SEAFOOD FESTIVAL 2014 - OLHÃO, ALGARVE

Being a landmark of Algarve's tourism route, Olhão has an exotic architecture and a characteristic cuisine for everyone to enjoy. In the Summer, it also hosts Olhão Seafood Festival at Pescador Olhanense Garden, by Ria Formosa, which is the biggest event of its kind in Europe, attracting over 60 000 visitors.

Every day, chefs create innovative seafood recipes for visitors to try, using locally-sourced ingredients. This Festival has a huge range of shellfish cooked in the traditional manner, regional sweets, handicrafts and even concerts every evening.

TOP 50: TERRACES OF LISBON (3/5)

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.

21. Quiosque de Refresco - Praça Luís de Camões

A kiosk that serves refreshments. In its terrace, the locals nostalgically drink some long-forgotten drinks, like Capilé (made with spleenwort).

22. Quiosques Liberdade

Avenidade da Liberdade has several kiosks all over it, but each is unique and has its own speciality. However, all have light meals and drinks and, more often than not, live music.

23. Mercado de Fusão

Located in Martim Moniz, Mercado de Fusão is a group of several kiosks that specialize in different world cuisines. Both the good weather and the live music concerts on the weekends make this a wonderful stop.

24. Mercado da Ribeira

Mercado da Ribeira (Ribeira Market), facing Dom Luís I Square, serves meals all they long.

25. Cais do Gás

Facing the river, Cais do Gás is a pier in Cais do Sodré, where several old warehouses were restored to become bars and restaurants with great terraces. It's a wonderful place to relax by the water, watching the ferries that go by, either during the afternoon or at night.

26. Quiosque Soundwich

Attracting locals and tourists of all ages, this kiosk even has a small playground right next to it. It's located in Dom Luís I Square and it is a lovely place to have a sandwich and a drink.

27. Largo do Duque de Cadaval

Next to Rossio Station, this is a calm spot in one of the busiest areas of the city. The terraces from several different restaurants offer you anything from traditional Portuguese cuisine, to pizza, or even just an ice cream.

28. 38º 41'

Located in the Atlis Belém Hotel, it's known for its sunset parties and it is a wonderful spot to have a glass of wine or a cocktail. 28º 41' also offers a magnificient view of the Discoveries Monument.

29. Cafetaria Mensagem

Also in the Atlis Belém Hotel, it offers a lovely view of the Belém Tower and Doca do Bom Sucesso. The menu has options both for lunch and dinner, but also for Sunday brunch.

30. Nosolo Itália - Belém

A terrace that makes you feel like you're floating on the Tagus River (photo), with a amazing view of the Discoveries Monument. It serves Italian cuisine.

ALENTEJO NOMINATED FOR "BEST WINE REGION TO VISIT"

Until the next 4th of August several regions of different countries are collecting votes in order to win the title of "Best Wine Region to Visit", a part of Readers' Choice Awards of the tourism site 10Best.

One of the nominees for this category is Alentejo, a region that offers a wonderful and unique view, with wavy and soft plains that extend themselves for approximately one third of Continental Portugal. If you consider this amazing region worthy of this title, you can vote for it in "Best Wine Region to Visit".

THE MOST PHOTOGRAPHED SITES IN PORTUGAL #7 - PRAÇA OITO DE MAIO, COIMBRA

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?

An historical location that blends beautifully with the rest of the city of Coimbra. Quite popular back in the days, it was given order, between 1392 and 1414, that this town square was to be enlarged and aligned, so that it could be the location of the Horse Parties, were ancient Portuguese games executed by horse were played. It also was the first public theatre of Coimbra, funded in 1835. And, up until 1838, it used to have a fountain with a statue of Samson in it, that was demolished because it got to a advance stage of degradation. In the same year, a new fountain  was build.

In 1834, the liberal forces of Duke of Terceira entered in Coimbra and marched over the town square. Years later, in 1874, along with the commemorations of the anniversary of that date, the place was officially renamed Praça Oito de Maio.

