According to the Civil Protection website, as of 9:12 am local time on July 13, there are 272 active fires all over mainland Portugal. Most of the country has been labeled with a high risk of fire alert on Wednesday.
Central Portugal and the north, as well as parts of the south of Portugal, are at even greater risk of fire.
The heat wave is a leading cause of the fires spreading all over Portugal, particularly rural fires. The highest temperatures are expected in Santarem where temperatures could reach almost 47ºC.
The extreme temperatures are set to remain until the weekend and specialists warn this heat wave could be one of the most intense in the last decades.
While high temperatures are normal during Portuguese summers, these temperatures are 5ºC to 10ºC higher than the average summer.
📢#Tempo: Entre 11 e 17/jul esperam-se valores extremos de temperatura em Portugal Continental. Dias 12, 13 e 14 deverão alcançar valores entre os 42 a 45 °C no Alto Alentejo, Vale Tejo e em alguns locais do Alto Douro, Estremadura e Beira Litoral 👉https://t.co/0OpXaX66Lgpic.twitter.com/Jupro2d4rA
According to the Washington Post, the European Commission said on Monday that it had “mobilized its firefighting fleet to help Portugal fight destructive forest fires”. Many residents have had to evacuate their homes.
On Sunday, there were more than 3,000 firefighters around the country working to put out fires.
A nationwide state of emergency has been declared. This means that people are not allowed in forest areas deemed high risk and that farmers are not allowed to use machinery that could ignite a fire.
In 2017, the BBC reported that the common “wildfire season” in Portugal would be extended from two to five months due to climate change. That same year, hundreds of people died in the wildfire season, leading to criticisms of the government’s response.
Along with the lack of equipment, criticisms arose about the lack of management of forests. Portugal is one of the most forested countries in the whole of Europe, but 85% is privately owned. Many of these rural plots have been neglected as people move to the city, leading to fires.
The National Maritime Authority has announced important recommendations for beach goers: hydration, sunscreen, and avoiding direct sun exposure, particularly between 11 am and 5 pm.
Light meals and loose clothes are also recommended, as well as wide hats and sunglasses. The authority also said that physical activity should be avoided at all costs including indoor and outdoor sports.
In June, 96% of Portugal was classified as being in extreme or severe drought.
Moving to Lisbon? Whether you are moving with your family or starting a new university course as a student, saving must be in your mind. The cost of living in Lisbon is rising yearly. According to a Mercer Study, in 2021, Lisbon rose 23 positions in the cost of living ranking compared to 2020. It ranked as the 83rd most expensive city for expats in the world.
However, in comparison to other major European capitals, Lisbon remains affordable. it is 40% less expensive than Amsterdam and London. If you are aware of the best tips and tricks to save money in Lisbon, you’ll find that you won’t be spending unnecessary cash.
In this article, we put together Lisbon the average monthly budget for expats, digital nomads, and families with two children. Let’s take a look at how you can reduce your monthly budget and save those euros with 9 Lisbon budgeting tips.
Public transport is affordable in Lisbon, unlike in cities like London where a monthly transport pass will cost you over €100. A monthly transportation pass in Lisbon for metro, buses, and trams should cost you around €50.
There are plenty of places in Lisbon that are also accessible by foot, but if the steep hills are too tiring for you, there’s always a tram around.
The best way to save money here is by avoiding Ubers and taxis. These have been rising in prices, particularly in the last six months due to the rise in gas prices. If you decide to take the occasional Uber, try to share one with friends and split the fare.
Photo by Andreas M (Unsplash)
2. Student discounts: Bring that student card everywhere
If you are a student, take advantage of the many student discounts across the city and all of Portugal. The International Student Identity Card, ISIC, is the most widely accepted form of student ID. You can get discounts on sights, accommodation, food, transportation, and more. Discounts range anywhere from 10% to 50%.
3. Avoid restaurants in touristy areas
The key to finding affordable restaurants in Lisbon is to avoid tourist traps. There are plenty of touristy areas such as Chiado and Bairro Alto with great affordable restaurants, but some areas are to be completely avoided.
For example, many restaurants near Rossio Square, particularly the ones with large pictures on the menu charge at least €20 for a low-quality meal.
You will find cheaper restaurants with better and larger meals all over the city. For example, Ze da Mouraria in Mouraria serves huge portions for around €10.
Pro tip: order the special of the day. For example, Taberna da Casa do Alentejo serves a daily special that costs anywhere between €6 and 7€.
Some places even offer a full lunch menu with a starter, main, dessert, and coffee for €10.
If you really want to save, always ask for “tap water”. If you just ask for some water, you will be served a large glass water bottle that could cost you anywhere between €5 to €8.
Lisbon is the most expensive place to rent a house in Portugal, as well as purchase property. As of February 2022, the price of renting in Lisbon is €13/m2, according to Idealista.
If you are really looking to save, the best way to do so is to rent a room in a shared house. A one-bedroom apartment will cost you around €850 at least, but you can get a room for around €300 to €400 a month. These prices can increase depending on location, size, and whether the place has been recently renovated.
Look for a place to rent on websites such as Idealista, Spotahome, and Custojusto. Know that in all of Portugal, it is part of the rental culture for you to negotiate the price of the rent.
