Source: Pexels Author: Redaction Portugal is a country rich in flavors , having a rich and multicultural past that makes its cuisine unique and diverse. With many influences to the sea and the rurality of the countryside villages, as well as the ancient traditions, Portuguese cuisine is a kaleidoscope of aromas, flavors and experiences that conquer palates around the world. Tourists visiting our country surrender to our traditions, finding them charming and unique, and there are regions that boast their own culinary treasures, shaped by fresh ingredients and robust flavors. In the north, for example, we find the traditional feijoada à transmontana, in the center, we delight in soft eggs and seafood dishes , and in the south there are fresh grilled fish and vegetables of the region with indescribable flavors and that offer a warm explosion of senses. Celebrate this diversity, taking advantage of the upcoming summer months to explore the best of Portugal! Stay with 4 suggestions of food festivals around the country and set off to discover new flavors. 1. Sardine Festival in Portimão This festival takes place in the middle of summer and makes a complete tribute to the queen of Santos Populares, the sardine. With tastings, live music and lots of entertainment, you will find a convivial space where you can celebrate the most famous fish of the summer. So, write down: from July 30 to August 4 , head to Portimão and celebrate the sardine and hospitality of the Algarve community! 2. Seafood Festival in Olhão If you’re a seafood lover, this is the festival you won’t want to miss. Here, you will be able to taste unique delicacies with fresh seafood with the quality of the Olhão fish market. This is one of the biggest events in the south of the country, which returns to Jardim Pescador Olhanense to take to the region the best that is done in gastronomy, with seafood. Try prawns, clams, crabs, crabs, crayfish, crabs, oysters and many other seafood, but also find soups, burgers and sandwiches of various types. This festival will take place from August 10 to 14 and you can count on musical animation and many other attractions. 3. Lagos Food Festival For the more Foodies, Lagos Food Fest is the ideal event, as you will find a bit of everything. With the best of Algarve gastronomy, with showcookings, workshops and culinary demonstrations, it is the perfect festival to take the family, who can try a variety of dishes. The dates have already been announced and it is known that takes place between 11 and 14 July, in which you can find spaces with exhibitions and live music. Explore the possibilities we present to you and enjoy the flavors of Portugal! And if you are looking for a house in one of the mentioned locations, don’t forget to go to supercasa.pt
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction Albufeira Town Hall, located in the district of Faro, has announced that from May 21 it will start charging a tourist tax of two euros per overnight stay in the municipality during the high season . The measure was announced last Tuesday, April 30, with the publication of the regulation that establishes the conditions for the application of the tax in the Diário da República, with entry into force scheduled for May 2. However, the implementation of the tax was temporarily suspended until May 20, due to some technical problems with the online payment application, as explained in a statement from Albufeira Town Hall. The mayor, José Carlos Rolo, mentioned that collection is now scheduled to begin on May 21. Albufeira is known as the Algarves main tourist destination , with over 150 hotels and more than 9,000 local accommodations. With the introduction of the tourist tax, Albufeira joins other Algarve municipalities such as Portimão, Lagoa, Vila Real de Santo António, Faro and Olhão, which already charge a similar tax to tourists staying overnight in their municipalities. According to the regulation, the two-euro tax will apply from April 1 to October 31 and will be charged for up to seven consecutive nights to all guests over the age of 13 , in tourist resorts, local accommodation, camping and caravan parks. Exceptions are made for guests visiting Albufeira for medical reasons, as well as those who fall ill or need medical attention during their stay, provided they present supporting documents. The revenue generated by the tourist tax will be invested in projects aimed at improving accessibility, the coastline, actions related to climate change, sustainability, mobility and support for emergency services, among other areas. Albufeira City Council also plans to hold information sessions for hotel and local accommodation owners on May 10 and 14 to answer questions about the implementation of the tourist tax. Also read: Inheritance: what is the right of redemption? and Portuguese can pay IMI with a discount in May
