Prime Minister Antonio Costa announced on Tuesday that Portugal will defend NATO’s territory and that a collective defense strategy is the best way to support Ukraine. The announcement took place at the Military Camp of Santa Margarida in front of the armed forces that will go to Romania in service of NATO to defend the territory if necessary.
In April, 174 Portuguese military snipers will initially be sent to the South of Romania, the country bordering Ukraine. Later on, more Portuguese military and equipment will arrive in Romania, but the numbers and dates are still unknown.
Assisti em Santa Margarida a uma demonstração de proficiência tática do contingente nacional que em breve será projetado para a Roménia, onde participará nas atividades de vigilância reforçada da @NATO que os Aliados decidiram levar a cabo junto à fronteira Sudeste da Aliança. pic.twitter.com/0JzJLmpkaN
However, the Prime Minister has stated that the Portuguese military will not act in Ukraine. He says the mission’s objective is to make sure that the Russian invasion does not extend into a NATO country. Portugal is currently on the Russian government’s list of hostile and unfriendly countries, along with all European Union member states. Portugal has imposed various economic sanctions against Russia and welcomed over 10,000 Ukrainian refugees.
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The second-largest city in Portugal, Porto is not second best to Lisbon, particularly when it comes to renting. Although renting prices are increasing in Porto, it is still more affordable than in Lisbon. While the price of renting in Lisbon is €13/m2, in Porto this costs around €10/m2. A 75m2 apartment costs around €750 in Porto and around €975 in Lisbon. Despite the large difference, Porto remains the second most expensive city to rent an apartment in Portugal. Although the expat community is not as large as in Lisbon, many of the 1.8 million people living in Porto’s metropolitan area are expats, digital nomads, and retirees from abroad. Porto provides a high quality of life to the community, with everything Lisbon has to offer but with a lower cost of living. From a UNESCO World Heritage historical center to probably one of the best cuisines in the country, Porto is a top city to live in.
Porto is slowly becoming as popular as Lisbon, however, it is easier to find a place to rent here. Short-term rentals are easier to find, as landlords find these more profitable due to an increase in tourism. Still, you can find plenty of long-term apartments to rent in Porto. You will mostly only find furnished apartments. To find a place to rent as an international, it should be easier to enlist a rental agent. You can also just look up apartments yourself and do everything on your own, but keep in mind that agents often provide translators, making it easier to communicate with landlords. Here are some of the most popular property portals and real estate agencies in Portugal that can help you find a home in Lisbon:
Located on the riverbank of the Douro, Ribeira is one of the most sought-after areas to live in Porto. In the heart of the old town, Ribeira is the perfect place for a relaxing stroll during the day and a night out in lively bars and restaurants during the day. With a view of the Douro river, Dom Luis I Bridge, and Vila Nova de Gaia, renting a home here will provide you with one of the best views in Porto. Ribeira is the most popular area amongst expats so you will find a strong international community here.
Photo by Adelio Zanotti (Unsplash)
2. Cedofeita
One of the trendiest neighborhoods in Porto, Cedofeita is close to the most iconic monuments in Porto, as well as a dynamic nightlife. Cedofeita is also located in the art district of Porto, filled with art galleries and concept stores. This is the perfect place for a young creative to live in. You will also be close to the Crystal Palace Gardens and other green spaces. Cedofeita also has a great transport system and has seen demographic change with more expats motiving to the neighborhood.
Photo by Pedro Menezes (Unsplash)
3. Foz do Douro
Located in Western Porto, Foz do Douro faces the ocean and the river and has been the home of wealthy families for centuries. Many apartments here offer stunning views of the Atlantic ocean and give you quick access to the beach. There are has numerous green spaces such as Parque Serralves, as well as some of the best seafood restaurants in Porto. However, Foz do Douro is one of the most expensive areas to live in.
Photo by Pedro Saraiva (Unsplash)
4. Vila Nova de Gaia
Vila Nova de Gaia is technically not in the metropolitan area of Porto, but it is only a few minutes away. Separated by the Dom Luis Bridge I across the Douro river, Gaia provides one of the best views of Porto. You can live in Gaia and easily commute to Porto for work. Gaia is known for its port cellars, as well as a cable car that opened in 2011 and rides up and down the south bank of the Douro. If you are into wine, living here is a dream come true as the most iconic Port wine cellars are located here.
Photo by vanrosal (Pixabay)
House Rental Culture in Portugal
Adverts
Finding an apartment online can be daunting. You will find hundreds of adverts for apartments to rent with little to no information. Don’t let this scare you away. You might find that adverts just say “T1 available in Porto” with no price or location. You have to get accustomed to contacting the people behind these adverts to book a viewing and figure out further details, usually via telephone.
