A two-bedroom apartment in Braga was purchased for 3 bitcoin on May 5, 2022, the first crypto-only transaction for a property purchase in the history of Portugal. At the time, the 3 bitcoin were worth around €110,000. The purchase happened without having to convert the crypto into euros, making it not only the first property transaction in Portugal but all of Europe.
Real estate company Zome participated in the deal, as well as the law firm Antas da Cunha Ecija and Crypto Valley. Zome said on Facebook that “the deed represents a historic mark, the transference of digital crypto to a physical asset – a house – without converting it to euros. We believe today a new world of possibilities is open for the real estate sector!”.
A change to the rules last month made it so that one can purchase property with crypto alone, without any currency conversion necessary. Zome has said they are open to including other crypto tokens in the future such as dogecoin.
According to Idealista, in order to combat money laundering, there are additional requirements for a deed of a property purchased with cryptocurrency. The following requirements are necessary to purchase property with crypto in Portugal:
Necessary to show where the money came from (bank account)
Understand the route of the money until it reached its digital function (bitcoin)
The number of the digital wallet
Identify those involved in the transaction (name, profession, address)
Prove that the money leaves a wallet to the other in the moment of the transaction
For an authentic island vacation in Madeira, you must explore the nightlife in Funchal. With clubs that have been gracing the island for decades, Madeira’s nightlife scene is welcoming to a diverse age group. From tracks from the 80s to pop and techno, Funchal club nights satisfy every music lover out there. But before we get into the best clubs in Funchal for an unforgettable night out, let’s get into the nightlife culture and what to expect. In Madeira, you start off at a bar until around at least 1 am and then you head out to your favorite club for some dancing. If you decide to go to the club earlier, chances are it could be empty. Clubs usually close anywhere between 7 and 8 am so you can literally party all night long.
If you’re overwhelmed by the endless nightlife options, we have selected our 4 favorite clubs – your very own guide to clubs in Funchal, Madeira.
Founded 36 years ago, Vespas is a known club for locals and tourists alike, offering nights out of various musical genres with a good environment and positive energy. The large venue includes seven bars, as well as three famous rooms called Vespas, Jam, and Marginal. The resident DJ of the Vespas room is Romano Faria, also known as OXY, a DJ with over 20 years of experience. DJ Ricardo Campos is the resident of Jam, an iconic figure of Madeira nightlife with over 30 years of experience. The room marginal welcomes DJ Miguel Rodrigues, also known as Migs, specializing in electronic music from Chill Out to techno.
2. Copacabana
Located in the Madeira Casino, Copacabana is one of the most iconic clubs in Madeira, welcoming guests of all generations. The main DJ Luis Goncalves plays a variety of music genres, from classics to tracks topping the charts today. Copacabana features a high-quality sound system and 12 video screens for an elevated nightlife experience. Along with welcoming various DJs, Copacabana hosts live concerts of national and international artists.
Photo provided by establishment.Photo provided by establishment.
3. Mini Eco Bar
Located in Funchal, Mini Eco Bar is an eco-friendly bar and club for a guilt-free night out. The place’s furniture has been sourced through Fresh Home, where the pieces displayed have been made out of waste. All the waste produced at the bar is recycled, the LEDs lighting the space are low consumption, and all the appliances are classed A for energy efficiency. Along with hosting incredible nights out, Mini Eco Bar welcomes new artists and regularly displays groundbreaking art and performances. Portuguese DJs such as Joao Garcia, Rodrigo Portugal, and Maria Branco have played at Mini Eco Bar.
Photo provided by establishment.Photo provided by establishment.
4. Dubaï Club
Dubaï club offers three floors of entertainment and fun. The first floor features the club and dance floor for those seeking to dance the night away. The second floor is a lounge with a comfortable seating area for those in need of a break from the commotion. Last but not least, the third floor features an outdoor terrace where guests can appreciate the view and enjoy some delicious shisha. This club is actually one of the first on the island to sell shisha and make it a large part of the nightlife in Madeira. From Brazilian music to tracks topping the charts, Dubaï club’s music scene is diverse so that anyone can find a night out for them.
Portugal is famous for its culturally rich history, Cristiano Ronaldo, Fado, as well as delicious wine and food, but there’s so much most don’t know about the country. So let’s get straight to it, here are 17 fun facts about Portugal that will blow your mind!
