The World Tourism Organization recently honored several Portuguese destinations, recognizing their excellence in the “Best Tourist Village 2023” and “Best Global Tourist Destination” categories. This recognition solidifies Portugal’s position as an outstanding and unique tourist hub.
In the “Best Tourist Village 2023” category, four charming Portuguese localities, namely Ericeira, Madalena, Manteigas, and Sortelha, received accolades. The announcement was made during the General Assembly and Executive Committee Meeting in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, acknowledging several exceptional destinations across the globe.
Ericeira, a village not so distant from Lisbon that has recently become a massive attraction for digital nomads and a surfer’s paradise, has also been delighting visitors with its vibrant energy and stunning coastal charm, proving one more time its value with this international recognition.
Ericeira. Photo by Adam Hornyak (Unsplash)
As for Madalena, situated on the scenic Pico Island in the Azores, beautifully showcases Portugal’s diverse and captivating beauty, bringing this Azorean island to the forefront. It also highlights how the Azores are increasingly gaining international recognition, both through the widely acclaimed Netflix series “Rabo de Peixe” (Turn of the Tide) and this prestigious acknowledgment that fills the Portuguese, particularly the Azoreans, with pride.
Meanwhile, Manteigas and the historic village of Sortelha, both in the district of Guarda, represent the nation’s rich cultural and historical heritage, showcasing the well-deserved distinction that the interior of Portugal and its people have to offer.
Madalena, Pico. Photo by David Stanley (Flickr)
These awards celebrate the finest rural destinations globally, promoting sustainable tourism aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
Moreover, the accolades highlight the commitment of these distinguished localities to the promotion and preservation of their cultural and historical legacies, serving as exemplars of sustainable tourism while reflecting the mission of the Aldeias Históricas (Historical Villages) Association, dedicated to fostering genuine sustainability and innovation.
Manteigas, right in the heart of Serra da Estrela, has faced challenging times, enduring summer fires and heavy autumn rains in 2022. Yet, it has remained resilient, led by one of the youngest mayors in Portugal— a standout feat in a region where the elderly constitute the majority.
Nevertheless, Manteigas is more than just resilience. It’s a place where traditions are cherished, passed down, and lovingly preserved by its three-thousand-strong community, especially in the realm of wool production, ensuring the continuity of this cherished regional art.
Snow in Serra da Estrela, Portugal. Photo by Luis Ascenso (Flickr)
Sortelha is an exceptional historical village that allows the visitor to step back into past centuries amidst a 13th-century castle, narrow streets, medieval tombs, and alleys that immediately transport you back to the medieval era. This beautiful and well-preserved place it is the third Aldeia Histórica de Portugal (Historical Village of Portugal) to receive the “Best Tourist Village” award, following the successes of Castelo Rodrigo in 2021 and Castelo Novo in 2022.
This stunning village stood out to the jury for its impressive architectural and natural heritage, along with significant improvements in accessibility and mobility.
What makes these villages special?
All these accolades serve as a testament to the communities’ unwavering dedication to preserving their cultural legacy and promoting sustainable tourism. Collectively, they celebrate Portugal’s enduring commitment to safeguarding its rich heritage while embracing sustainable practices.
This commitment further emphasizes the nation’s aspiration to showcase its breathtaking landscapes and historical marvels, solidifying Portugal’s position as a global pioneer in offering unique and sustainable travel adventures.
Additionally, the development of alternative itineraries in lesser-explored regions underlines the importance of tourism in driving economic growth, particularly in the country’s interior, effectively diversifying the focus away from the conventional tourist hubs of Lisbon and Porto.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) warns that house prices, in Portugal, are overvalued by 20%.
Even though prices dropped slightly, the IMF warns that houses are overvalued by 20% and that the banks should prepare for the risk of non-compliance and the existence of non-performing loans (NPL’s).
In an interview given to the Portuguese agency ‘Lusa’ during the IMF’s annual meeting, the Fund’s Director for Europe (Alfred Krammer) stated that this tendency can be observed in more than two European housing markets and that it creates risks for financial stability.
