We spent five lovely days in Portugal. We used Lisbon as our base and took a few day trips from there. It was simple to use public transportation to get from the airport into the city.
We tend to like to be outdoors so when we arrived in Lisbon, we rented bikes and rode the bike trail along the Tagus River. There are several rental shops close to the bike trail. Once in our Airbnb, we explored the city by foot. Our Airbnb was just off the Praça LuÃs de Camões, a square with a cafe and a wonderful place to relax and people watch. We spent our days exploring. We wandered up to Campo dos Mártires da Pátria, which is a lovely park that is elevated with wonderful views of the city. There are a few cafes there and restaurants around that area.
Lisbon Gallery
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Umbrellas over Pink Street
Tower of Belem
Hills of Lisbon
Lisbon
Hills of Lisbon
Biking by the bridge in Lisbon
One note is to bring comfortable shoes because Lisbon is full of hills. You can always rent electric bikes or ride buses or the metro to get around more comfortably.
One day we walked around the city with our destination of St George’s Castle (Castelo de S. Jorge). There are many neighborhoods to wander through on your way to and from the castle. Don’t forget to stop and take in the views.
Cascais
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Praia do Guincho beach
Praia do Guincho beach
We took the train out to Cascais. We got the train at the Cais de Sodre metro station. It was about a 45-minute ride on the train, and they ran frequently. Once there, we rented bikes and rode the bike path out to the Guincho beach, which is beautiful and very inviting. You can rent bikes at the train station. We found a wonderful outdoor cafe at the end of one of the beaches which is worth the ride. It is calledBar do Guincho.
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Kayaking in Sesimbra
Kayaking in Sesimbra
Kayaking in Sesimbra
We also went down to the coastal town of Sesimbra. Our sole purpose was to go kayaking in the Atlantic. We arranged the 4-hour kayaking trip ahead of time with one of the several renting shops. The views were beautiful, and the kayaking was fun.
All in all, we had a wonderful trip to Portugal. We were able to visit the sites that we wanted to and navigate our way around Lisbon with ease. There were plenty of outdoor activities, so in our opinion that made it a very successful trip.
The President of the Portuguese Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, has said that more information needs to be released about the economic scenario for 2023.
While he predicts a bad economic scenario for Portugal in 2023, he believes the government “would maybe benefit from explaining to the Portuguese its vision for the next year.”
The President wants predictions to be released to the government. For example, whether growth “will decrease to 1% or 2%, instead of 6% or 7%”.
This way, according to the President, the Portuguese people can be prepared for a “bad economic scenario,” and the government can justify why it cannot “go further” with its economic support to fight inflation.
The State Budget for 2023 will be delivered in three weeks, and this occasion “is accompanied by an economic scenario,” argues President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.
However, the President wants the release of macroeconomic predictions to be released as soon as possible.
The President wants many questions answered: “Will tourism continue or not continue? Will investment continue or not continue? Will consumption remain high or break?”.
These explanations need to be answered, according to the President, so that the population can understand when the government “cannot go further because what is it come looks bad.”
The President has previously said that while “acting urgently” to support families is important, so is acting “carefully because of the monitoring of economic developments.”
Sao Miguel is the largest and most populated island in the Azores. A part of the Eastern Group of the Archipelago with Santa Maria island, Sao Miguel was discovered in the 13th century. Having belonged to the French, Moors, and Jews, it has undergone major developments throughout the centuries.
Today, Sao Miguel provides the perfect balance. São Miguel is the perfect spot for those who want to experience the classic Azorean life, as well as a larger city. It’s hard to find both on any other island! Therefore, Sao Miguel is filled with plenty of activities for different tastes. Let’s take a look at the 5 best things to do in Sao Miguel, Azores.
1. Explore the capital of the Azores, Ponta Delgada
The capital of the autonomous regions of the Azores since 1546, Ponta Delgada is a cosmopolitan town that is full of history and culture. Around 70,000 people live in the capital, around half the island population.
Ponta Delgada features a fishing fleet, marina, and plenty of historical buildings, such as the largest church in the Azores. You can explore the capital entirely by foot through the unique cobbled streets.
We recommend starting out in Avenida Infante D. Henrique, a seaside promenade that runs from a military fortress to Calheta. The path has the classic Portuguese black and white cobblestoned floors.
Goncalho Velho Square is also a key point in Ponta Delgada. This is the central square of the city, named after the Portuguese navigator Goncalho Velho Cabral who is said to have discovered the island.
