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The roads are generally in good shape, and the nation’s relatively small size allows you to see an array of attractions, even in just a few days. Throw together an Iberian soundtrack, and you're all set to hit the open road in Portugal Where you go will depend on your interests – you can plan a trip focusing on beach-hopping UNESCO World Heritage sites or drinking in the views of vineyard-covered Douro Valley Backcountry lanes will take you to places you simply can't reach without a car remote mountain villages and promontories perfect for watching the sunset over the sea Here are seven of the best road trips you can take in Portugal Distance: Vila Nova de Milfontes–Vila Real de Santo António Portugal’s southern coastline offers an almost Mediterranean idyll with scents of pine wine and grilling fish drifting over some absolutely stunning beaches as this is the Atlantic rather than that sheltered sea you can also count on seriously surfable waves important maritime history and some great wildlife-watching opportunities This drive takes in some of the finest beaches in the region as well as intriguing towns with tightly-knit Best road trip for surfers and seafood fans If endless crashing surf sounds like your idea of heaven Get ready to ride the big ones on Portugal’s wild This Atlantic strip is an alluring mix of first-rate (and inexpensive) surf camps gleaming white towns and villages with authentic seafood restaurants You can also take a boat ride through the sparkling canals of Aveiro – Portugal’s answer to Venice – and look for wildlife in the dune-backed coastal wilderness of the Reserva Natural das Dunas de São Jacinto The Douro is a little drop of heaven This UNESCO World Heritage-listed region offers some of Portugal’s most evocative landscapes with mile after swoon-worthy mile of vineyards spooling along the contours of its namesake river and marching up its terraced hillsides palatial quintas (countryside villas) and postcard views beckon Stop by the picturesque terraced vineyards at Quinta do Crasto or sample the world’s best port wine amidst the rolling hills of Pinhão Just 4.5km (2.8 miles) from Pinhão is the stunning Casal de Loivos and its fine miradouro (viewpoint) the uplifting view presents the Douro in postcard format taking in a full sweep of stone-walled terraced vineyards stitched into the hillsides and fringing the sweeping contours of the valley Best road trip for UNESCO World Heritage sites offering memorable views over the Tejo River Be sure to pick up what could be the world’s best custard tart before leaving Belém Next up is Sintra whimsical mansions and enchanting woodlands plus some enticing places to stay for the night a Celtic settlement founded more than 2,500 years ago Portugal’s most impressive wilderness reserve yet another mesmerizing hilltop village with a medieval castle and more astonishing views This wide-ranging trip takes in many of Portugal's highlights, from a buzzing historic university town to stern borderland fortresses, intermingled with picturesque villages and the natural majesty of the Serra da Estrela mountains. The journey starts in Coimbra a hilly city that’s home to one of Europe’s oldest universities a stunning village that towers high above the surrounding plains lined with stone houses that seem to merge with the boulder-strewn landscape Dramatic views come with every turn on the uphill drive into the Serra da Estrela where you’ll find Portugal’s highest summit – 1,993m (6,539ft) Torre Enjoying a spectacular natural setting cradled at the foot of the beautiful Vale do Zêzere the lofty village of Manteigas is a great base for mountain walks craggy ridges and forest-draped slopes dominate the horizon in all directions End the road trip in the well-preserved center of Viseu. This historic city is a delight to explore with its cobbled streets, meandering alleys, leafy public gardens, and its central square graced with flowers and fountains. Read today's Portuguese stories delivered to your email The ObservArribas festival of nature returns to Douro International this year to reinforce the communities’ sense of belonging to the natural and cultural heritage of this border region.  The initiative is scheduled to take place from 9 to 11 May at Parque Verde do Juncal in the city of Mogadouro in the Bragança district where the four municipalities that make up the Douro International Park (PNDI) will be present – Miranda do Douro Freixo de Espada à Cinta and Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo (Guarda) “This will be a starting point for its recognition as a strategic asset for sustainable development and territorial cohesion, and will promote visitors’ connection with nature, making it a truly positive force for conservation,” said the head of the Instituto de Conservação da Natureza e Florestas (ICNF) the festival supports the promotion of biodiversity-friendly tourism by encouraging sustainable and responsible tourism models These efforts have both direct and indirect positive impacts on the conservation of protected areas and their surroundings Those responsible for this initiative believe that it is important to take advantage of current trends about adopting healthy lifestyles to encourage nature destinations and promote integrated offers and services like ecotourism hiking trails and bird watching as environmentally sustainable activities that enhance natural assets chaired by the Mayor of Mogadouro António Pimentel hopes that this new edition of ObervArribas which invites people to explore and experience the territory will contribute to raising awareness and involving society in the broader process of nature and biodiversity conservation reinforcing its connection with nature and affirming the role of this Protected Area in its sustainable The first day of the festival is usually dedicated to the school community providing environmental educational activities for all levels of education and interpretive walks focusing on the fauna and flora species We appreciate that not everyone can afford to pay for our services but if you are able to we ask you to support The Portugal News by making a contribution – no matter how small You can change how much you give or cancel your contributions at any time Send us your comments or opinion on this article Reaching over 400,000 people a week with news about Portugal The Feira da Bola Doce returns to Miranda do Douro from Thursday until Sunday welcoming 100 exhibitors from all over the country “The territory of Terra de Miranda has everything to gain from opening the Feira da Bola Doce to exhibitors from all over the country thus giving greater scope to this gastronomic Helena Barril explained to the Lusa news agency Another of the event's highlights, which is promoted by the municipality of Miranda do Douro is the culinary demonstrations based on local products “The Feira da Bola Doce will bring a lot of people to Miranda do Douro people coming from all over the country and from neighbouring Spain said the mayor of this municipality in the district of Bragança in addition to the 'queen' of the festival - the Bola Doce - The Bola Doce is no longer an Easter delicacy and has become a 'flagship' of the confectionery of the Planalto Mirandês that can be enjoyed throughout the year “We have observed that the traditional kitchens located in Planalto Mirandês have been investing throughout the