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Portugal Golden Visa not ending, only real estate scrapped

Lara Silva
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Portugal Golden Visa not ending, only real estate scrapped

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.

Holborn Assets, a leading global financial services company, is hosting a private webinar on February 13 at 5 pm Lisbon time (1 pm EST) for a live Q&A session.

  • Golden Visa basics, how to qualify, who can be included
  • New Investment Criteria for 2024
  • 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
  • What tax breaks are available?
  • Live Q&A for all questions

Register for FREE

*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. 

portugal golden visa benefits

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.

Tax Incentives

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 live Q&A webinar with an expert from Holborn Assets that will answer all your questions. The event is scheduled for February 13 at 5 PM Lisbon Time (1 PM EST). The live webinar will cover the following:

  • Golden Visa basics, how to qualify, who can be included
  • New Investment Criteria for 2024
  • 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
  • What tax breaks are available?
  • Live Q&A for all questions

Register for FREE

*If you cannot attend the seminar or would prefer one-on-one, book a call here.

5 Best hotels in Olhāo

Lara Silva
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5 Best hotels in Olhāo

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.

1. Real Marina Hotel & Spa

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. 

2. Real Marina Residence

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.

 

3. Villas Marim

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.

 

4. Monte das Perdizes

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.

 

5. Quinta dos Poetas Nature Hotel & Apartments

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.

 

Playing music at the beach could lead to fines up to €4,000

Lara Silva
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Playing music at the beach could lead to fines up to €4,000

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. 

Join our FB group Portugal Travel & Living for all things Portugal and visa updates

Where to Stay in Aveiro: 5 Best Hotels in Aveiro

Lara Silva
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Where to Stay in Aveiro: 5 Best Hotels in Aveiro

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!

1. Melia Ria Hotel & Spa

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.

 

2. Hotel Aveiro Palace

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.

 

3. 1877 Estrela Palace

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.

 

4. Hotel Moliceiro

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.

5. Quinta das Aguias 

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.

 

8 Most Picturesque Villages in Portugal

Lara Silva
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8 Most Picturesque Villages in Portugal

Portugal is filled with picturesque villages that provide a glimpse into the country’s fascinating culture and history. Every corner of Portugal features villages with charming stone cottages, captivating cobblestone alleys, and ancient fortresses that have stood the test of time.

If you’re looking to explore the most beautiful and enchanting villages in Portugal, you’ve come to the right place. From the stunning mountain village of Monsanto to the historic fortress town of Almeida, let’s take a look at the 8 most picturesque villages in Portugal.

1. Monsanto

Monsanto is a unique village, famous for its rocky terrain and awarded as “the most typical Portuguese village of all” in a 1938 contest during the Estado Novo regime. It is officially recognized as one of Portugal’s historical villages and has a rich history dating back to the country’s foundation. Monsanto was once under the possession of the Order of the Knights Templar.

As you walk through the village, you will find narrow, winding streets and stairways that lead to the castle at the top of the hill. The castle is a prominent feature of Monsanto and was featured in HBO’s House of the Dragon. It is a fortified castle built in 1165 by Gualdim Pais, master of the Knights Templar.

Aside from its rich history, Monsanto is also known for its delicious local cuisine. The village’s restaurants serve up a variety of traditional dishes that are made with locally-sourced ingredients.

One of the best ways to see Monsanto is through a full-day tour with a guide. Not only does this resolve any transportation issues to this remote area, but this way, you get to learn all the interesting facts about the area.

Monsanto. Photo by Maksym Pozniak (Unsplash)

2. Óbidos

Óbidos is a charming medieval village in Portugal that will transport you back in time. Surrounded by an impressive castle wall on a hill, Óbidos is one of Portugal’s most popular tourist destinations. 

The white houses adorned with bright flowers and Gothic-style windows create a stunning contrast against the blue sky. The castle is the main attraction in Óbidos, and for a good reason. This 12th-century castle is incredibly well-preserved and is now a luxury hotel.

You can explore the castle walls and towers, with a walk on the ramparts offering panoramic views of the village. You cannot leave Óbidos without trying the famous cherry liqueur, Ginja de Óbidos, which is served in a chocolate cup and can be found in every bar and restaurant in town.

Óbidos is also famous for its traditional Portuguese pottery. Local artisans sell handmade pottery with intricate designs and beautiful colors. You’ll also find a variety of locally handmade products, including hand-woven linens and traditional Portuguese ajulezo tiles.