Make sure to also look for the City Gates or Portas da Cidade, this monument represents how the capital is like the entrance gates of Azores. These gates were built in the 18th century and are located in the old city harbor, the first line of defense of the island at the time.
Photo by Vitor Oliveira (Flickr)
2. Visit the thermal hotspot of the Azores
Furnas, the thermal hotspot of the Azores, is located on the eastern side of the island. The Furnas valley is a volcanic crater that erupted in the 17th century. Although it is now dormant and safe, the volcanic activity can be seen in the area’s thermal pools and hot springs.
Furnas is essentially a natural spa, with plenty of places to swim and relax in warm water. For example, head to the 200-year-old Parque Terra Nostra. Here you can swim in a popular orange geothermal swimming pool that’s 35ºC.
The volcanic activity in Furnas also offers a unique culinary experience with the cozido das furnas. The dish is similar to the classic Portuguese cozido, a meat stew with cabbage, carrots, potatoes, blood sausage, pork and beef.
But this is no regular stew – it’s cooked by a volcano. The dish is cooked in bubbling, steaming caldeiras (geysers) that smell of sulfur. Temperatures range from 70ºC to 100ºC, which is perfect for cooking. This dish is placed in a metal pot and buried in volcanic soil to be slow-cooked by the natural heat of the caldeiras.
If you have only seen one photo of the Azores, chances are you have seen the Sete Cidades Lagoon. This lagoon is located on the West side of the island in the municipality of Sete Cidades. The lagoon is divided by a bridge into two parts: one green and one blue. This creates a beautiful and unique contrast that is even more beautiful on a clear day.
Head to the Vista do Rei viewpoint, where you can enjoy the best view of the lagoon. Near the viewpoint, you will also find a large concrete building. This is an abandoned luxurious hotel, once the finest 5-star establishment on the island. Many enter the hotel for a unique view of the lagoon, although this is forbidden.
Even though Sete Cidades is known for this particular lake, there are over 11 lakes in the municipality that you can observe from miradouros (viewpoints).
4. Hike the official trails of Sao Miguel
If you are a nature lover, you are in for a treat. Sao Miguel not only features the most hiking trails in the Azores, but some of the most beautiful. You will get to reach remote spots on the island, filled with waterfalls and greenery.
There are over 20 “official” hiking trails in Sao Miguel that are taken care of by the Azores Tourism Board. These are adequately labeled with hiking markers, so you don’t get lost and are maintained for safety. You can check out the hiking trails here to find the one that best suits your physical ability.
Our favorite hikes in Sao Miguel are Lagoa do Fogo (11 KM, 4h00), Sete Cidades (7.7 KM, 2h00), and Lagoa das Furnas (9.5 KM, 3h00).
The Azores is known for its marine life, especially conservation and research ever since whale hunting was banned in the 80s. Since then, thousands travel to Sao Miguel and other islands to spot both whales and dolphins.
Over twenty different species of whales live in the Azores, making it one of the best places in the world for whale-watching. The best season for whale-watching is between April to October, even though you can usually see them all year.
We recommend booking this whale watching and islet cruise, accompanied by a marine biologist so that you can spot and learn about sperm and pilot whales, bottlenose, Risso’s dolphins, and more.
Portugal has declared three days of national mourning for Queen Elizabeth II on September 18, 19, and 20. The Portuguese Council of Ministers established the decree on Thursday to pay homage to the death of the Queen.
The Council of Ministers has said that “Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland profoundly marked the second half of the 20th century and the first quarter of the 21st century”.
One of the days of mourning in Portugal coincides with the state funeral of the British monarch on September 19. The President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, will represent Portugal at the funeral.
É com tristeza que recebemos a notÃcia do falecimento de Sua Majestade a Rainha Isabel II. O seu reinado de 70 anos marcou a história britânica desde a segunda grande guerra. As minhas sentidas condolências à famÃlia real e ao povo do Reino Unido.
The funeral will be held at Westminster Abbey and will be one of the largest ceremonial events in Britain since World War II. US President Joe Biden will also be in attendance.
After the funeral, a private burial service will be held for close family and friends.
The longest reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, died last Thursday at Balmoral Castle in Scotland at 96 years old. She became Queen of England in 1952 at 25 years old, after her father’s death.
Her 73-year-old son King Charles III is now the official monarch. His coronation is expected in 2023, although the exact date is still a secret under the name Operation Golden Orb.
Portugal has, in recent years, become more popular for health tourism. Medical tourism in Portugal is attractive to those coming from countries like the United States, where treatments and surgeries come at an elevated cost.
