The multinational energy corporation Galp, headquartered in Portugal, will raise its electricity and natural gas prices on April 15. Natural gas could rise by 3 euros and electricity could rise by 2 euros, according to CNN Portugal. Galp told CNN that the new prices reflect the cost to acquire energy in line with the price increases in the international market.
Energy prices are at an all-time high as governments face an energy crisis. The increase in prices is linked to the war in Ukraine, leading to prices ten times higher than those at the beginning of 2021, according to Publico.
The war in Ukraine and the economic sanctions in Russia have also led countries to the brink of a food crisis, including Portugal. Wheat prices have increased massively as Russia and Ukraine account for 30% of wheat exports globally. The price of bread is set to continue to rise exponentially in Portugal. Fertilizer prices are also at an all-time high without Russian exports, as well as due to the increase in natural gas price, an ingredient necessary to produce nitrogen-based fertilizers. Vehicle fuel continues to rise as well, as gasoline prices have already reached over 2 euros a liter in Portugal.
While Portugal was set to lift all Covid-19 restrictions on April 3, this is likely to be postponed as cases continue to rise. Researcher Miguel Castanho told CNN Portugal on Friday that the government should postpone lifting Covid-19 restrictions in order to avoid a sixth wave in the winter.
He says that not only is this postponement “inevitable” but a worsening of the situation could lead to reinstating older measures that the country has now abandoned. The researcher states that controlling the pandemic and making sure the number of cases, hospitalizations, and deaths is very low during the spring and summer is necessary so that the virus is circulating at a low level during autumn.
The Covid-19 pandemic is worsening due to the new BA.2 variant of Omicron that is dominant in Portugal. Researcher Miguel Castanho has said that Omicron BA.2 is not necessarily more severe than Omicron BA.1 but that it can lead to the inefficiency of antibodies, even for those vaccinated or who have tested positive previously.
The transmissibility index (Rt) reached 1,09, as of the end of last week. The Rt indicates how many people an individual can infect in a given time, which is rising under the new variant and could potentially result in a sixth wave, according to the Instituto Superior Técnico (IST).
The Directorate-General of Health of Portugal has decided to no longer publish daily COVID-19 cases and deaths. Rather, they will be publishing the data on a weekly basis. An “open house” strategy for vaccination has also been established. 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
The Municipal Assembly of Lisbon approved on Tuesday a proposal by the Socialist Party (PS) to distribute free reusable period products in public schools to students. This measure is meant to combat period poverty, as well as promote sustainable practices. Reusable pads and cups will be distributed to over 100 public schools in Lisbon. In addition, the proposal passed urges for the start of campaigns that combat disinformation and stigma surrounding menstruation. Lisbon is the first city in Portugal to enact such a measure to combat period poverty.
The far-right party Enough (Chega) and the center-right party Liberal Initiative (IL) voted against the measure, along with a member of the Christian center-right party CDS-PP. The following parties voted in favor of the measure: the Socialist Party (PS), the Left Bloc (BE), the Communist Party (PCP), People-Animals-Nature (PAN), Free (Livre), and two independents of the PS/Free coalition in Lisbon.
CDS-PP, Enough (Chega), and the Liberal Initiative (IL) believe this proposal is discriminatory, a response that has angered many on social media. A member of the Liberal Initiative (IL), Angelique de Teresa told TSF that this measure creates an “apartheid” within the public sector, discriminating against students in private schools. She believes period products should be accessible to all by reducing prices in supermarkets. A member of the far-right party Enough (Chega), Patricia Branco also believes the measure is discriminatory by excluding private school students and even stated that it excludes men who need to purchase shaving products.
The party Free (Livre) who votes in favor hopes that the distribution of period products will be conducted inclusively by including transgender students. The party is also urging for an improvement in education surrounding menstruation to combat period stigma. People-Animals-Nature (PAN), another party that voted in favor of the measure hopes that this measure will be extended to other sections of the population, such as women who are facing homelessness.
Take a look at our article on the Portuguese Political System to find out about the democratic process in Portugal.
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The Douro Wine Region is located surrounding the Douro River, passing through the regions of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro.
The region is a very mountainous one, with the vineyards being located on the margins of the river, on very steep hills that have been prepared for this production. The mountains protect its climate from the influence of the coastal weather, with its rain and winds, creating a good climate for wine production.
The region produces the world-renowned Port wine, Queen’s Elizabeth digestif, but we may not disregard the table wine produced here, known simply as “Douro wines”, and are considered of really excellent quality.
As the Vinho Verde region, the Douro is considered a DOC (Denominação de Origem Controlada or Controlled Origin Denomination), the highest classification for a region of wine in Portugal. Besides this, it is a Protected Designation of Origin both under EU and UK law and it is a Geographical Indication in several other countries which have signed agreements with Portugal.
As for the wine style produced here, it ranges from light, Bordeaux-style claret to rich Burgundian-style wines aged in new oak. The red wines are considered the most elegant of Portugal.
If you are looking for a good fortified wine for a digestif or for a good meal wine, a Douro wine is always a great option.
It is thought that wine has been made in the region for a while, with grape seeds being found in ancient archaeological sites in the Douro region, but the oldest archaeological evidence for the production of wine there dates back to the 3rd and 4th centuries, at the time of the fall of the Western Roman Empire.
This continued to the Medieval Ages, with the Order of Cistercians, a Catholic religious order, in the 12th century, having a big influence on the region’s winemaking, since they produced it in their monasteries.