year in the production of the sweet Mirandesa ball this sweet is also still made the old-fashioned way The Bola Doce is made with cinnamon and sugar in layers being kneaded by hand and baked in a traditional wood-fired oven and more recently in electric or gas ovens the bola mirandesa "is a moist and intense sweet" is interspersed with layers of sugar and cinnamon and the filling is also made in layers Historian António Rodrigues Mourinho carried out a survey of this product and concluded that it is a piece of pastry that originated at least in the times of the Portuguese discoveries “The tradition was inherited from convents or from clerical families and wealthy people The people modified the ball in their own regional way giving it a shape and flavor that distinguishes it from the sweets of other regions,” said the researcher which takes place in the Jardim dos Frades Trinos also has a strong cultural and musical component mixed dancers and artists from the national music scene a student on the Doctoral Programme in Chemical and Biological Engineering (PDEQB) at the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto (FEUP) has just been awarded the 2nd edition of the ‘Early Career’ prize by the American Chemical Society’s Journal of Chemical & Engineering Data (JCED) This worldwide award annually recognises an early career researcher – up to 12 years after graduating – in the areas of phase equilibrium and thermophysical characterisation The award includes a monetary prize of 2,000 dollars a commemorative plaque and the opportunity to speak at a webinar for the American Chemical Society in May 2025 Carrying out his research at the Laboratory of Separation and Reaction Processes – Laboratory of Catalysis and Materials (LSRE-LCM) which is part of the ALiCE Associated Laboratory based at FEUP’s Chemical Engineering Department Pedro Velho has been dedicated to extracting antioxidants from bio-waste using sustainable processes Most of his work is focused on the liquid-liquid extraction of biomolecules thermodynamic modelling of electrolytes and the synthesis/characterisation of new generation solvents Pedro Velho completed his Master’s Degree in Chemical Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto (FEUP) in 2020 he did his master’s dissertation at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) in Thermodynamics working on the extraction of vitamins and antioxidants using new generation green solvents He is currently working as a researcher at FEUP dedicated to the extraction of vitamins and antioxidants using new generation green solvents Under the coordination of Maria Eugénia Macedo a lecturer in the Chemical Engineering Department Pedro Velho’s research endeavours to extract antioxidants from bio-waste using sustainable processes He has published 32 scientific articles and given nine oral presentations at international conferences Pedro Velho has a scholarship from the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) and recently renewed his position as a member of the JCED Early Career Board for a further two years O noticias.up.pt é o portal noticioso da Universidade do Porto pretende informar sobre os diferentes aspetos da(s) realidade(s) em que a  Universidade se insere funcionando como “ponte” de comunicação” da academia com os seus membros e a comunidade em geral 2025 © Universidade do Porto - Todos os direitos reservados BOSTON – The only known surviving copy of a 400-year-old book heralded as a great treasure in the history of music of the Iberian Peninsula was found in Portugal and is currently being digitized by Boston College Discovered in the Co-Cathedral of Miranda do Douro this copy of Diego de Bruceña’s “Book of Masses Magnificas and Motets” is one of 40 printed in 1620 by Susana Muñoz Early Modern Spain’s most prolific printer of sacred music the Chair of Boston College’s Music Department who has been researching and performing sacred music from the Renaissance for decades is coordinating its digitalization process “The chance survival of a printing contract in which Susana Muñoz agreed to publish a huge choir book of Latin sacred works by the composer Diego de Bruceña (d but to date not one single copy of the book had been found,” Dr “Of the 40 books printed in 1620 and which were distributed to various European cathedrals no other copy is known to have survived.” The book was first located in 2015 by Celina Pinto now director of the Museu da Terra in Miranda do Douro Celina’s uncle António Rodrigues Mourinho published an article describing the book and calling for experts with the necessary combination of musical skills to help discover the book’s secrets,” said Dr This call remained unanswered until about three years ago when Dr His research focuses on Early Modern sacred music with a special emphasis on Spain and Latin America “I have been very interested in ways that the technologies of print were used for the dissemination of sacred music throughout the Iberian Peninsula,” he said I have been interested in researching the involvement of women in the printing industry at the beginning of the 17th century it was a copy of the ‘lost’ book that Susana Muñoz printed in 1620.” He noted that this discovery not only helps preserve the most significant body of the works of a composer whose compositions were thought to be almost entirely lost but also allows for a better understanding of the printing of sacred music and polyphonic choir books in the Iberian Peninsula in the 17th century “This was the missing piece of a set of sacred music books printed by Susana Muñoz in the early 17th century,” Dr “The choir book is important because it exemplifies the too-often-ignored contribution of women to the early years of music printing in the Iberian Peninsula is testament to the very active musical life of Miranda do Douro in the 17th century.” “The Bruceña choir book is not in good condition and it is hoped that we will be able to work towards its restoration,” Dr They are filled with complex music textures “Among the many Portuguese scholars and musicians with whom I have been working we should highlight the important contribution of Celina Pinto,” Dr it is Celina who has carefully guided every stage of our project.” The digitalization process can be particularly meticulous as about 100 photos are being taken of each page of the book All that work is being done at the Museu da Terra since it would be practically impossible to bring the book to Boston due to its fragile condition “The costs of the digitizing process are being borne by both Boston College and the Museu da Terra,” Dr The digital version will be made available not only to scholars and musicians “In order to make the choir book and its musical treasures accessible to scholars throughout the world and to the wider general public Boston College’s libraries will host a website preserving high-resolution images of the choir book together with commentaries and explanations by some of the world’s foremost experts in the music of the early 17th century,” said Dr “Jesuits are celebrating the 400th anniversary of the canonization of Saints Ignatius and Francis Xavier,” said Dr “We see the project as a continuation of Jesuit commitment to culture scholarship and globalization through international scholarly collaborations such as this Miranda [do Douro] is perhaps best known as the birthplace of the Jesuit Manuel Teixeira one time companion of Francisco Xavier in