Best in Travel Magazine // Issue 83 // Discover Portugal

BESTINTRAVELMAGAZINE.COM DISCOVER | EXPLORE | VISIT PORTUGAL

PERFECT

PORTUGAL

INTRODUCING

PORTUGAL Captivating cities – here’s looking at Lisbon, with its old fashioned trams, and prey Porto with its UNESCO-listed Medieval old town and golden rooops – glorious white sand beaches (Estoril, anyone?) and medieval architecture helped Portugal win ‘World's leading destination’ at the prestigious 2017 World Travel Awards.

And for good reason. Whether you want to relax in the Algarve or on tropical Madeira or play a round on one of Portugal’s famed golf courses, the land of the three F's (Fado music, the Fátima pilgrimage, and Futebol), has you covered.

Stir into the mix the fact that the country is safe (it was voted the fourth-safest country this year by the Institute for Economics and Peace), super affordable and sunny throughout the year – and it’s easy to see why Portugal scores.

In this issue, we showcase some of the gems of the tourism and hospitality industry to help you plan your Portuguese getaway…

Publisher Kevin Rolfe

Special Features Editor Rita Jouaneh

Editor Siddharth Thaker

Production team Rasha Akar Nadeem George Denis Halilaj Tracy Rolfe

Designers Mike Gibas Mark Askam Editorial Team Ana Strack Christopher O’Toole Rebecca Cohen Phil Blizzard Photography Mark Hakansson Ben Roberts Anjjelo San Buenaventura Business Development Chris Frost Sion Rapson Gina Reynolds Mike Sawicki

Content management Marfee Ybañez Laarni Mendoza Suguitan Heizel Amora Juvilyn Camello Virendra Singh Bhanu Roel Christian Yambao Ai Ling Foong Trishia Delas Alas Kaycee Melon Jel Varca Athena Davadilla Online George Cooke

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THE SEVEN REGIONS OF PORTUGAL OUR LOWDOWN OF THE MAIN REGIONS OF THIS BEAUTIFUL DESTINTION

PORTUGAL

PORTO AND THE NORTH Porto, a world heritage city, is the gateway to the northern region and can be the starting point of a culturally diverse tour. Its heritage combines ancestral monuments with modern buildings designed by renowned architects, some of which include castles dating back to the founding of the country, sanctuaries and churches that in the summer play host to lively processions, and manor houses and stately homes so proud of their traditions.

The Douro River makes its way into this mountainous region and natural parks along

narrow gorges and uplands, surrounded by ledges really worth enjoying along a scenic drive, where you can appreciate the landscape from the belvederes or onboard a boat or the historic train.

This area is home to the oldest demarcated winemaking region in the world that produces Port and Douro wines. But other wines are definitely worth trying, for example, the “green” wines (vinho verde) produced in the northwestern part of the country, which are best enjoyed with a rich cuisine.

This, alone, might be a very good reason for visiting the region.

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CENTRE OF PORTUGAL This multifaceted region is characterised by mountain ranges and river beaches surrounded by forests that provide cool sensations in the hot summer days. The fishing towns and cosmopolitan beaches along the coast are the perfect seing for water sports, well known by surfers from all over the world, who can find the perfect waves in Peniche and even the famous big waves in Nazaré.

There are plenty of other activities for sports lovers, such as the walking and cycling trails, bouldering, rappel, raing and canoeing activities.

The historical heritage is all around and proudly exhibits the region’s history. While some of these sites are so important to mankind that they’ve been listed as world heritage sites by UNESCO, the unique features of other sites are worth a visit, such as the historical villages and schist villages, castles, the white-washed houses, and even the cities, where modernity blends well with tradition.

Knowledge handed down from generation to generation is also proudly flaunted in wines and in gastronomy, in particular cheese and traditional sausages, fish stews, roast sucking pig, honey and convent-made sweets.

PORTUGAL

LISBON Lisbon is the capital of Portugal and the hub of a region that appeals to different tastes and senses.