Portugal offers an excellent value-for-money alternative! You will get the same quality of care (depending on the field) without the exuberant costs. Under the World Health Organization (WHO)’s ranking of healthcare systems, Portugal takes 12th place.
However, keep in mind that you cannot access public healthcare without Portuguese residency. You will need to head to private hospitals and clinics, which offer quality care as well as comfort. Let’s take a look at Medical tourism in Portugal.
Medical tourism is when someone travels outside their country of residence to receive medical care. Initially, the term referred to patients from less developed countries that traveled for better care. Today, people from all over the globe travel elsewhere for health tourism.
But why medical “tourism” instead of travel? Medical tourism usually involves people staying in the country after their medical treatment. While the amount of tourism will be limited by the after-effects of the treatment, people tend to visit sights and explore the country.
Medical Tourism in Portugal: Why is Portugal a good place for health tourism?
Portugal has a quality medical system, offering a great value-for-money alternative, particularly for those coming from the United States. The Portuguese healthcare system offers excellent equipment and professionals.
The system is regularly analyzed by independent bodies and has been recognized internationally in neuroscience, oncology, and more.
Moreover, you can tailor your recovery in Portugal after your medical treatment. From relaxing in the sun to more active experiences, Portugal is the perfect place to recover from medical treatment.
Photo by Luis Melendez (Unsplash)
Top Medical Treatments in Portugal
Oncology: Portugal offers excellent cancer treatment, while the best has been argued to be in the public system, which you won’t be able to access. However, Portugal’s private sector also offers great palliative care.
Reproductive Services: IVF is available to all, including single women, at a more affordable price than in other countries.
Dental Care: Dental care in Portugal is some of the best in the world, ranking 5th in the 2020 Healthiest Teeth Index. It is also a lot more affordable. For example, teeth whitening costs around €200, and braces start at €800.
Cosmetic & Plastic surgery: Portugal offers high-quality cosmetic and plastic surgery at an affordable price. While a breast augmentation in the US can cost around €10,000, in Portugal, it costs around €4,000.
Where to get medical treatment in Portugal?
Best Hospitals & Clinics in Portugal
Portugal has 14 facilities accredited by the Join Commission International. When you travel to Portugal for medical tourism, you will need to access a private hospital instead of a public institution. Here are some of the top hospitals and clinics in Portugal for medical tourism:
CUF Infante Santo Hospital
CUF Cascais
Private Hospital of the Algarve
Hospital da Luz
Hospital Lusiadas Albufeira
Medical Tourism: Recovering in Portugal
Agencies have now started to focus on health tourism in Portugal. Many will help you find the best place to recover. Most medical treatments will be carried out in Lisbon and Porto.
Praia do Guincho, Cascais. Photo by Manuel Inglez (Unsplash)
However, depending on your condition and type of care, here are some cities in Portugal that could help you relax during your recovery:
Seven districts in Portugal are facing a yellow warning due to heavy rain on Thursday. According to the Portuguese Institute of the Ocean and Atmosphere (IPMA), this heavy rain will occasionally be accompanied by thunder.
The seven districts with a heavy rain warning in Portugal are Viana do Castelo, Porto, Braga, Aveiro, Vila Real, Viseu, and Coimbra.
The IPMA emits a yellow warning when risk is associated with certain activities due to the meteorological situation.
The heavy rain is said to decrease in the afternoon in the north and center of the country.
On Wednesday, CNN Portugal reported that there were 94 incidents recorded due to the heavy rain between 12 AM and 7 AM. These include flooding and falling trees. The areas of Lisbon, Viseu, Coimbra, Braga, Setubal, Santarem, and Porto were most affected.
In the Alentejo region, there were 59 cases of flooding yesterday until 9:30 PM on public roads and houses. The incidents were primarily concentrated in the districts of Beja and Portalegre. No one was harmed.
The number of non-resident tourist arrivals in Portugal reached 9.6 million in 2021, a 48.4% growth compared to 2020. However, this also reflects a 61% decrease compared to 2019, according to a study by the National Institute of Statistics (INE).
Most tourists traveling to Portugal in 2021 came from Spain (30%), France (16%), the United Kingdom (10%), and Germany (8%). Tourism from Spain saw the largest growth in 2021 at 57.3%, with France following at 46.2%.
The number of guests in all kinds of tourist accommodations amounted to 16 million, and the number of overnight stays totaled 42,6 million. This actually amounts to a decrease compared to 2019, by 45.8% and 45.2%, respectively.
