Financial Times says Portugal Porto is one of the best cities for foreign investment.

The research “European Cities and Regions of the Future 2014/15” published in the magazine FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) in the British daily Financial Times, places Porto as the third in the list of the 10 most attractive cities of Southern Europe for foreign investment .

In a press release sent to the press, the Porto City Council states that, “for compiling the list, the British newspaper used economic indicators such as the creation of new spaces and infrastructure, better maintenance of the connection of the city, promoting an attractive economic environment and maintaining a high quality of life in the city. “

“It were equally valued incentives for new enterprises, the existence of a highly educated population and the international promotion of the city“, explains the municipality.

The Spanish city of Barcelona came in 1st place in the same ranking and Lisbon 2.º.

In the same study, Porto is referenced in a second ranking. 

The northern city was “in 5th place among medium-sized cities across Europe with better strategy for foreign direct investment.”

This second ranking is lead by the British cities of Edinburgh and Liverpool and the French city Lyon.

The study “European Cities and Regions of the Future 2014/2015” is published two times ayear by the Financial Times.

font: Financial Times

Porto rated Europe’s top destination again!

TripAdvisor has just announced the Travellers’ Choice Awards for the Top Destinations on the Rise, revealing that the city of Porto heads the top 10 in Europe and is third globally. 

On the global list, 1st place goes to Tulum in Mexico and 2nd to Cartagena in Colombia, the birthplace of Gabriel Garcia Marquez. In Europe, Porto takes first place, standing out for a 48% increase in traffic related to the destination on the TripAdvisor site and a 39% rise in booking interest in October this year compared to the same month last year. 

The average price per night in the city through Tripadvisor is €52.79 and the best month to book, according to the site, is this month, when the average price per night is €43.24.

The low-cost accommodation preferred by Internet users planning to visit Porto is Moov Hotel Porto Centro. This statistic, according to the portal, relates to “highly recommended hotels with a minimum rating of four balls out of five on TripAdvisor” and the average price shown relates to the site’s data on bookings for the 1 December this year to 31 October next year. 

http://visitportugalblog.blogspot.pt/2015/12/porto-rated-europes-top-destination-on.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed:+VisitportugalBlog+(VisitPortugal+Blog)

Magical Porto panoramic views

Aerial view of one Europe's most charismatic cities and the Douro Valley .
Oporto is one of the last undiscovered European metropolises.
It is an ancient port steeped in history and tradition. It is a highly atmospheric place that has become known for its monuments by renowned architects (Gustave Eiffel's Dona Maria Bridge, Nicolau Nasoni's Clerigos Tower, Rem Koolhaas' Casa da Musica, or Siza Vieira's Serralves Museum), but just when you think you don't know much about this city, think again. 
This is the city that originated and named Port Wine.
In 2014, Porto was elected The Best European Destination .

Sense of travel

Travelling is about getting new unforgettable experience, seeing beautiful and different places, learning something new.

Discovering something that inspires and surprises! Makes us think, and also have a great time and recharge the batteries.

Wandering around famous Alentejo region of Portugal, a historical and cultural heritage of old Europe is definitely one of such experiences. We love exploring its medieval castles and enjoy top hills view across valleys and villages.

Feeling adventurous? You are most welcome to join!

Sweet sweet Alentejo

Travelling around Alentejo region of Portugal is unforgettable cause of its lands beauty, roman ruins or medieval castles. 

Or deserted ocean beaches and beautiful vineyards.

But the most special thing here is.. It's lovely people and their way of making traditional dishes.

Richest gastronomy ever is this area great specialty. And a true nomads delight.

Come join us!

Unusual travel destinations

Most interesting and unusual travel destinations.. We appreciate new impressions and new emotions they give us so much in fact!

And sometimes the most unforgettable trips happen to areas already 'famous' as a destination, but only if you look at your trip planning from a very different point of view.

Ask me how to make it happen and get the best of it! )

Surprising discoveries

Fascinating places. This is what we like to discover when travelling around such special places as Porto city. Sometimes you walk around interesting but famous sites and don't realise that behind some wall there is another world 
Indeed. The most interesting are the hidden gems not too many people get to see. But we do as we follow our specially planned routs! 

Old city of Porto has gone through so many historical changes, so much happened in between these stunning hills around river Douro curves
Old legends still live here 
And we like to listen to them! 