500 years later, the region’s vineyards were much bigger and we find the first known mention of Port wine, dating back to 1675. A few years later, the famous Methuen Treaty between Portugal and England happened, leading to the creation of several British Port wine companies in Porto. Port wine, thus, became a primary product of the region and increasingly important to the economy of Portugal.
In 1756, a royal charter defined the region for the production of Port wine, as a part of the production and trade regulation of this important part of the economy. This way, it became the third wine region in the world to have a formal legal demarcation zone, after the Tokaj-Hegyalja region in Hungary, created in 1730, and Chianti, in Italy, in 1716. At the time, the region only included the western part of the current region and it progressively expanded to the east.
In the 19th century, some vine diseases attacked the area, like powdery mildew (oidium), in 1852, and Phylloxera, in 1863.
As for table wine, it was always produced in the region, but for a long time, it was mainly sold inside it. The farms in the region were focused on the production and export of only Port wine since it was the unique regional product for the external buyers and these had little interest in the other wines produced there. Even though the wines were of good quality, this discouraged the producers from using their grapes to produce table wine of better quality.
This was until Fernando Nicolau de Almeida, an oenologist of the Ferreira Port house, decided to create his own table wine. For this, he visited Bordeaux during World War II to gain inspiration. Finally, in 1952, the wine Barca Velha was first produced on the Quinta do Vale de Meão in the Douro Superior sub-region.
At first, it was hard getting people to buy it outside of Portugal since most Port houses continued to produce Port wine. But in the 70s, some Douro table wines started to appear, and finally, in the 90s there was a boom, mainly due to Portugal entering the EEC (European Economic Community, now the European Union) and the Port houses monopoly losing their monopoly on the Douro valley. This made so that new producers started to invest in the region and make their own wines and the Port houses started to have table wines on their shelves.
In 2001, this region became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Grapes of Douro
Photo by Maksym Kaharlytskyi on Unsplash
The main grape varieties in this region are:
Red Grapes: Bastardo, Mourisco tinto, Tinta Amarela, Tinta Barroca, Tinta Cão, Tinta Roriz (the same as Spain’s Tempranillo), Touriga Francesa and Touriga Nacional
White Grapes: Donzelinho branco, Gouveio, Malvasia Fina, Rabigato, and Viosinho
In the old days, the grape varieties were not that well studied, with the norm being mixed varieties plantations since the farmers didn’t know which grape varieties they were growing.
However, in the 1970s, the Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Touriga Francesa, Tinta Cão, and Tinta Barroca were identified as the best red wine grape varieties. This was very important since the producers now knew what type of grapes to use to get better quality wines. This gave rise to better Douro wines, including the very well-known Port wines. Nowadays, most of the great quality productions cultivate single-variety vineyards and focus on specific varieties, as to be specialized in those. But you can still find mixed production in the old vineyards, which still continue to produce.
The Region and Climate of Douro
The Douro region is, as the name implies, around the Douro river valley, as well as on the valleys of the Douro tributaries of Varosa, Corgo, Távora, Torto, and Pinhão.
It is divided into 3 subregions:
Baixo Corgo (Below Corgo): this region has a mild climate and is rainier. It has 14.000 hectares of vineyards (around 35.000 acres) and besides being the subregion that was planted first, it is considered the one that has fewer quality wines.
Cima Corgo (Above Corgo): it’s the largest one, with around 19.000 hectares (47.000 acres) of vineyards. Its main city is the town of Pinhão and its famous for being the home to the famous vineyards of Port wine on the river banks.
Douro Superior (“Upper Douro”): with around 8.700 hectares (21.000 acres) of cultivated wine fields, it’s the one with less cultivated space, but the largest subzone in overall area. This is probably because it was the region that was most recently planted and is still in the process of being expanded. However, it is considered to have one of the best quality wines, especially its red wines. It has the hottest and driest climate and goes all the way until the Spanish border.
Overall, the region has a continental climate, with hot and dry summers and cold winters, since it is sheltered from the winds coming from the Ocean by the Marão and Montemuro mountains.
The view is packed with terraced vineyards with many of them being dedicated to the production of Port wine, these ones are usually planted on schist-based soils while the table wine production is usually on granite.
Port Wine
Photo by Bruno Martins on Unsplash
We can’t talk about Douro wine without talking about Port wine. This is probably the most famous Portuguese wine, and it’s not even a table wine!
It’s a fortified wine, usually sweet and served in small glasses. It is much heavier than a normal wine and it has an alcohol percentage of around 19-20% (this being the reason it is served in small glasses).
It’s very famous all around the world, especially in Britain, and with many countries having their own Port-inspired wine. Normally, it’s served as a digestif, this is, after meals, but if it’s a tawny or white port it can be served as an aperitif, meaning ‘before meals’.
Port wine was the main production of the Douro region until very recently when many Port houses decided to invest in professionally made table Douro wine, so it is a wine dilled with history, besides its already unique flavor.