However, the regions of Acores and Madeira saw an increase in the number of overnight stays compared to 2019.
There was also an increase in the resident population traveling within Portugal. In 2021, 44% of the resident population made at least one tourist trip in Portugal.
The INE study also looked at the tourist accommodation capacity. In July of 2021, there were 1,829 hospitality properties, including hotels, guest houses, apartments, and more, a 16.6% increase since 2020.
The areas with the most tourist accommodations were the Algarve (21%) and Lisbon (36%). The regions with the most growth in hospital properties were the Azores (+41%) and Madeira (37.6%).
The most recently formed island in the Azores archipelago, Pico, is known as the Hawaii of the Azores. The island’s exotic vegetation and black soil provide an astonishing contrast to the blue ocean that surrounds it.
It is the second-largest island and is 46 kilometers long. Due to its volcanic soils, Pico is known as the Black Island. However, there haven’t been volcanic eruptions in over 300 years.
While other Azorean islands might have less to do, Pico remains a relaxing destination with plenty of activities to enjoy. Let’s take a look at the 6 best things to do in Pico, Azores.
A natural pool in Pico is quite a different experience than swimming on a regular beach. There are barely any sandy beaches in Pico. Rather, there are plenty of stunning natural ocean pools that provide a unique experience. Many of these have picnic tables and showers.
Be mindful that these pools often do not have a lifeguard, and the occasional waves cannot often make these dangerous.
2. Discover the flavors of Pico wine
To the surprise of many, the island of Pico actually has some of the best wine in Portugal due to its vineyards. These vineyards are a UNESCO World Heritage Site that are extremely unique.
Instead of the common fields of vines, Pico vines are located in small squares with black basalt stone walls around them. This way, the vines are protected from the wind, especially wind that brings salt from the ocean.
The two main regions to find larger vineyards are Paisagem da Cultura da Vinha da Ilha do Pico and São Mateus. You should book a wine tasting where you also get to visit a vineyard.
Vineyards in Pico. Photo by David Magalhães (Unsplash)
This one is for the brave ones. Mount Pico is the highest mountain in all of Portugal. It stands tall at 2,351 meters. Reaching the peak is one of the most rewarding experiences. You will be surrounded by clouds and a fulfilling view.
The hike is six to eight hours long and four kilometers long (don’t let the latter fool you). Due to the rocky terrain and steepness, this is a very tough hike, particularly the way down.
For your own safety, you should hike with a Certified Pico Mountain guide. Do not attempt to climb Pico without a guide if you have no experience. This is extremely dangerous.
If climbing Mount Pico is too intimidating, there are plenty of other hiking trails on the islands. Our favorites are caminho das Lagoas (22 KM, 7 hours), Calheta do Nesquim (8.6 KM, 2h30), and Prainha do Norte (7.8 KM, 2h30).
Pico island was for decades a hub for whale hunting, an activity that was a large part of the island’s culture and economy. However, fortunately, in the 80s, this practice was banned.
Since then, Pico island has been known for the conservation and research of marine life. Instead of whale hunting, ethical whale watching has become a large part of the island’s culture.
To spot some whales (and dolphins) you need to book a guided tour. Over twenty different species of whales live in the Azores, making it one of the best places in the world for whale-watching.
The best season for whale-watching in Pico is between April to October, even though you can usually see them all year.
The churches in Pico always tell a story about the island. The best part – they are free to visit. Many have been rebuilt after sustaining earthquake damage. A lot of the Pico churches are also made of local black basalt volcanic stone, representing the island’s traditions.
One of our favorite churches on the island is the Church of Santa Maria Madalena. This 19th-century church is the largest in Pico and features beautiful Portuguese tiles.
Each tile portrays the daily lives of the locals on the island. Other great churches in Pico are Santa Barbara Church and Sao Goncalo Convent.
Santa Maria Madalena Church in Pico. Photo by David Stanley (Flickr)
6. Day trip to Sao Jorge
Pico is a part of the Triangle Islands with Faial and Sao Jorge. If you have time, we recommend visiting both. However, our favorite is Sao Jorge if you are short on time.
You can travel from Pico (Madalena) to Sao Jorge (Calheta) on a 2-hour ferry that costs around €10. We also suggest renting a car to be able to travel freely around the island.
Sao Jorge is known as the brown island of the Azores, as it features over 40 fajas. Fajas are small plains located at sea level created by lava flows.
