Making such a large purchase in a new country comes with its challenges. If you are planning on buying a car in Portugal, it’s essential to make sure how to get a fair deal and follow the legal requirements.
There are plenty of questions to consider. Are you planning on purchasing a new or used car? What’s a good place to purchase a car in Portugal? Let’s take a look at everything you need to know about buying a car in Portugal.
If you are looking to buy a car in Portugal, you must first figure out if you’re eligible to do so. There are quite a few restrictions to purchasing a car in Portugal. You will need the following:
Proof of residence in Portugal
Identification document
Portuguese tax identification number (NIF)
Where to buy a car in Portugal
Before you choose where to buy your car in Portugal, consider whether a new one is right for you. Buying a used car will save you money! Luckily, in Portugal, you can buy both new and used cars online and in car dealerships.
Online
In the last few years, buying a car in Portugal online has been growing in popularity. However, there is a larger risk involved in doing so. Still, there are plenty of great sellers out there, and you can usually negotiate the price.
You just need to make sure you are taking the right steps to ensure a fair purchase. Before even seeing the car, ask the seller about the maintenance history and the number of kilometers on the car.
Car Dealership
The old-fashioned way is sometimes best! You will find car dealerships that sell new and used cars all over the country. You will get to test-drive the vehicle, which is not usually allowed when you buy a car online.
The good thing about buying a car from a dealership is that you are usually offered more after-sales support, including maintenance. If you buy a second-hand car at a dealership, you will have a minimum 12-month guarantee.
Major car companies have dealerships in Portugal, such as BMW, Toyota, Renault, and more.
Car Prices in Portugal
While Portugal is known for its relatively low cost of living, car prices are quite high. The average price for a car in Portugal in 2020 was €32,444, up almost €5,000 in 5 years.
While buying a used car is more affordable than a new one, they are still expensive compared to other European countries. On the 2017 Global Used Car Index, Portugal ranked as the 9th most expensive country as cars depreciate more slowly in Portugal.
Despite high averages, there are still affordable second-hand cars out there, many under €5,000.
Porto. Photo by Vita Marija Murenaite (Unsplash)
Documents After Car Purchase
When you sell your car in Portugal, you need to make the official change of ownership within 60 days. This is done by completing the Transferencia de Propriedade or the verbal contract of purchase and sale. This document will include information about the vehicle and the new owner.
Both the seller and buyer will also have to go through the declaration of sale and purchase of the car. This form indicates the individuals involved in the registration process of the vehicle.
Registering the car with IMT is very important and mandatory for all vehicles in Portugal. You can register the car with the Institute of Registries and Notaries (IRN), either online or at a citizen’s shop.
You will then receive your registration certificate, known as the Documento Unico Automovel, which needs to be in your car at all times.
Driving in Portugal
To drive a car in Portugal, you must be over the age of 18. However, to rent a car, you must be over the age of 21. You can drive in Portugal with your driving license if you are an EU or American national.
An International Driving License is required if you stay longer than six months. If you do not have an EU or American license, you should obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) before you arrive.
If you’re not quite ready to purchase a car in Portugal, consider renting a car to explore the country. Prices will vary on time of year and type of car. If you do not drive stick, beware that automatic car rentals are more expensive.
The first wave of Azorean immigration to the United States happened as early as 1870. Most of the Portuguese immigrants were men from the Azores who were recruited to work on American whaling ships.
Later on, after World War II, many Portuguese fled the right-wing dictatorship of Antonio Salazar, settling in mainly New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Maryland.
However, what was considered a second large wave of Portuguese immigration occurred in the late 50s from the Azores archipelago. It all began in 1957 with a series of volcanic eruptions in the Azores, leading to the large population of Azorean-Americans in the US today.
Capelinhos Volcanic Eruption – Azoreans flee
Azoreans sought refuge in the US in the aftermath of the Capelinhos volcanic eruption on the island of Faial, which occurred on September 27, 1957.
While no one was killed, the eruption that lasted for 13 months caused massive destruction on the island. This period spawned 300 seismic events, destroying 300 houses. Over 2,000 people were evacuated to the US and Canada.
This was the most recent volcanic eruption in all of the Azores. Today, you can visit the Capelinhos lighthouse and Visitors Center at the volcanic site in Faial.
