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.

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 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.

MOST PHOTOGRAPHED SITES IN PORTUGAL #8 - CABO DE SÃO VICENTE

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?

In Vila do Bispo, Algarve, there's Cabo de São Vicente (Cape St. Vicent), the South-Western point of Europe. Of great importance since the old days, it was even known to the Romans as Promontorium Sacrum, which means "Holy Promontory".

At it's end, there's a a red lighthouse, a former convent and Museu dos Faróis, a small museum that highlights the importance of Sagres in the country's maritime navigation history. The Remais of Fortaleza do Beliche can also be seen, but only from the outside, since it is crumbling along with the cliff.

ALENTEJO - TOP 10 BEACH HOTELS

One of Europe's beast-preserved coastlines with beautiful places to stay in, such as small hotels, guest houses and campsites.

1. Ilha do Pessegueiro campsite, Porto Covo

A Nature Reserve located in Pessegueiro Island, along with the ruins of a 16th-century fortress. It doesn't have much shade, so, in the Summer, the best choice is to stay in an wooden bungalow or apartment. There is a restaurant, a bar, a playground and a shop, and most apartments have barbecues.

2. Monte Carvalhal da Rocha campsite, Brejão

The campsite of Monte Carvalhal da Rocha has a wonderful view of the sea and the valley, with small hidden bays, a swimming pool, a mini-market, a restaurant, a coffee shop and a playground. It is also a great spot for hikers. You can choose to camp or to stay in an apartment with a sea view.

3. Hotel Soltróia, Tróia

This Hotel is located in a Nature Reserve about an hour south of Lisbon, with a pool and direct access to two different beaches. You can also visit a lagoon with sunken boats and bird-life and the Roman ruins nearby.

4. Comporta Village, Comporta

In Comporta Village, there are 26 colourful apartments and a peaceful beach with beautiful white sand (photo), beach bars and restaurants. If you wish, you can go visit Tróia by bike, which is 15kms away.

5. Refúgio da Praia, Praia do Queimado

Refúgio da Praia is an isolated rural house with six rooms on the beach south of the village of Porto Covo. It's on the Rota Vicentina and has an amazing view of the countryside. To eat, you can go to Porto Covo, for some fish and seafood.

6. Pátios da Vila, Vila Nova de Milfontes

Vila Nova de Milfontes is a beautiful beach in the Mira Estuary, with a river that is excellent for kayaking and simple well-equipped apartments. Pátios da Vila is next to the beaches of Franquia and Farol.

7. Mil Reis, Vila Nova de Milfontes

Renovated some years ago, Mil Reis is a guest-house with a self-catering apartment and 10 bedrooms. You can visit the fortress that was built in 1602 and some classic fish restaurants.

8. HS Milfontes Beach, Vila Nova de Milfontes

A modern hotel under the sun that has 10 rooms with balconies facing the pool and 15 facing the sea and the river. There's a beach nearby and boat rides up the river. You can also visit Cercal and Odemira, two traditional villages with fewer tourists and great local food.

9. Herdade do Touril, Zambujeira do Mar

The perfect location to relax, with little houses decorated in rustic style. Nearby, there's a beach and free bikes to explore other beaches. Every August, Zambujeira hosts Sudoeste Music Festival.

10. Rosa dos Ventos, Zambujeira do Mar

A white and yellow Bed & Breakfast with comfortable rooms, suite bathrooms, television and Wi-Fi. Zambujeira do Mar beach is close by and the village has plenty of restaurants with great fish and seafood.

TOP 50: TERRACES OF LISBON (4/5)

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.

31. Zambeze

A huge terrace that both locals and turists love. It offers a panoramic view of downtown, including the Arch of Rua Augusta.

32. Alameda dos Oceanos - Lote 2.11

There are several terraces by the Oceanarium that also face the top of the Vasco da Gama Tower and the waterfront. And the restaurants that own those terraces have different specialities, so you have many options according to what you feel like eating.

33. Café Lisboa

With a menu for lunch, another for dinner, and a last one for the afternoon, Café Lisboa offers a beautiful spot to relax in the calm São Carlos Square.

34. Café Nicola

This is one of the historic cafés of Lisbon. Its terrace faces Rossio, one of the city's most emblematic squares, as well as its fountains, the façade of Dona Maria II Theatre and even the castle above.

35. Largo do Carmo

Facing the ruins of the Carmo Convent and below beautiful jacaranda trees, Largo do Carmo (photo) has multiple terraces that belong to different restaurants.

36. Jardim do Príncipe Real

The Gardens of Príncipe Real are perfect for a romantic walk under the shade of century-old trees. It has several kiosks with beautiful terraces perfect to have a drink both during the day and at night. 

37. Bella Lisa Elevador

At the top of one of the most iconic monuments of Lisbon, there's Bella Lisa Elevator, serving Italian cuisine with a panoramic view of downtown and the castle.

38. Café no Chiado

Offering lunch, dinner and snacks, Café do Chiado is located between São Luiz and São Carlos Theatres, where you can see the trams whenever they pass by.

39. U Chiado

This is considered to be one of the best restaurants in Chiado. It serves not only lunch and dinner, but also light afternoon meals to enjoy in its terrace.

40. Centro Vasco da Gama

There are a few terraces on the third floor of the Vasco da Gama Mall that offer a magnificent view of the waterfront, Vasco da Gama Tower and Meo Arena.

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.

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.

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 #5 - SÍTIO, NAZARÉ

 

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? 

At 110 meters of altitude, on the small promontory of Monte Sítio, you can have one of the most amazing views over the picturesque little fishing town of Nazaré.
 

At the top sits the Ermida da Memória chapel, built by D. Fuas Roupinho after the miracle performed by Our Lady. Accordingly to legend, on a foggy day in 1182, local nobleman D. Fuas Roupinho was in pursuit of a deer when the animal disappeared off the edge of the Sítio precipice. He cried out to the Virgin for help, and his horse miraculously stopped right at cliff's edge. Believed it or not, the fact is that nowadays, the mark of one of its horseshoes is still visible.