What is the best time to travel to Portugal?

The weather in Portugal is mild all year round, so it is always a great time to visit! There are, however, the best times of the year to enjoy the sun and have less chance of rain.

Destiny	Recommended Season	Temperature
Lisbon	From April to September	Summer - maximum:  35°C [95°F]; minimum: 16°C [60.8°F]. Winter - maximum: 16°C [60.8°F]; minimum: 8°C [46.4°F].
Porto	From May to September	Summer – maximum: 25°C [77°F]; minimum: 15° C [59°F]; Winter – maximum: 13°C [55.4°F]; minimum: 5°C  [41°F].
Braga	From May to September	Summer – maximum: 25°C [77°F]; minimum:  14°C [57.2°F]; Winter – maximum: 15°C [59°F]; minimum: 5°C [41°F].
Coimbra	From May to September	Summer – maximum: 29°C [84.2°F]; minimum: 15°C [59°F]; Winter – maximum: 13°C  [55.4°F]; minimum: 5°C [41°F].
Évora	From April to June / in September to October	Summer – maximum: 30°C [86°F]; minimum: 16° C [60.8°F]; Winter – maximum: 12°C [53.6°F]; minimum: 5°C [41°F].
Guimarães	From May to September	Summer – maximum: 25°C [77°F]; minimum: 15°C [59°F]; Winter – maximum: 13°C  [55.4°F]; minimum: 5°C [41°F].
Algarve	Spring and Autumn	Summer – maximum: 29°C [84.2°F]; minimum:  15°C [59°F]; Winter – maximum: 18°C  [64.4°F]; minimum: 8°C [46.4°F].
Azores	From May to September	Summer – maximum: 25°C [77°F]; minimum:  18°C [64.4°F]; Winter – maximum: 17°C [62.6°F]; minimum: 11°C [51.8°F].
Madeira	Spring and Summer	Summer – maximum: 25°C [77°F]; minimum:  19°C [66.2°F]; Winter – maximum: 19°C [66.2°F]; minimum: 13°C  [55.4°F].
Porto Santo	All year	Summer – maximum: 25°C [77°F]; minimum:  20°C [68°F]; Winter – maximum: 18°C [64.4°F]; minimum: 13°C  [55.4°F].

Food and Wine: the presidential train returns to Douro

In 2017, the event that puts the old presidential train in Douro’s Line rails grows in durantion, traveled distance and invited chefs. These are the news from The Presidential. 

Douro River

It’s rare, very rare, having a chef from a restaurant distinguished with three Michelin Stars cooking in national soil. But it’s precisely that what’s going to happen in this year edition of The Presidential, the event that, for the second consecutive year, will lead the old presidential train to go through the incredible Douro Line, with wine and gastronomy in the mix. The chef is the Danish Esben Holmboe Bang, from Maaeno, one of the youngest ever (and the youngest, currently) achieving the maximum distinction of the Michelin Guide. 

But that is only one of the news. The premiere edition lasted ten days and had the chef Dieter Koschina, from Vila Joya, in the cuisine. Well, this one will last 17 days, throughout May, and will have five chefs responsible for the tasting menu with 4 dishes that will be served in which tour, all of them with Michelin stars in the respective restaurants. Gonçalo castel-Branco, mentor and responsible for the event, advances that for now two names, the already mentioned Esben Holmboe Bang, that will cook in the first week (from 3 to 7) and from Porto, Pedro Lemos (cooking in May 10 and 11).

And the route also grows. If last year the tour was made between São Bento station, in Porto, to the Pinhão, already in the Vineyard Douro, now it continues to the beautiful Quinta do Vesúvio, where will happen a wine tasting with Porto’s wines from Graham’s. This means that, this time, the train will pass by the two banks of the river, allowing all the guests to enjoy the view to river.   

The trip back to Porto was also the target of reinforced planning: in the bar-carriage will be live music and another carriage will be transformed into tea salon. Moreover, the moto stills the same: “our objective number one is to promote the railroad and the romanticism associated with it”. 

It’s already possible buy tickets online in the event’s website. Which one costs 500€ per person – companies can acquire carriages or the full train – to the program that lasts from 10h45 am to 8h30 pm: it includes the tour São Bento – Quinta do Vesúvio – São Bento, the tasting menu with 4 dishes, the wine harmonization, the entrance in Quinta do Vesúvio, the wine tasting, bar with live music, tea salon and a gift bag with one autographed book from the chef responsible in that day. 