India and author of an early biography of Xavier.” Noone said some of the music preserved in the book has been transcribed into modern notation and it will be heard for the first time in a concert on April 2 by the Renaissance Singers of London a highly respected conductor and choral trainer specializing in the history and performance of Renaissance sacred music It’s something he wants to see replicated on this side of the Atlantic we are looking forward to organizing concerts recordings and videos of the music contained in the Bruceña choir book,” concluded Dr da Silva may be reached at ldasilva@ojornal.com To read more stories about the Portuguese-speaking community The XVI International Iberian Mask Parade is about to 'invade' downtown Lisbon with more than 500 participants from Portugal From September 14 to 21, it’s time once again to celebrate the ancestral rhythms and traditions of the Iberian Peninsula in Lisbon the XVI International Iberian Mask Parade which pays homage to the customs of other times in different regions of the Iberian Peninsula and Europe According to a press release sent to Lisboa Secret this year’s edition is special because it has more than 500 participants from 32 groups from four countries: Portugal Despite the fact that the XVI edition of the International Iberian Mask Parade represents the highlight of the initiative there are still other moments on the program Planos do que fazer em Lisboa em setembro, antes que o verão acabe The underground rapid transit lines have been under construction for almost two decades due to various project delays The cross pinnacle on the Tower of Jesus Christ will be ready to receive visitors in 2026 on the centennial of Gaudi’s death Now you can get your wine in Talence by paying directly in Bitcoin That’s because the state has to spend money on updating the railway infrastructure rather than subsidizing the cost of the popular pass Steffen Romstöck said that he would respect the residents’ choice and would take over the helm of the municipality which will come into force from 1 January 2025 Rethinking renewable energy sources for the urban landscape But operating them is still illegal under the country’s legislation can inform and inspire communities and entrepreneurs that still feel trepidation at the prospect of energy transition it has a unique modular design that allows it to be shortened and lengthened like a train that’s the promise made by the mayor of Paris the district has long been known as the hangout spot for the artsy crowds Hostal de Pinós is located in the geographical centre of the autonomous region the ranking considers several distinct but essential factors these quiet areas will now be available on all main routes in the country The academic institution shows a deeper understanding of the well-being of its students Countryside depopulation has forced the local government to get creative The Portuguese town of Miranda do Douro began the week with a new public service experiment – the use of a flock of a local breed of sheep to clean the overgrown vegetation of the green areas around the settlement The authorities have also expressed intent to enlist the help of donkeys and goats in the expansion of this initiative The use of grazing animals as a way to organically and cheaply maintain urban green areas has been gaining popularity across Europe in recent years aside from the sustainable aspect of the project mayor Helena Barril has revealed that there is also an element of necessity and resourcefulness due to the depopulation trends in rural Portugal “We have green spaces that need to be cleared of vegetation as is the case of this hillside at the entrance to the city and every day we face a lack of manpower to do this work. This idea of ​​allying the indigenous breeds arose immediately and these animals began today to do their job as pioneers,” explained to Lusa agency the mayor of Miranda do Douro Mirando do Douro is a charming historic town located in the northeast mountainous corner of Portugal This region is also among the least densely populated in a country that has always prided itself in its seafaring traditions The reality is that young people are not as interested in working the land the way older generations have so it’s time to make do with whatever available resources are at hand each species can only be used where the vegetation allows we are using sheep because there are olive trees here and goats are not suitable for this function because they are animals that eat practically all types of vegetation,” exemplified Helena Barril which is fenced so that the animals cannot go out onto the public road water and other fodder suitable for the feeding of these ruminants were placed could also be the target of this project and in there the Mirandese donkey will be used given the characteristics of the area to be cleaned and deforested are suitable for the diet of these animals technical secretary of the Churra Galega Mirandesa Sheep Breeders Association is of the opinion that the use of these animals in cleaning green areas will allow sustainable vegetation control “We are not using biofuels in the workforce to carry out these cleaning operations and we are transforming the grass mantle into the best protein that is the Mirandese lamb meat,” she stressed The number of animals of indigenous breeds to be used in each area may increase as they adapt to the urban environment The 10th European Conference on Sustainable Cities and Towns (ESCT) sets the stage for stronger cooperation between the EU national and local level to fast track Europe's transition to climate neutrality Urban dwellers across the EU are having a say in making their surroundings friendlier to people and the environment Forests in the EU can help green the European construction industry and bolster a continent-wide push for architectural improvements Apply by 10 November and do your part for the transformation of European public spaces An interview with the Mayor of a Polish city that seeks to reinvent itself An interview with the newly elected ICLEI President and Mayor of Malmö A conversation with the Mayor of Lisbon about the spirit and dimensions of innovation present in the Portuguese capital The dates displayed for an article provide information on when various publication milestones were reached at the journal that has published the article activities on preceding journals at which the article was previously under consideration are not shown (for instance submission All content on this site: Copyright © 2025 Elsevier B.V. Galandum Galundaina was founded in the early 2000s The group explores the traditional music ofMiranda do Douro in northeastern Portugal The award-winning ensemble uses traditional musical instruments many of which are built or modified by the musicians themselves The lineup in 2021 included Paulo Meirinhos on vocals traditional percussion; Paulo Preto on vocals gaita de foles mirandesa (Mirandese bagpipe) flauta pastoril (shepherd’s flute) and tamboril; Alexandre Meirinhos on vocals traditional percussion; and João Pratas on vocals Please enter an answer in digits:4 + 1 = You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser or activate Google Chrome Frame to improve your experience The first renewable energy community in Portugal was inaugurated in August 2021 in Miranda do Douro pv magazine spoke with the company behind the project to assess its status solar has saved