Because of the impacts of COVID-19 and the war between Russia and Ukraine, prices have been increasing. These impacts led to a decrease in the supply, an increase in construction prices, licensing restrictions, and inflation, which resulted in a steady increase in the banks’ interest rates.
According to Krammer, Portuguese banks are solid. However, they should prepare for how mortgage holders will be affected in terms of available income. In Portugal, 90% of mortgages have variable interest rates. Thus, banks should prepare for more difficulties.
The recommendation is that the financial institutions create a safety net for the sectoral systemic risk. This will allow banks to have a bigger margin for dealing with households that are becoming more, and more, at risk of non-compliance.
The Director also recognized the ongoing housing crisis. According to him, the most worrying is the accessibility to housing and the possibility of renting. A problem that the current measures created by the Portuguese Government will not be able to solve.
In accordance with the statement, the existing measures are only provisory and do not constitute a viable long-term solution for the problem that exists today. They are unsustainable in the long run and, because of that, should be temporary and target the most vulnerable.
In the Director’s words, “It is the housing supply that has to increase, and that means social housing.” The Government must address the accessibility to housing and to the possibility of renting. It must protect the most vulnerable, which are becoming more in number, and in the degree of vulnerability.
Porto’s running community may not be as robust in comparison to Lisbon, but it offers an even wider range of fantastic running landscapes of varying difficulty to enjoy. Whether it’s the charming city parks, the coastal roads, or the wide avenues in the middle of the city, Porto as a running city does not disappoint. Let’s look at 5 different places to take in the beautiful Porto scenery while getting in a great workout!
1. City Park
Porto’s City Park, the largest green space in the city, is one of the most popular spots for runners in the city. Spanning 83 hectares and extending to the sea, this expansive park has a variety of shaded paths and diverse terrain with uphill and downhill tracks. Runners, in particular, can appreciate the park’s diverse terrain, which includes both uphill and downhill tracks, making it perfect for an intense workout. The park also has bathrooms and easy accessibility to bus stops such as Castelo do Queijo.
This park offers the chance to connect with fellow runners, as it is a popular gathering spot for enthusiasts. Whenever you’re craving nature, Porto City Park is a wonderful option. Please be advised that the signage in the park is a little lacking, and it is better not to run in the park after sundown due to a lack of security.
Photo by KoolShooters
2. Crystal Gardens
The Crystal Palace Gardens, located on Rua Dom Manuel II, are incredibly beautiful and provide a breathtaking view of the Douro River and several of its bridges. One thing you won’t find, however, is a crystal palace. This name refers to a structure that once stood here and has now been replaced by a spaceship-looking building now known as the “Super Bock Arena,” which hosts concerts and fairs that come to town.
This picturesque location offers ample shade and open spaces for both walkers and joggers to enjoy. The lush trees, serene lake, and charming fountains make an ideal setting for a perfect run. It’s worth noting that it can get crowded on occasion, and, like the City Park, caution is advised if visiting after dark.
3. Vila Nova de Gaia
In Porto, you have two options for running along the Douro River: the Foz side or the Gaia side. We recommend the Gaia side as it offers more picturesque views with Douro River and Porto on your right as you run towards the ocean. Begin your journey at Luís I Bridge and pass by Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar (a hillside monastery).
You’ll find a well-maintained sidewalk and dedicated pedestrian path, with occasional stairs connecting the riverbank to the road. Around the 2 km mark, you’ll reach the Arrabida Bridge, where you can ascend the bridge to the bridge itself. The final leg of your run takes you along the estuary, where the Douro meets the Atlantic.
This route covers a healthy distance of 12.5 kilometers (about 6.8 miles) round trip. If you prefer a shorter run, you can turn back at any point along the way.
The seaside coast of Vila Nova de Gaia; Photo by Cátia Matos, Pexels
4. Avenida da Boavista
Avenida Boavista is a prominent commercial street that offers another enjoyable running path in Porto. It features a tree-lined, paved path for pedestrians and cyclists along its median, spanning half of its 5 km length. This path is also lined with sculptures by renowned artists. Runners have two options: a 10 km out-and-back route on Boavista or a loop through the seaside promenade and the Foz neighborhood.
