HAPPY 2015!

Don´t forget to visit Portugal :)

SALT - ILHA DOS PUXADOIROS

The Island of Puxadoiros, is a white and crystal clear place dedicated to the traditional saltworks restoration in Aveiro. It's possible to see the process of hand-harvest by scraping only the top layer of salt before it sinks to the bottom of large salt pans. This is the most amazing process. However, you can also understand the importance of the plants, brids and microorganisms to this environment. Productive activities are complemented with nature tourism, to give a good experience to visitors.   

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

GREEN PORTUGAL - NATURAL PARK OF SINTRA-CASCAIS

Palaces and gardens mix with vegetation and mist, offering an almost magical landscape with many viewpoints, including Pena Palace and the Moorish castle, a site that UNESCO has declared a cultural landscape. The two faces of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, near Lisbon, are its wild coastline and an extensive range of hills, and it's hard to believe that there is still such intact nature at this point on the Portuguese map. On a clear day you can see the coast where Capes Raso and Roca mark out the borders of the park. Large stretches of beach such as Guincho, a mecca for windsurfers, and cliffs where the wind and waves impose their own law, creating legends such as Boca do Inferno (the Mouth of Hell) and Ursa beach, are just some of the park's attractions. 

SALT - VIANA DO CASTELO

The Hotel Flôr de Sal in Viana do Castelo, it's a wonderful place where it is possible to sunbathe, near to the sea, like if you were at a mediterranean resort. Also, you can enjoy of the hotel spa, rested on the chaise long, looking to the deep and beautiful atlantic sea. The beauty of north coast it's gorgeous to fall in love.

We recommend you to dinner in the Saleiro restaurant, admiring the amazing panoramic view over the sea.

GREEN PORTUGAL - NATURAL PARK OF SERRA D'AIRE AND CANDEEIROS

This park has more natural wonders with hundreds of limestone caves on the surface and as many underground, formed by the action of underground streams, probably the largest salt water reserves in the country, all littered with stalactites and stalagmites. About twenty-five species of orchids decorate the landscape of the park that is home to all types of reptiles, birds, mammals and invertebrates. It seems like this area has already been a park for millions of years, as proven by the dinosaur footprints (discovered in 1994) that you can see and touch at the edge of the Serra de Aire. 

FALLING IN LOVE, IN LISBON

“Saudade,” the famous Portuguese word that has no translation, could be described as a profound state of longing for something you love. It's the love that lingers after someone is gone. It has become a thread that runs through all aspects of Portuguese society, the foundation of its mentality, a tune that always plays subtly in the background.

The meaning of that Portuguese word explain what visitors feel when they visit our country and leave. The monuments, the gastronomy, the climate, the people and other attractions explain the feeling of "falling in love, in Lisbon".

SALT - PORTO

One of the best secrets of the Porto city is the "Bom de Sal" restaurant. In this place, salt is the main ingredient. You and your cardiologist can be unworried because the salt used on dishes is controlled by the chef.
We suggest you to try the beef of maronesa veal, the bread and garlic sausage with cabbage shoot in filo pasta and the codfish of "Bom de Sal" - you will not regret.

The best of Portugal

Amy Fernandes tells you about the allure of this mighty little country and how to make the best of your stay at Lisbon, Porto and Sintra.

If there’s something like living languidly on the edge, then Portugal is the place where people live it. 

But give it time and slowly you’ll see the edge making itself felt, gently but surely, to ensure that this small, linear country stands out against the weight of the rest of mighty Europe. So what is it that sets Portugal apart from the others? Is it the old fashioned monasteries made new in luxury chic resorts? The stories it tells through its seas and oceans? Or its historic cities that are modern yet quaint? 

