Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich has allegedly been a victim of suspected poisoning at peace talks, as well as Ukrainian peace negotiators at the Ukraine-Belarus border on March 3. The Chelsea FC Owner and two Ukrainian peace negotiators have now allegedly recovered, but reportedly suffered sore eyes and peeling skin.
However, an unnamed US official has also told Reuters that the symptoms were due to “environmental factors”, rather than poisoning. A Ukrainian official also told the BBC that the Ukrainian peace negotiators were well and that the story was “false”.
The BBC was told by a source that Abramovich will continue with negotiations to end the war in Ukraine. He has met Ukrainian president Zelensky and traveled between Moscow and Kyiv various times.
Bellingcat can confirm that three members of the delegation attending the peace talks between Ukraine and Russia on the night of 3 to 4 March 2022 experienced symptoms consistent with poisoning with chemical weapons. One of victims was Russian entrepreneur Roman Abramovich. https://t.co/DJaZ4CoL8J
Roman Abramovich was given Portuguese citizenship in April of 2021 through a Portuguese law that offered naturalization to descendants of Sephardic Jews who were expelled from Portugal around 500 years ago during the inquisition. Over 57,000 descendants of Sephardic Jews have been granted Portuguese citizenship since the implementation of this law in 2015.
Abramovich has been one of the Russian oligarchs sanctioned by the EU and UK after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Portugal has not banned him from entering the country as he is a Portuguese citizen. However, the Portuguese government announced that even those with citizenship will face EU sanctions.
From limpets to meat skewers, Madeira‘s diverse gastronomy is a staple of Portugal’s cultural heritage. While the archipelago is mostly known for its summer climate, stunning landscapes, and tropical beaches, a trip to Madeira is not complete without quality dining experiences. Our list of the 13 best restaurants in Madeira will allow you to do just that while avoiding the low-quality “tourist traps”. Over 1 million tourists travel to Madeira island every year, but not all of them are lucky enough to know the best spots to eat at.
Located in the center of Funchal, O Celeiro opened in 1986, making it one of the oldest restaurants in the region. The restaurant features traditional wood, regional tapestries, and the iconic Portuguese ajulezo. This place serves authentic food from Madeira sourced from fresh local products. We recommend trying out their octopus and pepper steak. A meal here costs around €30.
Photo provided by restaurantPhoto provided by restaurant
2. Restaurante Il Gallo D’Oro
Located on the 5-star hotel The Cliff Bay in Funchal, Il Gallo d’Oro was the first restaurant to be awarded a Michelin star in 2004. Now, the restaurant has two Michelin stars and is known for its gastronomic sustainability. Under French Chef Benoit Sinthon, the menu is inspired by Iberian cuisine and uses local ingredients from Madeira, many even sourced from the PortoBay vegetable garden. The restaurant offers tasting menus, from 7 to 11 dishes. A meal for two people costs around €120.
3. Quinta do Furão
Quinta do Furao opened in 1993 and offers a mixture of traditional Madeira gastronomy and international cuisine, sourcing local products to create delicious dishes. This place has an indoor and outdoor area that provides a stunning view of the ocean and mountains. The menu offers a balanced blend of typical Madeira gastronomy and international cuisine, tending to use organic and local products. We recommend trying the limpets and their baked octopus. A meal for two people costs around €60.
Photograph provided by restaurant.Photograph provided by restaurant.
4. The Snug
The Snug is a trendy restaurant with a modern interior featuring cork accents and plants. The perfect spot for a large meal or a few small bites with a drink in hand, The Snug offers a varied menu attentive to all taste buds. This place is known for its Insta worthy milkshakes, juicy burgers, and mac and cheese. A meal here for two people costs around €30.
Photo provided by restaurant.Photo provided by restaurant.
5. Armazem do Sal
Located in Funchal, Armazem do Sal serves authentic dishes from Madeira with a fine dining twist in the restaurant’s three different spaces. The meals here are prepared to ensure a sophisticated dining experience with luxurious plating. You can enjoy a meal here while listening to live music and having a taste of an extensive wine list. Armazem do Sal offers various an affordable tasting menu for less than €55 which includes a starter, fish and meat dish, dessert, and more.
