The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has cleared the Portuguese justice of a complaint made by the parents of Madeleine McCann on Tuesday. The court found that Portugal had given the parents of the missing toddler a fair hearing in their libel battle against Goncalo Amaral, a former policeman.
Goncalo Amaral suggested in his book “Truth of the Lie” that the parents were involved in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann in 2007 after working on the investigation.
Kate and Gerry McCann sued Goncalo Amaral for libel which they initially won in 2015. Amaral was ordered to pay damages, but two years later, the ruling was reversed by Portugal’s highest court.
The McCanns then appealed to the ECHR, arguing that many of their rights had not been respected in Portugal, including their right to a fair trial, right to private family life, and right to freedom of expression.
Concerning their right to private family life, the court said that “by using social communication mediums, the applicants wanted to use all possible mediums to find their daughter.”
The court argued that by doing so, they “ended up acquiring a public reputation and entered the public sphere” and that they “inevitably exposed themselves” to scrutiny for their actions.
The ECHR also argued that Goncalo Amaral’s book was in “the interest of public debate” and that the public “had a legitimate interest in being informed” about the disappearance of Maddie McCann.
Moreover, “The court believes that the declarations in question constitute value judgments based on a sufficient factual base. In fact, the elements in which Goncalo Amaral based his argumentation were gathered during the investigation and disclosed to the public”, said the court.
Regarding the right to be presumed innocent, the ECHR said that the book was released before the parents were descarded as being involved with the incident by the Portuguese Public Ministery.
Kate and Gerry McCann’s lawyer, Ricardo Correia Afonso, said that they will not be appealing the decision but that they are “disappointed,” reports Reuters.
“The focus is now rightly on the search for Madeleine and her abductor(s). We are grateful for the ongoing work by the British, German, and Portuguese police”, said the lawyer in a statement.
Known as Maddie, Madeleine McCann disappeared in 2017 from Praia da Luz, Algarve, at 3 years old. The British toddler went missing from her family’s holiday rental apartment while her parents had dinner with friends at a nearby restaurant.
In April of 2022, German child abuser Christian Brueckner, 44, was made an official suspect in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann by the Portuguese authorities. The investigation is being conducted with the help of the British and German authorities.
Fall brings with it the changing color of the leaves. Gold, red, and orange fill the trees in parks and roads in Lisbon, creating a cozy atmosphere. The smell of castanhas fills the air, and the Portuguese celebrate their fall holiday, Sao Martinho.
The weather begins to cool as summer fades. However, in contrast to other European countries, Portugal, a country in Southwestern Europe, enjoys moderate temperatures in the Fall.
During fall in Lisbon, Pumpkin lattes might not surface all over Lisbon, but the capital has its fair share of traditions, customs, and activities to celebrate the start of the new season. This guide will ensure you make the most of the Portuguese capital, from museums to exploring the city, even on rainy days.
Fall in Portugal begins on September 23 and ends on December 21. During Lisbon fall, you can expect quite a bit of rain. Autumn is the rainiest season in Portugal. It rains the most in November and December, with 9 and 10 days of rain, respectively. In October, it rains for 8 days out of the month.
However, fall is not as cold as in other European countries. Throughout the fall months, temperatures range between 9°C (48.2°F) and 23°C (73.4°F).
10 Best Lisbon Fall Activities
Lisbon has a ton of activities that are perfect for fall. We have selected some outdoor and indoor outdoor activities for when it rains in Lisbon.
1. Celebrate Sao Martinho, the fall holiday
Known as Sao Martinho, Saint Martin’s day falls on November 11. This iconic fall holiday celebrates a man who cut his cloak in half during a snowstorm to keep a beggar warm. However, the holiday in Portugal now celebrates the maturation of wine production during the year.
The staple of this holiday is the roasted castanhas (chestnuts), which are tasted along with wine in the magusto, a celebration festival.
Most Portuguese towns have a magusto during the holiday, as well as different Sao Martinho parties. In Lisbon, head to Fabrica da Musa, where you will find castanhas, artisanal beer, wine, and loads of Portuguese food.
Throughout Fall, you will also find castanhas being sold all over the city. They are roasted in front of you in a wheeled quiosque, and the smell is unbelievable! The castanhas are then served by being wrapped in paper into a cone.
