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DGS reduces isolation period to five days in Portugal

Lara Silva
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DGS reduces isolation period to five days in Portugal

The Directorate-General of Health of Portugal (DGS) confirmed on Thursday that the isolation period for those infected with covid-19 has changed from seven to five days. The intention to reduce the isolation period was announced a week ago by the Minister of the Presidency Mariana Vieira da Silva but was only confirmed yesterday.

This means that those with covid-19 that are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms can leave isolation after five days if they do not have a fever and their symptoms have improved. 

The DGS says that “although the contagiousness reduces after the fifth day, the virus can still be transmitted”. Therefore, the DGS strongly recommends wearing a mask at all times for at least five more after leaving isolation.

However, those hospitalized or residents in elderly residences must isolate for at least seven days, even if they have no symptoms. 

According to an update by DGS to norm 004/2020, here are the full Covid-19 isolation updates:

  • People with asymptomatic infection or mild illness: 5 days
  • People with asymptomatic infection or mild illness, hospitalize or in an elderly residence: 7 days
  • People with moderate illness: 10 days
  • People with serious illness: 20 days or 10 days with a negative rapid antigen test
  • People with serious immunosuppression: case by case basis decided by medical professionals

1 in 10 Portuguese schools fail exams

Lara Silva
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1 in 10 Portuguese schools fail exams

Almost 1 in 10 Portuguese schools had a failing average in the national exams in 2021. This shows a decrease in grades in comparison to 2020. Of the 487 schools observed by Lusa, 41 had a failing average, with a little over 90% having a positive one.

Most of the failing averages happened in Portuguese public schools, around 38 of 416 public schools. Only three of the 71 private schools had a failing average. 

In 2021, the average grade for public schools continued to get closer to private schools, with a 1,4 difference (on a grade scale from 0 to 20).

The average grade for private schools in Portugal was 12,7 and 11,3 for public schools in 2021. Grades went down significantly as the average for private schools was 14,3 in 2020 and 12,8 for public schools.

The private school Colegio Efanor in Porto had the highest average in the country, with 16,16, overtaking the Colégio Nossa Senhora do Rosário which has topped the ranking in the last few years.

The next schools on the ranking were Colégio Nova Encosta (15,96), Colégio D. Diogo de Sousa (15,84), and Colégio Nossa Senhora do Rosário (15,81) in fourth place. 

The first public school to appear in the ranking is Escola Artística António Arroio from Lisbon, placed in 31st place. Public schools have gone up the ranking by three places in comparison to 2020.

Girls did better than boys in the national exams in 2021. Girls had an average of 11,86 (13,25 in the previous year), while boys had an average of 10,99 (12,85 in the previous year).

Viana do Castelo was once again the district with the best national exam results (11,98), followed by Porto and Viseu. Lisbon took 10th place with an average of 11,4. 

Once again, the lowest averages occurred for students taking their exams in a foreign country (10), as well as in the Azores (10,83).

For the second year in a row, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the national exams of 2021 had various optional questions and the exams were not mandatory to finish high school.

However, last year, the mandatory exam questions increased and the optional ones decreased.

Enoteca 1756 (Porto) Review

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Enoteca 1756 (Porto) Review

Enoteca 1756 is located right on the banks of the Douro river, facing Porto’s old town, in Vila Nova de Gaia. The vibe feels very upscale. You walk in and are immediately impressed by the grandness of the environment. A cigar lounge, a cheese room, and elegant bar greet you as you walk in. The vaulted ceilings give you the feeling of luxury matching the prices of the food. The location has so much promise, unfortunately for us, it was a cloudy day and our reserved outdoor table didn’t materialize. We were shoved into a high top table next to the bar with a dozen loud strangers standing by the bar drinking, bumping into our table and generally ruining the lovely ambiance of Enoteca 1756 for us, more so than the rest of the guests, because we have a large pillar blocking us from the rest of the restaurant.

Enoteca Bar. Photo by @O.SaeLim

Despite the issues with our reservation and being relegated to possibly the worst table in the restaurant, we ordered enough for a large family to try as many parts of the menu as possible.

Binchotan Toro Nigiri. Photo by @O.SaeLim

The food was delivered at a good pace. Our order of Binchotan Toro Nigiri was delivered quickly. The melt-in-your-mouth toro was definitely a highlight of the evening. After a rocky start, things were looking brighter.

The Toro was followed up with Wagyu Tacos and Romando New Style Sashimi. The Wagyu tacos tasted alright. The meat quality was good, but using Wagyu for tacos and simply chopping it up, garnishing it, and covering it with lime doesn’t do good Wagyu justice. While it tasted okay, it felt like it didn’t do justice to either tradition of Tacos or Wagyu.

Romando New Style Sashimi. Photo by @O.SaeLim

The Romando New Style Sashimi is a mix of Tuna, Salmon, Sea Bass and Scallops. The presentation was simple but clean. I’m not a huge fan of Sea Bass, but I may have discovered a new respect for it from this dish. I think it was the best quality of the four sashimi types on the dish. The Salmon, Tuna and Scallops were average though.

Wagyu Tacos. Photo by @O.SaeLim

We also tried the Chef’s mini pizzas based on other reviews we read. The mini pizzas felt like flatbread with some melted toppings on them. The texture was nice and the flavor was good. But I am not sure I would call it pizza. Not a bad bite, but I probably wouldn’t go out of my way for them.