Photo provided by restaurant.
6. Real Canoa
Real Canoa is located near the Hotel Pestana Grand and offers traditional cuisine from Madeira with a contemporary interpretation. This place is known for its friendly staff and daily live music for a unique experience. We recommend the sirloin steak with mushroom sauce and the tuna fish on the stone. Real Canoa is extremely affordable for its quality as you can get a meal for two here for €30.
Photo provided by restaurantPhoto provided by restaurant.
7. Casal da Penha
We can get behind Casal da Penha’s motto: “We don’t cook fast food. We cook homemade honest food as fast as we can”. This family-run restaurant has a high-end interior room and two outdoor spaces to enjoy a meal under the stars. Casal da Penha offers a simple menu with traditional products, allowing them to speak for themselves. We recommend the clams fried with garlic and lemon, the limpets, and their selection of paellas. A meal for two people here will cost you €25.
8. Casa da Sogra
For a home cooked meal in Madeira, Casa da Sogra is the place to go. The restaurant’s name literally translates to “the mother-in-law’s house”. The family restaurant has one of the best views of the city of Funchal. We recommend trying their fresh prawns, monkfish, and steak topped with a fried egg. A meal here for two people won’t cost you more than €40.
Photo provided by restaurant.Photo provided by restaurant.Photo provided by restaurant.
9. Adega Tipica do Funchal
If a restaurant has a prato do dia (dish of the day), you know it’s authentic. Adega Tipica is located in Funchal and is the epitome of a Portuguese tasca (tavern). From baked octopus to migas, every dish at this place is cooked to perfections and reflects the flavors of the island of Madeira. You can get a meal here for less than €30 for two people.
Photo provided by restaurant.Photo provided by restaurant.
10. Beef & Wines
A fusion of New Zealand’s best meats and Portuguese wines, Beef & Wines offers a creative interpretation of Portuguese cuisine. But don’t let this place’s name fool you, Beef & Wine has a diverse menu from seafood dishes and risottos, along with their signature meat dishes. Beef & Wines even serves delicious vegan and vegetarian alternatives for plant-based guests. We recommend trying out the fishermen’s stew and the slow-cooked oxtail. A meal for two people will cost you around €40.
Photo provided by restaurantPhoto provided by restaurant
11. Casa Velha Funchal
Built in the middle of a green garden, Casa Velha Funchal is located in a quaint house for a homey, yet elevated feel. This place has been open for over 25 years, making it one of the best established restaurants in Madeira. Known for its high-quality traditional dishes and welcoming environment, it’s surprising how affordable their prices are. A meal here for two people will cost around €40.
12. Hemingway
Close to the stunning Capela Nossa Senhora da Penha de Franca, Hemingway has a classic interior with bright green walls and flowery wallpaper. With a friendly and young staff, Hemingway is both a local and tourist favorite. We recommend the Wellington steak and the baked cod. A meal here for two people costs around €40.
Photo provided by restaurantPhoto provided by restaurant
13. Casa das Espetadas
You cannot visit Madeira without trying the traditional espetadas (skewers). Casa das Espetadas is the perfect spot to taste this authentic dish, with an interior that reflects Madeira’s traditions and cultural heritage. You can try out a variety of different skewers, from chicken, tuna, as well as pork and cow meat. We also recommend trying out the Bolo do Caco, a special flat bread from Madeira that is baked in a fire in front of you. A meal here will cost you €40.
⬇️Please share your favorite restaurants in Madeira in the comments below ⬇️
The Azorean seismo-volcanic surveillance center (CIVISA) registered 210 minor tremors between 10 am and 10 pm local time on Saturday on the island of São Jorge in the Azores. Since March 19, there have been over 12,700 earthquakes recorded. Over 200 earthquakes of a magnitude up to 3.3 have been felt by the population.
The president of the Azorean government José Manuel Bolieiro announced on Saturday that President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa is traveling to São Jorge on Sunday to show his support. The Portuguese President has said there is no reason to fear visiting the island. He told journalists in Fatima:
“The microearthquakes are an uncomfortable situation, but there is no reason to fear unsafety… There is a mid-term strategy in place to deal with the consequences and as the situation develops”.