Can you negotiate rent prices in Portugal?
Yes! It never hurts to try, at least. It can be a bit harder to negotiate in Lisbon, but in Porto you can still negotiate the price down a few euros a month. However, the best time to do so is during winter as in the summer, landlords set their prices a lot higher. The best time to look for an affordable apartment to rent in Porto is between October and February.
Lack of Contracts
Many landlords in Portugal choose to not give out rental contracts so that they do not have to declare their rental income and pay a 28% tax. Along with this being illegal, it leaves tenants in an insecure position. Tenants have no protection against rent increases and have no security on their deposits. Many internationals also need a rental contract to apply for a residency permit. Landlords who give out rental contracts will oftentimes charge tenants an extra 28% on their rent due to the tax. Despite the extra charge, this gives tenants security and allows them the ability to be safe under their tenant rights.
Tenant Rights
Make sure you have signed a legal contract so that your tenant rights are protected under Portuguese law. Portugal has some of the best tenant rights in Europe, often favoring the tenant over the landlord to ensure housing security. The law particularly protects the elderly and people living with disabilities. Those living in a rented place for over 15 years that are living with disabilities or over 65 years old cannot get evicted and landlords must renovate their contracts. There are also laws to protect tenants when a landlord needs to undertake major renovations to a place. If a tenant needs to relocate for the period of renovations, the landlord must find temporary accommodation for the tenant in the same region. Tenants in Portugal also have the right to live in a rented house with their family up to the third degree and their partners, as well as three extra guests at any time. Tenants are also protected against harassment and discrimination. If a landlord is harassing you at home or being offensive towards you, you are protected under the law.
To sign a rental contract, known as a Contrato de Arrendamento in Portugal, you need your Individual Tax Identification Number (NIF) and your identification documents. A rental contract establishes the right and duties of both the landlord and tenant. Your rental contract will have the following:
The identification of the landlord and tenant, including date of birth, nationality, and civil status
The address of the house
The number and date of the apartment’s license
The rent amount and the date it must be paid. It might also include whether the rent can be altered. If this isn’t mentioned in the contract, the rent will be altered with inflation rates.
The contract will always be in Portuguese so we recommend hiring a translator. You do not want to google translate such an important document.
Landlords in Porto will usually ask for a one to two month deposit. This deposit is essentially a security deposit for any possible damage done to the home. Unlike other countries in Europe, there is no set date on when a landlord needs to give a tenant their deposit back. However, many landlords will also ask you for a guarantor, on top of a deposit. Also known as a fiador, a guarantor is someone who will be legally obliged to pay your rent if you are unable to pay the landlord. The guarantor must be Portuguese and have the financial means to pay rent proven through tax returns or payment slips. If you cannot find a fiador, you will need to pay 6 to 12 months of rent upfront. For a €750 apartment, this would amount to €9,000. A bank can also be a guarantor for a fee through a Garantia Bancária.
Want to move out of a rented apartment in Portugal?
In Portugal, rental contracts sometimes allow you to leave a third of the way through the agreed tenancy period. However, whenever you want to leave a rental in Portugal, you need to go through the legal steps of moving out.
If you have more than a year left on your contract, you must give at least 120 day notice. If you have less than 12 months left on your contract, you can give a 60 day notice. You can end the contract if your landlord has breached the rental contract and at times even a third of the way through the tenancy period. A landlord can also notify you to leave if they want o move in themselves, for example. They must notify you six months in advance and if you have an open-ended contract, they must notify you two years in advance.
At the beginning of the tenancy, you would have signed an inventory document that lists items in the property. When you are ready to leave, the landlord will go over the inventory document and make sure nothing is missing or damaged. If everything is in order, this would confirm you get your security deposit back. There is no strict date on when you will receive your deposit back.
Housing Benefits in Portugal
Most housing benefits in Portugal are only available for people living in poverty. However, Portugal has a financial support program for rent called Porta 65. This allowance is given for a maximum of 12 months for young people, people who are isolated, those living in one-person households, or cohabiting. You must be between the age of 18 and 35 to be eligible.
The price of homes continue to increase in Porto, so although buying a house is getting more expensive, it could still be a solid investment. Many are getting large returns on their initial investments of purchasing a house. No one can know for sure what will happen to the housing market in the next years, but the market is supposed to grow even further post-COVID.