1. Portugal is one of the oldest nations in Europe
The borders of the nation of Portugal were defined in 1139, making it not only one of the oldest nations in the world but arguably in all of Europe. Portugal appointed King Afonso Henriques as its king that year. Fun fact: Lisbon is actually four centuries older than Rome. Before it was known as Portugal, the territory had been settled by various empires and civilizations such as by the Phoenicians in 1200 BC.
2. The oldest operating bookstore in the world is located in Lisbon
Located in Chiado, Livraria Bertrand holds the Guinness world record for the world’s oldest bookstore still in operation, founded in 1732. With over 250 years of history, Bertrand was opened by Peter Faure as a small shop and was once a hotspot for Portuguese intellectuals across the decades. In 2010, the bookstore became part of the Porto Editora group and branches opened all over the country. However, the Lisbon bookstore remains a historical and cultural landmark for book lovers.
3. Portugal is one of the most peaceful countries
In 2021, Portugal came in 4th place on the Global Peace Index (GPI), making it one of the most peaceful countries in the world, behind Iceland, New Zealand, and Denmark. Portugal is thus one of the safest countries in the world with little violence.
4. There are over 250 million Portuguese speakers around the globe
Portuguese is one of the 10 most spoken languages in the world, with over 250 million Portuguese speakers around the globe. Portuguese is the official language in 9 countries including Brazil, Mozambique, Angola, Portugal, Guinea-Bissau, East Timor, Equatorial Guinea, Macau, Cape Verde, and São Tomé and Príncipe. Therefore it’s not that surprising that only 5% of Portuguese speakers live in Portugal.
5. Portugal is home to the world’s largest cork forest
After bacalhau and the Barcelos rooster, an iconic Portuguese symbol is cork. Portugal is the biggest cork producer in the world and produces more than 50% of the world’s cork supply. It is also home to the world’s largest cork forests, making up 34% of the world’s area of cork forests. The Amorim Family of Portuguese billionaire Américo Amorim made their multi-billion-dollar fortune in the cork industry.
6. Lisbon suffered one of the world’s largest natural disasters in world history
On November 1st, 1755 an earthquake hit Lisbon, destroying almost the entirety of the city. Seismologists estimate the earthquake had a magnitude of 7.7 or more. The earthquake generated a 6-meter-high tsunami that caused many to drown. The death toll in Lisbon was between 12,000 and 60,000 people, making it one of the deadliest earthquakes in history.
7. Portugal lived under a fascist dictatorship for over 40 years
Not many know this outside of Portugal, but for over 40 years, the Portuguese lived under a fascist dictatorship under the rule of Antonio Salazar. On the 25 of April 1974 the “Carnation Revolution”, a peaceful military coup, overthrew the dictatorship. This day signifies the end of decades of oppression, torture by PIDE (Salazar’s police), and the beginning of the end of Portuguese colonization. It’s a day of freedom, “Liberdade”.
8. The maximum prison sentence in Portugal is 25 years
The Portuguese Penal Code states that a person must not be sentenced to a prison sentence longer than 25 years. This means that even if multiple crimes such as homicides are committed, no one will serve more than 25 years in prison. Naturally, the death penalty is also not present in Portugal.
9. Portugal decriminalized all drugs in 2001, the first country in the world to do so
On July 1, 2001, Portugal became the first country in the world to decriminalize all drugs, including meth and heroin. The law made drug possession for personal use legally prohibited, while drug trafficking remains a criminal offense. The change in law was applied as a measure to fight the heightened drug epidemic of the 90s and the rise of HIV cases. Portugal now has some of the lowest drug usage rates in the European Union (EU), where most countries hold criminalization models.
Nazaré is the go-to for surfing huge waves as it has set world records, making it a permanent spot on the World Surg League Big Wave Tour. In 2013, McNamara broke his own world record by serving an estimated 30-meter wave off the coast of Nazaré. However, the official Guinness World Record for the largest wave ever surfed is currently held by Brazil’s Rodrigo Koxa, who caught an almost 25-meter wave at Praia do Norte, Nazaré in Portugal in 2017.
11. Around 8 million travel to the site of the miracle of Fatima every year
In 1917, three shepherd children witnessed the apparition of Mary, the Mother of Jesus, six times over six months. These three apparitions and the spread of the messages throughout the city culminated in the Miracle of the Sun, allegedly witnessed by over 70,000 people. There are many accounts of what this miracle consisted of but most say that after a period of rain, the skies cleared and the sun appeared as a spinning disc in the sky with radiant colors. Over 100 years later, around 8 million pilgrims travel to the Sanctuary of Fatima every year to visit the site of the apparitions and of the Miracle of the Sun. Take a look at our guide to Fatima so you can plan your visit.