the community €31,500 ($30,850) on electricity bills PV panels are installed on the rooftops of Santa Casa da Misericórdia buildings Portugal’s first renewable energy community (REC) was inaugurated in August 2021 in Miranda do Douro a northern small rural village close to the border with Spain a climate tech company offering clean energy services based in Coimbra The REC is part of Cleanwatt’s “100 Aldeias” project which aims to fight energy poverty in the sparsely populated interior of Portugal the consumers of the REC are buildings of Santa Casa da Misericórdia a well-known charitable institution in Portugal After the community’s one year anniversary Cleanwatts is “now entering in the phase of attracting new members,” Michael Pinto “Our goal is to expand the work done with the anchor client to as many people in the community as possible.” The PV panels installed in the community have a production capacity of 73.3 kW and provide electricity for air conditioning “The benefits in the first year of operation (August 2021 to August 2022) were undeniable,” Pinto said “Based on the indexed electricity tariff for 2022 Santa Casa da Misericórdia Miranda do Douro would have spent an additional €31,500 on grid electricity,” he added The REC had an energy autonomy of 33% (90 MWh/year) and saved 19 tons of carbon dioxide emissions the distributor unit of national utility EDP to analyze the production and consumption profiles of the community members so it can distribute the energy produced accordingly It also uses Cleanwatt’s energy markets platform Kiplo to aggregate small and medium energy loads chillers and distributed generation systems,” according to the company The platform works through the company’s virtual power plant to support community managers and energy market operators Cleanwatts separates personal and consumption data and stores them in difference places safeguarding the personal data of each member,” said Pinto “Data are stored in a database where each member has their repository properly coded to ensure data protection and privacy.” The community does not currently use blockchain technology but Cleanwatts said it has tested the technology in several of its other projects “We do intend to make energy transactions between community members possible in a peer-to-peer logic so that they can exchange among themselves and strengthen the community spirit,” Pinto said “And we want these transactions to be transparent so we’ll use the necessary technology to ensure the best features for the community members.” The goal of the “100 Aldeias” project was to create 100 RECs in Portugal by the end of 2022 there were already 100 and Cleanwatts believes it will reach 200 villages by the end of the year the communities have over 17.5 MW of production capacity After the success of the REC projects in Portugal Cleanwatts is expanding into other countries the company opened a second branch in Italy where it is co-developing several RECs with partners in northern Italy whilst assisting other partners to launch and manage their own communities through licensing agreements for the company’s operating system platform “Speed and scale of a member state’s transposal of the EU Renewable Energy Directive into national law is a critical driver for determining whether a market is strategic for Cleanwatts countries that we are now assessing include Spain and Austria precisely for this reason,” said Pinto the company is involved in several community projects in New York and California It is supporting the development of a small grid solution to enable the city of Ithaca Cleanwatts also signed a partnership with the Indianapolis-based industrial Internet of Things (IoT) company to activate community level demand response throughout the country Cleanwatts is delivering behind the meter efficiency services to mid-market companies and blue-chip companies a distributor of semiconductors and other hardware and software products the company is on track to deliver almost 20 MW in aggregated solar PV capacity by the end of 2022 and believes it is “in a strong position to triple this volume by rear end 2023,” Pinto concluded More articles from Beatriz Santos Please be mindful of our community standards and website in this browser for the next time I comment Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" By submitting this form you agree to pv magazine using your data for the purposes of publishing your comment Your personal data will only be disclosed or otherwise transmitted to third parties for the purposes of spam filtering or if this is necessary for technical maintenance of the website Any other transfer to third parties will not take 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View our privacy policy. × The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this Close "The power of the Universal Declaration is the power of ideas to change the world It inspires us to continue working to ensure that all people can gain freedom Universal Declaration of Human Rights in your language: Translated into hundreds of languages and dialects from Abkhaz to Zulu the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) set a world record in 1999 for being the most translated document in the world At present, there are 555 different translations available on the UN Human Rights website Below are direct links to languages spoken in countries covered by the United Nations in Western Europe. For a full global list, you can search for translations, here Catalan, Portuguese, Portuguese Sign Language, Spanish, Spanish Sign Language, French Greek, Turkish, Armenian Finnish, Swedish, Sami, Estonia, Karelien Greek, Macedonian, Bulgarian, Turkish, Vlach Icelandic Irish, English, Scots Luxembourgish, German, French Maltese, English French, Italian, Ligurian, Prouvençau, Occitan Languedocien, Occitan Auvergnat Dutch, Sign Language of the Netherlands, Frisian, Interlingua, Esperanto Norwegian, Norwegian (Bokmål), Kven, Sami Sammarinese, Italian Swedish, Finnish, Sami, Latvian Latin, Italian This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page from the Algarve to LisbonOften overlooked when beaches are in the picture Portugal’s coastal nature reserves and backcountry national parks are ruggedly beautiful and ripe with wildlife-watching potential This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK).Designated protected areas make up almost a quarter of Portugal's landmass and while this Iberian country has just one national park — Peneda-Gerês on the Spanish border in the far north — there are 24 natural parks and other protected landscapes for nature lovers to explore Often etched with hiking trails that lead you through pine-clad hills these areas make prime spots to catch a glimpse of native fauna such as horses How to do it: Responsible Travel organises eight-day self-guided walking holidays in Peneda-Gerês Ria Formosa National Park has white sandy beaches as well as a diverse ecosystem and wildlife.Photography by Zu Sanchez2 Dolphins in Arrábida Natural Park Less than an hour’s drive south of Lisbon Arrábida Natural Park is an unsung coastal beauty At the foot of chalk cliffs are powder-soft sands rocky coves and the brilliant blue Atlantic where dolphins and minke whales frolic; summer is peak season to spot them pulsing with hundreds of butterfly species Peregrine falcons and kestrels soar above slopes cloaked in thyme while Bonelli’s eagles nest on the limestone