An unusual factor about renting in Lisbon is that landlords will try to not give you a rental contract, which is NOT advisable. Many landlords choose not to declare their rental income in order to not pay the tax for non-tourism properties set at 28%.
Landlords will often give you a 28% discount in turn, but this means you will lose most of your tenant rights as you won’t have a legal rental contract. This is not the place to save money, do not take this risk!
5. Find free activities and entertainment in Lisbon
Lisbon has loads of free activities and sights, you just need to know where to go! From green parks perfect for picnic dates and the iconic Lisbon viewpoints, the city has so much to offer, without costing you a penny.
One of our favorite free things to do in Lisbon is to visit the Gulbenkian Garden. Open from sunrise to sunset, the Gulbenkian Garden was created in 1969 at the headquarters of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation. Covering 19 acres, the garden features two lakes, landscaped lawns, small bridges, and paths for guests to stroll.
Head to one of the many miradouros (viewpoints) in Lisbon, where you’ll find people drinking beer and playing music while watching the sunset. The best lookout spots are Miradouro de Santa Luzia in Alfama, Miradouro da Graça, and Miradouro de Santa Catarina.
Miradouro da Rocha Conde de Obidos. Photo by Freguesia de Estrela (Unsplash)
Many of the stunning historical monuments in Lisbon are best enjoyed from the outside, which is completely free. For example, located on the northern bank of the Tagus River, the Monument of the Discoveries was founded in 1960 by Portuguese architect José Ângelo Cottinelli Telmo and sculptor Leopoldo de Almeida during Salazar’s Estado Novo dictatorship.
You can also snap some photos of UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Mosteiro dos Jeronimos and Torre de Belem.
Supermarkets in Portugal regularly have promotions on certain products, so look out for these. Sometimes discounts can reach up to 50%! Many supermarkets also offer discount coupons so make sure to keep these with you and use them by their due date.
In the center of Lisbon, you will also find many mercearias, these are traditional supermarkets that are quite smaller than the mainstream supermarkets. Although you might not find everything you need here, many products such as fruit, vegetables, and bread are more affordable here.
If you’re going to a large supermarket like Continente or Pingo Doce, don’t be afraid of the white label products, known as marca branca in Portuguese. These are high-quality in Portugal and a lot of times just as good as the expensive brands.
7. Travel the country by bus
Moving to Lisbon for the first time and not exploring the country would be a waste. Due to the rise in gas prices and how expensive it is to rent a car, traveling by bus is the cheapest option. Do check out the prices of trains for a given journey as this is more comfortable, but usually, a bus ticket is your cheapest option.
The most popular bus company is Rede Expressos, a national express coach network in Portugal. You will find bus routes all over the country and you can purchase tickets online. They sell tickets from Lisbon to Porto and the Algarve starting at €5.
Photo by Yusuke Kawasaki (Flickr)
8. Browse the flea markets for cheap gems
The most popular flea market in Lisbon is called Feira da Ladra and has been a part of the capital’s culture since the 12th century. The flea market in Alfama sells everything from vintage clothes, and accessories, to antique furniture. If you need something for your new home, instead of driving to Ikea, check out what Feira da Ladra has to offer.
The market happens every Tuesday and Saturday from dawn to early afternoon. Make sure to get there early if you are looking to purchase items. The flea market is free to visit and if you do end up buying something, prices are extremely low.
9. Be careful with your heating and electricity bills
Not so fun fact – the energy bills in Portugal are some of the highest in Europe. Basic energy utilities average out at €150 depending on the size of the household. You can definitely save some money by watching your consumption.
Try to avoid leaving lights on that you are not using, the environment will also thank you. While the winters are not too cold in Lisbon, it can get quite cold at night. Try to reduce your heating consumption by not leaving it on all day, this could almost triple your heating bill in the winter.
Fuel prices went down this week in Portugal for all types of vehicle fuel. Between last Monday (July 4) and this Monday (July 11) fuel prices decreased between 5.9 to 7.1 cents a liter.
Diesel simple (gasoleo simples) decreased by 7 cents to an average sale price of 1.923 euros per liter. Diesel special (gasoleo especial) decreased by 6.7 cents to 1.947 cents per liter.
Gasolina simple 95 (gasolina simples 95) decreased by 6.5 cents to 2.019 cents a liter. Gasoline special 95 (gasolina especial 95) decreased by 6.8 cents to 2.031 cents a liter.
An unusual phenomenon has occurred with the most expensive fuel types in Portugal. Gasoline special 98 (gasolina especial 98) became cheaper than gasoline 98 (gasolina 98). Gasoline 98 now costs 2.180 cents a liter (-5.9 cents), while gasoline special 98 now costs 2.175 cents a liter (-7.1 cents).
Fuel prices in Portugal are not expected to keep decreasing next week. The Brent index reached around 100 dollars per barrel last Thursday, the smallest value in two months.
However, the value increased this Monday to 106 dollars, meaning that next week, prices are not expected to decrease.
Fuel prices in Portugal are not back to what they were in late February, before the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The increase in fuel prices between February 23 and July 11 ranges between 11% to 16%. The smallest increase of 11% occurred in gasoline special 98, usually the most expensive fuel type. The largest increase of 16% occurred in diesel simple, still the cheapest fuel type.
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In October of 2021, Portugal achieved the highest vaccination rate in the world, reaching full vaccination for 85% of the population in just nine months. This allowed Portugal to open its bars and clubs with no limits on the size of groups, at the time.
