While Halloween is often celebrated by children in schools in Portugal, it doesn’t take over the country’s culture as it does in the United States, for example. People don’t dress up for work or walk around dressed up as witches unless you’re a kid or heading to a party.
The tradition of trick-or-treating also isn’t as widespread on October 31st, although it may occur in smaller, expat-heavy communities but is less common in larger towns and villages.
On the flip side, many Christian Portuguese maintain a strong connection to the Day of the Dead, observed on November 1st to honor departed loved ones. On this occasion, a unique Portuguese tradition akin to trick-or-treating is known as “Bread for God” or “Pao-por-Deus.”
Children go door-to-door asking for these offerings and, in return, receive candy and bread. This custom, rooted in religious significance, isn’t embraced by all Portuguese, but it showcases a fascinating blend of traditions in the country.
5 Halloween Events in Lisbon
Let’s take a look at 5 Halloween events in Lisbon. Keep in mind that unless stated, many clubs will not want you to dress up for Halloween and might deny you entrance due to the dress code.
1. Bashment – Halloween Edition
A Halloween Bashment event is taking place at Village Underground on October 31st. Doors open at 23:30 and stay open until 6 a.m. You will get to dance the night away to some afrobeat and dance hall.
The event invites DJ Kybba, all the way from Italy, the founder of the Basshall movement, the urban music movement where Caribbean rhythms merge with electronic music. Then, to finish off the party and bring the best Afrobeats in town, you will have Don Andre and Miss DJ. We recommend purchasing a ticket beforehand.
2. Brunch Electronik Lisboa Halloween Special Party
Like always, Brunch Electronik is on our list of events in Lisbon. This time, with a Halloween Special on the 31st. This event is taking place at Pavilhāo Carlos Lopes, from 10 pm to 6 am so it is not your usual outdoor festival. You are encouraged to wear your best costume!
The DJs performing will be Indira Paganotto, an artist recognized for her “new school” techno, as well as the legendary double Pan-Pot that will bring “old school” techno to life. If you still don’t have your ticket, run don’t walk as these sell out quickly.
3. Therapy Sessions Halloween Lisboa 23
Lovers of Drum & Bass and Hard Drum, this spooky event is for you. Their motto for the night: “The are no ghosts, only Therapy!”. And the “therapists” include Gancher & Ruin, Hallucinator, Sinister Souls, C-Netik, Dunats, and SanP, bringing you music to enjoy until 6 am. This event takes place at LAV – Lisboa Ao Vivo, a large concert space in Chelas.
4. 5ALLOWEEN: Ze Salvador + Cruz + Justin Case
5A Club is hosting a Halloween night with free entry until 1 am, unlike most spaces that make the night of October 31st more expensive. Doors open at 23:30 and you can enjoy your night all the way until 6 am with good music and drinks. The artists for the night include Ze Salvador,Cruz (PT), and Justin Case.
5. Halloween Haunts: Lisbon Pub Crawl Experience
If you’re looking for a less intense experience for Halloween, rather than a club night, but still want to enjoy yourself, this pub crawl might be for you. With an English-speaking guide, you will set off from the Praça Luís de Camões on a pub crawl through Lisbon.
This Dress up for this Halloween-theme pub crawl where you will get to play drinking games and drink Zombie shots at bars. Moreover, the best costumes get a prize.
The Portuguese airline TAP showed profits of 180,5 million euros between July and September.
According to an official statement, the company profited 230 million euros during the first nine months of the year. 180,5 were made during the last trimester, between July and September. The remaining 49.5, from January to June. This means a 364% increase from the first six months to the following three.
Given TAP’s history, this is encouraging news. During last year’s homologous period, the company presented losses of 90,8 million euros. These profits represent the first positive liquid result of these first nine months. According to the statement, it is a ‘historic’ win.
Note that whilst profit is an important financial metric, it cannot be the only metric used to assess whether a company is performing better than it was in the past, or is performing well.