cliffs You’ll see plenty of birdlife on Portugal’s highest cliff a 120-mile network of footpaths and former shepherd’s trails How to do it: 10 Adventures offers an eight-day self-guided walking tour in Serra da Estrela Serra da Estrela Natural Park is also a great place to ski.Photography by Giulio Ercolani4 Flamingos in Ria Formosa Natural Park This park in the Algarve is a delicate fretwork of marshes dune islands and marbled swirls of golden sand and turquoise sea but those who do come silently and with binoculars black-winged stilts and shy Mediterranean turtles sunning themselves in the marshes and lagoons Come between October and March to see the algae-rich salt flats fizzing with glorious How to do it: Nature tour company Formosamar Rent a kayak to paddle the backwaters at your own pace or join a two-hour birdwatching boat trip (€35/£30) for excellent chances of sighting a host of feathered species Park Set on Portugal’s northeastern border with Spain this natural park is a heaven for wildlife There are many miradouros (viewpoints) in these parts but for soul-stirring views over a rumpled quilt of green and the silver seam of the Douro River as it flows out of Spain trek up to 550-metre-high Miradouro de Penedo Durão near the village of Freixo de Espada à Cinta peregrine falcons and griffon vultures wheeling in flawless blue skies From horse-riding and beekeeping to kayaking under a dazzling night sky Marriott","dsc":"The nutrient-rich waters of the Johnstone Strait whales and orcas.","ttl":"Cover - Whale Watching Vancouver - May2025 - whale","rchDsc":{"markup":"The nutrient-rich waters of the Johnstone Strait "},"rchTtl":{"markup":"Cover - Whale Watching Vancouver - May2025 - whale"}},"sections":[{"name":"Travel","id":"432c4f83-2d55-3974-b95f-a221c87c0fd1","type":"sources","uri":"https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel"}],"headline":"Go eye-to-eye with humpbacks on this kayak tour","link":"https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/kayak-whale-watching-vancouver"},{"description":"The Portuguese custard tart is a Lisbon classic and where to find the best is hotly debated by locals and visitors alike As the winner of the Best Pastel de Nata 2024 competition is announced a competition held among Lisbon patisseries to determine the best pastel in the region.","ttl":"Pastelaria Aloma trays of pastel de nata","rchDsc":{"markup":"O Melhor Pastel de Nata was founded in 2009 a competition held among Lisbon patisseries to determine the best pastel in the region One of the world’s most fabled wine regions One of the world’s most fabled wine regions, Portugal’s Douro Valley is perfection in a bottle The course taken by the Rio Douro consists of three sub-regions – the Baixo Corgo, Cima Corgo and Douo Superior (the first two being easiest to access and most popular with first-time visitors) – before spilling out into the Atlantic Ocean in Porto which loaned its name to the region’s signature wine and shipped it to connoisseurs around the world Have questions about where to (figuratively and literally) start on your Douro Valley journey Here’s how to plan the perfect first visit Unlike along Portugal’s northern coast The temperatures inland can become uncomfortably hot in the warmest months especially east around arid Vila Nova de Foz Côa; still even the warmest summer days are ripe for lazy wine tastings cold and downpours set in between November and February – yet Foz Côa witnesses pretty almond blossoms in late February And riding the rails to relish the landscape is a joy year-round The ideal time to visit is spring or autumn The latter is especially magical from late September into October thanks to lively grape-harvest celebrations (or vindimas) as the landscape shifts from green to a carpet of crimson Spring’s calling cards: Resende’s cherry blossoms (usually late March into April) and blissful hikes It’s easy to visit the Douro Valley on a day trip from Porto, squeezing in spectacular scenery, wine sampling and a hearty lunch around one (or both) of the most popular towns, Peso da Régua and Pinhão especially as the journey is panoramic by rail or river Staying the night will elevate your experience to no end – especially if you check in at a quinta – as the streets quiet for the night and the valley returns to its natural stillness Getting to the Baixo Corgo and Cima Corgo is straightforward and outlandishly scenic no matter how you do it The nearest international airport is Porto; from Portugal’s second city cruise the river upstream on a full-day return voyage or arrive by rail Rede Expressos operates coaches from Porto to Lamego (direct) and Foz Côa (change in Viseu). Getting around the rural villages and eastern depths of the Douro Valley can be challenging without a car. Still, it’s usually possible with patience, planning and Rodonorte’s local bus services Yet having your own car does bring its rewards The EN222 and N313-2 boast some of Portugal’s showiest stretches of road and you’ll cross countless miradouros as you approach the valley from above the downside to winery-hopping by road is you’ll need a designated driver.  With panoramas like this, it’s almost criminal to stay inside. Still, I always suggest starting at Peso da Régua’s Museu do Douro. The clear, colorful and engaging exhibitions here, in an 18th-century building where regulators once administered the world’s oldest demarcated wine region you can round off the visit with a glass of port in the upstairs tasting room bar with river-framing views Many Douro Valley wineries offer enotourism (wine tourism) experiences ranging from simple sips and vineyard tours or picnics to autumn’s vindimas activities – including traditional treading of the grapes by foot – and year-round bottling and blending master classes led by winemakers Vintage ports are always a highlight of any winery visit here – yet award-winning reds whites and rosés from the 75-plus cultivated grape varieties in the Douro DOC (Controlled Denomination of Origin) have become more prevalent since the 20th century.  Quinta do Bomfim part of the fifth-generation Symington estate that produces Dow’s and Cockburn’s ports – is a short distance from Pinhão’s train station especially if followed by lunch on the riverview terrace of Bomfim 1896 the Quinta do Vallado team has been hard at work since 1716 – a tradition you can experience through delicious daily tastings or pre-bookable workshops and you’ll stumble upon numerous adegas (cellars) small-batch wineries often affording the most wholesome experience passage through several locks and a wine-town visit Taking the train in and returning downstream on a one-way sailing is also possible For a more intimate encounter with this natural wonder, board a rabelo boat in Tua, Régua or Pinhão for a one-to-two-hour trip. These traditional wooden vessels were historically used to transport barrels to Vila Nova de Gaia’s port houses. Magnifico Douro’s solar-adapted boat provides even more subdued sailings than the standard crafts You can also pick up a kayak from their office on Pinhão pier for a slower With their stellar river views, Pinhão and Peso da Régua tend to get most of the attention of Douro Valley travelers – yet Lamego is arguably the Douro Valley’s most impressive settlement. Dominating the city is an almost-herculean, sculpture-embellished staircase leading to the 18th-century Santuário de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios