For those who know the magic of Portugal, it will come as no surprise that hidden in its southern most part lies Beja, an undiscovered jewel that once was the setting for the greatest love story ever told. There, a young twenty-six-year-old nun, the daughter of a rich nobleman met, fell in love and was abandoned by a French officer. Her passionate letters to him published in 1669 took Paris by storm and incited a crucial turn in world literature that inspired generations of artists including Braque, Modigliani and Elizabeth Barret Browning. Built on the highest hill in the Alentejo, Beja still holds the same appeal. Read more →
Current Affairs
Stretching from the banks of the Tejo River to the mountains that surround the Algarve, the Alentejo is the heartland of Portugal. The Alentejo has inspired countless epic tales and adventures. A land with intense flavors of wine and a local cuisine that is unlike anything else, and as fresh and as local as the land it comes from. A place where you can enjoy both bliss and thrills, surrounded by rolling plains and mountains, blue rivers, pristine beaches, and villages painted in white and blue. And, the sunlight is warm and unique. Discover the Portuguese region rich in natural beauty, adventure, culture, flavors and welcoming smiles. Read more →
Luxury, traction and history, the new Hotel República has opened in the center of Tomar. The five-star hotel just opened in the Praça da República. The new Tomar hotel is an investment of two and a half million euros. The Hotel República has nineteen rooms, two of which are suites, and a restaurant called "Praça" that opens to a historic square. The hotel is flanked by a monumental church and medieval city hall. Read more →
Where to head when the sky opens up Read more →
Unless you consider it truly essential to visit some Portuguese beaches in the following weeks, coming to Portugal - as an American citizen - is only possible if there is actual essential reason for now. Individuals wanting to travel for tourism will still have to wait a while to see if the current rules (see the legislation) ease for Americans coming to Portugal. If you hold a Portuguese passport, you can travel now. Read more →
Portugal was a neutral nation in World War II. But, as one of the only open and non-combatant cities in Europe during the war, the streets of Lisbon became the "The Capital of Espionage” In a spy-based proxy cold war. This fascinating chapter of the long history of Lisbon was the focus of Lisbon: War in the Shadows of the City of Light, 1939-1945 by Neill Lochery. Read more →
European leaders see the rapid growth of Covid-19 infections in the United States as a reason to close Europe to American travel. The banned list will be revisited every 2 weeks. Read more →
As temperatures are rising in the warm Portuguese sun, the second phase of re-opening in Portugal is underway. If the first phase - began on May 4th - allowed small shops, hairdressers, and libraries to open, two weeks later and with no significant increase of infected cases, this next phase will authorize restaurants, cafés, schools, and museums to serve the public as well. This is a challenging period since locals like to enjoy the summer weather outdoors at restaurants and beaches, but now with social distancing. However, people are well aware that there are still precautions to take and that they will look at the Summer of 2020 as a “different one.” Read more →
Today, Portugal starts to emerge from hibernation. It is a long road, but one that saved lives. Stores slowly reopen, public transport is running, and new roles are in place to help keep people safe. The year 2019 was a record one for tourism and Portugal is now the third most tourism-dependent country in Europe. Read more →
“The Focus is to Promote the Island of Madeira as a Covid Safe Tourism Destination” Read more →
On this day in 1974 the people of Portugal took the future in their own hands and earned their freedom. It called for tremendous sacrifices and courage. And it highlighted the nature oof the national character. We take this day, and in the sprit of April 25, 1974, to rededicate this site to the people of Portugal. We will share with you their struggles, and their efforts to welcome you again to our wonderful country. We will update you on new initiatives, changes, and ideas. We will share honest perspectives of what is going on, and how you can plan to experience Portugal again soon. Please follow and share our content, and stand with Portugal. It will be there for you! Read more →