However, authorities in the Azores are prepared to evacuate citizens due to the fear of a major earthquake or volcanic eruption. CIVISA raised the volcanic alert to level 4 of 5 on Wednesday so there is a possibility of an eruption. The last volcano eruption was in 1808 in Velas, São Jorge. There are 26 active volcanos in the Azores archipelago, 8 of which are underwater.
Around 8,400 people live on the island. Many have already left São Jorge, around 1,250 by air or sea in two days. Those living in Fajas in Velas, small pains at the bottom of mountains created by lava have been told to leave the area. The most vulnerable such as nursing home residents and those in hospitals in Velas have been taken to Calheta.
Falei com o Presidente do Governo Regional dos Açores, José Manuel Bolieiro, para ponto situação na situação na ilha de São Jorge e disponibilidade de todos os meios da República que sejam necessários, para além do apoio que Forças Armadas e @ipma_pt têm assegurado.
In January, the websites of the Portuguese paper Espresso and of the channel SIC were targets of a cyber-attack by a group of hackers known as the Lapsus Group. The hackers demanded a ransom to unblock access to the websites, while the number is unknown.
The BBC reported on Thursday that the hacker group was led by a 16-year-old from the United Kingdom who has cyber attacked multiple institutions, accumulating a fortune of 12.7 million euros. The 16-year-old used the pseudonyms “White” and “Breachbase” and has attacked institutions such as Microsoft.
London police detained 7 individuals from the group, all between the ages of 16 and 21, but later released them and they remain under investigation. It is still unclear whether “White” was one of the individuals detained.
“White” was outed on a hacker website, after an alleged falling out with business partners. His name was revealed, as well as his address, and social media pictures. Cyber-security researchers have already been tracking him for nearly a year, linking him to Lapsus and other cyber attacks.
⬇️Please share your thoughts in the comments below ⬇️
The famous wine that enchanted the world (especially the British) is here to enchant YOU! This sweet (but strong) wine is perfect for the end of a good dinner while relaxing and having a wonderful chat.
Port wine is specific to the Douro region in the North of Portugal and was what made this region famous. It’s a fortified wine, usually a sweet red wine but also coming in dry, semi-dry, and white (and now, even rosé).
Nowadays, due to how famous the wine got, there are many port-inspired fortified wines outside Portugal, but under EU law only Portuguese wines from the Douro demarcation region are allowed to be labeled as “Port”, as a way to protect the traditional and economic importance of this wine.
The difference from other non-fortified wines is its richness, sweetness, heaviness and its higher alcohol percentage, made by the addition of distilled grape spirits into the wine and the halt fermentation before all the sugar is turned into alcohol. This creates a wine that has usually 19-20% alcohol content.
It’s a very famous wine all over the world, especially in the UK and the English-speaking world. It’s usually served as a digestif, this is, after meals to accompany dessert, usually cheese, nuts, or chocolate. However, tawny and white port is many times served as an apéritif, this is, before meals.
Wine in this region has been cultivated for a very long time, with grape seeds being found in archaeological sites there and evidence for wine production dating back to the 3rd and 4th centuries.
As for Port wine specifically, mentions are dating as far back as 1675. However, with the demarcation of the Port wine zone, in 1756, Port wine started to have larger importance on the country’s economy and culture.
In that year, the ‘Companhia Geral da Agricultura das Vinhas do Alto Douro’ (General Company of Viticulture of the Upper Douro) was founded to guarantee the quality and fair pricing of Port wine in all of the region. The C.G.A.V.A.D., as it was known, also regulated which Port wine could be exported and which one would be for internal consumption, and also managed the demarcation of the protected area.
The name of the wine is thought to have been attributed in the second half of the 17th century and it refers to the city of Porto (or Oporto), on the mouth of the Douro River. This was because it was there that the product was brought to and sold to the national and international market, even though it was not produced there.
Actually, it was brought to Gaia, the city on the other side of the Douro River from Porto, but Porto was the bigger and main city.