Source: Observador

2017 Michelin Stars in Portugal

Nine new Michelin Stars in Portugal for 2017! Let’s add those to the existing 14, and we have some excellent fine dining across the country.  One star chefs earning a second star this year is Ricardo Costa at The Yeatman in Porto, and Benoit Sinthon at Il Gallo d’Oro in Funhcal. They join the “two star club” with existing members José Avillez of Belcanto in Lisbon, and Hans Neuner of Ocean and Dieter Koschina of Vila Joya in the Algarve. New single stars have been awarded to Rui Paula at Casa de Chá da Boa Nova and Vitor Matos at Antiquum in Porto, Henrique Sá Pessoa at Alma and Alexandre Silva at Loco in Lisbon, Sergi Arola at LAB in Sintra and Luís Pestana (under the signature of Joachim Koerper) at William in Funchal.  Miguel Laffan earns back a star for L’And in Alentejo.  Retaining their one star for another year are: Pedro Lemos at Pedro Lemos in Porto; André Silva at Casa da Calçada in Amarante, Joachim Koerper at Eleven and João Rodrigues at Feitoria in Lisbon; Miguel Rocha Vieira at Forteleza do Guincho in Cascais, and Rui Silvestre at Bon Bon, Willie Wurger at Willies, Henrique Leis at Henrique Leis, and Leonel Pereira at São Gabriel, all in the Algarve. See below for more details and contact information for the 20 Michelin Star restaurants of Portugal 2017.

DOURO VALLEY & PORTO

Largo do Paço

Hotel Casa da Calçada - Amarante 

Chef: André Silva

ONE STAR. Just minutes away from Porto in northern Portugal is this cozy restaurant tucked away inside the elegant Casa da Calçada hotel. In the past year, Chef André Silva has taken the reigns of the kitchen from Vitor Matos. Chef André won the Nobre Young Chef Trophy in 2007. He was invited to by Matos to join the Largo do Paço kitchen in 2009. And, he was named Portugal Chef of the Year in 2013. Silva’s cuisine is traditional Portuguese with contemporary creativity. Regional ingredients change with the season, meaning you need to return again and again. Book in advance and ask for the eight-course Largo do Paço menu, or the 11-course Prestige menu. 

Largo do Paço, 6, Amarante, Douro Valley

Reservations: +351 255 410 830 

Learn more: Largo do Paço website

Antiqvvm 

Chef: Vitor Matos 

ONE STAR  Chef Matos has a passion for the use of the freshest seasonal products harvested from the region. His cuisine leans towards Mediterranean influences, embracing both traditional and contemporary techniques. Matos started out studying confections and pastries in Neuchâtel., Switzerland, and later worked his way through the kitchens of some of Portugal’s top hotels, such as Vidago Palace and Tiara Park. He earned his first Michelin star while head chef at Largo do Paço in Amarante. His high-quality cuisine is enhanced by stunning views over Porto from the refurbished 19th century.

Quinta da Macieirinha. 

Rua de Entre-Quintas 220, Porto

Reservations: +351 22 600 0445 

Learn More: Antiqvvm Website

Casa de Chá da Boa Nova 

Chef: Rui Paula 

ONE STAR Rui Paul is one of Portugal’s most beloved and respected chefs. Known for restaurants DOP in Porto and DOC in Douro, Paula also hosts Portugal’s Master Chef. And finally, Paula receives recognition for his masterful work at Casa de Chá da Boa Nova. Paula takes inspiration from the restaurants location overlooking the ocean to create amazing Portuguese dishes with fish and seafood. Popular dishes are coastline fish and lobster stewed rice, cataplana of fish and shellfish and salted bass. Three themed tasting menus are also available. 

Avenida da Liberdade Leça da Palmeira, Matosinhos Porto 

Reservations: +351 932 499 444 

See Our Story Casa de Chá da Boa Nova – Álvaro Siza & Rui Paula Create an Instant Classic 

Learn more: Casa de Chá da Boa Nova website 

Pedro Lemos 

Chef: Pedro Lemos

ONE STAR Pedro Lemos may be new to the list of Michelin star chefs, but he is not new to foodies in Porto. His popular restaurant in the Foz do Douro or Porto has been pleasing guests and generating praise since its opening in 2010. Lemos’ cuisine is inspired by memories of his grandmothers: one working the fields in Bragança; the other selling fish at the markets in Matosinhos. These simple and genuine cuisines of land and sea, blended with his own innovative techniques and creativity, make for a unique gastronomic experience. Menu items, therefore, range from devil fish and octopus, to rabbit loin and roasted lamb. Tasting menus are available. 