Capelinhos Volcano site. Photo by Photo by Rui Amaro (Unsplash)
What was the Azorean Refugee Act of 1958?
The Azorean Refugee Act of 1958 was created in direct response to the Capelinhos eruption in Faial. Senators John F. Kennedy and John Pastore co-sponsored the act, which was then signed by President Dwight Eisenhower.
The Azorean Refugee Act made 1,500 visas available to the Azorean victims of the volcano eruption in 1958. Four years later, in 1962, an extension was granted, allowing even more Azoreans to immigrate to the United States.
Azorean-Americans: 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act
The 1965 Immigration Act further increased Portuguese immigration to the United States, particularly in the 1970s and 1980s. This law stated that those with legal or American relatives in the United States could become a legal resident with their sponsorship.
Prior to that, the National Origins Formula was in place. These were a series of immigration quotas used from 1921 to 1965 that restricted immigration from the Eastern Hemisphere on the basis of national origin.
This was in place to preserve American homogeneity and proved racially discriminative, only allowing immigration from Western and Northern Europe.
While the 1965 Immigration Act still had per-country and total immigration limits, relatives of US citizens were exempted from these restrictions.
Therefore, it is no surprise that in the 70s and 80s, many Azoreans were able to move to the United States through relative sponsorships who had been there from the late 50s – early 60s.
Photo by Fabian Fauth (Unsplash).
Portuguese-Americans in the United States
According to the United States Census from 2000, there were 1,176,615 Portuguese-Americans, the majority being of Azorean descent. In 2019, 1,371,153 people in the United States reported Portuguese ancestry.
As of 2020 figures, most Portuguese-Americans live in the states of California, Massachusetts, Florida, Rhode Island, New Jersey, and New York, in that order.
Portuguese-Americans are the fifth largest ethnic group in Rhode Island and the eighth largest group in Massachusetts.
Portuguese-Americans are also the fourth largest ethnic group in the State of Hawaii. Portuguese immigration to Hawaii happened in the late 19th century. Labor contracts paid for the migration of entire Portuguese families. However, the conditions were not favorable.
The Azores are an autonomous region of Portugal, located between Lisbon and New York. An archipelago of nine volcanic islands in the Atlantic Ocean, the Azores are around 850 miles west of mainland Portugal. The archipelago is located 1,200 miles southeast of Newfoundland, Canada, and 930 miles northwest of Morocco.
There are nine islands of the Azores and three main groups in an islet cluster. These are Flores and Corvo to the west, Graciosa, Terceira, Sao Jorge, Pico, and Faial in the center, and Sao Miguel and Santa Maria to the east.
The islands cover more than 600 kilometers, and all have volcanic origins. However, some islands have never recorded volcanic activity since they were settled centuries ago.
Humberto Delgado Airport in Lisbon is one of the worst delayed airports in the world, taking 4th place in a CNN Travel ranking. 43% of flights at Humberto Delgado Lisbon Airport were delayed during the summer.
CNN based its rankings on data by FlightAware between May 27 and September 5, “the largest data platform on flights worldwide.”
Here are the airports with the most delays in this time frame in the world:
1. Toronto Pearson International Airport: 51.9%
2. Montreal-Trudeau International Airport: 47.8%
3. Frankfurt International Airport: 44.5%
4. Humberto Delgado Airport (Lisbon): 43%
5. London Gatwick Airport: 42%
6. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport: 41.6%
7. Munich International Airport: 40.1%
8. Manchester Airport: 39%
9. Athens International Airport: 38.5%
10. Vancouver International Airport: 37.8%
However, Portugal did not make the list for having an airport with the most canceled flights in the world. The following airports made the list:
1. Shanghai Pudong International Airport (China): 29.8%
2. Xi’an Xianyang International Airport (China): 15.6%
3. Beijing Capital International Airport (China): 14.7%
4. Nanjing Lukou International Airport (China): 14.4%
5. Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (China): 9.5%
6. Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport (China): 9.1%
7. Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (Indonesia): 8.3%
8. Wuhan Tianhe International Airport (China): 8.2%
9. Newark Liberty International Airport (US): 6.7%
10. LaGuardia Airport (US): 6.7%
Located along the northern coast of Madeira island lies the municipality of Santana, named after Saint Anne, the mother of the Virgin Mary. Santana is inhabited by less than 9,000 people and covers an area of 96.2 km2.