To begin your run, start at Rotunda de Boavista, home to the modern Music Hall. Run westward along the avenue until you reach its end at Castelo do Queijo by the ocean, adjacent to City Park. The route involves a gradual descent toward the water and a steady ascent back into the city.
An ideal time for this run is in the early evening, allowing you to savor a luxurious finish by witnessing the sunset over the sea. Along the route, you’ll find numerous bus stops, including at both ends, Castelo do Queijo and Casa da Música. Note that if you opt for a round trip, be prepared for challenging uphill sections.
5. Matosinhos Coastal Road
The Matosinhos Coastal Road, also known as ‘Marginal Matosinhos’ and accessible via the Matosinhos Sul subway station, offers a straight 4-km one-way run between Foz and the beach town of Matosinhos. Enjoy stunning ocean views and wide pedestrian and bike paths for almost the entire length of the route. Matosinhos Beach also has firm sand, making it suitable for running.
The best stretch for running along the beach is north of Castelo. It gets rocky south of that point. Starting at the Fort in Foz and heading north, you’ll reach the Castelo do Queijo, a 17th-century fort perched on a prominent rock overlooking the beach at the 2.4 km mark. This flat, relaxed, scenic run is a stark contrast to the cobblestone-covered hills of central Porto, highlighting the true amount of variety that the Porto running scene has to offer.
Sunset at Matosinhos Beach; Photo by Chernova Alina,
Running Groups
Here are the weekly/monthly running groups in Porto:
Portuguese bank Banco Empresas Montepio has been sold to the Portuguese fintech super-app Rauva.
According to the information disclosed by both parties, Montepio Bank agreed to sell its Companies’ Bank banking license to the fintech app Rauva for 35 million euros.
The operation is still pending the approval of the regulating authorities, a process that will take several months. During that time, before the transaction is complete, all the assets, liabilities, operations, and workers of the Companies’ Bank shall be fully transferred to Montepio Bank.
According to the bank’s CEO, the value of the sale was established in accordance with a reference of 1.15x to 1.18x the value of the company’s Bank’s own capital, which was evaluated at 30 million euros. The simple calculation, according to the defined rule, established that the value of the transaction should be around 35 million euros.
At this time, it is not yet possible to estimate the positive impact of the transaction on the results of Montepio Bank. However, when it comes to the other side, Rauva became one of the first fintech apps to acquire a banking license. That, alone, will have a tremendous impact on its results in the upcoming years.
According to Jon Fath, Co-Founder and CEO of the fintech company, Rauva is the first Portugal’s business super-app. By acquiring the banking license, the company wishes to turn its app into a bank capable of helping small and medium enterprises, and entrepreneurs running their businesses.
Rauva’s idea is to start in Portugal, helping the country in the first place. And, then, expand the license for the rest of Europe and become a European bank, in order to target the European market.
Lisbon may be famous for many things, but you probably didn’t think that running was one of them. With all of those hills, narrow alleyways, and traditional cobblestone pavements known as calçada portuguesa covering most major sidewalks throughout the metropolitan area, Lisbon may seem like a less-than-ideal location for running. Don’t even get us started on trying to run on that cobblestone in the rain. Read: do not attempt.
But something happens when there are few great places to run in a major city: people start getting together to run, and this is when communities start to form. Combine this with an average of 300 days of sunshine per year, the safe streets of Lisbon, and cool breezes from the Tagus River and Atlantic Ocean keeping temperatures bearable, and you have a great formula for running success.
Here are the most popular spots to go running in Portugal’s capital city along with our latest list of running clubs and weekly running meetups.
1. Cais do Sodré to the Ponte 25 de Abril
This is, by far, the most popular running route in the city and also one of the most accessible, with Cais do Sodré being such a transportation hub.
Victor Sato thought the same when he started his Tuesday night running meetup in the middle of the pandemic. “Running had always helped me when times were hard in life before,” Sato recalled, “and it was also the only thing that I felt like we could do in the pandemic. On my first Tuesday, only three people joined me, but I kept showing up and, soon enough, other people did too.”