Trace the Rio Douro north – now forming the border with Spain – towards Trás-os-Montes; beyond Barca de Alva, the valley becomes the vulture-swooped Parque Natural do Douro Internacional an isolated and time-honored frontier town where Mirandês I love slowing down and spending a few nights in a river-view quinta Savoring the stillness of the moonlight-bathed Rio Douro and vines from a bedroom balcony – an on-site produced port in hand of course – is a highlight of my many indelible Portugal memories any stay is also an excellent opportunity for in-depth conversations with the farmers and vintners that produce the wines as you stroll from the vines to the panoramic pool I particularly love the traditional renovated schist workers’ cottages at Quinta de Ventozelo swoon-worthy pools and farm-to-table restaurant Arriving on a rabelo transfer from Pinhão all add to the magic where you can sleep in a giant wine barrel Though splurge-worthy experiences quickly add up the Douro Valley can be surprisingly fair-priced for such a famous wine region picnic and Douro Museum ticket with a three-wine tasting included a DIY day trip can cost as little as €45 (US$48) you can usually secure a double room in a local guesthouse (mid-week which is worth considering as there are no savings in buying a same-day round-trip train ticket prices quickly soar if you splash out on a boutique quinta stay vintage-only wine tour or Michelin-recommended restaurants – though tascas (family-run restaurants) can keep dining affordable as they mainly cater to locals Carry cash if you plan to use public transport or buy drinks (or bottles) onboard certain boats or from smaller wineries Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb): €50–120 (US$53–126) Double room in a river-view quinta: from €100 (US$105)  One-way train ticket from Porto to Pocinho: €14.50 (US$15.25) A glass of wine in a low-key bar: €2.50 (US$2.60) Typical tasca lunch for two: €30 (US$31.50) Upscale tasting menu with/without wine pairing: from €100/160 (US$105/168) per person Arranging a DIY visit to the Douro is easy – but hiring a private guide can be a worthy investment Some have special arrangements with wineries making for easier access to smaller vineyards including those that sell to the big producers This is especially true if you hire a driver-guide As in all of Portugal, children are made to feel welcome just about everywhere in the Douro Valley. While some wineries have minimum age requirements, others offer family-friendly activities, including Monverde, where children can taste and blend juices as parents work the grapes. Boat tours are usually half-price for under 12s, and free for toddlers. Absolutely: Portugal’s Atlantic Ocean beaches aren’t the only place to take a dip. Inland, you’ll find plenty of praias fluviais (river beaches), including sandy swimming spots in Porto Rei, Lomba and Praia do Castelo. See when and where the fly overs will be taking place in Portugal.  The Portuguese Air Force will fly over regions of mainland Portugal as a way of wishing a merry Christmas “from the skies” the Air Force states that the fly over will be carried out with “a training flight to maintain the capabilities of its military personnel to reinforce the commitment to safeguard the integrity of the entire national territory The pair of F-16M aircraft plan to fly over the municipalities and towns of Nazaré (11:02) the AW119 Koala helicopter will operate in the south of the country in the morning and the north in the afternoon the air journey starts at Beja airport (10:30) the AW119 Koala helicopter departs at 15:00 from Air Base No with a route that passes through Vila Nova de Gaia (15:15) Vila do Conde (16:35) and Foz from Porto (16:45) The EH-101 Merlin helicopter will fly over Setúbal (11:00) Vila Franca de Xira (11:47) and Santa Iria de Azoia (11:51) also to "wish everyone a merry Christmas." Especially with Christmas with many families struggling to put food on the table Vila Galé will open four hotels this year Jorge Rebelo de Almeida said that in Portugal the group plans to open the Vila Galé Casas D'Elvas representing an investment of six million euros as well as the Vila Galé Paço from Curutelo with an investment of R$120 million (around €19.3 million at the current exchange rate) the opening of the Ouro Preto (Minas Gerais) projects is scheduled for the first half of the year as well as the Belém (Pará) project in October for COP30 Jorge Rebelo de Almeida recalled that the group has several other projects in its portfolio for which "it is premature" to make estimates of opening since bureaucratic issues for their approval "have left them stranded" Among them: the project for the Royal Palace of Caxias (Oeiras) the Quinta da Cardiga in Golegão and those for Penacova - which will have a concept dedicated to humor - and Miranda do Douro they believe some of them will move forward this year Jorge Rebelo de Almeida also said that the group - "which is not capable of standing still it wants to do things" - is analysing several possibilities for expansion interest in "the main destinations" in the neighbouring market remains the administrator Gonçalo Rebelo de Almeida The Vila Galé Group announced that it estimates that its net profit for 2024 will have risen to around 105 million euros with revenues breaking records and data pointing to growth in 2025 Perhaps best known for an artistic performance piece at the Lisbon Zoo where he locked himself in a cage near the monkeys with a sign reading “Homo Sapiens,” Alberto Pimenta is an engaging (1977) summarizes his social and political discontent “Homo Sapiens” happening in 1977 Pimenta occupies a cage in the chimpanzee row in the Lisbon Zoo Happenings or poetic performances in which Pimenta has participated in include Homo Sapiens (1977) and Homo Venalis (1991) held in Lisbon where the poet was displayed for sale at the Church of the Martyrs He is also famous for penning his own one line bio (which he still uses) “A Grande colecção de inverno 2001-2002 (2001) A encomenda do silêncio [Antologia] (2004) Marthiya de Abdel Hamid segundo Alberto Pimenta (2005) For this interview for the Portuguese American Journal conducted in Portuguese with translation by Nuno Soares letters and post cards were exchanged through the mail for over a year Pimenta does not have a television or a computer He has said that he wants “to know nothing of the Internet.” My father is from Miranda do Douro (Trás-os-Montes on the border of the Douro river and Spain amid a very wild landscape) from a family of small farmers My mother is a native from nearby Resende; it’s the setting of a mountain range in Eça’s [Eça de Queiroz] A Cidade e as Serras She is from a family of lawyers and doctors (maybe of Jewish heritage Many Portuguese-American writers feel that the immigrant experience can be bitter sweet Do you think this is particularly true for the Portuguese all new experiences alter the routine – and immigration/emigration alters it all and all at the same time It begins with the enchantment of a fairytale and then the fear of overcoming difficulties sets in as is what always happens receptive to everything and then suddenly a conscious adult it is different being a prince or a cobbler the social and cultural lives of immigrants play a role This leads to the new experience becoming bitter or sweet Can you quote a few lines from a poem and explain its significance to you neither