In 2011, Santana became a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO due to its diverse ecosystem. Santana features rich landscapes with unique cultural and environmental value, including a mountainous environment that occupies river valleys. There are 120 kilometers of biosphere walking routes to discover.
Santana features a unique architectural style known mainly for the traditional Santana houses in red, white, and blue, with thatched roofs. Its unique style comes from its isolation. Santana was not accessible by sea and land, so the locals preserved its characteristics without outside influences.
This Santana Madeira Travel Guide has everything you need to know about visiting Santana, from the six parishes to the best things to do.
Santana is a municipality with six parishes: Santana, Faial, Sao Jorge, Sao Roque do Faial, Arco de Sao Jorge, and Ilha.
1. Santana
Santana town has the highest points on the island with some of the best views. It is perhaps the most popular among tourists due to its traditional Santana homes. These houses have thatched roofs, small windows, and multi-colored exteriors. Santana also features a church in honor of Saint Anne.
Santana traditional houses. Photo by Florian Meißner (Flickr)
2. Faial
Faial parish was created in 1550. Faial was one of the first to be populated on the north coast along with Sao Jorge and features a tree native to the Macaronesian forest. Faial is known for the beach of Foz da Ribeira do Faial.
Fortress of Faial, Santana. Photo by Nikola Majksner (Unsplash)
3. Sao Jorge
Sao Jorge has less than 1,500 inhabitants and was first developed from the Calhau de Sao Jorge area in the 16th century. This parish features the Levade Rei trails through forests and farmland, as well as the Cabanas de Belvedere, a viewpoint with beautiful views of the island.
4. Sao Roque do Faial
Founded in 1848, Sao Roque do Faial is a small area with around 700 locals. It is named after a patron of a chapel, leading to the creation of a church in the 16th century that was centuries later destroyed by the sea. Sao Roque do Faial features a trout farm, a forest park, and unique trails.
Sao Roque do Faial. Photo by Vitor Oliveira (Flickr)
5. Arco de Sao Jorge
Named after the arched-shaped mountains that surround it, Arco de Sao Jorge is the smallest parish in Santana, with only 3.5 km2. Arco de Sao Jorge features the Rose Garden of Quinta do Arco, a garden with the largest collection of roses in Portugal. It is also home to the Museum of Vine and Wine, an interactive museum about wine culture.
Arco de Sao Jorge, Santana. Photo by vincent gressard (Flickr)
6. Ilha
Ilha is the most recent parish, only founded in 1989. It’s called island in Portuguese as it is surrounded by water on all sides. Only about 250 people live here in an area of 15.4 km2. The area is known for the natural reserves of Alchado do Marques ao Caldeirao Verde and the waterfalls.
4 Best Things to do in Santana, Madeira
1. Discover the traditional Santana houses
The traditional Santana Houses are an iconic staple of the town which you can see in the Center for Traditional houses. The houses were built by locals from straw produced on the local plantation. The houses are triangle shaped, with red, blue, and white accents.
Locals no longer live in these houses, but they are open to visitors. You will be able to see inside, including the quaint kitchens and where the locals kept their products. Many of the houses have been restored into shops for you to buy souvenirs.
Photo by Daniela Turcanu (Unsplash)
2. Visit the largest rose garden in Portugal
Quinta do Arco is located in Arco de Sao Jorge. A tourism project, this farm features a hostel surrounded by a natural green environment. However, it is mostly known for its extensive rose garden.
This rose garden is the largest rose collection in all of Portugal. There are over 1,000 species of roses of distinct colors. This sea of flowers makes for unique photographs from ancient to contemporary roses.
Keep in mind that the rose garden is closed between January and March.
Quinta do Arco. Photo by Toprural (Flickr)
3. Enjoy the Madeira Theme Park
The Madeira Theme Park, known as the Parque Temático da Madeira in Portuguese, is one of Madeira’s most famous tourist attractions. Founded in 2004, the theme park covers over 7 hectares and introduces visitors to Madeira.