While many experts attribute the success of Covid-19 vaccination rates in Portugal to the low amount of anti-vax sentiment in Portugal, others believe the highly organized vaccination program across the country is responsible.
According to ABC News, only 3% of the population see themselves as vaccine “deniers”. While it is clear that the anti-vaccination movement is growing in Portugal, the general attitude is positive toward vaccination programs.
The vaccination rate in Portugal for measles, mumps, and rubella is 95%, one of the highest in the European Union.
Some of the success of the vaccination rates in Portugal can be attributed to Vice Admiral Henrique de Gouveia e Melo, who in May of 2021 was made the head of Portugal’s Covid-19 vaccination task force.
The Vice Admiral told the New York Times that part of the program’s success was leaving politics out of the vaccination efforts. Instead of having a team of politicians, he assembled a team of doctors, analysts, and experts from the Portuguese army, navy, and air force.
These experts developed organized production lines, employed in large sports facilities. These included a reception, a waiting room, cubicles where people were vaccinated, and a recovery area.
Today, Portugal is the 9th country with the highest rate of administered doses per 100 inhabitants. Over 8.8 million people in Portugal have been fully vaccinated against the Covid-19 Pandemic.
95% of the population has received at least one dose of the vaccine and 92.6% are completely vaccinated. Around 19,000 doses of the vaccine are given a day. Let’s take a look at the vaccination rates in Portugal by age group.
Covid-19 Vaccination Rate in Portugal by Age Group
100% of those over the age of 65 years old have been completely vaccinated. Between the ages of 50 and 64, 99.03% have been completely vaccinated and 99.08% have received one or more doses.
For the age group of 25 to 49 years old, 94.31% have been completely vaccinated and 96.16% have received one or more doses.
90.78% of 18 to 24 years old are completely vaccinated and 93.42% have received one or more doses.
87.17% of 12 to 17-year-olds are completely vaccinated and 90.29% have received one or more doses.
The extremely high temperatures in Portugal will remain until at least the next weekend, but the heat wave could last up to four weeks. Temperatures could reach 48ºC on Thursday, in Coruche in the district of Santarem. This would be a record high temperature in Portugal. Temperatures could thus approach 50ºC in Portugal which would be a first in the country’s history.
The Portuguese Institute of the Ocean and Atmosphere (IPMA) argues that this heat wave could break a previous record from the region of the Alentejo. In 2003, the temperature record occurred in Amareleja when thermometers hit 47,3ºC.
The IPMA is still deciding whether it will declare a red alert in mainland Portugal but has announced that the extremely high temperatures will remain for the next three to four weeks. Currently, Portugal is under an orange alert.
The whole of mainland Portugal will be facing temperatures over 30ºC until at least Tuesday, July 19. The districts with the highest temperatures will be Santarem with 47ºC, Evora with 45º C, Portalegre, and Braganca with 43ºC, Lisbon with 42ºC, and Setubal with 41ºC.
According to the IPMA weather predictions for Portugal, only the districts of Porto, Viana de Castelo, and Faro will be able to escape the extreme temperatures. However, even these districts will not face temperatures below 35ºC.
📢#Tempo: Entre 11 e 17/jul esperam-se valores extremos de temperatura em Portugal Continental. Dias 12, 13 e 14 deverão alcançar valores entre os 42 a 45 °C no Alto Alentejo, Vale Tejo e em alguns locais do Alto Douro, Estremadura e Beira Litoral 👉https://t.co/0OpXaX66Lgpic.twitter.com/Jupro2d4rA
The President of the IPMA, Miguel Miranda says that this will be a period of “enormous stress”, particularly for firefighters due to the risk of fire. He has alerted the public to the threat of fires under such high temperatures, as well as mentioned vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly who live alone.
Unfortunately, over the weekend alone there have been around 250 fires in mainland Portugal due to the low humidity and high temperatures.
Prime Minister Antonio Costa took to Twitter to say: “This is a weekend of high risk. Do not make fires and do not use machines! Preventing fires is the best help we can give to firefighters. Portugal calls for all!”.
Este é um fim de semana de alto risco. NÃO FAÇA FOGO E NÃO USE MÁQUINAS!
Prevenir o fogo é a melhor ajuda que podemos dar aos bombeiros.
Portugal chama por todos!
The National Maritime Authority has announced important recommendations for beach goers: hydration, sunscreen, and avoiding direct sun exposure, particularly between 11 am and 5 pm. Light meals and loose clothes are also recommended, as well as wide hats and sunglasses. The authority also said that physical activity should be avoided at all costs including indoor and outdoor sports.
While high temperatures are normal during Portuguese summers, these temperatures are 5ºC to 10ºC higher than the average summer.
As one of the oldest countries in Europe, Portugal has a culturally rich history, stunning beaches, as well as quality wine and cuisine. Increasingly, millions of tourists travel to Portugal every year. If you are looking to explore as much of Portugal in a two-week time frame, our 14-day itinerary has got you covered.
This itinerary starts in Porto, rather than in Lisbon as flights are commonly cheaper from the United States and the United Kingdom to Porto airport. This way, you will get to see Portugal from North to South. However, there are plenty of other cities further North but unfortunately, you won’t have time for all that in 14 days.