Obidos
Obidos. Photo by Henrique Ferreira (Unsplash)

3. Piodão

Piodão is a hidden gem tucked away in the Serra do Açor Mountains in Central Portugal. This charming village features stone houses with traditional blue-painted doors and windows located on a hillside with breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys. Many of these traditional houses have been transformed into quaint shops and cafes.

Keep in mind that Piodão is known for being incredibly remote with limited transportation available, but the journey to this picturesque village is worth the effort.

The village of Piodão is incredibly well-preserved, and the locals have done an excellent job of maintaining its authenticity. The village’s streets are paved with ancient stones and are narrow and winding, with a few shops and cafes dotted around the village.

If you’re a nature lover, Piodão is also an excellent base for exploring the surrounding natural beauty of the Serra do Açor Mountains with incredible hiking trails. 

Piodão. Photo by Daniel Páscoa (Unsplash)

4. Almeida

Almeida is a fortified village located in the district of Guarda in the north of Portugal, close to the border with Spain. This charming village is known for its impressive star-shaped fortress, which was built in the 17th century to protect Portugal from Spanish invasion. Today, the fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage site that attracts tourists from around the world.

The village of Almeida is also home to a variety of other historical landmarks, including the Igreja Matriz de Almeida, a beautiful Baroque church with a collection of religious artifacts.

Almeida also features quaint streets and squares, which are lined with traditional Portuguese houses and small shops selling local crafts and souvenirs.

If you’re in Almeida in April, do not miss the annual Medieval Fair, which brings the village to life with colorful costumes, music, and dance performances. 

Almeida. Photo by Frayle (Flickr)

5. Marvão

Located on a hilltop near the Spanish border, Marvão is one of the most stunning fortified villages in Portugal. The village’s medieval castle, which dates back to the 13th century, is a sight to be seen. It has been beautifully restored and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. 

Walking through the narrow streets of Marvão is like getting into a time machine to medieval times. The village is full of historical buildings and charming houses, many of which date back to the 16th century. The village’s whitewashed buildings give it a unique character that is unlike other villages in the country. 

In addition to the castle, Marvão has several other historical sites worth visiting. The village’s 16th-century church, Igreja de Santa Maria, is a must-see. The church features a beautiful Renaissance doorway and an impressive Baroque altar. There is also a small museum in the village that displays local artifacts and showcases the Marvão’s rich history.

Castelo de Marvão. Photo by Rach Sam (Unsplash)

6. Monsaraz

Monsaraz is a village known for its charm and authenticity. Located in the Alentejo region, Monsaraz features white-washed houses, cobbled streets, and medieval castle ruins. This village is also famous for its breathtaking views of the surrounding vineyards and olive groves.

Monsaraz is a small village with a population of just over 700 people. However, despite its size, it has a rich history that dates back to prehistoric times. The village was once a fortified town that played a crucial role in protecting the region from invasion.

One of the most impressive sights in Monsaraz is its castle ruins. The castle dates back to the 14th century and was an essential location during the battles between Portugal and Castile. 

We recommend climbing to the top of the castle and enjoying the panoramic views of the village!

Monsaraz. Photo by Jocelyn Erskine-Kellie (Unsplash)

7. Belmonte

Located in Castelo Branco, Belmonte is famous for being the birthplace of Pedro Álvares Cabral, the navigator who “discovered” Brazil. The village is situated on a hilltop overlooking the Cova da Beira valley and is surrounded by the Serra da Estrela mountain range.

Belmonte is known for its Jewish heritage as it is home to one of the oldest Jewish communities in Portugal, dating back to the 12th century. We recommend exploring the Jewish Museum, which tells the story of this community in the region.

This village is also known for its stunning medieval castle from the 13th century, which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. For nature lovers, Belmonte also has plenty of hiking trails and opportunities for birdwatching. 

Belmonte Castle. Photo by Vitor Oliveira (Flickr)

8. Santana (Madeira)

Located along the northern coast of Madeira island, Santana is a charming village surrounded by lush vegetation and stunning mountains, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers.

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. Some of the houses have been converted into shops and restaurants, offering visitors a chance to experience traditional Madeiran cuisine and handicrafts.

Santana has several other attractions worth visiting, including the Madeira Theme Park, which offers an immersive experience of Madeira’s history, culture, and traditions.

The village is also home to the Parque das Queimadas, a beautiful park with walking trails that lead to stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Traditional Santana house. Photo by Reiseuhu (Unsplash)

Taylor Swift tour coming to Portugal in 2024

Lara Silva
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Taylor Swift tour coming to Portugal in 2024

Taylor Swift is performing in Portugal on May 24, 2024, at Estádio da Luz in Lisbon. Swift took to Instagram to share the stops of The Eras Tour’s European leg, which will kick off on May 9, 2024, in Paris and conclude on August 17, 2024, in London.