From the island’s history to the science behind the area, the theme park spans every topic you can think of. Various attractions are geared toward young people and the elderly, including multimedia pavilions, Santana houses, a labyrinth, a lake, and more. You will also find a restaurant, bar, and souvenir shop on site.
4. Explore the UNESCO Laurissilva Forest
Queimadas Forest Park is a Laurissilva forest that has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This area has a rich biodiversity and a large variety of trees, many of which are indigenous to the area such as the Fringila coelebs madeirensis and the Fringila coelebs madeirensis.
There are also popular hiking trails at Queimadas Forest Park, leading to different parts of the island and passing through beautiful streams. One of the most popular hikes is the Caldeirao Verde Levada trail (PR9). You will also find the Casa de Abrigo das Queimadas, a gorgeous cottage-like home that is open for visitors.
Casa de Abrigo das Queimadas. Photo by Julia Solonina (Unsplash)
Transportation in Santana: How to get around Santana
You can get to Santana from Funchal by public transport with a 1-hour bus that costs less than 5 euros. If you choose to drive, it’s only a 40-minute ride.
In Santana, there is a limited bus service. You will find buses riding between Santana, Sao Jorge, and Arco de Sao Jorge. There are around five services a day for each route.
There is also a bus running from Galego and Porta da Cruz to Santana. However, these last two routes only have one to three daily services.
Therefore, relying completely on buses in Santana is not the best option. We recommend renting a car as, without one, you won’t be able to travel to most places freely.
The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has cleared the Portuguese justice of a complaint made by the parents of Madeleine McCann on Tuesday. The court found that Portugal had given the parents of the missing toddler a fair hearing in their libel battle against Goncalo Amaral, a former policeman.
Goncalo Amaral suggested in his book “Truth of the Lie” that the parents were involved in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann in 2007 after working on the investigation.
Kate and Gerry McCann sued Goncalo Amaral for libel which they initially won in 2015. Amaral was ordered to pay damages, but two years later, the ruling was reversed by Portugal’s highest court.
The McCanns then appealed to the ECHR, arguing that many of their rights had not been respected in Portugal, including their right to a fair trial, right to private family life, and right to freedom of expression.
Concerning their right to private family life, the court said that “by using social communication mediums, the applicants wanted to use all possible mediums to find their daughter.”
The court argued that by doing so, they “ended up acquiring a public reputation and entered the public sphere” and that they “inevitably exposed themselves” to scrutiny for their actions.
The ECHR also argued that Goncalo Amaral’s book was in “the interest of public debate” and that the public “had a legitimate interest in being informed” about the disappearance of Maddie McCann.
Moreover, “The court believes that the declarations in question constitute value judgments based on a sufficient factual base. In fact, the elements in which Goncalo Amaral based his argumentation were gathered during the investigation and disclosed to the public”, said the court.
Regarding the right to be presumed innocent, the ECHR said that the book was released before the parents were descarded as being involved with the incident by the Portuguese Public Ministery.
Kate and Gerry McCann’s lawyer, Ricardo Correia Afonso, said that they will not be appealing the decision but that they are “disappointed,” reports Reuters.
“The focus is now rightly on the search for Madeleine and her abductor(s). We are grateful for the ongoing work by the British, German, and Portuguese police”, said the lawyer in a statement.
Known as Maddie, Madeleine McCann disappeared in 2017 from Praia da Luz, Algarve, at 3 years old. The British toddler went missing from her family’s holiday rental apartment while her parents had dinner with friends at a nearby restaurant.
In April of 2022, German child abuser Christian Brueckner, 44, was made an official suspect in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann by the Portuguese authorities. The investigation is being conducted with the help of the British and German authorities.
Fall brings with it the changing color of the leaves. Gold, red, and orange fill the trees in parks and roads in Lisbon, creating a cozy atmosphere. The smell of castanhas fills the air, and the Portuguese celebrate their fall holiday, Sao Martinho.
The weather begins to cool as summer fades. However, in contrast to other European countries, Portugal, a country in Southwestern Europe, enjoys moderate temperatures in the Fall.
During fall in Lisbon, Pumpkin lattes might not surface all over Lisbon, but the capital has its fair share of traditions, customs, and activities to celebrate the start of the new season. This guide will ensure you make the most of the Portuguese capital, from museums to exploring the city, even on rainy days.