The first week of your trip will be filled with activities in major cities, while as you drive further south for the last week, you will be relaxing on beaches and exploring small villages. This way, you get to experience all that Portugal has to offer.
If you want to visit as much as possible of Portugal within a two-week time frame, we recommend renting a car. You will get some of the best views, especially along the coast, and get to stop at places where public transport is pretty much nonexistent. When renting your vehicle, you can select to pick up the car at Porto airport and return it at the end of your trip at Faro airport, where this itinerary ends.
For everything you need to know before traveling to Portugal, check out our Portugal Survival Guide.
A 20-minute drive from Francisco Sa Carneiro Airport, Porto should be your first stop. The breathtaking city of Porto lies along the Douro river and is home to Port wine, street art, and “francesinhas". One of the oldest in Europe, Porto’s old town in the city center is a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1996 so we recommend exploring it as soon as you get there. Head to the Clérigos Tower where after climbing the steps you can enjoy a 360 view of the city.
Livraria Lello is also close by, one of the oldest bookstores in the country, founded in 1906. Entrance to Livraria Lello used to be free, but they were getting 4,000 visits a day with long lines and less than 5% would buy a book. Now the tickets cost €5. Kids under 3 years old have free entrance.
If you're hungry for dinner, check out our favorite restaurants in Porto. We recommend Antiqvvm for a Michelin star experience. If a francesinha in a more relaxed environment is what you are looking for, head to Casa Guedes or Tasquinha Ze Povinho.
After dinner, head to a Fado house to listen to the iconic style of Portuguese music. Most fado houses offer you a Port wine glass to enjoy with the live show. Book this Fado Live Show in Porto for an intimate setting in Casa da Guitarra near Sé.
Photo by Square Lab (Unsplash)
Best Hotels in Porto
NH Hotel Porto Jardim: This four-star hotel feels like its five stars. It has a 70 cm deep outdoor people, a spa a few meters away, and a gym. It is located within walking distance of main attractions like Bolhão market, Aliados Avenue, and Ribeira. If you have a dog or cat, this hotel is pet-friendly.
Vila Gale Porto: Vila Gale is a well-known chain of hotels in Portugal and is always a safe option. This one was built in 1999 and recently renovated. The hotel has a spa with an indoor pool, a gym, a restaurant, and two bars.
Hotel Premium Porto Downtown: Located in the old town, this modern 4-star hotel has a sun terrace with views of the city of Porto, the perfect place to enjoy some port wine. You’ll be close to everything you need, Santa Catarina street, Aliados Avenue, and the cathedral.
Start the day with breakfast at Confeitaria Cristal in Cedofeita, a pastry shop. We recommend the courgette and ginger cookies, as well as the classic pastel de nata with an espresso.
After breakfast, head to Estiva Quay to board a top-rated full-day river cruise to discover the Regua and Douro, a famous Port wine region. The cruise includes a large breakfast, as well as lunch while you admire the Douro valley and goes through the 14-meter Crestuma-Lever Dam and the Carrapatelo Dam. Audio guides are also included in four different languages. The cruise stops at Regua where you can enjoy the town with friends. The route back is done by train.
For dinner, head to Vila Nova de Gaia for dinner at the 5-star hotel the Yeatman. 15 minutes away from Porto, across the Dom Luis Bridge. You get a full view of Porto across the Douro river and get to try some of the best food in the country as the Yeatman has 2-Michelin stars. Before heading back to Porto, explore the city center of Vila Nova de Gaia. Enjoy one last night in Porto, before heading to Peneda-Geres National Park in the morning.
Many visit the North of Portugal and forget about the hidden gem that is Peneda-Geres National Park, only an hour's drive from Porto. A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Peneda-Geres National Park covers over 700 km2 of protected land with stunning mountain trails, river beaches, and historical villages such as Geres.
We recommend arriving at the park early to enjoy your full day here. Start the morning with a hiking trail. One of our favorite trails is the Sao Bento trail (PR7 PBR), a 10-kilometer hike that takes around four hours. The hike stretches along the south-eastern cliffs of the Caldo river and you will get to discover interesting religious sites such as the Basilica of St. Benedict, Portugal’s second-largest sanctuary.
Photo by Luis Cardoso (Unsplash)
Head for lunch to Taberna da Ti Ana da Eira in Montalegre, one of the most popular restaurants in the region. The dishes are produced from regional products in the village and the restaurant has large windows offering 360 views of the Paradela reservoir.
After lunch, it's time for a relaxing swim. Peneda-Geres National park boasts plenty of natural lagoons. We recommend the Poco Azul, a lagoon with crystal clear waters. However, to get here, you must hike an 8-kilometer trail. If you are too exhausted from the morning hike, head to Arado Lagoa which you can reach by car. The lagoon is formed by stunning waterfalls.
Alternatively, you can choose to stay this extra night in Porto and book a tour from Porto to Geres. Everything will be taken care of for a full day and you do not need to worry about transportation. This tour includes a hiking trail to a waterfall, as well as a trip on a 4×4 Land Rover, and a traditional Portuguese lunch.
Secret do Geres: Offering one-bedroom treehouses surrounded by nature, each unit comes equipped with wood balconies, a private bathroom, and a double bed. The property also features a swimming pool, garden, and room service for breakfast in bed.