Rua do Padre Luís Cabral, 974, Foz do Douro, Porto 

Reservations: +351 220 115 986 

Learn More: Pedro Lemos website

The Yeatman 

Chef: Ricardo Costa

TWO STARS Within the first year of opening, the restaurant at the Yeatman Hotel earned its first star; and just a few years later, its second.  All credit must be given to Chef Ricardo Costa, formerly of Largo do Paço (see above). At the Yeatman, Costa puts his own contemporary spin on traditional Portuguese dishes. Yet, the Michelin judging panel may have also been swayed by the extraordinary views from the dining room that stretch across the Douro River to the cityscape of Porto. Or, perhaps they were impressed with the selection of 25,000 bottles of old and new world wines in the Yeatman wine cellar. Most likely, all are reasons to rank this exquisite restaurant among the world’s finest. 

Rua do Choupelo (Sta. Marinha), 4400-088 Vila Nova de Gaia, Porto 

Reservations: +351 22 013 3100 

Learn More: Yeatman Website

LISBON  |  CASCAIS  | SINTRA

Alma – Lisbon 

Chef: Henrique Sá Pessoa 

ONE STAR  Alma (Portuguese for “soul”) is a restaurant created from the passion of Portuguese celebrity chef Henrique Sá Pessoa. The mantra of Alma is “to serve much more than a meal: we serve emotions, identity, knowledge.” With this in mind, the team, headed up by Sá Pessoa prepares Portuguese cuisine straight from the heart fused with Asian-inspired techniques. Having trained in acclaimed kitchens as Evo Santi Santimara in Barcelona, El Cellar de Can Roca in Girona and Tippling Club in Singapore, Sá Pessoa considers his travels as the greatest influence over his cooking. 

Rua Anchieta 15, Lisbon 

Reservations: +351 213 470 650 

Learn More: Alma Website

Belcanto – Lisbon 

Chef: Jose Avillez TWO STARS José Avillez received his first Michelin star while head chef at the historic Tavares restaurant in Lisbon. His career has since skyrocketed with books, TV appearances and a flurry of restaurant openings across the country. Yet, his own personal pride and joy is Belcanto. Avillez refurbished this historic building and designed a menu that has won him much acclaim and two Michelin stars. Avillez likes to say, “each dish tells a story and stirs the emotions of those willing to try it.” And with names of dishes like “the Garden of the Goose that Laid the Golden Egg,” “Dip in the Sea,” and “Suckling Pig Revisited,” we can’t wait to experience his book. 

Largo de São Carlos, 10, Lisbon 

Reservations: +351 213 420 607

Learn More: Belcanto Website 

Eleven 

Chef: Joachim Koerper

ONE STAR Set high on a hill in Parque Eduardo VII, this sophisticated and contemporary restaurant features beautiful views of Lisbon. In the kitchen, Chef Joachim Koerper prepares Mediterranean cuisine that can be described as “luminous and elegant, modern and innovative.” Koerper, who has worked in such noteworthy restaurants as Moulin de Mougins, Guy Savoy, L’Ambroisie and his own Girasol, prides himself on his philosophy of keeping it simple. Locally grown, fresh and natural ingredients are the basis for his harmonious dishes. 

Rua Marquês Fronteira (within Parque Eduardo VII), 1070-051 Lisbon 

Reservations: +351 21 386 22 11 

Learn More: Eleven Website

Feitoria at Hotel Altis Belêm 

Chef: João Rodrigues

ONE STAR The theme of modern Hotel Altis Belém is the heritage of Portugal’s global discoveries. This concept carries over into the kitchen of Chef João Rodrigues. His unique take on Portuguese cuisine involves embellishments of exotic flavors and textures found in former Portuguese colonies in South American, Asia and Africa, such as hamachi salad marinated with prunes, radish and fresh aromatic herbs, and roasted Royal pigeon with mushroom, summer truffle and rich salsify sauce. Tasting menus of three and five courses allow diners a choice of gastronomic discoveries. Yet, for something very special, make reservations 48 hours in advance and ask for the chef’s “Creative Menu.” 