Three years later, more than 400 runners are now part of the Whatsapp group and an average of 50 runners meet on Thursday and run 7 km together. Faster, more long-distance runners run ahead and go as far as 10 km before rejoining the group and meeting for a post-run beer near Cais do Sodré station.
If you want to run even further on your own, you can start at Praça do Comércio and run along the riverside all the way to Torre de Belém (7.5 km one-way), passing a number of historical landmarks and museums along the way.
Ponte 25 de Abril. Photo by Yuri Catalano (Unsplash)
2. Parque das Nações
Parque das Nações is a more modern neighborhood of Lisbon that was built for the 1998 World Exposition. It has a wide boardwalk that is very popular for running as well as wider roads compared to the older part of the city. This area is also a popular route for running events that frequently take place throughout the city including the Lisbon Luso Half Marathon every October.
Parque das Nacoes. Photo by Filipe Silva (Unsplash)
3. Monsanto Forest Park
Monsanto Forest Park, also known as Parque Florestal de Monsanto, is a sprawling 2471-acre forest on the western side of Lisbon. It offers plenty of forested trails, lots of hills, and a wide variety of terrain to give you a good workout. Often referred to as the lungs of Lisbon, Monsanto has a seemingly endless amount of options for your next run.
Lisbon has also been conducting its own unofficial 5 km park run at 9:00 am on Saturday mornings once a month and now has more than 30 runners running the trails together and 150 runners in the Whatsapp group.
4. Run around Parque Eduardo VII
Parque Eduardo VII is a 64-acre park in the northern part of the center of the city with wide, tended lawns and lovely restaurants and cafes on its perimeter. Most people approach it from the largest roundabout in town, Marquis de Pombal, at the bottom, run to the top, and then continue around its perimeter. Check out the wide-open views at the top just above the Jardim Amália Rodrigues. Aim to finish at the top of the park by the Linha d’Agua and have a drink or a pastel de nata around the fountain to celebrate getting your run done for the day.
Photo by Mehmet Horasan, Pexels
5. Estádio Universitário de Lisboa
This part of town has a large sports complex complete with football fields, tennis courts, gyms, and a running track. You can run around the park or pay a small fee to get access to the track. Take the Lisbon metro to the Cidade Universitário station and the sports complex is right outside.
Running Groups
You don’t have to run alone! Here are the weekly/monthly running groups in Lisbon:
Tuesdays: Weekly, 7:00 pm, Lisbon Running Club, Group riverside run, in front of the Cais do Sodré entrance to the ferry port. Meet here and look for the group of runners standing together in a circle. Running distance: 6.5 km. The route starts and ends in the same location so you are free to choose how far you want to run. https://maps.app.goo.gl/Z6ftPFGysREa4aN17?g_st=ic
Wednesdays:
Weekly, 6:30 pm, Lisbon Running Club, strength/yoga session, 30 minutes, Meet here at Jardim Docas Da Ponte
Weekly, 7:00 pm, Adidas Runners Lisboa, Group social run, various locations, check out their Facebook group for more information. The weekly meetups vary between recovery runs, strength training, and fartlek runs. Running distance: 5 km
Thursdays: Weekly, 7:00 pm, Interval training, meet here at the base of the Ponte Abril de 25 next to LisbonYacht – Boat Tours
Saturdays: Monthly, 9:00 am, long run of around 100 minutes. Meet here at Parque Eduardo VII Monsanto Forest Park, Running distance: 11-20 km
Sundays: Weekly, 9:00 am, social run, Cato Sports Social Run, Meet here at Casa Graviola, Santos, runners often meet for coffee/breakfast after the run, Running distance: 6 km
More than 112 thousand Israelis applied for Portuguese nationality under the Sephardic law in the last eight years.
The Sephardic law, which was approved in 2013 but only came into effect in 2015, established the possibility for the descendants of Sephardic Jews (those expelled from Portugal by the end of the 15th century) to obtain Portuguese nationality according to a special procedure.