The final appetizer we ordered was the Tuna Carpaccio. This decadent dish was Tuna, covered with Foie Gras and Truffles. They provided a table side service to mix it all together like a fancy tartar.

Tuna Carpaccio with Foie Gras and Truffles. Photo by @O.SaeLim

The Tuna Carpaccio was another highlight of the meal. It delivered a fatty tuna flavor mixed with rich Foie Gras and umami Truffle. It might have been slightly over salted, but it was a bright ending to the appetizers we ordered.

The main course we ordered was the Ribeye steak. A pricey €56 500g steak that should be a highlight at any restaurant.

The Ribeye looked nice and photographed well. Unfortunately, it wasn’t cooked well. The reason to order a Ribeye steak is the delightful amounts of fat that add so much flavor and richness to it. The steak was delivered lukewarm, at best, it felt like it may have been sitting in the kitchen too long. The usually tender fat that melts into your bites had hardened and became inedible. It’s never a great sign when you’re spitting parts of a steak into your napkin because you simply can’t chew or swallow them.

We were excited to look at the dessert menu before the meal started, but by the end of the dinner, we felt neglected by the staff who forgot to bring our initial drink order for 20 minutes, the rowdy neighbors who were disturbing what should have been an intimate dinner and the disappointing and expensive steak.

Enoteca 1756 felt like a restaurant that could be an amazing experience that one day would earn itself a Michelin star, but the inconsistent staff and lack of attention to the details that make a fine dining experience memorable simply weren’t there. Perhaps if we had stuck simply to the Japanese menu, our experience would have been better. Maybe that is our fault or maybe Enoteca is trying to do too many things. Doing a Sushi, Pizza and Steak restaurant just didn’t live up to our expectations and definitely not the price tag.

Hacker steals Booking payments from Lisbon hotel

Lara Silva
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Hacker steals Booking payments from Lisbon hotel

A Russian hacker infiltrated the booking account of a hotel in Lisbon, the Marino Boutique Hotel, and was able to generate almost half a million euros in fake bookings, reports CNN Portugal. The hacker contacted hundreds of clients, that fell for the scam, between June 12 and 16.

When he hacked the Booking account, he changed the room prices to 40 euros, rather than the usual 200 to 300 euros. Quickly, over 1000 bookings were made in four days. 

The hacker then sent a payment link to clients, diverting funds to his account. The bookings were obviously fake and the tourists were scammed out of their money.

The hotel did not have access to their Booking account for over four days but believed the website was merely down.

However, with the hacker gathering over half a million euros in fake reviews, it is clear that this will negatively impact the establishment. The hotel received hundreds of complaints over the past month, around 50 via telephone a day.

However, the loss for the hotel and clients is still being calculated. The hotel is considering suing Booking as they argue the platform was too slow in blocking the hacker from their account.

Hotels in Portugal

9 Best Things To Do in Fatima, Portugal

Lara Silva
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9 Best Things To Do in Fatima, Portugal

Located in the district of Santarem in the Central Region of Portugal, Fátima is a city known all over the world for its religious historical context. With millions of religious visitors every year, this peaceful city is surrounded by mountains, green landscapes, and quaint villages with stoned houses, featuring plenty of activities and things to do. What makes Fatima special is not just its stunning surroundings, but the famous Sanctuary of Fatima that is known for its pilgrimage, the location of the Miracle of Fatima. The sanctuary even sparks the curiosity of atheists and is welcoming to all religions, not just Catholicism. Before we get into the best things to do in Fatima, let’s take a look at why the Portuguese city is so popular among religious pilgrims and tourists alike.

Guide to the Fatima

What Happened at the Miracle of Fatima?

In 1917, three Portuguese shepherd children witnessed the apparition of the Virgin Mary, the Mother of Jesus, six times over six months. The three shepherds said that Mary, also known as Fátima told the children the “Three Secrets of Fátima”. These were apocalyptic prophecies that according to Catholic interpretations mentioned events such as World War II, the rise and fall of communism, and the assassination attempt of Pope John Paul II. Fátima allegedly told the children to spread these secrets and that sinners would need to be converted as their evil behavior was the main cause of these issues.

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.

These alleged events were declared miracles in 1930 by the Catholic Church and ever since the city of Fatima remains a holy pilgrimage site with over 8 million visitors a year.

What happened at the Miracle of Fátima?

Fatima Things To Do: Tourist Attractions & Activities

Here are the 9 best things to do in Fatima, from tourist attractions to museums, and sightseeing.

1. Visit the Sanctuary of Fatima

 The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima, a site with Catholic religious buildings was built in the place where the three children were visited by the Virgin Mary. The first building was built in 1919 by the locals and others developed over the decades. The sanctuary was officially consecrated in 1953 and a year later, it was given the title of Basilica by Pope Piux XXI.

Today, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima has multiple religious buildings, monuments, and statues of saints. Although the Chapel of Apparitions and the Basilica are the most famous, you can also visit the Perpetual Adoration Chapel and the Monument of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, among others.