Along with Lisbon, Swift will also make appearances in Stockholm, Madrid, Edinburgh, London, Dublin, Amsterdam, Milan, Vienna, and other European cities. In total, the singer will perform at 26 stadiums and large venues.

The concert in Portugal will be promoted by Last Tour, which announced that tickets will go on sale on Wednesday, July 12, starting at noon.

As of now, there is no information available regarding ticket prices. However, fans who wish to attend the shows have the opportunity to register for pre-sale tickets before the general sale begins. The registration can be done on the official ticket registration page for each city until Friday, June 23, at 11:59 p.m.

Those who register will receive a code that provides priority access to ticket purchases in each city. However, the promoter warns that this access code does not guarantee the actual purchase of tickets. Tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis, and availability is limited.

Where to Stay in Faro: 5 Best Hotels in Faro

Lara Silva
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Where to Stay in Faro: 5 Best Hotels in Faro

Faro is one of the most visited coastal cities in the south of Portugal. Faro is known for its historic sites, beautiful beaches, and vibrant nightlife. If you’re planning a trip to Faro, choosing the right accommodation is key to a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Let’s take a look at the 5 best hotels in Faro for your next trip to this beach vacation spot.

1. 3HB Faro

Only 7 kilometers from Faro Airport, 3HB Faro is a modern 5-star hotel with features of Urban Check, in the pedestrian area of downtown Faro. The hotel features two restaurants, a gourmet rooftop restaurant and one inspired by Italian cuisine. The interior of the hotel was decorated by Paulo Lobo, the rooms and suite having been designed with the perfect lighting in mind. The 3HB Faro SPA features an indoor pool, sauna, Turkish bath, sensory showers, and a gym.

 

2. Roots Hotel

Located in the city center, Roots Hotel is inspired by a harmonizing union of the cosmopolitan and nature. Featuring studios and apartments, Roots Hotel’s units come with gorgeous tiled floors, a fully equipped kitchenette with a dishwasher, dining area, flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom. Some even include a private outdoor patio, while the communal outdoor patio features a saltwater waterfall. Roots Hotel features several rooftops with a privileged view over the Ria Formosa.

 

3. Cardeal Suites & Apartments

Family-owned since 1941, the Cardeal Suites & Apartments is located 500 meters from the Faro Marina. The building still has its regional architecture, despite renovations, and features nine apartments, all decorated contemporarily with a private bathroom and kitchen. This place offers an outdoor terrace with seating areas, perfect for a drink after the beach.

 

4. Hotel Faro & Beach Club

Hotel Faro & Beach Club is a 4-star modern hotel overlooking the old town, marina, and Ria Formosa Natural Park. The rooms at this place are filled with natural light, a flat-screen TV, and a minibar. Some rooms even open onto a balcony. Have a delicious meal at Ria Formosa Restaurant or a drink at Cosmopolitan bar. Along with an outdoor infinity pool, the spa and wellness center features a Turkish bar, sauna, and a Cromoterapeutic shower.

 

5. Alameda Exclusive House

Located in a 17th-century building, Alameda Exclusive House opened in 2018, after renovations that kept the identity of the building intact. The hotel is a modern space, where the colors and materials reflect the urban concept of the closeby Alameda Deus Garden. This place has dormitory rooms for those looking to save, as well as double rooms, and larger suites. You can also enjoy the shared kitchen and make use of breakfast in bed with their room service.

 

5 Best Parks and Green Spaces in Lisbon

Lara Silva
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5 Best Parks and Green Spaces in Lisbon

Looking for some shade on a hot summer day in Lisbon? There’s no better place to head to than Lisbon parks and green spaces with plenty of shade and space for a lovely picnic. Whether you’re a nature lover or simply looking for a peaceful spot to unwind, Lisbon has plenty of parks that are worth a visit. Let’s take a look at the 5 best parks and green spaces in Lisbon.

1. Jardim da Estrela

Jardim da Estrela, also known as Guerra Junqueiro Garden, is a public garden located in the Estrela Parish in Lisbon. One of its entrances faces the Estrela Basilica, making it a silent retreat away from the city. The garden was designed in the style of English gardens, with a romantic influence. It covers an area of 4.6 hectares and is open to the public every day from 7:00 am until midnight.