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction The tourism sector continues to show remarkable vitality, as evidenced by the figures for the first quarter of this year. During this period, the number of guests exceeded 5.55 million, representing an increase of more than 7.7% compared to the same period last year. Of particular note was the growth in foreign tourists , who increased by 10.6% between January and March this year, while domestic tourists recorded an increase of 3.9%. This growth trend was also seen in overnight stays, with a total of more than 13.4 million nights spent in hotels and similar establishments in the first three months of the year, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 7.1%. The National Statistics Institute (INE) attributes these results, in part, to the shifting structure of the calendar , with the vacation period associated with Easter this year covering March and April, in contrast to the previous year, when it was concentrated only in April. With regard to foreign tourists , INE highlights a significant increase in overnight stays from markets such as Canada (24.2%), Poland (22.7%) and the United States (18.1%). On the other hand, the French and Brazilian markets fell by 8.3% and 4.5% respectively. The INE data also shows an increase in the number of guests in all regions, with the exception of the Autonomous Region of Madeira , which saw a slight contraction of 0.4%. The Oeste e Vale do Tejo region stands out as having the biggest increase in demand in the first quarter, both from domestic tourists (up 12.9%) and foreign tourists (up 29%). In terms of occupancy, the net rate per bed increased by 0.5 percentage points compared to the first quarter of 2023, while the national net rate per room fell slightly by 0.1 percentage points. Follow these and other topics in SUPERCASA News
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction Residents in Portugal have never travelled abroad as much as they did in 2023 , data from the National Statistics Institute (INE) reveals. Travelling to foreign countries increased by around 22% compared to the previous year, reaching a new record . Spain, France and Italy remained the favourite destinations. During 2023, residents trips abroad reached an all-time high, with an increase of 21.5% compared to the previous year, totalling 3.2 million trips. As for trips within the country, there was an increase of 2.4 per cent over the same period. Overall, Portuguese residents made 23.7 million trips in 2023, both within the country and abroad, representing an increase of 4.6 per cent on the previous year. Although the number of trips within Portugal increased in the fourth quarter, the growth trend was more pronounced for trips abroad. Between October and December, Portuguese residents made 5.1 million trips, an increase of 2.9 per cent compared to the same period last year. Trips abroad grew even more, with an increase of 12.9 per cent compared to the same quarter in 2022. The month of December saw the biggest growth for both internal and external trips , coinciding with the Christmas and New Year festivities. With regard to the reasons for travelling, leisure, recreation or holidays accounted for half of the trips made in 2023 , followed by visits to family or friends and professional or business reasons. Visits to family or friends were the main reason for travelling in the fourth quarter. As for destinations, the majority of trips abroad in 2023 were to European Union countries, with Spain, France and Italy remaining the most popular destinations. Follow these and other topics in SUPERCASA News
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction The good temperatures invite you to take walks in the fresh air, and you can take advantage of the long weekend with the national holiday to get away with your partner or family and discover some of the most charismatic corners of our country. From north to south, there are many possibilities, but today we bring you the most emblematic gardens with history in the country , with an itinerary from north to south that will leave you impressed. North Well start in the north, where youll find a welcoming region with a very diverse and modern cultural past. We suggest the following: - Jardim Botânico do Porto: in this garden, one of the most iconic in the city of Porto, youll find four hectares of diverse vegetation and various types of green spaces; - Jardim do Passeio Alegre, in Porto: a magical garden that impresses with its excellent condition and magnetic beauty, where you can play a round of golf or spend a good afternoon in the café that used to be a garden chalet. Center In the center of the country youll find options that will delight the little ones and the big ones alike, with a huge cultural heritage that you can explore, as well as other places in the central region, but the suggestions not to be missed are the following: - Quinta da Regaleira, in Sintra: where youll find a romantic, magical and mysterious setting full of symbolism and enigmas; - Gardens of the National Palace of Queluz, in Lisbon: stroll through these lush gardens and let yourself be carried away by the geometric flowerbeds and ornamental fountains and imposing sculptures. South In the south, after a long journey, you can relax on the Algarves beaches, which are so popular in the hot season, and pay a visit to the unforgettable gardens with history