According to an investigation made by the Portuguese media, between 2015 and 2022, 112 297 Israeli nationals took advantage of the referred legislation and contacted the Portuguese Ministry of Justice for the purpose of obtaining Portuguese nationality, which was granted.
One of the most famous figures to obtain Portuguese nationality under Sephardic law was ex-Mossad Director, Tamir Pardo. Pardo, who was in charge of the Israeli secret services between 2011 and 2016, became a Portuguese national in 2018. Since then, the ex-director became the owner of a medical cannabis plantation in Vila de Rei, Portugal.
Even though the Portuguese passport is among the most valuable in the world (in terms of Visa-free entries), the law was perceived, by those seeking it, as a safety net. The possibility granted by its application allowed Israelis to have a Plan B in case the conditions in the Middle East became unbearable and there was the need to escape like there is today.
However, last Friday, the Portuguese Parliament approved a law proposal made by the Government that intends to put an end to it. According to the relevant sources, the Sephardic Law is supposed to be revoked on January 1st, 2024.
During the debate that preceded the voting, the Portuguese Minister of Justice explained that the special regime granted by the law has been in place for over ten years and that, even though it represents a valid recognition, it has served its purpose.
The Minister also explained that the future ending of the Sephardic Law does not necessarily mean that descendants of Sephardic Jews will not be able to apply for and obtain, Portuguese nationality. It only means the ending of a special treatment.
From January 1st onwards, those descending from sephardic jews, like everyone else, will be subject to the general rules of the Portuguese Nationality Law.
Monchique is a small town of around 6,000 inhabitants nestled in the Serra de Monchique mountain range between the Alentejo and the Algarve. It is home to the highest point in the Algarve at Mount Fóia (902 meters) and a favorite stop for adventure enthusiasts who can choose from a number of trails running through or starting from Monchique.
The long-distance 300 km hiking route of Via Algarviana, which connects Alcoutim to Cabo de São Vicente, also goes through Monchique. Mountain biking is also a popular activity and nature lovers delight in the surrounding forests.
For those wanting to stay closer to the town’s center, you can check out the ruins of a 17th-century convent on a hill above the town’s center or try aguardente, literally translated as “firewater,” a brandy made from a local lychee-looking fruit known as medronho.
Alternatively, you can people-watch in the charming town square while enjoying a cold beer. Monchique also has a few gorgeous art galleries and almost 40 restaurants and cafes in the area.
The water from Monchique is so famous in Portugal that it is bottled and sold around the country. With a pH of 9.5, the water is some of the most alkaline in the world and is rich in sodium and fluoride. The neighboring hamlet of Caldas da Rainha has several hotels built close to thermal waters that have been popular here since the Roman times.
Monchique has Mediterranean weather year-round with dry periods from May to September. The hottest month is July and August is the driest. We recommend visiting Monchique in the shoulder seasons and avoiding the month of January, which is the wettest month of the year.
Where is Monchique in Portugal?
Monchique is a small town located in the municipality of Monchique in the northern part of the Algarve. Monchique is situated 86 kilometers away from Faro (1 hr 20 min drive) and less than 260 kilometers away from Lisbon (2.5 hour drive). The closest airport to Monchique is Faro airport, around 87 kilometers away. However, if you find it more convenient and affordable to fly to Lisbon, it is around 255 kilometers away.
What to do in Monchique
Monchique is not only known as a place for restorative thermal waters, but the town is also popular for the pristine nature that surrounds it. Not only can you find world-class ceramics and try a local fruit brandy made from the medronho tree, but you can also hike to the highest point in the Algarve at nearby Mount Fóia.
This day trip from Albufeira takes you to the city of Silves, where you can learn about its Moorish influences, and then the hillside town of Caldas de Monchique, famous for its wonderful landscapes and healing waters. You will also get to climb to Foia de Monchique, the highest point in the Algarve at 902 m in altitude.
This full-day tour starts in the Monchique Mountains, whose sacred waters have been popular since Roman times. Try the local spirit made from the medronho tree with a local producer in the distillery. Finish at Fóia Viewpoint, the highest point of the Algarve. Come and experience another side of the Algarve.