Any international person can purchase a home in Porto, as well as the whole country. You will need to open a Portuguese bank account and obtain an Individual Tax Identification number (NIF). Buying property in Portugal could also make you eligible for the Portugal Golden Visa that grants you permanent residence after 5 years and citizenship after 6 years if you meet the requirements.
If you’re looking to buy a home in Porto, take a look at our International Guide to Real Estate in Portugal. We cover every minor detail, from where to buy a house and property taxes to obtaining residency.
Porto is a lot more affordable than Lisbon and rent is around 20% cheaper. According to Numbeo, the monthly costs for a family of four in Porto are around €1,900 without rent. A single person’s monthly costs are around €550 without rent. Porto is also a lot more affordable than most European countries, around 50% cheaper than London, for example.
Every year, 11 billion news fashion items are produced as fast fashion encourages consumers to keep buying to keep up with everchanging trends. Three out of five fast fashion items end up in landfills – around a garbage truck of textiles every second. In fact, a family in the West throws out an average of 30 kilos of clothing each year. Buying an incredibly cheap piece of clothing from a fast-fashion brand might seem like a bargain but at what cost?
The impact on the environment is undeniable. The fashion industry is responsible for around 10% of global greenhouse emissions. Along with the impact on the environment, the mass production of fast fashion is detrimental to workers who are paid horrible wages and work in unsafe labor conditions.
However, sustainable brands that are committed to staying away from such practices and rather produce clothes and accessories that are durable, as well as made from eco-friendly materials are growing all over the globe. Portuguese brands are making waves in the “slow fashion” scene, many producing their garments with local Portuguese artisans that have been doing so for decades. If you’re looking for some guilt-free fashion consumption, here are our favorite sustainable Portuguese brands for 2022.
1. ISTO.
Located in Principe Real in Lisbon, ISTO. is one of the most well-known sustainable brands in Portugal. ISTO. products are made from organic materials and the brand has everything from jeans, sweaters, knitwear, and more for both men and women. The fashion brand is committed to transparency by sharing every single process that goes into making their clothes so that consumers know exactly what they are getting. The brand’s website has information on exactly how much was paid for each component from materials to production and even marketing. The brand only works with factories that are held to the highest standards in their labor policies and all their suppliers have a Global Organic Textile Standard Certification. In contrast to fast fashion brands, ISTO. does not rely on seasonal collections, but rather sells clothes that fit your everyday needs and will last you for long. Their motto: quality over quantity. Although this is often not the most profitable strategy for fashion brands, such a commitment puts climate justice over profit to make sure your clothes do not end up in landfills.
Photo provided by brand.
2. +351
Also known as +351, this number is the Portuguese dialing code and reflects how this sustainable fashion brand is 100% Portuguese and local. +351 produces all their products in the North of Portugal, founded by Ana Penha e Costa in 2014. Today, you can find +351 at two locations in Cais do Sodre and Chiado. The founder gets inspired by her lifestyle which represents the Portuguese capital of Lisbon and its connection to the ocean. The fashion brand sells simple outfits for all genders made of 100% organic cotton. Produced in Portugal, their cotton is produced without any chemicals and is fully organic, reducing CO2 emissions by 45% in comparison to conventional cotton, as well as having a water consumption reduction of 90%. But this brand is unlike other sustainable cotton brands that opt for white and cream clothes without variation. +351 has a wide range of clothing available from nude and bold colors to minimalist graphics.
Photo provided by brand.Photo provided by brand.
3. Conscious the Label
Conscious the Label is a Portuguese eco-friendly swimwear brand. They design timeless swimwear pieces ethically sewed in a Lisbon atelier, made from recycled fabrics from ocean waste plastic. The brand uses ECONYL, a fabric made of regenerated nylon which is created from unwanted waste from oceans such as fishing nets. After an intensive regeneration process, the new nylon is high quality and durable. The use of this fabric reduced the impact on climate change by 80%, in comparison to regular nylon from oil. Products are sustainably packaged and what’s more, Conscious is part of 1% For the Planet, giving 1% of their sales to the non-profit organization. The brand also offers a carbon-neutral shipping solution worldwide with DHL Go Green.
Photo provded by brand.Photo provided by brand.
4. Wayz
We would never forget the sneakerheads. Wayz is a Portuguese brand that produces sneakers in an ethical manner, with biodegradable and recycled materials. The brand focuses on both local sourcing and production so that its products are 100% made in Portugal. Their partners are all Portuguese family-owned businesses with decades of shoemaking experience and the brand pays all their artisans fairly and under fair working conditions. Wayz has recently also launched a 100% vegan sneaker called The Grit, ethically made in Porto. The sneakers are made of 70% recycled cotton and recycled rubber, with their outsoles being made of 100% recyclable rubber. The brand offers a Sell 1 Buy 1 campaign, where you can send them used wardrobe pieces for a discounted rate on their sneakers. The carbon-neutral brand has offset 28 tonnes of CO2, a number certified by the United Nations.