To have an accurate picture of the actual state of the company, it is important to evaluate the profit in the context of an analysis that considers various factors. This holistic approach is what enables a more accurate assessment.
TAP was one of the first airlines to present accounts for the third trimester of 2023. Below we will report some of the values presented on those accounts. These values, being important assessment factors, will reiterate what the profits suggest.
In terms of revenue, during these first nine months of 2023, the company showed results of 3,2 thousand million euros. This represents a 30%, or 725 million euros increase when compared to the same period of the previous year.
The recurring EBIDTA (performance before amortizations, and without extraordinary effects) for these first nine months was 752,4 million. The last trimester alone accounts for 390,7 million euros, 110,7 more than what it was during the same period of 2022.
Moreover, in terms of passengers carried, the company flew 4,5 million during this last trimester. A 5,2% increase when compared to last year’s homologous period. In terms of flights operated, it had 5,7% more flights when compared to that same period.
Among the remaining activity indicators, the only one that did not show an increase was the ‘load factor’. This value corresponds to the occupancy of the aircraft and decreased by 2.2% when compared to last year. Notwithstanding, it is still above 80%, which is good.
Operational costs increased by 1,7% (982,2 million euros). This was due to the increase in the activity mentioned above, and to the increase in personnel costs, which was 60,5% when compared also to last year’s third trimester.
It is important to note that the company is returning the value of the wages to what they were prior to the cuts performed by the last administration. This means that it will have more satisfied workers. The degree of satisfaction is very important for the quality of the work performed.
TAP is doing better than it was, and the series of factors evaluated to provide the assessment show encouraging results. Not just in terms of the present, but also for what the future holds.
Note that TAP is a State-owned company, and is supposed to be privatized eventually. The process has already started.
The work done so far by the company’s new Chairman and CEO, who was appointed earlier this year, is visibly producing results. After managing the case of SATA Azores Airlines, Luís Rodrigues was chosen by the Portuguese Government to deal with TAP.
In very simple terms, the job was to fix the company and prepare it for the future sale. And, according to the results, so far, so good.
Guinness World Record holder Bobi, a medium/large-sized Portuguese dog, died last Saturday, at 31 years and 165 days according to the Government’s pet database.
Earlier this year, in February, Bobi became the holder of two Guinness World Records. He was the world’s oldest living dog, and the oldest dog ever. Now, if the pattern repeats itself, Bobi will be the oldest dog ever for almost a century.
Prior to Bobi, the oldest dog ever died at 29 years of age, in 1939. This corresponds to something between 150 to 200 years, in human years. Bobi lived 2 more years, dying at 31. Considering Bobi’s size, his age corresponded to almost 300 human years.
When he was born, in 1992, Bobi was part of a series of newborns that would have the luck to experience the world. However, fortunately, the children of the family that owned them decided to save him and hide him from the rest of the family for a period of time. Later on, when they discovered it, they accepted Bobi and fed him the same food they ate.
As stated by Lionel Costa, Bobi’s owner, the secret to his longevity was the calm and peaceful environment he lived in. Note that Bobi was not the only dog owned by the Costa family to live a long life. Bobi’s mother lived until the age of 18, which is already an old age for a dog, and another of the family’s dogs lived until 22.
Maybe, we’re not so different. Today, there are studies showing that those who live a calm, peaceful, and balanced life are more likely to live longer.
Apart from an incident in 2018, where a sudden collapse because of breathing difficulty led to hospitalization, Bobi had a relatively healthy life. Even though he eventually had some trouble walking, and seeing, Bobi was well. After all, his 31 years of age correspond to something like 300 of ours.
Luso is a small town of around 3,000 inhabitants situated at the edge of the Bussaco National Forest in the municipality of Mealhada, a 30-minute drive northeast from Coimbra. It is home to some of the purest water in Portugal with the São João Fountain providing ever-flowing water to its residents since the middle of the 19th century.
