The Socialist Prime Minister announced on Thursday that Portugal will contribute €2.1 million in humanitarian aid to Ukraine, of which €1 million will be allocated to responses by the United Nations.
PM Costa stated the amount at the High Level Conference on Doares for Ukraine through video, organized by the Prime Ministers of Poland and Sweden, in partnership with the European Commission and European Council.
The PM condemned the actions of Russia saying “It is an unacceptable act of war in the 21st century. The consequences of this aggression extend beyond the Ukrainian territory, with millions of refugees looking for safety throughout our continent”. He said that although “Portugal is the most western country in Europe and the most far away from Ukraine, it has welcomed 35,000 Ukrainian refugees”.
On Wednesday, the Ukrainian Prime Minister said the country needs around 5 million euros a month. PM Costa had said that “Portugal does not have the conditions to respond to aid of that dimension, but will contribute with a substantial value”.
Prime Minister Antonio Costa also announced at the end of a video chat this Wednesday with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmygal that he has accepted the invitation to visit Kyiv. The PM will also meet President Volodymyr Zelensky and the date has been set, although it will not yet be announced.
President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa told the press that Costa’s visit to Kyiv “is important for Portugal and for the Portuguese people”. He says that Portugal is “committed to helping in all domains”, whether it be humanitarian, political, financial, military, etc.
The European Commission also announced on Thursday a new financial package of €200 million from the EU. Ursula von der Leyen said this aid would go to “people in Ukraine, people displaced internally in Ukraine, and hopes that many others will follow us”.
Porto‘s nightlife is not second-best to Lisbon‘s, many would even say it’s better than the capital’s. With a large underground techno scene and plenty of clubs that get those of every age group dancing, Porto’s nightlife has so much to offer. Before we get into the best clubs in Porto, let’s get into the nightlife culture and what to expect. In Porto and all of Portugal really, you don’t just go out to a club. 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 will be mostly 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 5 favorite clubs – your very own guide to clubs in Porto, Portugal.
Founded in 2006, Plano B is not just a club, but an interdisciplinary venue in Baixa focused on culture and entertainment. The entrance 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.Photo provided by establishment.
2. Maus Habitos
Located in front of Coliseu do Porto, Maus Habitos is the home of transgressive cultural interventions, not just a place for a great night out. 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 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.
4. Industria
An electronic music club, Industria is the oldest club in Porto, open since 1986. It is now equipped with a Funktion One sound system, one of the highest quality loudspeaker systems for clubs and festivals. Industria has been a part of Porto’s nightlife for decades, bringing music to big audiences from reggae fans to techno ravers. DJs such as Klin Klop, Mall Grab, Marrøn, and more have performed in Industria.
Photo provided by establishment.Photo provided by establishment.
5. Eskada
Located in the heart of the city of Porto, Eskada was founded to appeal to various generations with a glamorous atmosphere. Designed by AMMD Architects who design the Forte de S. Joao and Baazar, this club was influenced by international showstopping clubs such as Allure in Abu Dhabi and LIV in Miami. Eskada applies a new club concept of reducing the conventional large dance floor and replacing it with smaller private areas so that groups can enjoy their time together. On top of this, Eskada features a VIP room with a private DJ for those looking for an exclusive experience.
Photo provided by establishment.Photo provided by establishment.
⬇️What are your favorite clubs in Porto? Let us know in the comments below⬇️
Prime Minister Antonio Costa announced at the end of a video chat this Wednesday with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmygal that he has accepted the invitation to visit Kyiv. The PM will also meet President Volodymyr Zelensky and the date has been set, although it will not yet be announced.
Financial support will also be sent to Ukraine, although a number has not been revealed. The Ukrainian Prime Minister said the country needs around 5 million euros a month. PM Costa said that “Portugal does not have the conditions to respond to aid of that dimension, but will contribute with a substantial value”.
President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa told the press that Costa’s visit to Kyiv “is important for Portugal and for the Portuguese people”. He says that Portugal is “committed to helping in all domains”, whether it be humanitarian, political, financial, military, etc.
Antonio Costa reaffirmed his support for the Ukrainian people, condemning the war as “illegal, illegitimate, and brutal” and calling for a cease-fire. When asked about Ukraine’s request to join the EU, he responded that “we should not distract ourselves with medium and long term objectives when there are immediate responses needed”.
The Prime Minister also said that although the Socialist Party’s views on the conflict diverge from those of the Portuguese Communist Party (PCP), the legalization of the PCP is “inconceivable”. He says that it “is a part of a democracy that political parties have the opportunity to choose their own positions”. President Marcelo made a similar comment on Tuesday, saying that “there is a place for all opinions”.
Portugal is one of the top countries in the world to live in. Whether you are looking to work or retire in Portugal, there are plenty of places to choose from. Portuguese cities are welcoming internationals with open hands, many even having thriving expat scenes to make sure you will not feel alone. From seaside views to a countryside or cosmopolitan life, we have selected the 11 best places to live in Portugal.
There’s a reason the Portuguese capital of Lisbon is home to the most expats. With 87 different nationalities, Lisbon is rich in diversity and provides a high quality of life for those coming from abroad. There is so much to offer in Lisbon. The birthplace of Amália Rodrigues, the iconic Fado singer, Lisbon is rich in culture, history, and striking views. The city has heavily invested in public infrastructure and has quality schools, transportation, and hospitals. The capital has a thriving nightlife scene, with affordable bars and clubs.