Doca do Bom Sucesso,1400-038 Lisbon 

Reservations: +351 210 400 208 

Learn More: Feitoria Website

Fortaleza do Guincho – Cascais

Chef: Miguel Rocha Vieira 

ONE STAR The stunning views over the Atlantic Ocean from this former 17th century fortress transformed into boutique Hotel Forteleza do Guincho are reason enough to visit this restaurant. However, it’s the extraordinary cuisine of Cascais-native Miguel Vieira that receives a star. At 19, went to London to train in gastronomy at the prestigious cooking school “Le Cordon Bleu”. Afterward, Chef Miguel worked in numerous venues across England, France and Spain before opening Costes restaurant in Budapest, earning the first Michelin Star for Hungary. The cuisine at Forteleza do Guincho is traditional French, with local Portuguese flavor, and now, with the added creativity of Chef Miguel. 

Estrada do Guincho, Cascais 

Reservations: +351 214 879 076 

Learn More: Forteleza do Guincho Website

LAB – Sintra 

Chef: Sergi Arola 

The small 22-seat restaurant is intimate, yet an ideal showcase for the fine art and flavor of Chef Sergi Arola’s cuisine. Mentored by renowned chef Adriá Ferran, Arola has made a name for himself by leading the kitchens at Hotel Miguel Ángel in Madrid and Hotel Arts in Barcelona, as well as his self-named restaurant Arola already at Penha Longa. He adds this star to the two Michelin stars he has collected for Gastro restaurant in Madrid. At LAB, three tasting menus and à la carte selections offer innovative and emotional gastronomy. For oenophiles, LAB has more than 550 labels from around the world. Penha Longa Resort, 

Estrada da Lagoa Azul, Sintra 

Reservations: +35 1 219 249 011 

Learn More: LAB Website

Loco – Lisbon

Chef: Alexandre Silva 

ONE STAR In the last decade, Chef Silva has wound his way around Portugal hitting numerous culinary milestones. His studies ranged from kitchen and pastries, to F&B Management and molecular gastronomy. He was at Lisbon’s Bocca restaurant before winning TV’s Top Chef for 2012. He opened the restaurant at the exclusive Alentejo Marmóis Hotel and later became Executive Chef at the trendy Bica do Sapato. At Loco, Silva embraces “micro seasons” by selecting local organic products at the peak of freshness, to prepare Portuguese cuisine using experimental and innovative techniques. 

Rua dos Navegantes 53-B, 1200-730 Lisboa

+351 21 395 1861 

Learn More: Loco Website

ALENTEJO

L’And Vineyards 

Chef: Miguel Laffan 

ONE STAR  It is no surprise to followers of Miguel Laffan that he has achieved a star for his superb cuisine at the L’And Vineyards and Resort. Laffan’s inspirations are Luso-Asian and Mediterranean cuisine prepared using fresh local produce with a nod to traditional Portuguese flavors. Dishes such as red mullet and squid “açorda,” and roasted tenderloin pork from Alentejo, accompanied by cauliflower gratin with asparagus, peas and black sausage pudding, express his love for the region. Having trained at Forteleza do Guincho (above), Les Jardin des Ramparts and Le Clous de la Violette in France, Laffan no doubt is on track to lead L’And to international acclaim. L’And Vineyards Resort. 

Herdade das Valadas, Montemor-o-novo 

Reservations: +351 266 242400 

Learn More: L’And Vineyards Website

ALGARVE

Bon Bon – Carvoeiro 

Chef: Rui Silvestre 

ONE STAR Not a surprise to fine dining aficionados in the western Algarve, Bon Bon has had their attention for the last couple of years. Now, Michelin agrees. The guide awards the recognition to the cuisine of young Chef Rui Silvestre, stating in the press release “interesting” kitchen “surprised by the technical level,” and, “based on selected raw materials and cutting-edge dishes, with distinctive flavors and careful presentation. “. 

Urb. Cabeco de Pias, Carvoeiro 

Reservations: +351 282 341 496

Learn More: Bon Bon Website

Henrique Leis – Almancil 

Chef: Henrique Leis 

ONE STAR This Swiss-chalet inspired restaurant provides an ambiance of sophisticated elegance and rustic charm. It is the perfect setting for the mastery of Brazilian Chef Henrique Leis who embraces French cuisine enhanced by flavors of his South American homeland. Having set his roots in the Algarve in 1993, Leis is now a gastronomic leader in the region. Seasonal menus can include creations such as noisettes of venison with poivrade sauce and chestnut bonbon, and duo of red mullet and sea scallops with celeriac mousseline. The extensive wine list is equally impressive. 