In Portuguese, the name of the wine is “Vinho do Porto”, which literally means “Wine of Porto (Oporto)”. Due to the similarity and to the fact that the word “Port” in Portuguese is the same word as the name of the city (“Porto”), the name stuck.
The English are known to be particular fans of the Port wine, with The Queen Mother (mother of current Queen Elizabeth II) being said to have a glass of port at the end of her lunch. However, the story of England and this wine is much older than that.
It is said that in 1678, two representatives of a Liverpool wine merchant were sent to Viana do Castelo, a city north of Porto, to learn about the local wine trade. The two merchants went on a vacation to the Douro region and, while in Lamego, the local Abbot gave them what they thought was a very sweetish and smooth wine, that had been fortified with a distilled spirit. The merchants loved it so much that they bought the Abbot’s entire lot and sent it back to England, opening England’s doors to this new wine.
A few years later, in 1703, the wine started to truly get popular with the Methuen Treaty. At the time, The Second Hundred Years’ War was happening, between Great Britain and France. This meant that England was deprived from importing French wine. With the treaty, English merchants could import Port wine at a low duty tax and this smooth fortified wine appealed to the English public.
The influence that the British had on the trade of Port can be seen by the Port brands’ own names: Croft, Graham, Sandeman, Taylor’s and Offley being amongst the best known and the main ones that you can see from Porto when you look to the other side of the river, but many, many more exist! Other nationalities also got involved in the trade, with Dutch and German shippers also existing, such as Niepoort and Burmester.
But don’t think that the Portuguese didn’t get a piece of the pie! The Ferreira and Quinta do Crasto are among the best Port houses as well, and it became an integral part of Portuguese culture and pride, as well as an important part of the country’s economy.
But the British didn’t just have their hand in Port production, the Port also gained its space in British culture. It was used in the past as a medicine, with William Pitt, a British Prime Minister, saying it was given to him as a remedy for gout when he was younger. This is paradoxical since the Prime Minister then began to drink a bottle a day when he was 14 and heavy alcohol consumption is known to aggravate gout. In Anthony Trollope’s novels, elderly ladies usually drank Port wine, excusing it as medicinal.
Part of the culture it brought to Portugal was precisely its mode of transportation. The wine was produced in the Douro valley, not in Porto or Gaia, the places where it is usually associated with and where all the port lodges (or cellars) are.
To get there, where it would then be sold and exported (Gaia was the only place from where the wine could be exported until 1986), it would be transported down the Douro River in the famous ‘rabelos’, flat-bottom boats that only transported Port wine.
This traditional and cultural trip ended when in the 1950s and 1960s, the government allowed for the construction of hydroelectric power dams throughout the river, making the trip impossible in some cases.
Nowadays, the wine is transported to Gaia and Porto with trucks, and the ‘rabelos’ are used for racing and touristic tours. Some tours do part of the trip upstream until you get to some vineyards but don’t transport wine anymore.
Port Region – The Douro
Photo by Maksym Kaharlytskyi on Unsplash
The Port region is the Douro wine region (which we’ve covered in another article). It was demarcated in 1756, becoming the third wine region in the whole world to have a formal legal demarcation zone, after the Tokaj-Hegyalja region in Hungary and Chianti in Italy, in 1730 and 1716 respectively. More recently, the region became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001.
This region in the north of Portugal, going through the Douro River and its tributaries valleys and going to the border with Spain, has its own microclimate that is great not only for the production of grapes but also for olives and almonds.
The region around the towns of Pinhão and São João da Pesqueira is considered to be the center of the Port wine production and is known for its beautiful views and wine farms standing right next to the Douro, on “terraces” that seem to make huge stairs right into the River.
Production of Port Wine
Photo by Svetlana Gumerova on Unsplash
The Port wine’s production is also peculiar and different from other “normal” wines. First, it has to be produced from grapes grown and processed in the Douro wine region, a specific demarcated geographical region recognized throughout the world.