12. Europe’s most westernmost point is located in Portugal
Cabo da Roca, located on the western end of the Sintra mountains on the coast of the Atlantic ocean, is in fact the westernmost point in Europe. Also known as Cape Roca, this point is a narrow granite cliff that is 144 meters high and boasts views of the Atlantic ocean, once known to the Romans as Promonotorium Magnum.
13. Portugal is a European leader in sustainable energy
In March of 2018, Portugal generated 100% of its energy through renewable sources such as hydro, wind, and solar power. In 2020, Portugal ranked as the 4th green country in the European Union across six categories, including waste, energy, greenhouse gases, air quality, fresh water, and natural land. Portugal was also among the first countries in the world to set 2050 carbon neutrality goals.
14. Portugal is one of the best places in the world to retire
Portugal is one of the best places in the world to retire, according to the International Living’s Annual Global Retirement Index and Forbes. With a low cost of living and tax incentives, retirees come from all over the world to settle down in Portugal. Retirees can make use of the NHR regime, a quality healthcare system, and an all-around high standard of living. Take a look at our guide to retiring in Portugal.
15. The Vasco da Gama bridge was the longest in Europe (when it opened)
The Vasco da Gama bridge crosses 17 kilometers over the River Tagus in Lisbon and opened in 1998, at the time, making it the longest bridge in Europe. The bridge was named after the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama who discovered the sea route from Europe to India. Today, it is the second-longest bridge in Europe, after the Crimean Bridge, but it remains the longest bridge in the European Union.
16. Portugal is known as the “country of tiles”
Since 2013, it’s been forbidden to demolish buildings with tile-covered façades in Lisbon to protect their cultural heritage. These glazed blue ceramic tiles from the 14th century decorate the streets, buildings, and monuments of Portuguese cities. The azulejo is also commonly displayed in Portuguese homes, as well as train stations, restaurants, and fountains. Tiles were originally created to protect the walls of houses from low temperatures, not for aesthetic purposes.
17. The birth rate in Portugal is below the EU average
Portugal has one of the lowest birth rates in the EU, standing at 7.7% in 2021. The birth rate has been decreasing exponentially since the 1950s. The Socialist Party (PS) has included major measures to tackle the low birth rate in the proposed state budget for 2022/2023, such as providing free childcare for kids up to 1 years old.
Family doctors with patients that carry out voluntary abortions could be penalized if the Portuguese government accepts a proposal with new evaluation criteria for the Family Health Unit model B (USF-B), reports Publico. Proposed by the Central Health System Administration (ACSS) and validated by the Directorate‑General of Health of Portugal (DGS), the new criteria were sent to the Ministry of Health last year and are being analyzed.
The criteria include not only penalization of doctors for the voluntary abortions of their patient list, but also for the presence of sexually transmitted diseases (STD) in women. The argument for the criteria is that these are caused by a failure in adequate “family planning”.
Under the Family Health Unit model B (USF-B) for specific activities, if certain goals are achieved, doctors and their teams can receive an extra amount of money added to their salary. This measure would mean they would be penalized if their patients undergo voluntary abortions and have STDs. Under the new criteria, if there is proof that a woman has had an STD or abortion in the 12 months prior, the doctor and tram would not receive this extra amount.
The National Federation of Doctors (FNAM) has criticized the criteria and sent a complaint to the Commission of Citizenship and Gender Equality, saying that “the monitorization of STDs in women – a monitorization that is not the same for men – configures gender discrimination” and is a “sign of civilization regression”.
Similarly, the President of the Portuguese Order of Doctors Miguel Guimaraes is worried that the measure “is using a right of women, fundamental to them, as an indicator of failure, which makes no sense”. He says that this “is a totally unacceptable situation and it surprises me that the Directorate‑General of Health of Portugal (DGS) has approved this”.
Maria Joao Tiago, from the Labor Union of Independent Doctors, has said it is unacceptable that a patient who has undergone an abortion is considered a failure of a family doctor for lack of family planning.
It is unclear whether the Ministry of Health will approve the new criteria. However, in parliament on Tuesday, Marta Temido, the Minister of Health said that abortion rights will be guaranteed in Portugal. When questioned by Catarina Martins, the coordinator of the Left Bloc (BE), Temido explained that the measure considers voluntary abortions “as a failure in the follow-up of family planning conducted by health professionals. All of them know that an abortion penalizes women physically and mentally”.