Douro Wine Suggestions: Best Wines in Douro
If you are looking for Port wine, these are the brands that you can confidently look for knowing you will get a good one:
Graham’s
Ferreira
Dow
Quinta do Vallado
Taylor’s
Quinta da Pacheca
Offley
Niepoort
Sandeman
If what you are looking for is a nice Douro table wine, these are some of the brands that you can look for:
Burmester
Porca de Murça
Gaivosa
Casa Amarela
Quinta da Pacheca
Barca Velha
Papa Figos
Vinhas Velhas
Quinta do Romeu
And many many others
According to Vivino, a website for wine review, in 2021 these were the top 25 Douro wines:
Quinta Do Crasto Reserva Vinhas Velhas 2017
Casa Ferreirinha Castas Escondidas Douro 2018
Brites Aguiar Bafarela Grande Reserva 2019
Quinta Nova De Nossa Senhora Do Carmo Grainha Reserva 2019
Roquette & Cazes Douro 2018
Quinta Nova De Nossa Senhora Do Carmo Douro Tinto (Colheita Unoaked) 2019
Quinta Do Vale Meão Meandro Douro Tinto 2019
Prats & Symington (P+S) Post Scriptum (De Chryseia) Douro 2019
Quinta Do Vesuvio Pombal Do Vesuvio Douro 2018
Quinta Do Crasto Crasto Superior Red 2017
Quinta Nova De Nossa Senhora Do Carmo Reserva Terroir Blend 2018
Ramos Pinto Duas Quintas Tinto 2018
CARM Douro Tinto 2018
Quinta Do Noval Cedro Do Noval 2018
100 Hectares Touriga Nacional 2019
Casa Ferreirinha Papa Figos Douro 2019
Brites Aguiar Bafarela Reserva 2019
Pacheca Raizes Velhas 2019
Symington Vale Do Bomfim 2019
Quinta Do Vallado Tinto 2020
Lavradores De Feitoria Estrada Reserva 2018
Quinta De Ventozelo Reserva Tinto 2019
Quinta Nova De Nossa Senhora Do Carmo Pomares Tinto 2019
This tour allows you to enjoy a wine tasting, visit 2 wine estates, try traditional specialties at a renowned local restaurant, sightsee the UNESCO World Heritage Douro region and go on a boat cruise on a traditional ‘rabelo’ boat, all in a one day tour from Porto.
By visiting the beautiful towns of Amarante, Régua, and Pinhão, you will discover all the history of the Douro Valley and of Port Wine. You will see the incredible vineyards on the hills and visit a wine estate to taste Port wine.
Experience the magic scenery of the Douro Valley on a day trip to Porto. You will taste three wine types as you go through two different wine estates and have a wonderful lunch on one of them with a view of the vineyards. After that, you will be able to relax on a River Cruise in Pinhão through the wonderful Douro River.
The capital of Portugal, Lisbon gets over 4 million tourists a year for a reason. One of the oldest cities in Western Europe, Lisbon is a cosmopolitan city filled with historical heritage, culture, and architecture that will leave a mark to remember. From the iconic calçada Portuguesa (cobbled streets) to the lively streets of Bairro Alto, Lisbon’s environment provides a comforting experience that will make you feel at home. If you’re planning your next visit to the Portuguese capital and wanting to avoid the “tourist traps”, we have got you covered. Lisbon has a variety of activities for tourists to enjoy, from monuments to wine tastings in a range of prices to accommodate all visitors. Here are the 10 best things to do in Lisbon.
1. Try some of the best wines in the world
Photo by Kevin Kelly (Unsplash)
Portugal is home to one of the first wine-producing regions of the world and has some of the highest quality wines in the world. Lisbon has wine bars at every corner with incredibly affordable prices where you can try out unique flavors, from port wine to red wine. This is the perfect activity for an afternoon, where you can have wines paired with regional cheeses and bread. We recommend booking this 3-hour tasting where you’ll get to try Portuguese pastries, cheese, and wines from the Alentejo. For a premium experience, book this tasting where you’ll get to taste five different artisanal kinds of cheese, sausages, and ham, as well as five Portuguese wines. For a super cheap option, visit the Wines of Portugal Tasting Room in Terreiro do Paço. This is a large modern tasting room with shared tables and wine starting at €1.
The São Jorge Castle is located at the top of the city in Santa Maria Maior. A part of the castle was built in the fifth century by the Visigoths which was made larger by the Moors in the eleventh century. It was then officially made into the Royal Palace in the twelfth century during the reign of Afonso I of Portugal. The palace was later on restored in 1938 by the dictatorship of Salazar to look the way it is presented now. Tourists can visit the castle complex which consists of the castle itself, the ruins of the royal palace, gardens, and a terraced square with panoramic views of the city. A ticket to visit costs between €5 and €10. You can also pay a little extra to skip the line.
3. Taste traditional Portuguese cuisine
Sardines. Photo by Alex Teixeira (Unsplash)
Lisbon’s food scene is renowned all over Europe. If you visit the capital, you must explore traditional restaurants called tascas (taverns). These provide a relaxing environment where you can try out some cheap traditional Portuguese food for anywhere between €10 and €15. Our favorite tascas are Zé dos Cornos, 1 de Maio, and Alfaia.
We recommend ordering the following:
Pastel de Nata. Photo by Samantha Gollnick (Unsplash)
Bifana (pork sandwich)
Sardinhas (sardines)
Frango de churrasco piri-piri (piri-piri chicken)
Bacalhau (codfish)
Polvo à la lagareiro (octopus)
Bitoque (thin steak)
Secretos de porco preto (Iberico pig)
Caldo verde (green soup)
Cozido à portuguesa (meat stew)
Pastel de nata (custard tart)
Baba de camelo (camel drool or condensed milk mousse)
Arroz doce (rice pudding)
Bolo de bolacha (portuguese biscuit cake)
Also, make sure to stop by Pastéis de Belem where the traditional Portuguese custard tart was first invented. The recipe from this place is a secret. You´ll have to wait in line, but it is so worth it.