FAIA BRAVA NATURE RESERVE

In 1999, a couple – António Monteiro and Ana Berliner –, bought a terrain where the birds of prey of Rio Côa made their nests. That was the start of Faia Brava Nature Reserve, in Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, Guarda.

Over the years, what was once a project of 20 hectares has grown along the river to over 800 hectares. Additionally, the organization has now seven members that keep contributing for the preservation of the various birds of prey of the region. With time, the Nature Reserve became an important attraction of people and jobs to Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo.

 

Every day, the Nature Reserve receives visitors that go there to watch some of the most majestic birds of the national territory from up close.

TOP 50: TERRACES OF LISBON (2/5)

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.

11. Pátio do Siza

From the pizzas of Mezzogiorno to the light meals of Aprazível and Fábulas, the Pátio do Siza has a variety of meals that fit any time of the day. Not only that, its perfect for who wants to get away from the bustle of the streets of Chiado to have a meal.

12. Praça do Município

The perfect place to sit, relax and admire the surrounding architecture and the passing trams. One of the most elegant terraces of Lisbon, it has a kiosk with salads, sandwiches and freshly-squeezed juices.

13. Rua Cor-de-Rosa

Rua Nova do Carvalho (photo), usually known as Rua Cor-de-Rosa ("Pink Street"), has terraces that you can visit at any time of the day, for a drink or meal. At night, these become Lisbon's most popular terraces.

14. Este Oeste

Mixing Italian and Japanese cuisines in its meals, this terrace offers a great view of the Tagus River and of the Discoveries Monument. Not only that, it allows you to enjoy this amazing view under the shade of olive and palm trees.

15. Quiosque das Portas do Sol

Often full of turists relaxing with a cup of coffee or a glass of beer, this kiosk's terrace is located in an viewpoint where you can absorve an amaving view and take some wonderful photos.

16. Noobai

A varied soundtrack, a lively atmosphere and light meals - that's what you'll find at Noobai. That is, of course, along with a beautiful view, that gets even more amazing at sunset.

17. Pharmácia

Facing the Santa Catarina viewpoint, there's a reataurant with lounge chairs in the grass of its garden terrace. You can visit it anytime from lunch to dinner to have tapas and cocktails.

18. Quiosque do Miradouro de Santa Catarina

Beware of Adamastor, the mythical portuguese sea monster! Its just by the terrace, which also faces the harbor and the 25 de Abril Bridge, giving its visitors an amazing sunset view.

19. Café A Brasileira

This coffee shop opened in 1905 and is a mandatory stop for anyone visiting Lisbon. You'll never be alone on its terrace since the Portuguese poet Fernando Pessoa is always there - as a statue, however. Part of the sidewalk in front of it is, more often than not, occupied by street artists performing.

20. Café Benard

One of Lisbon's oldest coffe shops. Being the most famous for its croissants, it serves a variety of pastries that both locals and turists enjoy.

AZORES – ADVENTURE HOLIDAYS

If you're looking for adventure, Azores is the right place to go! Not only you'll be able to experience several different adrenaline-pumping activities, you'll do so in beautiful and unique islands with amazing sceneries. About 850 miles west of Portugal, Azores is a volcanic Atlantic archipelago that offers all sorts of activities to fit everyone's liking.

You can visit Azores to relax, enjoy its beaches, explore the countryside and enjoy the scenery. However, you can also explore ravines and waterfalls, canoe in volcanic craters, or simply climb and cycle in different places of the islands. There are also some things more out of the ordinary, like swimming with dolphins and, if you're feeling particularly brave, diving with sharks.

PANORAMIC VIEW OF LISBON

To see an amazing panoramic view from Arco da Rua Augusta, in Lisboa, just click HERE. If you wish, you can choose other beautiful locations of this lovely city by clicking in "Mais Panoramas" (More Panoramas).