The lake in the garden is home to ducks and carps, and visitors can feed them. There is also a café and beautiful flowerbeds in the garden. A notable feature of the garden is the green bandstand made of iron, where musicians perform during the summer months. 

Jardim da Estrela. Photo by Freguesia de Estrela (Unsplash)

2. Parque Eduardo VII

Located at the northern end of Avenida da Liberdade, at the top of Marquês do Pombal Square, Parque Eduardo VII is the largest park in Lisbon. Initially named Parque da Liberdade, it was later renamed after the King of England, who visited Lisbon in 1903 to reaffirm the alliance between the two countries.

Covering an area of twenty-five hectares, the park is centered around a large avenue with a large grassy area.

In the northwest corner, you’ll find the Estufa Fria (Cold Greenhouse). Nearby, there is a lake with large carps and a children’s playground shaped like a galleon. On the eastern side, you’ll find the Carlos Lopes Pavilion, built in 1932, which hosts various events.

At the top, you’ll come across the Monument to the 25th of April, designed by João Cutileiro, followed by the Amália Rodrigues Garden and a monumental viewpoint that offers spectacular views.

Parque Eduardo VII. Photo by Kit Suman (Unsplash)

3. Gulbenkian Gardens

The Gulbenkian Gardens surround the foundation of the same name and were built in the 1950s as a tribute to their founder, Calouste Gulbenkian. They provide a spacious leisure and cultural space, characterized by suspended gardens and a diverse flora.

The design of the park, interior gardens, and landscaped terraces were entrusted to landscape architects Gonçalo Ribeiro Teles and António Viana Barreto. In addition to the exhibition spaces and performance halls, there are cozy seating areas scattered throughout the gardens, inviting visitors to relax and enjoy the serene ambiance.

Baby ducks at Gulbenkian Gardens. Photo by Miguel Alcântara (Unsplash)

4. Parque Florestal de Monsanto

Located a short drive from the center of Lisbon, Parque Florestal de Monsanto is a vast forested area that is a unique escape from the city chaos, once considered a sacred space in ancient times.

The park is a controlled wild forest adorned with eucalyptus, oak, and pine trees. It spans 900 hectares of greenery, crisscrossed by cycling paths, offering scenic viewpoints to observe the entire estuary of the Tagus River and inhabited by diverse forest fauna. Squirrels, rabbits, owls, bats, and many others find shelter here. 

Monsanto. Photo by Eslam Tolba (Unsplash)

5. Lisbon Botanical Garden

Dating back to 1878, the Lisbon Botanical Garden belongs to the National Museum of Natural History and Science, but is open to the public. You need to pay to visit the Botanical Garden and tickets cost 5 euros.

However, the ticket is worth it as this is one of the best green spaces for a stroll in Lisbon. You will find a large diversity of species (between 1,300 and 1,500) and even huge trees. The remarkable diversity of palm trees, originating from all continents, adds an unexpected tropical touch to various areas of the garden. 

Where to Stay in Nazare: 5 Best Hotels in Nazare

Lara Silva
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Where to Stay in Nazare: 5 Best Hotels in Nazare

If you’re planning a trip to the amazing seaside town of Nazare, you’re in for a real treat. With its stunning beaches and delicious seafood, Nazare is a dream destination for many travelers. But in the midst of thousands of differing reviews and plenty of option, finding the right hotel can be challenging. Luckily, we’ve put together a list of our favorite accommodation spots, the 5 best hotels in Nazare!

1. Hotel Miramar Sul

A 4-star hotel, Miramar Sul offers a modern design in the heart of Nazare, providing beautiful views of the ocean. The hotel features 3 swimming pools including an infinity pool, a mini-golf area, and an indoor kids’ play area. The hotel rooms feature a flat-screen TV, a private balcony with a bathtub, and a minibar. The Atlantic View Restaurant serves local and international dishes with a view of the ocean.

2. Hotel Mar Bravo

A 1-minute walk from the beach, Hotel Mar Bravo is a 3-star hotel with a beachfront location, as well as views of Nazare’s main avenue. The hotel features a seafood restaurant, a covered outdoor terrace, and a 24-hour front service. The rooms are equipped with air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and private balconies with views of the beach and ocean.

3. Zulla House

A three-bedroom home, Zulla House is the perfect family home for a Nazare getaway. This place features a large garden with an outdoor pool with views of the ocean. Sleeping up to 7 people, the holiday home includes 2 bedrooms, a kitchen, a terrace, a flat-screen TV, and free parking. A continental breakfast is available every morning at the aparthotel.