We recommend taking in the grandiose nature of the main square where you can enjoy the calming view of the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary. If you can, purchase a candle near the Chapel of Apparitions and light a candle. Use it to pray or set an intention, as well as honor someone who has passed. Even atheists take part in this Fatima ritual.

Photo by Natacha de Hepcée (Unsplash)

2. Sit silently at the Chapel of Apparitions

A focal point of the Sanctuary of Fatima, the Chapel of Apparitions was built by the locals on the site where the three children reported seeing Mary. Mary allegedly told the children she wanted a chapel made there in her honor. The Chapel of Apparitions was completed two years after the sightings, in 1919, under the construction of a mason called Joaquim Barbeiro from the village of Santa Catarina da Serra. A mass was officially allowed in the chapel by the local bishop in 1921. Even if you are not religious and do not want to engage in prayer in the chapel, we recommend you sit silently and enjoy the peacefulness of this sacred chapel.

3. Take a guided tour of Fatima and nearby cities

If you’re looking to explore the city of Fatima from Lisbon, we recommend taking this full-day guided tour to Fatima, as well as Nazare and Obidos. You will get to visit the Sanctuary of Fatima in a personalized experience on a guided walking tour, as well as admire the medieval monuments of Obidos. The guided tour also takes you to the beach town of Nazare to stroll along the cliffs and enjoy the ocean views. The tour is in English and includes free drinks.

Book Guided Tour Fatima

4. Explore the house of the three shepherd children that witnessed the miracle

Remember the three shepherd children that witness the Miracle of Fatima? You can actually visit the houses where the children that saw Mary back in 1917 lived. There are two houses in the tiny village of Aljustrel, a kilometer away from the sanctuary: the “Casa de Jacinta e Francisco Marto” and the “Casa da Lucia”. The first house was where both Francisco and Jacinta died after the First World War of the flu epidemic. They lived here with their parents and three other siblings. The second house was Lucia’s house, who was the cousin of Jacinta and Francisco. Lucia survived the flu epidemic, became a nun, and lived until 2005, dying at the old age of 97.

5. Enter the Moinhos Velhos Cave

Moinhos Velhos Cave, also known as “Gruta de Moinhos Velhos” is a cave with over 9 kilometers in extension, only a 20-minute drive from the sanctuary. It is the biggest cave found in Portugal. The cave was first entered by humans in 1947. The caves are located in the Limestone Mountains, which form the Estremadura Limestone Massif. Tickets cost €7 for visitors above the age of 12. Children under five years old can visit for free and children from 5 to 11 years old pay €4.20.

6. Visualize the Miracle of Fatima at the waxwork museum

The Wax Museum of Museum is a 5-minute drive from the sanctuary and narrates the story of the 1917 apparitions of Mary with life-like wax figures in approximately 20 minutes. 32 scenes and 120 figures report the main episodes of these events spanning a 34-year period. Children under 6 do not pay. Adults pay €7.75. University students and families of four minimum get a 20% discount.

7. Discover 175 million-year-old dinosaur footprints

Located in Ourem, the Natural Monument of Dinosaur Footprints is a dinosaur track site discovered in 1994 by João Carvalho, a member of the local archeology association. Its located around 10 kilometers from Fátima in the heart of the Serras d’Aire e Candeeiros Natural Park. The footprints are over 175 million years old and were created by sauropods, dinosaurs with small heads and long tails and necks. This place has some of the longest dinosaur tracks in the world, with the longest footprint measuring 147 meters long. The entry fee is around €3.

8. Try the regional cuisine of Fatima

Like most places in Portugal, Fatima has some excellent dishes such as bacalhau (codfish), polvo à la lagareiro (octopus), bitoque (thin steak), arroz de pato (duck rice), baba de camelo (condensed milk mousse), and more. For some of the best regional cuisine in Fatima, we recommend heading to a restaurant called Tia Alice, a 5-minute drive from the sanctuary. A Michelin selection, Tia Alice is a rustic restaurant that serves delicious duck, roasted lamb, codfish, and more. The bill for two people will set you back around €50, but it is totally worth it. For a cheaper alternative, we recommend a restaurant called O Leque, a Portuguese tavern with traditional flavors that serves the classic bitoque (think steak) and frango no churrasco (barbequed chicken). A meal for two here will cost you around €20.

9. Learn about the Miracle of Fatima at the interactive Museum

A 10-minute walk from the Sanctuary of Fatima, the Interactive Museum – Miracle of Fatima takes you through a 40-minute story of the Miracle of Fatima through hologram images and a 3D movie. The museum gets into the nitty-gritty details of the six apparitions and the young shepherds. If you are a large group of 10 or more people, you get a 50% discount so make sure to bring your friends. Regular adult tickets cost €7,50 and children pay €4.

NOS Alive returns to Portugal after 2 years

Lara Silva
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NOS Alive returns to Portugal after 2 years

After two postponed editions due to the covid-19 pandemic, NOS Alive is back on Wednesday in Oeiras! The 14th edition of NOS Alive starts today with the likes of The Strokes, The War on Drugs, and Stromae.

Along the four days of the festival, there will be 165 performances in seven stages. From a comedy stage to an electronic music stage and a larger main stage, the festival’s performers this year are an eclectic bunch.

NOS Alive’s promotor Alvaro Covoes told Lusa that the festival is expecting over 200,000 people from 98 nationalities. 