Vale Formoso, Almancil 

Reservations: +351 289 393 438

Learn More: Henrique Leis Website 

Ocean Restaurant at Vila Vita Parc – Porches 

Chef: Hans Neuner 

TWO STARS Having trained with Michelin star chefs in Berlin, Hamburg and Mallorca, Austrian Chef Hans Neuner was hungry for a star of his own. In 2006, he arrived at Ocean Restaurant in the beautiful VILA VITA Parc resort and immediately set out on his mission. He began utilizing innovative haute cuisine techniques on fresh, locally-produced food products. Within three years, Neuner earned his star, and two years later is was awarded with a second star. Season dishes such as Miral Pigeon with blackberry, chicory and black walnuts, and John Dory served with “burned” artichoke, zucchini flower and rock octopus, have the gastronomy community singing his praises. Neuner’s “culinary moments” come in four-, six- and seven-course menus. 

VILA VITA Parc, Alporchinos, Porches 

Reservations: + 351 282 310 100

Learn More: Ocean Website

Sao Gabriel – Almancil 

Chef: Leonel Pereira 

ONE STAR For years, the classic cuisine of São Gabriel impressed the palates of guests and critics, and always placed the restaurant on the list of Portugal Michelin stars. In 2013, São Gabriel changed owners and Algarvian-native chef Leonel Pereira took over the kitchen. His training at the Alain Ducasse Academy, Le Nôtre and the Institute of Culinary Arts, lead him to positions at the Hotel Quinta do Lago, Niko in Paris, Cipriani in Venice, Alexandra Palace in Switzerland and Panorama at the Sheraton Lisbon.  Helming the kitchen at São Gabriel, Pereira’s “creative and contemporary cuisine” has brought a fresh new attitude to the tried-and-true establishment, as well as earning Michelin recognition. 

Estrada Vale do Lobo, Quinta do Lago, Almancil 

Reservations: +351 289 394 521 

Learn More: São Gabriel website

Vila Joya at Hotel Vila Joya – Galé 

Chef: Dieter Koschina 

TWO STARS In addition to being honored with this Michelin distinction, Austrian Chef Dieter Koschina’s Vila Joya has been selected as one of San Pellegrino’s “World’s 50 Best Restaurants.” He credits this recognition to his staff’s dedication to a high level of excellence in technique and service, as well as use of the freshest ingredients from regional farms and sea. Although, ultimately, it is Koschina’s innovative European cooking techniques that win over the hearts of guests and pallets of critics. His guinea fowl is stuffed with black truffles and artichokes, roasted goose liver is served on a broccoli purée with smoked eel, and Portugal’s emblematic bacalhau is confited and paired with beetroot coulis and yogurt. Vila Joya is located in the multi award-winning 

Vila Joya boutique hotel. 

Praia da Galé, Galé, Albufeira 

Reservations: +351 289 591 839

Learn More: Vila Joya Website

Willie’s – Vilamoura 

Chef: Willie Wurger 

ONE STAR German-born Willie Wurger has left a trail of Michelin stars across the Algarve. Since he arrived in the early 1980’s, Wurger cooked at La Reserve, the first restaurant in the Algarve to be designated with a star. He followed with seven years at São Gabriel, contributing to the star designation it has today. And, since 2000, Wurger has helmed his own restaurant in Vilamoura, which has been awarded a star every year since 2006. His specialty is cuisine from central Europe, and he prides himself on his hand-made seafood ravioli in a Vermouth cream sauce, pan-fried saddle of monkfish on mustard crème-sauce with potato-mousse, and lemon crème in sugar basket with berries. The restaurant is quietly tucked away behind the Hilton Resort in the residential area of Vilamoura. Rua do Brazil, 2, Vilamoura 

Reservations: +351 289 380 849

Learn More: Willie’s Website

MADEIRA

Il Gallo d’Oro at the Cliff Bay Hotel 

Chef: Benoît Sinthon

TWO STARS  French born Benoît Sinthon credits his Italian grandmother for awakening his passion for cooking. From his days in Marseille, he mastered the art of Mediterranean cuisine. After stints at several European restaurants, Sinthon settled at the Cliff Bay and quickly reorganized the kitchen of Il Gallo d’Oro. Four years later, his efforts paid off with a Michelin star. Distinguished dishes include: Foie Gras Triolgy with bicolor pear compote and 10 year Blandy’s Madeira Wine verdelho jelly; Langoustine XL, with couscous of cauliflower and mango, granny smith apple and wasabi; and Premium Wagyu Filet, accompanied by veal cheek confit, black truffle juice. Il Gallo d’Oro is a formal dining room (gentlemen wear jackets) with superb ocean views.

