year, this will remain throughout the year and bring bad luck financially. 

New outfit

Another tradition that is becoming less popular surrounds clothing and fashion. It is said to bring about good luck to wear a brand new outfit. Everything should be brand new, particularly your underwear, as it’s said to bring luck! Unusual, right? 

Even the color of the clothing matters. It is said that wearing something blue brings about the most luck. Other colors bring about different superstitions. Red symbolizes passion, pink brings about a new romance and love, yellow represents wealth, and green is said to give good health. 

Fireworks

Major cities and towns in Portugals will present a beautiful fireworks show when the clock strikes midnight. People gather in the main squares and their balconies to watch the show of multiple colors that light up the sky. 

Beware that not anyone can launch fireworks into the sky. You need a permit to do so.

Photo by Jingda Chen (Unsplash)

New Year’s Day lunch

Many families take January 1st as seriously as New Year’s Eve. It’s customary for families to get together the day after New Year’s Eve for a nice meal to celebrate the official start of the year. Usually, they will head to a restaurant, as many offer special menus for this day.

Ocean dip on January 1

Another Portuguese tradition to celebrate the new year is to head to the beach on the morning of January 1. The brave ones enjoy the first dip of the year in the ocean, even in areas that are quite cold. This is said to bring about good luck and help you start the year in a positive way. 

Where to celebrate New Year’s in Portugal?

There are so many amazing places to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Portugal. Whether you are looking for a more laid-back night or a party, Portugal has a lot to offer. Our favorite places to spend New Year’s Eve in Portugal are Lisbon, Porto, and the Douro Valley.

Lisbon is one of our favorite cities in Portugal to celebrate New Year’s Eve. There are plenty of hotels offering package stays, such as the Ritz, Bairro Alto Hotel, and more. Restaurants of all kinds offer New Year’s Eve menus for a delicious dinner. For a more intimate environment, why not rent an Airbnb and have dinner at home?

Lisbon has one of the best fireworks shows for New Year’s. You will find amazing fireworks and concerts at Terreiro do Paco, the main square of the city. The Sao Jorge castle is also open to the public for midnight celebrations where you can watch the fireworks. 

The same can be said about New Year’s Eve in Porto. Boasting beautiful hotels and even a few Michelin-star restaurants, the city is the perfect backdrop for a magical New Year’s Eve. A beautiful fireworks display occurs, with pyrotechnics over the Douro river. In the historical center, people bar hop and enjoy the lively streets with a drink in hand.

If you are looking for a more relaxing New Year’s Eve, the Douro valley is a great option. You can enjoy amazing cuisine and wine by the fire of a comforting hotel. We recommend the Six Senses Douro Valley, The Vintage House, and the Douro Palace Hotel Resort & SPA.

Bad weather returns with risk of floods in Portugal

Lara Silva
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0
Bad weather returns with risk of floods in Portugal

Another week of bad weather is on its way. The Civil Protection is warning everyone in Portugal to watch out for the heavy rain coming Monday afternoon, which are likely to result in floods until Tuesday morning. Conditions similar to last week are expected where various urban areas flooded.

Heavy rain, thunder, and strong winds are expected to start this afternoon in most areas of mainland Portugal.

The next two days will include “large periods of heavy and persistent rain, accompanied by thunder and strong winds,” said the National Authority of Emergency and Civil Protection in a press conference. 

The areas most affected include the North and Center regions of Portugal, including Lisbon. The most critical time will happen in the early hours of Tuesday, December 20. 

Due to these weather predictions, 11 districts of the country are under “a yellow state of alert”: Viana do Castelo, Vila Real, Braga, Porto, Aveiro, Coimbra, Leiria, Viseu, Lisboa, Santarem, and Setubal. 

Commander Andre Fernandes of the Civil Protection is warning the public to “adopt measures of auto protection and change their driving in line with the meteorological situation.”

He also asks the public to “monitor the areas more susceptible to landslides and to avoid risky behavior in coastal areas.” Moreover, he suggests cleaning water circuits and creating protection barriers in homes, so water does not enter, such as metal plates. 

The weather is predicted to get better on Wednesday.

Between December 7 and December 15, the Civil Protection recorded over 7,900 incidents on national territory, including almost 5,000 floods and 88 displaced people. 

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