The General Director of Health, Graça Freitas, has defended the decision to keep face masks indoors and in schools mandatory due to the covid-19 pandemic in Portugal. Freitas said that there is still a large population in these areas that are susceptible to contracting and spreading covid-19, reports RTP news.
“We have alleviated all the measures in schools so that students and staff can have an academic experience that is the closest to normality at the moment”, she said. The only rule that remains in school is having to wear a mask. However, kids under 5 are not recommended to wear a mask at school and for kids between the age of 6 and 9, the measure is optional.
The General Director of Health also acknowledged that children and young people have a high immunity at the moment, either because they have contracted covid-19 (around 51% of those between 6 and 17 years old) or because they are vaccinated. However, she argues that “there is still a large number of susceptibles in schools” and although their symptoms might be milder, they can transmit covid-19 to others, particularly family and friends.
She also said that even when the use of a face mask is no longer mandatory, the recommendation that one is used when visiting “a grandmother, a mother, an aunt, or someone sick or in an institution” will remain.
Regarding the fourth dose of the vaccine, Freitas said that they are still finding out which populations will benefit from this dose and when it will be administered.
The state of alert has been extended until April 22 by the Portuguese government due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This means that the current COVID restrictions remain in place until at least the end of the state of alert in Portugal.
This includes mandatory use of face masks in interior spaces, health service locations, and public transport. Those without a booster shot for the Covid-19 vaccine must test negative to visit nursing homes, hospitals, and health centers.
The “open house” strategy for vaccination is still in place in Portugal. Those over 18 without a COVID-19 booster, those over 12 without the first COVID-19 dose, and those over 50 without a booster against the flu can get vaccinated without an appointment.
A “Casa Aberta” está disponível para pessoas com:
👉 18 ou mais anos que não foram vacinadas com dose de reforço contra a COVID-19.
👉 12 ou mais anos que não foram vacinadas com dose primária contra a COVID-19.
Basta dirigir-se a um centro de vacinação ou centro de saúde. 💪 pic.twitter.com/95mpsPzf2I
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will make a speech via video call to the Portuguese parliament on April 21. The speech will happen at 3 pm and the President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa will be present.
The governmentapproved last week an invite to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to make a speech to the Portuguese parliament. The Party of the People, Animals, and Nature (PAN) proposed the invite on March 16 and it has been accepted by most Portuguese parties. However, the Portuguese Communist Party (PCP) voted against the proposal.
The ambassador of Ukraine in Portugal, Inna Ohnivets told CNN that the Portuguese Communist Party (PCP) is perpetuating a campaign of Russian misinformation, arguing the party’s position “has always been a position of Russian support in the last eight years of the international conflict between Ukraine and Russia”.
Zelensky has made speeches to parliaments all over the world. The president usually references events and national symbols of each country, which could occur in his speech next week.
The state of alert has been extended until April 22 by the Portuguese government due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This means that the current COVID restrictions remain in place until at least the end of the state of alert in Portugal.
This includes mandatory use of face masks in interior spaces, health service locations, and public transport. Those without a booster shot for the Covid-19 vaccine must test negative to visit nursing homes, hospitals, and health centers.
The state of alert had already been extended at the end of March until at least April 18, after the Council of Ministers found that the prior March 30 date was too soon to lift restrictions.
With Easter approaching, the head of the Directorate-General of Health of Portugal, Graça Freitas, has said: “We ask that citizens have strategies to protect the most vulnerable: the elderly, the sick, and those in institutions. During Easter there will be more contacts, so we recommend that those with COVID-19 remain isolated. We recommend airing out closed space, using face masks, and social distancing”.
The “open house” strategy for vaccination is still in place. Those over 18 without a COVID-19 booster, those over 12 without the first COVID-19 dose, and those over 50 without a booster against the flu can get vaccinated without an appointment.
Lisbon‘s food scene is some of the best in Europe. Meat eaters and vegans alike can enjoy the culinary experience that the capital of Portugal offers. From affordable tascas to luxurious fine dining experiences, the city has something for everyone’s taste – and wallet. Although Lisbon is a capital that allows tourists to immerse themselves in the gastronomic culture of Portugal, it is important to avoid the over-priced tourist traps. In fact, for every local in Lisbon, there are 9 tourists exploring the way of life in the capital. This list of the 25 best restaurants in Lisbon allows you to find the best spots to eat like a local while avoiding the crowds. There will be no leaving Lisbon with a bad taste in your mouth.
Ao 26 is not just one of the best vegan restaurants in Lisbon, it’s one of our favorite restaurants all around, even for the skeptic meat-eaters. Located close to Chiado, Ao 26 serves a plant-based version of traditional Portuguese food, every single dish at this place tastes like the real thing – or even better. This place was founded by Catarina Gonçalves in 2016 and has an inviting environment, with minimal art scribbled on the walls and green plants everywhere. We recommend trying the selection of Portuguese starters which includes octopus, bread, and cheeses. For the main, their mustard sauce steak is delicious and tastes like an authentic Portuguese steak (all plant-based). You can have a meal for €40 for two people here.