The Cliff Bay Hotel, Funchal, Madeira, Portugal

Reservations: +351 291 707 700 

Learn More: Il Gallo dÓro Website

William Belmond Reid’s Palace 

Chef: Luís Pestana 

Executive chef Luís Pestana is at the helm and Michelin Star chef Joachim Koerper is responsible for the direction at this fine dining restaurant at the iconic and exclusive Reid’s Belmond Palace. Modern European cuisine prepared with innovative flavors and contemporary techniques is provides a “wow factor”. Cannelloni of foie gras with Madeira wine, chocolate and coffee financier, and pear chutney, rivals the lobster with cauliflower textures, beetroot and caviar. Tasting menus from €77-168, or order a la carte. 

Estrada Monumental 139, 9000-098 Funchal, Madeira, Portugal 

Reservations: +351 291 717 171 

Learn more: William website 

Source: Portugal Confidential

Trivago elects the 10 best infinity pools of Portugal

Trivago has made a ranking of the 10 best infinity pools - or infinity edge pools - in Portuguese territory. And the first place is occupied by Conrad Algarve, in Almancil, whose pool is described by the hotel search engine as "one of the most impressive."

The second place is occupied by Memmo Alfama, in Lisbon, where the highlight goes to the infinity edge pool, with red mosaic, and the view over the Tagus and the district of Alfama. Closing the podium is the infinity pool at The Yeatman, in Porto, from which guests can appreciate the city of Porto and the Douro river.

In the ranking of trivago appear as well the infinity pools of Pestana Casino Park (Funchal), Vidamar Resorts Madeira (Funchal), Eurostars Rio Douro (Castelo de Paiva), Rocamar Exclusive (Albufeira), Areias de Seixo (Torres Vedras), Pestana Palácio do Freixo (Porto) and Douro Royal Valley (Baião).


Source: Welcome

PORTO - THE HAPPIEST CITY OF EUROPE

Porto is the city that has the highest joy of living from 31 European cities. According to a study, that was developed by SMART, held at European level. The "Invicta" obtained 86 points, followed by Hamburg (85), Cologne, Munich and Barcelona (all 80). The SMART study involved 3,269 people in 31 European cities and tried to answer the questions "What does it mean to live in the city?" and "To what extent do citizens love or not your city?".  

THE YEATMAN - BEST HOTEL OF THE YEAR

The Yeatman hotel in Vila Nova de Gaia, Porto, has been awarded Best International Hotel in the Food & Travel 2014 reader awards. The winners were announced on the awards ceremony held at The Mandarin Oriental Hotel in London. The Yeatman hotel offers to their guests 82 rooms and suites, each one with a private terrace and view over the Douro river. Other international awards recently bestowed to The Yeatman include: best of Wine Tourism, Great Wine Capitals of the World, Best Wine Hotel 2014, Best Hotel Spa Europe 2013, among others.

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.

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 WORLDWIDE HOTEL REPUTATION RANKING

Portugal has two destinations on the best online hotel reputation in the world list, according to trivago’s 2014 Worldwide Hotel Reputation rankings just released…

Portugal had two cities in the top 25 this year, with Lisbon (21st with 81,88%) and Porto (25th with 81,58%) achieving outstanding ratings.

The trivago Reputation Ranking is based on over 82 million reviews compiled by trivago from over 200 online booking websites. The ranking only contains hotels with over 60 reviews and cities with over 130 hotels, therefore examining the most popular destinations in the world. Trivago is the world’s largest online hotel search site.

FEAST OF SAINT JONH - PORTO'S PATRON SAINT

The feast in honour of Saint John in Porto is one of the liveliest street festivals in Portugal and it takes place on 24th of June. 

 

Although the feast has a religious foundation, it's better known for people hitting on each other's on the head with plastic hammers, a tradition which no one seems to know its origins. At first, this tradition might be seen a little bit violent, but everybody is very gentle when hitting, and also, it's a great way to meet people especially when the main target is the opposite sex.