 

Palaces of Romance

Castles peeping out in Sintra

Sintra is a good place to start. Actually, the fabulous luxury resort Penha Longa Ritz Carlton is a great place to start. History begins on the plush grounds, where a 13th century monastery was built by the Hieronymite monks in 1355; today, it houses a beautiful chapel, and dining halls which, we hear, are super places to host weddings. Not to forget its vast golf links and rooms to lose yourselves in, if you have the time that is, because Sintra calls. This little town is an oasis of medieval grandeur. It stubbornly refuses to step into the modern world. No wonder then, that it has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1995. A host of palaces beckon. The Moorish Castle, the quizzical Penha Palace, which when you look at it, makes you wonder whether it’s Moorish, Arabic or Roman. It’s like walking into a fairy tale book and trying to figure out whether Rapunzel, Sleeping Beauty or Snow White lived here. Here’s where you’ll  hear of the romantic, King Ferdinand, who left a lasting legacy of fine taste and culture. A 20-minute drive from Sintra to Cascais reveals a panoramic view when you visit Cabo da Roca, described by Portugal’s pet poet Luis de Camões as, ‘the place where land ends and the sea begins’, which probably sounds more romantic in Portuguese. It’s the westernmost point of mainland Portugal and continental Europe, and offers an unending view of the ocean, which could induce motion sickness, suicidal thoughts or the realisation of how much of a dot you are in the universe.

Porto and the  golden river

The Douro River

Porto, the place where the world famous Port is made is a ‘must stop’. If you have just a day, go backpacking and lose yourself in the streets; don’t worry, people will help you find your way around. Or take a boat ride on the Douro river (meaning gold) where the city flanks you from both sides and you can glimpse its former glory.

Lovely Lisbon

But if it’s the rush of the city you’re looking for, Lisbon (or Lisboa as the Portuguese call it) is the place to be. We were lucky to be there right in the middle of the 2nd Fado Festival in Alfama, one of Lisbon’s oldest and most charming districts. A tip: wear flats and discover the up and down narrow and winding streets of the city. The evening of Fado (listed as World Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO) seemed to have the whole of Portugal and fado-singing countries descending on its streets. Pubs, bars and restaurants were brimming over with music and loudspeakers blared in competition with fadistas outdoing each other with their music. A festival of mournful music? You’ve got to be kidding! This was fun and fado, like we’d never seen. We chomped on beefana (sausage-laden sandwiches), chorizo-stuffed bread, cheese toasts, which seemed to go down well with soulful music and of course the local beers, Super Bock and Sagres. 

Short days, long nights

Lisbon's amazing night life

Like in neighbouring Spain, the nights here are long and loud and the residents who live cheek by jowl on these happy streets don’t seem to care. They egg people on to enjoy themselves, while a few bring their armchairs out on the streets at 10.30 am living vicariously through the party animals. Bars overflow into streets, cabs (easy to find even at 2.00 am) are happy to speed you to your next night spot. And the choices are plenty: from the cafes in Chiado to the bars in Bairro Alto, wherever you decide to go, people are warm and welcoming; you will feel at home.      

Lisbon's famous Jeronimos Monastery's Gothic acrhitecture

The days are different and offer you two choices: the chic downtown Lisbon with its European Union offices, corporate HQs, KFC and broad avenues with high-street shopping or the quaint Mario Miranda Lisbon that lives in the old city where you will also find the Belém Tower and the Castle of São Jorge with a breathtaking view of Lisbon. Sit at a cafe and listen to Portuguese music or visit the magnificent JeronimoS Monastery with its fascinating Manueline and Gothic architecture. Shop at the cobbled streets of Bairro Alto where the imposing statute of Camões will greet you at the top of a steep avenue.  Don’t forget to try Ginjinha, a delicious cherry liqueur in an edible chocolate cup.

Inside the Jeronimos Monastery

GOOD TO KNOW
–No place in Lisbon is too far from another. We stayed at the very efficient and luxe Four Seasons Hotel Ritz, which is a five-minute walk downtown, which in turn is another 10-minute walk to the hotspot Chiado or the Bairro Alto. The service is super, the location is central and it allows you to enjoy the city unhampered
by distance. 

–Portugal does not have its own international airline although TAP serves Europe and domestic destinations. However, pick Turkish Airlines as we did. The flight is smooth, the food delicious and if you’re travelling Club, you cannot afford to miss the lounge in Turkey. Stay a day or book yourself a later flight to bask in the two-storey luxury here.