4. Hotel Mare

A 3-star hotel, Hotel Mare is located one minute away from the beach, in the heart of Nazare. The hotel features rooms with balconies overlooking the ocean, a flat-screen TV, air conditioning, and a private bathroom. Guests can book many activities at the hotel, such as snorkeling, windsurfing, and fishing, as well as rent a car at the hotel.

5. Hotel Praia

A 4-star hotel, Hotel Praia is located in the center of town, only a one-minute walk from the beach. The hotel features a rooftop-covered pool that is perfect for a sunset dip, as well as a bar with a sea-facing terrace. The rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV, desk, colorful bathrooms, and a kitchenette. The hotel also features a modern gym.

Booking.com

Turn of the Tide, the Portuguese Series is Netflix’s Latest Success Story

Joana Almeida
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Turn of the Tide, the Portuguese Series is Netflix’s Latest Success Story

Here are the extraordinary ingredients for a wild story: a sailboat driven by an Italian man breaks down during a storm and ends up anchoring on the island of São Miguel in the Azores.

None of this would be so extraordinary in and of itself had the boat not been loaded with hundreds of kilos of cocaine coming from Venezuela and heading for the Balearic Islands in Spain. Naturally, afraid that someone would discover the cargo, António Quinci, later known on the island only as “the Italian”, hides all the product in an underwater cave.

However, the tide would spoil his plans, taking with it the product that came ashore and was found by a population primarily of fishermen and extremely poor people. Ignorant of both the actual value of the content and its usefulness, people began to use the drug, thinking it was some kind of “flour.”

The myth that it started being used for baking cakes, or, more foolishly and not really a myth, to use it as lime to make soccer field lines, is established. Understandably, the unbridled consumption of a product that was then everywhere on such a small island transformed the usual and peaceful reality into a chaotic scenario.

Especially when several people started ending up in hospital emergency rooms with overdose cases and psychotic mixtures, both cocaine and tranquilizers, swallowed to try to counteract the energetic effect of cocaine, the so-called speedball.

Immediately after this event, the criminal police get to work, mainly when the first death occurs. A raid starts all over the island, and almost 500 kgs of cocaine are seized, and the Italian man arrested.

“It’s a perfect plot for any Netflix series,” many in Portugal have said. But this mix of ingredients, with, of course, a lot of cocaine in the middle, was not fiction but an actual event in the already distant June of 2001.

But the story of Antonino Quinci would continue to make people talk, from his imprisonment to his strange escape, as well as his ironic find in a land called “Achadinha,” roughly translated as “Found” or “little busted.”

Yes, laugh all you want. 

The voices that have long been calling in Portugal for international producers to look at this story and put it on our television screens have finally been heard. The story of the hundreds of kilograms of cocaine spread, consumed, and trafficked in the poor little town of Rabo de Peixe, continues now, in 2023, in a Netflix bet. 

The series, named after the fishing village, “Rabo de Peixe” in Portuguese, translated not literally as “Turn of the tide” in the English version, premiered only in the last week of May.

Still, its success is already widely recognized internationally, being already the most-watched series in countries like Portugal, Spain, Italy, Luxembourg, and Greece, and at the time of writing is already the sixth most-watched Netflix series in the world. 

The story adapted for the screens has an extra dose of fiction counts with a group of young friends, victims of the typical poverty of the islands, with dreams of being able to leave both that small town and the misery in which they live. They are the ones who get to keep part of the product for themselves, and the rest, well, the rest, you have to watch on your TV sets. 

Of course, although much of it is fictionalized, the series fantastically transports us to those days when a small town in the Azores, the poorest in Portugal and one of the poorest in Europe, found itself dealing with hundreds of kilos of cocaine. 

With 80% pureness, the drugs of the rich came ashore in the land of the poor. The stories of people who sold cocaine by the cup, by a handful, or in plastic bags without weighing it, in exchange for any money that someone was willing to give is also represented in the series.

It shows a side that we do not like to admit, but that shows that more than fiction, the reality is sometimes even more extraordinary, while showing the poverty of this village, lost in the Atlantic, called Rabo de Peixe and that now is again in the mouths of the world. 

Now some people ask the following: will the series bring some negative stigma to the locality, or will it be the cause of curiosity that will, who knows, lead tourists to want to know this village, which even its name Rabo de Peixe “Fish Tail” is linked to the fact that the poor fishermen sold their fish and only kept the tails for consumption. 

Time and the popularity of the series will give us the answer. For now, the best thing to do is to turn on the television and let ourselves be carried away by this story that is as authentic as it is fantastic. 

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