Photo provided by brand.Photo provided by brand.
5. Marita Moreno
Calling itself a “slow fashion brand”, Marita Moreno is a Portuguese brand of fashion accessories that are committed to ethical and sustainable practices. Developed by the founder Marita Setas Ferro, the brand sells various accessories from handmade bags to shoes. All products use national and local resources. The brand introduced a vegan line in 2018 and since then has focused on sourcing sustainable materials in order to promote a more conscious consumption in line with the environment. Marita Moreno offers a timeless design that pushes away from fast-fashion trends that lead to short life cycles of products and in turn, a detrimental impact on the environment. The brand also has an upcycling line that produces accessories out of waste from other collections. They also have a Sell 1 Buy 1 program, a circular economy initiative that allows consumers to exchange wardrobe items for a discount on their products.
Photo by Pedro Afonso Photographer https://www.opedroafonso.com/Photo by Pedro Afonso Photographer https://www.opedroafonso.com/
Time to welcome those late sunsets! Spring is here and so is daylight saving time. Portugal will change from winter time to summer time. On Sunday, 27 March 2022 clocks at 1 am will be turned forward 1 hour to 2 am. This change happens in mainland Portugal and Madeira. Due to the time difference in the Azores, the clocks will change from midnight to 1 am on Sunday.
Portugal changes its clocks twice a year, on the last Sunday of October to welcome winter and on the last Sunday of March to welcome summer. The next time change will occur on October 30th.
⬇️ Are you glad summer is closer or are you upset about losing an extra hour of sleep this weekend? Let us know in the comments below! ⬇️
Three suspects have been detained as of Monday after Police Officer Fábio Guerra died in São José hospital, three days after falling into a coma. Fábio Guerra, 26, belonged to the 64th precinct of Alfragide and did not survive the physical assault that occurred Saturday morning near the club MOME in Lisbon.
Three men were detained by Monday for suspected murder. Two of the three suspects are members of the military, the Portuguese armed forces and one of these is a boxer in a sports club near Lisbon. The three suspects are 21, 22, and 24 years old. They will be present at the Criminal Court on Wednesday.
The incident occurred at around 6:30 am on Saturday outside the club MOME in Lisbon. Four police who were not on duty intervened to stop a large fight between various citizens and ended up getting physically assaulted by one of the groups.
The four agents of the national police force were admitted to the S. José hospital after the incident after sustaining injuries. Three of them were discharged that same day, while Fábio Guerra remained in critical condition.
There have been vigils all over the country, particularly in front of Fábio Guerra’s precinct in Alfragide.
Faleceu hoje o nosso camarada Fábio Guerra, na PSP desde 2019.
Não hesitou intervir para tentar fazer cessar violentas agressões. Foi agredido, sofrendo lesões que acabaram por lhe provocar a morte.
Honrou, até às últimas consequências, a sua condição policial e o seu juramento pic.twitter.com/uAYpkemg3K
— PSP – Polícia de Segurança Pública (@PSP_Portugal) March 21, 2022
In the last couple of weeks, as a result of the war in Ukraine, fuel prices in Portugal increased to over 2 euros a liter. As the European Union sanctions Russia, countries lose access to the world’s third-largest petroleum producer. The second week of March saw the sharpest fuel price increase in a week to ever happen in Portugal. However, fuel prices will decrease on Monday, diesel by 17 cents a liter and gasoline by 12 cents a liter, according to Diario de Noticias.
Despite the decrease in price, the government will maintain the measure of reducing the tax on fuel (ISP) by 3,4 cents a liter for diesel and 3,7 cents for gasoline. This means drivers will be paying 1,809 euros per liter for diesel and 1,898 euros per liter for gasoline.
This decrease comes as a relief to many this week, but it’s unclear whether prices will increase later on. Portuguese residents can make use of the government’s Autovoucher increase from 5 to 20 euros until the 30th of June to help pay for their gas.
Parties from the center to the right are calling on the Prime Minister to reduce the ISP even further. Portugal’s fuel tax remains higher than the EU average, but countries such as the Netherlands, France, and Italy have an even higher fuel tax.