2014-10-28 08:06

dnaindia.com

GREEN PORTUGAL - NATURAL PARK OF SERRA DA ESTRELA

The Natural Park of Serra da Estrela is the highest mountain peak in Portugal with an altitude of almost 2000 meters at the tower (it's highest point), it is the largest protected area and it's the place with lowest temperatures in Portugal (minus 20 degrees celsius). In this visit it's possible to follow the course of some portuguese rivers like the Mondego, the Zêzere and  the Alva, they will take you to breathtaking places. Take advantage of those moments of communion with nature to observe it, discovering the diversity of plants and birds. With the snow it's possible to try ski, snowboard or snowmobile. There are several pistes with support infrastructure, as well as synthetic snow pistes for skiing at any time of the year.

SALT - CASCAIS

In the Penha Longa Hotel Spa & Golf Resort or The Oitavos Hotel Spa, both near to Cascais, it's possible to enjoy an massage with salt from Dead Sea in oil of seaweed called Fucus Serratus. The massage make you fell like you're in heaven. The beauty treatment is called Salt and Shine Exfoliation by Voa. This is a detoxifying and draining massage, with salt and seaweed that you will not want to miss.

Lonely Planet´s best value destinations for 2015

1. Tunisia

Brightly coloured tiles in blue, yellow and green cover the interior of an open-roofed mosque building in Tunisia. Don your sunglasses and prepare to be dazzled by the multicoloured Al-Zaytuna mosque, one of Tunisia’s architectural gems. When it comes to Tunisia, the conversation has moved on from safety to recovery for tourism, and a renewed appreciation of why the country is such a compelling destination. Most travel warnings have been dropped and travellers are once again tuning in to North Africa’s most compact package. This year prices will remain tempting to lure travellers back, and lower crowds will mean that those who do come will get a more rewarding experience whether they stay in cosmopolitan Tunis, head for Star Wars sets or explore the Roman remains that dot the north of the country. Seasonal charters from European airports to Djerba can be an excellent-value gateway into Tunisia.

2. South Africa

Currency fluctuations mean that for certain travellers South Africa is more affordable than it has been for many years. Instead of just rejoicing in the undercooked rand, consider what South Africa offers value-seeking travellers at any time. How about fantastically accessible wildlife watching for all budgets, bargain public (and traveller-friendly) transport and free entry to many of the country’s museums? Most visitors will find something to please their budget, whether it’s a cheap-and cheerful Cape Town seaside cafe or an affordable safari campsite. Come in South Africa’s shoulder seasons (March to May, September and October) for the best combination of low crowds and comfortable weather.

3. Shanghai

A market seller in Shanghai smiles broadly as stallholders around her serve raw meat and clothing to customers. Throw yourself into the throng of Shanghai’s markets for a taste of local life. For all the upscale new openings in China’s most famous coastal city, Shanghai remains reassuringly affordable for budget travellers. No-nonsense dorms start at less than US$10, and the pleasing pricing continues through budget and midrange hotels until you hit the less-than-friendly international big names and trendy boutique accommodation. It’s a similar story when eating out: characterful street-treats for a dollar, and big portions in popular restaurants for little more. Best of all, walking the city’s safe and buzzing streets is the best way to take the pulse of this fast-changing metropolis. SmartShanghai (smartshanghai.com) is a great place to keep pace with new happenings in this ever-changing city.

4. Samoa

Crystal-clear waters, empty beaches, what more could a traveller ask for? It feels like we’ve heard this one before: ‘Beautiful, undeveloped tropical paradise seeks underfunded travellers for discreet liaison. Applicants must enjoy no-nonsense budget buses and simple, idyllic beach hut accommodation (fales), owned by local families, who tend to throw in dinner.’ So as with so many places before it, we’d say get to Samoa soon. Best visited by jumping off from New Zealand or Australia, these islands are one of the best travel deals in the Pacific. The markets of Apia, Samoa’s capital and largest town, offer a great introduction to everyday life. Maketi Fou, the biggest, is the place to come for souvenir hunting and Samoan street food.