Pousadela Village: Pousada Village is located in Vieira do Minho and overlooks the river and valley. The property features a restaurant, bar, garden, and outdoor pool for guests to enjoy. A sauna and indoor pool are also available at Pousada Village
A 2-hour drive from Peneda-Geres National Park, Coimbra is your next stop. We recommend leaving early in the morning so you can enjoy your day in the city.
Your first stop should be the University of Coimbra, one of the oldest universities in the world. To get to the university, start from the Almedina Tower, the entrance gate forming part of the wall that surrounded the old city situated in the lower section of the city. Here, you can explore the alleys that date back to the 8th century.
Visit the Joanine Library, a Baroque library situated in the center of the University of Coimbra, by the university tower. The library was built in the 18th century and it is considered a national monument with priceless historical value. For a full experience, book a tour of the university.
For lunch, head to Italia in the Docks of Coimbra, a restaurant serving high-quality Italian food, or Cordel Maneirista, a Portuguese restaurant near the S. Francisco Convent. We recommend the alheira and the Santa Clara dessert.
After lunch, take a walk in the Botanical garden, one of the oldest in Portugal. With 13 hectares of beauty, the garden was established in 1772 by the Marquis de Pombal with the purpose to supplement the study of medicine and natural history at the University of Coimbra.
Next, visit the Santa Cruz Monastery and the Convent of Santa Clara, built in 1314. If you still have time, head to Quinta das Lagrimas. This estate has been the setting for the forbidden romance between King D. Pedro I and Inês de Castro. The gardens have a canal, “Fonte dos Amores”, that according to legend transported love letters between the Estate and the Royal Palace.
Enjoy your night in Coimbra with dinner at Arcadas Restaurante, a fine-dining restaurant with an extraordinary collection of wines and cuisine made of traditional ingredients.
Best Hotels in Coimbra
Hotel Quinta das Lagrimas: A 5-star hotel, Hotel Quinta das Lagrimas is located in a historic medieval palace that was recently renovated. Featuring botanical gardens and a luxurious spa with views of the city, as well as a 9-hole golf course, this hotel has all the facilities you need and more.
Solar Antigo Luxury Coimbra: Located in the heart of Coimbra, only 400 meters from the University of Coimbra, Solar Antigo Luxury Coimbra is a 4-star boutique hotel that features views of the city. A historical building, its traditional architecture has been kept intact, while including all the modern amenities necessary for a comfortable stay.
Day 5: Arrive in Lisbon
Drive South towards Lisbon. If you are looking for places to stop for coffee and a snack we recommend Fatima or Santarem. The drive is around 2 hours.
For lunch, take a look at our favorite restaurants in Lisbon. If you are vegan or just enjoy plant-based food and want to try some Portuguese food, we definitely recommend Ao 26 Vegan Food Project. Located close to Chiado, Ao 26 serves a plant-based version of traditional Portuguese food, every single dish at this place tastes like the real thing – or even better.
Another great option for lunch for the meat-lovers is Alfaia, one of the oldest restaurants in Lisbon that opened in 1880.
After lunch, head to Sao Jorge Castle. The 5th-century palace was restored in 1938 by the dictatorship of Salazar to look the way it is presented now. Tourists can visit the castle complex which consists of the castle itself, the ruins of the royal palace, gardens, and a terraced square with panoramic views of the city. A ticket to visit costs between €5 and €10. You can also pay a little extra to skip the line.
A 5-minute walk away, head to Alfama, the oldest neighborhood in Lisbon and the home of fado. Explore the neighborhood and look out for Fado spots, as well as historical monuments such as the Lisbon Cathedral, the Convent of the Grace, and more.
Photo by Aayush Gupta (Unsplash)
If you still have time before dinner, take the train to Belem. Belem lies along the Tejo Estuary and is home to two UNESCO sites, Torre de Belem and Mosteiro dos Jeronimos.
Mosteiro dos Jerónimos is a former monastery in Belém constructed in Portuguese Late Gothic Manueline style and you can visit the church for free. A 2-minute walk from the monastery, head to Pasteis de Belem where the traditional Portuguese custard tart was first invented.
Belem has some great dinner spots, particularly for a sunset dinner. Portugalia Cervejaria is a classic franchise restaurant in Portugal that has tasty steak with a variety of sauces.
Alternatively, take the train to Cais do Sodre and enjoy a dinner at Taberna Tosca, a Portuguese restaurant featuring regional cheeses, meats, and wines in a historic building.
After dinner, walk to Bairro Alto, the most popular area for drinking outdoors. Tons of locals and tourists line the streets of Bairro Alto with a beer in hand. We recommend Ze dos Bois Gallery, a musical center that has live music and serves tasty drinks.
Inspira Liberdade Boutique Hotel: Awarded the Best Luxury Green Hotel in 2019, Inspira Liberdade provides a relaxing Feng-Shui vibe for its guests. The hotel has a SPA, fitness room, bar, and a restaurant with Portuguese food called Pen Brasserie Mediterrânica.
Selena Secret Garden: The hostel also has a rooftop deck, CoWork space for professionals, and a movie room. In the heart of Cais do Sodre, you are close to contemporary art galleries, bars with riverfront views, and within walking distance to Chiado.
Bairro Alto Hotel: This hotel is situated in the best location in Lisbon, between Bairro Alto and Chiado in an 18th-century building in central Lisbon. The hotel features a restaurant with award-winning Chef Nuno Mendes and Executive Chef Bruno Rocha.