Fall in Portugal begins on September 23 and ends on December 21. During Lisbon fall, you can expect quite a bit of rain. Autumn is the rainiest season in Portugal. It rains the most in November and December, with 9 and 10 days of rain, respectively. In October, it rains for 8 days out of the month.
However, fall is not as cold as in other European countries. Throughout the fall months, temperatures range between 9°C (48.2°F) and 23°C (73.4°F).
10 Best Lisbon Fall Activities
Lisbon has a ton of activities that are perfect for fall. We have selected some outdoor and indoor outdoor activities for when it rains in Lisbon.
1. Celebrate Sao Martinho, the fall holiday
Known as Sao Martinho, Saint Martin’s day falls on November 11. This iconic fall holiday celebrates a man who cut his cloak in half during a snowstorm to keep a beggar warm. However, the holiday in Portugal now celebrates the maturation of wine production during the year.
The staple of this holiday is the roasted castanhas (chestnuts), which are tasted along with wine in the magusto, a celebration festival.
Most Portuguese towns have a magusto during the holiday, as well as different Sao Martinho parties. In Lisbon, head to Fabrica da Musa, where you will find castanhas, artisanal beer, wine, and loads of Portuguese food.
Throughout Fall, you will also find castanhas being sold all over the city. They are roasted in front of you in a wheeled quiosque, and the smell is unbelievable! The castanhas are then served by being wrapped in paper into a cone.
Photo by F Delventhal (Flickr)Photo by lilivanili (Flickr)
2. Take the scenic route of the number 28 Tram
One of the best ways to see Lisbon in the fall is on the number 28 tram. Although the tram is a public transport service, due to the places it rides through, think of it as an affordable tourist tour.
This tram line connects Martim Moniz with Campo do Ourique. The tram stops in popular tourist districts such as Alfama, Baixa, Estrela, and grace.
In a traditional yellow tram, you will ride a scenic route through Lisbon’s narrow and steep streets, the perfect fall morning in Lisbon.
We recommend riding the train early in the morning to avoid crowds. Make sure to beware of pickpocketers!
Tram 28. Photo by Portuguese Gravity (Unsplash)
3. Explore the prestigious Calouste Gulbenkian Museum
The Gulbenkian Museum is one of the world’s best museums, housing a collection of Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Islamic, Asian, and European art. The private art collection belongs to the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, gathered over 40 years.
If you are an art lover, do not miss it. You will see pieces by Paula Rego, Rembrandt, Monet, and Peter Paul Rubens. The beautiful Gulbenkian gardens are also open to the public and are the perfect place for a picnic.
Calouste Gulbenkian Museum. Photo by Rui Alves (Unsplash)
The Oceanário de Lisboa in Parque das Nações, the city ‘s aquarium, is one of the largest in Europe. With over 8,000 sea creatures and incredibly cute otters, this is the perfect activity for the whole family.
There are over 7 million liters of seawater at the oceanarium. This place is a sea life lover’s dream, from mantas and eyeball zebra sharks to rays.
The Lisbon oceanarium is geared toward conservation and does not offer any entertainment shows. The largest environmental education program is also run here.
Oceanario de Lisboa. Photo by Max Kukurudziak (Unsplash)
5. Enjoy European and American art at Berardo Collection Museum
Located in the Belem Cultural Center, Berardo Collection Museum opened in 2007. Ever since, it has been one of the most impressive museums in Portugal. There are around 1000 pieces in the collection, starting in the 20th century.
The collection focuses mostly on European and American art. You will get to see pieces from Andy Warhol, Picasso, Paula Rego, and more across two floors.
Berardo Collection Museum. Photo by Enrico Da Prato (Unsplash)
What better place to see fall in action than a park? Jardim da Estrela is the perfect place to see the leaves fall. Located near Basilica da Estrela, this park is a place where all the locals meet. It’s commonplace for older people to sit in the shade socializing and to find couples taking walks through the park.
Bring some blankets and enjoy a fall picnic at the park if the weather allows it. Jardim da Estrela also features a large playground for children to enjoy. Bands also tend to occasionally play on the bandstand at the park, so you might be lucky enough to spot a free concert.