Lisbon is the city with the highest cost of living in Portugal, but it is still a lot cheaper than other European capitals. To be exact, Lisbon is around 35% cheaper than Amsterdam and 40% cheaper than London. According to Numbeo, the estimated monthly costs for a family of four in Lisbon are €2,024.31 without rent. A single person’s estimated monthly costs are €579.70 without rent.
Three-course meal for 2 people at mid-range restaurant €35
McMeal at Mcdonalds €7
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) €2
Water €1.12
Marlboro cigarettes (20) €5
Monthly transportation pass €40
Gym membership €35
International primary school €8,995.47 yearly (anywhere from €5,000 to €15,000)
Rent for 1 bedroom in city center €865.95
Rent for 3 bedrooms in city center €1,091.41
Buying a house, price per square meter in city center €4,728.21
Photo by Jessica Arends (Unsplash)
Around 30-minutes away from the center of Lisbon, you’ll find Sintra and Cascais, two municipalities that are a part of Greater Lisbon. Sintra and Cascais are also some of the best places to live in Portugal.
Less than 15 kilometers from Lisbon, Sintra is known for its forested terrain, astonishing palaces that once belonged to royal families, and the delicious “Travesseiro de Sintra”. You can find some of the most beautiful properties in Sintra, particularly if you’re looking for a countryside life, where you are still close to the hustle and bustle of the town center. Sintra has some of the most gorgeous beaches and mountains, as well as lavish monuments. Sintra provides you with a combination of both unforgettable nature and architecture.
The rent in Sintra is around €600 to €800 for 1 bedroom.
Located on the Portuguese Riviera, Cascais is one of the richest municipalities in the whole of Portugal, as it is one of the most expensive areas in Portugal to buy a house.Cascais has a 30-kilometer seacoast with some of the best beaches in the country, as well as quality restaurants and the largest casino in Europe. The old summer destination for the Portuguese Royal Family, Cascais is a hidden gem in Portugal of great historical significance. This place is a top place to raise a family, due to its nature, clean parks, and quality public schools.
The rent in Cascais starts at around €600 for 1 bedroom and can go up to thousands of euros.
The second-largest city after Lisbon, over 1.8 million people live in the city of Porto’s metropolitan area. A large number of these are expats, digital nomads and retirees from abroad. 280 km north of Lisbon, the beautiful city of Porto lies along the Douro River. Porto essentially has everything Lisbon offers but has a lower cost of living. From a UNESCO World Heritage historical center to one of the best cuisines in the country, Porto is one of the best cities in Porto to live in.
Loads of tourists in Porto, particularly in the spring and summer.
Cost of Living in Porto
Porto is around 5% cheaper than Lisbon and rent is around 20% cheaper. According to Numbeo, the estimated monthly costs for a family of four are €1,938.31 without rent. A single person’s estimated monthly costs are €552.88 without rent.
Three-course meal for 2 people at mid-range restaurant €34
McMeal at Mcdonalds €6.50
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) €2
Water €0.90
Marlboro cigarettes (20) €5
Monthly transportation pass €30
Gym membership €30
International primary school €6,277.57 yearly (anywhere from €4,200 to €7,500)
Rent for 1 bedroom in city center €670.59
Rent for 3 bedrooms in city center €1,184.06
Buying a house, price per square meter in city center €2,935.25
Located on the island of Madeira, Funchal is the home to many internationals, particularly retirees due to its year-round sunny weather. Funchal is the sixth-largest Portuguese city and built between mountainous cliffs, offering views of the Atlantic ocean. If you are looking to live the island life, but still experience a city environment, Funchal is the place for you. It has some of the best weather on the island due to its location in the South, having the most hours of sunlight in Madeira. However, Funchal is located over 1,000 kilometers from Lisbon so you would either have to work remotely or find a job on the island.
Funchal is around 5% cheaper than Lisbon and rent is around 35% cheaper. According to Numbeo, the estimated monthly costs for a family of four are €1,886.40 without rent. A single person’s estimated monthly costs are €529.0 without rent.
Three-course meal for 2 people at mid-range restaurant €32
McMeal at Mcdonalds €6
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) €2.50
Water €1.08
Marlboro cigarettes (20) €5
Monthly transportation pass €35
Gym membership €40
International primary school €6,000 yearly (anywhere from €2,400 to €13,000)
Rent for 1 bedroom in city center €617.86
Rent for 3 bedrooms in city center €1,066.67
Buying a house, price per square meter in city center €2,125
Located in the region of Alentejo, the city of Evora is home to 50,000 people. This small city might not be an expat hotspot, but it is the perfect place for a countryside life that is affordable. Evora has an incredible cultural heritage, with its historical center being classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the presence of 400 historical buildings in the city. The typical Portuguese sidewalk (“Calçada Portuguesa”) fills the narrow streets of Evora and makes it a beautiful city to live in. However, if you are looking for beachdays, Evora is not the place for you as the closest beach is at least a one hour drive away.
Located in the North of Portugal, Braga is the capital of the Minho region which consists of 23 municipalities. The oldest city in Portugal, Braga was founded by the Romans in the year 16 BC. The city is packed with history and culture such as hundreds of churches. Its location is also great for exploring and traveling. You can get to the only national park in the country, Peneda-Gerês National Park in about an hour by car and continue to Spain in around 90 minutes. Braga is also one of the cheapest places to buy a house in Portugal. A house in the city center here costs €1,481 per square meter, while in Lisbon it costs €4,623 per square meter.
Braga is around 5% cheaper than Porto and rent is around 15% cheaper. According to Numbeo, the estimated monthly costs for a family of four are €1,794.82 without rent. A single person’s estimated monthly costs are €514.92 without rent.
