Monte Horizonte

The Tivoli Victoria is among the best hotels in the world, according to the Trip Advisor Travelers Choice 2010 Awards.  The hotel placed 1st in the TOP 10 in Europe in the category of Relaxation\Spa and 4th in the TOP 10 worldwide in the same category.

Portugal is 13 out of 159 nations surveyed in terms of safety, says the 2010 Global Peace Index (GPI). Portugal moved up one place. According to the evaluation, the index assessed 149 countries. The GPI is composed of 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators from respected sources, and combines the internal and external affairs of countries. Among the indicators are: political stability, extent of crime dissemination in society, level of respect for human rights, spread of violence between members of the community, internal conflicts, relationship with neighboring countries, and terrorist offences happening within a country. Germany has been ranked 16th globally this year, Spain is at 25, Britain 31, France 32, Italy 40, and the US was 85th.

One of the Algarve’s landmark hotels, the Hotel Garbe in Armação de Pêra, started to operate as a Holiday Inn as of July 1, 2010.The newly-rebranded Holiday Inn Algarve first opened in 1963 in a detached beach-front location. Renovation work on the 4-star hotel has already started, with 66 of the 185 guest-rooms having already been redecorated in line with Holiday Inn specifications.

Dedicated to the famous 15th century explorer, Christopher Columbus, this historical recreation of everyday life in the 15th century, in particular in the period marked by Columbus’s time on the island, which enchants tourists and residents alike. The festival includes a fair, dinner, the landing of Christopher Columbus, a military detachment, a children’s area with Renaissance games, circus, plays, music and dancing.

The Monte Filipe Hotel & Spa is the latest hotel to be built in Alpalhão near the Alentejo’s Nisa. The new four-star hotel has the support of the Tourism of Portugal and will offer a natural escape. After it’s opening, the hotel will join the Naturtejo Geopark. Monte Filipe Hotel & Spa will be located 5 kilometers from the spa complex of Fadagosa, and will also have a spa with four beauty treatments and wellness rooms, sauna, steam bath and Jacuzzi, indoors and outdoors. The hotel unit has 48 double rooms, two suites and two rooms for the disabled, plus a restaurant, meeting room and craft shop.

Monte da Quinta Resort in the Algarve has enhanced its accommodation portfolio with the unveiling of 132 newly built one, two and three-bedroom suites. Located in the stylish beach and golf resort of Quinta do Lagos, just 12 miles from Faro airport, Monte da Quinta Suites are equipped with every modern convenience, including cable TV in all the rooms, DVD player, phone, safe, air-conditioning and a kitchenette with dish-washer, microwave and conventional ovens, fridge, toaster, etc. On-site leisure facilities at Monte da Quinta are wide ranging, with a modern spa most notable among them where guests have full use of the steam bath, Jacuzzi, heated indoor treatment pool, relaxing footbath, two chromotherapy treatment rooms, several different types of shower (Vichy, ice, nebulizer and Swiss) and a state-of-the-art Technogym.

The City of Coimbra is organizing a survey of taverns in the Centro city, which was a meeting place for generations of poets and students, and to carry out a plan for revitalization, preservation, and enhancement through a “Route of the Tabernas de Coimbra.” The Tabernas establishments are characteristic of times past that have played an important role in the communities in which it operated, with evidence of economic, social, cultural and even political populations. They were also centers of society, especially among the working classes. The city of Coimbra was rich in taverns. The city has embarked on an exhaustive survey, and found more than 36 taverns in operation. This is the result of a first phase of survey / characterization of the taverns carried out, covering the parishes of Holy Cross and St. Bartholomew (the area of Baixa) and the parishes of Almedina and New Cathedral (included in the area of Upper).

The popular newspaper describes Madeira as a destination fit for the younger generation looking for nature and adventure vacations. Madeira was once popular amongst the older British generation due to their previous influence on the island, but in recent years that market has shifted. The article also comments that Madeira is favored by a spring-like climate throughout the year, spectacular cliff scenery and hundreds of miles of irrigation channels that offer long walks.

The village of Cidadelhe in Mesão Frio will get an investment of six million euros for the restoration of a fort and the building of a five-star hotel. Work starts this June on the 44 room hotel. The hotel will keep the original outline of a seventeenth century manor house, the Quinta do Paço de Cidadelhe and include a spa, restaurant, bar and museum. The ruins of the fort will be restored, and the area will become a park with species native to the surrounding area.