The 14th edition of NOS Alive welcomes Florence + The Machine, Alt-J, Metallica, Stormzy, Jorja Smith, AJ Tracey, Tom Misch, Two Door Cinema Club, Phoebe Bridgers, and much more.

NOS Alive is known to have the most well-known line-up in Portugal, along with Rock in Rio, adding to its international popularity. In 2009, the British magazine NME named NOS Alive one of the top 12 European festivals.

The festival has invested in inclusive infrastructure for this year’s edition, now boasting platforms for disabled mobility for a more convenient entrance, as well as an area for pregnant women to enter.

The last two days of NOS Alive, Friday and Saturday are already sold out.

Top 8 Music Festivals in Portugal 2022

Political Parties in Portugal

Lara Silva
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Political Parties in Portugal

Since April 25, 1974, democracy has been instilled in Portugal, a year after the Carnation Revolution that ended the authoritarian regime. The Constitutional Assembly divided state power into three main branches: legislative, executive, and judicial.

Under the legislative branch, stand political parties and their elected member of parliaments in the Assembly of the Republic.

The Assembly of the Republic, the Portuguese Parliament, is made up of 230 deputies, elected for four years in 22 election circles.

Each of the election circles represents the 18 districts in mainland Portugal, the two Autonomous Regions of Portugal (Madeira and the Azores), one for Portuguese citizens living outside of Europe, and one for Portuguese citizens living in Europe.

Those in the assembly are responsible for supporting or opposing the government, approving programs, laws, and the state budget. 

In the 2022 general election, the XXII Portuguese government was voted with the Socialist Party (PS) winning a majority government. This meant that Antonio Costa remains as Prime Minister. Let’s take a look at the current makeup of the Portuguese Assembly of the Republic and the political parties in Portugal. 

Political Parties in Portugal: The Assembly of the Republic

1. Socialist Party (PS) 120 Seats – Majority Government

Led by Antonio Costa, the Prime Minister of Portugal, the Socialist Party (PS) is a center-left party that won a majority in the last general election. The Socialist Party seeks to strengthen the national health service, tackle climate change, and reduce poverty rates in Portugal. With pro-European and progressive ideologies, the party’s State Budget includes raising the minimum wage to €750 by 2023, making income tax more progressive, and free daycares. 

The Socialist Party was formed in 1973, a year before the Carnation Revolution that freed Portugal of a fascist dictatorship. PS has been in government nine times since democracy was instilled in Portugal. Twice as a majority government (including the current government), once in a grand coalition with the Social Democratic Party (PSD), and six times as a minority government. 

The current Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres was once the leader of the Socialist Party in Portugal.

2. Social Democratic Party (PSD) – 77 Seats

The Social Democratic Party (PSD) is a center-right party with both conservative and liberal economic ideologies, despite its name. It is the second-largest party after PS. PSD has supported tax cuts and economic liberalization. The party stands for Christian social values, voting against gay marriage in 2010 and gay adoption in 2015, for example.

In the last general election, the Social Democratic Party (PSD) lost one seat which was unexpected to many. The polls stated that PSD and PS were incredibly close and there was a chance PS would not obtain a majority.

PSD was formed in 1974 by Francisco Sa Carneiro and others under the name of the Popular Democratic Party (PPD). It was legalized in 1975 and changed to PSD in 1976. The Social Democratic Party has formed nine governments since 1975, including four majority governments. The party was last in power in 2015.

PSD’s leadership has recently changed. Since 2017, Rui Rio had been the Secretary-General of PSD, but after the loss in the general election of 2022, he announced his leave. On May 28, 2022, Luis Montenegro won a historic victory for the leadership of PSD with over 70% of the votes. He will be the new leader of PSD in July. 

3. ENOUGH (CH) – 12 Seats

The third-largest party in the Portuguese parliament with 12 seats, Enough (CH) was founded in 2019 by the leader Andre Ventura. Known as Chega in Portuguese, the party is a populist radical right party known for extreme right-wing views and economically liberal ideologies.

CH campaigns for life imprisonment, the chemical castration of child abusers, and privatization of national services like health and education. The party has been accused of racism, misogyny, and homophobia. The party believes in the conspiracy theory of “cultural marxism”, stating that the “radical left” is promoting “gender ideology” in public schools, attacking the “traditional family”, and promoting abortion to destroy Portuguese identity. 

Chega was created through smaller groups from the Social Democratic Party (PSD), the party where Andre Ventura started his political career. While most extreme-right parties in Portugal have been unsuccessful post-dictatorship, Andre Ventura gained media attention with his racism towards the Roma community. The party has international connections to extreme-right association Identity and Democracy (IC), Matteo Salvini, Marine Le Pen, and more. 

4. Liberal Initiative (IL) – 8 Seats

The Liberal Initiative (IL) was founded in 2017 and is the first liberal party in Portugal. Led by João Cotrim Figueiredo, increase its seats from 1 in 2019 to 8 and becomes the fourth-largest party in Portugal. 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 party believes in individual freedom, low taxes, and the free market.

The party believes the state “discriminates” against the private sector by not providing enough funding to private schools and hospitals. For example, when the PS’s proposal for free period products in public schools was passed in March 2022, a member of the IL said that this measure creates an “apartheid” within the public sector, discriminating against students in private schools.