⬇️Please share your thoughts in the comments below ⬇️
Visiting most European capitals usually means being surrounded by buildings, traffic, and noise. The Portuguese capital allows you to explore the cosmopolitan side of the city, the narrow cobbled streets, stunning architecture, and the country’s cultural heritage, while still being able to relax on some of the best beaches in Europe. It’s truly the best of both worlds.
The best time to visit Lisbon to experience quality beach life is between May and September when temperatures are warm and the sun is shining. However, many are overcrowded and overly saturated by tourists. Luckily, we have selected our top 9 beaches in Lisbon (or near Lisbon) so that you can enjoy the best beaches the coast has to offer.
Once you’ve decided which beach to visit, we recommend renting a car as transportation to nearby beaches in Lisbon is not as efficient as in the center. The best beaches are oftentimes more than 30 minutes away by car.
A 15 to 20-minute drive from Lisbon, Costa da Caparica is a 26 kilometers coastline through the western side of the Setubal Peninsula filled with golden sandy beaches. Costa da Caparica beaches have some of the best weather. Whenever it’s windy in Cascais or Sintra, Costa da Caparica will always be the best alternative. The best beaches on the Costa da Caparica coast are Praia da Fonte da Telha, Praia da Mata, and Praia do Rei. Costa da Caparica beaches also have a lively party sunset scene where you can grab a drink and dance to some music after a relaxing day on the beach.
Photo by Memories In Miphone IG @Memories_in_miphone
A 30-minute drive from Lisbon, Praia do Guincho is the best beach in Cascais on the Portuguese Riviera. Guincho is known for surfing due to its large waves, even in the winter. Although even during the summer there are some windy days on this beach, when the weather is calm, Praia do Guincho is one of the best beaches in Lisbon. The Guincho shoreline is around 1 kilometer, making it perfect for enjoyable walks on the beach. You can also enjoy some lunch and drinks at Bar do Guincho which has a beautiful view of the ocean and the cliffs.
Praia da Aguda is located close to Praia Grande in Sintra and is one of the most beautiful beaches in Lisbon. A 45-minute drive from Lisbon, this spot is beyond insta-worthy and the best part is that it’s rarely full as it’s mostly famous with locals. To get to the beach, you need to go down a 230 step staircase down a cliff which introduces you to the stunning blue ocean views. The way back up is a bit of a workout so this is not the right beach for those with limited mobility. Praia da Aguda is also listed as an unofficial nude beach by the Portuguese Naturist Federation.
Located in the village of Magoito in Sintra, Praia do Magoito is a long golden sand beach with turquoise blue waters. This beach is never full and is not known with tourists, mostly families and young people who live in the area. The waves at Praia do Magoito can get quite high so make sure to be careful and never go in the water when the “red flag” is up. Praia do Magoito has a nice terrace restaurant at the entrance, Esplanada Duna Mar that has a hilltop view of the beach and serves traditional meals.
A 30-minute drive from Lisbon, Praia da Cresmina is very close to Praia do Guincho and is a local alternative to when Praia do Guincho is windy as it is protected by surrounding cliffs and is smaller in size. You can access the beach through a path by the Fortaleza do Guincho hotel. The surrounding restaurants are some of the best seafood and fish restaurants in the country, such as O Faroleiro and Porto Santa Maria.
Photo by GuinchoLocals IG@guincholocalsofficial
6. Praia da Ursa
Praia da Ursa is a “wild beach” in Sintra, meaning that there are no lifeguards on site. This stunning beach is one of the best known in Sintra, but might not be suitable for families with small children due to the large waves. The path to the beach is also quite rough and can be unsafe, as you have to walk down a mountainous path that is not built for that purpose. However, the difficult walk is worth it. This beach is rarely full and although it is not listed as a naturist beach, full nudity is common here.
Praia de Troia-Mar is located in the peninsula of Troia, 55 kilometers south of Lisbon. We know that technically Troia is not in Lisbon, but it’s worth taking the one-hour drive. This beach offers a gorgeous view of the Serra da Arrabida, has clear waters, and white sand like a tropical oasis. You will often see dolphins swimming around this beach and the water temperature is much warmer than in other parts of the country at around 19.5°C in the summer. You can drive to Setubal and then get the ferry boat to Troia which also provides a great experience. Praia de Troia-Mar is known for its lack of waves and features a windsurf school, as well as areas for beach volleyball and football.
A 45-minute drive from Lisbon, the 4 kilometer Praia do Meco is located in Sesimbra. This beach became famous in the 1970s when a bunch of American, Swedish, and Dutch hippies discovered the beach that had no road access at the time. 15 years later, this beach became known as a vacation spot for the Lisbon elite, such as politicians and artists. Today, it is one of the most well-known beaches. A part of the Praia do Meco is an official naturist and nudist beach, probably the most famous in Portugal.