Three-course meal for 2 people at mid-range restaurant €30
McMeal at Mcdonalds €6.25
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) €1.50
Water €0.93
Marlboro cigarettes (20) €5.10
Monthly transportation pass €26
Gym membership €32.50
International primary school €4,560 yearly (anywhere from €3,600 to €10,000)
Rent for 1 bedroom in city center €565
Rent for 3 bedrooms in city center €885
Buying a house, price per square meter in city center €1,481
The capital of São Miguel island since 1546, Ponta Delgada is a cosmopolitan town that is full of historic flavor in the Azores. Around 70,000 people live in the capital, around half of the whole island population. The island of São Miguel is the largest in the Azores, allowing you to live a modern Azorean life where you can enjoy the slow pace of island life, as well as the cosmopolitan feel of the capital. Ponta Delgada is known for its historic churches and unique cobbled streets, as well as Avenida Infante D. Henrique, a seaside promenade that runs from a military fortress to Calheta. Living in the Azores will not only allow you to be close to nature, but it is also a lot more affordable than the mainland, as well as Madeira.
A 30-minute drive from Lisbon, Setubal is a coastal city located in the Arrabida mountains in the South of the country. The city has some of the best weather in the country and beaches with transparent blue waters. Along with wonderful beaches, Serra da Arrábida has everything you need to enjoy life from trails, viewpoints, historical sites, restaurants and confectioneries. Setubal is also the perfect place to live if you want to work in Lisbon but be able to go home to tranquillity instead of the business of the capital. You’ll also find that Setubal is much more affordable than the capital.
Setubal is around 2% cheaper than Lisbon and rent is around 40% cheaper. According to Numbeo, the estimated monthly costs for a family of four are €1,923.88 without rent. A single person’s estimated monthly costs are €549.40 without rent.
Three-course meal for 2 people at mid-range restaurant €32.50
McMeal at Mcdonalds €5.75
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) €1.50
Water €0.88
Marlboro cigarettes (20) €5
Monthly transportation pass €40
Gym membership €28.62
International primary school €7,200 yearly (anywhere from €6,000 to €9,600)
Rent for 1 bedroom in city center €568.75
Rent for 3 bedrooms in city center €800
Buying a house, price per square meter in city center €1,798
Tavira was built alongside River Gilão, in an intricate of narrow roadways and white houses that offer a fairytale-like environment. This small city is located in the region of the Algarve, one of the best places in the world to live, particularly for expats and retirees. The Algarve is located on Portugal’s south-western tip and is lapped by the Atlantic from two sides. The Algarve has the best weather in the country due to its location in the South, more than 300 days of sunshine). Tavira also has some of the best beaches in the world and a thriving international scene, so learning Portuguese is not necessary.
With a population of 73,600 people, Aveiro is a Portuguese city located on the northern coast in the Central Region of Portugal. This city is often called the “Portuguese Venice” due to the presence of the Ria de Aveiro, a lagoon of approximately 75 square kilometers. Aveiro is a city full of color, from the houses to the boats that span the canals. Aveiro might not be the first city people think of when moving to Portugal, but it is a great spot for expats with families looking to settle down.
Aveiro has a low cost of living in comparison to major cities like Porto and Lisbon.
Modern and colorful architecture is everywhere in Aveiro.+
Although it’s a popular spot for retirees, the city is home to a variety of age groups as the University of Aveiro brings young people from all over the country to Aveiro.
Aveiro is close to amazing beaches such as Praia da Mira.
Cons of Living in Aveiro
Aveiro is a small city with less than 80,000 people which can feel isolating for some.
Hard to find a job in Aveiro in comparison to Lisbon and Porto, although there is an increase in IT jobs here.
Cost of Living in Aveiro
Aveiro is around 9% cheaper than Lisbon and rent is around 42% cheaper. According to Numbeo, the estimated monthly costs for a family of four are €1,775.80 without rent. A single person’s estimated monthly costs are €505.39 without rent.
Three-course meal for 2 people at mid-range restaurant €27.50
McMeal at Mcdonalds €6.50
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) €1.50
Water €0.99
Marlboro cigarettes (20) €5.10
Monthly transportation pass €32.50
Gym membership €31.67
International primary school €7,200 yearly
Rent for 1 bedroom in city center €489.29
Rent for 3 bedrooms in city center €859.09
Buying a house, price per square meter in city center €1,862.50
The President of the labor union for the Portuguese Foreigners and Borders Service (SEF), Acácio Pereira wrote an open letter directed at President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa asking for the extinction of SEF not to happen. Published in the Diario de Noticias, Acácio Pereira wrote on Tuesday that “immigration is not a case for the police” because GNR and PSP have “structural problems of xenophobia and racism”.
The extinction of SEF will mean that the “policing” aspect of immigration will be transferred to PSP and GNR, while the Portuguese Agency of Migration and Asylum (APMA) will be created to take care of administrative issues such as visas.
Pereira said in his letter that “Portugal will be worse off without this service (SEF). Worse because it will have fewer safe borders. Worse because it will lose a specialized service in the investigation and fight against transnational criminal networks. Worse because it will no longer have a criminal police unit specialized in the protection of trafficked humans”.
He says that the workers of SEF are not the only ones to recognize that SEF is necessary for the interest of the Portuguese and immigrants looking for a better life in Portugal. He states: “PSD, PCP, and CDS also know this, founding parties of the democratic regime after the 25th of April revolution”.