Day 6: Tuk-Tuk Tour of Lisbon
Lisbon is a pretty large city, at least to Portuguese standards. Since you only have 14 days to enjoy as much of Portugal as possible, we recommend a guided tour of Lisbon so you get to see as much as you can of the capital. For your second day in Lisbon, here are the best guided tours to explore the city:
Lisbon 3-Hour Sightseeing Tour by Tuk Tuk: This tuk-tuk tour rides up and down the hills of Lisbon, going through the city's oldest neighborhoods and main attractions.
Lisbon Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: Book a 24-hour ticket which includes an audio guide. This affordable ticket allows you to visit different routes and hop in as you would like.
Lisbon 3-Hour Tour by E-Bike: This tour allows you to cycle through Lisbon on comfortable e-bikes with a guided tour. You will get to visit different viewpoints and historical attractions.
After your tour, we recommend heading to CasaNova in Santa Apolonia for some pizzas, cooked on a wood-burning stove. You can then walk to Terreiro do Paco, the harbor-facing plaza and one of the largest in Portugal. If you are there at sunset time, sit near the river with a beer and enjoy the views.
Day 7: Day Trip to Sintra & Cascais from Lisbon
What makes Lisbon one of the best cities in Portugal is that you are very close to stunning hidden gems that are perfect for a day trip. It would be a waste to not take advantage of its location. Therefore, you should take a full day to visit Sintra and Cascais. We recommend either driving to these locations (both around 30 minutes from Lisbon) or booking a guided tour.
In the morning, head to Sintra for breakfast. Grab a “travesseiro”, a Sintra staple at Piriquita, in the heart of the city. Then walk toward Castle of the Moors, a medieval castle that sits on a hilltop and was built by the Moors in the 8th century.
Palacio da Pena is another must-see. The exterior of this palace is painted in multiple colors and is in a romanticist style. You can also wander around the castle and see the beautiful green area that surrounds it. You’ll feel like you’re in a fairytale. Tickets cost around €15.
For lunch, drive towards Cascais and stop at a restaurant called Furnas do Guincho. This is one of the best seafood restaurants in the area, but it is quite pricey. For a more affordable alternative, drive to the center of Cascais and eat at Baia do Peixe.
After lunch, discover the town of Cascais, located on the Portuguese Riviera. One of the richest municipalities in the country, it is home to the best hotels and beaches. Head to “Praia da Rainha”, a secluded beach with a wonderful view, perfect for a family photograph.
Then, walk for a minute toward “Frederico Arouca” street. This is essentially the high street with the major stores, as well as smaller vendors selling Portuguese souvenirs.
From there, walk toward the City Hall of Cascais in “Praça 5 de Outubro”. This beautiful building with traditional Portuguese architecture stands in the middle of the commerce square, featuring authentic cobblestone streets.
If you’re still energized and the weather is good, exploring Guincho beach is next. A 10-minute ride from the center of Cascais, Guincho is the of the best beaches in Portugal. Not only is it perfect for swimming and tanning in the summer, but it is also beautiful to walk through in the colder months.
If you prefer a guided tour, this tour of Sintra and Cascais takes you to all the best spots. It also includes a guided ticket to the Pena Palace, allowing you to skip the long lines. You can also pick between a shared or private tour. The tour includes free time and transportation.
Now that you are heading further south, the last few days of your trip are for relaxing on the beach and discovering small villages.
Day 8 & 9: Comporta
Take the 1:30 journey from Lisbon to Comporta, around 120 kilometers away. Comporta is located in the old district of Setubal, at the base of the Troia Peninsula. This is a popular place for vacationing in Portugal, but that is a lot less busy than the Algarve.
The best beaches to visit in Comporta are the classic Praia da Comporta and Praia do Pego. Praia da Comporta is hidden behind pine forests and sand dunes and features a beach bar with a DJ.
We recommend also booking this 4-hour private horseback riding tour through white sandy beaches. You will get to spot some wildlife and stunning views.
For lunch, head to Comporta Cafe on Praia da Comporta. The beach club serves all kinds of food from seafood to meats and tapas. For dinner, Dona Bia is one of the most popular restaurants in Comporta, serving traditional Portuguese food at an affordable price.
Photo by Freebird (Flickr)
Best Hotels & Villas in Comporta
Spatia Comporta: The 4-star hotel features a restaurant, swimming pool, bar, and shared lounge. You can get a room or a fully equipped villa.
Quinta da Comporta: The 5-star hotel has a restaurant, swimming pool, and gym, and offers both rooms and suites, as well as a villa with a private pool on the beach.
Day 10 & 11: Vila Nova de Mil Fontes
A one-hour drive from Comporta, Vila Nova de Mil Fontes lies at the mouth of the Mira Riva and is surrounded by the Southwest Alentejo and the Vicentine Coast Natural Park. The town has some of the best beaches in Portugal, as well as a picturesque village and harbor with fishing boats.
The best beaches to visit in Vila Nova de Mil Fontes are Praia da Franquia, Praia das Furnas, and Almograve, 10 kilometers away. Beware that in this area of Portugal, the water is quite cold and the waves can get large.
