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.

LISBON - BEST MUSIC CLUBS

The Portuguese capital has great music clubs that go from Indie Jazz and African Beats to American Retro Rock and up to Electronic Experiments. And some of these clubs have even been mentioned in The New York Times. Lisbon isn't just Fado anymore.

One of these clubs is the iconic Hot Clube de Portugal, a jazz hangout that has been around since the 1940s. In late 2009, however, the club burned down, having been moved and rebuilt a few doors down, to officially reopen in 2012. Hot Club Portugal came back with the same spirit it always had, with local and international live acts and fans that go anywhere from young adults to longtime regulars in their 40s and 50s.

If you wish to go to somewhere with more musical variety - with jazz, folk and ethno-groove, for instance - and great Neo-Portuguese cuisine, the Vinyl is the place for you. This wonderful place, around since 2012, is both a coffee shop and a restaurant.

Can the Can is a new restaurant that states "Canned Food Goes Gourmet, Fado Becomes Habitué". What does that mean? It means they present Fado and other Portuguese music in avant-garde forms, and that the cuisine consists of traditional tinned goods - like sardines and mackerels - presented in innovative and unexpected ways. As you may guess, Can the Can is having an incredible success with young musicians.

Then, there's B.Leza (photo), a bubblegum-pink warehouse that almost glows at night. A Neo-Industrial space with a crowd full of variety, from African Immigrants to Native Portuguese from all spectrums. Originally in a 18th Century Palace, B.Leza had to go to a more modest location in 2007. However, the carefully selected Pan-African Programming is still there, accompanied by a diverse fan base and some ocasional A-Listers. The entrance costs 10 Euros.

MOST PHOTOGRAPHED SITES IN PORTUGAL #10 - SANCTUARY OF FATIMA

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?

This vast complex is now one of Catholicism's major shrines, a place of enormous devotion and pilgrimage. At the eastern end is the 1953 basilica, a triumphantly sheer-white building with colonnade reminiscent of St Peter’s. Nearby, the Capela das Apariçoes (Chapel of the Apparitions) marks the site where the Virgin appeared. At the precinct's western end is the 2007 Basilica da Santíssima Trindade.

The chapel is the focus of the most intense devotion. Supplicants who have promised penance shuffle on their knees across the vast esplanade, following a long marble runway polished smooth by previous penitents. Near the chapel is a blazing pyre where people can throw offerings on the fire, leave gifts – donated to charities – or light candles in prayer. The sound of hundreds of candles is like a rushing waterfall.

 

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.

ALENTEJO - NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC BEST TRIPS 2014

National Geographic has recommended a list of authentic, culturally rich and sustainable places to visit in 2014. One of these places is Alentejo, the perfect place to slow down and relax.

There are many options to choose from, according to your liking. There's Rota Vicentina, a trail that crosses 133 miles from the coastline to the countryside where you can admire storks and endemic plants. There's also Marble Route, with quarries and underground galleries. As for museums, there's one in the village of Belver, that is devoted to the tradition of artisanal soap-making.

You can stay at Évora's Ecorkhotel, a hotel coated in cork, a material that buffers noise, heat and cold. During the day you can enjoy the local cuisine and buy some of the local products, like honey, berries and wines. At night, you can watch the photopollution-free nigh sky of Alqueva, the world's first Starlight Tourism Destination.

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.

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".