While Pereira says what was promised was a separation between immigration issues and law enforcement functions, believing in the consensus that immigration should not be a case for the police. He says that “creating the APMA and removing immigration issues of law enforcement sphere, does not mean destroying a competent and efficient service, renowned internationally, and transferring its competencies to the GNR and PSP”.
He believes that transferring immigration work to police forces is dangerous as they “have structural problems of xenophobia and racism”. He goes on to present examples, such as how in Vila Nova de Mil Fontes, there are members of GNR and PSP in prison for torturing immigrants. He tells the President that “these cases in PSP and GNR are not isolated cases – nor are they constrained to Alentejo”.
Pereira says that although PSP and GNR’s cases of xenophobia and racism are structural, the death of the Ukrainian citizen at the airport of Lisbon at the hands of SER inspectors was “an isolated act”. He goes on to say that the report conducted by the government after the murder found that there are no major issues at SEF.
The President of the Police Union for PSP, Paulo Santos, told TSF that he condemns the comments made by Pereira, reminding audiences of the “noble mission” of police in society. Carlos Nogueira, the representative of the Association of GNR said that “racism and xenophobia and transversal issues of all of society” and that although there are “isolated cases”, the GNR acts immediately against these.
The extinction of the Foreigners and Borders Service (SEF) in Portugal has been postponed once again, without a particular extinction date set. SEF was set to be extinct on May 12 and be replaced by the Portuguese Agency of Migration and Asylum (APMA).
The Minister of Internal Administration, José Luís Carneiro stated the “transition should occur in a tranquil and safe manner” and that this transition is not yet ready. He also guaranteed that the fundamental rights of the workers at SEF will be safeguarded during the transition.
Standing alone in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, it’s one of Portugal’s least known wine regions, the Azores Archipelago. The region is 1.600 km West of Continental Portugal and is an autonomous territory inside the Portuguese Republic. The Azores is comprised of 9 islands:Corvo, Flores, Faial,Graciosa, Pico, São Jorge,Terceira,Santa Maria and São Miguel. However, out of all of these, only Pico, Graciosa, and Terceira produce wine. The Azores is known for producing liquor wines, but it’s starting to change this and try to broaden its market to table wines as well. So why not learn about and give a try to these Atlantic wines?
When the islands started being colonized in the 15th century, the super-religious Portuguese Crown immediately introduced the Catholic Church to the area. The Catholic religious orders that settled in the Azores, namely the Franciscans, started, as they used to do on the mainland, to plant vines.
This was because when the priests got there, they noticed similarities between the soil and climate conditions of some of the islands and those of Sicily. They started to plant the most known grape type (the ‘Verdelho’) and it grew quickly. The priests then started to plant vines throughout all of the islands.
The wines soon became known all over Europe, being exported to the North of Europe and even to Russia, especially the wine produced in Pico. It is thought of as being greatly appreciated by the Tsars of Russia, as after the Bolshevik Revolution some Pico Verdelho wine bottles were found in the basements of the old Tsars.
Nowadays, however, after the vine diseases attacked the islands, only Pico, Terceira, and Graciosa (the islands known as the Central Group) managed to keep their vine planting tradition.
In 2004, the certification of VR (‘Vinho Regional’ or Regional Wine) was introduced to the Azores. It included all dry red and white wines that complied with the quality regulations of the VR. This made many producers in Pico (known for its liquor wine) try to make table wines.
However, even before this, in 1994, the region’s DOCs were created. These were 3 DOCs:
A DOC for liquor wines (mostly white), known for its complex spice taste, full-body, and well-structured.
The region is also known for having most of its vineyards in tiny walled plots known as ‘curraletas’, used to protect the vines from the Atlantic winds.
As said before, the soil is different from the rest of the islands. This is because the island is dominated by Pico Mountain, the highest point in all of Portugal, and it has a very rocky surface made out of black basalt. The other islands produce agricultural products, due to their soil being able to support various crops. However, in Pico, there are very few crops that one can grow besides grapes. Even grapes have lower yields than on other islands and production is aided with imported soil from the neighboring Faial island. This makes the island have the most wines since it’s basically the one crop that is good and profitable.
Currently, the island produces around 1 million liters of wine, with most of it staying on the island, but the production is believed to double soon, as well as exports.
Besides liquor wines, the region also produces non-liquor Verdelho wine, a wine that enjoys a great reputation in countries like Russia, Brazil, and the UK. However, these do not enjoy the DOC seal.
Quite similar to the Pico wine, Biscoitos wine is liquory, mostly white, with a spice taste, full-bodied and well-structured, and even being cultivated in the ‘curraletas’!
The name (which means ‘biscuits’ in Portuguese) is due to the region’s soil, which is really dark and stony, similar to the biscuits that the Portuguese navigators, in the Age of Discoveries, used as bread.
Climate and Terroir of Azores
Photo by Comanche0 on Pixabay
To understand the uniqueness of the Azorean vineyards, we must first understand the uniqueness of the Azorean islands themselves. Standing on the intersection of the American, African, and European tectonic plates, right in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, these islands are a result of volcanic eruptions.
This means that all islands have fairly recent volcanic soil, which is great for vine production. The only exception is Pico which has deep soils made out of basaltic rocks and clay, which makes for even better production. These Terroirs, together with all the other conditions, create generous wines that have a unique acidity and freshness.
The Azorean climate is very temperate, as it is completed surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, with average temperatures of around 13ºC in winter and 24ºC in summer.