The party is unlike other right-wing parties as they are in favor of euthanasia, abortion, and gay rights. They are therefore fiscally liberal but have more progressive stances on social issues than other center-right and right-wing parties. However, the party claims to reject the left-right political spectrum.

5. Left Bloc (BE) – 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 party has been seen as more socially libertarian than the Portuguese Communist Party (PCP), but more leftist than the Socialist Party (PCP).

In the last general election, the Left Bloco (BE) suffered a major loss, losing 14 seats. Many believe leftist voters were punishing BE for voting against the state budget. 

The Left Bloc was formed in 1991 from a merger of left-wing parties and movements: the Marxist People’s Democratic Union, Trotskyist Revolutionary Socialist Party, and the democratic socialist Politics XXI. 

6. The Portuguese Communist Party (PCP) – 6 Seats

The Portuguese Communist Party (PCP) is one of the strongest Communist parties in Western Europe but at the time, only has 6 seats. The party follows a Marxist-Leninist, communist, and anti-fascist ideology, as well as patriotic. In the last general election, PCP campaigned to invest in the national health service by increasing the number of medical professionals. The Portuguese Communist Party also wants to reduce the working week from 40 to 35 hours, free education, and free public transport.

The Portuguese Communist Party has existed for over 100 years. It was founded in 1921 as the Portuguese section of the Communist International (Comintern). The party was made illegal in the late 1920s and later on played a major role in opposing the fascist regime of Salazar.

7. People Animals Nature (PAN) – 1 Seat

People Animals Nature (PAN) was founded in 2009, a Portuguese Green Party that is known for advocating for climate justice and animal rights. The party holds ecofeminist, animalist, and progressive ideologies. In the last general election, PAN campaigned to invest in the national health service but does believe that the private and public sectors can work together. PAN also believes in free transportation to combat climate change. The party doesn’t have an individual leader, preferring the model of collective leadership.

In 2019, PAN had 4 seats but in the last election, lost most of its members of parliament and now only holds one. 

8. FREE (LIVRE) – 1 Seat

The party FREE was founded by Rui Tavares in 2014, and similarly to PAN, follows a model of collective leadership. 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 party’s program also included increasing the minimum wage to €1,000, legalizing cannabis, investing in public health, and starting a Portuguese Green New Deal.

The party won one seat in 2019 and still holds one seat, won in the last election by Rui Tavares. 

Socialist-Majority Government in Portugal

The Socialist Party (PS) established a majority government back in March of 2022, with a majority-female cabinet. Here are the cabinet members of the Socialist Party government.

Meet the new faces of Antonio Costa’s Portuguese government.

  • Francisco Medina is the Finance Minister. He is a former Lisbon mayor and is replacing João Leão.
  • Catarina Sarmento e Castro is the Minister of Justice, an ex-judge of the Constitutional Court.
  • Ana Catarina Mendes is the Deputy and Parliamentary Affairs minister, after leaving her role as the president of the parliamentary group for PS.
  • António Costa e Silva is the Minister of the Economy and the Ocean. He took over the Minister of the Ocean, Ricardo Santos, and the minister of the Economy, Pedro Siza Vieira.
  • Elvira Fortunado is the Minister of Science. She is a scientist, professor, and vice-director of Nova University.
  • Pedro Adão e Silva is the Minister of Culture, a sociologist, and a professor of Political Science.
  • José Luís Carneiro is the Minister of Internal Administration. He has been the deputy of the Assembly of the Portuguese Republic since 2015.
  • Helena Carreiras is the Minister of Defence, having taken over the role of João Gomes Cravinho. She is a specialist in military sociology and is a professor at ISCTE, as well as the head of the National Defence Institute.
  • Duarte Cordeiro is the Minister of the Environment and Climate Action, taking the spot of João Pedro Matos Fernandes. Cordeiro was the vice-president of the City Council of Lisbon from 2015 to 2019.
  • João Gomes Cravinho is the Minister of Foreign Affairs. He served as Minister of National Defence since 2018.
  • João Costa is the new Minister of Education. He was a Secretary of State and was a faculty at Nova University.
  • Mariana Vieira da Silva remains as Minister of the Presidency and is now the “number 2” of Prime Minister Antonio Costa.
  • Marta Temido remains the Minister of Health, a role she took on in 2018. She is a specialist in hospital administration.
  • Pedro Nuno Santos is the Minister of Infrastructures and Housing. He has a degree in economics from ISEG-UTL.
  • Ana Mendes Godinho is the Minister of Labor, Solidarity, and Social Security. She had previously worked as the Secretary of State for Tourism until 2019.
  • Ana Abrunhosa is the Minister of Territorial Cohesion having done so since 2019. She has a doctorate in economics from the University of Coimbra.
  • Maria do Céu Antunes is the Minister of Agriculture which now also includes the ministry of food.

Take a look at our article on the Portuguese Political System to find out about the democratic process in Portugal. 

Rent prices in Portugal increase in second trimester

Lara Silva
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Rent prices in Portugal increase in second trimester

Idealista reports that rental prices continue to increase in Portugal, registering a 2.6% increase in the second trimester of the year, in contrast to the first trimester. Renting a property at the end of June had an average cost of €11,3 per m2. From May to June, rental prices went up 0.9%.