One of the interesting things to do in the center of town is to fill your water bottle for free at the São João Fountain and watch the constant parade of people coming to fill up their large and small bottles. The Água de Luso company is the oldest natural mineral water company in Portugal and has been in operation since 1852.
Besides the healing waters, the Bussaco National Forest is also a star attraction, just 2 km above Luso (which is about a 30-minute walk). Benedictine monks first arrived in the forest in the 6th century, and the biodiversity of the forest was greatly expanded by an order of 17th-century Discalced Carmelites.
The Bussaco Forest now has over 250 species from around the world including massive sequoia trees, Mexican cypress, and Australian mountain ash. Wandering through this forest is a truly magical experience.
In the 19th century, the Portuguese royal family commissioned Luigi Manini, the same designer of the famous Quinta da Regaleira in Sintra, to build a summer palace and hunting lodge in the middle of the Bussaco Forest. The royal family only had less than one year to enjoy the palace after its completion before the assassination of King Carlos I and Crown Prince Luis Filipe in 1908.
Luckily, the king’s Swiss chef obtained permission from the government to turn the palace into a hotel in 1910, and it has been operating successfully ever since. Visitors can stay at the 5-star Bussaco Palace and enjoy strolling around the surrounding forest.
Luso has warm, dry summers with mostly clear skies. The winters, on the other hand, are cold, wet, and partly cloudy. Temperatures typically range from 3 °C to 28 °C (32 °F to 82 °F). The best time of the year to visit Luso is from mid-June to mid-September.
Where is Luso in Portugal?
Luso is a small town located in the municipality of Mealhada in the central part of Portugal. Luso is located 26 kilometers away from Coimbra (30 min drive) and 110 kilometers away from Porto (1 hr and 15 min drive). The closest airport to Luso is Porto airport, around 120 kilometers away. However, if you find it more convenient and affordable to fly to Lisbon, it is around 222 kilometers away (just over a 2-hour drive).
What to do in Luso
Luso is famous for one thing above all: water. Fed by the mountain of Bussaco, the pure water of Luso is on full display at the São Joāo Fountain in the middle of town, which has been providing water to Luso residents since the 19th century. People from far and wide come to the fountain to fill up huge water bottles at all hours of the day.
The water flows continuously and the adjacent thermal spring attracts spa lovers who can indulge in a variety of treatments at the Termas de Luso. Just above the town center lies the Bussaco Forest, whose remarkable collection of plant species expanded in the 17th century with the help of a Carmelite monastery.
The Bussaco Forest currently occupies an area of 105 hectares and contains around 250 different species of plants and shrubs. It is considered one of Europe’s finest collections of trees and one of the richest in terms of natural, architectural, and cultural heritage.
In 1907, the Bussaco Palace was completed for the Portuguese royal family, although they only had a chance to enjoy it until the end of the monarchy in 1910. It then became a hotel and can still be enjoyed today.
On this half-day excursion, travel from Coimbra to Luso and make a quick stop at the spa town of Luso. Fill your water bottle at the famous Luso fountain before heading to the 19th-century Bussaco Palace. Take a guided tour of this former summer palace of the Portuguese royal family. Learn more about the local flora and fauna in the surrounding forest planted by the Discalced Carmelite monks beginning in the 17th century.
On this full-day private tour, depart from Porto to visit the enchanting 19th-century Bussaco Palace and the surrounding forest of the same name. The tour then continues on to the University of Coimbra, one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious universities. Soak up the lively atmosphere as you stroll through the university’s expansive courtyards before making a stop at the Joanina Library. Dating all the way back to 1717, this library is one of the world’s most beautiful.
Enjoy this day trip from Porto where you will first indulge in the sparkling wines of the Bairrada region. Explore an old wine cellar transformed into a museum displaying an amazing collection of exotic pieces. Then, continue on to the spa towns of Curia and Luso to check out their healing waters.
