EasyJet has canceled 350 flights departing from Portugal between July 21st and July 25th due to a scheduled strike.
Last Thursday, the National Union of Civil Aviation Flight Personnel refused the airline’s proposal for a budget increase and scheduled a cabin crew strike for the period mentioned above.
The union demands conditions similar to those granted in other countries, such as Germany and France. In these two countries, EasyJet increased budgets even though the number of flights increased more in Portugal.
The airline, on the other hand, states that the demands of the union are unbearable and that the refused budget proposal already reflected an increase of 44% considering the global remuneration standards. According to the company, the union’s budget demands are unrealistic.
Nevertheless, the union emphasized that EasyJet’s proposal for Portugal’s operational base does not cover the current inflation and does not make up for what was lost during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Note that, unlike other countries where the airline operates, during the pandemic, Portuguese cabin crew workers voted unanimously for a wage freeze that helped the company in its most difficult times.
The 350 flights account for 69% of the total number of EasyJet flights that would depart from Portugal (Lisboa, Porto, and Faro) during the period mentioned above. This number may increase, or decrease, depending on how the airline responds.
The union mentioned that it is available for further negotiations. However, it is clear that it will not cope with the airline’s current modus operandi of maximum rentability and minimum remuneration.
The Portuguese Council of Ministers approved a law proposal for pardons and acts of clemency for young people on June 19th, 2023. The proposal for the new law was passed ahead of Pope Francis’ World Youth Day visit in Lisbon.
The Portuguese Parliament approved it three weeks later. After the second approval, it was sent to the Commission for Constitutional Matters, Law, Rights, and Warranties, for the proposal to be finished.
Even though there are still some details to discuss, like the targeted age gap, for example, the actions being taken can be perceived as mirroring the church’s message of unconditional love.
Given the Vatican’s emphasis on love and forgiveness, when the Pope visits a country, the visit may be seen as an opportunity for the host nation’s leaders to reflect this aspect of catholic teaching. By offering pardons and/or acts of clemency, heads of state and governments can demonstrate their commitment to reconciliation and remedy.
The difference between a pardon and an act of clemency lies in the fact that, whilst clemency refers to the mechanism by which the punishment for a crime is officially reduced, pardoning is the official forgiveness of a crime.
A pardon is a form of clemency, but it requires complete forgiveness. Given the different nature of the crimes and punishments, visits tend to trigger both forms of action.
This practice, which has been named Papal Amnesty by the Portuguese media, did not come out of nowhere. In the past, rulers sought the support of the Vatican through pardons, and acts of clemency that served as acts of goodwill towards the Pope and the catholic community. However, over time, especially after France’s legislative separation of the state and the Catholic Church, it became more of a customary part of pope visits.
Pope Francis will be in Portugal during the first week of August for World Youth Day, also known as Jornada Mundial da Juventude in Portuguese. This event is characterized as the meeting of the Pope with young people from all over the world.
The days are, according to the Pope, an opportunity to ‘look beyond’, with an ‘open heart’. Although Portugal is a secular country, meaning it is not influenced politically by any particular religion, the Portuguese government chose to follow the custom and propose pardons and acts of clemency for the Pope’s visit.
As the pope is visiting for World Youth Day, Portugal decided to love and forgive young people. Offering pardons and acts of clemency, the Portuguese state also chose to reflect the Pope’s loving and forgiving view towards the youth, where possible criminal activities and/or thoughts are, according to the Pope, often of transitory and short nature.
Note that in today’s world, the power to make such decisions ultimately rests with heads of state or governments themselves. The Pope’s visit simply presents an opportunity for them to exercise their authority in a way that is aligned with the principles of love and forgiveness mentioned above.
It is also worth mentioning that specific protocols and bureaucracy surrounding pope visits and acts of clemency may vary from country to country, and each government may decide how the state will participate in this custom or tradition.
The initial proposal approved by the Portuguese Council of Ministers included a one-year pardon for prisoners under the age of 30 years old serving sentences up to 8 years, a full pardon for convicts within the same age gap serving sentences of less than 1 year, and the pardoning of those who have been given fines of less than 1.000€.
That was the starting point. However, due to the specific bureaucratic procedure and the questions laid out by the Portuguese Parliament, the final version of the new law, and its details, will only be known when it comes out of the Commission and is approved once again.