2. 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 politicians, and 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. The “menu evolução” offers you innovative dishes that explore different tastes, textures, and sensations for €195 per person.
3. 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. This place is affordable as you can get a meal for €15 to €20 for a meal with wine.
4. Mezze
Located in Arroios, Mezze is a special place. One of the only Syrian restaurants in Lisbon, everyone that works at Mezze is a refugee or immigrant, many of whom previously faced job discrimination. This place is committed to contributing to the inclusion of refugees in Portuguese society. You can choose from 6 types of mezze, a selection of small dishes, with vegan and vegetarian options available. A meal here for two people will cost around €35.
5. Alma
Founded by the 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. The menus start at €145 per person and do not include drinks. The wine tasting menu costs €80 per person.
6. A Cevicheria
Founded by Francisco Martins, also known as Chef Kiko, a Cevicheria mixes Portuguese cuisines with the traditional Peruvian dish, ceviche. Using codfish and other national ingredients, Chef Kiko has created innovative dishes. We recommend trying the Portuguese ceviche, with octopus, codfish, and potatoes, as well as the tuna and foie gras ceviche. The restaurant also offers a tasting menu with 5 dishes and a dessert for €54.70. You can get a meal here for €30 per person.
Photo provided by restaurant.Photo provided by restaurant.Photo provided by restaurant.
7. A Travessa
Near Santos, a Travessa is located in an old convent from the seventeenth century. The restaurant has two large rooms for candlelit dinners, as well as an outdoor cloister to enjoy meals during the warmer months. Travessa opened in 1978, founded by Viviane Durieu, and recently in 2021, Chef João De Oliveira joined the team. We recommend the Azorean tuna and the mushroom deer, for a unique experience. You can get a meal here for €50.
8. Adega da Tia Matilde
Adega da Tia Matilde has been a Lisbon local favorite for decades. The restaurant offers Mediterranean and Portuguese dishes, with a traditional environment and decor. Well-known for its friendly hospitality, Adega da Tia Matilde has some of the best duck dishes and large shrimps in the city. You can get a meal here for €25.
9. Feitoria
Located in the Altis Belem Hotel & Spa, Feitoria has one Michelin star and offers a stunning view of Belem. Chef João Rodrigues aims to help visitors feel connected to the earth, the sea, and the customs of the Portuguese. Feitoria offers two tasting menus, either with 7 or 9 dishes. They also have a vegetarian option for each of these menus. Prices for menus range between €100 and €125 per person, without drinks. The wine menu costs around €55 per person.
10. The Green Affair
The Green Affair can be found in three locations, in Chiado, Saldanha, and Parque das Nações. Decorated with gold hanging lights and dark green walls, the Green Affair offers a sophisticated environment. We recommend their seitan steak and the boneless lagareiro, their plant-based take on the traditional octopus dish. You would think such a nice vegan restaurant would your wallet, but this place is very affordable. The restaurant offers lunch menus for less than €11 including a starter, main, and drink. For dinner, you’ll pay around €30 for two people.
Photo provided by restaurantPhoto provided by restaurantPhoto provided by restaurant
11. Prado
Located in Sé, Prado has a contemporary “farm to table” concept with local fresh produce. You’ll even find the list of farms they source their product from on the menu. The former conserves factory is filled with ferns and ivy plants, creating a trendy environment. This restaurant specializes in biodynamic Portuguese wines and kombucha. We recommend pairing these with their selection of Portuguese cheeses and trying the Azorean squid. You can get a meal here for €20.
12. Casanova
One of the best pizzas in Lisbon, Casanova in Santa Apolónia’s pizzas are cooked in a large wood-burning stove. With one of the best views of the Tejo river, Casanova is a great place to have a beer and taste some pizzas, as well as some antipasti such as burrata and prosciutto. Our favorite pizzas here are the Casanova and the Diavola. You can get a meal here for under €15.
Photo provided by restaurant.Photo provided by restaurant.
13. BouBou’s
BouBou’s signature wall is the first thing you’ll see, a flower wall at the front of the restaurant. This place has an outdoor patio with sparkling lights and banana trees, perfect for enjoying one of their cocktails. This place only opens at 6:30 pm for drinks and from 7 pm for dinner. They have an extensive drink list, from wines to champagne and cocktails. Their menu offers a variety of international dishes from pork belly, and octopus to lamb kebabs. You can get a meal here for €25. BouBou’s also features tasting menus, including an adapted vegetarian menu.