1. People-Watch and Fill Up Your Bottle with Pure Water at the São João Fountain
The Fonte de São João or St. John Fountain is the main draw in the center of Luso, where a constant stream of people flow in to fill their water bottles with its renowned pure water coming from the Bussaco mountain above. This is people-watching on an epic level because the visitors just keep on coming long into the night. Grab a spot at one of the nearby cafes and watch as the people parade into the square and struggle to carry out their huge bottles. I have been to Luso three times and this never seems to get old.
Photo by Becky Gillespie
2. Walk through the Bussaco Forest
José Saramago, winner of the 1998 Nobel Prize in Literature once described Bussaco Forest as a place that “demands a whole vocabulary which, once spoken, tells us that there’s still everything left to say. You don’t describe Buçaco forest. The best thing is to lose yourself in it.”
Unlike most forests, Bussaco National Forest has an extraordinary collection of over 250 species from around the world. There is an avenue of ferns, towering sequoias, Mexican cypress, and Australian mountain ash, to name a few. The forest is heralded as one of the best collections of dendrological species in Europe and also has intriguing structures such as the Fonte Fria (Cold Fountain), a cascading stairway of water built in the 1880s. Stroll through the enchanting paths, find the swans on the lake, and prepare to be enchanted by this one-of-a-kind place.
Photo by Becky GillespiePhoto by Becky Gillespie
3. Stay at the Bussaco Palace, the Former Summer Residence of the Portuguese Royal Family
The Bussaco Palace Hotel was commissioned in the 19th century by the Portuguese royal family and completed in 1907. It was designed by Luigi Manini, the same architect and former set painter responsible for Quinta da Regaleira in Sintra. However, the royals only got to enjoy the palace for a short time before the monarchy ended in 1910.
In the same year, the king’s Swiss chef received permission from the government to convert the palace into a hotel. Guests have been enjoying the gorgeous setting and surrounding gardens ever since. The palace hotel is decorated with exquisite tilework, exotic wood floors, paintings by João Vaz, and Moorish ceilings.
Photo by Becky Gillespie
4. Book a Spa Treatment at the Termas de Luso
The therapeutic properties of Luso Thermal Water have been recognized for centuries, and the only place in town where you can access spa treatments is the Termas de Luso, open since 1852.
Built over the thermal spring, the Termas de Luso has 13 treatment rooms, a large thermal water pool designed by the famous architect Gustave Eiffel, and a medical center with a large variety of treatments.
The Thermal Complex is now open to the public all year round and many people opt for the basic circuit to experience the variety of stations in the pool area.
Please note that Termas de Luso is not open on Sundays and is only open from 10:00 am–to 8:00 pm on Saturdays which includes a 2-hour lunch break from 1:00 pm-3:00 pm. If you are coming on the weekend, it is best to book a treatment ahead of time by putting in a request using the spa’s website here.
5. Feed the ducks and relax at the Parque do Lago de Luso
The charming Parque do Lago de Luso is only a 5-minute walk from Luso’s main square. Immediately upon arriving at the park, you get the sense that is well-loved. The centerpiece is the lake with a small island in the middle inhabited by ducks and geese.
You can stroll around the lake or use one of the paddle boats at the small dock for free. The park also has exercise equipment, a children’s playground, and an indoor community swimming pool with a small café next door. This is a great place to go for a picnic or just before sunset.
Photo by Becky Gillespie
Where to eat in Luso
Luso has less than 10 restaurants in the town’s vicinity, so, if you don’t have a car and are staying overnight, your choices will be a bit limited. However, there is one top-notch restaurant serving local black pork with a long list of wines and the neighboring Bussaco Palace Hotel offers meals in the sumptuous former home of the Portuguese royal family. Be sure to check the restaurants’ opening times to make sure that you don’t miss out on dinner.
Pedra de Sal is hands-down the best restaurant in town. The restaurant has a lovely ambiance and a long wine list. Dishes include mouth-watering black pork, juicy steak, and chocolate cake served with orange sorbet. There are only around ten tables, so making a reservation is recommended, especially if you’re visiting on a weekend. English menus are available.