Portugal is a country steeped in literary tradition, with a rich history of poets and writers who have helped shape the country’s culture and identity. From epic poems that celebrate the country’s maritime achievements to deeply personal books on the human condition, Portuguese literature is unique and impactful.
This article explores the lives and works of 7 iconic Portuguese writers and poets, each of whom has made a significant contribution to the country’s literary history. Let’s get into their life, writing styles, major works, and the impact they have had on Portuguese heritage.
Keep in mind that the order of this list is just for entertainment purposes as all of these are iconic Portuguese writers and poets, which are impossible to rank. Whether you’re a bookworm or a lover of history, let’s get into it!
1. Fernando Pessoa
Perhaps the most famous literary figure in Portugal, Fernando António Nogueira Pessoa, most commonly known as Fernando Pessoa, was a poet and writer from the 20th century. His work was translated into English and French and known all over the world.
Pessoa did not write only under his name, as he had around 75 heteronyms (instead of pseudonyms). He felt heteronyms better suited his work as each “writer” was independent intellectually and had its own story to tell.
However, there were three heteronyms that Pessoa used the most: Alberto Caeiro, Ricardo Reis, and Álvaro de Campos. Caeiro was an uneducated poet from rural Portugal who wrote in free verse, while Reis was a doctor inspired by the poet Horace. Campos, one of his most famous, was a bisexual naval engineer who lived in London.
Unlike other writers, Pessoa wrote his first poems in English as he went to school in South Africa. Of the four literary works he published during his lifetime, three were in English and only one was in Portuguese, called Mensagem.
One of the works he is most known for, the Book of Disquiet, was actually only published after his death. Originally published in Portuguese in 1982, this book was Pessoa’s lifetime project, described as a “factless autobiography”.
Pessoa died at 47 in 1935 due to liver failure, which most historians accredit to his alcoholism.
Statue of Fernando Pessoa in Lisbon, Portugal. Photo by Pedro Ribeiro Simões (Flickr)
2. José Saramago
Praise by the likes of Harold Bloom and James Wood, José Saramago was the recipient of the 1998 Nobel Prize in Literature. Saramago sold more than two million copies in Portugal and his work has been translated into 20+ languages. His work was highly reflective of his political beliefs as a libertarian communist who criticized institutions such as the Catholic Church.
His writing what quite unique, featuring an experimental style with long sentences. In some of his works, he used to write sentences that were more than a page long. He preferred the flow of commas over periods. The dialogue in his stories is often not delimited by quotation marks. Instead, when the speaker changes, Saramago would capitalize the first letter of the new speaker’s clause.
For most of his career as a writer, Saramago was not known to most. He only received recognition in his 60s with the publication of his fourth novel, Memorial do Convento in 1982. This book received international praise.
However, his work was often met with resistance. In the early 90s Prime Minister Cavaco Silva’s government ordered the removal of Saramago’s work, The Gospel According to Christ from the Aristeion Prize’s shortlist due to it being “religiously offensive”. This led Saramago to move to the Spanish island of Lanzarote where he lived with his wife until his death in 2010.
Saramago continued writing up to his death in his late 80s, having had a work published after his death in 2011 called Claraboia.
José Saramago in 2005. Photo by Mario A. P. (Flickr)
3. Luis de Camões
Considered one of the Portuguese language’s greatest poets, Luis de Camões’ skill has been compared to the likes of Shakespeare and Dante. Camões’ work can be divided into three genres: lyrical, epic, and theatrical.
His lyrical work was some of the most popular, with his cantos, in particular, a principal form of division in medieval and modern long poetry. Moreover, his writing was filled with numerous sources in Greco-Roman mythology, ancient and modern European history, and classical literature, particularly Homer and Virgil.
Camões’ most famous work, Os Lusiadas, is an epic poem that describes Vasco da Gama’s voyage to India and back, published in 1572. This masterpiece is considered the most important text in the Portuguese language and is mandatory reading in most Portuguese schools.
In addition to “Os Lusiadas,” Luis de Camões produced a substantial body of work in other genres. His lyrical poetry includes sonnets, eclogues, and odes, which often explore themes of love, nature, and mortality. One of his most famous works in this genre is “Sonnets,” a collection of 88 sonnets that cover a range of subjects, from politics to personal reflection.