Photo provided by restaurant.Photo provided by restaurant.Photo provided by restaurant.
14. Taberna da Rua das Flores
Located in Baixa-Chiado, Taberna da Rua das Flores offers guests a menu of small plates, created with locally sourced produce and poultry. A large glamorous chandelier hangs from the ceiling, contrasting with the rustic azulejo floor. This place adds a contemporary twist to Portuguese traditional food. We recommend trying the sardines on toast and the shrimp. You can get a meal here for €15.
15. Vegan Junkies
Located in Pena, Vegan Junkies is the spot to go for a vegan burger. From their Big Poppa purple burger to their Dang! mac and cheese, this place is perfect for all things vegan junk food. Vegan Junkies’ motto: “enjoy the taste of junk food without any cruelty”. You won’t spend more than €25 for two people here.
Photo provided by restaurantPhoto provided by restaurantPhoto provided by restaurant
16. Can the Can
The Portuguese canning industry has been a part of the Portuguese economy since 1854. In Lisbon, canned food is an iconic staple, from canned tuna to sardines. The chefs at Can the Can, located in Baixa, show visitors that canned food isn’t boring and can be elevated into creative dishes. The walls of the dining room are filled with canned food and tin-can lightning, creating an industrial environment. We recommend the pastrami tuna sandwich Can the Can steak with beer sauce. You can have a meal for €35 for two people here.
17. La Brasserie de l’Entrecôte
La Brasserie de L’Entrecôte has been specializing in the same dish for the past 25 years. In fact, this dish is all this restaurant serves, but it’s worth it. A tender entrecôte served with some of the best french fries in Portugal. The sauce takes center stage, a green sauce with over 18 secret ingredients. Special tip: ask for a saucer with some extra sauce. You can get a menu here from €20.20 to €27.95. Menus include the entrecôte and a salad as a starter. Vegetarians don’t worry, the restaurant has a seitan option so you can still experience this delicious secret recipe. There are over four La Brasserie de L’Entrecôte in Portugal, our favorite being in Chiado.
18. Zé dos Cornos
Zé dos Cornos is one of the best tascas (Portuguese taverns) in all of Lisbon. The kind of place that can only fit a few people and only takes cash. It doesn’t get more traditional than that. We recommend their baked codfish, rabbit, and pork steak. You can have a large full meal here with wine for under €15.
19. Cantinho do Aziz
Cantinho do Aziz open over 35 years ago and has been serving quality Mozambican food ever since. Located in the quaint neighborhood of Mouraria, this place has been celebrated by food experts all over the world. The success of this restaurant has led the owners to open a second one in Leeds, England in 2016. Chef Jeny has curated a special menu, including chicken muamba and Mozambican crab curry. You can get a meal here for €10.
Photo provided by restaurant.Photo provided by restaurant.Photo provided by restaurant.
20. Boa-Bao
Located in Chiado, Boa-Bao takes you on an Asian food journey. Created by an American, Dutch, and Belgian in 2017, Boa-Bao is inspired by the Saigon markets of the 1920s. The recipes are respectful of local traditions and with original ingredients, without fusions or reinterpretations. This place serves dishes from China, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Taiwan, Singapore, Korea, Japan, Philippines, and India. You can get a meal here for €20.
Photo provided by restaurant.Gua Baos. Photo provided by restaurant.Hanoi Pho. Photo provided by restaurant.
21. Chutnify
With five locations over Portugal, Chutnify prides itself in offering modern Indian food in a vibrant, inviting space. From crispy dosas, Chutnify’s specialty to classic masala potatoes, the Chefs at this place only serve authentic Indian food. You can get a meal here for €20. Chutnify also offers group menus starting at €25 the cheapest including a starter, curry, naan, dessert, a drink, and a coffee.
Photo provided by restaurant.Photo provided by restaurant.Photo provided by restaurant.
22. Palácio 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. We recommend the lobster tacos and garoupa fillet (grouper fish). You can get a meal here from €20 to €30.
Photo provided by restaurant.Photo provided by restaurant.Photo provided by restaurant.
23. Mr. Lu
Founded by the iconic Chef Lu in 2015, Mr. Lu is located in Anjos. Chef Lu once owned a clandestine restaurant, run out of his apartment in Mouraria. Chef Lu has over 35 years of experience cooking Sichuan and Shandong cuisine. We recommend the crab with soy sauce and the roasted Beijing duck with pancakes. You can get a meal here for €15.
24. Tantura
An Israeli restaurant in Bairro Alto, the cuisine at this place is inspired by the homely kitchens of the Chefs’ grandmothers. The dishes are influenced by cuisine from North Africa, Southern Europe, and the Middle East. A staple of this place is the shakshuka, a dish of eggs poached in tomato sauce. We also recommend trying their pita selection, such as the pita meatball. This place is great for vegans, as well as delicious options that are plant-based. You can get a meal here for €15.