Catarina Martins disliked this explanation, saying that “the simple consideration that an abortion is a failure in family planning is an unacceptable moral judgment”. She said that even with adequate family planning, an accident can happen where someone needs to have an abortion, and “it is not up to us to judge the reasons why”.
Is abortion legal in Portugal?
Abortion only became legal in Portugal in 2007, with a national referendum where 59% of voters chose to legalize abortion. Prior to 2007, those undergoing abortions faced up to three years in prison, except in cases of rape and danger to health. However, abortions can only be performed if the pregnancy has not exceeded 10 weeks. Abortions at later stages are only allowed for particular reasons such as rape.
In 2015 Portugal tightened its abortion laws after religious groups led to changes in the law. A mandatory three-day waiting period is now enforced called a “reflection period”. Psychological counseling before ending a pregnancy became recommended.
Abortions are free in Portugal. However, they are not carried out in private hospitals, only in official public hospitals and establishments. Only the pregnant person can request an abortion. However, if they are mentally incapable or under 16 years old, a legal representative will need to request an abortion.
Portugal has qualified for the Eurovision Song Contest 2022 Final in Turin, Italy on Tuesday night with Maro’s “Saudade, Saudade”. Mariana Secca, also known as Maro, will perform in the Grand Final’s first half on Saturday, May 14. Her song “Saudade, Saudade” is an indie-pop track released via Universal music that peaked in the top 5 in the charts in Portugal and reflects missing someone that has passed. She was accompanied by the voices of Beatriz Fonseca, Beatriz Pessoa, Carolina Leite, Diana Castro and Milhanas.
— Festival da Canção Archive/News (@fdcarchive) May 10, 2022
The following countries also qualified for the final in yesterday’s first semi-final: Armenia, France, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Switzerland, Ukraine, Iceland, Lithuania, Greece, and Moldova. The seven acts that did not qualify were Albania, Latvia, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Denmark, and Austria.
The first semi-final result was determined through a combination of jury and televoters, the latter of which took place during the live broadcast of the show. Those of the 17 countries participating in the first semi-final plus France and Italy were allowed to vote. The detailed results with the voting points will be revealed after the Grand Final on Saturday.
The second semi-final happens on Thursday where 18 other countries will compete for a spot in Saturday’s final. This includes Finland, Israel, Serbia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Malta, San Marino, Australia, Cyprus, Ireland, North Macedonia, Estonia, Romania, Poland, Montenegro, Belgium, Sweden, and the Czech Republic.
The Grand Final will include 10 winners from each semi-final and the “big five” who automatically qualify: France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom.
Portugal won the Eurovision Song Contest once in 2017, with Salvador Sobral’s song
Amar Pelos Dois”. The first time Portugal participated in Eurovision was in 1964, missing five editions in 1970, 2000, 2002, 2013, and 2016.
In the amazing Setúbal and Tróia peninsula, sits a wine region that has a long history and importance to Portugal and has been getting more and more prestige recently.
The Setúbal region is divided among the DOC Setúbal, reserved for the Moscatel wines, and the DOC Palmela, as well as the Geographical Indication (IG) of Península de Setúbal.
This region is starting to become a very looked-after tourist destination, namely because of the amazing natural places it has, such as the National Parks of Arrábida and Marinho D. Luís Saldanha (the first one, being considered for recognition as a Natural and Cultural Heritage of Mankind), the Natural Reserve of the Sado Estuary, the Protected Landscape of Arriba Fóssil da Caparica. Besides this, the region is also known for its diversity and history, filled with amazing historic buildings and great tourist infrastructures.
The touristic importance of the place is complemented by the importance of its wine, with a lot of people doing wine tourism in the region. The region is known for its wonderful wines that have played a leading role in the history of wine in Portugal.
Its main variety would probably be the Moscatel de Setúbal, one of Portugal’s most known and renowned wines! This is a Portuguese muscatel wine produced in this region, around the actual municipality of Setúbal. Its history dates back a long time and its impact still lingers on Portuguese history.
The wine production in this region goes back a long way, with the probability of this being the first wine-producing region in what is now Portugal.
Firstly, it was thought that it was brought to the region by the Phoenicians, around 2400 years ago, who used to trade in the region, namely on the estuaries of the rivers Sado and Tejo. The trade would usually consist of the Phoenicians trying to get metals and exchanging this for products such as wine and olive oil vases.
Then, it was thought that maybe it was the Tartessians that started planting vineyards and producing wine in the region, entering through the Sado river around the year 2000 BC.