Camões also wrote several plays, including “El Rei Seleuco,” a historical drama based on the life of Seleucus I Nicator, one of Alexander the Great’s generals. Unfortunately, most of his theatrical work has been lost.
Despite the range and quality of his work, Camões struggled to earn a living from his writing and spent much of his life in poverty.
4. Eça de Queiróz
A 19th-century Portuguese writer and journalist, José Maria de Eça de Queiroz is often credited with helping to modernize Portuguese literature, bringing social criticism to the genre. Eça de Queiroz’s works often explore the themes of corruption, hypocrisy, and the decline of Portuguese society during the 19th century.
Eça de Queiroz’s writing style is characterized by its realism and satirical tone. He often used humor and irony to criticize the societal norms and traditions of his country, earning him both praise and criticism. Queiroz was also known for his ability to create vivid characters and settings that captured the essence of Portuguese life during his time.
His most famous work is “Os Maias” (The Maias), a novel published in 1888. The book tells the story of a wealthy Portuguese family and their decline over three generations. It is considered a masterpiece of Portuguese literature, one that everyone knows.
Eça de Queiroz wrote several other works that explored similar themes, such as “The City and the Mountains” and “The Crime of Father Amaro.”
5. Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen
One of Portugal’s greatest poets of the 20th century, Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen was a trailblazing figure in Portuguese literature at a time when the talent of female writers was dismissed.
Andresen’s work often explored themes of love, nature, and freedom and her writing style was marked by her use of clear, simple language and vivid imagery, which allowed her to convey complex emotions and ideas clearly.
Andresen’s most famous work is “Mar Novo” (New Sea), a collection of poems that was published in 1958. The book is considered a masterpiece of Portuguese literature and is often cited as one of the greatest works of the 20th century.
In addition to “Mar Novo,” Andresen wrote several other collections of poetry, including “Coral” and “Dual,” which continued to explore themes of love, nature, and the human experience. She also wrote essays and children’s books, including “The Mermaid’s Purse” and “The Gentleman’s Garden.”
Andresen’s career was marked by numerous awards and honors, including the Camoes Prize, Portugal’s highest literary award, which she received in 1999.
She continued to write and publish throughout her life, and her work has had a significant impact on Portuguese literature and culture. She passed away in 2004 at the age of 84, leaving behind a legacy as one of Portugal’s greatest literary figures.
Statue of Sophia de Mello de Mello Breyner Andresen at Parque dos Poetas, Oeiras. Photo by Pedro Ribeiro Simões (Flickr)
6. Almeida Garrett
Once a government minister, Almeida Garrett was a prominent figure in 19th-century Portuguese romantic literature due to his poems and plays. Garrett was known for his elegant writing style and his ability to capture the essence of Portuguese culture and history in his work.
Garrett’s most famous work is the play “Frei Luis de Sousa,” which tells the story of a nobleman who is wrongly accused of treason and sentenced to death. The play is a masterpiece of Portuguese literature and is still performed regularly in Portugal and other Portuguese-speaking countries.
In addition to “Frei Luis de Sousa,” Garrett wrote numerous other plays, poems, and novels, many of which were highly acclaimed in his time. His work often dealt with political and social issues. Garrett was known for his fierce opposition to the conservative monarchy and his support for liberal reform.
Garrett was appointed as the Minister of the Interior in the Portuguese government, but his political career was cut short when he died in 1854 at the age of 48.
7. Florbela Espanca
Known as one of Portugal’s first feminists, Florbella Espanca was a poet and writer who had a profound impact on Portuguese literature in the early 20th century.
Espanca was known for her powerful and emotive writing style, which dealt with themes of love, desire, and the search for meaning in life. She often used vivid imagery and metaphor to explore the complexities of human experience and to express her own innermost feelings.
Espanca’s most famous work is the poetry collection Livro de Soror Saudade, which is considered a masterpiece of Portuguese literature. The collection explores the themes of love, loss, and longing, and it is noted for its beauty, passion, and intensity.
Espanca also wrote several other poetry collections and a novel, As Máscaras do Destino. Her work was highly acclaimed in her time and has continued to be celebrated as a vital part of Portuguese literature and culture.