The downtown area opens up to the Tagus River in Praça do Comércio and is the starting point for discovering the city on a tram that takes you up the hills through historical neighbourhoods. Here, you can listen to fado in restaurants or even on the streets, a Portuguese traditional music listed as world heritage. But there’s more beauty to enjoy in Lisbon, even down by the river: the contemporary architecture in Parque das Nações in the easternmost part of the city, or the monumental area of Belém, to the west.

If you drive beyond the river mouth, you’ll see why they say Lisbon is the centre of a vast resort. The waterfront road along the beaches and seaside resorts boasts magnificent 19th century villas and hotels, marinas, esplanades and modern sports facilities, especially golf and recreational boating.

In a location further to the north, we find worldrenowned surf spots, but also palaces scaered all over the cultural landscape of Sintra. To the south of the capital, you can visit the sweeping coastlines and the unspoiled nature in Arrábida Natural Park.

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ALENTEjO The earth’s energy in Alentejo sets the time. To the north, the landscape is marked by the green meadows and São Mamede Mountain; further to the south, the vast inland plains are tinted by the yellow corn fields blowing in the wind, with a few cork and olive trees here and there. Finally, the landscape along the coast has high sheer cliffs and pristine beaches of raw and unexplored beauty.

You can find memories of the past everywhere: in ancient dolmens, in castles that remind us of bales and conquests, in the walled enclosures of

Marvão and Monsaraz, or even in cities like Évora and Elvas, listed as world heritage sites. The low and white-washed houses atop the hills and their patios and gardens reflect Arab influences. The perfect way to enjoy the natural scenery is to take walking or cycling tours, or sail on the calm waters of dams, such as Alqueva. The regional, diverse and unique gastronomy is permeated with countryside aromas, in particular aromatic herbs. But no meal will ever be complete if it is not accompanied by delicious cheeses and wines produced locally, or by the convent-made sweets.

PORTUGAL

ALGARVE Mild climate, 3,000 hours of sun per year and excellent beaches. This is the Algarve! In this region, there are beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see, limited by golden cliffs, almost deserted islands that mark the boundaries between Ria Formosa and the sea, and small bays tucked away by rock formations. The ocean, in all shades of blue, nearly always calm and warm, is ideal for bathing and water sports. But there is so much more to enjoy: many award-winning golf courses, hiking or cycling trails, and quite a number

of spas and thalassotherapy centres that offer all sorts of treatments.

What about the mountains where people live in harmony with nature and love to share their traditions? And places like Silves, Lagos and Faro that still boast traces of their Arab past and the times of the great discoveries? The Algarve is famous for its wide variety of fresh fish and shellfish, grilled or cooked in cataplanas, and the sweets and liqueurs made with local products such as almond, fig and carob.

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MADEIra The islands of Madeira and Porto Santo are a haven of natural beauty in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. The exotic colours of the flowers stand out amidst the blue sea and green vegetation of this archipelago, two-thirds of which are a protected area, and where we can find the largest laurel forest in the world.

The spring-like weather all year round is perfect for outdoor activities, such as walking trails along the levadas, golf, diving or recreational boating.

Visiting the city of Funchal is also a must, to see the heritage related to the time of the Discoveries.

The best way to relax is to take a boat ride to see the waterfront, or to treat yourself to a balance and well-being programme at one of the many spas in this region. For those who prefer more action, there are plenty of events to choose from, in particular the Mardi Gras parades, the Flower Festival, the Atlantic Festival, and, most importantly, the New Year’s Eve fireworks display.

PORTUGAL

AzORES The Azores is formed by nine islands that have so much in common, but yet are so different. Here, you can always feel the magic of nature. To the East, Santa Maria boasts white sand beaches and vineyards covering the slopes, like stairways for giants. São Miguel, the largest island, is loved by all for its beautiful volcanic lagoons, such as Sete Cidades and Fogo.