Photo provided by restaurant.Photo provided by restaurant.Photo provided by restaurant.
25. Delidelux
Located in the iconic Avenida da Liberdade, Delidelux is not just a restaurant, but also a gourmet grocery store and delicatessen. From wines, sausages, cheeses, and croissants, this is the perfect place for a weekend brunch, as well as larger meals. We recommend their salmon tartar, the octopus with potatoes, and their steak with chimichurri sauce. You can get a meal here for €20.
Photo provided by restaurant.Photo provided by restaurant.Photo provided by restaurant.
Take a look at our full guide to Lisbon, from hotels to activities, we have got you covered.
Police are investigating an incident after a mother claimed her 14-year-old autistic son was “assaulted” by the soccer player Cristiano Ronaldo. A video that went viral showed the Manchester player slapping the fan’s phone after his game defeat at Everton on Saturday.
Ronaldo’s representatives contacted the mother, Sarah Kelly, but she is refusing to meet with the soccer player. The mother told Sky News, “I have got nothing to say to him… Why should I travel to Old Trafford? Why would a Blue want to go to [visit] ‘a Red’?”.
The mother stated that her son was just filming the player as he was headed to the tunnel. She told Sky News that Jake is shocked about the incident, saying “He can’t digest things the same way a person with no disability would be able to digest things”.
Merseyside Police has stated they are liaising with both clubs to investigate the alleged assault. A spokesperson said, “Inquiries are underway and officers are currently working with Everton Football Club to review CCTV footage and are carrying out extensive witness inquiries to establish if an offense has taken place.”
Cristiano Ronaldo apologized on social media through an Instagram caption: “It’s never easy to deal with emotions in difficult moments such as the one we are facing. Nevertheless, we always have to be respectful, patient and set the example for all the youngsters who love the beautiful game. I would like to apologize for my outburst and, if possible, I would like to invite this supporter to watch a game at Old Trafford as a sign of fair-play and sportsmanship.”
⬇️Please share your thoughts in the comments below ⬇️
Inside the mountainous region in the Center of Portugal, usually between 400 and 700 meters high, sits the Dão Wine Region. The region is one of the oldest established wine regions in the country and is now a ‘Denominação de Origem Controlada’ (DOC or ‘Controlled Denomination of Origin).
It encompasses the cities of Viseu, Mangualde, Nelas, Tondela, Sátão, Penalva do Castelo, Santa Comba Dão and Carregal do Sal, and is the home of the Touriga Nacional vine, one of the best known grape types used for Port wine.
Protected by the mountains from the Atlantic winds, giving it a temperate climate, and with a soil rich in schist and granite, the region produces one of the best wines in Portugal. It is thus known as the ‘Portuguese Burgundy’.
The Dão wines are gastronomic wines, with an exceptional acidity of complex and delicate scents. It fits perfectly with the local food, like Serra da Estrela cheese or goatling, due in part, to its complexity, elegance, balance, and maturity.
There are many great wines from the Dão region, with them being awarded in several international wine contests, such as the ‘2014 Wine and Spirit Competition.
It is said that Nature was particularly generous to Dão. So enjoy the incredible flavors of these wines and find out what this region has to offer!
As usual, when it comes to wine in Portugal, the story can be traced back thousands of years, with the Phoenician traders and the Roman colonists bringing wine and grapes to the region. This cultivation kept on going even during the Moorish period and after they left, the Christian monks kept this historical legacy.
In the 19th century, the Dão region had a mostly international market, exporting most of their wines, and these grapes were used throughout Europe to cure the vine diseases, such as phylloxera until the region itself got affected.
But the Dão as a specific wine region is considered to have been born by the hands of the aristocrat and winemaker João de Sacadura Botte Côrte-Real, known as “the most enlightened viticulturist of his generation”. He understood the uniqueness of the region and wanted to create a separate wine region there. The modernization of the winemaking process and the increased standards of the region’s wine were all fruits of Côrte-Real’s endeavors.
The region was officially instituted in 1908, on the province of Beira Alta, as a ‘Região Demarcada’ (Demarcated Region). It was the first of this kind that produced non-liquor wines in Portugal, and the second demarcated wine region overall. In 1990, it became a DOC, with specific rules for its production and protection.
In the 1940s, as a way to improve the region’s wine quality and promote a sense of national identity, Portugal’s Dictator António de Oliveira Salazar ordered that only co-operatives were allowed in the region. These would have exclusive rights to buy the region’s grapes and for the whole winemaking process. The private businesses could only buy the finished product.
This, however, created stagnation as many of the co-operatives started making inferior quality wines, having un-hygienic practices, and producing less wine for sale. This made the regions of Douro and Alentejo have to compensate for this shortage of wine, improving their own production, keeping their quality, and attracting the interest of wine experts and the world’s wine consumers.