4. Ride the Santa Justa lift
Santa Justa Lift. Photo by Lucie Capkova (Unsplash)
The Elevador de Santa Justa is located in the center of Lisbon and was completed in 1902 by Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard, an architecture student of the man who built the Eiffel Tower. 45 meters tall, the lift has a similar design to the Eiffel Tower and was built to connect the lower streets of Baixa to the Carmo Square for locals to have an easier passage. Today, it is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Lisbon as visitors can ride the elevator to enjoy the view of the Baixa Pombalina. The Santa Justa Lift is decorated in a Neo-Gothic style in dark iron which represents a construction style of the 1900s. At the time, elevators such as these were considered largely innovative and reflective of the modern age.
Do not Lisbon’s location go to waste. The capital is close to stunning towns and cities that are perfect for a day trip such as Cascais and Sintra. We recommend visiting Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site close to Lisbon. Sintra is only a 30-minute drive from Lisbon or a 45-minute train from Oriente station (around €2). One of the most iconic palaces in Portugal, Pena Palance is located in Sintra. The palace is designed in a romanticist style, painted in multiple colors to make you feel like you are witnessing a fairytale. Purchase your entrance ticket here to skip the line, with a free cancellation option.
Another historical building you must visit in Sintra is the Castle of the Moors, only a ten-minute walk from Pena Palace. This castle was built by the Moors in the 8th and 9th centuries and provides a stunning 360 view of Sintra. Buy your ticket here to skip the line at the entrance.
Castle of the Moors. Photo by Mark Lawson (Unsplash)
The Quinta da Regaleira is another great spot to visit, a farm designed in the early 1900s with overgrown gardens, caves, and romantic architecture.
A 40-minute train ride from Cais do Sodré (around €2), Cascais is located on the Portuguese Riviera and is one of the most well-funded and richest municipalities in Portugal. Cascais is known for its luxurious restaurants, hotels, and nice beaches. Although you can drive to Cascais, taking the train along the riviera provides gorgeous sea views. We recommend visiting Estoril, home to the largest casino in Europe, one station before Cascais. After that, get back on the train to Cascais for 5 more minutes. Then, walk for a minute toward “Frederico Arouca” street. This is essentially the high street with the major stores, as well as smaller vendors selling Portuguese souvenirs. You should also explore the City Hall of Cascais in “Praça 5 de Outubro” that overlooks a small beach called “Praia da Baía de Cascais”. The Citadel of Cascais is also a few minutes away, a set of fortifications built between the fifteenth and seventeenth-century to defend the Cascais coastline and protect Lisbon.
The city of Lisbon’s nightlife is some of the best in all of Europe. However, for a good night out, it’s important to avoid the tourist traps and know the best places to go. But first, let’s go through the nightlife culture in Lisbon. In all of Portugal really, you start at a few bars until at least 1 to 2 am. Only then do you go to your favorite club for some dancing! If you’re looking for an early night and want to enter a club earlier, it will be empty. Clubs usually close anywhere between 7 and 8 am. Also, be prepared to smell like an ashtray the morning after. Although smoking inside indoor public spaces is forbidden, this is not enforced.
Our favorite bar in Lisbon is O Palheta in Cais do Sodré for some traditional outdoor drinking the “Lisboeta” way. You can expect good music, cool vinyl records, and cheap drinks. You can always choose to have a drink inside, but it is common for Portuguese people to enjoy their beer outside and the streets are usually filled with people. If you’re looking to bar hop, just head on to the main streets of Bairro alto and you´ll see hundreds of people drinking outside cheap bars. If you stick to beer, any of these are good options.
If you’re looking for something trendy and a bit more expensive, head to Park bar in Bairro Alto, a rooftop bar at the top of a regular parking garage. You’ll be surprised to see one of the best views of Lisbon and a terrace filled with greenery and wooden tables.
Bar in Lisbon. Photo by Kawasaki Toshihiro (Unsplash)
If you’re ready to head out to a club, our favorites are Lux Fragil, Lust in Rio, and Trumps. Lux Fragil in Santa Apolónia, opened in 1991 and has a view of the Tagus river from its rooftop terrace. Major DJs from all over Europe play in Lux every week and the club mostly plays techno, especially downstairs.
Lust in Rio is known for its “Swag On” night every Wednesday where hip-hop is played. In the summer, this club is completely outdoors and overlooks the river. The club offers a VIP section that often is filled with football players and celebrities.
Trumps in Príncipe Real is one of the largest gay clubs in Portugal and has been open since the 1980s. The club is mostly full on Saturday nights and plays house and dance music, as well as pop. They also have drag queen nights. The club is also very popular with straight women. The club also hosts art exhibitions showcasing queer art during the day.
It is rare to find a cosmopolitan city that is so close to the beach. Lisbon is only 15 minutes away from the sea and you can get there by public transportation. And you won’t be going to just any beaches, Lisbon has some of the best beaches in Europe, perfect for a city break. Costa da Caparica is only 20 minutes away, an area with some of the best beaches in Greater Lisbon. Another alternative is going to Cascais or Sintra, where there are fewer busy beaches with loads of space.