The author struggled with mental illness all throughout her life. After attempting suicide multiple times, Espanca’s career was cut short when she killed herself at the age of 36 in 1930.
Known as one of the most significant literary figures of the 20th century, Fernando Pessoa is perhaps the most famous poet to come out of Portugal.
A poet, writer, and philosopher, Pessoa’s innovative use of heteronyms, his philosophical explorations of the self, and his experimentation with form continue to inspire readers and writers around the world.
Despite his significance, Pessoa’s work was largely unrecognized during his lifetime. However, after his death, his work gained increasing recognition and critical acclaim, and he is now celebrated as one of Portugal’s greatest writers.
Let’s take a look at the early life of Fernando Pessoa, his work, and the legacy of Pessoa both in Portugal and worldwide.
Early Life
Fernando Pessoa was born on June 13, 1888 in Lisbon, Portugal. His father, Joaquim de Seabra Pessoa, was a music critic, and his mother, Maria Magdalena Nogueira Pessoa, was a housewife.
When Pessoa was just five years old, his father passed away, leaving him and his siblings under the care of their mother, who later remarried. Pessoa’s early life was marked by loneliness, leading him to often withdraw into a world of his own imagination.
Despite his difficult upbringing, Pessoa was an amazing student and displayed an early talent for languages. By the age of six, he was already fluent in Portuguese, English, and French.
Pessoa went on to attend the Durban High School in South Africa, where he learned to speak and write in Afrikaans. After returning to Lisbon in 1905, Pessoa continued his studies at the University of Lisbon, where he pursued a degree in classical languages and literature.
During his university years, Pessoa became involved in the literary and artistic circles of Lisbon, and he began to develop his own literary voice. He published his first poem, “Antinous,” in the literary magazine A Águia in 1912, under the pseudonym Alexander Search. This would become a recurring theme in Pessoa’s literary career, as he would go on to create over 70 distinct literary authors throughout his lifetime.
Pessoa’s Work: Heteronyms and Literary Innovations
Pessoa is known for his unique literary style, characterized by his heteronyms, which were essentially distinct personalities he created for himself as authors of different works. Each heteronym had a unique literary style and biography, and Pessoa would often write entire collections of poetry or prose under their names.
This allowed him to explore a range of literary styles and ideas, and it also made it difficult for critics to pigeonhole his work. Some of Pessoa’s most famous heteronyms include Alberto Caeiro, Ricardo Reis, and Álvaro de Campos.
In addition to his use of heteronyms, Pessoa was also known for his innovative approach to language and form. He experimented with free verse, prose poetry, and other unconventional forms, often blurring the lines between poetry and prose.
He also drew on a wide range of literary influences, from classical mythology to modernist literature, and he was constantly pushing the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in the literary world.
Legacy and Cultural Significance
Pessoa’s work has had a profound influence on Portuguese literature and culture, and his legacy as a writer and thinker continues to be felt around the world.
In Portugal, Pessoa’s influence can be seen in literature, music, and even in popular culture. His work is taught in schools and universities, and he is widely regarded as one of Portugal’s greatest poets.
There are numerous monuments, museums, and cultural events dedicated to Pessoa in Portugal, including the Casa Fernando Pessoa, a museum and literary center dedicated to his life and work.
Pessoa’s legacy also extends beyond Portugal. His work has been translated into numerous languages and has been celebrated by literary critics around the world.
Fernando Pessoa statue in Chiado, Lisbon. Photo by Pedro Ribeiro Simões (Flickr)
Pessoa’s Death
Fernando Pessoa died on November 30, 1935, at the age of 47. The cause of his death was chronic pancreatitis, a painful and debilitating condition that he had suffered from for several years.
Pessoa’s death was a great loss to the world of literature, and it came at a time when he was beginning to gain wider recognition for his work. At the time of his death, he had published very little of his writing, and much of his work remained unpublished.
After Pessoa’s death, his literary executor, João Gaspar Simões, worked tirelessly to preserve and publish his work. Simões’s efforts were instrumental in bringing Pessoa’s work to a wider audience, as after his work was published more widely, he finally received the recognition he deserved.