In 1979, however, with Portugal adhering to the European Union, these rules had to be withdrawn. Now, there are new wine ventures in the region, creating a rebirth on one of the most known wine regions of the country.
Wine tourism is starting to become famous in the region, with the Dão Wine Route. The ‘Solar do Vinho do Dão’, the headquarters of the Wine Commission, also works as a visitor center to the whole region and offers wine tastings of Dão wines.
Region and Subregions of Dão
The region has around 20.000 hectares of wine production spread around 376.000 hectares of land. It spreads through the districts of Coimbra (in Arganil, Oliveira do Hospital and Tábua), Guarda (in Aguiar da Beira, Fornos de Algodres, Gouveia and Seia) and Viseu (in Carregal do Sal, Mangualde, Mortágua, Nelas, Penalva do Castelo, Santa Comba Dão, Sátão, Tondela and Viseu proper).
The soil is predominantly enriched with granite and schist, usually of low fertility. The vines are usually made on terrains with an altitude of around 800 meters, even though they grow in a larger quantity at around 400-500 meters.
The terrain is very hilly, and is surrounded by 3 large mountain ranges (Serra da Estrela, Serra do Caramulo, and Serra da Nave) that protect the region’s climate from outside influences, like the humidity from the Oceanside and the winds from the interior. The climate is, thus, good for wine production. It’s temperate but cold and rainy in the winter and very hot and dry in the summer.
The rivers of the region, the Dão, Mondego and Alva, also adjust to the region’s terrain, sliding through the mountains and valleys.
There are 7 subregions within Dão, which you can see on the bottle label next to the word ‘Dão’. The climate changes a bit in each of these regions creating different styles of wine with their own characteristics. These are:
Alva
Besteiros
Castendo
Serra da Estrela
Silgueiros
Terras de Azurara
Terras de Senhorim
Types of Grapes and Wine in Dão
There are many grape types in the Dão region, like the Bastardo, Barcelo, or Terrantez, but the main ones are:
Touriga Nacional: the type considered the noblest one, which produces full-bodied wines with a good alcohol content, intense aroma, and are good for aging. It produces red wine.
Encruzado: the noblest grape type when it comes to white wines. It has a good alcohol content as well, with complex, fresh, and relatively dry scents.
Alfrocheiro Preto: it creates wines with a fine aroma that gets more and more complex with time. It’s a type that produces red wines.
Jaen: it has a regular alcohol content, with intense scents of very ripe fruit. It has good quality and soft tannins and is a red wine grape.
This diversity is due to the qualities of the region’s soil and climate, as well as the production techniques and know-how of the people that produce it. This creates a very good quality wine that is appreciated throughout all of Portugal.
80% of the region’s production is of red wines, explaining why most of the main grapes are red wine grapes. Also, the DOC regulations mandate that at least 20% of the production has to be from the Touriga Nacional grape.
You can find almost all types of Dão wines:
Red: These wines are ruby-colored, with an intense ripe fruit aroma and a complex and delicate flavor. They are full-bodied and with exceptional acidity, having very good potential for aging and a velvety taste. Red Dão wines tend to be very tannic because of their long period of maceration during winemaking.
White: The citrine yellow color of these wines and their fruity, complex, and delicate aroma will immediately call you for a sip. Their balanced acidity and fresh and smooth taste with a lush ending will make you want another one. Back in the day, the white wines from this region were over-oxidized and full-bodied, but modern winemaking techniques have helped produce more fresh, fruity, and perfumed wines.
Rosé: Recognizable for their pink color, these light wines with a balanced acidity are known for having a very fresh and persistent taste and a floral and fruity scent that will make you feel calm and relaxed.
Sparkling: The bubbly from Dão can be of any of the above colors: either ruby, citrine, or pinkish. What defines it is its fine bubbles, as well as its fruity smell and fresh, balanced, and persistent flavor. Together with its elegant texture and good acidity, this is the perfect recipe for a sparkling wine with high sophistication.
There are also different designations for the top wines, such as ‘Dao nobre’ (noble Dao), for the top reserve wines, and ‘Garrafeira’, which requires, for red wines, at least 2 years aging in oak and at least 13% alcohol content, and for white wines, 6 months aging in oak and 12% alcohol content.
Dão Wine Suggestions: Best Wine in Dão
Based on the contest “Best Dão Wines” of 2020, organized by the Regional Wine Commission of Dão, in which 41 wines were awarded, these are some of the awarded brands:
Visit the rich Viseu district and learn about its history and heritage! Go around the region and visit cathedrals, churches, Roman baths, and museums. Ride a cable car to the mysterious ‘Cava do Viriato’ and discover the ancient tradition of winemaking of the place while having a taste of the amazing Dão wines.