However, more recently, there were grape seeds found in the Setúbal peninsula dating back to the 8th century BC. This shows that there was an ancient culture of grapes in the region! Nonetheless, it is not known if these grapes were used for wine-making.
But what is known is that, from the arrival of wine to the region until now, this has been a well-known production of Setúbal from then on. The other cultures that have passed through there have consumed and produced the Setúbal wine, such as the Greeks, the Romans, and even the Muslims, who let the Christians living in the land produce, consume and trade the wine.
Finally, Portugal, as we know it now, was created, and wine has still been cultivated in the region. The Setúbal Peninsula became a well-known wine-producing region both in Portugal and the surroundings. From the 12th until the 15th centuries, the region also became a main wine-exporting place, especially due to the advances made by the religious order that had taken the wine production for themselves.
The Muscatel wine, produced in Setúbal from times immemorial, became known throughout Europe. Its fame started when, in the 14th century, the English king Richard II started to regularly import the ‘Moscatel de Setúbal’.
In the 15th and 16th centuries, during the Portuguese expansionist period, the wine would travel with the Portuguese sailors to India, Brazil, Angola, and the other colonies. Sometimes, the wine would be exposed to the hot sun of these regions or immersed in the heated water that would flood the bottom of the ships. This, surprisingly, increased the already great quality of this fortified wine, creating the ‘Vinho da Roda’ or ‘Torna Viagem’ (Wheel Wine or Round Trip). This happened too with other fortified wines, like the Madeira wine.
Then, in the 17th century, during the reign of Louis XIV of France, its prestige only grew, with the king being known to have this wine always present at his parties in Versailles. Léon Douarche, a French wine connoisseur, refered to the Moscatel de Setúbal as “The Sun in a bottle”.
The region was also known, in the 19th century for having the largest continuous vineyard in the world, with around 4000 hectares of vineyards in a single farm, all belonging to one producer.
Nowadays, this region’s farms have been known for making very good and prestigious wines and winning multiple international competitions, with the vineyards overall occupying an area of around 8000 hectares.
The most well-known wine type of the region is obviously the Moscatel de Setúbal. It has always been a great wine, renowned national and international, as we’ve seen.
Being a fortified wine, like, for example, the Port wine, it shares some similarities. However, unlike the Port, the Moscatel de Setúbal is wood aged until it’s bottled.
It can be made out of a single vintage grape variety or of a “non-vintage” one, with a blend of several vintages. The wine tends to be at the freshest and fruitiest point, with more pronounced apricot notes, at around 5 to 6 years of age. The older they are, the darker they become, with more aromas and flavors of raisin, caramel and nut.
Moscatel is the only wine that can be produced with the DOC Setúbal denomination, more specifically wines of the Moscatel de Setúbal and Moscatel Roxo variety. These are the traditional varieties of the region and the DOC wines should have a high percentage of these grapes in them.
Soil and Climate in Setúbal
There are mainly 2 types of landscape in the Setúbal wine region: one very hilly one, with vineyards on the limestone and clayey-calcareous slopes of the Serra da Arrábida; and another one very flat or undulated, where the soil is mostly sandy and poor, but adapted very well to the production of high-quality vines.
As for the climate, it’s a Mediterranean one, very tempered, with hot and dry summers, as well as mild but rainy winters with high humidity, due to its proximity to the sea. Only in the region closest to the Serra da Arrábida (because of the high altitude) does the climate get a more Atlantic feel to it.
Grape Types in Setúbal
The main red wine grape types used in the Setúbal region are Trincadeira and Castelão, also known as Periquita (this one usually used for the red Palmela wines, since it does best in Palmela’s warm and loose sandy soil, making the wine get a very good depth and complexity).
The Castelão wines are usually more structured and with fruity flavors, such as cherry, currant acorn chestnut, candied plum, blackberry, and raspberry aromas. They are wines with great aging potential.
As for white wines, it’s usually Arinto, Fernão Pires, and Moscatel Graúdo, this last one is mainly used for fortified wines.
To be awarded the DOC seal of Moscatel de Setubal, the wines must be mainly made out of Muscat of Alexandria or Moscatel Roxo grapes. It can, however, have up to 30% of other grape types in the mix, such as Arinto, Boais, Diagalves, Fernao Pires, Malvasia, Olho de Lebre, Rabo de Ovelha, Roupeiro, Talia, Tamarez and Vital.
As for the DOC Palmela, the approved grape types include Alfrocheiro, Arinto, Cabernet Sauvignon, Fernao Pires, Muscat of Alexandria, Periquita, Rabo de Ovelha, Roupeiro, Tamarez and Tinta Amarela.
