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7 Best Wine Tastings and Wine Tours in Portugal

Lara Silva
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7 Best Wine Tastings and Wine Tours in Portugal

Portugal, the country with the largest wine consumption in the world, is, unsurprisingly, also renowned for its rich winemaking heritage and incredible wines. From the famous Port wines of Porto to the elegant Vinho Verde, Portugal offers a diverse range of flavors and experiences for wine enthusiasts.

If you’re looking to embark on a wine tasting or wine tour in Portugal, you’re in for a treat. Portugal has plenty of experiences that allow you to immerse yourself in the world of Portuguese wines, explore picturesque vineyards, and visit historic wine cellars. Let’s take a look at the 7 best wine tastings and wine tours in Portugal.

1. Douro Valley Small-Group Tour with Wine Tasting, Lunch and Optional Cruise

If you’re looking for a wine tour and a visit to a vineyard, Douro is the first place to go. This Douro Valley experience allows you to go on a journey through stunning landscapes, picturesque vineyards, and charming villages, all while indulging in delicious wines, a delightful Portuguese lunch. It even includes the option of a scenic river cruise.

With the help of a local guide, you’ll delve into the history and traditions of this renowned wine region. Learn about the intricate process of winemaking, from the cultivation of the grapes to the art of aging and blending.

A highlight of this tour is the opportunity to sample a selection of exquisite wines at a local winery. The wine tasting session is led by an expert sommelier, helping you gain a deeper appreciation for these wines.

To complement your wine experience, a Portuguese lunch is included at a traditional restaurant. You will get to taste the flavors of authentic regional cuisine, featuring local ingredients that perfectly complement the wines you have tasted. 

2. Port Wine Lodges Tour Including 7 Wine Tastings

If you’re visiting Porto, a Port wine tour and tasting is a must. This half-day Port wine tour allows you to discover all about the city’s iconic wine lodges while skipping the lines. 

Accompanied by a guide, you’ll explore the fascinating history and heritage of Port wine while visiting the cellars. You will get to learn about the winemaking process, from the grape harvest to the careful aging techniques that give Port wine its distinctive character. 

You will also get to indulge in seven wine tastings throughout the tour. From the smooth and velvety Tawny Ports to the rich and full-bodied Vintage Ports, each sip offers a new experience. Expert sommeliers will guide you through the tastings, teaching you about each wine you are trying.

3. Lisbon Small-Group Portuguese Food and Wine Tour

Don’t forget Lisbon when it comes to both wine and food. The capital has so much to offer when it comes to wine experiences, often paired with authentic food, such as the following Lisbon Portuguese Food and Wine tour. 

Led by  local guide, this tour takes you on a gastronomic journey through Lisbon’s charming neighborhoods, where you’ll get to try traditional food and wine in some of the most local restaurants. 

As you venture through the city, your guide will share fascinating stories and insights about Portuguese wine and cuisine traditions. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of the ingredients, flavors, and techniques that make Portuguese gastronomy so unique.

You will get to sample mouthwatering local cheeses, savory cured meats, and freshly baked bread, as well as larger meals. You’ll have the opportunity to taste a variety of exceptional Portuguese wines, carefully selected to complement the flavors of the dishes. From crisp Vinho Verde to robust Douro reds, each sip offers a glimpse into the country’s rich winemaking heritage.

4. Porto: 3-Hour Food and Wine Tasting Tour – Guided Experience

During this 3-hour Porto tasting, you will discover the delicious flavors of Porto, exploring local markets and restaurants while learning about the wine and food traditions of the city with a local guide. Your guide will introduce you to the region’s rich food culture, sharing stories about the ingredients, traditions, and flavors that define Portuguese cuisine.

This is not just a food tour, but also a wine experience. Throughout the tour, you’ll have the opportunity to savor a selection of exquisite Portuguese wines, carefully selected to complement the flavors of the dishes. From refreshing Vinho Verde to the world-famous Port wine, each sip offers a delightful harmony of tastes and aromas.

5. Arrabida and Sesimbra Small-Group Day Trip from Lisbon with Wine Tasting

Travel along Europe’s largest bridge to the beautiful regions of Arrabida and Sesimbra for a day trip with a wine tasting on this tour. This tour allows you to enjoy delicious wine, whilst also exploring these regions on the Portuguese coastline toward the Arrabida Natural Park.

Prepare to fall in love with the breathtaking views of rolling hills andcliffs, as well as blue watered beaches. The region’s unique combination of lush greenery and blue waters creates a stunning view.