Portugal, the country with the largest wine consumption in the world, is, unsurprisingly, also renowned for its rich winemaking heritage and incredible wines. From the famous Port wines of Porto to the elegant Vinho Verde, Portugal offers a diverse range of flavors and experiences for wine enthusiasts.
If you’re looking to embark on a wine tasting or wine tour in Portugal, you’re in for a treat. Portugal has plenty of experiences that allow you to immerse yourself in the world of Portuguese wines, explore picturesque vineyards, and visit historic wine cellars. Let’s take a look at the 7 best wine tastings and wine tours in Portugal.
If you’re looking for a wine tour and a visit to a vineyard, Douro is the first place to go. This Douro Valley experience allows you to go on a journey through stunning landscapes, picturesque vineyards, and charming villages, all while indulging in delicious wines, a delightful Portuguese lunch. It even includes the option of a scenic river cruise.
With the help of a local guide, you’ll delve into the history and traditions of this renowned wine region. Learn about the intricate process of winemaking, from the cultivation of the grapes to the art of aging and blending.
A highlight of this tour is the opportunity to sample a selection of exquisite wines at a local winery. The wine tasting session is led by an expert sommelier, helping you gain a deeper appreciation for these wines.
To complement your wine experience, a Portuguese lunch is included at a traditional restaurant. You will get to taste the flavors of authentic regional cuisine, featuring local ingredients that perfectly complement the wines you have tasted.
If you’re visiting Porto, a Port wine tour and tasting is a must. This half-day Port wine tour allows you to discover all about the city’s iconic wine lodges while skipping the lines.
Accompanied by a guide, you’ll explore the fascinating history and heritage of Port wine while visiting the cellars. You will get to learn about the winemaking process, from the grape harvest to the careful aging techniques that give Port wine its distinctive character.
You will also get to indulge in seven wine tastings throughout the tour. From the smooth and velvety Tawny Ports to the rich and full-bodied Vintage Ports, each sip offers a new experience. Expert sommeliers will guide you through the tastings, teaching you about each wine you are trying.
Don’t forget Lisbon when it comes to both wine and food. The capital has so much to offer when it comes to wine experiences, often paired with authentic food, such as the following Lisbon Portuguese Food and Wine tour.
Led by local guide, this tour takes you on a gastronomic journey through Lisbon’s charming neighborhoods, where you’ll get to try traditional food and wine in some of the most local restaurants.
As you venture through the city, your guide will share fascinating stories and insights about Portuguese wine and cuisine traditions. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of the ingredients, flavors, and techniques that make Portuguese gastronomy so unique.
You will get to sample mouthwatering local cheeses, savory cured meats, and freshly baked bread, as well as larger meals. You’ll have the opportunity to taste a variety of exceptional Portuguese wines, carefully selected to complement the flavors of the dishes. From crisp Vinho Verde to robust Douro reds, each sip offers a glimpse into the country’s rich winemaking heritage.
During this 3-hour Porto tasting, you will discover the delicious flavors of Porto, exploring local markets and restaurants while learning about the wine and food traditions of the city with a local guide. Your guide will introduce you to the region’s rich food culture, sharing stories about the ingredients, traditions, and flavors that define Portuguese cuisine.
This is not just a food tour, but also a wine experience. Throughout the tour, you’ll have the opportunity to savor a selection of exquisite Portuguese wines, carefully selected to complement the flavors of the dishes. From refreshing Vinho Verde to the world-famous Port wine, each sip offers a delightful harmony of tastes and aromas.
Travel along Europe’s largest bridge to the beautiful regions of Arrabida and Sesimbra for a day trip with a wine tasting on this tour. This tour allows you to enjoy delicious wine, whilst also exploring these regions on the Portuguese coastline toward the Arrabida Natural Park.
Prepare to fall in love with the breathtaking views of rolling hills andcliffs, as well as blue watered beaches. The region’s unique combination of lush greenery and blue waters creates a stunning view.
Your guide will teach you about the history and culture of the areas as you explore its hidden gems. You will get to visit Sesimbra, a charming fishing village with a rich maritime heritage. Stroll along its picturesque streets, admire the colorful boats bobbing in the harbor, and capture postcard-worthy views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Another popular Douro Valley tour from Porto, this experience allows you to enjoy a full day of vineyard hopping on a river cruise with lunch and wine tasting.