Praia do Guincho, Cascais. Photo by Manuel Inglez (Unsplash)
The Oceanário de Lisboa in Parque das Nações, the city ‘s aquarium, is one of the largest in Europe. This place has over 8,000 creatures from 500 species, making it the perfect activity for a date or family day. Over 17 million visitors from 140 countries have visited the aquarium since it opened in 1998. Every year, over 1 million people visit the aquarium.
Fish at Oceanario de Lisboa. Photo by Bobo Boom (Flickr)
The Oceanário de Lisboa is divided into 4 separate bodies of water, representing the North Atlantic, Antarctic, Temperate Pacific, and Tropical Indian Ocean. From cute otters to sharks, this aquarium has every animal you want to see. Buy your ticket here to skip the line at the entrance and enjoy free cancellation.
9. Enjoy the view from a miradouro
They say the best things in life are free and Lisbon’s miradouros agree. Miradouros are city lookout points where you get beautiful panoramic views of Lisbon. You’ll always find people listening to music and drinking beer on the hundreds of miradouros in the city. Grab a bottle of wine and some cheese to enjoy the sunset. You’ll also find some small kiosks that sell drinks and coffee next to miradouros. Wondering which miradouros have the best views and environment? Our favorite lookout spots are Miradouro de Santa Luzia in Alfama, Miradouro da Graça, and Miradouro de Santa Catarina.
Miradouro das Portas do Sol. Photo by Theo Crazzolara (Flickr)
10. Discover fado culture in Alfama
Alfama. Photo by Veronika Jorjobert (Unsplash)
Have you ever heard of fado? Fado is a traditional music style that became known in the old neighborhoods of Lisbon such as Alfama. This style of music was sung in taverns, beginning in the 19th century. The most famous fado singer is Lisbon born Amália Rodrigues, one of the largest names in fado, becoming known all over the world in the 1950s. Today, tourists can discover the world of fado in various areas of Lisbon, but the best “fado houses” are located in Alfama. Visitors can enjoy a nice dinner while listening to a fado singer. Book this guided tour in Alfama to learn about the origins of fado and experience an iconic fado house. This live fado show in Chiado, Lisbon is also a great option, a 50-minute performance featuring 2 fado singers and 2 guitarists. There are also many great options including Fado in Chiado, Clube de Fado and Parreirinha de Alfama. You can always also ask the locals where to go.
Take a look at our full guide on the city of Lisbon, from restaurants, hotels, to activities, we have everything you need to know about the Portuguese capital.
The Mundo dos Sonhos association is raising the 35 thousand euros left to cover the flight costs of bringing Ukrainian family members of those already safe in Portugal. The EuroAtlantic flight will take 262 refugees from the city of Lublin in Poland to Lisbon.
The plane to Poland will not go empty, containing over 50 tons of donations, including food and health products. The founder of Mundo dos Sonhos, Carina Freire told CNN Portugal that with the number of requests for refuge in Portugal, she could fill a second plane.
The association has also sorted out accommodation in an inactive hotel for the arrival of the 262 Ukrainian refugees, as many family members do not have the conditions to house them. This project is in collaboration with the Ukrainian Association in Portugal, the Ukrainian embassy in Portugal, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who will deal with the necessary documents.
During the weekend, lines of cars filled gas stations as drivers prepared to fill up their tanks in expectation of a rise in fuel prices. However, the increase was worse than expected as fuel prices in Portugal have risen to over 2 euros a liter on Monday. This is the sharpest fuel price increase in a week to ever happen in the country, according to CNN Portugal. This means that depending on your car, you might need 100 euros to fill your tank up, according to RTP.
Gasoline remains more expensive than diesel as usual, although experts predicted the opposite would happen. Gasoline prices increased by around 11 cents and diesel prices increased by 15,5 cents, depending on the gas station. Experts had predicted an increase of 8 and 11 cents for the respective fuel types.
The Portuguese government has implemented measures to help mitigate the increase in fuel prices. For example, Portuguese residents can make use of the government’s Autovoucher increase from 5 to 20 euros until the 30th of June for some relief. In January, the government had already temporarily decreased the tax on fuel (ISP) by 2 cents for gasoline and 1 center for diesel. This is in place until the end of April, according to the Diario de Noticias.
Parties from the center to the right are calling on the Prime Minister to reduce the ISP even further. Many are crossing the border to Spain to fill up their thanks as prices remain cheaper than in Portugal due to a lower fuel tax. The difference in price can be larger than 50 cents per liter, according to CNN Portugal. 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.
The increase in prices comes as a result of the war in Ukraine. As the European Union sanctions Russia, countries lose access to the world’s third-largest petroleum producer.
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Portugal is on the Russian government’s list of hostile and unfriendly countries, along with all European Union member states, CNN Portugal and Interfax report. The list was signed by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin on Monday and created at the request of President Vladimir Putin in response to the sanctions imposed against Russia.
Along with European Union (EU) countries, the list also includes Australia, Albania, Andorra, the United Kingdom, Iceland, Canada, Liechtenstein, Micronesia, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, South Korea, San Marino, North Macedonia, Singapore, the United States, Taiwan, Ukraine, Montenegro, Switzerland, and Japan.
The foreign countries on the Russian list have taken unfriendly actions against Russia, Russian companies, and Russian citizens. All EU countries are mentioned on the list due to the EU’s measures to make sure Russia cannot finance the war against Ukraine, measures to which Portugal voted in favor.