Your guide will teach you about the history and culture of the areas as you explore its hidden gems. You will get to visit Sesimbra, a charming fishing village with a rich maritime heritage. Stroll along its picturesque streets, admire the colorful boats bobbing in the harbor, and capture postcard-worthy views of the Atlantic Ocean.

6. Porto Douro Valley Full-Day Wine Tasting & River Cruise with Lunch

Another popular Douro Valley tour from Porto, this experience allows you to enjoy a full day of vineyard hopping on a river cruise with lunch and wine tasting. 

Your your begins with a comfortable ride through the picturesque countryside, allowing you to admire the rolling hills and terraced vineyards of the Douro Valley. Throughtout the ride, your guide will tell you all about the traditions and winemaking techniques that have made this region a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Your first stop is a prestigious winery, where you’ll have the opportunity to taste a variety of Douro Valley wines with expert sommeliers. After the wine tasting, it’s time for a traditional lunch at a local restaurant. Indulge in a traditional Portuguese meal, featuring fresh and local ingredients.

You will then get to enjoy the Douro River with a scenic cruise surrounded by breathtaking landscapes for one hour. You will get to see another Douro vineyard getting transported back to Porto comfortably!

7. Guided Port Wine Walking Tour

For a unique experience, embark on this Port wine walking tour of Porto where you will get to stop at incredible wine cellars with a local guide. In a small group setting, this tour allows you to curate a personalized experience if you wish.

Your guide will share captivating stories and insights about the city’s wine history and culture. You will get to learn about the origins of Port wine, its production methods, and the unique characteristics that have made it famous worldwide. 

You will also get to visit traditional wine cellars, where rows of oak barrels hold incredible aging wines. Throughout the tour, you’ll have the opportunity to sample a variety of Port wines, carefully selected to showcase the diverse range of styles and flavors. 

5 Best Hotels in Peniche

Lara Silva
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5 Best Hotels in Peniche

Peniche is a charming coastal town located in the western region of Portugal, known for its beautiful beaches and surf culture. It’s the perfect destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of big cities. For an unforgettable stay, where you stay matters. Luckily, we’ve rounded up the 5 best hotels in Peniche, each offering its unique experience. 

1. MH Peniche

A 4-star guesthouse, MH Peniche is only a 2-minute walk from the beach and features an outdoor pool, a restaurant serving local dishes, a tennis court, a garden, and a spa with a Turkish bath. The rooms and suites feature a minibar, a balcony, air conditioning, and a private bathroom.

2. Deck Lodge

The Deck Lodge offers affordable and comfortable beds in cozy shared dormitories. Boasting a bar, shared lounge, garden, shared kitchen, and luggage storage, this place is perfect to get to know other young tourists. The property features a rooftop terrace for guests to enjoy on warmer days.

3. Ilheu 25 Peniche House

Featuring modern guest rooms, Ilheu 25 Peniche House is only an 8-minute walk from the beach and features an outdoor swimming pool, a garden, and a shared kitchen. Some rooms at the bed & breakfast feature a private bathroom and a TV, while the living room features a flat-screen TV. Guests can enjoy a delicious breakfast at this place.

4. Casa da Falesia 28

A 70m2 holiday home with two bedrooms that can sleep 5 people, Casa da Falesia 28 is only a 6-minute walk from the beach, Porto da Areia Sul. The home has one bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchenette, and a balcony with sea views, perfect for a sunset drink.

5. Peniche’s Blue & White

A 70m2 holiday home, Peniche’s Blue & White is a one-bedroom apartment that sleeps up to 5 people. A 4-minute walk from the beach, this place is located near Gamboa Beach. The apartment has access to a balcony with views of the garden and comes equipped with a bathroom, and a kitchen with an oven, microwave, and toaster.

7 Portuguese Drinks: From Ginjinha to Port Wine

Lara Silva
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7 Portuguese Drinks: From Ginjinha to Port Wine

When we think of a Portuguese dish, a lot of us can’t help but think of what wine to pair it with. However, Portugal is home to a wider range of different alcoholic drinks that are enjoyed during meals, desserts, or even just as an afternoon treat.

From the famous Port Wine to lesser-known gems like Ginjinha and Licor Beirão, there is something for every taste bud. Let’s take a look at our favorite 7 Portuguese drinks, their origins, and how they are enjoyed today.

1. Ginjinha

Ginjinha, also known as Ginja, is a delightful liquor crafted from the small but mighty Ginja berries, which are commonly referred to as sour cherries or by their scientific name, Prunus cerasus.