Setúbal Wine Suggestions: Best Setúbal Wine
If you want to try this wine, here’s some brands that you should try, according to the 2021 competition made by the Península de Setúbal Wine Region Comission:
José Maria da Fonseca (Moscatel)
Casa Ermelinda Freitas (more specifically, the ‘Terras do Pó’ white wine)
Make the most out of this trip to the incredible Setúbal region! See the amazing Arrábica Natural Park, the famous beaches of Portinho da Arrábida and Figueirinha and the Arrábida Mountain, as well as the fishing town of Sesimbra and its Moorish castle.
Finally, head to the vineyards to see how the region’s wine is made and, obviously, taste the surely amazing results!
Start the trip in Lisbon and cross the longest bridge in Europe, the Vasco da Gama Bridge, to get to the Setúbal Peninsula. Visit the towns of Palmela, Setúbal and Sesimbra while eating the traditional food and tasting the Moscatel de Setúbal.
Then, in Azeitão, before visiting this noble village, visit one of the oldest wineries in the region and enjoy another wine tasting.
This is a trip completely dedicated to wine! Visit the two largest wineries in the region, with a guided tour of both of them where you will learn about their histories, the families, and traditions while tasting up to 5 different wines that they produce (one of them being the famous Moscatel Roxo). You will have the opportunity to buy the wine afterward and the regional cheeses that go great with them, directly from the producers.
Tuesday night is the first semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2022 in Turin, Italy where the first 17 songs will compete and 10 will qualify for Saturday’s Grand Final. Portugal is set to have a qualification chance of 92% with Maro’s “Saudade, Saudade”.
The final involves 25 countries, 10 that will qualify today during the first semi-final, and 10 more that will qualify in the second semi-final on Thursday. The “Big Five” have an immediate place in the final, France, Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the host country Italy.
The singer Maro will represent Portugal in this year’s Eurovision, after winning the Song Festival. For tonight’s semi-final, Maro will sing the song “Saudade, Saudade” by herself, but in the final on Saturday, her performance will be accompanied by a female choir with Beatriz Pessoa, Beatriz Fonseca, Carolina Leite, and Sara Badalo.
Also known as Maro, Mariana Secca comes from Lisbon and began studying piano at 4 years old. She studied at the Berklee College of Music in Boston and then moved to Los Angeles where she collaborated with Grammy-winning singer and songwriter Jacob Collier.
Her song “Saudade, Saudade” is an indie-pop track released via Universal music that peaked in the top 5 in the charts in Portugal. While there is no direct translation of the word “saudade”, it means a feeling of longing or nostalgia for someone, essentially missing someone. The song is performed in Portuguese and English.
Maro told Eurovision the song is about the loss of a grandparent, saying “I think it’s just something intimate, it’s something so personal. It’s about loss, but it’s also about celebration. It’s crazy how impactful our grandparents can be, and how it’s a reference to so many values, including unconditional love”.
The following countries will compete tonight, along with Portugal: Albania, Latvia, Lithuania, Switzerland, Slovenia, Ukraine, Bulgaria, the Netherlands, Moldova, Croatia, Denmark, Australia, Iceland, Greece, Norway, and Armenia.
Portugal only won the Eurovision Song Contest once in 2017, with Salvador Sobral’s song
Amar Pelos Dois”. The first time Portugal participated in Eurovision was in 1964, missing five editions in 1970, 2000, 2002, 2013, and 2016.
⬇️Who do you think will win this year’s Eurovision? Let us know in the comments below⬇️
One of the oldest in Europe, Porto’s historical center is a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1996! It is no surprise that Porto is a city with a rich history and culture, in which music has always played a large part. From the traditional music of Fado to jazz and mainstream music festivals, Porto’s music scene does not disappoint. This city makes it easy to experience quality live music at affordable price points. If you are unsure where to head out to first, this Porto Music Guide will show you the best music spots in Porto.
A terrace bar with views of Douro River, there is no better sunset spot for some live music than Mirajazz. Mirajazz was first born in 2014 as a project of Group Musical de Miragaia, an association that is almost 100 years old. After becoming a project, Mirajazz became a bar company and event organization in 2017. They host regular live jazz performances, as well as performances from other music genres.
Casa da Musica means House of Music and is an iconic concert hall in the center of the city, built in 2005. Designed by architect Rem Koolhaas, the concert hall is more than just the location of incredible performances, but is also an outstanding architectural building. Casa da Music has hosted performances by various artists and groups such as Miguel Araujo and Natiruts.