Come join our journeys. 
And be surprised!

Gastronomic adventure

Travelling around magical Douro Valley of Portugal is always a gastronomic adventure. 

Besides splendid views, shining river surrounded by brightly coloured hills, eclectic bridges and baroque facades of old vineyards - what you also find special in this area is its culinary traditions, different to all you've tasted before and very diverse from place to place.

Come join our trip here and experience something unique, feel totally relaxed and happy at the end.

In Portugal

Feeling very happy

Making your way around exotic wonders of Portugal with MENU Portugal is always a great experience. 

We personally love making sure our guests are happy and feel they get to know best hidden gems of this country, so rich culture and natural marvels.

Showing dear guests around Quinta da Regaleira personally, what a pleasure

In Sintra, Portugal royal village

Never enough

We constantly hear from our grateful guests that there was not enough time to enjoy Portugal!
Be it a week or a two - there is always so much more to see, taste, discover, enjoy

Does not matter if your choice is history or gastronomy orsea sports - or all that and much more - you will always have an unforgettable experience here, in all these fascinating and so different areas, cities, beaches, castles

So always come again and continue the beautiful journey!
With us!

Greatest places. To be visited and admired. Portugal.

COIMBRA UNIVERSITY is recognised as a WORLD HERITAGE by UNESCO

The University of Coimbra has now been recognized as World Heritage site at the 37th session of the World Heritage Committee, which is happening now in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

The great University joins the historic centers of Angra do Heroismo (Azores) ofPortugal, city of Porto, Évora and Guimarães, the grand monasteries of Batalha and Alcobaça, the Convent of Christ (Tomar), the Jeronimos Monastery and Belem Tower, the Cultural Landscape of Sintra, the ancient engravings of Foz Coa, the region of Alto Douro Wine Region, the landscape of vineyard culture of the Pico Island (Azores), the fortifications of Elvas and Madeira laurel.

Portugal is a truly unique place!

Magic of Atlantic Islands. Azores, Portugal.

TERCEIRA ISLAND

Terceira's port once welcomed galleons laden with spices from the Orient, and gold and silver from the Americas Even today, its historic city streets transport you back to the 16 and 17 centuries. Out in the country, flat green fields in a chessboard pattern are dotted with dairy cows, and white houses nestle against the blue sky.

Terceira's locals have been welcoming people to the island for centuries, and enjoy traditional pastimes like street bullfighting, “tourada à corda”, and modern sports such as golf.

With its seamless blend of past and present, Terceira island is indeed a perfect place to spend exciting and complete holiday.

ANGRA DO HEROÍSMO, A WORLD HERITAGE SITE

Built in the 16 century, Angra do Heroísmo was the first European urban centre, and has achieved World Heritage status as a result. Its old streets highlight the city's fine architectural heritage, as do its churches, palaces and museums, together with the fortress

that defended the city and port from pirates.

Once you've sampled the delights of Angra do Heroísmo, you should visit the historic town of Praia da Vitória. Here you'll find the gothic church of São Sebastião, built by the first

settlers, and the manor houses, churches and chapels of São Carlos, Fontinha, São Brás and Lajes masterpieces of imperial architecture dedicated to the cult of the Holy Ghost.

BEAUTIFUL, UNSPOILT COUNTRYSIDE

Terceira's unspoilt countryside complements the fine historical monuments of its towns. The island boasts green landscapes and mountain ranges that are great for walks, beyond

which you can glimpse flower-dotted fields and the blue of the sea and sky.

A walk in the hills will also unearth some of Terceira's geological wonders, like the Caldeira de Guilherme Moniz, a 15 km wide volcanic crater, and the caves of Algar do Carvão with its lava stalactites and stalagmites.

You'll also find a challenging golf course on the island, and two marinas that give Terceira a cosmopolitan atmosphere by attracting yachts crossing the Atlantic. The surrounding sea offers much for those wanting an active holiday. Fishing, diving, surfing, windsurfing and sailing are the main sports on the island and those who enjoy swimming can take advantage of Terceira's natural pools – formed when volcanic lava met the cold sea.