5. Bali

Vibrant green vegetation and palm trees form a silhouette against a mist-shrouded volcano illuminated by half-light in Bali. Palm trees, misty rice paddies and looming volcanoes – all part of Bali’s exotic (and budget-friendly) blend. While many budget-traveller favourites have grown up and got proper jobs running overpriced resorts, Bali never stopped delivering the goods. In fact, while backpacker-friendly beachside bungalows and other affordable digs still abound, with reasonable costs for food and transport thrown in. Bali is also pretty stonking value for mid-range adventurers who delight in air conditioning, distinctive Balinese style and a large range of quality places to stay. And of course, Balinese spa treatments are rightly famous, and cheaper than in many other places. Bali’s international popularity is evidenced by the large number of winter flights from Russian cities, offering the unlikely combination of a snowy Trans-Siberian journey and a week on a Balinese beach.

6. Uruguay

Algea-covered rocks emerge from the surface of glassy blue-green water, and a distant lighthouse juts out over the sea in Cabo Polonio, Uruguay. A beacon blinking out to budget travellers… or a lighthouse in Cabo Polonio, Uruguay.  While Brazil’s travel scene burgeoned as the World Cup rolled into town, Uruguay looks a better-value choice for a short excursion into South America. This proud buffer state has much to enjoy: sizzling steaks, laid-back Montevideo and a hip beach scene that tempts travellers further round the sandy coast each year. While you should watch out for peak-time costs on the coast, this remains an underrated, affordable corner of South America. The sleepy riverside town of Fray Bentos is home to a memorable museum: the former factory of the world-famous beef processor of the same name.

7. Portugal

A small yellow boat glides under the metallic Dom Luis I bridge over the Douro River in Porto, Portugal; the far bank has a cluster of white and yellow blocks of flats. That Portugal’s Algarve region trumps prices at other European resort areas isn’t a surprise to regular visitors. This surf and family-friendly region remains the destination of choice for a more-than-sun seaside holiday, and it’s not all that great-value Portugal has to offer. Lisbon, as happening as Barcelona with fewer crowds, and cheaper, is set to get a whole lot more accessible as low-cost airline Ryanair opens a base in the Portuguese capital. Head anywhere in the country off the tourist trail, and costs come down further. For a great-value tour of Lisbon hop on tram 28, which rattles around taking in many of the city’s highlights, including the Alfama district and the views from the Miradouro de Santa Luzia for €2.85.

8. Taiwan

Dragons coloured scarlet, green and blue adorn three pointed temple roofs in Jiufen, Taiwan. The roof of Fushan Temple in Jiufen, one of Taiwan’s colourful temples. Taiwan delivers great all-round value. Taipei is significantly cheaper than Hong Kong, Seoul or Tokyo, and while hotels are a bit expense, dorm beds and homestays abound in Taiwan and camping is common in a lot of the island’s national parks and forests. Rail passes are standardised and cheap on fast and modern lines. Admission to many attractions and temples is cheap, and even major museums are affordable. Eating, perhaps the main attraction in Taiwan, is accessible to all whether tucking into dumplings at a street stall or enjoying high-end fare at lower prices than comparable cities. A large bottle of Taiwanese beer will set you back around NT$120 (US$4), or much less if you get one from a grocery shop.

9. Romania

The gothic outline of Brasov’s Black Church and silver-domed buildings in Brasov, Romania, in front of the thickly forested Carpathian Mountains. The splendid skyline of Brasov in Transylvania – within grasp of lighter pockets. Eastern European nations frequently appear in best-value lists, but in Romania’s case the entry is entirely warranted. Now vigorously connected to the rest of Europe by budget airlines, accommodation compares well in all price brackets to bigger-name destinations in the region. Bucharest is a case in point, where hotel beds largely welcome business travellers, so holiday season is, unusually, low season. Away from here there are budget-friendly homestays in medieval villages, spectacular castles and the unique Danube Delta, best explored by inexpensive, if slow, ferries. Private vans known as ‘maxitaxis’, together with buses and minivans, form the cheapest way to get routes, times, fares and departure points.