Then, the wine, after being produced, is fortified. This means that ‘aguardente’ is added to it, a very strong (anywhere from 25 to 54% alcohol content) spirit made out of grapes as well that you can find throughout Portugal. The addition increases the alcohol content of the wine and stops the fermentation process, leaving some sugar still.
The wine is then transported to be stored in barrels (traditionally in lodges, in Gaia), where it will be aged for as long as the intended style of Port wine is. After it, it will be bottled, sometimes aging a little bit more inside the bottle, depending on the style.
Styles of Port Wine
Ruby: this is the most produced and least-pricey Port. It’s made from red grapes and is usually aged in a steel or concrete tank to prevent oxidation and preserve its fruitiness and bright color. In the end, it’s fined and cold filtered before being bottled and it doesn’t improve with age.
Tawny: very sweet, golden-brown Port made from red grapes. It’s at least aged for 3 years (with Reserve Tawny being aged for around 7 and anything over that being stated on the label) and it has sort of “nutty” flavors, due to its exposure to oxygen while in the barrel.
White: made from white wine grapes, it can be anything from dry to sweet.
White Colheita: produced from a single grape harvest and aged in huge tanks to get a pale yellow color.
White Reserve: has to be at least 7 years aging.
Rosé: this is a new style, first released in 2008 by Croft. It’s made like a rosé wine, with its exposure to grape skin being limited as to give it the rosé color.
Vintage: made from grapes from a ‘vintage year’, sourced from different farms (or ‘quintas’) and aged in barrels or stainless steel for up to 2.5 years. After this, it is bottled and it ages another 10-40 years in the bottle, to gain complexity as the grape solids slowly decompose there.
Late Bottled Vintage (LBV): a Port that spent 4-6 years barrel-aging, when it matured and settles down. After this, it can be bottled and it is ready to drink since it doesn’t need to be decanted. It is cheaper than Vintage Port.
Crusted: sometimes also called “Vintage Character Port”, is a wine that spends at least 4 years aging on a wood barrel. It’s bottled unfiltered and cellared for 3 more years before being sold. Its name is because it creates a crust on the bottle, from not being filtered. Sometimes it can take more than 10 years for it to form, showing that the wine will keep improving with age.
Garrafeira: 3-6 years aged in wood and at least another 8 years in glass demijohns (large, narrow-necked bottles) before being bottled and sold. These days, it is only produced by Niepoort and it is described as tasting like bacon (yes, bacon), because of the oils that it can create across the glass during its second phase of maturation.
Port Wine Suggestions: Best Port Wine
If you are looking to buy a Port wine, there are many varieties to choose from, as you saw. As for the brand, these are the most known ones and the ones you can buy knowing you will get a quality wine:
Dow
Graham’s
Ferreira
Quinta do Vallado
Taylor’s
Quinta da Pacheca
Offley
Niepoort
Sandeman
However, there are many more quality wines and know that it will always depend on the style of Port and the year of production, so just try it out and see what suits you better! I hope you enjoy this wine as much as the British do and don’t forget to have your “medicinal” glass after dinner 😉
This tour in Vila Nova de Gaia allows you to explore the 1890 Graham’s Port Lodge and learn about the production of Port wine, as well as enjoy a premium wine tasting with food pairings, such as chocolate and cheese. You will also get a great view of Porto and the two-tier bridge.
Discover a family-owned Port wine cellar founded in 1918 on this 1-hour guided tour, where you will learn about wines that have been maturing for over 100 years. You will get to taste some White Port (Dry, Medium Dry, or Sweet), Late Bottled Vintage (LBV), and old Tawny Port.
The fun Magic Train takes you on a 2-hour Port wine tasting tour of Porto. Visit one of the oldest wine cellars in Portugal, stop for 2 Port wine tastings, and get to see some of the best monuments in Porto.
Portugal has eliminated Turkey in the UEFA World Cup playoff seminal final defeating them 3-1 in Porto on Thursday. Otavio, Diogo Jota, and Matheus Nunes score the three goals.
The Portuguese team reached half-time with a comfortable lead, with two goals already scored by Otavio and Mateus Nunes. However, Turkey stepped up their game by the second half, as Burak Yilmaz scored one goal at minute 65.