It’s said that you can have every season in one day since the climate can change a lot in 24 hours, but it never rains more than a couple of days in a row. However, it does rain a lot and there’s lots of humidity.
As we’ve seen, most of the vines have to be planted in covered places because of this, and this is why there are the ‘currais’ or ‘curraletas’, stone walls where people plant the vines to protect them from the wind and the salty winds from the sea.
Grape and Wine Types in the Azores
Photo by jackmac34 on Pixabay
In the Azorean region as a whole, most of the wines are white or licquory and the most used grape varieties are the Verdelho (probably the mother variant of the other 2 varieties), Arinto dos Açores (unique to the islands) and Terrantez do Pico (a grape variety also unique to the islands and known for its saltiness). More specifically:
Pico and Biscoitos: Verdelho (although slowly disappearing in Pico, it’s the most common in Biscoitos), Arinto dos Açores (95% of Pico’s vineyards, since it’s the most resistant to deseases) and Terrantez do Pico.
Graciosa: Verdelho (also the most common grape type in Graciosa), Arinto dos Açores, Terrantez do Pico, Boal and Fernão Pires.
The reason for the lack of red wine is that the climate does not allow for good production of these wines, mainly due to the low sunlight that the region gets when compared to what the red grapes need. A small quantity is still produced, mostly of young wines, since the potential for aging is little.
Azores Wine Suggestions: Best Wines in Azores
As we’ve seen, the Azorian wines are of good quality and if you’re feeling curious to try these wines produced in the middle of the Atlantic, here are some brands that you can try:
Terrantez do Pico – Azores Wine Company
Arinto Sur Lies – Azores Wine Company
Verdelho O Original – Azores Wine Company
Muros de Magma – Adega Cooperativa dos Biscoitos
Curral Atlantis
Pedras Brancas – Adega e Cooperativa Agrícola da Graciosa
If you are traveling through the Azores, you have to visit the island with the highest mountain in all of Portugal, Pico Island. And while you’re there, why not discover the amazing wine landscape this island has to offer?
You will visit the vineyards of Criação Velha, as well as a wine laboratory where you will meet a professional winemaking engineer who will teach you all about the production of the region’s wine.
Then, after lunch, you will go to São Roque and pass through former wine production sites, before ending the tour at a wine cellar of a local producer and taste the best wines of Pico Island.
If, however, you are staying in Terceira Island, then this is a great trip to go on. You will have the chance to sightsee around the island, going into the hidden spots that only the locals know, and taste the island’s wines and moonshines. Besides that, you will also have an amazing barbecue lunch!
Know more about this volcanic wine region in this activity! Your guides will be an Azorean family that will teach you all about this unique wine, as well as offer you local food, all of this in a relaxed party environment in their dining room. For the people who would prefer a nice, chilled introduction to this wine with nice people, this is a great activity.
After taking a dip in the many stunning beaches on the island of Madeira or experiencing the iconic basket cars, a nice cold drink is always ideal. From retirees to young digital nomads and tourists, the nightlife in Funchal is welcoming and open to all. Madeira’s all-year-round warm climate makes it so that every night feels like a summer night, perfect to hit the bars. It’s important to find the right bar for you, one that is not totally filled by tourists so you can manage to actually order a drink at the bar. If you’re overwhelmed by the endless nightlife options, we have selected our favorite bars in Funchal so that you can avoid the tourist traps and experience the island like a local.
23 Vintage Bar, located in the Old Town of Funchal, seeks to bring back the spirit of the 70s, 80s, and 90s, focusing on the decades of New Wave, Pop, and the first years of Dance music. This bar turns into a club later in the evening and is the perfect spot for those who want a ride down memory lane. The bar’s motto: “Because we are never too old”. On Friday nights at this place, you will get to dance the night away to Modern Talking, Kylie Minogue, and Lenny Kravitz, while Saturday nights are usually the classic jukebox night. The crowd at this place is diverse in age and on weekends, 23 Vintage Bar is open until the early hours of the morning.
Photo provided by bar.Photo provided by bar.
2. Mini Eco Bar
Located in Funchal, Mini Eco Bar is an eco-friendly bar for a guilt-free night out. The bar’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.
Photo provided by bar.Photo provided by bar.
3. Dash Cocktail Bar
Boasting a shelved bar that fills the main wall of the bar, you’re spoilt for choice at Dash Cocktail Bar in Funchal. From the best craft cocktails, homemade infusions, and syrups, you’re bound to find the perfect drink for you. Dash offers seasonal menus, meaning the cocktail menu is altered to complete the seasonal ingredients available at the time, guaranteeing the best quality with fresh products. If you’re looking for an elevated night out, Dash Cocktail Bar is the place to be.
Photo provided by bar.Photo provided by bar.
4. Bananas Pub
Located near Igreja do Socorro, Bananas Pub is often filled with visitors of all ages, particularly on warm summer nights. This place is known for its tasty ponche and wine selection, as well as affordable prices. The staff makes you feel that inviting Madeirense hospitality, always with a smile on their face. Although they serve Portuguese meals during the day and for dinner, at night Bananas Pub transforms into a bar with live music. On weekends, it’s open until 2 am.
Photo provided by bar.Photo provided by bar.
5. Taberna Popular
Looking for a place to watch the game or play some foosball? Head to Taberna Popular right next to Santa Clara Monastery for a relaxed night out the Portuguese way. You don’t always need a fancy cocktail in a martini to have a good night. Instead, enjoy a beer at this bar or bring it outside to enjoy those summer nights. The prices are incredible: shots for 1 euro and for the larger groups of friends, 26 shots for 16 euros only.