From May to September, Terceira is the scene of many colourful traditional festivals. The Festival of the Holy Ghost, Festas do Espírito Santo is repeated in every village, and followed by a large banquet.
While the centrepiece of the Festival of St. John, Festas Sanjoaninas , is a procession of enthusiastic crowds.

Festival season also means good food. Popular traditional dishes include “alcatra” – an exotic spicy beef stew plus black pudding and octopus, whilst local sweets are varied and delicious.

No meal on Terceira would be complete without a glass of Biscoitos wine, a local speciality with its own dedicated museum

by visitportugal

Creative travelling

Creative travelling. Is when you go off beaten tracks and choose something unusual
Portugal - is a land of unusual. Just look:

Sunniest beaches and World Records waves - check
Unique wines, result of unusual grape casts and hot/cold winds from 2 continents - here they are
Grand river valleys. Endless fields and mountains with 800 year old Castles on top - yes it is here, called World heritage 

Most delicious seafood and rural interior cuisine variations? unheard of in the rest of the world, but here

Palaeolithic monuments? Yes here it is. In the middle of Portugal 

Travel. Discover. Be special and find special.
In Portugal 

The most desirable activity in the world.. Travelling!

Travelling is one of the best, most interesting things in the world, one of our strongest desires always and something that inspired, gives us new impression, emotions, teaches us and simply makes us happy! 

Something that we wish to experience, to do again and again, this small and sometimes big pleasures of life. Travelling.
Discovering new beautiful things, listening to stories of fascinating places and great people, taste most delicious things ever! Tis is the target, this is the dream that always keeps us going.

Maybe not all the trips we make become thus unforgettable - in a positive note - experience and make us happy. But in a place called Portugal it is practically impossible.
Most luxurious spa retreats and Michelin starred spots, yes, there are many here, but not only. Most pleasant sometimes are the simple things, as observing an endless view of a river valley and then proving delicious regional wines right there. 

And this is for everyone, for one with a great taste, curiosity, way of living the life as a special one, going off beaten tracks and loving discoveries!

Portugal National Park of Gerês region is exactly what make such nomad dreams come true.
Endless lands, heritage monuments, mountains and waterfall, most charming little villages ever, offering you a boutique hotel accommodation and feeling at home, offering delicious regional culinary variations to indulge in and numerous extreme sports and adventure experiences to challenge yourself!

Travel with taste, curiosity, discover and prove new.
Come to Gerês, even if you've been to Portugal and any other natural resources - this one will no doubt surprise you a lot.
And give an unforgettable experience and excitement!

Only in Portugal

Beach paradise. Close to you. Portugal

Wish to feel this joy, this happiness, just enjoying yourself and this very moment..? Portugal beach paradise is what where you have got to be, that's right 
One of the most impressive and diverse ocean coast landscape in the world

And maybe it's good that not that many people are aware of it
Cause besides several famous spots there are hundreds of true gems, this hidden secret spots
Where you feel this pure bliss, tranquility and on top of the world
And nothing disturbs you
Only albatross accidentally screams too close to you. But it's rather cute!

The Atlantic Ocean coastline is immense and very diverse from region to region here, besides natural beauty and its variety it has all the best to offer for families and little kids, extreme sport lover, gourmands and great wine appreciators. And party goers too )

Get to discover it. Only in Portugal! )

Most beautiful things. Water views. Aveiro city. Portugal

Mirror of this water and bright beautiful sky. Fantastic start of a day. 

Aveiro, Portugal - a unique place, where traditional historucal architecture combines with a unique natural landscape, reason to call this charming town on a coastline 'Portuguese Venice' 

And its gastronomy!
Freeshest seafood! Typical famous sweets! Oh. Delicatessens. 

Come over! Discover. Enjoy 

Travel. Romance. Magnificent Costa Alentejana area of Portugal

The sun is our greatest asset. On the Costa Alentejana, summer can stretch from March until November. From Alcácer do Sal to Odemira, there are miles of beaches to discover. From the extensive beaches in the north to the little coves hidden among the cliffs in the south, a calm and secret ocean awaits you. No traffic, no crowds.

Located in Southwest Portugal, the Costa Alentejana is a region of unique characteristics, accessed in a few hours from any major European airport. Few destinations in the world combine, in such harmony, development and tradition with comfort and nature, an itinerary of sporting, cultural and leisure activities with the tranquillity of a natural and built landscape that invites tranquillity, romance and relaxation.