Photo by F Delventhal (Flickr)Photo by lilivanili (Flickr)
2. Take the scenic route of the number 28 Tram
One of the best ways to see Lisbon in the fall is on the number 28 tram. Although the tram is a public transport service, due to the places it rides through, think of it as an affordable tourist tour.
This tram line connects Martim Moniz with Campo do Ourique. The tram stops in popular tourist districts such as Alfama, Baixa, Estrela, and grace.
In a traditional yellow tram, you will ride a scenic route through Lisbon’s narrow and steep streets, the perfect fall morning in Lisbon.
We recommend riding the train early in the morning to avoid crowds. Make sure to beware of pickpocketers!
Tram 28. Photo by Portuguese Gravity (Unsplash)
3. Explore the prestigious Calouste Gulbenkian Museum
The Gulbenkian Museum is one of the world’s best museums, housing a collection of Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Islamic, Asian, and European art. The private art collection belongs to the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, gathered over 40 years.
If you are an art lover, do not miss it. You will see pieces by Paula Rego, Rembrandt, Monet, and Peter Paul Rubens. The beautiful Gulbenkian gardens are also open to the public and are the perfect place for a picnic.
Calouste Gulbenkian Museum. Photo by Rui Alves (Unsplash)
The Oceanário de Lisboa in Parque das Nações, the city ‘s aquarium, is one of the largest in Europe. With over 8,000 sea creatures and incredibly cute otters, this is the perfect activity for the whole family.
There are over 7 million liters of seawater at the oceanarium. This place is a sea life lover’s dream, from mantas and eyeball zebra sharks to rays.
The Lisbon oceanarium is geared toward conservation and does not offer any entertainment shows. The largest environmental education program is also run here.
Oceanario de Lisboa. Photo by Max Kukurudziak (Unsplash)
5. Enjoy European and American art at Berardo Collection Museum
Located in the Belem Cultural Center, Berardo Collection Museum opened in 2007. Ever since, it has been one of the most impressive museums in Portugal. There are around 1000 pieces in the collection, starting in the 20th century.
The collection focuses mostly on European and American art. You will get to see pieces from Andy Warhol, Picasso, Paula Rego, and more across two floors.
Berardo Collection Museum. Photo by Enrico Da Prato (Unsplash)
What better place to see fall in action than a park? Jardim da Estrela is the perfect place to see the leaves fall. Located near Basilica da Estrela, this park is a place where all the locals meet. It’s commonplace for older people to sit in the shade socializing and to find couples taking walks through the park.
Bring some blankets and enjoy a fall picnic at the park if the weather allows it. Jardim da Estrela also features a large playground for children to enjoy. Bands also tend to occasionally play on the bandstand at the park, so you might be lucky enough to spot a free concert.
Jardim da Estrela. Photo by Freguesia de Estrela (Unsplash)
7. Walk through Avenida da Liberdade
In the fall, the hundreds of trees in Avenida da Liberdade paint a beautiful picture of red, orange, and gold. This boulevard in Lisbon is famous for being one of the most expensive shopping streets in Lisbon. Built-in 1979, the avenue is also the home to embassies, hotels, and restaurants.
If you are not looking to splurge on luxurious items such as Prada and Louis Vuitton, we recommend walking along the 1-kilometer-long avenue. The avenue is divided by pedestrian pavements and features decorative gardens.
Avenida da Liberdade. Photo by Alice Kotlyarenko (Unsplash)
8. Take a Tuk Tuk Tour of Lisbon
This is one is especially fun for those who get easily bored at museums but need an activity in Lisbon on a rainy day. Book this private electric tuk tuk tour of Lisbon with a local guide. This tour is an eco-friendly way to visit the best sights in the city.
The tour stops at all the major attractions such as Alfama and Mouraria, the historic neighborhoods, as well as Praca do Comercio and Belem. The tuk tuk also stops at the best Lisbon viewpoints for photo ops of the city.
While many prefer to visit Sintra in the Spring and Summer, there’s so much to be said about this city in Autumn. Sintra could bet the set to a Halloween movie, particularly on cloudy and foggy days.
If you believe in that kind of stuff, Sintra is said to be a special place surrounded by mysticism. It is said that Satanists and witches take to Sintra’s forests to perform rituals and that magic fills the city.
Regardless, Sintra remains one of the most beautiful cities in Portugal. A 30-minute drive from the center of Lisbon, Sintra is known for its forested terrain, astonishing palaces that once belonged to royal families, and the delicious “Travesseiro de Sintra.”