Photo provided by bar.
6. Venda Velha
Venda Velha recreates a Madeirense concept of the 20th-century, joining the idea of a tasca where the locals get together for drinks and large windows where the locals would go to communicate via notes and mail. The bar Venda Velha does not operate in this way but pays respect to the times through vintage elements and furniture such as radios from the 20s, wall lanterns, and more. Venda Velha’s exterior looks like a traditional home and guests enjoy drinks around its perimeter, making it quite busy on warm summer nights.
Photo provided by bar.Photo provided by bar.
7. FugaCidade
Known for its quality craft beer, FugaCidade translates to “city escape”, a place away from the business of the city and the stresses of everyday life. Try out their selection of Portuguese craft beers, their Portuguese wines, accompanied by a lovely cheeseboard. The perfect spot to still your mind after a hard day at work, their prices will ease your mind as well. Watch out for their happy hours!
The Portuguese parliament has approved on Friday, April 29 the State Budget 2022, after two days of debate. The Socialist majority government’s proposal passed with votes against from the Social Democratic Party (PSD), Enough (Chega), Liberal Initiative (IL), the Portuguese Communist Party (PCP), and the Left Bloc (BE). The two members of parliament from Livre and PAN abstained. Due to the Socialist Party’s (PS) recent majority in parliament with 117 seats, the party was able to pass the state budget without needing the support of other parties. Before the January 2022 General Election, the state budget was rejected as PS did not hold a majority.
PS states that their state budget is directed at uplifting the middle-class and young people, many arguing it is the most left-wing state budget in Portuguese history. They want to invest further in public services such as the National Healthcare Service (SNS) and education, as well as increase the minimum salary, combat climate change, and tackle inequality. The state budget is hundreds of pages long so we have got you covered with an overview of the most important points.
Although the state budget has been approved, until the end of May, minor alterations can still occur such as amendments but the budget is expected to remain mostly the same.
Portugal’s State Budget 2022 Overview
Minimum Wage & Taxes
The national minimum salary will increase to €750 by 2023 and public workers get a 0.9% raise.
The state budget will make the income tax (IRS) brackets more progressive with an “unfolding” of the third and sixth tax brackets, as seen below. The state budget document states that the revision of the tax brackets from 2018 to 2022 will provide tax relief of over 500 million euros to Portuguese families.
By 2022, parents can deduct €900 from their taxes for their second child up to the age of 6 years old.
There are also tax reductions for families with a second child, as seen in the next section.
Families & Children
In the case of families in extreme poverty, for every child until 17 years of age, parents will receive €1,200+ a year or €100 a month by 2023. This measure will be implemented through phases, guaranteeing €840 annually in 2022.
Allowances for informal careers all over the country.
Free daycare measure: from 2022/2023 daycares with agreements with the social security system will be free for all children up to one years old. From 2023/2024 the free childcare measure will include children up to 2 years old, instead of kids that are up to 1 year old. By the year after that, all children entering a creche, a school for kids under the age of 3, and children moving to the second and third year of primary school, will also take advantage of free childcare. This is a gradual measure that is thus set to take around 3 years.
Tax reductions for families with a second child. A couple with two kids making a yearly gross income of €47,600 will save €330 a year, as seen below.
Young People
IRS Jovem (Income Tax for Young People), tax relief for young people starting their careers for 5 years, will now include freelance/self-employment. Those between 18 and 26 (or 28 if they have a doctorate) with at least a Bachelor’s will not have to pay either 30%, 20%, or 10% of their income tax for the first 5 years.
Programa Regressar (Program Return), for the next 4 years at least, this program allows those who have emigrated, particularly young people who are qualified to come back to Portugal until 2023 to get a tax relief of 50% on their IRS for 5 years.
Climate Change
The budget includes a €3.8 allocation of funds to combat climate change and for the environment. The government has stated that this amount is a 30% increase in relation to 2021.
Decabornization efforts will be reinforced through the promotion of public transport with €250 million in support.
Includes plans to further the objective to reduce 55% of greenhouse gases by 2030, in comparison to 2005.
Plan to have 47% of energy produced by renewables by 2030, such as through green hydrogen.
Development actions to fight energy poverty by partnering with local entities.
Financial support to purchase private electric vehicles, as well as an increase in public electric vehicles.
6% reduced VAT rate for solar panels.
Public Services
Budget increase for the National Health Service (SNS) of €700 million.
€900 million investment in public schools for two years to increase staff and necessary resources.
Digital equipment will be installed in classrooms, as well as resources for robotics projects.
Companies
Creation of the Tax Incentive for Recuperation (IFR) for the second semester of 2022, allowing for the reduction of 25% from the Corporate Tax (IRC) for new investments
Progressive elimination of the Special Payment on Account (PEC). This was an advance on tax payments applied to industrial, agricultural, and commercial companies, as well as non-resident entities.
Mitigating Geopolitical Impact
To mitigate the impact of inflation due to the war in Ukraine and protect the purchasing power of residents, the government will implement a series of measures, many of which are already in place.
The AUTOvoucher program was reinforced from €5 to €20 until the end of April. From now on, the measure will be replaced by a reduction in the Tax on Fuel (ISP) equivalent to a VAT charge of 13%.
The suspension on the carbon tax increase over fuels will remain until the end of the year.
To protect the most vulnerable families, the budget includes temporary measures including a €60 support for food products and a €10 support for gas bottles.