As Janelas Verdes, a boutique hotel that belongs to Heritage Hotels, has been named on the Tatler Magazine’s annual list of the 101 Best Hotels of the World. The Tatler Magazine gives this prize to As Janelas Verdes, an 18th century palace with a library overlooking the Tejo River and next to the Ancient Art Museum, simply because it offers a “discreet, quiet-stay for nose-tapping in-the-knowness”.

Virtuoso’s Voyager Club has called the tour: Walled village of Óbidos and lunch at Quinta de Santana Wine Estate (Tours For You) as one of the Best Voyager Club Event top 5 in the world. Tours For You,

an Incoming Tour Operator and DMC based in Lisbon, specializes in providing a personalized service and designing high quality travel proposals in Portugal for the discerning traveler, for groups (in leisure or business) or for special events and incentives.Virtuoso’s Voyager Club program is the hallmark hosted program in the industry. Founded in 1990, it offers hundreds of departures each year and continues to set the standard for innovation and quality.

The Tour of Mines and points of interest in mining and geological in Portugal is available through the site www.roteirodeminas.pt. For example, the Tours includes the Mines of the Alentejo region, information on Aljustrel Mine, S. Domingos, Mina Lousal Living Science Center and Estremoz. On the website you can find information on the location of S. Domingos Mina and on other points of interest such as C rta, Moitinha, Achada do Gamo, House of the Miner – Documentation Center, River Beach, Mina S. Domingo, and the railway workshops of Pomarão. This new tool also enables the scheduling of visits by geology and mines.

José Antonio Griñán Garcia (President of the Junta da Andalucia) is the first President of the Alentejo – Algarve – Andalucia Euroregion. The new region was set up this spring in Faro, and will work to bring more opportunities to the citizens of three regions. Euroregions is an association of local and regional authorities on either side of the border. It hopes to be a trans-frontier association with a permanent government board as well a technical and administrative group with it’s own resources. In European politics, the term Euroregion usually refers to a transnational co-operation structure between two (or more) contiguous territories located in different European countries.

With alcohol levels of 36 percent, the new “spiritual” drink is nicknamed by its creator as the new “summer nectar” due to its composition of 70 % arbutus spirit and 30 % honey. Arbutus spirit, also known locally as Medronho, is a traditional drink in the Algarve produced with the arbutus fruit. According to the producer, the biggest challenge of the testing stage was to obtain the crystal look of the drink, due to the characteristics of the ingredients being used. The drink is produced in a small distillery located in Aldeia do Talurdo, near Silves, where Luís Sequeira also produces and sells chocolate bonbons filled with honey and arbutus spirit. Aguardente is the drink – much like vodka, and Medronho (aka strawberry-tree) is the fruit that gives it a special flavor. Similar to the strawberry, the Medronho fruit has its seeds on the outside and a soft flesh on the inside, with a small delicate pit in the center. The fruit is small and round, with an orange and deep read color, biting into the fruit one feels its graininess, but when bitten through it’s soft and delicate center collapses with a mellow meaty sweetness. When ideally ripened, the bumpy exterior turns almost black in color, and this is when these little strawberry balls are ideal for harvesting and making Aguardente de Medornho. Aguardente can be made from other fruits such as figs but the most revered is still Medronho.

SATA /Azores Express has launched a new route linking the Azores and Madeira with the Algarve. The new link Azores / Madeira / Faro, which kicked off June 18 will be offered twice a week, on Monday and Friday, starting and ending at Ponta Delgada (Azores) by SATA Internacional. The route will provide a direct link between three vacation after research demonstrated willingness and readiness of some tour operators to market the route. This link will be made with the new Bombardier Q400 NextGen aircraft SATA Air Azores, an air craft that has levels of comfort and flight times close to those of jet aircraft but with much lower fuel consumption. More information about this, and all routes operated by SATA, are available from travel agents or at the  website www.sata.pt.

‘Revolution 99/09‘a new exhibit at  Experimenta Design, points to the future through the retrospective of the past decade where Portugal went through a design revolution- The exhibition “Revolution 99/09,” is now open to public at the Palace of the Barão de Quintela e Conde de Farrobo (paragraph 70 of Alecrim Street, Lisbon) until September 5, 2010.