History of Drug Policy in Portugal: From a Public Health Crisis to Decriminalization
On July 1, 2001, Portugal became the first country in the world to decriminalize all drugs, including meth and heroin. The law made drug possession for personal use legally prohibited, while drug trafficking remains a criminal offense. Portugal now has some of the lowest drug usage rates in the European Union (EU), where most countries hold criminalization models. Despite having one of the lowest uses of drug usage in the EU, the rate did not incredibly decline prior to 2001. However, drug-related pathologies such as STDs and fatal overdoses decreased dramatically. Experts argue this is the case due to the Portuguese government offering treatment to citizens due to decriminalization, rather than criminalizing addicts.
Why did Portugal decriminalize all drugs?
The history of rampant drug use goes back decades prior to decriminalization. The drug epidemic was at its worst in the 90s, as well as the rise of HIV cases. In 1999, Portugal had the highest rate of HIV among injecting drug users in the European Union. Drug abuse was burdening the criminal justice system with the time of police and courts, as well as the high cost of imprisonment, which was taking a large portion of taxpayer money. To solve the issue, the drug epidemic was deemed a public health crisis and the Portuguese government concluded that a punitive approach to drug addiction was inhumane and ineffective. The law came about as an approach to focus police resources on those who profit from the drug trade, rather than the victims while proving a public health approach to drug users. The law reflects the principles of humanism and the right of people suffering from drug addiction to receive rightful treatment, rather than punishment.
CDTs were established, regional panels made up of three people such as social workers and medical professionals who are equipped to deal with those who have been reported in possession of drugs. They evaluate whether the person in question is an occasional or dependent drug user and take appropriate action. If it is the case that the individual is dependent, they will encourage them to seek treatment or an education program.
Was the Decriminalization of Drugs a Success in Portugal?
The decriminalization of drugs in Portugal rapidly decreased the number of deaths from overdoses. Only five years later, the number of street drug overdoses dropped from 400 to 290 annually. The number of new HIV cases decreased from 1,400 to 400, in just 6 years. Drug treatment also improved massively. The number of people in treatment went from 6,040 in 1999 to 14,877 in 2003, an increase of over 140%. The investment was made in increasing drug education in schools and creating awareness about the dangers of drug addiction.
Data sources: TheLancet, drugpolicy.org, EMCDDA, VHPA
What’s the Difference Between the Legalization and Decriminalization of Drugs in Portugal?
Are drugs legal in Portugal? No! If you are visiting Portugal for a “coffee shop” Amsterdam experience, think again. While all drugs are decriminalized in Portugal, this does NOT mean they are legal. So, what’s the difference between legalization and decriminalization? Legalizing drugs would mean that there are zero legal prohibitions behind narcotics. Adults would be able to run down to your local store and buy them, just like you would a pack of cigarettes in Portugal. On the other hand, decriminalization in Portugal removes criminal sanctions against the consumption of drugs. A person under the possession of a drug under a specific amount will not be prosecuted. This does not mean that individuals are never arrested for drug-related behavior. While the consumption of drugs is decriminalized, this is not true for the selling of drugs. This is where the line between the two sometimes becomes blurred. Let’s address the law in the next section.
Drug Laws in Portugal
While all drugs have been decriminalized for consumption, selling these is still illegal and can lead to imprisonment. In Portugal, possession is decriminalized in particular amounts for personal use, depending on the substance in question. For hashish, for example, a drug made by compressing parts of the cannabis plant, individuals are allowed to possess 5 grams of the substance. For cannabis flower, you can have up to 20 grams on you. The amount will vary by substance and will be lower for drugs such as methamphetamine and heroin, but has been decided in accordance with the “regular” amount for a 10-day personal supply. Again, just because personal possession is decriminalized, does not mean it’s legal. If you are caught with a small number of drugs you could be issued a “summons” and your drugs could be confiscated.
Therefore, if you are caught with more than the legal amount, such as 5 grams of hashish, you could potentially be arrested and persecuted for drug trafficking. The law says that it is a crime when anyone produces, buys, or transports an illicit drug that is not for personal use and is above the legal amount. A prison sentence for drug trafficking is between 1 to 5 years in Portugal. However, the Portuguese justice system can be lenient if they find that a person is being accused of drug trafficking to fund their own personal addiction. This can lead to a reduced sentence.
Photo by GRAS GRÜN (Unsplash)
Frequently Asked Questions about Drugs in Portugal
Are drugs legal in Portugal?
Drugs are not legal in Portugal, this is a myth. However, all drugs are decriminalized, including largely stigmatized drugs such as meth. Portugal has taken a public health approach to drug use by not criminalizing those in possession of drugs. Still, possessing a specific amount of a drug could be considered drug trafficking and is considered a crime. The allowed amounts will differ by drug, but for example, individuals can legally carry up to 5 grams of hash in Portugal.