We recommend taking a day tour from Lisbon to experience Sintra to the fullest. However, if you go on your own, do not miss the Pena Palace, the Castle of the Moors, and the Quinta da Regaleira.
A Fado house, known as a Casa de Fado, is a cultural staple of Lisbon, particularly in the Fado neighborhood of Alfama. These Fado houses allow you to enjoy live music performances of Fado classics by Amalia Rodrigues and others. These usually include a dinner menu where you get to try Portuguese specialties.
Some of the most famous Fado houses are Fado in Chiado, Clube de Fado and Parreirinha de Alfama. However, we always recommend asking the locals!
Halloween is not as celebrated as in the United States or the United Kingdom by adults. While a few clubs might have Halloween-themed nights, that’s about it for those over 20. You won’t find people dressing up for work in Halloween costumes.
However, a Halloween party for the little ones is customary in schools as kids tend to dress up and enjoy candy.
Nevertheless, trick or treating is not a large custom in Portugal on October 31st. Although it can happen in smaller gated communities with international populations, it is not so common in major towns and villages.
However, many Christian Portuguese still celebrate the Day of the Dead on November 1st to remember relatives they lost.
On this day, there’s a Portuguese tradition similar to trick or treating called “Bread for God.” This is where kids ask for “Pao-por-Deus” and receive candy and bread in exchange. This is a religious tradition and is thus not done by all Portuguese.
Photo by Szabó János (Unsplash)
Lisbon Fall: What to Pack
Luckily, while it does rain a bit during Fall, temperatures are not too low. It’s still important to pack accordingly, however. Here is a list of items to pack for Lisbon in the fall:
Jeans
T-shirts
Long-sleeve sweaters
Scarf
Warm shoes and/or sneakers
Boots
Hat
Sunglasses
Sunscreen (the sun is strong even in Fall)
Jacket
Raincoat with hood
In the fall in Lisbon, you might be lucky to have a few days of warmer weather, especially in October. Bring a couple of items for warmer days, just in case:
The hacker group Ragnar Locker has published the data of 1.5 million TAP clients. 581 gigabytes of personal information have been online since Monday. In a post on the dark web, the hacker group said that they still have remote access to the systems of TAP.
The published personal data includes addresses, phone numbers, client names, and the identification documents of professionals and TAP partners.
Expresso has said that TAP did not negotiate a ransom payment to stop the publication of client data.
In a post on the dark web, Ragnar Locker said, “the most interesting thing is that they have not resolved the vulnerabilities on their network, and these kinds of incidents can happen again. If anyone needs remote access to TAP Air, let us know.”
TAP contacted the affected clients on Tuesday, saying that the publishing of their data can “increase the risk” of “illegitimate use” of their data.
TAP has also said that “the adopted measures allow us to guarantee the integrity of the data and the operation of all systems safely.”
However, at the time, Ragnar Locker said in a post, “A few days ago, TAP Air Portugal made a press announcement confidently affirming that it has successfully solved a cyberattack and that data was not compromised (but we have reasons to believe that hundreds of gigabytes could be compromised).”
TAP Air Portugal is the state-owned airline of Portugal and the largest in the country, accounting for more than 50% of arrivals and departures at the Lisbon Airport.
We spent five lovely days in Portugal. We used Lisbon as our base and took a few day trips from there. It was simple to use public transportation to get from the airport into the city.
We tend to like to be outdoors so when we arrived in Lisbon, we rented bikes and rode the bike trail along the Tagus River. There are several rental shops close to the bike trail. Once in our Airbnb, we explored the city by foot. Our Airbnb was just off the Praça Luís de Camões, a square with a cafe and a wonderful place to relax and people watch. We spent our days exploring. We wandered up to Campo dos Mártires da Pátria, which is a lovely park that is elevated with wonderful views of the city. There are a few cafes there and restaurants around that area.
Lisbon Gallery
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Umbrellas over Pink Street
Tower of Belem
Hills of Lisbon
Lisbon
Hills of Lisbon
Biking by the bridge in Lisbon
One note is to bring comfortable shoes because Lisbon is full of hills. You can always rent electric bikes or ride buses or the metro to get around more comfortably.