This includes an end to the sale of EU citizenship to Russians as Portugal is no longer allowing Russian citizens to apply for the Golden Visa. The Portuguese government has also announced that they will sanction any Russian citizen, even if they have Portuguese nationality that is part of an international sanction list by freezing their assets in Portugal. Other sanctions include a full asset freeze on three Russian banks and excluding key Russian banks from SWIFT.
Portugal is also welcoming all Ukrainians who want to seek asylum in Portugal, while other EU member states have imposed limits on the number of refugees allowed. The bureaucracy of applying for refugee status in Portugal has been eliminated for those fleeing Ukraine as the whole process has been fast-tracked. Ukrainian refugees will be given a national health service number, a social security number, and a VAT identification number (NIF) automatically.
Madeira island was elected the “World’s Leading Island Destination” from 2015 to 2021 by the World Travel Awards. With over 1 million tourists visiting every year, Madeira is filled with activities and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, family vacation, or a trip with your friends, Madeira will welcome you with open arms. Visitors can enjoy the summer climate, tropical beaches, and gorgeous landscapes that span the island. If you are looking to avoid the tourist traps and experience Madeira to its fullest, here are the 10 best things to do in Madeira.
1. Ride a cable car
Riding a cable car in Funchal, Madeira is the best way to get a view of Madeira and the blue ocean surrounding it. Funchal has two cable carr services, the Madeira Cable Car and the Botanical Garden Cable Car. Located in the Old Town, the Madeira Cable Car takes you from Funchal to Monte for 15 minutes, providing views of the mountains in Monte and a 360-view of Funchal. The Botanical Garden Cable rides from the Botanical Garden to Monte for 9 minutes, where you will get to see green hills and the Laurissilva forest, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site.
2. Sunbathe on some of the best beaches in the world
Madeira’s beaches are some of the best in the world, providing beautiful rock and mountain views. September is the best month for swimming and sunbathing on a beach in Madeira, but the Spring and Summer months are always great. Water temperatures are warm all year round, rating between 19°(66°F) in the winter and 24°C (75°F) in the summer. Take a look at the 13 best beaches in Madeira here.
Porto Santo Beach. Photo by Teresa Lopes IG @teresinhamarise
Our top three favorites are Praia do Porto do Seixal, Prainha Beach, and Porto Santo Beach. Praia do Porto do Seixal is a recently formed beach with black sand, located on the north coast of the island. A local spot, Prainha Beach is another beach with black sand but located on the east of Madeira and a lot more isolated. Porto Santo Beach is located on an inhabited island called Porto Santo, 43 kilometers from Madeira, and features golden sand and turquoise waters, perfect for a day trip. To get to Porto Santo Beach, 43 kilometers from Madeira island, we recommend booking this day trip from Funchal.
You cannot visit Madeira without experiencing some dolphin and whale watching. The best time to see whales are between April and October, whereas you can see dolphins all year long. Sperm whales are usually around all year round, as well. To observe these magnificent sea creatures, you must book a dolphin and whale watching tour. Here are some affordable tours:
Madeirense food is known for its soups, seafood, and exotic fruit, as well as bread. You will find a variety of dishes all throughout the island so that you never have to eat the same thing twice. Our top 3 favorite restaurants on the island are O Celeiro, Il Gallo D’Oro, and Quinta do Furão. We recommend ordering the following:
Lapas (limpets, mollusks that are attached to rocks on the coast)
Prego no Bolo do Caco (grilled steak serve on local caco bread)
Bolo do caco (local wheat bread of Madeira that is flattened)
Photo by Marco Verch Professional Photographer (Flickr)
Picado (meat cut into cubes with pepper and fries)
Wheat soup (soup with pork, vegetables, potato)
Filete de espada with banana (black swordfish with banana)
Trutas (trout grilled with butter sauce)
Espetada Madeirense (beef in a laurel skewer grilled on charcoal)
Cozido Madeirense (pork, sausages, vegetables cooked on a wood fire)
Tomato soup with poached egg
Chicarros fritos (small fish that is fried, grilled, or baked)
You will never see this anywhere else, but a unique transportation method in Madeira are basket sledges. With more than one hundred years of history, traditional basket sledges are made of wood and wicker and can take up to three people. Large basket cars go down two-kilometer hills with no mechanical breaks. But don’t worry, you are in safe hands as two specialists control the baskets so that no one is injured.
Madeira wine is a fortified wine that is made from a variety of grapes, such as Tinta Negra Mole, Sercial, Verdelho, Bual, and Malvasia. Beware that Madeira wine has a higher alcohol level compared to the average wine, usually about 20%. You can find different types of Madeira wine, from dry to sweet wine. The best way to enjoy a range of Madeira wines is to book a wine tasting. We recommend booking this professional wine tasting a visit to vineyards in a 4×4. This half-day wine tour takes you to amazing wineries that date back to 1850 where you’ll get to learn about the wine-making process and try some local wine.
7. Hike to the island’s highest point at Pico Ruivo
Pico Ruivo is the highest peak on Madeira island, at 1,861 meters. You can reach the top by hiking from Pico do Arieiro, a harder hike, or from Achada do Teixeira, a more relaxed trail. You will get a panoramic view of Madeira, probably the best view on the island. The hike can be dangerous, predominantly if there’s bad weather so we recommend booking a private tour. The best time to hike is during the night to arrive at the top before sunrise. This private tour from Pico do Areeiro allows you to get to the top of Pico Ruivo before sunset with a guide.