The town of Vila Nova is great to explore when it gets too hot at the beach. Visit St. Clement Fort, a fort built in the 17th century that is now an exclusive hotel. Discover the great restaurants, artisan shops, and patisseries in the town center and enjoy the Moorish architecture of the buildings.
Photo by Mario Rui Andre (Unsplash)
Some of the best restaurants in Vila Nova de Mil Fontes are Tasco do Celso a family restaurant in the center with fresh seafood and A Portuguesa, a traditional restaurant showcasing Portuguese produce.
Best Hotels in Vila Nova de Mil Fontes
Raminhos Guest House: Located a 10-minute walk from Franquia Beach, the rooms feature a desk, TV, private bathroom, and luggage storage available.
Monte da Corca Nova: The 4-star hotel features a swimming pool, bar, garden, and water sports facilities. They offer large rooms in traditional stoned houses.
Day 12 & 13: Tavira
Drive to Tavira, two hours away, to enjoy your last few days in Portugal. Tavira was built alongside River Gilão, in an intricate of narrow roadways and white houses, and features golden beaches with warm water. While the small city is mostly known for its beaches, the quaint town allows you to visit some attractions, as well as explore shops, restaurants, and more.
Our favorite beach in Tavira is Praia do barril. The beach features a wooden path over golden sand which provides a gorgeous contrast with the dark blue waters. Due to the large size of the beach, you will rarely feel like it’s too busy, despite its popularity. Praia do Barril features over 100 rusting anchors in the sand, presented in rows known as the “Anchor Cemetary” to represent the remains of the former tuna fishing village.
Praia de Tavira and Praia da Terra Estreita are also great alternatives in Tavira. If you want to discover multiple beaches this affordable 4-hour boat tour takes you on an octopus tour and stops at multiple beaches.
We recommend taking a walk through Tavira, exploring the chapel of Sao Bras and the hundreds of other churches. The historic center also features a castle and a convent. Book this 100% electric 1-hour tuk-tuk tour if you want a guided tour of the city from a local's perspective.
São Paulo Boutique Hotel:São Paulo Boutique Hotel is located less than 5 kilometers from the beach and features an outdoor swimming pool, bar, shared lounge, and large garden for guests to enjoy.
OZADI Tavira Hotel: A 4-star hotel AZADI Tavira Hotel is 3 kilometers away from the beach and features a large outdoor pool, a fitness center, and two restaurants.
Quinta Dos Perfumes: An 8-minute walk from the beach, Quinta dos Perfumes is an 88-acre farmhouse that features beautiful orange groves and a salt-water outdoor pool.
Since you are already in the south of Portugal, fly back to your home country (or whichever country you are visiting next) through Faro Airport. The airport is a 30-minute drive from Tavira. You can return the car you rented in Porto in Faro airport, just make sure you selected this option when booking the car rental.
The Directorate-General of Health of Portugal (DGS) confirmed on Thursday that the isolation period for those infected with covid-19 has changed from seven to five days. The intention to reduce the isolation period was announced a week ago by the Minister of the Presidency Mariana Vieira da Silva but was only confirmed yesterday.
This means that those with covid-19 that are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms can leave isolation afterfive days if they do not have a fever and their symptoms have improved.
The DGS says that “although the contagiousness reduces after the fifth day, the virus can still be transmitted”. Therefore, the DGS strongly recommends wearing a mask at all times for at least five more after leaving isolation.
However, those hospitalized or residents in elderly residences must isolate for at least seven days, even if they have no symptoms.
According to an update by DGS to norm 004/2020, here are the full Covid-19 isolation updates:
People with asymptomatic infection or mild illness: 5 days
People with asymptomatic infection or mild illness, hospitalize or in an elderly residence: 7 days
People with moderate illness: 10 days
People with serious illness: 20 days or 10 days with a negative rapid antigen test
People with serious immunosuppression: case by case basis decided by medical professionals
Almost 1 in 10 Portuguese schools had a failing average in the national exams in 2021. This shows a decrease in grades in comparison to 2020. Of the 487 schools observed by Lusa, 41 had a failing average, with a little over 90% having a positive one.
Most of the failing averages happened in Portuguese public schools, around 38 of 416 public schools. Only three of the 71 private schools had a failing average.
In 2021, the average grade for public schools continued to get closer to private schools, with a 1,4 difference (on a grade scale from 0 to 20).
The average grade for private schools in Portugal was 12,7 and 11,3 for public schools in 2021. Grades went down significantly as the average for private schools was 14,3 in 2020 and 12,8 for public schools.
The private school Colegio Efanor in Porto had the highest average in the country, with 16,16, overtaking the Colégio Nossa Senhora do Rosário which has topped the ranking in the last few years.
The next schools on the ranking were Colégio Nova Encosta (15,96), Colégio D. Diogo de Sousa (15,84), and Colégio Nossa Senhora do Rosário (15,81) in fourth place.
The first public school to appear in the ranking is Escola Artística António Arroio from Lisbon, placed in 31st place. Public schools have gone up the ranking by three places in comparison to 2020.
Girls did better than boys in the national exams in 2021. Girls had an average of 11,86 (13,25 in the previous year), while boys had an average of 10,99 (12,85 in the previous year).
Viana do Castelo was once again the district with the best national exam results (11,98), followed by Porto and Viseu. Lisbon took 10th place with an average of 11,4.