One day we walked around the city with our destination of St George’s Castle (Castelo de S. Jorge). There are many neighborhoods to wander through on your way to and from the castle. Don’t forget to stop and take in the views.
Cascais
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Praia do Guincho beach
Praia do Guincho beach
We took the train out to Cascais. We got the train at the Cais de Sodre metro station. It was about a 45-minute ride on the train, and they ran frequently. Once there, we rented bikes and rode the bike path out to the Guincho beach, which is beautiful and very inviting. You can rent bikes at the train station. We found a wonderful outdoor cafe at the end of one of the beaches which is worth the ride. It is calledBar do Guincho.
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Kayaking in Sesimbra
Kayaking in Sesimbra
Kayaking in Sesimbra
We also went down to the coastal town of Sesimbra. Our sole purpose was to go kayaking in the Atlantic. We arranged the 4-hour kayaking trip ahead of time with one of the several renting shops. The views were beautiful, and the kayaking was fun.
All in all, we had a wonderful trip to Portugal. We were able to visit the sites that we wanted to and navigate our way around Lisbon with ease. There were plenty of outdoor activities, so in our opinion that made it a very successful trip.
The President of the Portuguese Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, has said that more information needs to be released about the economic scenario for 2023.
While he predicts a bad economic scenario for Portugal in 2023, he believes the government “would maybe benefit from explaining to the Portuguese its vision for the next year.”
The President wants predictions to be released to the government. For example, whether growth “will decrease to 1% or 2%, instead of 6% or 7%”.
This way, according to the President, the Portuguese people can be prepared for a “bad economic scenario,” and the government can justify why it cannot “go further” with its economic support to fight inflation.
The State Budget for 2023 will be delivered in three weeks, and this occasion “is accompanied by an economic scenario,” argues President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.
However, the President wants the release of macroeconomic predictions to be released as soon as possible.
The President wants many questions answered: “Will tourism continue or not continue? Will investment continue or not continue? Will consumption remain high or break?”.
These explanations need to be answered, according to the President, so that the population can understand when the government “cannot go further because what is it come looks bad.”
The President has previously said that while “acting urgently” to support families is important, so is acting “carefully because of the monitoring of economic developments.”
Sao Miguel is the largest and most populated island in the Azores. A part of the Eastern Group of the Archipelago with Santa Maria island, Sao Miguel was discovered in the 13th century. Having belonged to the French, Moors, and Jews, it has undergone major developments throughout the centuries.
Today, Sao Miguel provides the perfect balance. São Miguel is the perfect spot for those who want to experience the classic Azorean life, as well as a larger city. It’s hard to find both on any other island! Therefore, Sao Miguel is filled with plenty of activities for different tastes. Let’s take a look at the 5 best things to do in Sao Miguel, Azores.
1. Explore the capital of the Azores, Ponta Delgada
The capital of the autonomous regions of the Azores since 1546, Ponta Delgada is a cosmopolitan town that is full of history and culture. Around 70,000 people live in the capital, around half the island population.
Ponta Delgada features a fishing fleet, marina, and plenty of historical buildings, such as the largest church in the Azores. You can explore the capital entirely by foot through the unique cobbled streets.
We recommend starting out in Avenida Infante D. Henrique, a seaside promenade that runs from a military fortress to Calheta. The path has the classic Portuguese black and white cobblestoned floors.
Goncalho Velho Square is also a key point in Ponta Delgada. This is the central square of the city, named after the Portuguese navigator Goncalho Velho Cabral who is said to have discovered the island.
Make sure to also look for the City Gates or Portas da Cidade, this monument represents how the capital is like the entrance gates of Azores. These gates were built in the 18th century and are located in the old city harbor, the first line of defense of the island at the time.
Photo by Vitor Oliveira (Flickr)
2. Visit the thermal hotspot of the Azores
Furnas, the thermal hotspot of the Azores, is located on the eastern side of the island. The Furnas valley is a volcanic crater that erupted in the 17th century. Although it is now dormant and safe, the volcanic activity can be seen in the area’s thermal pools and hot springs.
Furnas is essentially a natural spa, with plenty of places to swim and relax in warm water. For example, head to the 200-year-old Parque Terra Nostra. Here you can swim in a popular orange geothermal swimming pool that’s 35ºC.
The volcanic activity in Furnas also offers a unique culinary experience with the cozido das furnas. The dish is similar to the classic Portuguese cozido, a meat stew with cabbage, carrots, potatoes, blood sausage, pork and beef.