The rise in rental prices happened in almost every district capital in Portugal. Leiria (10.9%) led the list with the greatest rent increase in the second trimester of 2022.

The following district capitals followed: Viseu (7,6%), Funchal (7%), Aveiro (6.1%), Lisboa (4.8%), Santarem (4.7%), Porto (4.1%), Braga (3%), Faro (2.9%), and Setubal (0.7%).

In contrast, rental prices decrease in Coimbra (-7.7%) and Viana do Castelo (-0.7%).

The most expensive city to rent in Portugal remains Lisbon at an average of €14.5 per m2, followed by Porto (€11.4 per m2) and Funchal (€10.4 per m2). 

The cheapest cities to rent in Portugal are Viseu (€5.6 per m2), Santarem (€5.8 per m2), Viana do Castelo (€6.1 per m2), Leiria (€6.6 per m2) and Braga (€6.7 per m2).

The rental prices in Portugal increase in all regions of the country except in the Azores (-6.4%) and the North (-1.4%). The regions with the greatest increases are the Algarve (14.1%), Madeira (10.1%), and Alentejo (8.9%). The regions with the lowest increase in rental prices were registered in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area (3.4%) and the Center of Portugal (1.1%). 

Ponta Delgada

Lara Silva
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Ponta Delgada

The capital of the Autonomous Region of the Azores since 1546 and the largest municipality in the archipelago, Ponta Delgada is one of the most visited cities in the Azores. With over 60,000 inhabitants in three parishes that comprise the historical city, Ponta Delgada screams history and culture. Home to the University of the Azores and the City Gates, many of the historical buildings have been around for centuries.

Ponta Delgada is located on Sao Miguel Island. The island was discovered between 1427 and 1431, after the island of Santa Maria. It was initially settled in 1440 by Portuguese people from the regions of Estremadura, Algarve, and Alentejo. The island was later home to various groups including Moors, Jews, and French foreigners. Today, Sao Miguel is one of the most visited islands in the Azorean archipelago. The island offers so much versatility and activity for all, such as diving, hiking, and more. 

Guide to Sao Miguel

What to do in Ponta Delgada: 5 Things To Do in Ponta Delgada

1. Explore the city center

The city center of Ponta Delgada is full of history and culture which you can explore on foot. Ponta Delgada is known for its historic churches and unique cobbled streets filled with traditional Azorean restaurants. An area to not miss is 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. Look for the City Gates or Portas da Cidade, this monument represents how the capital is like the entrance gates of the 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.   

City Gates. Photo by David Stanley (Flickr)

2. Travel to Sete Cidades

A 40-minute drive from Ponta Delgada, Sete Cidades is a municipality in São Miguel and probably the most famous place to visit on the island. Visit the Lagoa das Sete Cidades, a large lake divided by a bridge into two parts: one green and one blue. This is probably the most popular lagoon in the whole of the Azores archipelago. Head to the Vista do Rei viewpoint where you can enjoy the best view of the lagoon. The Lagoa das Sete Cidades is the perfect spot for kayaking. Even though Sete Cidades is known for this particular lake, there are over 11 lakes in the municipality that you observe from miradouros (viewpoints).

Photo by Luis Ascenso (Flickr)

3. Eat a meat stew cooked by a volcano

In the eastern part of São Miguel, you should visit the Furnas where you can see two boiling caldeiras in action and swim in hot spring pools. There are over thirty geysers around the Furnas village. These are essentially bubbling, steaming caldeiras that smell of sulfur. Temperatures range from 70ºC to 100ºC, which is perfect for cooking. You need to try a Cozido das Furnas here. This 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. This dish is placed in a metal pot and buried in volcanic soil to be slow-cooked by the natural heat of the caldeiras. Another thing to do in Furnas is to visit the 200-year-old Parque Terra Nostra. Here you can swim in a popular orange geothermal swimming pool that’s 35ºC. 

4. Take a food tour of Ponta Delgada

If you’re a big foodie, book this food tour in Ponta Delgada where you will get to explore the city’s unique cuisine with an experienced local guide. The tour is three hours and along with traveling through the main historic points in the city, you will sample local specialties at markets and eateries like Mercado da Graca, O Principe dos Queijos, and more. You will get to try a variety of Azorean products such as meats, jams, fruit, as well as complimentary drinks. The guide will teach you about the culture and traditions of the food on the island, making it a more unique experience than just visiting a nice restaurant.

Book Ponta Delgada Food Tour

5. Embark on a whale-watching tour

The Azores is one of the best places in the world to spot whales of different species. Embark on a 2.5-hour excursion to discover the magical whales, dolphins, and other sea life animals in their natural habitat. In a Zodiac RIB boat with a skipper and wildlife guide, you will get to spot these and learn about their behavioral, migration, and communication patterns. The boat approaches the animals so you can spot them, without getting too close so as to not disturb them. The boat tour also includes a tour around the Princess Ring Islet of Vila Franca do Campo, where you will get an up close look at the volcano. The tour price includes insurance and a life vest and is usually in English. 