Photo by Nathalie Cellier IG @nathalie_cellier
9. Praia da Foz do Lizandro
Located in Ericeira, a 45-minute drive from Lisbon, Praia da Foz do Lizandro is the largest beach in Mafra. The river Lizandro flows through this beach onto the ocean, providing a warmer alternative to those who do not wish to swim in the colder more volatile sea. This beach has various modern bars, restaurants, and even a surf shop for renting boards and booking surf classes. You can also rent out sunbeds and beach umbrellas.
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 of the new Portuguese government will be set to take over if all the necessary proceedings run smoothly. The Socialist Antonio Costa will deliver the names of the people that will make up the government on the 23rd of March.
The President of Portugal said that this calendar is based upon the fact that the 23rd of March is when the repeated election results in the European circle will be known. Portuguese voters in Europe went to cast their votes for a second time on March 12 and 13 as over 150,000 of the initial votes were made invalid in the General Election. If these results do not change the outcome of the election, the schedule remains in place and the new government is likely to be formed on March 30.
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. Antonio Costa, the leader of the Socialist Party will thus remain as Prime Minister if the second-round of European circle votes allow it.
The new government will be a Socialist majority so the Socialist Party will not need to form a coalition with other parties. Without a majority, it was impossible for the party to pass their proposed state budget that was rejected before the election. Now, with a majority, the same state budget is very likely to pass in the Spring or Summer. Take a look at an overview of the proposed state budget here.
However, Prime Minister Antonio Costa has stated that despite this victory, “An absolute majority doesn’t mean absolute power. It doesn’t mean to govern alone. It’s an increased responsibility and it means to govern with and for all Portuguese”.
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 ⬇️
The second-largest city in Portugal, over 1 million tourists visit Porto every year. One of the oldest cities in Europe, Porto is both a historically rich and cosmopolitan city that lies along the Douro River. Home to Port wine, one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, and the stunning Ribeira district, Porto is not lacking in activities to experience. But like any major European city, if you’re looking for a once in a lifetime trip, you need to know how to avoid the “tourist trap” attractions. Luckily, we have selected the 12 best things to do in Porto so that you know exactly where to go on your next trip to Northern Portugal.
1. Explore the world’s most iconic bookstore in the world
One of the oldest bookstores in the world, founded in 1906, Lello bookstore is part of the historical heritage of Porto. Many would argue this is the most iconic bookstore in the world, with huge literary figures finding refuge in its walls. The Guardian has ranked Lello as the third best bookstore in the world. The bookstore’s exterior has Neo-Gothic and Art Noveau elements and the two-story interior reflects Art Deco elements.
The ample staircase takes center stage, as well as the stained glass window on the ceiling. Around 300,000 books are sold from this book shop each year. Visitors would be able to enter the Lello bookstore for free, but of around 4,000 visits a day, less than 5% would purchase a book. Since then, you must buy a ticket to enter that costs €5.
Photo by Marina SCISSOR (Flickr)
2. Visit Palácio da Bolsa – the Stock Exchange Palace
Built in the nineteenth century by Porto’s Commercial Association, the Palácio da Bolsa used to function as a stock exchange. Located in the historical center of Porto, a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, today it’s open to the public and hosts important visitors such as Queen Elizabeth II in 1957. The inside of the palace features furniture by the architect José Marques da Silva and sculptures by the famous sculptor Teixeira Lopes. The most famous room is the “Arab Room” built between 1862 and 1880 and decorated in the Moorish Revival style. Today, this room is used as a hall for prestigious visitors to Porto like heads of state. Buy an entry ticket to visit the placefor €10.
3. Take a day trip to the World Heritage Site of the Douro Valley
Home to the Douro River, the third largest river in the Iberian Peninsula, the Douro Valley was made a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in the early 2000s. Departing from Porto and ending in Spain, the Douro river flows in the middle of the Douro Valley, a cultural landscape of vineyards where Douro wines are grown and produced. A once in a lifetime experience, the Douro Valley is the location of romantic getaways, weddings, and unforgettable family vacations.
Visiting the Douro Valley is quite expensive by Portuguese standards, but it’s worth it if you do it right. The best way to visit the Douro Valley is by hiring a private car transfer or renting a car as transportation is scarce in the area, especially if you want to visit multiple vineyards for wine tastings. Alternatively, we recommend booking a Douro vineyard “hopping” tour so that you can experience a variety of locations.