But this is no regular stew – it’s cooked by a volcano. The dish is cooked in bubbling, steaming caldeiras (geysers) that smell of sulfur. Temperatures range from 70ºC to 100ºC, which is perfect for cooking. This dish is placed in a metal pot and buried in volcanic soil to be slow-cooked by the natural heat of the caldeiras.
If you have only seen one photo of the Azores, chances are you have seen the Sete Cidades Lagoon. This lagoon is located on the West side of the island in the municipality of Sete Cidades. The lagoon is divided by a bridge into two parts: one green and one blue. This creates a beautiful and unique contrast that is even more beautiful on a clear day.
Head to the Vista do Rei viewpoint, where you can enjoy the best view of the lagoon. Near the viewpoint, you will also find a large concrete building. This is an abandoned luxurious hotel, once the finest 5-star establishment on the island. Many enter the hotel for a unique view of the lagoon, although this is forbidden.
Even though Sete Cidades is known for this particular lake, there are over 11 lakes in the municipality that you can observe from miradouros (viewpoints).
4. Hike the official trails of Sao Miguel
If you are a nature lover, you are in for a treat. Sao Miguel not only features the most hiking trails in the Azores, but some of the most beautiful. You will get to reach remote spots on the island, filled with waterfalls and greenery.
There are over 20 “official” hiking trails in Sao Miguel that are taken care of by the Azores Tourism Board. These are adequately labeled with hiking markers, so you don’t get lost and are maintained for safety. You can check out the hiking trails here to find the one that best suits your physical ability.
Our favorite hikes in Sao Miguel are Lagoa do Fogo (11 KM, 4h00), Sete Cidades (7.7 KM, 2h00), and Lagoa das Furnas (9.5 KM, 3h00).
The Azores is known for its marine life, especially conservation and research ever since whale hunting was banned in the 80s. Since then, thousands travel to Sao Miguel and other islands to spot both whales and dolphins.
Over twenty different species of whales live in the Azores, making it one of the best places in the world for whale-watching. The best season for whale-watching is between April to October, even though you can usually see them all year.
We recommend booking this whale watching and islet cruise, accompanied by a marine biologist so that you can spot and learn about sperm and pilot whales, bottlenose, Risso’s dolphins, and more.
Portugal has declared three days of national mourning for Queen Elizabeth II on September 18, 19, and 20. The Portuguese Council of Ministers established the decree on Thursday to pay homage to the death of the Queen.
The Council of Ministers has said that “Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland profoundly marked the second half of the 20th century and the first quarter of the 21st century”.
One of the days of mourning in Portugal coincides with the state funeral of the British monarch on September 19. The President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, will represent Portugal at the funeral.
É com tristeza que recebemos a notícia do falecimento de Sua Majestade a Rainha Isabel II. O seu reinado de 70 anos marcou a história britânica desde a segunda grande guerra. As minhas sentidas condolências à família real e ao povo do Reino Unido.
The funeral will be held at Westminster Abbey and will be one of the largest ceremonial events in Britain since World War II. US President Joe Biden will also be in attendance.
After the funeral, a private burial service will be held for close family and friends.
The longest reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, died last Thursday at Balmoral Castle in Scotland at 96 years old. She became Queen of England in 1952 at 25 years old, after her father’s death.
Her 73-year-old son King Charles III is now the official monarch. His coronation is expected in 2023, although the exact date is still a secret under the name Operation Golden Orb.
Portugal has, in recent years, become more popular for health tourism. Medical tourism in Portugal is attractive to those coming from countries like the United States, where treatments and surgeries come at an elevated cost.
Portugal offers an excellent value-for-money alternative! You will get the same quality of care (depending on the field) without the exuberant costs. Under the World Health Organization (WHO)’s ranking of healthcare systems, Portugal takes 12th place.
However, keep in mind that you cannot access public healthcare without Portuguese residency. You will need to head to private hospitals and clinics, which offer quality care as well as comfort. Let’s take a look at Medical tourism in Portugal.
Medical tourism is when someone travels outside their country of residence to receive medical care. Initially, the term referred to patients from less developed countries that traveled for better care. Today, people from all over the globe travel elsewhere for health tourism.
But why medical “tourism” instead of travel? Medical tourism usually involves people staying in the country after their medical treatment. While the amount of tourism will be limited by the after-effects of the treatment, people tend to visit sights and explore the country.