that this itinerary has in store for you. - Jardim Botânico da Universidade do Algarve, in Faro: visit the wonderful collection of plants that this garden houses and explore the different corners overlooking the sea - Loulé Botanical Garden: this verdant oasis will transport you to a true evening of relaxation and harmony, where youll find unique landscapes and lots of native species. - Jardim Municipal de Faro: this great place will allow you to enjoy the city air, combining the useful with the pleasant. Our advice is to plan your itinerary in advance , defining exactly which gardens you want to visit, in order to organize and make the most of the time you have available, also according to your location. If youre staying in some kind of accommodation establishment, such as a hotel or local accommodation, remember to book in advance and research other possible local attractions. Want to discover other destinations for your next vacation? Check out our SUPERCASA News recommendations
Source: Câmara Municipal da Trofa Author: Redaction Trofa is a destination still little known in Portugal, discreet for its location north of the country. However, with several places you can explore and know, there are plenty of sights that will make you fall in love with the beauty of this destination , which will take you through viewpoints, riverside walks and even an old village. This city, located in the district of Porto, has a long cultural history and can be visited at any time of the year, inviting for its peace and traditional festivals that will hold you in a real visit to the Portuguese roots . The highlight is, for example, the Feast in Honor of Our Lady of Sorrows , which takes place in August. What wonders will you discover in Trofa? In addition to the wonderful landscapes, this city will enchant you with its culture, being able to explore rural villages where you will find an unprecedented hospitality, and its inhabitants are extremely warm and inviting. We invite you to explore the following route: Walk along the trails of the Serra de Santa Justa, where you will have the opportunity to glimpse the incredible views under the city, and then proceed to a more cultural event, taking a leap to the Professor Dr. Américo Couto Municipal Museum . In this museum, you will have the opportunity to know the history and traditions of the region, then visit the city center and head to the historic churches, such as the Church of São Martinho de Bougado, where you will find tile panels that tell the story of São Martinho. Take the opportunity to take a break for lunch and delight yourself with a great Trofa-style cod or a hanger rice to eat and cry for more , ending your meal with one of the incredible Conventuais sweets of the region. Points not to be missed • Dr. Abilio Barreto Park • Trofa Municipal Museum • Parque de S. Mamede de Conorado • Parque das Termas da Trofa What’s it like living in Trofa? If you want to live in Trofa, we can guarantee that you will have a good experience , enjoying a kind of tranquility that you will not find in other big cities, as well as a contact with unique and revitalizing nature. The city provides a familiar and welcoming atmosphere , with all the necessary amenities for an organized and quiet life. In addition, you will be welcomed by the inhabitants of Trofa, who will welcome you with open arms. You will find a slow pace of life, surrounded by nature, and with a strong community and with which you can count. Is Trofa the ideal choice for you? See what properties are waiting for you at SUPERCASA
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction The tourist tax in Lisbon will increase, after the approval of the Lisbon City Council, this Wednesday, which enables the proposal of the PSD/ CDS-PP from the increase of 2 € to 4 € of the amount charged per night. From outside are campsites, by approval of a change of PS, and will be updated tourist arrival fee by sea, from 1 € to 2 €. After approval, the proposal is subject to a public consultation period of 30 days to be collected contributions before its entry into force, which should be later this year. Regarding the tourist arrival fee by sea, the impacts of tourist pressure will also be evaluated against the charges and public space available in the city, and it was decided to evaluate, after one year of its application, through the introduction, if feasible , of differentiated criteria for cruise environmental sustainability. For Carlos Moedas, this review is a fair measure for the city and for the locals , indicating that the update will allow to increase the quality of tourism and reinforce investments in several areas: This option to increase the tourist tax results from the conclusion that today tourism in Lisbon needs to contribute more and better to the quality of life of our city. And so also raise the quality of the tourist who seeks us , he said. About Tourism, we advise reading the following topics: Algarve prepares campaign to attract foreign tourists , Tourism revenues: February registers increase of 276,4M€ and More tourists choose Portugal as a destination for luxury holidays