A penalty shot was given to Turkey, one that player Burak Yilmaz missed at 85 minutes, 5 minutes until the end of the game. If he had scored, the teams would have tied. Fortunately for Portugal, Matheus Nunes scored a goal at 90 minutes, leading to the 3-1 final score.
Portugal will play against North Macedonia on March 29 to determine if the team qualifies for the UEFA World Cup. A spot at the Fifa World Cup is on the line. North Macedonia eliminated Italy in a shocking game with a 1-0 win.
Concerning the next game against North Macedonia, Fernando Santos said in the post-play off press conference:
“Nothing surprises me. I have won finals that were going to be difficult and have lost one that I thought we would win. Finals are won. There’s only one word: winning. Entering a final thinking that it will be easier… We need to have the same respect we had for Turkey. Respect is not fear. Turkey was not as strong because Portugal respected her. We would have the same respect for Italy and we will have even more respect for Macedonia”.
⬇️Please share your thoughts on the game in the comments below ⬇️
On Wednesday the Council of Ministers approved new support that will be given to economically disadvantaged families. The most vulnerable families will be given 60 euros in April to help mitigate the increase in fuel and food prices, aggravated by the war in Ukraine. The 60 euros only applies once in April by the Ministry of Labor, Solidarity, and Social Security.
The financial support applies to those eligible for the social tariff for electricity. In March, Pedro Siza Vieira estimated this support would include over 1.5 million people, but the numbers are now at around 750,000 people, according to CNN Portugal. The Ministry of Labor has not confirmed the number of people eligible.
This support is said to also apply to individuals receiving the following financial aid:
Support for elderly
Social insertion income (RSI)
Unemployment
Family abandonment
Disability pension
The support can also apply to those without financial aid, but with a household annual income is equal to or less than 5,808 euros.
⬇️Please share your thoughts in the comments below ⬇️
Head to Lagoa to uncover its one-of-its-kind beaches. A sun-lit municipality located in Faro, Lagoa is home to some of Europe’s most scenic stretches of sand. It is known as one of the best places to delight in the Portuguese tranquil seaside atmosphere. What is more, in Lagoa, you can marvel at not only its natural bonanza but also cultural marvels like its scenic churches, and its picture-perfect capital.
One of the best places to go to in Lagoa is its capital, the eponymous town renowned for its eye-pleasing townscape, beautiful places of worship, and great food and drink options. Located just 10 minutes away from Carvoeiro and Ferragudo beaches, here you can find a tranquil off-the-beaten-track allure of a calm Portuguese town, while its environs boast Algarve’s most popular water park, Slide & Splash Water Park. What is more, it is much more authentic, making it one of the best towns to sense the unique spirit of Lagoa, Portugal.
2. Go to Praia de Marinha
Considered one of Europe’s top ten beaches, Marinha is a great place to bask in the sun by the sea. It is book pointed by a pair of beautiful cliffs and features limpid azure waters and great fine-grain sand. If you look at it from above, you will see a harbor in the shape of a heart, as if burnt through a stone wall.
3. Bask in the sun Praia de Albandeira
Another yellow-sand beach in Lagoa is Albandeira Beach. Here you can see a scenic stretch of fine-grained sand lapped by pellucid waters. It is one of the best places to meet the sunset with your significant other and gaze at the horizon that seems to promise a brighter tomorrow and another sunny day.
Photo by Dennis Mita (Unsplash)
4. Pay a visit to Carvoeiro
One of the best seaside towns to visit in Lagoa is Carvoeiro. Known for its scenic townscape, the seaside resort is just what you need for your perfect getaway in Portugal by the sea. It boasts all-white facades and a maze of picturesque streets where you can sense the sun-dried fragrance of the sea, and sense how serene life in a small town can be. Don’t miss out on Alfanzina Lighthouse, a scenic hilltop beacon and one of the best places to visit around Carvoeiro.
Photo by 777 S (Unsplash)
5. Visit Ferragudo
Another great coastal town in Lagoa is Ferragudo. Known for its harbor it features an all-white townscape and is one of the best places to choose in Algarve for a beach holiday. If you are here, don’t forget to visit the Church of Our Lady of Conception, the town’s pretty prayer house, and take a stroll around its cobbled streets.