Jardim da Estrela. Photo by Freguesia de Estrela (Unsplash)
7. Walk through Avenida da Liberdade
In the fall, the hundreds of trees in Avenida da Liberdade paint a beautiful picture of red, orange, and gold. This boulevard in Lisbon is famous for being one of the most expensive shopping streets in Lisbon. Built-in 1979, the avenue is also the home to embassies, hotels, and restaurants.
If you are not looking to splurge on luxurious items such as Prada and Louis Vuitton, we recommend walking along the 1-kilometer-long avenue. The avenue is divided by pedestrian pavements and features decorative gardens.
Avenida da Liberdade. Photo by Alice Kotlyarenko (Unsplash)
8. Take a Tuk Tuk Tour of Lisbon
This is one is especially fun for those who get easily bored at museums but need an activity in Lisbon on a rainy day. Book this private electric tuk tuk tour of Lisbon with a local guide. This tour is an eco-friendly way to visit the best sights in the city.
The tour stops at all the major attractions such as Alfama and Mouraria, the historic neighborhoods, as well as Praca do Comercio and Belem. The tuk tuk also stops at the best Lisbon viewpoints for photo ops of the city.
While many prefer to visit Sintra in the Spring and Summer, there’s so much to be said about this city in Autumn. Sintra could bet the set to a Halloween movie, particularly on cloudy and foggy days.
If you believe in that kind of stuff, Sintra is said to be a special place surrounded by mysticism. It is said that Satanists and witches take to Sintra’s forests to perform rituals and that magic fills the city.
Regardless, Sintra remains one of the most beautiful cities in Portugal. A 30-minute drive from the center of Lisbon, Sintra is known for its forested terrain, astonishing palaces that once belonged to royal families, and the delicious “Travesseiro de Sintra.”
We recommend taking a day tour from Lisbon to experience Sintra to the fullest. However, if you go on your own, do not miss the Pena Palace, the Castle of the Moors, and the Quinta da Regaleira.
A Fado house, known as a Casa de Fado, is a cultural staple of Lisbon, particularly in the Fado neighborhood of Alfama. These Fado houses allow you to enjoy live music performances of Fado classics by Amalia Rodrigues and others. These usually include a dinner menu where you get to try Portuguese specialties.
Some of the most famous Fado houses are Fado in Chiado, Clube de Fado and Parreirinha de Alfama. However, we always recommend asking the locals!
Halloween is not as celebrated as in the United States or the United Kingdom by adults. While a few clubs might have Halloween-themed nights, that’s about it for those over 20. You won’t find people dressing up for work in Halloween costumes.
However, a Halloween party for the little ones is customary in schools as kids tend to dress up and enjoy candy.
Nevertheless, trick or treating is not a large custom in Portugal on October 31st. Although it can happen in smaller gated communities with international populations, it is not so common in major towns and villages.
However, many Christian Portuguese still celebrate the Day of the Dead on November 1st to remember relatives they lost.
On this day, there’s a Portuguese tradition similar to trick or treating called “Bread for God.” This is where kids ask for “Pao-por-Deus” and receive candy and bread in exchange. This is a religious tradition and is thus not done by all Portuguese.
Photo by Szabó János (Unsplash)
Lisbon Fall: What to Pack
Luckily, while it does rain a bit during Fall, temperatures are not too low. It’s still important to pack accordingly, however. Here is a list of items to pack for Lisbon in the fall:
Jeans
T-shirts
Long-sleeve sweaters
Scarf
Warm shoes and/or sneakers
Boots
Hat
Sunglasses
Sunscreen (the sun is strong even in Fall)
Jacket
Raincoat with hood
In the fall in Lisbon, you might be lucky to have a few days of warmer weather, especially in October. Bring a couple of items for warmer days, just in case:
The hacker group Ragnar Locker has published the data of 1.5 million TAP clients. 581 gigabytes of personal information have been online since Monday. In a post on the dark web, the hacker group said that they still have remote access to the systems of TAP.
The published personal data includes addresses, phone numbers, client names, and the identification documents of professionals and TAP partners.
Expresso has said that TAP did not negotiate a ransom payment to stop the publication of client data.
In a post on the dark web, Ragnar Locker said, “the most interesting thing is that they have not resolved the vulnerabilities on their network, and these kinds of incidents can happen again. If anyone needs remote access to TAP Air, let us know.”