PORTO - BEST EUROPEAN DESTINATION 2014

Porto has just won for the second time in a row, the prize for Best European Destination 2014. From a total of 20 cities, including cities such as Rome or Madrid, the city of Porto stand out for its history, its architecture, culture, gastronomy and discoveries.

In a brief of time, a train can take you to Foz do Douro beaches facing the Atlantic or to Douro Valley with its Port Wine vineyards.

MOST PHOTOGRAPHED SITES IN PORTUGAL #2 - CAIS DA RIBEIRA, PORTO

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?

Located at the waterfront of Douro river and classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996, Cais da Ribeira is a myriad of medieval narrow streets and alleyways, with old homes clustered in a chaotic order along side with bars and restaurants full of tourists.

From Cais da Ribeira you can also see the series of Port Wine houses across the river, as well as the attractive Cais de Gaia riverfront.

SÃO BENTO RAILWAY STATION

The vestibule of the São Bento Railway Station, at Oporto, has 20 thousand blue and white tiles (azulejos), one of Portugal’s greatest treasures. Made by Jorge Colaço, this tiles cover the walls of the city’s train station and portray historical moments, such as the entrance in Oporto by the king John I with his wife Philippa of Lancaster, or the conquest of Ceuta. A colorful frieze was also added to these walls, dedicated to the history of the transports in Portugal. The station’s name derived from a Benedictine monastery built on this place in the 16^th century named São Bento de Ave Maria.

Visit Oporto and get to know the Portuguese history http://www.travel-tailors.com/detalhado.php?i=170

LIVRARIA LELLO, OPORTO

The Livraria Lello at Oporto is a famous bookstore, considered as one of the world’s most beautiful by the newspaper “The Guardian” and the Lonely Planet travel guides.

In 1906 it was inaugurated the Livraria Lello complex, one of the most emblematic Gothic Revival buildings at Oporto, highlighted in the urban landscape. The architecture and the decorative elements show this beginning of the century dominant style. The façade has an enormous arch, with a central entrance and two shop windows at both sides. Above there are three rectangular windows with a figure at each side, representing “Art” and “Science”.

Inside the bookshop there are busts from famous Portuguese writers such as Antero de Quental, Eça de Queirós or Camilo Castelo Branco. In 1995 the bookshop was restored and it was created an area to an art gallery and another one to social gathering.

The complex most distinguished traces are the decorated ceilings, the great stained glass window with the inscription “Decus in Labore”, which means “Honor in Work”, and the enormous staircase that gives access to the first floor.

This bookstore was the scenery to some scenes of the Harry Potter movies, which is not unusual since J. K. Rowling lived for a few years in this Portuguese city.

Visit Oporto and lose yourself at the Livraria Lello http://www.travel-tailors.com/detalhado/lang_en

PALÁCIO DA BOLSA, OPORTO

The Palácio da Bolsa (Stock Exchange Palace) is a monument in Oporto, built in the 19^th century by the city’s Commercial Association in a neoclassical style with Palladian influences. It is located in the historical center of the city, which was declared World Heritage Site by the UNESCO.

St Francis Church

The palace is beside the St. Francis Church, which was part of the St. Francis Convent, from the 13^th century. But due to a fire in 1832, during the Portuguese Civil War, the cloisters of the convent were destroyed and the church was the only part of the complex that remained. In 1841, Queen Mary II, winner of the Civil War, donated the convent ruins to the merchants of the city, who used them to build the Commercial Association. By 1850 the palace was already finished, but the interior decoration was only completed in 1910.

The most well-known room of the palace is the Arab Room, built between 1862 and 1886, decorated in an exotic Moorish Revival style and used as a reception hall for heads of state visiting the city of Oporto.

Visit Oporto

BOLHÃO MARKET

The Bolhão Market is a famous market in the city of Oporto. It is a two-level complex with a neoclassic architecture built in 1914. It has four different areas divided by products: fish, butcher, garden and flowers. In its surroundings there are many other shops, such as clothes stores, coffee houses and perfume shops among many others. Its name is due to a rivulet that crossed through the area, and formed a water bubble in the place where the market is today, naming it “Bulhão”, that means a big bubble.