Fado na Baixa hosts unique live fado shows, a form of Portuguese singing that is now part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. The performance happens in a small auditorium, fusing popular versions of fado with the original style from the 1820s. This ticket includes a Tawny Port wine tasting while you witness the talented performers.
Experience a 45-minute fado show with a Calem Port wine tasting for an incredible experience by booking this ticket. The Port wine is locally grown in the vineyards of Porto and provides an authentic cultural experience. You will also get to explore the Calem wine cellar to find out more about the history of wine in Porto.
Founded in 2006, Plano B boasts long red curtains which open up to a Boho-Chic venue, filled with different sofas, mirrors, and furniture that provide a retro environment. The club is split into two floors and three rooms with different atmospheres. The main room is the Cubo club where house and techno DJs from all over the world play. The Palco room is where Plano B hosts concerts of all music genres. On the top floor, a cultural area hosts exhibitions of visual arts, design, architecture, dance, and more. Various iconic DJs have visited Plano B such as Jamie XX, Peaches, Move D, and more.
Photo provided by establishment.
2. Maus Habitos
Located in front of Coliseu do Porto, translating to Bad Habits, Maus Habitos hosts an art gallery, a lounge bar, an interior yard and terrace, a concert hall, and more. From art, food, drink, and dancing, you’ll find all kinds of fun at Maus Habitos. Maus Habitos is located on the fourth with an elevator available to take you to one of the best nights out in your life. DJs such as Gudrun Gut, SCREWED, and Beat Palace by Beatbombers have performed at Maus Habitos.
Photographer: Celine Marie. Photo provided by establishment.
3. Gare
Founded almost 15 years ago, Gare opens its doors everynight to the alternative electronic music scene, particularly drum and bass and techno. Considered one of the best clubs in Europe, Gare features a granite lobby that leads into a long tunnel that holds the dancefloor. A small lounge has couches and tables for visitors to relax. This might be a small space but big artists have graced its walls. DJs such as Steve Parker, Freddy K, and Ana Pacheco have played at Gare, as well as many others.
Primavera Sound is one of the largest music festivals in Europe and the largest in the Mediterranean. The Festival’s success in Barcelona led to its expansion to Porto, Portugal in 2012. The 2019 edition of Primavera Sound in Porto welcomed over 220,000 people with similar numbers set for the 2022 edition. This year’s festival line-up in Porto includes Tame Impala, Gorillaz, Nick Cave, Grimes, Jhay Cortes, Little Simz, and more. The festival presents all music genres including indie, rock, and pop, as well as electronic music.
Photo by Eduardo Filho IG @edrpf
2. Neopop 10 – 13 August 2022
For the last 10 years, Neopop is one of Portugal’s most well-known electronic music festivals, located in the town of Viana do Castelo in the region of Braga, around 50 minutes away from Porto. If you are a techno fan, put Neopop on your festival bucket list. The festival is located within a 16th-century fort wall and an industrial harbor site with shipping containers. This year, Neopop welcomes Paula Temple, Nina Kraviz, Dax J, DJ Nobu, and more.
3. Vodafone Paredes de Coura 16 – 20 August 2022
Festival Paredes de Coura is one of the oldest festivals in Portugal, for the last 26 years inviting the best names in the national and worldwide music industry to perform. The festival has made the list of the top 5 music festivals in Europe by Rolling Stone. Located in Praia Fluvial do Taboão in Caminho do Agrelo, Paredes De Coura is known for its alternative music scene, around an hour and 20 minutes away from Porto. This year’s performers include Arlo Parks, Princess Nokia, Beach House, The Blaze, Slowthai, The Comet Is Coming, Yellow Days, and more. The festival also dedicates a whole day to Portuguese music, highlighting major artists such as Sam The Kid and Linda Martini.
Home to Port wine, street art, and “francesinhas”, Porto might not be as known for its nightlife as Lisbon, but the bars of the city are just as amazing. One of the oldest in Europe, Porto’s historical center is a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1996. It is no surprise that Porto’s nightlife is rich in history and culture where you get to try some of the best wines in the world for affordable prices. If you’re overwhelmed by the endless bar options in the city, we have selected our favorite bars in Porto so that you can avoid the tourist traps and experience Porto like a local. If you’re looking to hit the Porto clubs afterward, take a look at our favorite clubs in Porto.