This whole scene of natural life can be covered in romantic walks on foot, horseback, boat, or along the graceful roads that cut through the landscape. Because time is on our side and a single moment, if well spent, can last a lifetime.

Beaches are just one of many features of the Costa Alentejana. Throughout the region you will find incredible, unspoiled landscape, natural lakes, reservoirs and places where you could be forgiven for thinking that the sun was setting just for you.

Celebrating unique moments

The Costa Alentejana is romantic. It is a destination of choice for those who love beauty, nature, life and love, above all, for those who want to share this with someone. For a vacation away from the daily routine that distracts us from what is truly important or just to celebrate a special event, here you will find numerous hotels, pousadas, restaurants and bars waiting to be discovered by two. Many experiences only make sense lived side by side.

Hotels overlooking the sea, pousadas built between silence and the landscape, rural tourism accommodation in the heart of nature. The Costa Alentejana is a map of charming places for every romance. Modern and elegant, natural and discreet, elegant and sincere.

Life should be celebrated at the table, with a cuisine refined over centuries and accompanied with exceptional wines. From cosy typical restaurants to areas of the latest design, you’re in good company, with the surf breaking on the sand and the sky sprinkled with stars.

After toasting to the present and the future, come and discover the past.

The castles, churches, museums and ruins that remind us, that long ago, the Roman Empire arrived here, at the gates to the Atlantic. And lose yourself in fairs, festivals and processions.

You can dance the whole year to the tune of local songs or wait for the big summer festivals, when the Costa Alentejana becomes the world capital of music.

Love needs time and space. And time and space are precisely what the Costa Alentejana specializes in. Time and space to leave the world behind for a while. Time and space to break the routine and be free. Time and space for romance. Time and space to rediscover each other and celebrate.

by CostaAlentejana

Algarve in Portugal - an idyllic year-round destination.

The Algarve, derived from the Arabic term ‘Al Gharb’ meaning ‘The West’, is situated in the extreme south of Portugal. The region is a delight to visit all year round with golden sandy beaches on the coast offering a haven for sun seekers whilst the sleepy hillside villages further inland offer peace and tranquillity for those looking to get away from the stresses and strains of everyday life.

Must See

Resorts including Albufeira, Armação de Pêra, Praia da Rocha, and Vilamoura, are among the Algarve's main holiday destinations. Offering an excellent selection of accommodation, beaches, entertainment and a variety of nightlife ranging from cabaret shows at casinos to lively discos and quaint, welcoming bars, it is no surprise that the Algarve has visitors coming back year after year.

The coastal city of Faro is the region’s capital. Faro stands out as an important commercial, artistic and ncultural centre. Often simply passed through by visitors as a gateway, the city in fact offers fascinating architecture as part of the region’s rich history.

Sagres, on the western coast was the place where Infante D. Henrique (Henry the Navigator) founded a school of navigation during the 15th century thus instigating a culture of maritime exploration. Moving east, Henry the Navigator also had a great influence in Lagos. Set in one of the largest bays in the Algarve, Lagos was once an important naval centre and is now an attractive, bustling town. Evidence of its important naval history is still visible today with a large statue of Henry the Navigator gazing out to sea situated in one of the town’s main squares

Despite being most famous for its sandy beaches, the inland villages of the Algarve offer visitors peace and quiet in its lush green hills. The cork and oak forests are a haven for nature lovers and provide the natural habitat for the Iberian Lynx, now an endangered species. Just as interesting are the Algarve mountains of Serra de Monchique where you can relax at the natural thermal spa of Termas de Monchique once described as ‘sacred’ by the Romans.

Tavira, situated on the edge of the Ria Formosa Nature Park, is a must-see for visitors to this area of the Algarve. This pretty town is abundant with historic churches and fine mansions as well as a plethora of excellent restaurants where you can sample delicious local seafood.

Once a rich and powerful city, today Silves is a sleepy town lying in the foothills of the Serra de Monchique mountains. Believed to have been founded by the Phoenicians, its cathedral and red sandstone castle remind visitors of its rich and industrious Moorish past, which came to an end after a three-month siege led by King Sancho I in 1189.