2014 REPSOL GUIDE – TOP 4 PORTUGUESE RESTAURANTS: FORTALEZA DO GUINCHO

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

With a magnificent view over the Atlantic Ocean and delicious French cuisine conducted by Vincent Farges, Fortaleza do Guincho, in Cascais, has found top quality accommodation in an old coastal fort. In addition, its wine list, The Wine Spectator Magazine, that has over 800 wines, is considered one of the best in Portugual.

When it comes to menus, you'll probably take your time deciding which of them you want to choose: Season, Degustation, or À-La-Carte. As for the wine, every month a special dinner is held in order to celebrate the relationship between wine and food. This includes wines that are specially chosen to accompany the dishes, or the opposite - if you would like -, with dishes carefully chosen to complement the wine.

TOP 50: TERRACES OF LISBON (1/5)

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.

1. Portas do Sol

Lisbon's best "balcony", with a splendid view to Alfama, the Tejo River, and the passing trams. With meals and drinks all day long, it's excelent both for sunbathing and for sitting in the shade, at the tables.

2. Quiosque da Ribeira das Naus

This kiosk has a terrace in a circle next to the water of Ribeira das Naus, the "beach" of downtown Lisbon. There you can sit in the sun, watching over the 25 de Abril Bridge and the ferries that pass by.

3. Praça do Comércio

Still refered to as Terreiro do Paço by most locals, Praça do Comércio has several terraces, that, seem to be just a large one, at first sight. These terraces belong to restaurants - that offer both traditional and contemporary Portuguese food, and some international food - and coffee shops - where you can drink beer, have an ice cream or some snacks. And all can be done with a view to the Tejo river, on one side, and to the monumental architecture of downtown Lisbon, on the other.

4. À Margem

A white structure made out of iron and glass, open on the side that is closest to the river. It also has a view to the Discoveries Monument and serves light meals throughout the day. Definitely one of the most popular terraces in Lisbon.

5. Docas de Santo Amaro

A variety of restaurants of all types, from the ones specialized in fish to the ones that serve mostly pasta and pizza. Before being a leisure and dinning destination, it was a group of warehouses of the Port of Lisbon, so there's a beautiful view of the 25 de Abril Bridge.

6. Meninos do Rio

The sun, the drinks, the meals, the ambience, the river, and the palm trees. Either you're sitting at a table or in a lounger, Meninos do Rio is one of the best places for you to stay on a sunny afternoon, or later on, at night.

7. Darwin's Café

Serving both lunch, dinner and afternoon snacks, this terrace allows you to see the Belém Tower and the Tagus starting its flow into the Antlantic Ocean.

8. Quiosque do Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara

Open until late on Friday and Saurday night, this kiosk serves drinks and light meals. It faces far across Lisbon, including São Jorge Castle, and some people believe this is the most beautiful viewpoint of the whole city.

9. Esplanada da Graça

The perfect place for tourists to relax after walking up the city's hills, and where locals often meet to cool off with a beer. In Esplanada da Graça (photo) you can get a view of almost all of the entire city center, including São Jorge Castle and Tejo River. Relax, breathe in the scent of the pine trees, and don't worry about the time - the terrace it's open until late.

10. Jardim do Tabaco

By both the cruise terminal and Santa Apolónia, Jardim do Tabaco has a great variety of choices: from pizza, burguers and light meals, to brunch and, of course, fine dinning.

MOST PHOTOGRAPHED SITES IN PORTUGAL #6 - ÓBIDOS INTERNATIONAL CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL

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?

Every year, over 200 000 people go to Óbidos in order to visit Óbidos International Chocolate Festival. In this event, you can find several different varieties of chocolate and a whole more ways to make it. It's the perfect place for everyone who loves this sugary treat.

This amazing Festival has everything, from contests, such as the International Chocolate Recipes Contest, to sculptures made of chocolate, courses and even activities for all age ranks. In fact, there's a Chocolate House just for children. The grown-ups, on the other hand, can enjoy such things as the Research Lab, where they're allowed to make chocolate cocktails, and the cooking session in which chocolate is used in meat and fish recipes.