would you like Almeida Garrett’s Frei Luís de Sousa at that age cautiously answering your question: Camões Cesário Verde (I staged him on television) and I can’t forget Aquilino Ribeiro and Eugénio de Andrade I used these lines as a beginning – a motto – for the reading I presented called “Última Lição” at the Universidade Nova de Lisboa I have felt challenged by the first lines and tried to understand them for an hour Tom Johnson (the last two are more for listening and watching than reading) I found your wonderful poems on the Internet website “Poems from the Portuguese,” which features poetry by Portuguese writers in English translation Are you involved with other joint ventures between writers in Portugal and other countries In Italy with Nanni Balestrini; in Germany with Eugen Gonringer (I even published an original book in German in 2001 I participated in MARKERS – an alternative bi-annual in Venice and in collaboration with the Spanish José-Miguel Ullán (multinational collaborations can be difficult) Has your work been translated into English And the addendum “Culturas,” from Diário 16 published Pimenta alongside (John) Ashberry How has the literary world and work of Portuguese language writers changed since Salazar creative work centered on exalting the change; then it expanded little by little to include other Lusophone countries Books started to circulate as expected and within the new African Portuguese speaking countries emerged a specific literature which until then had not been known in Portugal Everybody assumed that literature was a forbidden art during Salazar’s time What it was – we know it now – the authors with strong ideas and style knew how to deal with universal themes and how to underline fundamental ideas of freedom Others used systematic metaphors and allegories to mirror (almost in a recurring way) the political situation as a sort of code What books would you recommend to someone just starting to read Portuguese writers in English translation the five or six “must have” books which define Portuguese literature for you I still have difficulty with the word “must.” In arts I guess that everything can be and nothing shall be necessary I insist on the need for an aesthetic reading with individual taste reflecting the canon I would recommend Frei Luís de Sousa of Almeida Garrett; several novels by Eça de Queiró; S Banaboião Anacoreta e Mártir of Aquilino Ribeiro and the poetry of Eugénio de Andrade You don’t even need to talk about Fernando Pessoa because I believe there has been too much writing about him already one needs to know all of the poetry ever written and to have a lucid passion for the poet Pessoa may have reached a saturation point Could you share what writing activities have been most successful for you I am not concerned about work that has been finished What I know well is the beginning and revision of it; the long perseverance of days and nights filled with work Performance poetry always brings me immediate satisfaction and a finished book offers me a subtle pleasure with a subtle reception it only brings pleasure when it is a small text (poem) and the result is a good one Translation is the truest example of a work-in-progress What do you think are recurrent themes in Portuguese poetry Portuguese writers have a liking for lamentation It is a universal theme and its essence is present in all of the classics in Mannerism in the Romantics – although it is not present in Modernism lamentation is a thematic and stylistic theme the existential discomfort that leads to “saudade.” Always a view of the past in the present Consider Fernando Pessoa’s work for instance Is there an event or upcoming publication which would be of importance to readers of the Portuguese American Journal To follow up in regards to the evolution of current European and Portuguese politics the social and cultural regression of Europe … Did your parents pass down Portuguese legends to you such as folklore or superstitions Certainly. Legends, mostly local, the interesting “enchanted” Moirai (in Greek mythology, the Moirai (are known as the Fadas [Fates], white-robed incarnations of destiny who controlled the metaphorical thread of life of every mortal from birth to death) and naturally what you call superstitions that hide very It should be said that I have an interest in Astrology The most important and significant god for me is the Greek Kairos Kairos believes in the right or opportune moment (the supreme moment) in which something special happens they call me the “psychic-poet” because some of my poems predict the future My mother also taught me about premonitions What project are you working on currently I’ll be publishing a new poetry book and I’ll give an exclusive reading In your work is there something that you are trying to accomplish but haven’t I believe every artist works to reach a point that is always unreachable like the proverbial carrot dangled before the donkey’s eyes Can you describe the place where you write like the cavemen artists who painted (we assume) in the place they lived I often think about writing when I am at the café I scribble ideas on bits of paper or on the edge of a newspaper I do performances and lyrical and visual poetry readings It’s hard to communicate acoustical and visual sensations into words Shakespeare and Rimbaud were the few writers who were able to do so it should be an unconscious emotion for us Why do you think there has not been significant scholarship about Portuguese literature in the academia Portugal once was a major empire throughout the world and not even then did we produce what is called “high art.” There are almost no classical Portuguese painters or what one would call a formal Portuguese school of art or tradition they were dependent upon foreigner models (Petrarca and more classical writers such as Virgil influencing Camões And we shouldn’t forget the “Sonnets from the Portuguese” by Elisabeth Barrett Browning Portuguese Studies are usually associated with Spanish departments which don’t benefit either Portugal is a poor small country with poor small arts In regards to our great literary tradition I recommend reading the opinion of Ronald W What do you think Portuguese and Portuguese-American writers can do to enhance a better communication between the US and Portugal get to know the people they write about and feel compassion Why do you think so few Portuguese writers are translated into English Translation requires two attributes: a high linguistic capacity and a great sensitivity being open-minded and to love the work so much that it becomes urgent to translate it as well as his mother’s tongue to translate for money or to translate as an academic exercise only academics have been dealing with translation Literary translations are few and far between Doesn’t Portuguese literature deserve more the greatest works (um buraco na boca by António Aragão 1971) is not even known by most Portuguese people The lobbies of literary intellectuality are somewhere alive but are irrelevant and asphyxiating As primeiras Vanguardas em Portugal (2003) Alvega and Pinhão recorded on Tuesday (22 August) the highest maximum temperatures in mainland Portugal while in 50% of the territory there were temperatures equal to or greater than 40°C According to data released by the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and the Atmosphere (IPMA) among the highest maximum temperatures were Alvega (Abrantes