Another great tour in the northern Algarve, this day trip also takes you to Silves and Monchique but adds in wine tasting at the end of day at the Quinta Do Frances Winery.
Drive up or hike to the top of Mount Fóia above the town of Monchique, the highest point in the Algarve. At 902 meters, it offers lovely views all the way to the beautiful coastal towns of Lagos and Portimão. Several walking trails head towards the top of Mount Fóia from Monchique with the most popular being part of the much longer Via Algarvana, stretching 6 kilometers in one direction (anywhere from 1–3 hours).
Photo by Becky Gillespie
2. Visit the Ruins of Convento Nossa Senhora do Desterro
The Convento Nossa Senhora do Desterro is a 17th-century monastery that used to be home to an order of Franciscan monks, until the same earthquake that destroyed Lisbon in 1755 caused major damage to the structure. The monastery was partially rebuilt until eventually being abandoned again. The 15-minute uphill walk from the center of Monchique to visit the ruins is interesting because it stands on private land, but the current owners seem to welcome visitors to witness nature slowly taking over the space (and don’t mind when you leave them a tip at the end).
Photo by Becky Gillespie
3. Check Out a Whimsical Art/Studio Gallery and Sculpture Garden
Studio Bongard was opened in the coastal Algarve in 1998 by husband-and-wife sculptors Sylvain and Tara and moved to the hills of Monchique in 2020. Only five minutes on foot from Monchique’s main square, the short, well-marked path to the studio is well worth the journey. The size of the two-floor gallery combined with its sprawling back garden will surprise you. The sculptures here are inspired by animals, food, and nature. We found the space so charming that we could not walk away empty-handed and brought home a beautiful ceramic flower. In our opinion, this is a Monchique must-visit.
Photo by Becky Gillespie
4. Try Medronho, the Local Fruit Brandy
Medronho is a Portuguese fruit brandy distilled from fermented medronho berries that grow wild in the Algarve. Though many distilleries are now licensed, the production of medronho is still not completely regulated. Medronho can be purchased in some local shops in Monchique and is often mixed with honey. Medronho should be consumed in a shot-glass-sized portion, as many bottles contain around 48% alcohol by volume!
5. Soak in the Healing Thermal Waters of Caldas da Monchique
A 10-minute drive from the neighboring town of Medronho is the tiny spa village of Caldas da Monchique. This is where you can try the thermal waters that have been popular since the Roman times. Stay in the 5-star Monchique Resort & Spa and receive spa treatments using this mineral-rich water or go for a swim in one of two outdoor swimming pools. If you don’t have time to soak in the thermal springs, take a drink from the Fonte os Amores and walk along the stream to a small church dedicated to Saint Theresa.
Monchique has over 40 restaurants in the area including the neighboring hamlet of Caldas da Monchique. Many eateries in Monchique serve high-quality home cooking made with locally grown produce. Monchique is also known for producing unique foods specific to this part of Portugal. Here are some typical Portuguese dishes and desserts to try in Monchique.
“Porco preto” (black pork)
“Medronho” (local firewater distilled from the berries of the Arbutus tree)
“Mel da Serra da Monchique” (honey made from several local floral varieties including eucalyptus and lavender)
“Batata doce de Alezur” (pear-shaped sweet potato from Alezur, with purple or yellow-brown skin)
“Javali” (wild boar)
“Bochecha de Vitela” (baked veal cheek)
“Frango na púcara” (chicken in the earthen pan)
“Enchidos” (sausages)
“Bolo de tacho” (traditional cake made from corn, honey, lard and medronho)
Now that you know what to order, here are our 5 favorite restaurants in Monchique.
Luar Da Fóia has some of the most beautiful sunset views in Monchique and has been around for almost 30 years. You will need to book ahead and we recommend asking for a table on the balcony. Try the wild boar casserole served with chestnuts or plums or the mushrooms cooked in port with honey. Because this restaurant is located at a higher elevation, you should also bring a light jacket if you have a table on the balcony.
The bill for two people will set you back around €60, but the views and ambiance are well worth it.