To create Ginjinha, sour cherries are infused with alcohol, typically a potent spirit called aguardente, along with sugar and other secret ingredients. The end result is a luscious ruby-red drink that can be savored as both an aperitif and a digestif. 

While the exact recipe for Ginjinha remains a closely guarded secret, many enthusiasts attempt to create their own versions, particularly in regions where it’s most renowned, such as Lisbon, Óbidos, Alcobaça, Covilhã, Marvão, and the Algarve.

The Serra da Estrela Ginjinha, a particularly popular variety in Covilhã, boasts a protected designation of origin status. One of our favorite places to try Ginjinha is in Óbidos, where the drink is served in a small chocolate cup you can eat after.

Around 150.000 liters of Ginjinha are produced every year, with around 90% being consumed in Portugal and the rest being exported, mainly to the US.

Ginjinha. Photo by francesbean (Flickr)

2. Port Wine

Port wine is a specialty of the Douro region located in the northern part of Portugal, and it’s the beverage that made this region a household name. This type of wine is fortified, meaning that it’s blended with brandy or another type of spirit to increase its alcohol content. Port wine comes in different varieties, typically sweet red, but also available in dry, semi-dry, white, and even rosé.

While many wines inspired by Port exist outside of Portugal, only wines produced in the Douro demarcation region can be labeled as “Port” under EU law. This regulation is meant to safeguard the traditional and economic significance of this wine.

The distinctiveness of Port wine arises from its full-bodied sweetness, thickness, and higher alcohol content, typically around 19-20%, which comes from the addition of distilled grape spirits during the winemaking process.

Fermentation is halted before all the sugar has converted into alcohol, resulting in a wine that’s more intense in flavor and alcohol.

Port wine is commonly served as a digestif, that is, after dinner, paired with dessert items like cheese, nuts, or chocolate. However, tawny and white Port is often served as an apéritif, meaning before meals.

Port wine. Photo by
Bruno Martins (Unsplash)

Port Wine Tours

3. Vinho Verde

Vinho Verde, which translates to “Green Wine,” is a celebrated wine variety from Portugal’s northwest region and one of the country’s most prominent wines.

Despite its name, “Green Wine” doesn’t refer to the wine’s color, but rather to the fact that it is young and not yet fully matured. Typically consumed within 3-6 months of harvesting, the word “verde” refers to the wine’s youthfulness.

Vinho Verde is a DOC wine, meaning that the region where it is produced is protected and can only produce this specific variety.

In Portugal, Vinho Verde is well-known and reasonably priced. It is a naturally light and fresh wine with a fruity taste, and one of its most distinctive characteristics is its slight effervescence, although it is not officially classified as a sparkling or semi-sparkling wine.

Vinho Verde comes in white, red, rosé, and even aguardente and vinegar varieties, providing an array of options for wine enthusiasts.

Vinho Verde. Photo by Magnus Reuterdahl (Flickr)

Vinho Verde Tours

4. Poncha

Madeira is known for its traditional drink, the Poncha, an alcoholic drink made with Aguardente de Cana (sugar cane spirit), honey, sugar, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Poncha is typically served in a small glass and is a favorite among locals and tourists. 

Legend has it that the drink was first created by fishermen as a remedy to combat the cold weather and seasickness. Now, it’s a staple drink in Madeira and can be found in almost every bar and restaurant on the island.

The drink is usually made by mixing the honey and sugar together and then adding the freshly squeezed lemon juice. Once the mixture has cooled down, it’s then mixed with the Aguardente de Cana until it reaches the desired consistency. The drink is typically served with a cinnamon stick and can be enjoyed as a warm or cold drink.

The drink has even been given a protected designation of origin status, which means that only drinks made on the island of Madeira can officially be called Poncha.

Photo by Tim Walker (Flickr)

5. Aguardente

One of the strongest Portuguese drinks, aguardente is a type of distilled spirit that is made by fermenting fruits, grains, or other materials, and then distilling the resulting liquid to produce a high-alcohol content spirit.

In Portugal, the most common type of aguardente is made from sugar cane, and is known as Aguardente de Cana. This spirit has a strong, distinct flavor, and is used to make other drinks, like Poncha.

Portuguese people believe that the high alcohol content of aguardente helps to stimulate the digestive system after food and can also act as a natural antiseptic.

Aguardente is also used in the production of many traditional Portuguese dishes and desserts. For example, it’s often used to flambe dishes, such as steak or seafood, and is also used in the preparation of many cakes and pastries.