The five islands that form the Central Group are arranged harmoniously in the ocean, where whales and dolphins put on mesmerising displays for tourists. While Angra do Heroísmo, listed as world

heritage, in Terceira Island, is all about history, Faial is the meeting spot for yachtsmen from all over the world. Straight ahead, Mount Pico and its vineyards on black lava fields. São Jorge is known for its Fajãs and its cheese, and in Graciosa the green fields are a stark contrast to the quirky windmills. The Flores Island is part of the Western Group and is an absolute stunner, with its natural waterfalls. Corvo Island, the smallest island of the archipelago, is home to a wide variety of bird species from the European and American continents.

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LISBON’S SOUL

Classic or Design, Sophisticated or Casual, Conference or Boutique Hotel.

ALTIS GRAND HOTEL | ALTIS SUITES | ALTIS BELÉM HOTEL & SPA | ALTIS AVENIDA HOTEL | ALTIS PRIME | ALTIS PRATA

www.altishotels.com | +351 213 106 000 | reservations@altishotels.com

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ALTIS SUITES Altis Suites is a serviced Apartment Hotel located in the centre of Lisbon next to the Altis Grand Hotel, featuring apartments for extended stays or holidays in Lisbon, with a total of 42 Executive and Family Suites. The Altis Suites is the winner as Portugal's Leading Serviced Apartments 2015 for the World Luxury Hotel Awards. Altis Suites

Apartment Hotel is the best option for extended stays in Lisbon for the Family or Business. Beyond the comfort and independence of the Altis Suites, guests can enjoy the 5-Star services of the Altis Grand Hotel (2 minute walking distance). www.altishotels.com/EN/AltisSuites/

PORTUGAL

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PORTUGAL

BELMOND REID'S PALACE Set in verdant gardens overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Belmond Reid's Palace is the ultimate place to stretch out in the sun and relax.

Over the years this luxury hideaway has honed the art of pampering, earning a reputation as one of the best hotels in Funchal.

Whatever your age or interest, there are activities both within the hotel’s estate and beyond to keep you on the go, all year round. www.belmond.com/hotels/europe /portugal/madeira/belmondreids-palace/

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GALO RESO MADE

PORTUGAL

ORT EIRA Only a short drive away from the Funchal International Airport “Cristiano Ronaldo”, located on the top of a cliff in the south coast of the Island, this Active Holidays Resort, in Caniçode-baixo, combines three different hotels: Galosol, Alpino Atlântico and Galomar. Discover Madeira Island and enjoy an unforgeable stay in our Resort. We offer a unique active holidays experience with all the services and activities you could dream in a unique atmosphere that features stunning ocean views, private bathing complex, a unique sports club, exclusive activities partners, local and international cuisine. Our challenge is to make your holidays an unforgeable active experience. www.galoresort.com/galo-resort-hotels

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HILTON VILAMOU GOLF RESORT & SPA Just 25 minutes from Faro Airport and situated within five acres of picturesque landscaped gardens, our Algarve hotel boasts six large pools with cascading waterfalls so you can enjoy a relaxing swim during your stay. We are also close to two Vilamoura golf courses, including the prestigious Pinhal Golf Course. The 7 Seven Spa features a range of luxurious treatments for you to sample and offers a haven way from the stresses of everyday life. www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/portugal/hilton-vilamoura-ascascatas-golf-resort-and-spa-FAOHIHI/index.html

PORTUGAL

URA AS CASCATAS

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PORTUGAL

HOTEL QUINTA DO LAGO

Hotel Quinta do Lago, is situated in the Resort of Quinta do Lago in the Algarve, next to the Formosa Estuary (Ria Formosa) and the sea, in the very heart of the Ria Formosa Nature Park. A member of the “Leading Hotels of the World” since 1988, the Hotel Quinta do Lago is considered one of the most prestigious five-star luxury hotels. The hotel’s privileged location with pedestrian access to the beach, various golf courses

right on the doorstep, the magnificent view over the estuary and the sea, the relaxing walks along nature trailswhere it can be observed many different types of birds and the splendid 37,500m2 of lush gardens, offer a unique experience in an atmosphere characterized by the tranquility and natural beauty of the landscape. www.hotelquintadolago.com/