Photo by Maksym Kaharlytskyi (Unsplash)
For a unique experience, book this river cruise from Porto where you will get to stop at various wineries for tastings, with lunch included. Our favorite vineyards to visit are Quinta da Roêda (Pinhão), Quinta do Crasto (Sabrosa), and Quinta do Seixo (Valença do Douro).
Quinta da Roêda does not just offer Port wine tastings, but also, visits to the vineyards, picnics, workshops, and more. You can explore the gorgeous vineyard with a guided tour and have a tasting of three wines for only €12 per person. Their packages go up to €44 per person for a larger number and variety of wines.
Quinta do Crasto is included in the Top 20 of the World’s Best Vineyards, winning 16th place in 2021. The wine tasting here lasts around 90 minutes where you get to taste 5 of their wines, visit the wine cellars, and more for €29 per person.
Quinta do Seixo has over 100 hectares and is one of the most traditional wine-producing estates in the region. Their cheapest visit is €15 for a 40-minute tour of the winery and tasting of 2 port wines. Their most luxurious option is a 3-hour picnic in the vineyard where you can taste their wines and enjoy Douro cuisine for €40 per person (only available from March to October).
Only 8 kilometers from the city center, Matosinhos is a fishing town, perfect for a sunny day at the beach. Only a 20-minute drive from Porto, Praia de Matosinhos is the largest beach close to Porto. From surfing to relaxing at a beach bar, as well as lifeguards on-site, the facilities at this beach are great for a family day at the beach. The best time to go is between June and August during the week. Avoid the weekends as it will be overly crowded during this time.
Photo by Pedro Menezes (Unsplash)
After a dip in the sea, you must explore the seafood culture in this fishing town. Some of the best seafood restaurants in Matosinhos are TITO 2 (around €40 for two people), A Marisqueira de Matosinhos (around €50 for two people), and Marisqueria A Antiga (around €70 for two people).
Inspired by the Crystal Palace in London, the Crystal Palace in Porto was inaugurated in 1865 but later demolished in 1951 to build a sports pavilion. Set on a hilltop, the Crystal Palace gardens remain on-site, with about 8 hectares of green space with views of the River Douro.
Only a 15-minute walk from the center, you will find the gorgeous landscaped gardens with walking paths, fountains, sculptures, and trees. Landscaped by German Émille David in the nineteenth century, the Crystal Palace Gardens are the best spot in the city for a picnic, as well as a short stroll. Buy some wine and cheese from a closeby grocery store and enjoy the view of the river from the gardens.
6. Enjoy the architecture of the Casa da Musica
Designed by the architect Rem Koolhaas, Casa da Musica is an iconic concert hall in the historical center of Porto built in 2005. The building was constructed to mark the festive year of 2001 when Porto was designated the European Capital of Culture. Casa da Musica hosts exciting events with concerts by the Symphony Orchestra and more, from every music genre. Although a tour of the inside costs €10, the best part of this place is the exterior. You can also enjoy a meal at the restaurant on the top floor, providing a view of the center. We also recommend booking a ticket for a concert, as this is a unique experience in such a remarkable building.
Photo by Catarina Monteiro (Unsplash)
7. Taste traditional Porto cuisine
You can’t go to Porto without experiencing the traditional cuisine of Porto. With more affordable prices than Lisbon, Porto is the perfect place for a foodie looking to experience authentic Portuense restaurants. There are a few dishes that are definite must-tries. The top dish is a francesinha, a ham, sausage, and steak sandwich with melted cheese and spiced tomato and beer-based sauce, as well as fries on the side. Our favorite spots for a francesinha are Casa Guedes and the Tasquinha Ze Povinho.
Francesinha. Photo by Siegfy (Flickr)
We recommend also trying the following dishes:
Tripas à moda do Porto: A century-old heavy meat-based dish with beans, carrots, steak, veal, and pork stomach
Sandes de pernil: a roast pork butt sandwich with mountain cheese
Bacalhau à brás: shredded codfish with scrambled eggs, potatoes, and onions
Caldo verde: green vegetable soup with sausage
Alheira: sausage made from chicken, turkey, or duck
Bacalhau à brás. Photo by MollySVH (Flickr)
Broa de Avintes: brown bread from Porto
Tarde de amendoa: almond tart from Douro
Sardinhas assadas: sardines paired with potatoes, peppers, and salad
Cachorrinho: Porto style hot dog with spicy sauce
Cozido à Portuguesa: heavy meat stew with carrots, cabbage, onions, and potatoes
Built in 1763 by Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni, the Clérigos Tower offers a panoramic view of the historical center of Porto. At 75 meters high, visitors can climb 225 steps to the top of the tower which is worth the workout. We recommend going at night when there are fewer tourists and you get a glittering light view of the buildings, as the tower is open until 11 PM. The tower is built on a Roman Catholic church with baroque motifs from the seventeenth century which you can visit for free. To visit the Clérigos Tower, book this entrance ticket to skip the line through a separate entrance.