This retrospective organized by Experience Design (EXD) may appear like a collection of objects from everyday Portuguese life in recent years. The 420 pieces of “Revolution 99/09″ component, according to Guta Moura Guedes, president of Experience Design, “are more representative of the Portuguese design of the last ten years,” with a clear focus on the future of design , instead of any nostalgia for the past. Apart from the gas cylinder Pluma, designed by Rui Sampaio de Faria, the exhibition, divided between product design and graphic design, contains some products that have come to be ubiquitous (as the machine Qosmo, Daniel Caramelo) or at least recognized by the general public (such as Keybag, Joao Sabino),. This was not the story of a “silent revolution, but an invitation to the discovery of a generation of creators. It is also the part of the new partnership between Experience Design and the Institute of Visual Arts, Design and Marketing (IADE). ”

Xacobeo 2010 – “Road to Santiago” on the Portuguese side. The European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation Galicia / Norte de Portugal, in partnership with the Regional do Norte (CCDR-N) and Xunta de Galicia, to promote Xacobeo 2010 with the aim of spreading the word about the Camino de Santiago Route- on the Central Traditional Portuguese side and including the towns and local hikers.  The path is composed of 13 steps, which will be carried by pilgrims every week-end to July 31, 2010:

June 26 – Valença do Minho and Tui / Porriño – Distance: 15 km, Estimated Time: 5 hours l Difficulty: Average

July 3 – Porriño / Redondela – Distance: 16 km, Estimated Time: 4 hours l Difficulty: Low

July 10 – Redondela / Pontevedra – Distance: 18 km, Estimated Time: 5 hours l Difficulty: Low

July 17 – Pontevedra / Caldas de Reis – Distance: 24 km, Estimated Time: 6 hours l Difficulty: Average

July 24 – Caldas de Reis / Padrón – Distance: 19 km, Estimated Time: 5 hours l Difficulty: Low

July 31 – Padrón / Santiago de Compostela – Distance: 24 km, Estimated Time: 6 hours l Difficulty: Average

The Blue Flag is a voluntary and exclusive eco-label awarded in 41 countries worldwide. The Blue Flag works towards sustainable development at beaches and marinas through publicly awarding sites that meet strict criteria dealing with water quality, environmental education and information, environmental management, and safety and other services. The Program has also recently started a voluntary scheme for private boat owners called the Individual Blue Flag, which boaters can fly if they have signed and agreed to follow an environmental code of conduct.  Since 1987 the number of beaches and marinas participating in the Program has increased, despite toughening criteria. The criteria are updated as needed to keep abreast of new scientific findings, legislation, and generally to keep the campaign participants striving for ever better environmental quality. For further details see the site of the Blue Flag association http://www.blueflag.org

As Knight and Day, with Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz opens around the world, audiences will see Cruise’s character being chased by a team of his former CIA colleagues from Boston to what is mentioned to be the Azores (where he maintains a private island). Sounds fun, well maybe not.. But anyone can find their own private island in the Azores… Here is how:

FLORES
Depending on how you look at it, Europe either begins or ends at the island of Flores, the western-most Azorean island. Along with nearby Corvo, the two islands form the western group of islands of the archipelago. Flores was discovered between 1450 and 1452, but it remained isolated for centuries, really until the airport was constructed there in the 1960s. Only then did Flores develop a stronger connection to the outside world.

Today, the island¹s economy is still based largely on fishing, agriculture and, now, a blossoming tourism industry. Flores is a welcome escape from the modern world. Its slow pace is hard to find anywhere else.

The island is a mix of deep green forests, pastures, and fields. As the name suggests, Flores is always in bloom with wild flowers, including blue hydrangeas and wild cubres (a yellow bloom) grown on seaside cliffs.

The landscape is rugged, with crater lakes and dramatic coastal cliffs and waterfalls–more than any other island in the Atlantic.  The rocky coast of Flores is dotted with still more tiny islands, some home to grazing sheep.

CORVO
Flores¹ sister island, Corvo, is even more isolated and sparsely populated.
It was the last of the Azores islands to be settled, sighted around 1450 and settled, finally, by 1548. The island¹s isolation once led to an interesting trade relationship with pirates‹they were given supplies by the island¹s residents and, in exchange, the pirates protected the residents.

Today, Corvo is home to just a few hundred people ­ all residing in the seaside village of Vila Nova do Campo. Besides this village, the island seems to swirl around a huge crater, 500 feet deep. There are no other towns. Corvo is mostly open hinterland, making it an excellent place for undisturbed hikes and communing with sky and sea. Many visitors also come to Corvo for its excellent scuba diving and fishing.

GRACIOSA
The small and hilly island of Graciosa was discovered in 1450. Soon, the island¹s green fields were drawing people from throughout Portugal and Flanders. And, it got its fist hotel EVER last year.

While Graciosa has not seen volcanic activity in some 500 years, the island has active geysers. Often called ³the white island,² Graciosa has low hills at is center, circling around a series of extinct volcano craters.

Azoreans know Graciosa for its fine wines and brandy produced from Isabela grapes. The island¹s Flemish-inspired windmills are also well known.
Cheesecakes, embroidery and linens are other examples of Graciosa¹s specialties.