Your your begins with a comfortable ride through the picturesque countryside, allowing you to admire the rolling hills and terraced vineyards of the Douro Valley. Throughtout the ride, your guide will tell you all about the traditions and winemaking techniques that have made this region a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Your first stop is a prestigious winery, where you’ll have the opportunity to taste a variety of Douro Valley wines with expert sommeliers. After the wine tasting, it’s time for a traditional lunch at a local restaurant. Indulge in a traditional Portuguese meal, featuring fresh and local ingredients.
You will then get to enjoy the Douro River with a scenic cruise surrounded by breathtaking landscapes for one hour. You will get to see another Douro vineyard getting transported back to Porto comfortably!
For a unique experience, embark on this Port wine walking tour of Porto where you will get to stop at incredible wine cellars with a local guide. In a small group setting, this tour allows you to curate a personalized experience if you wish.
Your guide will share captivating stories and insights about the city’s wine history and culture. You will get to learn about the origins of Port wine, its production methods, and the unique characteristics that have made it famous worldwide.
You will also get to visit traditional wine cellars, where rows of oak barrels hold incredible aging wines. Throughout the tour, you’ll have the opportunity to sample a variety of Port wines, carefully selected to showcase the diverse range of styles and flavors.
Peniche is a charming coastal town located in the western region of Portugal, known for its beautiful beaches and surf culture. It’s the perfect destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of big cities. For an unforgettable stay, where you stay matters. Luckily, we’ve rounded up the 5 best hotels in Peniche, each offering its unique experience.
A 4-star guesthouse, MH Peniche is only a 2-minute walk from the beach and features an outdoor pool, a restaurant serving local dishes, a tennis court, a garden, and a spa with a Turkish bath. The rooms and suites feature a minibar, a balcony, air conditioning, and a private bathroom.
The Deck Lodge offers affordable and comfortable beds in cozy shared dormitories. Boasting a bar, shared lounge, garden, shared kitchen, and luggage storage, this place is perfect to get to know other young tourists. The property features a rooftop terrace for guests to enjoy on warmer days.
Featuring modern guest rooms, Ilheu 25 Peniche House is only an 8-minute walk from the beach and features an outdoor swimming pool, a garden, and a shared kitchen. Some rooms at the bed & breakfast feature a private bathroom and a TV, while the living room features a flat-screen TV. Guests can enjoy a delicious breakfast at this place.
A 70m2 holiday home with two bedrooms that can sleep 5 people, Casa da Falesia 28 is only a 6-minute walk from the beach, Porto da Areia Sul. The home has one bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchenette, and a balcony with sea views, perfect for a sunset drink.
A 70m2 holiday home, Peniche’s Blue & White is a one-bedroom apartment that sleeps up to 5 people. A 4-minute walk from the beach, this place is located near Gamboa Beach. The apartment has access to a balcony with views of the garden and comes equipped with a bathroom, and a kitchen with an oven, microwave, and toaster.
Unlike what was initially expected in February 2023, the Portugal Golden Visa is not coming to an end. Instead, certain investment options that make you eligible for the visa are being scrapped, predominantly related to real estate. So while it is true that you will no longer be able to purchase property to be eligible, there are still plenty of other investment avenues.
The Socialist Party wants to see whether the Golden Visa can survive without real estate which was the main investment choice for applicants.
Let’s take a look at which investment pathways are coming to an end for the Portugal Golden Visa:
Capital transfers of €1,500,000 or more will be rejected.
The purchase of real estate with a value equal to or exceeding €500,000 will be prohibited.
Investing in the rehabilitation of real estate properties that are at least 30 years old, requiring a total investment of €350,000 or more, will no longer be an available option.
However, these are still viable investment options that might grant you a Golden Visa:
Venture Capital Fund Investment: Capital transfers of €500,000 or above for the acquisition of participation units in venture capital funds.
Job Creation: Generating a minimum of 10 employment opportunities.
Research Funding: Investing €500,000 or more in research activities conducted by public or private scientific research institutions.
Cultural Heritage Support: Allocating €250,000 or more towards the promotion of artistic production, restoration, or preservation of national cultural heritage.