Book whale-watching experience

3 Best Restaurants in Ponta Delgada: Where to eat in Ponta Delgada?

1. Restaurante da Associação Agrícola de São Miguel

A 15-minute drive from the center of Ponta Delgada, this restaurant was founded by a society of local producers and is one of the most popular on the island of Sao Miguel. This place is known for its beef steak prepared with local beef. You can choose to have it accompanied by a sauce, the best being the pepper or cream sauce. You should also sample their selection of regional wines. You can have a meal for around €15 per person.

2. A Tasca 

Located in the center of Ponta Delgada, this restaurant’s name literally means tavern. The white and blue exterior provides an authentic Azorean experience. Make sure to book a table beforehand as this place can get quite full, especially on weekends. We recommend their octopus with roasted potatoes and their tuna steak. A meal here costs €15.

3. Casa da Rosa

Casa da Rosa in the center of Ponta Delgada has a relaxed and comfy environment. Located next to Alcides, this place has live music and features Portuguese food, as well as international dishes. It is very affordable and you can also get some vegetarian options here. You can have a meal here for €15.

Transportation: How can you get around Ponta Delgada?

If you are planning to stay within the historic center of Porta Delgada, you can discover the center on foot or on public transport. The bus system is designed for the locals, not tourists looking to get to sights. However, the buses are quite cheap as tickets costs between €0.30 to €3.

However, if you are visiting the city, you will probably want to discover the whole island of Sao Miguel. The island is quite large so the best way to get to remote locations is by renting a car. In fact, this is the best way to visit any island in the Azores. You can pick up a rental car from the airport and return it when you are flying back. We recommend renting a car in advance because especially in the summer months, these run out fast.

5 Best Places to Stay in Ponta Delgada: Where to stay in Ponta Delgada?

1. Marina Lounge Hostel

A top-rated property in Ponta Delgada, Marina Lounge Hostel is located in the heart of the city, close to the marina. The hostel offers both private rooms and dormitories, fitting everyone’s needs and budget. All units have access to clean bathrooms and some even have a  furnished terrace with views of the historic center. A large communal kitchen is available where guests can cook and share meals. Alternatively, some of the best restaurants on the island are only a few steps away. The hostel also features a comfortable shared lounge with a TV, sofas, and various board games for entertainment. You can get a private room here for €65 a night.   

2. White Exclusive Suites & Vilas

A 15-minute drive from Ponta Delgada, White Exclusive Suites & Vilas is located in Lagoa and features a restaurant, an outdoor pool, and a garden. A 10-minute walk from the beach and some of the best restaurants on the island, the units at this place feature balconies with views of the ocean. Providing a luxurious experience, you can get a room here for around €200 a night.

 

3. Herdade do Ananás

Herdade do Ananas is an eco-friendly accommodation option in Ponta Delgada. Herdade do Ananás is known for its great customer service and for providing a luxurious experience. This place features a garden and a shared lounge. The rooms offer a modern feel and feature a desk and a flat-screen TV. You can get a room here for around €150 a night. 

 

4. Hotel do Colegio

A 5-minute walk from the University of the Azores in Ponta Delgada, Hotel Colegio is a 4-star hotel in a 19-century building. The hotel has a swimming pool and restaurant serving regional cuisine from locally grown ingredients. The guestrooms preserve the style of the building, which used to be a school and musical conservatory, with a modern twist. The hotel serves a delicious buffet breakfast. You can get a room here for around €120 a night.

5. Quinta dos Bravos

Located between Ponta Delgada and Ribeira Grande, Quinta dos Bravos has a 3000 square meter garden and an outdoor swimming pool. You are less than 20 minutes away from Ponta Delgada. Guests can enjoy several activities near the property such as exploring the hiking trails and golfing at the Batalha Golf Course. You can get a room here for around €90 a night. 

Guide to the Azores

Best Hotels in Lisbon for 2022

Lara Silva
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Best Hotels in Lisbon for 2022

The Portuguese capital gets around 4.5 million tourists per year, as well as thousands of remote workers and digital nomads of various lifestyles and with differing budgets. Along with its cultural heritage and food culture, Lisbon’s ability to fit into several budgets is what makes it special. You can splurge out if you want and have a luxury vacation, oftentimes at a lower rate than other major capitals like London and Amsterdam. Or you can opt for a low-cost vacation choosing modern hostels that are perfect for socializing, without breaking the bank. Here are the best hotels in Lisbon, Portugal to fit all your needs, from 5-star hotels and mid-range accommodation to affordable hostels.

Guide to Lisbon

5 Best 5-Star Hotels in Lisbon

1. Corinthia Lisbon

Located near Sete Rios, Corinthia Lisbon is one of the best hotels in Lisbon for those looking for a luxurious experience. The modern 5-star hotel features the largest spa in Lisbon with a heated indoor pool, natural solarium, gym, water therapy circuit, and 13 treatment rooms with a size of 3000m2. A restaurant on the sunny terrace is also available, serving elevated Portuguese food and panoramic views of the city. Corinthia also offers executive rooms and suite guests access to the Sky Lounge. While the location is not walking distance from the main sights, guests will be a 5-minute metro ride away from Avenida da Liberdade. 