Read more: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/travel-tips-and-articles/best-value-destinations-for-2015#ixzz3IOvpjEya

CODFISH: WHERE AND HOW TO EAT IT?

There are many ways to eat Codfish, but best well known main course are codfish to Gomes de Sá, cod with cream and braised cod. The best appetizer is fried codfish. 

The best places to eat Codfish is Lisbon are the restaurant "Laurentina - O rei do bacalhau"; the restaurant "A Baiúca" and, the restaurant "O Poleiro". To eat Codfish in Oporto, the best places are the restaurant "Farol da Boa Nova", the restaurant "Abadia do Porto" and, the restaurant "O Paparico".

GREEN PORTUGAL - NATURAL PARK OF DOURO

The Douro Internacional Natural Park, was created in 1998 and is the most recent natural park in Portugal. It covers part of the municipalities of Miranda do Douro, Mogadouro, Freixo de Espada à Cita and Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, along the natural frontier formed by the Douro river. The park reaches its maximum altitude (895 meters) and its steep banks, also known as "arribas", offer a rich wildlife. Birds are the main species, especially the ones that nidify in rocky formations, such as the black stork, the Egyptian vulturem the griffon, the golden eagle or Bonelli eagle. The microclimate in cliffs is good for Mediterranean agricultural plantations, like the olive tree and the wine, as a true landmark for Douro Wine Regions, located not very far from the Douro Natural Park.

MUSEU BERARDO - ONE OF THE TOP 10 MUSEUMS IN EUROPE

If you enjoy modern and contemporary art, the Museu Colecção Berardo (Berardo Collection Museum) is a place we vividly suggest you to visit. Besides the permanent exhibit of the Berardo Collection, there are several temporary exhibits - both by several artists of diverse cultural backgrounds. At this wonderful museum, you will also find a vast program of activities for all ages. Just be aware that both visits and activities must be scheduled in advance at the Museum's website.

GREEN PORTUGAL - NATURAL PARK OF ALVÃO

Located between Mondim de Bastos e Vila Real, Natural Park of Alvão was created in 1983. Despite being one of the smallest Nature Reserves of Portugal, it has an astonishing natural landscape that includes mountains, ravines, valleys, woods and waterfalls.

This Nature Reserve has some beautiful animals - like wolves, wildcats, peregrine falcons and an endangered specie: royal eagles. For a great moment of relaxation - and amazing photographs - you can enjoy the view of one of ths most well-known waterfalls of the Reserve: Fisgas do Ermelo.

SALT - CASTRO MARIM

In Moinho das Meias of the Nature Reserve of Sapal de Castro Marim, the Salmarim company collects flor de sal (salt flower). After acquiring this crystals, that must be hand-harvested by scraping only the top layer of slat before it sinks to the bottom of large salt pans, they are placed in cork packages so they can retain their qualities.

These crystals are an artisanal food product that is commercialized worldwide. However, it is scarce and it requires labour-intensive production, which means it is one of the most expensive types of salt.

CASA DA MÚSICA, OPORTO - ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL CONCERT HALLS

In the beautiful Portuguese city of Oporto, there is Casa da Música (House of Music), a concert hall that houses the cultural institution of the same name. It was inaugurated in 2005 and is now an icon of the city.

Casa da Música has three orchestras: Orquestra Nacional do Porto, Orquestra Barroca and Remix Ensemble. It also has two main auditoriums and many areas that can hold concerts and other activities that concern music, such as workshops and educational activities. There is also a restaurant at the top of the building with a capacity for 150 people.

2014 REPSOL GUIDE – TOP 4 PORTUGUESE RESTAURANTS: OCEAN

According to the Repsol Guide of 2014, there are 4 Portuguese Restaurants that you should consider for an incredible lunch or an amazing dinner.