Silves boasts the best preserved castle in the Algarve. Built on the site of the 11th-century Palace of the Verandahs, its turreted walls dominate the town and provide panoramic views over the surrounding countryside. The town's 13th-century Gothic Cathedral, built on the site of a former mosque, contains a number of Crusader tombs and a jasper statue of Nossa Senhora da Conceição believed to date from the 14th century.

Vila Real de Santo António is 53 miles (85km) east of Faro and is neatly designed on a geometric grid system. Radiating out from the central square, the Praca Marquês de Pombal with its dramatic paved radial mosaic floor and central obelisk is edged with orange trees. The town is on the west bank of the River Guadiana. Back in the 17th century the original town was flooded by the sea, and was rebuilt by the Marquês de Pombal who had rebuilt Lisbon after the 1755 earthquake. The reconstruction was completed in just five months leaving a tidy town with streets lined by elegant 18th century townhouses, and a long esplanade along the riverbank where strollers can enjoy an impressive view. Visitors can take river tours inland along the Guadiana River from Vila Real de Santo António.

Wherever you opt on going, for sure you will discover really fascinating places and amazing gastronomy, and your experience in beautiful Algarve is just meant to be excellent.

by turismodoalgarve

Cultural Heritage of Old Europe - discover in Portugal! Barocco style masterpieces.

Portugal developed unprecedented versions of Baroque style in the world of art – in the fields of azulejo tiles and carved gilded wood. Azulejo tiles – an extremely rich iconographic culture that runs alongside the tradition of great canvas painting – focused primarily on religious themes: the history of the lives of the Saints and cy cles dedicated to the Virgin Mary and the Life of Christ. The main profane themes focused on mythology and fables, in particular the fables of La Fontaine, explored in azulejo tiles such as those in the Church of S. Vicente de Fora, and also linked to programmes imposed by commissioners in the domestic space of their gardens and palaces.

Ornamentation and compositional formats, introduction of “gallant scenes”, “hunting scenes”, more or less stereotypical landscapes, sometimes exotic, originated autonomous motifs with countless variations such as the so-called “invitation figures” (figures de convite) - life-sized representations of people adopting gestures of etiquette, as they receive visitors, located at room entrances or staircase landings. This deceptive naturalism and apparent ingenuity, established azulejo work as one of the most characteristic Portuguese styles.

The reign of D. João V was marked by implementation of a utopia in the world of art, whose initial seeds had been sown in 17th century politics. This was the only explanation behind major ventures such as the Royal Convent of Mafra, one of the largest palatial and monastic buildings in Europe. The characteristic elements of Portuguese Baroque - carved gilded wood and ornamentation of churches with azulejo tiles – directly descended from this desire to create a “golden age”. It also derived from a very real access to gold, imported from Brazil.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, carved gilded wood transformed church interiors, which often had unique layouts, thus conferring them with luminosity and spatial energy. A classic example is the Library of the University of Coimbra, whose interior was transformed through the use of carved gilded wood. A wide array of altar-pieces were installed in all styles of Portuguese churches throughout the 17th century. Derived from mannerist altars and altar-pieces - stable, firm and of classic taste - the Portuguese style altar-piece ended up by replacing slower, heavier and expensive models, executed in stone by Italian Baroque sculptors.

However, the  Portuguese style should not be viewed as a poorer or imitative version of its predecessors. On the contrary, it included original motifs and was based on unique compositions. The splendour of the gilding, the greater or lesser depths of the hand carved ornamental motifs, constitute the backdrop for the key architectural elements: the arches and door-jambs – thick, repeated, staggered in depth; tribunes constituted by several steps, raising up to great height in a curious play of different scales and monumental display; the throne, upon which the statue of the patron saint was placed; Solomonic columns, decorated with vines and small angels.

In the same manner, the Enlightenment spirit fostered by the Marquis of Pombal during the reign of D. José (1750-1777), formed part of a broader Baroque strategy, especially if one considers his urban-planning proposals. 

The key impulse behind this avant-garde movement was the unprecedented catastrophe, whose impact was felt throughout the world – the brutal 1755 earthquake that devastated Lisbon. Some commentators viewed the Earthquake as a sign of the end of the world. For others, however, it was an opportunity to secularise a society that was atavistically entrenched in profound religiosity.

Discover this great world heritage and see it in real life in Portugal! 

by visitportugal