Pousadas de Portugal launched two packages for the summer holidays in Portugal. These are available with over 40 domestic destinations, three or five night’s accommodations and prices between 85 and 95 euros per room, per night.  Both programs include breakfast and allow the possibility to opt for the extra benefits “Family Holidays” or “Summer for Two,” the first to offer accommodations for two children up to 12 years in parents’ room, while the second includes a dinner or lunch (Menu Summer) for two without drinks. “Family Holidays” still includes the provision of a children’s menu, and also available is the Children’s Club of units with activities for children. In the “Summer for Two,” lunch or dinner also includes a welcome drink as well as a bottle of wine or liquor regional and petit fours in your room upon arrival. For reservations or more information call 21 844 2001 or visit the site www.pousadas.pt.

Portuguese railways company CP starts its summer steam train service Saturday June 5th, between Régua and Tua in the Douro Valley. Called one of the great railway journeys of the world, the weekly trip runs until October 9, 2010 and costs €43 roundtrip for adults and €21.50 for kids aged 5 to 12. Beyond the magnificent views of the magnificent River Douro, passengers, get a welcome glass of Port wine (the train steams its way through the heart of Port wine country) and a slice of local cake served up to the sound of live musical entertainment. Pulled by a vintage 0186 steam locomotive, the five-carriage train departs from Régua at 2:45 p.m., stopping at Pinhão briefly before arriving at Tua at 4:04 p.m.. The return journey leaves Tua at 5:06 p.m., arriving back at Régua at 6.22 p.m.

The Museum of Popular Art, in Lisbon, reopened to the public in May 2010 for the celebrations of the Centenary of Republic. The Popular Art Museum closed a few years ago for it’s building to be transformed into a new museum devoted to Portuguese language and culture. Popular petition convinced the government to bring the old museum back. The museum is dedicated to the traditional arts and crafts of Portugal, originally displayed by regions. Its original home, set in a building between the Discoveries Monument and Belem Tower, will be renovated to once again welcome the collection.

The Global Peace Index (GPI), Portugal, at number 13, has also improved slightly, although its recent package of cutbacks will be a test of its social cohesion. The USA is the 85th most peaceful nation, according to the ranking. The Global Peace Index is compiled by the Institute for Economics and Peace, which uses data from the research and predictions department at The Economist. The figures are a compound score based on a variety of factors including national crime rate, security spending, relations with neighboring countries, prison population and human rights record. It is the report’s conclusion that the world is less peaceful now than last year. The development is driven by economic woes which have seen crime rates increase, violent protests in capital cities and more people are becoming victim to violent acts.

A real mix of events takes place every summer in Lisbon during the Oceans Festival (Festival dos Oceanos). From July 31 to August 14, 2010, you can enjoy water jumps, the fluvial parade, street animation and concerts, which are concentrated along Lisbon‘s riverfront from Alcântara to Nations’ Park. The Oceans Festival is back in Lisbon with an edition devoted to the commemoration of the centenary of the Portuguese Republic, which includes several events, to animate the Riverside Area of the Capital. Concerts, Fado Nights, museums which are open at night, exhibitions, street entertainment, interactive activities and fireworks are some of the surprises that are free and open to all ages.  The continent presents the seventh edition of the Oceans Festival, organized by the Lisbon Tourism Association, a production with the support of Turismo de Portugal, Lisbon City Hall, the National Commission for the Commemoration of the Centennial of the Republic, Casino Lisboa and of GEUrbana.

Cyclists who had put the brakes on a European bicycling vacation in these economically challenging times can get their bikes back in gear! Easy Rider Tours has rolled out a new 6-day “Biking Breakaways” trip, priced at a budget-friendly $1,995 per person. The “Algarve Blue” tour is a scenic spin along the southwest coast. Cloudless skies, miles of scenic shoreline, and colorful architecture combine. Cyclists’ most memorable ride might be the trek to the land’s end at Cabo de São Vicente, the southwestern most point in Europe and once considered the edge of the Western world. Plenty of “off-bike” time is planned for relaxing along the region’s famed beaches and visiting historic landmarks from Roman ruins to an ancient Moorish fortress. The tour finishes in the historic seaport of Lagos, known for its museums, gardens, sidewalk cafes, and, of course, inviting ocean waters. Cost is $1,995 per person price includes all accommodations, most meals, use of a 24-speed bicycle, two experienced guides, and a support vehicle to carry luggage (and the occasional tired cyclist). Airfare is not included in the tour price. Tours are offered from June through mid-October.