6. Moscatel

Featuring a unique floral aroma, the Moscatel is a type of fortified wine that is made from the muscat grape, which is known for its distinct and sweet flavor. This wine is produced using a special technique that involves adding brandy or other spirits to the wine during fermentation.

The result is sweet, fruity, and often has a slightly nutty flavor. It’s typically served as a dessert wine and pairs well with a variety of desserts, such as cakes, and creamy desserts. However, more recently, the Portuguese are drinking it as a digestif without paring it with dessert.

In Portugal, the most famous variety of Moscatel is produced in the Setúbal region, which is located south of Lisbon. This wine is known as Moscatel de Setúbal, and is made from a blend of different muscat grape varieties. This is widely regarded as the authentic Moscatel.

7. Licor Beirão

Last but not least, Licor Beirão is a traditional Portuguese liqueur that has been produced for over a century. It’s made using a secret recipe that combines natural herbs, spices, and citrus fruits to create a unique and complex flavor.

The liqueur is named after the Beira region, which is located in central Portugal, where it was first created. Licor Beirāo is usually consumed after a meal or even added to cocktails.

It has a sweet and slightly herbal taste, with hints of cinnamon, anise, and orange peel. It’s also known for its smooth and silky texture, which is achieved through a careful blending process.

In recent years, Licor Beirão has gained popularity beyond Portugal’s borders and is now exported to over 40 countries around the world. 

Licor Beirāo. Photo by Maria das Dores (Unsplash)

Portugal Golden Visa not ending, only real estate scrapped

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

Unlike what was initially expected in February 2023, the Portugal Golden Visa is not coming to an end. Instead, certain investment options that make you eligible for the visa are being scrapped, predominantly related to real estate. So while it is true that you will no longer be able to purchase property to be eligible, there are still plenty of other investment avenues.

The Socialist Party wants to see whether the Golden Visa can survive without real estate which was the main investment choice for applicants.

Let’s take a look at which investment pathways are coming to an end for the Portugal Golden Visa:

  • Capital transfers of €1,500,000 or more will be rejected.
  • The purchase of real estate with a value equal to or exceeding €500,000 will be prohibited.
  • Investing in the rehabilitation of real estate properties that are at least 30 years old, requiring a total investment of €350,000 or more, will no longer be an available option.

However, these are still viable investment options that might grant you a Golden Visa:

  • Venture Capital Fund Investment: Capital transfers of €500,000 or above for the acquisition of participation units in venture capital funds.
  • Job Creation: Generating a minimum of 10 employment opportunities.
  • Research Funding: Investing €500,000 or more in research activities conducted by public or private scientific research institutions.
  • Cultural Heritage Support: Allocating €250,000 or more towards the promotion of artistic production, restoration, or preservation of national cultural heritage.
  • Commercial Company Investment: Capital transfers of €500,000 or higher for establishing a new commercial company with its headquarters in the national territory or increasing the share capital of an existing company, in addition to the creation of five permanent job positions.

Applying for the Portugal Golden Visa

The time window is closing if you are looking to obtain a Portugal Golden Visa. Financial and Immigration firms facilitating Portugal Golden Visa applications are urging those who wish to apply to do so as soon as possible.

There are resources to help you clear up any doubts and ensure you get in before the Golden Visa ends.

Holborn Assets, a leading global financial services company, is hosting a private webinar on April 15 at 5 pm Lisbon time (1 pm EST) for a live Q&A session.

  • Golden Visa basics, how to qualify, who can be included
  • New Investment Criteria for 2026
  • Golden Visa timeline and process
  • How to qualify with just 325,000 EUR – this exclusive offer includes investment loan financing to bridge the gap to reach the 500k minimum investment
  • What tax breaks are available?
  • Live Q&A for all questions

Register for FREE

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

Portugal Golden Visa: Benefits

Portugal’s Golden Visa was created in 2012 and has been seen as one of the most attractive investment visas in the world. The Golden Visa allows non-EU citizens to qualify for a residency permit and, eventually, a European passport through investments. The most common investment in this visa scheme’s last decade has been in real estate. 

portugal golden visa benefits

Citizenship & European Passport

After legally residing in Portugal for at least six years, the investor can apply for Portuguese citizenship and obtain a passport.

Visa Exemption

The Portugal Golden Visa allows you to enter Portugal and the Schengen area (26 EU Countries). You can travel freely without requiring a visa, essentially granting you the travel privileges of European Union citizens.

Ability to Stay in Portugal

The visa grants you the right to live, study and work in Portugal as if you were an EU citizen.