If you visit Oporto you should not miss this traditional Market http://www.travel-tailors.com/detalhado.php?i=170

TRIP TO PORTUGAL

Porto

"A number of people asked us - Why Portugal? and we said Why not?… it’s a beautiful country, great people, excellent food and the wine…oh the wine is just great! We loved Porto and it was a great thing that the airline planned a strike for the first few days. The changes to our itinerary were just right since we got to see a bit more of this beautiful country. Travel Tailors put together a great itinerary for us and went out of their way to make sure our vacation was perfect. They stayed in contact even when we were in Portugal, from meeting us at the airport and sending us off. Our vacation was effortless and we thank Paula and Travel Tailors for this!!!"

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GERÊS, THE SHEPHERD'S WAY

Discover the only Portuguese National Park Peneda-Gerês. In this beautiful and remote region, you will follow ancient trails used for centuries by local shepherds. You will visit one of the most typical villages, Pitões de Júnias, where you can find a 12th Century convent. In Fojo do Lobo, be surprised by an ancient wolf hunting technique. Hiking in Gerês is a unique experience!

DAY 1: PORTO

Hotel Rural Nossa Senhora dos Remédios

Pick-up at Porto's airport and transfer to Mourilhe (Montalegre). Montalegre is one of the most picturesque villages in the "Trás-os-Montes" area, known for its pretty castle and also for its "Night of the Witches".
Lodging: Hotel Rural Nossa Senhora dos Remédios

Cávado River

DAY 2: ALTO CÁVADO VILLAGES

Today's walk will take us to the Cávado river valley, where we will be surrounded by beautiful oak trees. The Cávado is one the most well preserved rivers in Portugal - in its banks you can find several rare animal species. Our itinerary will takes through ancient trails used by local Shepherds, connecting small villages.
Lodging: Hotel Rural Nossa Senhora dos Remédios

Stª Maria das Júnias Monastery

DAY 3: PITÕES WATERFALLS AND VILLAGES AND STª MARIA DAS JÚNIAS MONASTERY

Pitões de Júnias is a typical village of the Peneda-Gerês Park: lost in the middle of nowhere, hard to reach and known for its tough climate. Here we will visit the 12th century convent, the S. Rosendo church, the communal granite oven and the waterfall. In Pitões you can still see artisans making wool socks and the traditional "croças", waterproof coats made out of leaves from a local plant. We will walk by Pitões stream, through gorgeous oak tree groves, with the ever present massive granite boulders as background.
Lodging: Quinta do Negral

Peneda-Gerês Natural Park

DAY 4: SHEPHERD'S TRAIL - PORTELA LEONTE

Our walk starts in Portela de Leonte. From here we will climb until we reach the first of many fields where local shepherds take their animals. All around us will be huge granite formations, some of them with very particular shapes. Along the way, we will find several "mariolas", piles of stones used for guiding by the shepherds... and us. Today's hike we will show us the best of Peneda-Gerês Natural Park. After this very special day, you can advantage of the Gerês Spa, treating yourself with a relaxing massage!
Lodging: Quinta do Negral.

Abadia Sanctuary

DAY 5: THE SANCTUARY TRAIL

Today's hike will take us through fields surrounding Santa Isabel do Monte, in Terras de Bouro area. The views of the Gerês valley and the Caniçada dam are magnificent. We will pass by a granite formation called the "castle", a point once used by local people to look out for Spanish invaders. We will also visit the Abadia Sanctuary, the oldest sanctuary in Portugal, built in 1148 to protect the abbeys against the Moorish invasions.
Lodging: Peneda's hotel.

DAY 6: PENEDA'S TRAIL 

Our hike starts in Senhora da Peneda sanctuary and will connect two villages: Peneda and Branda da Bouça dos Homens. The first part of the hike will take us through a very old trail, where people from both villages used to ride their ox carts. On the way back we will take the pilgrimage path to Senhora da Penedas sanctuary.
Lodging: Hotel da Peneda.

DAY 7: FOJO DO LOBO TRAIL

Another day of hiking in the Peneda mountain range in close contact with the shepherd's way of living. We will start walking from the tiny village of Rouças and climb all the way to the village of Branda de Gorbelas. At the top we will find another land once used by shepherds and their animals. Here you can see some interesting small huts that were built to protect shepherds and animals against the cold and the wolves. Our final destination, before walking back down to where we started, is Fojo do Lobo. The "Fojo" is a very interesting construction created by shepherds to hunt wolves. Of course it's no longer in use since wolves are now a protected in Portugal.
Lodging: Hotel da Peneda

DAY 8: PORTO 

Early morning transfer to the airport in Porto.