Book Corinthia Lisbon

2. Four Seasons Ritz

The Four Seasons Ritz Hotel in Lisbon is one of the best hotels in the city, known for hosting international artists and celebrities. A 10-minute walk from Avenida da Liberdade, the 5-star hotel features an updated Louis XVI style and a collection of contemporary local artwork. The Ritz features some of the most luxurious rooms in Lisbon, many having large bathrooms, living spaces, and all private bathrooms with free L’Occitane toiletries. The hotel’s restaurant Varanda offers stunning views over the park and the Ritz Bar is the perfect spot for a cocktail on summer nights. The spa offers high-end treatments such as acupuncture and Ayurvedic rituals, while the indoor pool overlooks the Eduardo VII Park. 

Book Four Seasons Ritz Lisbon

3. Tivoli Avenida Lisbon

Having been around since 1933, the Tivoli Avenida Lisbon has been an iconic landmark in Lisbon for almost a century. Heads of state and celebrities have made this Tivoli hotel a meeting point throughout the years. Located on the Avenida da Liberdade, guest rooms come equipped with top-notch flat-screen TVs, private bathrooms, and some even living spaces and balconies. Home to the traditional Cervejaria Liberdade, the restaurant serves some of the best seafood in Lisbon. Another restaurant on the top floor of the hotel also serves international cuisine, as well as gorgeous panoramic views and an extensive wine list. The Anantara Spa offers luxurious treatments and relaxing spaces for guests to unwind. 

Book Tivoli Avenida Lisbon

4.  Bairro Alto Hotel

Located in the heart of Bairro Alto, Bairro Alto Hotel is set in an 18th-century historical building with 87 guestrooms and 22 suites. The 5-star boutique hotel offers views over the Tagus River and Chiado and Bairro Alto. The hotel features a rooftop bar, as well as a restaurant run by an award-winning Chef. The hotel’s spa has a sauna, sensorial shower, as well as treatment rooms with Susanne Kaufmann products. The luxury modern rooms reflect the city of Lisbon through the textures, colors, and materials. Guests at the Bairro Alto Hotel are a step away from main attractions and shops. 

Book Bairro Alto Hotel

5. Turim Boulevard Hotel

Turim Boulevard Hotel is a 5-star hotel located in Avenida da Liberdade, known for its emblematic rooftop infinity pool. Guests can enjoy a privileged location in the heart of the city one of the most iconic avenues in Lisbon, steps away from high-end fashion brands. The 5-star hotel features 101 rooms equipped with air-conditioning, a desk, a private bathroom, and more. 

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3 Best Affordable Hotels in Lisbon

1. Lux Lisboa Park

Located in Avenidas Novas, Lux Lisboa Park is a 4-star hotel a 5-minute walk from Parque Eduardo VII. The hotel features a concierge service, a bar, and a relaxing rooftop with a heated pool and jacuzzi. Lux Lisboa also features the Salvo Salvo restaurant that overlooks a stunning vertical garden, as well as two bars. The soundproofed guestrooms come equipped with air conditioning, a seating area, and a flat-screen TV.

Book Lux Lisboa Park

2. Lisboa Carmo Hotel

A 3-minute walk from Bairro Alto, Lisboa Carmo Hotel is located in the heart of the city and offers affordable hotel prices. The 4-star hotel is only a few minutes away from some of the best restaurants and shops in the city. The comfortable guest rooms feature pastel-colored walls and come equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, and a minibar. The Maria do Carmo Restaurant serves contemporary-style dining and a modern bar is also available.

Book Lisboa Carmo Hotel

3. Dare Lisbon House

A 5-minute walk from Santa Justa Lift, Dare Lisbon House is located in an 18th-century building and offers newly renovated lofts and apartments. Offering both short-term and long-term stays, Dare House is also a great option for digital nomads. The units come equipped with a kitchen, a bathroom, a living room, and toiletries. Some even include a balcony with views of the city of Lisbon.

Book Dare Lisbon House

3 Low-cost Accommodation in Lisbon: Best Hostels in Lisbon

1. Lost Inn Lisbon Hostel

Located in the historical center of Chiado, Inn Lisbon Hostel is an 18th-century building that offers affordable stays, including private rooms and beds in shared dorms. The hostel features shared bathroom facilities and the rooms offer views of the city. The communal kitchen is well equipped and allows guests to cook their own meals and enjoy them in the dining areas. There is also a breakfast available that is included in the room rate. The communal space has sofas, computers, a TV, and a movie library.

Book Lost Inn Lisbon Hostel

2. Selina Secret Garden Hostel

A hostel in Cais do Sodre, Selina Secret Garden is a one size fits all. Featuring a pool, a rooftop deck for socializing, a coworking space for professionals, and a movie room, guests can find anything they need. In the heart of Cais do Sodre, you are close to contemporary art galleries, bars with riverfront views, and within walking distance to Chiado. The cool thing about Selena is that they also have weekly programs with activities such as yoga, meditation, and Portuguese lessons.

Book Selina Secret Garden Hostel

3. Urban Garden Hostel

Located near Avenida da Liberdade, Lisbon’s first eco-hostel, Urban Garden wants to minimize its environmental footprint through “green initiatives”. The hostel has an extensive recycling program, dual flush toilets, only use recycled paper products, and more. The hostel features a lovely communal kitchen with living spaces, clean bathroom facilities, and a bar. On top of that, a free breakfast is included! 

Book Urban Garden Hostel

Best Things to do in Lisbon

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