TAP contacted the affected clients on Tuesday, saying that the publishing of their data can “increase the risk” of “illegitimate use” of their data.
TAP has also said that “the adopted measures allow us to guarantee the integrity of the data and the operation of all systems safely.”
However, at the time, Ragnar Locker said in a post, “A few days ago, TAP Air Portugal made a press announcement confidently affirming that it has successfully solved a cyberattack and that data was not compromised (but we have reasons to believe that hundreds of gigabytes could be compromised).”
TAP Air Portugal is the state-owned airline of Portugal and the largest in the country, accounting for more than 50% of arrivals and departures at the Lisbon Airport.
We spent five lovely days in Portugal. We used Lisbon as our base and took a few day trips from there. It was simple to use public transportation to get from the airport into the city.
We tend to like to be outdoors so when we arrived in Lisbon, we rented bikes and rode the bike trail along the Tagus River. There are several rental shops close to the bike trail. Once in our Airbnb, we explored the city by foot. Our Airbnb was just off the Praça Luís de Camões, a square with a cafe and a wonderful place to relax and people watch. We spent our days exploring. We wandered up to Campo dos Mártires da Pátria, which is a lovely park that is elevated with wonderful views of the city. There are a few cafes there and restaurants around that area.
Lisbon Gallery
1 of 6
Umbrellas over Pink Street
Tower of Belem
Hills of Lisbon
Lisbon
Hills of Lisbon
Biking by the bridge in Lisbon
One note is to bring comfortable shoes because Lisbon is full of hills. You can always rent electric bikes or ride buses or the metro to get around more comfortably.
One day we walked around the city with our destination of St George’s Castle (Castelo de S. Jorge). There are many neighborhoods to wander through on your way to and from the castle. Don’t forget to stop and take in the views.
Cascais
1 of 2
Praia do Guincho beach
Praia do Guincho beach
We took the train out to Cascais. We got the train at the Cais de Sodre metro station. It was about a 45-minute ride on the train, and they ran frequently. Once there, we rented bikes and rode the bike path out to the Guincho beach, which is beautiful and very inviting. You can rent bikes at the train station. We found a wonderful outdoor cafe at the end of one of the beaches which is worth the ride. It is calledBar do Guincho.
1 of 3
Kayaking in Sesimbra
Kayaking in Sesimbra
Kayaking in Sesimbra
We also went down to the coastal town of Sesimbra. Our sole purpose was to go kayaking in the Atlantic. We arranged the 4-hour kayaking trip ahead of time with one of the several renting shops. The views were beautiful, and the kayaking was fun.
All in all, we had a wonderful trip to Portugal. We were able to visit the sites that we wanted to and navigate our way around Lisbon with ease. There were plenty of outdoor activities, so in our opinion that made it a very successful trip.
The President of the Portuguese Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, has said that more information needs to be released about the economic scenario for 2023.
While he predicts a bad economic scenario for Portugal in 2023, he believes the government “would maybe benefit from explaining to the Portuguese its vision for the next year.”
The President wants predictions to be released to the government. For example, whether growth “will decrease to 1% or 2%, instead of 6% or 7%”.
This way, according to the President, the Portuguese people can be prepared for a “bad economic scenario,” and the government can justify why it cannot “go further” with its economic support to fight inflation.
The State Budget for 2023 will be delivered in three weeks, and this occasion “is accompanied by an economic scenario,” argues President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.
However, the President wants the release of macroeconomic predictions to be released as soon as possible.
The President wants many questions answered: “Will tourism continue or not continue? Will investment continue or not continue? Will consumption remain high or break?”.
These explanations need to be answered, according to the President, so that the population can understand when the government “cannot go further because what is it come looks bad.”
The President has previously said that while “acting urgently” to support families is important, so is acting “carefully because of the monitoring of economic developments.”
Sao Miguel is the largest and most populated island in the Azores. A part of the Eastern Group of the Archipelago with Santa Maria island, Sao Miguel was discovered in the 13th century. Having belonged to the French, Moors, and Jews, it has undergone major developments throughout the centuries.