Located on the North coast, Santa is a picturesque town known for its triangle-shaped houses that have served for centuries as homes and stables. Santana houses are built straw from local cereal plantations and are usually painted in blue, red, and white.
Although most locals no longer live in these houses, you can find the most authentic at the Centre for Traditional Santana houses. Walking through these will make you feel like you are living in a Disney movie!
There’s no better way to explore Madeira island than with a local. From the best restaurants to beaches, a day with a Madeirenese will entail an authentic island day out. This walking tour in Funchal with a local guide allows you to discover the food and culture of the island for a whole day for €70. This full-day Madeira northwest coast safari from Funchal takes a scenic route between Ribeira Brava and Porto Moniz in an open-top safari vehicle for €37. Another great tour is this private full-day tour to discover the wine culture in Madeira on an Open Top 4WD for €200 (price for 5 people).
If you have been to Lisbon or the Azores, you’ve heard of a miradouro (viewpoint). Madeira is filled with miradouros that feature panoramic views of the island, contrasting with the dark blue ocean. The most famous viewpoints in Madeira are Miradouro Pico dos Barcelos in Funchal and in Porto Santo, Miradouro da Portela. If you have time, also stop by these miradouros: Balcoes, Veu da Noiva and Eira da Achada. To visit the best miradouros, you should definitely rent a car.
Photo by Dimitry B (Unsplash)
Take a look at our full guide to Madeira, from restaurants, hotels, to activities, we have everything you need to know about the archipelago.
If you are an EU/EFTA citizen, you do not need a visa to enter Portugal. You can stay in Portugal for three whole months. You have 90 days in a 180 day period to spend in Portugal, for tourism, visiting family, work, etc. Family members of EU/EFTA nationals are also allowed to travel without a visa for 90 days. However, if you want to stay for longer, you must request a registration certificate. You can also obtain permanent residency after five years.
Non-EU/EFTA Nationals
If you are a non-EU/EFTA national, you will need a visa to visit Portugal for less than three months. However, Portugal is one of the easiest countries to travel to as the country has diplomatic agreements with 61 countries. If your country is on the list, as is the case for the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada, you do not need a visa for short stays. If you wish to stay for longer than three months, you will need to apply for a long-term visa before coming to Portugal.
Types of Portuguese Visas
There are three main types of Portuguese Visas: Short Stay visas, Temporary Stay National visas, and Long Stay National Visas. Let’s go through each type of visa.
1. Short Stay Visas (Schengen Visas)
Also known as a Schengen visa, a Short Stay visa applies for stays up to 90 days. EU/EFTA nationals do not need this visa to travel to Portugal for less than 90 days, as well as those from the 61 countries with visa-free travel agreements. This visa is given for tourism, visiting family, airport transit, as well as other temporary travel reasons and allows visa holders to travel through the Schengen area. There are different types of Portuguese Schengen visas: General Short Stay visa, Seasonal Work visa, and Airport Transit visa.
A Schengen visa usually costs €80, while children between 6 and 12 years old pay €40. Those from Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cape Verde, Georgia, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Serbia, and Ukraine only pay €40. Children under six do not pay a fee.
2. Temporary Stay National Visas
If you are looking to stay in Portugal for more than 90 days, you will need to apply for a Temporary Stay visa that allows you to stay in Portugal for up to a year. You can enter the country whenever you want throughout that year. EU/EFTA nationals don’t need this visa, neither do their family members. However, even if you come from a country that has a visa-free travel agreement, you must still obtain a Temporary Stay visa to stay in Portugal for longer than 90 days. There are many types of Temporary Stay visas such as a temporary work visa, a study visa, professional training or internship visa, medical treatment visa, youth mobility visa, self-support visa, and a religious purposes visa. A Temporary Stay national visa costs €75, but children under six do not pay a fee.
3. Long Stay National Visas (Residency Visas)
A Long Stay National visa, also known as a Residency visa, allows stays of over a year long. Non-EU/EFTA nationals need to apply for this visa in order to stay in Portugal for over a year, even if their country has a visa-free travel agreement. To apply for this visa, you will have to apply for a residency permit with the Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum (AIMA). You’ll have to show proof that you can financially support yourself throughout your stay. There are multiple types of long-stay national visas including a work visa, study visa, professional training or internship visa, family reunion visa, Portugal Golden Visa, Portugal D7 Visa, and a D2 Entrepreneur Visa. We’ll go through these last three visas in more detail in the next section. A Long Stay national visa costs €90.
Long Stay Residency Visas: Which Portugal Visa Is Right for You?
The most famous Long Stay Residency visas in Portugal are the Golden Visa,D7 Visa, and D2 Visa. To be eligible for these, you need to be a non-EU/EEA/Swiss national. All of these visas share similar benefits. From being able to travel freely within the Schengen area, being able to study and work in Portugal, family reunification, and eventually being eligible for Portuguese citizenship, the perks are too positive to ignore. We will go through the tax incentives of these visas in the final section.
Considering Portugal's Golden Visa Program? Everything you need to know + how to qualify with 325,000 EUR
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Portugal shocked the world in February 2023 when the government announced an end to Portugal’s Golden Visa scheme through real estate investment. While the purchase of real estate in Portugal is no longer an option to obtain a Portugal Golden Visa, this visa might be suitable for you if you have the funds to make an investment in the country. One of the most attractive Golden visas in the world, it allows non-EU citizens to get a long-term residency permit, and eventually citizenship. However, you do not need to live in Portugal to be eligible for this visa. All you need to do is to stay in the country for at least 7 days in the first year and 14 days in the subsequent years. This visa allows for family reunification where your family members are granted the same residency rights as you.