Port wine is a Porto classic. Also known as vinho do Porto, Port wine is a sweet red wine produced in the Douro Valley that is usually served with dessert, at the end of a meal. You’ll find many spots for a Port wine tasting in Porto, as well as Vila Nova de Gaia, a 10-minute drive from Porto.
Photo by L E (Unsplash)
It’s important to know where to go as with Port wine, you must focus on quality over quantity. We recommend booking this experience where along with a Port wine tasting, you will get to enjoy an intimate acoustic performance of traditional Fado in the center of Porto.
10. Walk the Dom Luis I bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia
The iconic Dom Luis I bridge connects the Ribeira distinct of Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia, across the Douro river. This metal arch bridge was built in 1886 by designer Théophile Seyrig who cofounded the Eiffel company and one was the longest of its type at the time. You can walk across the bridge which is 60 meters high, on the upper level of the bridge on the pedestrian walkway. Walking through the 1-kilometer bridge, you will have one of the best views of the Douro river, as well as easy access to Vila Nova de Gaia.
Photo by Marco Varisco (Flickr)
Vila Nova de Gaia is known for its port wine cellars, as well as a cable car that opened in 2011 and rides up and down the south bank of the Douro. You should also visit the Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar, a sixteenth-century monastery with sculptures of the saints Augustine, Apollonia, and Eulalia. For a Port wine tasting, visit Caves Ferreira or Ramos Pinto, some of the most popular in the area.
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ribeira is a picturesque neighborhood in Porto, situated on the riverbank of the Douro. The riverfront district of Ribeira is the perfect place for a relaxing stroll during the day. At night, Ribeira comes alive with lively bars and restaurants overlooking the river, as well as Dom Luis I bridge and Vila Nova de Gaia.
Photo by Pedro (Flickr)
We recommend having some Portuguese tapas by the river at Jimão Tapas e Vinhos. For one of the best views in Ribeira, ride the Elevator of Ribeira that connects the port to a part of the neighborhood called Barredo.
Azulejo tiles are an iconic part of Porto‘s cultural heritage and let’s be honest, are a great backdrop for a selfie. There are plenty of places across the city where you can find azulejo tiles. Our favorite place is at Porto’s cathedral from the eighteenth century where inside the cloisters you will find stunning white and blue ajulezo tiles. You will also find over 20,000 ajulezo tiles at São Bento Railway Station, made by Jorge Colaço. His tiles cover an area of over 500 square meters in the interior of the station, depicting moments of Portuguese history such as the Discoveries.
Photo by Ray in Manila (Flickr)
You will also find Colaço’s tiles at the Church of Saint Ildefonso built in 1739, with over 11,000 white and blue tiles decorating the exterior. Other great places to find Portuguese ajulezo tiles in Porto are Casa da Musica and Ribeira Negra panel.
⬇️Please share your favorite activities and things to do in Porto in the comments below ⬇️
In the last three weeks, over 10,000 Ukrainian refugees have arrived in Portugal. Publico reported that this amount is almost equal to the number of refugees, of all countries, that Portugal welcomed since 2015. In the last seven years, 10,927 refugees from different countries arrived to find refuge in Portugal. In the last 3 weeks, 10,068 Ukrainian refugees arrived to flee the Russian invasion.
Prime Minister Antonio Costa announced at the beginning of the invasion that all Ukrainians with family, friends, and acquaintances in Portugal were welcome. Ukrainian refugees have made use of the measures implemented by the government to fast-track the asylum process.
The Portuguese Foreigners and Borders Service (SEF) launched an online platform on Monday to simplify the processing of bringing Ukrainians to safety in Portugal under a temporary protection regime. A task force has been created to help Ukrainian refugees find employment and housing and children have been allocated schools to attend. Ukrainian refugees are automatically given a national health service number, a social security number, and a VAT identification number (NIF).
Está em pleno funcionamento a plataforma online do SEF para registo de pedidos de proteção temporária de cidadãos ucranianos e seus familiares (agregado familiar), bem como de qualquer cidadão estrangeiro a residir na Ucrânia.https://t.co/Lwk1BF9hHWpic.twitter.com/3h2PrmZi7s
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