with 45.4°C in Lousã (Coimbra) with 45.2°C “Until (…) 18:00 on the 22nd of August 2023 very high values of air temperature were recorded” In addition to maximum air temperature values equal to or greater than 40°C in about 50% of the territory temperatures above 42°C were also recorded in 15% of the territory Maximum air temperature values equal to or greater than 35°C occurred in about 80% of the territory while temperatures equal to or greater than 30°C occurred “in practically the entire territory” the previous highest maximum temperature values for the month of August were surpassed: Pinhão (45.6°C) In seven of these stations – Tomar/Vale Donas Luzim and Montalegre – “the previous absolute extremes were exceeded” Freak Temperaturesit's just just BS globalists' intox But soon game over for media system : martial courts for 'm & champagne or Porto wine for us Just follow the (true) news from the states & Q : people waking up & dominos starting soon with hunter & sleepy Joe in celebration of the 18th anniversary of Macau’s Handover to China will be held on the 17 December with 49 local and 15 foreign groups which include nearly 1,200 participants Local districts and historic monuments are the main theme of the parade announced the Cultural Affairs Bureau oriental and western modern dance and traditional dance Foreign participating groups from all over the world include “Cia de misterios e Novidades” from Brazil presenting a musical on stilts; Mexican troupe “Luna Morena Títeres Teatro” presenting a puppet show; Australian “Snuff Puppets – Daniele Poidomani” who will produce giant themed puppets with local students; Yingge dance – an item of intangible cultural heritage of Chaoshan City of Guangdong Province The Parade also features the acrobatic troupe “Enigma” from Cabo Verde; the group “Pauliteiros de Miranda do Douro” from Portugal; performances by the 2017 representative group of Hong Kong’s “LA P EN V Innovative Dance Platform”; the “Mirror Walkers” from Austria; the “Pavullese Dancing Group” from Italy; “The Dinosaurs” from Holland; the “Cheerleaders” from Lithuania; the “PLASTICIENS VOLANTS” and the “Flower Parade” from France; and the Shenzhen Xiao Douhao Children’s Theatre More details on the parade can be accessed at http://www.icm.gov.mo/macaoparade and the Parade page on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/macaoparade It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Ester Conceição Fernandes to Lazaro Fernandes and Delfina Augusta Lopes Ester was a devoted wife to her late husband Vicent Dos Reis Fernandes and a beloved mother She will be dearly missed by her children Felisberto (Maria do Céu deceased) She will be remembered for her infectious smile Ester’s warmth and presence touched everyone she met and her memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her Peace of Mind has never been so Affordable We are offering 0% interest for up to 48 months on the purchase of a grave Copyright Catholic Cemeteries & Funeral Services – Archdiocese of Toronto | Privacy Policy | Accessibility Access to culture in Portugal is even easier with 46 cultural venues opening their doors for free every day announced a measure that is completely changing access to culture in the country: from now on all residents in Portugal will be able to enter 46 cultural spaces churches and libraries under the management of the company Museus e Monumentos de Portugal Until now it was possible to visit these cultural spaces on Sundays and public holidays, so this measure considerably increases this possibility Each resident in Portugal will have free access to 52 entrances per year, the equivalent of one entrance per week, any day of the week. This count should be carried out via a mobile app (which is not yet available), making these visits simpler and more efficient, both for citizens and for registering in these spaces. However, until then, all you have to do is show your Citizen’s Card at the ticket offices of these cultural spaces to get your free entry. In Lisbon, which is the city with the largest number of publicly-run cultural facilities, 18 venues will be covered by this measure: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lisboa Secreta (@lisboasecreta) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lisboa Secreta (@lisboasecreta) If you’ve already visited all of these in Lisbon there are other very interesting possibilities throughout the country This ease of access to these sites will have a huge impact on cultural inclusion allowing more people to explore and discover our historical Portugal is thus taking another important step towards democratizing access to culture which will benefit not only residents but also domestic tourists take a look at our list of some of the best burgers in Porto.. if what you’re looking for is where to eat the best hamburgers in Porto From the more traditional and mainstream offerings And our mouths are already watering!  Real Hamburgueria Portuguesa lives up to its name offering a menu of burgers where the Portuguese flavors come to the fore .  some of which are humorous in their naming Our suggestion: pay attention to the “Burger of the Week” (€8), which changes frequently and you can swap it for a vegetarian one. View this post on Instagram Boulevard Burguer House Boulevard Burguer House offers the best of an American experience, something that is evident right from the start in the gastronomic options. Here, there are T-bone steaks, barbecue ribs and New York-style cheesecake. However, the highlight is its list of burgers, with 12 different products. The combinations are many and there are burgers for all tastes, from the most classic to the most ‘spicy’. There are also vegetarian options . Our suggestion: El Diablo (10€), beef, guacamole, chili, nachos, cheddar and BBQ sauce View this post on Instagram Curb A burger and fries always tastes good but if it’s from Curb it’s even better this is where some of the best in Porto are made.  Curb excels in the quality of its products Our suggestion: the Double Curb Burger (14€) Santo Burga has two locations, one in Leça da Palmeira (Matosinhos county) and another in the Constituição area, in Invicta. Here you’ll find some of the best hamburgers in Porto and the surrounding area. With a “Saints” themed menu, the options are always delicious. Of particular note is the filling and sauce of the potatoes, as well as the quality of the meat and the personality of its rustic bread. In addition, the decoration of the spot is also worthy of attention. the brand crossed the Atlantic Ocean and set up a branch in the city of Invicta View this post on Instagram Tio Fafá Hamburgueria  At Porto Secreto we like to ‘listen’ to our readers and followers, so this suggestion came especially from those who follow our website. Then we went to ‘investigate’ a bit and, of course, we liked it. Tio Fafá Hamburgueria has several spaces in Greater Porto. Its menu includes starters, gluten-free options and, of course, lots of burgers. At the establishment in the city of Invicta, one of the best sellers is “Tio Joel”. It’s a blend burger with 150g of beef, cheddar cheese, sliced bacon, caramelized onions, arugula and barbecue sauce on a brioche bun. The price of this delicious snack (with fries) is €11.90. But if you live outside Porto, here are the brand’s other spaces: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tio Fafá Hamburgueria (@tiofafahamburgueria)