Family Perks

The Portugal Golden Visa does not only grant the investor privileges but also their family members. The program includes family reunification, meaning that a spouse, minor children, children over 18, children over 18 who are studying, and parents who are financially dependent on the investor are all granted the same rights. 

Permanent Residence

The investor can apply for permanent residence if they follow all the requirements and complete the five years necessary.

Tax Incentives

You will not be faced with any tax responsibility unless you become a tax resident, meaning you spend more than 183 days of the year in Portugal. If so, under the Portugal Gold Visa, you can follow the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime, where you transfer your tax residency to Portugal. Here are some of the benefits of this tax regime:

  • Income from “high value-added activities” is taxed at 20%. This includes employment and self-employment income from scientific, artistic, or technical activities performed in Portugal.
  • Foreign interest, dividends, rents, and property capital gains can be exempted from taxation. You will also not pay an inheritance or wealth tax.
  • Your pension income is taxed at a flat rate of 10%, including retirement savings and life insurance.

Considering Portugal’s Golden Visa Program? Everything you need to know + how to qualify with 325,000 EUR

If you’re interested in finding out the latest details about the Golden Visa program and want to take advantage of the new opportunities. Signup for a live Q&A webinar with an expert from Holborn Assets that will answer all your questions. The event is scheduled for April 15 at 5 PM Lisbon Time (1 PM EST). The live webinar will cover the following:

  • Golden Visa basics, how to qualify, who can be included
  • New Investment Criteria for 2026
  • Golden Visa timeline and process
  • How to qualify with just 325,000 EUR – this exclusive offer includes investment loan financing to bridge the gap to reach the 500k minimum investment
  • What tax breaks are available?
  • Live Q&A for all questions

Register for FREE

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

5 Best hotels in Olhāo

Lara Silva
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5 Best hotels in Olhāo

Olhão, a charming coastal town in the Algarve offers the perfect blend of beauty and hospitality. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or adventure, Olhão has it all. To help you choose the best accommodation, we’ve handpicked our favorite hotels in Olhão for a memorable stay. Let’s take a look at the 5 best hotels in Olhāo.

1. Real Marina Hotel & Spa

A 5-star hotel, Real Marina Hotel & Spa overlooks the Ria Formosa Nature Park and marina and offers luxurious suites with a balcony. Featuring indoor and outdoor pools with panoramic sea views, as well as a spa with 10 treatment rooms, a hot tub, a sauna, and a Turkish bath, this hotel’s facilities provide a relaxing experience. The hotel also features two restaurants with quality seafood dishes. The rooms feature a modern interior and are equipped with a minibar, flat-screen TV, and an ensuite bathroom. 

2. Real Marina Residence

Offering family apartments, Real Marina Residence has an incredible location right in front of the Ria Formosa and Olhāo marina. The top floor of the building features a swimming pool with panoramic views of the city. Guests can enjoy the health club, spa, and restaurants at the complex, just across the road. The modern apartments have one, two, and three bedrooms, the latter sleeping up to 8 people which come equipped with a kitchen, living area, and bathrooms made with natural stone.

 

3. Villas Marim

Located less than 1 kilometer from the wonderful Praia dos Cavacos, Villas Marim offers units ranging from studios to large villas that sleep 8 people. The villas feature a patio, pool views, a seating area, flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, as well as a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher. The property includes a large pool, water park, and barbecue area for the whole family to enjoy.

 

4. Monte das Perdizes

Located less than 3 kilometers from Praia dos Cavacos, Monte das Perdizes is a traditional farm guesthouse on a large plot of land that offers an outdoor swimming pool, a shared lounge, and a large outdoor terrace. The studios and guest rooms feature a flat-screen TV, private bathroom, and minibar. The studios come equipped with a kitchen with a dishwasher, oven, and stovetop. The guesthouse offers a continental breakfast available to guests every morning.

 

5. Quinta dos Poetas Nature Hotel & Apartments

Located in the countryside, Quinta dos Poetas offers comfortable apartments and guest rooms. The 4-star hotel features a large outdoor swimming pool and a large green space with lakes and native trees of the area, surrounding a fitness course. The rooms feature a flat-screen TV, a minibar, a safe, and a bathroom. Some include a balcony with panoramic views of the countryside. The apartments are located in a separate building with private parking, equipped with air-conditioning, a private terrace, a living room with a sofa bed, a bathroom, satellite TV, and a kitchenette.