So, what type of investments can you make to still be eligible for a Portugal Golden Visa? There are 4 types of investments!
1. Investment Fund
You can spend a minimum of a €500,000 subscription in a qualifying Portuguese investment fund.
These are known as “fundos de capital de risco” and are investment funds that support Portuguese businesses.
The minimum amount used to be €350,000, but it has changed to €500,000 at the beginning of 2022.
2. Capital Transfer
This is the most expensive option, a €1.5 million capital transfer.
You must show proof of bank transfer deposits to Portugal from a foreign account that adds up to this amount.
The minimum amount used to be €1 million, but it has been increased to €1.5 million at the beginning of 2022.
3. Job Creation
Another investment option is creating jobs in Portugal. There are two options in this category:
Create a minimum of ten new full-time jobs in a Portuguese business that you own.
Or invest a minimum of €500,000 in an already existing Portuguese business and create a minimum of five new full-time jobs in that business within three years.
4. Donation
You can also make a donation in Portugal. There are two options in this category:
Invest a minimum of €250,000 in preserving art or national heritage in Portugal.
Or invest a minimum of €500,000 in a research and development activity in Portugal.
Portugal Golden Visa Steps & Application Process: How to Get a Golden Visa
The D7 Visa is also known as the Retirement or Passive Income Visa but is also suitable for remote workers and digital nomads. The Portugal D7 Visa was introduced in 2007 and requires no investment. This visa is for non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens who want residence in Portugal and have a reasonable passive income. This income can come from real estate, a retirement pension, a salary, etc.
The minimum passive income required is €9,840 per year for the main applicant. For a spouse, you must add 50% to this (€4,920) and for a dependent child, you must add 30% to this (€2,952). Therefore, for a couple with one child, you would need around €17,712 a year to be eligible for the D7 Visa.
For this visa, you must spend at least 16 months in Portugal during the first 2 years. Along with a clean criminal record, when applying you need to show that you have proof of address in Portugal (rental or purchase). This visa allows for family reunification where your family members are granted the same residency rights as you.
Portugal D7 Visa Steps & Application Process: How to Get a D7 Visa
Portugal D7 Visa vs Portugal Golden Visa
Wondering what the main differences are between the Portugal D7 Visa and the Golden Visa? The main difference is that the Golden Visa requires an investment of at least €350,000, while a D7 Visa requires zero investment. The application process for a D7 Visa is also much shorter as it only takes 3 to 4 months to obtain a visa, while with the Golden Visa this can take up to a year. However, with the Golden Visa, you only need to stay in Portugal for around one week, while with the D7 Visa you need to stay at least 6 months of a whole year. The D7 Visa does require proof of passive income, while the Portugal Golden Visa does not. The Golden Visa is more expensive not only in investment but because the professional service fees such as paying lawyers can cost more than €30,000, while the cost for a D7 Visa is less than €5,000.
These two visas also share some essential similarities. They both contain family reunification where your family members are granted the same residency rights as you. Both visas also pave the way for permanent residency after 5 years and citizenship after 6 years. Moreover, they both make you eligible for the non-habitual tax regime, an attractive fiscal regime.
The Portugal D2 Visa is not as well known as the Portugal D7 Visa and the Portugal Golden Visa, but it could be the right path to take if you are an entrepreneur, freelancer, or independent service provider from outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland looking to reside in Portugal. You might be eligible for a D2 Visa if you want to start a business or startup in Portugal, transfer your existing one to Portugal, as well as invest in a business in Portugal. This visa is catered to small and medium-sized businesses to raise foreign investment to develop the Portuguese economy. To apply, you must put together a viable business plan that will be evaluated in terms of its economic, technological, and cultural impact. You can set up any business, from a restaurant to a tech startup.
In terms of cost, the D2 Visa would sit right in the middle between the D7 Visa and the Golden Visa. While with the Golden Visa you need at least a €350,000 investment and with the D7 Visa all you need is proof of passive income, the D2 Visa requires you to prove that your business is viable. You must invest in the company’s share capital, which immigration firms advise should be at least €50,000. In truth, the more you invest, the more likely you might be to get your visa. You must also show that you have the financial ability to sustain yourself while living in Portugal.
This visa allows for family reunification where your family members are granted the same residency rights as you. Like the D7 Visa and Golden Visa, you can apply for a permanent resident after 5 years and citizenship after 6 years. To be eligible for permanent residence, you must spend at least 6 consecutive months in Portugal within those 5 years.
Portugal is a crypto tax haven of sorts but not as much as it was before 2023. Portugal introduced a new crypto tax law in 2023 that applies a 28% capital gains tax on short-term crypto holdings (less than 365 days). Almost all crypto assets that you hold for over a year, except for certain tokens like securities and those from specific jurisdictions, are tax-free, except for certain tokens like securities and those from specific jurisdictions. However, businesses that provide services related to cryptocurrency are taxed on their gains. There are many factors that determine whether this is the case like your profit and the frequency of your trade. To be sure, contact a tax advisor in Portugal.
What makes Portugal a crypto-friendly country goes beyond tax incentives alone. You can actually purchase real estate with bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies through intermediaries. You can also qualify for any of the investment options with crypto visa cards.
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