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction The Algarve Tourism wants to reinforce the arrival of more foreign tourists to the region , namely North American tourists, having prepared several actions to boost the promotion of travel. Some of the municipalities included in this action of the Algarve Tourism are Vila Real de Santo António, Faro, Olhão, Portimão and Albufeira, being thought ten and a half actions to perform throughout this year in Portugal, the United States and Canada. The goal is to promote the district through proposals that show gastronomy, oenology and nature activities of the Algarve region , and the idea arises after having been announced the postponement of a direct flight between Faro and the USA. According to the entity, the Algarve registered, in 2023, an annual growth above 27 percent in the number of guests in the Algarve hotel units , and the trend is positive, It is expected to continue to grow through the displacement of about 200 guests across the Atlantic , including tour operators, journalists and influencers. André Gomes, President of Algarve Tourism, points out: the United States is already the seventh most important foreign market in the region. Visitors to this country, together with those from Canada, seek, and find, in the Algarve, some of the best golf courses and beaches in Europe. Keep abreast: New support for water efficiency in the Algarve: how does it work? , AHETA wants to build social housing to capture manpower and Live 10 minutes from the beach? Realize this dream with SUPERCASA
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction Rapid statistics from the National Institute of Statistics (INE) show that air transport continues to rise, continuing to maintain, in February, historical highs of monthly passenger values in Portuguese airports. According to the analysis, there are 76,000 passengers to make, on average, a daily landing, corresponding to an increase of 4% compared to the values calculated in 2023. The Portuguese are travelling more to France , and this was the main destination of origin and destination of flights, although it has slowed to 6.6% in the number of passengers landed. The value is similar in the number of passengers on board, which was set at 6.4%. Compared to the same period last year, they are -6.6% and -6.4%, respectively. Spain is also one of the passengers favourite destinations in Portugal, followed by the UK. It is also concluded that, in February, national airports handled 19,600 tons of cargo and mail, which means an increase of 16.3% over the same period. This topic may also interest you: More tourists choose Portugal as a luxury holiday destination
Source: Aldeias Históricas de Portugal Author: Redaction If you are looking for an enriching cultural experience, where you can not only explore landscapes and nature reserves, but also a series of adventures and other activities, Castelo Rodrigo is one of the 12 Historical Villages of Portugal that you really have to visit. Belonging to the parish of the municipality of Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, it is surrounded by monumental spaces that will transport you to medieval times. What can you visit in Castelo Rodrigo? The variety of monuments will surprise you, but we suggest, mainly, a visit to the Castle, which is the main attraction of the village, imposing for its medieval design and which will provide you with a unique experience, the panoramic views over the region that will make you return in time and, soon after, we recommend you to explore the Citadel , where you will find narrow streets, stone houses and several points of interest, such as the Church of San Salvador, the Governor’s House and the Keep. If you prefer a cultural passage, the mandatory recommendation is the Côa Museum, where you will get to know the history of the region and the collection of rock prints with more than 25,000 years. Other points of visit we suggest: • Douro International Natural Park: this park covers part of the municipalities of Miranda do Douro, including the parish of Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, and is an excellent option if you prefer to explore the surroundings. You will find river beaches and unmissable trails. • History Zone: inside the village of Castelo Rodrigo, you will find a series of traces of the past that will make you travel back in time to discover the medieval Jewish Quarter, the House of Mercy or the Church Matiz. What’s it like living in this historic village? The natural landscape of Castelo Rodrigo will surround you with history and beauty, being an ideal village for lovers of hiking, cycling or outdoor activities . Then, on a historical level, the heritage is vast and very complete, with lots of places of interest that will take you on a real history lesson . T he community of Castelo Rodrigo is extremely welcoming and hospitable, so you can expect a warm and happy stay, but also with the advantage of having a low cost of living , which is significantly lower than in the large surrounding Portuguese cities. And finally, one of the most appreciated points, is the security that the