 

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

Lara Silva
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0
Playing music at the beach could lead to fines up to €4,000

If the perfect beach day for you includes blasting your favorite music on some speakers, think again. Playing music at the beach could lead to fines of up to €4,000 in Portugal, warns the National Maritime Authorities (AMN).

The AMN told CNN Portugal that speakers that bother others “are prohibited at beaches”, as stated in Decree-Law No. 159/2012 of July 24. If you are a beachgoer who is bothered by loud music, on beaches under the jurisdiction of the National Maritime Authority, you can contact the agents to make a complaint.

If you enjoy playing music at the beach, the authorities recommend switching the speakers to headphones. The fines for not doing so can be extremely high, especially for legal entities. 

Fines violating this decree can range from €200 to €4,000 for individuals and from €2,000 to €36,000 for legal entities, as stipulated in Law No. 50/2006 of August 29, and additional penalties, such as the confiscation of the object used to commit the offense. 

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

Where to Stay in Aveiro: 5 Best Hotels in Aveiro

Lara Silva
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0
Where to Stay in Aveiro: 5 Best Hotels in Aveiro

If you’re planning a visit to the charming city of Aveiro, known as the “Venice of Portugal,” then you’ll want to find the perfect place to stay. Luckily, there are plenty of options when it comes to hotels in Aveiro, ranging from cozy guesthouses to luxurious resorts. Let’s take a look at the 5 best hotels in Aveiro, each offering its unique blend of comfort and style!

1. Melia Ria Hotel & Spa

A 4-star hotel, Melia Ria Hotel & Spa is located in the heart of Aveiro and features a restaurant, an indoor swimming pool, as well as a spa and wellness center. The spa is equipped with a heated pool, sauna, fitness center, and massage treatment room. The suites at the hotel include an en suite bathroom, air conditioning, an LCD TV, a telephone, and a minibar.

 

2. Hotel Aveiro Palace

Located in a historical building in the center of Aveiro, Hotel Aveiro Palace is a 4-star hotel that overlooks the Central Canal filled with the iconic “Moliceiros” boats. The hotel was initially founded in 1937 as Arcada Hotel and was recently renovated. Designed with parquet floors, the rooms are soundproofed and feature a satellite TV, a private bathroom, a seating area, and a work desk. The breakfast room feature a tiled wall from 1937 and guest can enjoy a breakfast buffet here with seasonal ingredients.

 

3. 1877 Estrela Palace

A 5-star hotel, 1877 Estrela Palace is located in the heart of Aveiro, close to the University of Aveiro. The hotel features a 24-hour front desk, a bar, a shared lounge, and a terrace. The suites at the hotel come with a large wardrobe, a private bathroom, bathrobes, a flat-screen TV, and air conditioning. The traditional palace offers an elevated atmosphere and guests can enjoy a delicious continental breakfast at the premises.

 

4. Hotel Moliceiro

A 4-star hotel, Hotel Moliceiro is less than 8 kilometers from Barra Beach and features bright rooms with classic furnishing, as well as a modern touch. The rooms have a flat-screen TV, ensuite bathroom, and minibar. Guests can enjoy the large buffet breakfast available every morning at the hotel, produced from seasonal ingredients.

5. Quinta das Aguias 

If you’re looking for a holiday home, perfect for the whole family, Quinta das Aguias is the spot for you. Located 10 kilometers from the city center of Aveiro, Quinta das Aguias is a two-bedroom home that sleeps up to 8 people. This place features a private pool, a garden, a flat-screen TV, a kitchen, a washing machine, as well as 2 bathrooms. Guests can enjoy their time on the outdoor terrace, as well as hike around the site as there are trails close to the home.

 

Taylor Swift tour coming to Portugal in 2024

Lara Silva
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Taylor Swift tour coming to Portugal in 2024

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay in Faro: 5 Best Hotels in Faro

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

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

1. 3HB Faro

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

 

2. Roots Hotel

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

 

3. Cardeal Suites & Apartments

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

 

4. Hotel Faro & Beach Club

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

 

5. Alameda Exclusive House

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

 

5 Best Parks and Green Spaces in Lisbon

Lara Silva
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5 Best Parks and Green Spaces in Lisbon

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

1. Jardim da Estrela

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

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

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

2. Parque Eduardo VII

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

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

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

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

Parque Eduardo VII. Photo by Kit Suman (Unsplash)

3. Gulbenkian Gardens

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

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

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

4. Parque Florestal de Monsanto

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

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

Monsanto. Photo by Eslam Tolba (Unsplash)

5. Lisbon Botanical Garden

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

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

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