The gourmet restaurant Ocean is located in Vila Vita Parc Resort, in Porches, Algarve. Its chef, Hans Neuner, won the title of Chef of the Year both in 2009 and 2012, and its whole team won 2 Michelin Stars in 2011. The restaurant only serves dinner and it's closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

If you wish to, you can even enjoy your meal from the terrace, where there is an amazing view of the Atlantic Ocean. Besides weekly menus of gourmet cuisine, Ocean offers a selection of excellent wines from all over the world.

LARGO DO PAÇO - BEST EUROPEAN RESTAURANT

The restaurant of Largo do Paço, of Casa da Calçada & Chateaux Hotel, in the city of Amarante, was elected the Best European Restaurant by the biggest European site of suggestions about restaurants and bars: The European 50 Best Restaurants. The site gathers the opinions of thousands of consumers, accepting only a vote per computer.

The restaurant has 1 Michelin Star and its chef is Vítor Matos. It has an exquisite but cosy environment, as well as menus, balanced between tradition and modernity, that change according with the season. It's open everyday of the year, between 12:30 and 15:00 for lunch, and 19:30 and 22:30 for dinner.

COFFEE LOVERS - BEST PLACES IN THE WORLD: OPORTO

A great place to find excellent coffee is Pérola do Bolhão (photo), a traditional grocery store founded in 1917 in the city of Oporto. Its unique façade is covered in tiles that illustrate the Spice Trade, in a way that is characteristic of Art Nouveau. Pérola do Bolhão sells items such as cheese, nuts, enchidos - cured sausages -, traditional biscuits, wines, and, of course, coffee that you can take home to enjoy whenever you want.

However, if you prefer to have your coffee in a beautiful and historic coffee shop of Oporto, you can visit the Café Majestic, a unique piece of the Belle Époque that you will certainly find very appealing.

2014 REPSOL GUIDE – TOP 4 PORTUGUESE RESTAURANTS: VILA JOYA

According to the Repsol Guide of 2014, there are 4 Portuguese Restaurants that you should consider for an incredible lunch or an amazing dinner.

In Albufeira, Portugal, there's a gourmet restaurant in the Luxury Spa and Beach Resort of Vila Joya. It is open from Thursday to Tuesday, for both lunch and dinner, and the dress code is casual elegant. This restaurant also has a wonderful view of the amazing Atlantic coastline.

This 2 Michelin Stars restaurant, directed by the Austrian chef Dieter Koschina, has wonderful dishes that mix Portuguese cuisine with other European cooking techniques. The skill that the chef has for local seafood is very impressive, and some of the most interesting and creative dishes include "Cataplana", a stew with pork, cockles and lobster, and Bacalhau with beetroot coulis and yoghurt.

THE MOST PHOTOGRAPHED SITES IN PORTUGAL #9 - MUSEU DE ARTE NOVA, AVEIRO

According to the website sightsmap.com, Portugal is one of the most photographed areas of the world.
We wondered if some of the photos are yours?

Inaugurated in 2012, Museu de Arte Nova (Museum of Art Nouveau) is considerate to be one of the most emblematic buildings of Aveiro. This Museum gathers information to build a guide of Aveiro’s Art Nouveau, so the visitors can explore it at their own pace and as they wish to.

The building is divided into three floors. The ground floor has the Map of Art Nouveau’s Network, the Tea Room and the Music Room. On the first floor, there’s the Gallery of Art Nouveau Artists, the Room of Aveiro’s Architects, the Interpretative Exposition and the Auditorium. Finally, the last floor is reserved for temporary Art Exhibitions.

THE MISSING ISLAND

You probably heard of Atlantis an island kingdom mentioned in Plato’s work. Controversy abounds around the real versus mythical nature of this island. Atlantis is one of the biggest mysteries in world history and literature.

What’s this to do with Portugal?... Well some say the Azores are the lost Atlantis… of course some others say Atlantis is now underwater and closer to the Bahamas, and still others that it never really existed. Those trying to push the Azores theory argue based on the location, its natural setting, and more recently even tried to use some underwater vestiges as extra evidence. Regardless of the real truth, the Azores and their pure untouched vegetation are a magical destination.