Photo by Simon Moore (Unsplash)
6. Go to Nossa Senhora de Rocha
Photo by Cristiano Pinto (Unsplash)
Perched on a narrow promontory, the Nossa Senhora de Rocha is a fortified structure. Head here to see its main architectural jewel, the chapel of Nossa Senhor de Rocha. From the castle, you can see not only the far-off horizon but also two paradisiac stretches of sand, washed by limpid azure waters and divided by the castle-bearing headland.
7. Hike along Percurso dos Sete Vales Suspensos
One of Portugal’s best hiking paths, Percurso dos Sete Vales Suspensos offers not only a great chance for a seaside hike but also features unique sea stack and cliff formations, gob-smacking views of sea arches, and access to some of Portugal and Europe’s best beaches like Praia de Marinha. Head here for your hike by the sea in Portugal. Keep in mind that even though summers can be fairly hot, hiking here in summer is made much easier than on other trails due to the pleasant breeze from the ocean.
Lagoa is home to many small beaches, perfect for a seaside escapade with your significant other. They include small cliff-hemmed beaches like Praia de Albandeira, Praia do Pau, Praia de Barranquinho Beach, Praia de Carvalho among others, and some unique natural marvels like Algar de Benagil, a unique seaside cave that you can reach by boat only, known for a sky-light-like hole in the roof. Keep in mind that apart from the wealth of natural sites, Lagoa offers a host of small seaside fishermen towns like Carvoeiro, known for their convivial siestas and great food and accommodation.
What to eat in Lagoa, Portugal?
Lagoa is a great place to eat Algarve cuisine. Specialties originating from Algarve include such delicacies as Frango de Guia, charcoal-cooked marinated chicken; succulent clams from Algarve known as Conquilhas à Algarvia, served with onion, garlic, and sliced Portuguese sausage; or Cataplana de Marisco, a mix of lobster, clams, squid fried with white wine, tomatoes, and herbs. Other signature Lagoa dishes include sardines, which can be tasted at Sardines Annual Festival in August in a nearby city, Portimao; shrimp and wild boar known as Javali, which can be found a bit further inland.
3 Best Hotels in Lagoa: Where to Stay in Lagoa, Portugal?
Lagoa boasts a number of great towns where you can find good value accommodation, such as Carvoeira, Lagoa, Ferragudo, Porches, and Parchal, with the agglomeration of Portimao being one of the best places to serve as a base for exploring Lagoa. Here are the 3 best hotels in Lagoa.
Less than 2 kilometers from Praia dos Castelos, Quinta Azul is a quaint Bed & Breakfast that offers a comfortable experience, surrounded by nature and tall green trees. Each room is equipped with a private bathroom, bathrobes, and free toiletries. Guests can also enjoy a dip in the outdoor swimming pool and have breakfast on the patio.
Quinta das Lameiras is a large villa that includes 4 bedrooms and provides garden views, as well as an outdoor pool for guests to enjoy. The villa features a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, a patio with pool views, and a barbecue area. The property is around 45 kilometers away from Vilamoura, located in the town of Lameiras in Lagoa.
30 kilometers from Albufeira, Lagoa Hotel offers rooms and studios that come with air conditioning, seating, and some units even feature a dining area. Guests can relax in the garden and enjoy the outdoor swimming pool, as well as enjoy a continental breakfast on the terrace.
When to visit Lagoa, Portugal?
April to May is arguably the best time to visit Lagoa to go hiking. It is neither chilly nor hot, with you being able to profit from great hiking opportunities. If you are willing to benefit from the region’s pellucid waters and fine-grained sand beaches, head here in August, when the weather is warm enough for you to swim and indulge in nonchalant indolent siestas, while sipping on a glass of the Porto fortified wine, one of Portugal’s most known exports, prized by wine aficionados from all over the world.