The bill for two people will set you back around €70, but the quality of the food and service are well worth it.
Lourenços serves traditional food with fast, polite service and is located right in the center of town. If you are looking for something a bit cheaper than Pedra de Sal, or can’t get into the restaurant for the evening, this is your main alternative. There are no English menus available, but a nice variety of dishes are available including octopus, goat, and sheep steak. Adequate is a great word to describe the restaurant. You won’t be blown away, but you will get fed, and that is important in a town with only a few restaurants within walking distance.
From the center of Luso, drive 10 minutes to the enchanting Bussaco Palace and splurge on lunch at around 40 euros per person. Enjoy the charming 19th-century palace and its stunning tilework. Bear in mind that you are paying for the setting here more than the food, as the quality leaves something to be desired. Recommended for those who want to spend some time in the palace without paying for a night’s stay. Instead of driving, you can also work up an appetite by taking the 35-minute walk from Luso through the Bussaco Forest.
A meal for two here will cost you €80 – €100.
Photo by Becky Gillespie
4. Rosa Biscoito Luso
Rosa Biscoito Luso is by far the best café in town and right next to the Termas de Luso spa. It has generous indoor and outdoor seating with a huge menu including tea, sandwiches, a variety of pastries, and even ice cream. Sit in the shade and enjoy your tea while looking out into the square. There are also a small number of souvenirs available here. Service can be a bit slow, based on personal experience.
Taberna do Burriqueiro is named after the burros who would carry the water from Luso to surrounding villages in the 1800s (fun fact). This is the place to go if you’re looking for American-style comfort food such as hamburgers, hot wings, and jalapeño poppers. You can also try a typical Portuguese sandwich called a “bifana” and wash it down with a cold beer. There is both indoor and outdoor seating, and the service here is very friendly.
A meal for two here will cost you less than €40.
Getting around in Luso
Unlike Porto or Coimbra, Luso is a small town, but it does have a train station called Luso-Bucaco that runs directly from Coimbra three times a day (12:25 pm, 4:25 pm, and 6:35 pm) and takes 30 minutes. It is also possible to get an Uber or Bolt from Coimbra to Luso for around 20 euros, although you may need to wait for a while for a driver to accept the ride.
It is entirely possible to get around Luso on foot once you arrive, although you may appreciate the car if you do not want to make the 35-minute walk to the Bussaco Palace. Taxi service is available in the center of town, but it is best to rent a car from Coimbra or Porto and drive in for the day. If you are staying overnight in Luso, parking is available at most hotels.
If you are staying near Coimbra in northern Portugal, then you can book this tour to Luso and Bussaco for €104 where you can fill up your water bottle in Luso before visiting Bussaco Palace. This tour includes a stop at Bussaco Palace before continuing on to the University of Coimbra for €115. There is also another package from Porto for €215.
Final Thoughts
I first discovered Luso on YouTube and have now been three times since 2018. I am always surprised at how off the beaten path it still seems to be for tourists, despite the amazing Bussaco Forest and the stunning Bussaco Palace just above the town. Luso is also full of interesting hotels with lots of history including the Grande Hotel de Luso and Alegre Hotel Bussaco.
I am also admittedly someone who loves walkable places and Luso’s pleasant hills, compact town square, and neighboring marketplace offer a magical small-town charm. The town’s long history with water also lends it an important and enduring connection to the rest of Portugal.
Many tours visit Luso for only a couple of hours, but I recommend staying for two nights to fully be able to enjoy this little charming source of Portugal’s water. If you love towns with a strong sense of history, beautiful palaces, an endless source of pure water, soaking in thermal baths, people-watching, and beautiful forests, you are going to love Luso.
If you would like to visit other towns nearby, check out Coimbra and Aveiro.
Photo by Becky Gillespie
⬇️Please share your favorite activities and things to do in Luso in the comments below ⬇️
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.
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