An archipelago with nine islands, the Azores are the result of a cultural melting pot which cooked over many centuries. Here you can see dolphins and whales flirting in a boundless ocean. In fact, the Azores are currently one of the world’s largest whale sanctuaries. You can spot more than 20 different types of cetaceans... that’s a third of the total number of existing species! Diving is another exciting activity available in the Azores. Day or night, sand or rock, caves or shipwrecks, you chose which diving experience you want… or you can also bring it down a notch and enjoy some calmer snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters around the islands. Finally if you want to pay homepage to those courageous whale hunters, the Azores are a world top destination for big-game fishing. The Azores are known among others for its large quantities of bluefin tuna and enormous blue and white marlins.

The Azores are much more than its surrounding water though. Of volcanic origin, its islands display blue and green lakes, deep green pastures, extinct volcanic craters, and rare plant species. One of its islands, Pico Island, is classified as World Heritage and boasts the highest mountain in Portugal (“Pico”). With its pristine vegetation, Mount Pico is home to some of the best views and hikes in the world. The volcanic origin of its islands also allows for some unique food experiences. In the Azores you can cook underground using the heat from special holes on the ground called “fumarolas”. Finally, other experiences include horseback riding, hiking, golfing, canyoning, bird watching, surfing and paragliding.

Whatever brought these nine islands together, made sure each of them kept its own identity. When you visit the Azores, make sure to save time to visit as many as possible. You’ll understand why being Atlantis or not is irrelevant, and how magical places still exist just a few hours away from Europe’s mainland.

Don’t wait until Atlantis disappears again: visit the Azores!

TOP 50: TERRACES OF LISBON (5/5)

Whenever the weather is sunny and warm, there are 50 terraces in Lisbon that we suggest you to visit for a great ambience and magnificent view.

41. Linha D'Água

Attracting families and people of all ages, this terrace is reflected onto a pond that is surrounded by vegetation. It's above Eduardo VII Park, by the El Corte Inglés Department Store.

42. Eléctrico Banana Café

This terrace (photo) belongs to a restored tram that used to go through the capital up until 1988. It is now a coffee shop parked next to the Jerónimos Monastery. It serves smoothies and snacks all they long and it's often used by tourists as a spot to sit down for a bit while examining their guidebooks.

43. Rua Vieira Portuense

A small street in Belém that has several restaurants - most serving traditional Portuguese cuisine, specially grilled fish - in colourful traditional Lisbon houses from the 16th and 17th Centuries.

44. O das Joanas

Meaning "Joana's", this small coffee shop serves specialties from different countries. It's on Intendente Square, next to Fábrica Viúva Lamego, a unique building completely covered in colourful tiles.

45. Praça de São Paulo

After being neglected for several years, this 18th Century Square is coming back to live because of the kiosk of traditional refreshments and its beautiful terraces.

46. Jardim da Estrela

This is one of the most beautiful and amazing gardens of Lisbon, where you can relax with a coffee or a light meal. It has a terrace by the entrance, with a view to the Basilica, and another one by the gate, on Avenida Álvares Cabral. There's also a nice playground for the children to play in.

47. Esplanada do Torel

From midmorning to just after dinner, this terrace serves sandwiches, salads and wine. It's a great place to simply relax and enjoy a light meal after climbing the hill from Avenida da Liberdade in the Lavra funicular.

48. Pastelaria Suíça

The first Portuguese coffee shop to serve croissants is now known for having a great variety of pastries - and it's always full of tourists. Pastelaria Suíça has two terraces, one in Figueira Square, facing the castle, and another one in Rossio, facing the entire Rossio Square.

49. Bar das Imagens - Costa do Castelo

Relatively close to the castle, this terrace is a great place to have a snack during the afternoon or a drink during the evening.

50. Brown's Coffee Shop

The terrace is an excellent spot for when the sun comes out, but the interior is also very attractive and comfortable. Brown's Coffee Shop is usually taken over by teens and young adults.