Many of these fajas in Sao Jorge are small villages where locals live, as well as areas with natural pools. We recommend visiting Faja da Caldeira de Santo Cristo and Faja do Ouvidor.
Another must-see in Sao Jorge is Cafe Nunes, a coffee plantation in Faja dos Vimes. This place is owned by an Azorean family since 1997 who are coffee experts. You will get to try some of the best Azorean coffee.
However, fun fact, the coffee beans don’t grow in the Azores originally. The first coffee beans were allegedly brought in by someone in the late 18th century from Brazil.
Sao Jorge Fajas. Photo by Karim Sakhibgareev (Unsplash)
Located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, the Azores archipelago consists of 9 islands that are an autonomous region of Portugal. The Azores are the perfect place to explore nature and are a suitable destination for all kinds of travelers, including families with children.
From exploring the unique islands’ cultures and cuisines, the Azores are a special place with activities for all. However, one of the best ways to discover the Azorean islands is through hiking, offering beautiful views.
There are over 80 hiking trails in the Azores archipelago, spanning 800 kilometers. Many of these are official trails, maintained and marked throughout by the Azores Tourism board. You can find the mapped route, duration, elevation, and more of each one of these online in Azores Trails.
Let’s take a look at the 5 best hikes in the Azores.
1. Lagoa do Fogo, Sao Miguel (PRC02 SMI)
Lagoa do Fogo is perhaps the most famous trail in all of the Azores. Located on the island of Sao Miguel, this circular trail begins on a direct road and goes into various green pastures, the valley of Ribeira da Praia, and more. Throughout the journey, you will find several fauna such as the Azorean blueberry, heather, and the Japanese Cedar.
Located on the island of Terceira, this circular hike in the Nature Reserve of Serra de Santa Barbara and Misterios Negros of Natural Park of Terceira is our favorite on the island. The route begins near Negro Lagoon, Gruta do Natal, and passes through three small lakes and the island’s central massif. We recommend stopping at Gruta do Natal, a lava tunnel with 697 meters. You will find various fauna, including a beautiful wood of Japanese Cedar.
The 10 Volcanos hike on the island of Faial goes along the natural reserve of Caldeira of Faiail in a protected area. The route ends in Capelinhos, a volcano that erupted in 1957 and marked the life of Faial’s population. During the hike, you will walk through woods and forests, as well as find gorgeous views at the viewpoint of Cabeco do Fogo.
Difficulty: Hard
Extension: 19.2 km
Time: 5h
Capelinhos Volcano. Photo by Yoko Correia Nishimiya (Unsplash)
4. Volta a Caldeira, Graciosa
This hike is our favorite in all of Graciosa. The hike takes you inside an old volcano, Gruta do Enxofre. Today, it is safe to visit this cave of lava origin. The trail begins in Canada Longa and goes towards Caldeira. You will reach the top of the Caldeira and be greeted with astonishing views.
Difficulty: Easy
Extension: 10.8 km
Time: 3h
Photo by Vita Marija Murenaite (Unsplash)
5. Mount Pico, Pico
Hiking Mount Pico is a once in a lifetime experience. It’s a rewarding experience but not an easy one. When you reach the peak, you will get one of the best views of your life, surrounded by clouds. Mount Pico is the highest mountain in all of Portugal, standing tall at 2,351 meters.
You need to be reasonably healthy to do this hike. It might seem like it is short length-wise, but trust us, this is not a hike for the inexperienced.
The hike is only around 8 hours, but the rocky terrain is quite hard to walk, particularly on the way down. It is best to do the hike with a Certified Pico Mountain guide to avoid any injury or challenges. Do not attempt to climb Pico without a guide if you have no experience. It can be very dangerous!
The home of British millionaire Carolyn Radford was robbed in early August in the Algarve. Four masked men robbed the home while the Mansfield Town president was watching television alone in bed.
Carolyn Radford described the robbery on Instagram, saying that over 1 million pounds of jewelry and watches were stolen from her Quinta do Lago home, leaving her “traumatized and devastated.”
The Judiciary Police is investigating the robbery, so she could not provide further details. However, she said that “more than the loss of our personal belongings, our sense of security and safety has been totally violated.”
Her three children were not home at the time. The robbery came just a year and a half after her engagement ring was stolen on a school run in Portugal.
She also said that “it also comes just under three years since our home in the UK was burgled by a gang specifically targeting the homes of high-profile businessmen and women, footballers and celebrities.”
The British millionaire is one of the youngest women in the UK to own a soccer team and reportedly has a net worth of over 8 million pounds.
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