An Irish-style Pub, Bonaparte Downtown is located in Foz do Douro, between Foz Castle and Cheese Castle. This pub has more than 30 years of history, inviting an alternative crowd throughout the decades. Also known as “Bona”, the music played here provides homage to the 80s and in “British” style, you can watch a soccer game on a large screen while drinking a beer.
This place takes cocktails seriously, you won’t be drinking your average cocktail. In fact, Royal Cocktail is one of the top 26 Cocktail Bars in the Iberian Peninsula. You can try some of the most delicious cocktails at this sophisticated bar that has been produced by specialists with unique ingredients. The downstairs floor provides a more relaxing environment where guests can settle down in the lounge with sofas.
Photo provided by establishment.
3. Capela Incomum
A two-story wine bar located in a 19th-century building inside a chapel, Capela Incomum is the spot to try wines from several Portuguese regions, as well as try out some traditional tapas. Capela Incomum also hosts Fado nights and wine tastings for an authentic evening out. The wine bar opened in 2016 founded by owner Francisca Lobão who wanted to show guests the wide selection of wines available in Portugal.
Photo provided by establishment.Photo provided by establishment.
4. Mirajazz
A terrace bar with views of Douro River, there is no better sunset spot than Mirajazz. Mirajazz was first born in 2014 as a project of Group Musical de Miragaia, an association that is almost 100 years old. After becoming a project, Mirajazz became a bar company and event organization in 2017. When you visit, you might be lucky enough to visit on the day of a live jazz performance. Try out the Nortada, a craft beer brewed in Porto!
Photo provided by establishment.Photo provided by establishment.
5. The Gin House
Located in Baixa, The Gin House caters to gin fanatics. This gin bar has more than 150 imported gin brands and luxurious tonic waters, allowing the bartenders to produce the most delicious drinks. The Gin House offers a multitude of gin cocktails so you will never have to order the same drink. You can also personalize your own gin and tonic, choosing from a variety of grapes, flower petals, as well as gin and tonic brands.
Photo provided by establishment.Photo provided by establishment.
6. Base Porto
Located near Clerigos Tower, Base is an urban garden with an outdoor bar in the center of Porto. Performances regularly happen at Base, with a team curating a weekly agenda. The open-air bar features wooden benches, picnic rugs, and many seating options throughout the urban garden with views of the city center. Have a try out one of their cocktails and sit by the grass for a relaxing experience away from the city, within the city.
7. Cervejaria do Carmo
Born in 2017 in the center of Porto, Cervejaria do Carmo or Carmo Brewery is a space dedicated to craft beer from national and international brands. Guests walk into a relaxed atmosphere, the bar boasting wooden touches and dimmed lighting. Carmo Brewery also features a covered outdoor terrace for those rainy days. They offer 15 different brands of draft beer and also plenty of bottled beers, as well as Port wine and regular wine. For the hungry ones, they also have plenty of snacks like cheese toasties.
Photo provided by establishment.Photo provided by establishment.
8. Aduela
Aduela is a local spot, probably one of the best-known little bars in Porto. The perfect place to sample some Portuguese wines from several regions without hurting your wallet. Aduela also serves snacks and Portuguese tapas such as tremocos for an authentic experience. “They also have a lovely sangria for those warm summer nights. You can always order a drink and stand on the street, as many do in the summer when the bar is packed.
Photo provided by establishment.Photo provided by establishment.
9. Catraio Craft Beer Shop
The Catraio Craft Beer Shop is both a bar and a store where craft beer connoisseurs come together. Colorful bottled craft beers fill the walls of this place, making guests want to try every single one. This place has a beer garden open during the summer, as well as a terrace in Rua de Cedofeita. You can find over 100 brands of craft beer at Catraio, as well as regular tasting and workshops hosted at the shop.
Photo provided by establishment.Photo provided by establishment.
Many regions of the country will see temperatures over 30°C (86°F) which meteorologists have argued will increase the risk of fires. The Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) said on Friday, “Today and tomorrow temperatures will rise gradually. In mainland Portugal, we will see temperatures between 25°C (77°F) and 33°C (91.4°F), while temperatures might be higher in the interior regions of Alentejo”.
Temperatures will remain high through next week which is uncommon this time of year. An anticyclone near the Bay of Biscay is contributing to the warmer and dryer weather. Along with the lack of rain, this increases the risk of fires.
The minimum temperatures today and tomorrow should not rise above 15°C (59°F) so nights will remain rather cool.If you are looking for a way to enjoy the warm weather, we recommend heading to a beach. Take a look at our favorite beaches in Porto,Lisbon, as well as Madeira.
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