Impact of Portuguese State Budget 2022 on Expats and Internationals
The Socialist Party believes that immigration is necessary to sustain the development of both the Portuguese economy and the positive change in demographics. The party states they want to continue with progressive immigration policies that reflect their values of tolerance and openness, one that the budget arguably reflects. Although this was decided prior to the state budget, the Portuguese Foreigners and Borders Service (SEF) will be replaced by the Portuguese Agency of Migration and Asylum (APMA). It will no longer act as a law enforcement institution, but rather one of an administrative function. The party also wants to create a digital platform for immigrants to reduce the bureaucracy that Portuguese administrative functions are known for. This platform would make applying for a visa and uploading documents easier. PS also wants to simplify the types of visas out there and the complicated processes for each one, so that the overall immigration process runs more smoothly.
Regarding the Portugal Golden Visa, there are no plans to abolish it. However, since January 2021, those looking to be eligible for a Portugal Golden Visa can no longer purchase property in Lisbon and Porto, only some parts of the interior of the country. It is still possible that more restrictions or a total ban could occur. However, this is unlikely to happen in the next year(s).
State Budget Debate: Views of Portuguese Parties on State Budget
Social Democratic Party (PSD)
Liberal conservatism, center-right – 76 seats
The Social Democratic Party was founded in 1974 and is a center-right party with both conservative and liberal economic ideologies. It is the second-largest party after PS. PSD argues that the state budget will reduce the purchasing power of the population due to inflation. The leader of PSD Rui Rio calls this an austerity measure through inflation saying, “if as proposed salaries only increase by 0.9% when inflation in the eurozone has surpassed 7%, it’s clear that salaries will lose at least 4% of their purchasing power for 2022”.
ENOUGH (CHEGA)
Right-wing populism & national conservatism, Far-right – 12 seats
A far-right and nationalist party, ENOUGH was founded in 2019 by the leader Andre Ventura. This party believes that people living off social benefits are “leeches” of the state who do not want to work. They campaign for life imprisonment (which is not legal in Portugal), as well as chemical castration for child abusers. Chega believes that “Portuguese people will lose income” and that the budget “is a return to austerity”.
Liberal Initiative (IL)
Classical liberalism, center-right to right-wing – 8 seats
The Liberal Initiative was founded in 2017 and is the first liberal party in Portugal. Led by João Cotrim Figueiredo, the party focuses on the individual rather than the collective. IL campaigns for right-wing economics such as reducing taxes and promoting a flat income tax for all, as well as less “dependence” on social welfare. The Liberal Initiative (IL) argues that the State Budget for 2022 is failing young people, public workers, pensioners, and companies, seeking alterations to neutralize the impact of inflation.
Left Bloc (BE)
Democratic socialism, left-wing to far-left – 5 seats
Led by Catarina Martins, the Left Bloc is a feminist, ecosocialist, and anti-racist party that from 2019 until 2022 functioned as an opposition force. BE wants to allow immigrants and residents in Portugal to vote in parliamentary elections, reduce transport prices, as well as fight job insecurity and raise the minimum wage. The leader of the Left Bloc, Catarina Martins has said that “Shutting up the right with a right-wing program is the opposite of a leftist budget”, accusing Prime Minister Antonio Costa of “repeating the old mantras of the right”.
Portuguese Communist Party (PCP)
Marxism-Leninism, left-wing to far-left – 6 seats
Led by Jeronimo de Sousa, PCP follows a Marxist-Leninist, communist, and anti-fascist ideology. The Portuguese Communist Party has voted against the state budget proposal arguing it is the same one as before and that it does not favorƒp workers and value their salaries. Jeronimo de Sousa said, “Inequalities and injustices, dependency and submission to external impositions, delays, and structural failures. None of this seems to justify a global response”.
PAN was founded in 2009 and became known for fighting for animal rights, as well as environmental justice. The party holds ecofeminist, animalist, and progressive ideologies. PAN’s only member of parliament Ines Sousa Real has abstained but has seven pages of measures approved in the document that address the climate crisis. However, she argues the budget does little to reduce the country’s dependency on fossil fuels, as well as make public transport free to reduce emissions.
FREE (LIVRE)
Eco-socialism & pro-Europeanism, center-left to left-wing – 1 seat
FREE, also known as Livre, was founded in 2014 by Rui Tavares. FREE’s ideology is ecosocialist, pro-European, feminist, anti-racist, and progressive. The party became known for supporting a trial of the Universal Basic Income, where every citizen would receive a sum of money to eradicate poverty. The only member of parliament from Livre, Rui Tavares abstained and called for a more ambitious state budget that rather than “repeating formulas from 2021, faces the crisis head-on”.
Why did the State Budget 2022 take so long to pass?
On October 27, 2021, the state budget for 2022 proposed by the Socialist minority government was rejected in the assembly, as all other parties voted against it, even left-wing ones such as the Left Block (BE) and the Communist Party (PCP). The left felt like the state budget plan was too moderate and did not go far enough to tackle inequality and protect workers’ rights. In contrast, right-wing parties such as the Social Democratic Party (PSD) and the Liberal Initiative (IL) felt like the plan would not alleviate the tax burden on individuals and corporations and that there should not be an increase in investment in public services. In turn, in November of 2021, the President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa announced snap elections set for January due to the collapse in the governing center-left/left alliance.
Then, on Sunday, January 30, 2022, Portugal held an early general election to elect 230 members to the Assembly of the Republic. The Socialist Party won a majority with 117 seats in the assembly, winning 9 more seats than in the last election. The new government entails a Socialist majority so the Socialist Party does not need to form a coalition with other parties. Now, with a majority, the same state budget has been able to be approved in parliament.