Will you go to prison in Portugal if you are caught with drugs?
If you carry over the legal amount of a specific drug, you could face criminal persecution. The legal amount will vary by drug. For cocaine, it is legal to carry up to 2 grams and for hash, it is legal to carry up to 5 grams in Portugal. You can also carry up to 20 grams of cannabis flower.
Is weed legal in Portugal?
Weed is not legal in Portugal, it is decriminalized. You can have up to 20 grams of cannabis flower without it being a crime. This does not mean, however, that if the police find you in possession, they will let you keep it. They will likely confiscate it from you. This is in great contrast to places like the UK, where you can go to prison for up to 5 years for the possession of cannabis. Moreover, as of 2018, medical cannabis is legal in Portugal. Those with cannabis licenses can purchase medical marijuana from licensed pharmacies, but this is still highly uncommon.
The Portuguese government estimates the price of fuel will decrease once again this Monday. Diesel prices are thought to decrease by seven cents a liter this week and gasoline prices by five cents a liter. Despite the decrease in prices, the government will maintain the measure of reducing the tax on fuel (ISP) by 4,7 cents a liter for diesel and 3,7 cents for gasoline this week.
The Portuguese government adjusts the ISP through a formula that takes into account fuel prices and so technically, the tax on fuel was supposed to increase this week. However, the formula will only be applied next week and will potentially change the fuel prices, the tax would increase by 2,3 cents for diesel and 1 cent for gasoline.
The Minister of Finances explains that this large increase in the ISP takes into account the accumulated effect of the past few weeks, where the government decided to also maintain the same tax, even though there was a decrease in fuel prices. This is the third time since this measure was implemented in March that there has been a decrease in fuel prices and that the government has decided to not increase the ISP.
Along with this measure, since October, the government has provided a reduction of the ISP by 2 cents for diesel and 1 cent for gasoline that will remain.
Portuguese residents can also make use of the government’s Autovoucher of 20 euros for the month of April to help pay for their car fuel.
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Located in the Parque Natural da Serra de São Mamede just a few kilometers away from Spain in Alentejo, Marvão is a tranquil hill-top town known for its scenic townscape, great food, and convivial locals. It used to be known as Ammaia, but now owes the name Marvão as it used to be a place of refuge by Ibn Maruan, a Moorish warrior during the 9th century.
5 Best Things to do in Marvão
1. See the Castle of Marvão
One of the best things to do in Marvão is to visit the hilltop-perched Marvão Castle. Known for its sober exterior, the locale is redolent of the former glorious achievement of the Portuguese, emphasized by beautiful castle walls, great view hard bends, towers, and even a cavernous cistern used to sustain the castle when it is besieged. The fortress oozes out the non-pareil Middle Ages charm of a town that is always prepared for a new battle.
Photo by Raul Valdizan (Flickr)
2. Pay a Visit to Capella de Calvario & Santa Maria Church
The spirit of Marvão just like that of the rest of Portugal can be found in its scenic places of worship. Head to the beautiful Capella de Calvario, a squat polygonal prayer house to marvel at its beautiful exterior and interior and delight in the gob-smacking view over the plains from it.
Travel then to Santa Maria Church, the city’s main holy place, known for its beautiful bell tower, and the impeccably white inside with a beautiful altar, one of the best places to attend a Sunday mess in Portugal.
Don’t miss out on the museum of Marvão housed in the scenic Santa Maria Church, where you can find unique Marvão-only exhibits. Here you can find paintings of saints and dragons, as well as decorated chapels. Marvão Museum features objects of art given by the locals. You can visit it from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 am to 12:30 pm, and 1:30 pm to 5 pm.
3. Go to the Scenic Marvão Village
For you to find the soul of rural Portugal head to the Marvão city center. Here you can walk the paved hillside streets lined by the all-white buildings and get lost in its beautiful maze-like Marvão village. Note that you can find a host of Marvão restaurants where you can take pleasure in the delectable Marvão fare.
Photo by Elvira Nimmee (Flickr)
4. Go Hiking in Marvão
Since Marvão is located in the idyllic mountainous setting of the Estrella mountains, one of the best things to do in Marvao is hiking. Here, you can go to the scenic mountains to take delight in the snow-blanketed highs of the mountains and trek as far as you can.
Keep in mind that you can benefit from the unique Jewish heritage the Serra de Estrela is known for, the unique kosher food, and the great views that will make your trip to Portugal unforgettable.
5. Discover Marvão’s Unique Crafts
If you come to Marvão, you can purchase some one-of-its-kind wears at the likes of O Poial do Artesão. Here you can buy Portugal’s best ceramics for a good price and take something to show to your friends back home.