Commercial Company Investment: Capital transfers of €500,000 or higher for establishing a new commercial company with its headquarters in the national territory or increasing the share capital of an existing company, in addition to the creation of five permanent job positions.
Applying for the Portugal Golden Visa
The time window is closing if you are looking to obtain a Portugal Golden Visa. Financial and Immigration firms facilitating Portugal Golden Visa applications are urging those who wish to apply to do so as soon as possible.
There are resources to help you clear up any doubts and ensure you get in before the Golden Visa ends.
*If you cannot attend the seminar or would prefer one-on-one, book a call here.
Portugal Golden Visa: Benefits
Portugal’s Golden Visa was created in 2012 and has been seen as one of the most attractive investment visas in the world. The Golden Visa allows non-EU citizens to qualify for a residency permit and, eventually, a European passport through investments. The most common investment in this visa scheme’s last decade has been in real estate.
Citizenship & European Passport
After legally residing in Portugal for at least six years, the investor can apply for Portuguese citizenship and obtain a passport.
Visa Exemption
The Portugal Golden Visa allows you to enter Portugal and the Schengen area (26 EU Countries). You can travel freely without requiring a visa, essentially granting you the travel privileges of European Union citizens.
Ability to Stay in Portugal
The visa grants you the right to live, study and work in Portugal as if you were an EU citizen.
Family Perks
The Portugal Golden Visa does not only grant the investor privileges but also their family members. The program includes family reunification, meaning that a spouse, minor children, children over 18, children over 18 who are studying, and parents who are financially dependent on the investor are all granted the same rights.
Permanent Residence
The investor can apply for permanent residence if they follow all the requirements and complete the five years necessary.
You will not be faced with any tax responsibility unless you become a tax resident, meaning you spend more than 183 days of the year in Portugal. If so, under the Portugal Gold Visa, you can follow the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime, where you transfer your tax residency to Portugal. Here are some of the benefits of this tax regime:
Income from “high value-added activities” is taxed at 20%. This includes employment and self-employment income from scientific, artistic, or technical activities performed in Portugal.
Foreign interest, dividends, rents, and property capital gains can be exempted from taxation. You will also not pay an inheritance or wealth tax.
Your pension income is taxed at a flat rate of 10%, including retirement savings and life insurance.
Considering Portugal’s Golden Visa Program? Everything you need to know + how to qualify with 325,000 EUR
If you’re interested in finding out the latest details about the Golden Visa program and want to take advantage of the new opportunities. Signup for a monthly live Q&A webinar with an expert from JS Prive that will answer all your questions. The live webinar will cover the following:
Golden Visa basics, how to qualify, who can be included
New Investment Criteria for 2026
Golden Visa timeline and process
How to qualify with just 325,000 EUR – this exclusive offer includes investment loan financing to bridge the gap to reach the 500k minimum investment
Olhão, a charming coastal town in the Algarve offers the perfect blend of beauty and hospitality. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or adventure, Olhão has it all. To help you choose the best accommodation, we’ve handpicked our favorite hotels in Olhão for a memorable stay. Let’s take a look at the 5 best hotels in Olhāo.
A 5-star hotel, Real Marina Hotel & Spa overlooks the Ria Formosa Nature Park and marina and offers luxurious suites with a balcony. Featuring indoor and outdoor pools with panoramic sea views, as well as a spa with 10 treatment rooms, a hot tub, a sauna, and a Turkish bath, this hotel’s facilities provide a relaxing experience. The hotel also features two restaurants with quality seafood dishes. The rooms feature a modern interior and are equipped with a minibar, flat-screen TV, and an ensuite bathroom.
Offering family apartments, Real Marina Residence has an incredible location right in front of the Ria Formosa and Olhāo marina. The top floor of the building features a swimming pool with panoramic views of the city. Guests can enjoy the health club, spa, and restaurants at the complex, just across the road. The modern apartments have one, two, and three bedrooms, the latter sleeping up to 8 people which come equipped with a kitchen, living area, and bathrooms made with natural stone.
Located less than 1 kilometer from the wonderful Praia dos Cavacos, Villas Marim offers units ranging from studios to large villas that sleep 8 people. The villas feature a patio, pool views, a seating area, flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, as well as a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher. The property includes a large pool, water park, and barbecue area for the whole family to enjoy.