Conclusion
Head to Lagoa, a one-of-its-kind beach destination in Portugal to take pleasure in its pristine beaches like Praia de Albandeira or Praia de Marinha, great towns like Carvoeiro or Lagoa, or its mouthwatering Algarve fare and wine. Pack up your bags and fly to Faro or Lisbon, from where you can take a bus or a train to Lagoa, Portugal for a great weekend by the sea; and don’t forget a sun-hat and sun-block if traveling in summer, for it is almost always sunny
As predicted, the current covid restrictions in Portugal remain in place until at least April 18 as the state of alert was extended on Wednesday through a resolution by the Council of Ministers. The state of alert was meant to end on March 30 and is the lowest level response to situations under the law.
This means that the current covid restrictions will not be altered for the time being. This includes mandatory use of face masks in interior spaces, health service locations, and public transport. Those without a booster shot for the Covid-19 vaccine must test negative to visit nursing homes, hospitals, and health centers.
The “open house” strategy for vaccination is still in place. Those over 18 without a COVID-19 booster, those over 12 without the first COVID-19 dose, and those over 50 without a booster against the flu can get vaccinated without an appointment.
A Casa Aberta está disponível para pessoas com:
👉 18 ou + anos que não foram vacinadas com dose de reforço contra a COVID-19.
👉 12 ou + anos que não foram vacinadas com dose primária contra a COVID-19.
👉 50 ou + anos que não foram vacinadas com dose de reforço contra a Gripe. pic.twitter.com/jiCd6vnSQZ
Antonio Costa’s cabinet was announced Wednesday evening, a list of 17 ministers and 38 secretaries of state. The socialist-majority government will take over on March 30, in a week. For the first time ever in the history of Portugal, the majority of ministers are women, 9 out of 17.
The cabinet is 20% smaller than usual. The number of ministers changed from 19 to 17 and the number of secretaries of state changed from 50 to 38. Costa decided to eliminate certain minister roles and create new ones, as well as join some. For example, the Minister of Sea and the Minister of Economics are now a single Minister of Economics and the Sea. Each minister has two or three secretaries of state, a number that has been reduced.
So, who are the new ministers for the Portuguese government?
Portuguese Cabinet Ministers 2022
Meet the new faces of Antonio Costa’s Portuguese government.
Francisco Medina is the new Finance Minister, probably one of the most important roles in the cabinet. He is a former Lisbon mayor and is replacing João Leão.
Catarina Sarmento e Castro is the new Minister of Justice, an ex-judge of the Constitutional Court.
Ana Catarina Mendes is the new Deputy and Parliamentary Affairs minister, leaving her role as the president of the parliamentary group for PS.
António Costa e Silva is the new Minister of the Economy and the Ocean. He is taking over the Minister of the Ocean, Ricardo Santos, and the minister of the Economy, Pedro Siza Vieira.
Elvira Fortunado is the new Minister of Science. She is a scientist, professor, and vice-director of Nova University.
Pedro Adão e Silva is the new Minister of Culture, a sociologist, and a professor of Political Science.
José Luís Carneiro is the new Minister of Internal Administration. He has been the deputy of the Assembly of the Portuguese Republic since 2015.
Helena Carreiras is the new Minister of Defence, taking 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 new 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 new 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 remains the Minister of Infrastructures and Housing. He has a degree in economics from ISEG-UTL.
Ana Mendes Godinho remains the Minister of Labor, Solidarity, and Social Security. She had previously worked as the Secretary of State for Tourism until 2019.
Ana Abrunhosa remains as Minister of Territorial Cohesion having done so since 2019. She has a doctorate in economics from the University of Coimbra.
Maria do Céu Antunes remains as Minister of Agriculture which now also includes the ministry of food.
Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa announced on Friday that the new Socialist-majority government is set to form its government on March 30. The ministers and secretaries of state announced on Wednesday will be set to take over if all the necessary proceedings run smoothly.
The Portuguese General Election occurred on January 30 to elect 230 members to the Assembly of the Republic. The Socialist Party won a majority with 117 seats, 9 up from the last election.
Take a look at our article on the Portuguese Political System to find out about the democratic process in Portugal.
⬇️Please share your thoughts on the new government in the comments below ⬇️
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