Medical Tourism in Portugal: Why is Portugal a good place for health tourism?
Portugal has a quality medical system, offering a great value-for-money alternative, particularly for those coming from the United States. The Portuguese healthcare system offers excellent equipment and professionals.
The system is regularly analyzed by independent bodies and has been recognized internationally in neuroscience, oncology, and more.
Moreover, you can tailor your recovery in Portugal after your medical treatment. From relaxing in the sun to more active experiences, Portugal is the perfect place to recover from medical treatment.
Photo by Luis Melendez (Unsplash)
Top Medical Treatments in Portugal
Oncology: Portugal offers excellent cancer treatment, while the best has been argued to be in the public system, which you won’t be able to access. However, Portugal’s private sector also offers great palliative care.
Reproductive Services: IVF is available to all, including single women, at a more affordable price than in other countries.
Dental Care: Dental care in Portugal is some of the best in the world, ranking 5th in the 2020 Healthiest Teeth Index. It is also a lot more affordable. For example, teeth whitening costs around €200, and braces start at €800.
Cosmetic & Plastic surgery: Portugal offers high-quality cosmetic and plastic surgery at an affordable price. While a breast augmentation in the US can cost around €10,000, in Portugal, it costs around €4,000.
Where to get medical treatment in Portugal?
Best Hospitals & Clinics in Portugal
Portugal has 14 facilities accredited by the Join Commission International. When you travel to Portugal for medical tourism, you will need to access a private hospital instead of a public institution. Here are some of the top hospitals and clinics in Portugal for medical tourism:
CUF Infante Santo Hospital
CUF Cascais
Private Hospital of the Algarve
Hospital da Luz
Hospital Lusiadas Albufeira
Medical Tourism: Recovering in Portugal
Agencies have now started to focus on health tourism in Portugal. Many will help you find the best place to recover. Most medical treatments will be carried out in Lisbon and Porto.
Praia do Guincho, Cascais. Photo by Manuel Inglez (Unsplash)
However, depending on your condition and type of care, here are some cities in Portugal that could help you relax during your recovery:
Seven districts in Portugal are facing a yellow warning due to heavy rain on Thursday. According to the Portuguese Institute of the Ocean and Atmosphere (IPMA), this heavy rain will occasionally be accompanied by thunder.
The seven districts with a heavy rain warning in Portugal are Viana do Castelo, Porto, Braga, Aveiro, Vila Real, Viseu, and Coimbra.
The IPMA emits a yellow warning when risk is associated with certain activities due to the meteorological situation.
The heavy rain is said to decrease in the afternoon in the north and center of the country.
On Wednesday, CNN Portugal reported that there were 94 incidents recorded due to the heavy rain between 12 AM and 7 AM. These include flooding and falling trees. The areas of Lisbon, Viseu, Coimbra, Braga, Setubal, Santarem, and Porto were most affected.
In the Alentejo region, there were 59 cases of flooding yesterday until 9:30 PM on public roads and houses. The incidents were primarily concentrated in the districts of Beja and Portalegre. No one was harmed.
The number of non-resident tourist arrivals in Portugal reached 9.6 million in 2021, a 48.4% growth compared to 2020. However, this also reflects a 61% decrease compared to 2019, according to a study by the National Institute of Statistics (INE).
Most tourists traveling to Portugal in 2021 came from Spain (30%), France (16%), the United Kingdom (10%), and Germany (8%). Tourism from Spain saw the largest growth in 2021 at 57.3%, with France following at 46.2%.
The number of guests in all kinds of tourist accommodations amounted to 16 million, and the number of overnight stays totaled 42,6 million. This actually amounts to a decrease compared to 2019, by 45.8% and 45.2%, respectively.
However, the regions of Acores and Madeira saw an increase in the number of overnight stays compared to 2019.
There was also an increase in the resident population traveling within Portugal. In 2021, 44% of the resident population made at least one tourist trip in Portugal.
The INE study also looked at the tourist accommodation capacity. In July of 2021, there were 1,829 hospitality properties, including hotels, guest houses, apartments, and more, a 16.6% increase since 2020.
The areas with the most tourist accommodations were the Algarve (21%) and Lisbon (36%). The regions with the most growth in hospital properties were the Azores (+41%) and Madeira (37.6%).
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