Located less than 3 kilometers from Praia dos Cavacos, Monte das Perdizes is a traditional farm guesthouse on a large plot of land that offers an outdoor swimming pool, a shared lounge, and a large outdoor terrace. The studios and guest rooms feature a flat-screen TV, private bathroom, and minibar. The studios come equipped with a kitchen with a dishwasher, oven, and stovetop. The guesthouse offers a continental breakfast available to guests every morning.
Located in the countryside, Quinta dos Poetas offers comfortable apartments and guest rooms. The 4-star hotel features a large outdoor swimming pool and a large green space with lakes and native trees of the area, surrounding a fitness course. The rooms feature a flat-screen TV, a minibar, a safe, and a bathroom. Some include a balcony with panoramic views of the countryside. The apartments are located in a separate building with private parking, equipped with air-conditioning, a private terrace, a living room with a sofa bed, a bathroom, satellite TV, and a kitchenette.
If the perfect beach day for you includes blasting your favorite music on some speakers, think again. Playing music at the beach could lead to fines of up to €4,000 in Portugal, warns the National Maritime Authorities (AMN).
The AMN told CNN Portugal that speakers that bother others “are prohibited at beaches”, as stated in Decree-Law No. 159/2012 of July 24. If you are a beachgoer who is bothered by loud music, on beaches under the jurisdiction of the National Maritime Authority, you can contact the agents to make a complaint.
If you enjoy playing music at the beach, the authorities recommend switching the speakers to headphones. The fines for not doing so can be extremely high, especially for legal entities.
Fines violating this decree can range from €200 to €4,000 for individuals and from €2,000 to €36,000 for legal entities, as stipulated in Law No. 50/2006 of August 29, and additional penalties, such as the confiscation of the object used to commit the offense.
If you’re planning a visit to the charming city of Aveiro, known as the “Venice of Portugal,” then you’ll want to find the perfect place to stay. Luckily, there are plenty of options when it comes to hotels in Aveiro, ranging from cozy guesthouses to luxurious resorts. Let’s take a look at the 5 best hotels in Aveiro, each offering its unique blend of comfort and style!
A 4-star hotel, Melia Ria Hotel & Spa is located in the heart of Aveiro and features a restaurant, an indoor swimming pool, as well as a spa and wellness center. The spa is equipped with a heated pool, sauna, fitness center, and massage treatment room. The suites at the hotel include an en suite bathroom, air conditioning, an LCD TV, a telephone, and a minibar.
Located in a historical building in the center of Aveiro, Hotel Aveiro Palace is a 4-star hotel that overlooks the Central Canal filled with the iconic “Moliceiros” boats. The hotel was initially founded in 1937 as Arcada Hotel and was recently renovated. Designed with parquet floors, the rooms are soundproofed and feature a satellite TV, a private bathroom, a seating area, and a work desk. The breakfast room feature a tiled wall from 1937 and guest can enjoy a breakfast buffet here with seasonal ingredients.
A 5-star hotel, 1877 Estrela Palace is located in the heart of Aveiro, close to the University of Aveiro. The hotel features a 24-hour front desk, a bar, a shared lounge, and a terrace. The suites at the hotel come with a large wardrobe, a private bathroom, bathrobes, a flat-screen TV, and air conditioning. The traditional palace offers an elevated atmosphere and guests can enjoy a delicious continental breakfast at the premises.
A 4-star hotel, Hotel Moliceiro is less than 8 kilometers from Barra Beach and features bright rooms with classic furnishing, as well as a modern touch. The rooms have a flat-screen TV, ensuite bathroom, and minibar. Guests can enjoy the large buffet breakfast available every morning at the hotel, produced from seasonal ingredients.
If you’re looking for a holiday home, perfect for the whole family, Quinta das Aguias is the spot for you. Located 10 kilometers from the city center of Aveiro, Quinta das Aguias is a two-bedroom home that sleeps up to 8 people. This place features a private pool, a garden, a flat-screen TV, a kitchen, a washing machine, as well as 2 bathrooms. Guests can enjoy their time on the outdoor terrace, as well as hike around the site as there are trails close to the home.