Just five minutes from the center of town, this restaurant serves traditional Portuguese specialties in a beautiful natural setting. In summer, it is lovely to dine on the large shaded terrace. The staff speak several languages, making visitors feel welcome. We recommend the pork cabbage stew, the braised pork cheek, and the chestnut mousse. Portions here are quite hearty. Calling ahead to book a table is also recommended.
This tiny, family-run restaurant is located close to the center of Monchique. Booking a table ahead here is also recommended. Enjoy fresh salads, garlic shrimp, chicken satay, and lemon cheesecake, to name a few. While it doesn’t serve traditional Portuguese food, the service and quality here are top-notch.
Fear not, these “grumpy mamas” are actually sweet and running this adorable cafe right in the center of town. The cafe is fully vegan and opened in 2023. Gluten-free food is served on Wednesdays, and much attention and care are given to accommodating customers’ allergies. The cafe also has organic products for sale as well as organic Portuguese grains. For those looking for healthy options, this is the place.
Looking for a local bakery with a host of yummy treats? Pasteria Doce e Arte, just a few minutes walk uphill from the center of town, has got you covered. Try the delicious almond cookies, a range of honey-based sweets, traditional cakes known as bolos de tacho, walnut cakes, and much more. The coffee is admittedly pretty standard, but the prices here are very reasonable. Locals also seem to love this place, which gives it that extra dose of charm.
A meal for two here will cost you less than €10, depending on the number of pastries.
Getting around in Monchique
Monchique is a small city, unlike Lisbon or Porto. It can be reached by small roads and driving within the center of the town and its narrow winding offshoots can be challenging with large cars.
If you are planning on traveling around Monchique, either book a guided trip with transportation or rent a small car suitable for small roads. Walking is feasible if you stay directly in the center of the city but not recommended if you want to reach the restaurants up in the hills, explore the top of Mt. Fóia (unless you prefer to do a lot of hiking), or soak in the thermal waters of Caldas da Rainha.
We do recommend parking on the outskirts of the town and walking through the center due to the small streets. Taxi service is available, but there are no ride-sharing services in the area.
If you are staying near Albufeira or Lagos in the Algarve, then you can book this tour to Monchique for €89 where you take a Land Rover to visit the castle of Silves and the center of Monchique. This tour includes a stop to sample the local medronho, honey, and honeydew. There are also other packages from Lagos for €49.
Final Thoughts
Despite its small size, Monchique offers so much to see and do, especially for adventure enthusiasts. Whether walking through the surrounding hills up to the highest point in the Algarve at Mount Fóia or sampling the delicious local foods such as black pork, floral honey, or fruit brandy, Monchique is a great base for spending a few nights in the less-explored part of the Algarve.
Explore the ruins of an old monastery and delight in the charm of local bakeries and art galleries. As an added bonus, drive 5 minutes down the road and soak in the thermal waters of Caldas da Rainha. Monchique is definitely an area that is well-loved by the locals.
⬇️Please share your favorite activities and things to do in Monchique in the comments below ⬇️
According to the winner of the EuroVision contest in 2017, “Portugal is not for the Portuguese”. In his words: “Portugal is a phenomenal country, but more for those who visit than for those who live there.” The singer says “Portugal is an amazing country for foreigners and wealthy people”
In an interview given for the Spanish program ‘La Resistencia’, which was intended to promote his new work ‘Timbre’, Salvador Sobral went far beyond music. The musician took the stage as a platform to express his opinion about Portugal, the Portuguese, and the current State of the Nation.
The conversation started around the Iberic Union that will be required for organizing the 2030 FIFA World Cup. The interviewer stated that it would be good to see the union go beyond soccer. He suggested an Iberic Peninsula (composed of Portugal and Spain) united under one Government.
The Portuguese musician deflected the implicit question and took advantage of the moment to share his thoughts on the above mentioned. He believes that, because of the Portuguese government and the conditions under which the Portuguese live, Portugal is not for the Portuguese. In fact, as he stated, “It is for the French that live there, for the ones that buy houses, for the rich. For them, it is super good.”