inhabitants feel, being able to walk leisurely through the streets at any time of the day, without any kind of problem, as it is an extremely peaceful and peaceful locality. On the other hand, by living in this village so aged, you may feel isolated and displaced from large cities, because the fact of being part of a rural area, without great infrastructure, and also the fact of having a relatively complicated car access, especially for those who come from outside, which hinders access to the cities of the periphery. Still, Castelo Rodrigo is a living postcard of obligatory visit for any Portuguese who wants to know a little of the historical past. It is a welcoming village that offers hospitality, history, natural beauty and contact with nature. And for all these reasons, Castelo Rodrigo can be the ideal place for you! If you are looking for houses in this region you will find several options in SUPERCASA
Source: Adobe Stock Author: Redaction Visiting Trás-os-Montes is synonymous with unique experiences and characteristics, marked by stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. For residents, the lifestyle is quiet and peaceful, characterized by a lush nature that includes mountains, valleys, rivers and plateaus. The whole region is a paradise for lovers of this type of natural scenery, as it offers an opportunity for hiking, cycling and bird watching or other outdoor activities. What is there in this natural retreat? In addition to the mountains and the variety of attractions available to visitors, from landscapes to charming villages, Trás-os-Montes brings together a number of options for those looking for a dynamic holiday or a pleasant walk . This region includes the municipalities of Alfândega da Fé , Bragança , Macedo de Cavaleiros , Miranda do Douro , Mirandela , Mogadouro , Vila Flor , Vimioso and Vinhais . Discover some of the places not to be missed! Montesinho Natural Park The Douro International Natural Park Viewpoints In the Montesinho Natural Park, you will find mountains covered with forests, rivers and waterfalls and is ideal for hiking, cycling and nature observation . In the Douro International Natural Park, there are gorges carved by the river with breathtaking views. As for the viewpoints, we recommend visiting the most famous ones, such as São Leonardo, in Miranda do Douro, and Fraga da Pegada, Mogadouro. Which villages should you visit? Miranda do Douro This is a historic city with a strong cultural and linguistic identity. Known for its Carnival and its typical houses with wooden balconies, it is a village not to be missed. Bragança You will remember this city by its walls, which constitute the medieval castle, and a well-preserved historic center. Mogadouro This village has a beautiful historic center and a museum dedicated to local culture, where you will get to know its stories and traditions. Vinhais The village is known for its almonds and its Port wine, but you can visit historical sites with beautiful landscapes. Festivals, traditions and traditional dishes not to be missed If you are looking for animation and a good Portuguese conviviality, in Trás-os-Montes you will find a variety of traditions and other attractions that will leave you surrendered to the transmontana culture, namely the festivals of popular saints , where you will find religious celebrations with arraiais , bonfires and popular music , or the dance of the pauliteiros of Miranda . Another of the biggest events in Trás-os-Montes is Carnival, where you can find the Caretos de Podence with their traditional colorful masks. On a gastronomic level, the suggestion is that you taste the DOP ham from Trás-os-Montes, with its intense flavor and unique texture, the alheira , traditionally made with bread, meat and spices, the Mirandesa steak and the goat cheese. Have you surrendered to this region? See houses for sale at SUPERCASA if you are considering moving
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction According to the latest study by Condé Nast Johansens, entitled Luxury Holiday Habits, Portugal is considered the sixth favorite destination of tourists for luxury holidays . There are several tourism awards that our country has collected in recent times, continuing to build its reputation. The lifestyle reconciled with the beaches and landscapes of the Portuguese coast attract thousands of visitors every year, however, the bar is now raised by the recent study of the reference guide in the luxury travel sector, that places Portugal in the Top 10 of the most sought after countries for this type of tourism. Of the travelers who reported travelling outside the UK, Spain stands out as the preferred destination with 30 percent, then follows France (27 percent), Italy (19 percent), Greece and the United States (with 17 percent) . Portugal is in sixth position, with 16% preference. As it was possible to ascertain, the average income of tourists in the luxury segment is about 100 thousand euros per year, with the average expenditure per traveler around 8 thousand euros. Related: Cascais is recognized as Green Destination
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