Portugal recently captured global headlines by announcing a change in its labor laws by making it illegal for bosses to contact employees outside work hours. This law was meant to tackle exploitation during the COVID pandemic and strengthen the country’s labor laws. This change sparked the notion that Portugal is a worker safe haven under socialist policies when in fact, this does not represent the whole truth.
When you compare Portuguese labor laws to those in the United States, where workers cannot afford to get sick, Portugal’s laws are there to protect workers. The maximum working week is 40 hours (even though this is often bypassed), workers get 22 working day vacations, as well as 12 public holidays. Full-time workers usually receive a bonus equal to one month’s salary in June and in December. If you are employed in Portugal you have the right to parental leave, regardless of your gender.
But Portugal’s labor laws do not always translate into positive labor conditions. For far too long, Portugal’s work culture has bred a toxic environment, expecting workers to work until late and miss out on time with their families. In fact, Portugal is the top European country where employees are experiencing the most burnout, with Greece and Latvia coming next. Employees work more hours compared to other European countries and the percentage of reporting risk factors affecting mental well-being at work is 38.6%.
One of the causes is that multinationals and huge corporations exploit workers, using loopholes in the law or fully ignoring labor laws to make employees work extra hours, declining their sick leave, and more. While the rhetoric of center-right parties such as the Liberal Initiative (IL) tends to highlight a corrupt state “enriching” itself on the back of citizens, they dismiss the corporate greed that actually leads to unjust work practices and job insecurity for those same citizens.
While more progressive changes to labor laws have been amended within recent years and the law offers a high degree of employment protection under the Portuguese constitution, not everyone is protected equally. Workers face labor market segmentation as employers choose to apply alternative forms of employment such as temporary agency work and independent contractors. These types of employment leave workers in insecure positions, without access to a reliable ongoing income, and impact those most vulnerable in society – particularly immigrants.
In April of 2022, the National Agriculture Confederation (CNA) accused the government of not addressing the issue of the exploitation of migrant agricultural workers in Alentejo. There have been countless reports of migrants without work contracts being exploited for agricultural labor, such as in Odemira. In January of 2022, The Guardian reported that a Nepalese migrant named Sagar picked berries for 16 hours a day in over 37C/100F heat for less than the legal minimum wage in Odemira. They were one of 10,000 migrant workers at risk of exploitation and abuse in Portugal’s $270m soft fruit industry.
It is common that migrant workers in these scenarios are waiting for their salaries, are not allowed to deduct their salary for Social Security (meaning no retirement pensions), and are working in precarious conditions without breaks or sustenance. In 2017, the consultancy Verisk Maplecroft even warned that Portugal was one of the 20 European countries that had increased its risk of modern slavery.
The minimum wage as of January 2022 stands at €705 in Portugal. Time and time again, center-right parties have voted against raising the minimum wage believing that it will make companies fire people. However, in an empirical study on OECD countries, researchers Lim and Kim (2018) found that increases in minimum wages have limited impacts on unemployment rates.
While the fear that small and medium-sized companies cannot afford to pay workers a minimum wage is understandable, this argument is too often made by large corporations. The largest employer in the country, with over 50,000 workers in Portugal, the multinational SONAE’s turnover grew by 4.7% in the first 9 months of 2021, surpassing 5 billion euros. Operational profitability improved by 5.6% to 415 million euros. The CEO of SONAE Claudia Azevedo, received over 1.6 million euros in 2021, while the year before, she received around 1.2 million euros, due to bonuses. Despite this 400,000 euro increase for the CEO, the salaries of most workers remain the same. In fact, the Portuguese government gave SONAE 450,000 euros to help the corporation pay their workers the minimum salary.
While the Socialist Party (PS) plans to increase the minimum salary from €705 to €900 by 2026, other left-wing parties in parliament believe this is too slow of a measure. The Portuguese Communist Party (PCP) believes the country needs a short-term measure, having proposed altering the minimum wage in 2021 to €800 by 2022. The Left Bloc (BE) pushed for a similar but less drastic measure, proposing an increase to €853 by 2024. These fundamental differences between PS and the two left-wing parties eventually led to an early general election being held in January due to a failed state budget proposed by the Socialist Party.
While it is clear the left in Portugal is beyond fragmented and unwilling to work together to fight exploitation under capitalism, the Socialist Party’s majority win will allow the party to pass their state budget. Will the newly appointed center-left government be able to strengthen workers’ rights in Portugal and protect the most vulnerable from precarious working conditions? Only time will tell.
Every region of mainland Portugal will be facing high levels of pollen in the atmosphere until Thursday, according to the Portuguese Society of Allergology and Clinical Immunology (SPAIC). SPAIC has warned that outdoor activities should be avoided when pollen levels are this high.
In the region of Lisbon and Setubal, high pollen levels are predominantly found in olive and oak trees, nettle herbs, grasses, plantain, and chenopodium. In Porto, high pollen levels are present in oak and pine trees, as well as nettle grass.
The areas of Alentejo, Coimbra, and Algarve are also facing very high levels of pollen. However, this issue is not present in the archipelagos of the Azores and Madeira, as levels will remain low in these areas during the week.
SPAIC has stated, “Walks in the garden, cutting grass, camping, or practicing sports outdoors will increase the exposure to pollen and the risk of allergies”. The Portuguese Society of Allergology and Clinical Immunology believes that medication will be the most effective way to fight allergy symptoms. They also urge people to see allergology specialists to make sure they receive the correct diagnosis and medication.