What Makes Marvão Special?
Named after a Moorish warrior who found refuge here, Marvão is a unique place fashioned by Western and Eastern influences. A testimony to its strategic position and the perpetual conflict between civilizations is the Marvao castle that was fortified by the generations of rulers. It is here that you can sense the authentic medieval vibe of the place.
The gastronomical treasures of Marvão also create a non-pareil experience of feeling at the crossroads of civilizations. You can head to a restaurant and meet up with Marvao people who themselves are distinct in their “highlanders” penchant for convivial soirees and jovial siestas.
When is the Best Time to Visit Marvão?
The best time to visit the Portuguese highlands is between April-May and during Christmas. Like this, the local accommodation is a great choice for a backpacker traveling on a shoestring, while Marvão offers you some unique hiking and shopping opportunities.
Christmas is an especially nice time to visit Marvão due to its magical atmosphere of a never-ending feast. Head there over the New Year and indulge in a one-of-its-kind feast that makes Marvão truly stand out from other places in Portugal.
3 Best Restaurants in Marvão: Where to Eat in Marvão
1. Mil Homens
One of the best eateries to have dinner at in Marvão is Mil Homens. Here you can taste the authentic Portuguese fare, and take pleasure in the best standard quality of the service offered here. What is more, it is one of the few places in Alentejo where you can sense the unique charm of the place where you are and meet up with the highly hospitable Portuguese people.
2. O Castelo Cafe-Lounge
A great place to go in Portugal with kids, O Castelo-Cafe Lounge is known for its ambrosial food, fresh fruit juice, and unmatched atmosphere. Head here for your unique Marvão-only moment and comprehend what makes Portugal truly unique.
3. Sever Restaurante
Situated close to the river Sever, this place offers one of the best food options in Marvão. Here, you can indulge in the mouth-watering Portuguese fare overlooking the river Sever, sitting on a balcony offering great river views.
3 Best Hotels in Marvão: Where to Stay in Marvão
One of the best places to stay in Marvão is its scenic white-washed downtown where you can find all kinds of accommodation and take pleasure in all kinds of cultural treasures like cathedrals, museums, and castles. What is more, it is the best place for you to go hiking in the idyllic Serra da Estrela mountains.
Located within the walls of the Marvão Castle, Dom Dinis Marvão offers panoramic views of the countryside. This place has excellent amenities, from a rooftop terrace with a jacuzzi and a communal living room with a fireplace. The rooms are decorated traditionally with terracotta floors and natural tones.
Varanda do Alentejo is a small guesthouse featuring a regional restaurant that offers panoramic views of the town and its castle. Each room is furnished with an armchair, minibar, and cable TV. Many rooms offer gorgeous mountain views so make sure to book accordingly.
Located in two small traditional houses, Pousada de Marvão is a charming bed and breakfast that offers stunning views of the mountain. Each room is equipped with a minibar, a work dress, cable TV, and a private bathroom. This place also has a restaurant where you can try out authentic Portuguese dishes.
Conclusion
Head to Marvão, Portugal. Here, you great places to visit in Portugal and discover a non-pareil jewel in the crown of the Portuguese small towns. Live your authentic Portugal dream and take delight in the rural charm of the highly cinematic locale.
The rainy days in March have improved the severe and extreme drought facing Portugal, leading to the end of the extreme drought, reports RTP News. By the end of March, only around 80% of Portuguese territory was facing a moderate drought, around 16% was facing a severe drought, and around 2.5% was facing a weak drought. The rain seems to have improved the situation, as, at the end of February, around 90% of Portuguese territory was facing a severe or extreme drought.
While the country is longer facing extreme drought, most of the country is still facing a moderate drought of the meteorological kind. According to the Portuguese Institute of the Ocean and the Atmosphere (IPMA), a meteorological drought is connected to a low level of precipitation. Luckily, the month of March seems to have improved the drought, being the sixth rainiest month since 2000 in mainland Portugal.
📢 Março de 2022 foi considerado, em Portugal continental, normal na temperatura e chuvoso na precipitação (6º mais chuvoso desde 2000). A seca meteorológica foi desagravada, terminando a seca extrema. Conheça o #BoletimClimatológico 👉https://t.co/IK5GSRG1ZOpic.twitter.com/cZXvzrn95A
Tweet translation: March 2022 was considered, in mainland Portugal, normal in temperature and rainy in precipitation (the sixth rainiest month since 2000). The meteorological drought has improved, ending the extreme drought.
The month of January 2022 was the second-dryest month in Portugal since 2000. The extreme drought was predominantly impacting the northeast and southern regions of Portugal. Farmers were being hit financially the hardest with damage done to grass, harming the livestock industry. The Portuguese government also restricted the use of reservoirs for hydroelectric power production to save water.
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