The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) has stated that the Portuguese Personal Income Tax (IRS) for interest on bonds and securities received abroad violates the free movement of capital.
According to a decision made by the Court of Justice of the European Union, in response to a question posed by the Portuguese Supreme Administrative Court, the Portuguese legislation on the taxation of interest on bonds and securities received in another country violates one of the four fundamental freedoms of the European Union.
In agreement with the Single European Act, signed in 1986, EU membership means accepting the fundamental freedoms of goods, capital, services, and people. These freedoms, which have been legally guaranteed since the amending treaty came into effect, are considered inseparable, and are the cornerstone of the EU, the European Single Market, and the euro.
In accordance with the judgment of the CJEU, legislation such as the Portuguese does not respect the fundamental freedom of free movement of capital.
The current legislation subjects interest income earned by taxpayers to a progressive tax rate of up to 40% when such income comes from bonds and debt securities issued by an entity of another Member State or a third State such as the Swiss Confederation.
In contrast, when said interest income comes from bonds and securities issued by an entity of the respective Member State of residence and is paid by such entity, the tax rate is only 20%.
This discrepancy, according to the court, violates the free movement of capital.
When the CJEU rules that national legislation violates one of the fundamental freedoms, it typically means that it is incompatible with EU law. If this happens, the consequences can include:
1 – Invalidation of national law (if CJEU declares it invalid, the law cannot be enforced or applied);
2 – Affected individuals may have the right to claim damages or compensation;
3 – CJEU can order injunctions to stop violations or require the Member State to take the necessary actions to comply with EU law;
4 – Potential financial consequences (financial penalties are rare and exceptional);
5 – Ruling can exert legal and political pressure on the Member State to amend its legislation.
It is important to note that the CJEU’s decisions are binding to all Member States and that the national courts are obligated to follow the CJEU’s interpretation of EU law. Failure to do so may lead to infringement proceedings by the European Commission against the non-compliant Member State.
The diabetes medication Ozempic is sold out in many pharmacies throughout Portugal because it is being used for cosmetic weight loss purposes, along with another diabetes medication.
Two pharmaceuticals that were created to help with type 2 diabetes, semaglutide and dulaglutide, are increasingly being prescribed and sold to people who do not have the disease but want to lose weight.
In more recent years, studies and reports have shown the efficacy of the two drugs in helping with weight loss. As a result, the number of off-label prescriptions (those given to non-diabetics) increased exponentially.
The speed, and ease, with which the drugs act on the body are the major reason for the adherence. By using the injectable pen to lose weight, individuals can see results much faster, whilst not having to force their diet that much.
It is relevant to note that apart from the supposed efficacy of the medications, for the time being, in Portugal, there is no drug for weight loss that is partially reimbursed by the state.
So, anyone who wants to resort to pharmaceuticals to lose weight will have to pay their full price. Unless the person is able to get an off-label prescription for the diabetes medications. Because they are what they are, the Portuguese authorities make them 10 times cheaper than what they actually were.
The unsustainable and unexpected surge of the demand for these two drugs led to a break of stock that is leading diabetics to search for alternatives. In Portugal, many pharmacies report that the quantities sent by manufacturers are not enough. There are more and more people wanting to use the medication, and less quantity of it available.
In some places, there are already waiting lists that, of course, shall prioritize those who actually suffer from diabetes.
This problem is not new. The shortage of semaglutide (Ozempic) was reported last year, and was expected to end this year. However, it remains. There is neither a decrease of the demand nor an increase of the supply.
According to the relevant authorities, the manufacturing laboratories do not signal the pharmaceuticals as being out of stock and are not doing what they should to solve the shortage issue.
When it comes to off-label prescriptions and the somewhat newly found cosmetic use for the medications, the general population should be more aware of the possible side effects. According to more recent studies, these drugs can have very serious gastrointestinal side effects, including inflammation in the pancreas and obstructions of the digestive system.
In the U.S., the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) already asked the manufacturers to include a warning label about the risk of intestinal blockage. If there is clear information stating that the risk is bigger than the reward, especially for those who do not suffer from diabetes, maybe there can be a decrease in the demand.