AL-GHARB

Algarve is the southern coast of Portugal and is mostly known for its sunny climate, yellow sand beaches and green golf courses. But it was also here, that in the 15th century the Portuguese set off to the unknow and began to discover the world.

Five centuries of Moorish occupation, left a strong influence in this region, which is easily noticed in the names of villages, monuments, and local architecture. In fact, most of the portuguese words that starts with "al" have an arabic origin - eg: Algarve (al-gharb - the west), Azulejo (al-zuleij - tile) or Azeite (az-zayt - olive oil).

This rich historical inheritance is still very much alive in the local culture. You can visit museums, churches, forts and castles in places like Aljezur, Lagos, Silves, Faro, Tavira, Castro Marim and Alcoutim, and witness the magnificence of Portuguese history, its people and their traditions.

TOP10 - BEST ROOFTOP BARS IN LISBON

After a long day of work, nothing feels better than having a few drinks with friends and colleagues, even more if, the meeting place has a spectacular scenery or panoramic view over Lisbon. Here are the top 10 rooftop bars in the city.

Silk Club

With a nearly-360º view of the city historic center, this club at the top of a building in the Chiado district is one of the most exclusive addresses in Lisbon since it opened in 2008. 

 

Sky Bar

Found at the top of the Tivoli Hotel, this bar offers amazing view of the river, the castle and downtown Lisbon. 

 

Memmo Alfama Terrace

Altough is on the first floor of the Memmo Alfama Hotel, this bar is elevated above the entire neighborhood of Alfama, providing some of the best view of Tagus river. 

 

Terrace

Overlooking 25 de Abril bridge, this bar it's not spacious, but it's already been considered one of the most beautiful terraces in the world. 

 

Rooftop Bar

On the 9th floor of the Mundial Hotel, there's a terrace with one of the greatest views of the castle. In fact, the castle seems so close you can almost touch it.

Entretanto

The terrace on the 7th floor of Hotel do Chiado with breathtaking views of Lisbon.

 

Park

Since is opening at 2013, this top of a car park near Bairro Alto instantly became an afternoon and night hotspot.

Lost In

A colorful terrace facing east with an exotic decor inspired by India and zen ambiences. 

 

Varanda do Castelo

A fancy rooftop bar on the last floor of Vintage Lisboa Hotel. 

 

Upscale

While most other rooftop bars are in the historic center of town, this one is in the modern city, at the top of a luxury hotel.

COFFEE LOVERS - BEST PLACES IN THE WORLD: LISBON

 

 

Culturally speaking, what would be of Lisbon people without their breaks to drink coffee? 

 

Here, coffee is not just served, there is a ritual at the time of preparation. To better understand this process, nothing better than visiting the coffee shop "A Brasileira", a place much frequented by the writer Fernando Pessoa fond of a good black coffee (maybe the best in the country, some say). In Lisbon, other good places to drink coffee is the viewpoint of St. Peter of Alcantara and downtown Lisbon.

ALENTEJO

 

 

South from Tagus river, at the vast golden planes filled with centennial cork-oaks or olive trees, life is calm, the people are gentle, the food is delicious and the wine... well, let's just say that some of the best wines in the world are here.
 

Covering almost a third of the country, its name derives from the words "além Tejo", beyond the Tagus river. Besides the agricultural aspect with huge cork plantations, wheat fields and vineyards, Alentejo as much more to offer, from ancient dolmens and superbly sited castles to Roman ruins and sweeping Atlantic beaches. 

Also worth a visit are the spectacular fortified town of Elvas and the Roman temple, medieval walls and cathedral of Évora, both with UNESCO World Heritage status. Plus, the amazing hilltop villages of Monsaraz and Marvão, and the marble towns of Estremoz and Vila Viçosa.