Once again, the lowest averages occurred for students taking their exams in a foreign country (10), as well as in the Azores (10,83).
For the second year in a row, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the national exams of 2021 had various optional questions and the exams were not mandatory to finish high school.
However, last year, the mandatory exam questions increased and the optional ones decreased.
Enoteca 1756 is located right on the banks of the Douro river, facing Porto’s old town, in Vila Nova de Gaia. The vibe feels very upscale. You walk in and are immediately impressed by the grandness of the environment. A cigar lounge, a cheese room, and elegant bar greet you as you walk in. The vaulted ceilings give you the feeling of luxury matching the prices of the food. The location has so much promise, unfortunately for us, it was a cloudy day and our reserved outdoor table didn’t materialize. We were shoved into a high top table next to the bar with a dozen loud strangers standing by the bar drinking, bumping into our table and generally ruining the lovely ambiance of Enoteca 1756 for us, more so than the rest of the guests, because we have a large pillar blocking us from the rest of the restaurant.
Despite the issues with our reservation and being relegated to possibly the worst table in the restaurant, we ordered enough for a large family to try as many parts of the menu as possible.
The food was delivered at a good pace. Our order of Binchotan Toro Nigiri was delivered quickly. The melt-in-your-mouth toro was definitely a highlight of the evening. After a rocky start, things were looking brighter.
The Toro was followed up with Wagyu Tacos and Romando New Style Sashimi. The Wagyu tacos tasted alright. The meat quality was good, but using Wagyu for tacos and simply chopping it up, garnishing it, and covering it with lime doesn’t do good Wagyu justice. While it tasted okay, it felt like it didn’t do justice to either tradition of Tacos or Wagyu.
The Romando New Style Sashimi is a mix of Tuna, Salmon, Sea Bass and Scallops. The presentation was simple but clean. I’m not a huge fan of Sea Bass, but I may have discovered a new respect for it from this dish. I think it was the best quality of the four sashimi types on the dish. The Salmon, Tuna and Scallops were average though.
We also tried the Chef’s mini pizzas based on other reviews we read. The mini pizzas felt like flatbread with some melted toppings on them. The texture was nice and the flavor was good. But I am not sure I would call it pizza. Not a bad bite, but I probably wouldn’t go out of my way for them.
The final appetizer we ordered was the Tuna Carpaccio. This decadent dish was Tuna, covered with Foie Gras and Truffles. They provided a table side service to mix it all together like a fancy tartar.
Tuna Carpaccio with Foie Gras and Truffles. Photo by @O.SaeLim
The Tuna Carpaccio was another highlight of the meal. It delivered a fatty tuna flavor mixed with rich Foie Gras and umami Truffle. It might have been slightly over salted, but it was a bright ending to the appetizers we ordered.
The main course we ordered was the Ribeye steak. A pricey €56 500g steak that should be a highlight at any restaurant.
The Ribeye looked nice and photographed well. Unfortunately, it wasn’t cooked well. The reason to order a Ribeye steak is the delightful amounts of fat that add so much flavor and richness to it. The steak was delivered lukewarm, at best, it felt like it may have been sitting in the kitchen too long. The usually tender fat that melts into your bites had hardened and became inedible. It’s never a great sign when you’re spitting parts of a steak into your napkin because you simply can’t chew or swallow them.
We were excited to look at the dessert menu before the meal started, but by the end of the dinner, we felt neglected by the staff who forgot to bring our initial drink order for 20 minutes, the rowdy neighbors who were disturbing what should have been an intimate dinner and the disappointing and expensive steak.
Enoteca 1756 felt like a restaurant that could be an amazing experience that one day would earn itself a Michelin star, but the inconsistent staff and lack of attention to the details that make a fine dining experience memorable simply weren’t there. Perhaps if we had stuck simply to the Japanese menu, our experience would have been better. Maybe that is our fault or maybe Enoteca is trying to do too many things. Doing a Sushi, Pizza and Steak restaurant just didn’t live up to our expectations and definitely not the price tag.
A Russian hacker infiltrated the booking account of a hotel in Lisbon, the Marino Boutique Hotel, and was able to generate almost half a million euros in fake bookings, reports CNN Portugal. The hacker contacted hundreds of clients, that fell for the scam, between June 12 and 16.
When he hacked the Booking account, he changed the room prices to 40 euros, rather than the usual 200 to 300 euros. Quickly, over 1000 bookings were made in four days.
The hacker then sent a payment link to clients, diverting funds to his account. The bookings were obviously fake and the tourists were scammed out of their money.
The hotel did not have access to their Booking account for over four days but believed the website was merely down.
However, with the hacker gathering over half a million euros in fake reviews, it is clear that this will negatively impact the establishment. The hotel received hundreds of complaints over the past month, around 50 via telephone a day.
However, the loss for the hotel and clients is still being calculated. The hotel is considering suing Booking as they argue the platform was too slow in blocking the hacker from their account.
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The vaulted ceilings give you the feeling of luxury matching the prices of the food. The location has so much promise, unfortunately for us, it was a cloudy day and our reserved outdoor table didn’t materialize. We were shoved into a high top table next to the bar with a dozen loud strangers standing by the bar drinking, bumping into our table and generally ruining the lovely ambiance of Enoteca 1756 for us, more so than the rest of the guests, because we have a large pillar blocking us from the rest of the restaurant.