Today, Sao Miguel provides the perfect balance. São Miguel is the perfect spot for those who want to experience the classic Azorean life, as well as a larger city. It’s hard to find both on any other island! Therefore, Sao Miguel is filled with plenty of activities for different tastes. Let’s take a look at the 5 best things to do in Sao Miguel, Azores.
1. Explore the capital of the Azores, Ponta Delgada
The capital of the autonomous regions of the Azores since 1546, Ponta Delgada is a cosmopolitan town that is full of history and culture. Around 70,000 people live in the capital, around half the island population.
Ponta Delgada features a fishing fleet, marina, and plenty of historical buildings, such as the largest church in the Azores. You can explore the capital entirely by foot through the unique cobbled streets.
We recommend starting out in Avenida Infante D. Henrique, a seaside promenade that runs from a military fortress to Calheta. The path has the classic Portuguese black and white cobblestoned floors.
Goncalho Velho Square is also a key point in Ponta Delgada. This is the central square of the city, named after the Portuguese navigator Goncalho Velho Cabral who is said to have discovered the island.
Make sure to also look for the City Gates or Portas da Cidade, this monument represents how the capital is like the entrance gates of Azores. These gates were built in the 18th century and are located in the old city harbor, the first line of defense of the island at the time.
Photo by Vitor Oliveira (Flickr)
2. Visit the thermal hotspot of the Azores
Furnas, the thermal hotspot of the Azores, is located on the eastern side of the island. The Furnas valley is a volcanic crater that erupted in the 17th century. Although it is now dormant and safe, the volcanic activity can be seen in the area’s thermal pools and hot springs.
Furnas is essentially a natural spa, with plenty of places to swim and relax in warm water. For example, head to the 200-year-old Parque Terra Nostra. Here you can swim in a popular orange geothermal swimming pool that’s 35ºC.
The volcanic activity in Furnas also offers a unique culinary experience with the cozido das furnas. The dish is similar to the classic Portuguese cozido, a meat stew with cabbage, carrots, potatoes, blood sausage, pork and beef.
But this is no regular stew – it’s cooked by a volcano. The dish is cooked in bubbling, steaming caldeiras (geysers) that smell of sulfur. Temperatures range from 70ºC to 100ºC, which is perfect for cooking. This dish is placed in a metal pot and buried in volcanic soil to be slow-cooked by the natural heat of the caldeiras.
If you have only seen one photo of the Azores, chances are you have seen the Sete Cidades Lagoon. This lagoon is located on the West side of the island in the municipality of Sete Cidades. The lagoon is divided by a bridge into two parts: one green and one blue. This creates a beautiful and unique contrast that is even more beautiful on a clear day.
Head to the Vista do Rei viewpoint, where you can enjoy the best view of the lagoon. Near the viewpoint, you will also find a large concrete building. This is an abandoned luxurious hotel, once the finest 5-star establishment on the island. Many enter the hotel for a unique view of the lagoon, although this is forbidden.
Even though Sete Cidades is known for this particular lake, there are over 11 lakes in the municipality that you can observe from miradouros (viewpoints).
4. Hike the official trails of Sao Miguel
If you are a nature lover, you are in for a treat. Sao Miguel not only features the most hiking trails in the Azores, but some of the most beautiful. You will get to reach remote spots on the island, filled with waterfalls and greenery.
There are over 20 “official” hiking trails in Sao Miguel that are taken care of by the Azores Tourism Board. These are adequately labeled with hiking markers, so you don’t get lost and are maintained for safety. You can check out the hiking trails here to find the one that best suits your physical ability.
Our favorite hikes in Sao Miguel are Lagoa do Fogo (11 KM, 4h00), Sete Cidades (7.7 KM, 2h00), and Lagoa das Furnas (9.5 KM, 3h00).
The Azores is known for its marine life, especially conservation and research ever since whale hunting was banned in the 80s. Since then, thousands travel to Sao Miguel and other islands to spot both whales and dolphins.
Over twenty different species of whales live in the Azores, making it one of the best places in the world for whale-watching. The best season for whale-watching is between April to October, even though you can usually see them all year.
We recommend booking this whale watching and islet cruise, accompanied by a marine biologist so that you can spot and learn about sperm and pilot whales, bottlenose, Risso’s dolphins, and more.
Subscribe to our newsletter below to get the latest news, reviews, info and more!
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.AcceptPrivacy policy