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LISBOA

PORTUGAL

Located alongside Avenida da Liberdade, the Hotel Lisboa is an entirely non-smoking hotel with fine dining options. 320 yards from Avenida Metro Station, guests can reach Rossio Square in 2 stops. Free Wi-Fi is available. Decorated with hardwood floors and contemporary furnishings, the rooms at Hotel Lisboa convey a modern atmosphere. They are soundproof and include a lounge with couch and flat-screen cable TVs. www.hotellisboa.com.pt/en/

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tHe best of Portugal

Portugal’s HIgHlIgHt attractIons are Its culture, gastronomy, wInes, beacHes, golf, HIstory, varIety of landscaPes, and above all tHe HosPItalIty of tHe Portuguese PeoPle, consIdered to be affable, oPen and Honest.

PORTUGAL

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LISBON AND PORTO

SUN AND SEA

Lisbon is the capital of Portugal and Porto is the second largest city, in the north of the country.

They are both vibrant cities filled with history that retain a human dimension, with their historic districts, monuments and tile façades.

The Portuguese coast almost comprises a single beach 850km long, made more picturesque and beautiful by rocks doed here and there, but with vast stretches of golden sand or small coves nestled in the cliffs.

Lisbon is known as the white city due to the sunlight that reflects off the River Tagus. Winner of the Travellers' Choice title in 2014 on TripAdvisor, for the second year running, it was also awarded Europe's Leading City Break Destination 2014 by the World Travel Awards

The Algarve, the most popular destination for sun and sea in Portugal, was awarded the prize for the best beach destination in Europe in the 2013 and 2015 World Travel Awards. But in a country teeming with sun and sea, there are many other excellent beaches. In the Southwest Alentejo, the beaches are almost wild, typical of Europe’s most pristine stretch of coastline, while the Lisbon region has the bustling beaches of the Estoril Coast and the endless beach at Costa da Caparica.

Porto, which gave its name to a wine enjoyed all over the world, was elected Best European Destination in 2012, 2014 and 2017 and is one of the top 14 cities chosen by British Airways to visit.

Previously, it was Number 2 on TripAdvisor’s 2013 Travellers' Choice list for emerging destinations in Europe.

From north to south, there are countless blue flag beaches and the variety is huge for holidays spent sunbathing or whatever other pursuit visitors may have.

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SURF With such a long coastline on the continent and in the islands of Madeira and the Azores, it’s easy to understand the ideal conditions Portugal enjoys for surfing. Ericeira is Europe’s 1st Surf Reserve and the 2nd in the world, with beaches known to every surfer. We have perfect waves for everyone, with barrel waves on the beaches of Peniche, giant waves in Nazaré, and the longest in Europe at Figueira da Foz. The most acclaimed international surfers under its various modalities find in Portugal the largest number of spots, with less distance between them, and they are the seing for some of most important championships in the world, such as Rip Curl Pro Portugal. And we have broken records too, like the 30m wave surfed by Garre McNamara in 2011!

PORTUGAL

GOLF For five years, between 2014 and 2018, Portugal was named the World's Best Golf Destination and the Best Golf Destination in Europe, awards handed out by the World Golf Awards. This is not surprising if we remember that the country’s climate is mild and temperate throughout the year.

What is more, in the Algarve and Lisbon regions, in particular, we find quite a number of courses where some of the major competitions on the professional circuit are held that have won several awards.

Many have been designed by names such as Robert Trent Jones, Rocky Roquemore, Sir Henry

Coon, Arnold Palmer and other renowned golf course legends. But what best defines them is their undisputed quality and natural beauty, oen located in preserved areas with the sea as a background.

Besides the many awards that the region’s golf courses have won, the prestigious IAGTO also elected the Algarve a European Golf Destination of the Year for 2014, a distinction that was aributed to the Lisbon region in 2015.

In 2015, the Algarve was also considered by Today’s Golfer readers as the destination with the best quality/price ratio (Europe’s Best Value Destination), as it had been in 2012 and 2013.

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WORLD HERITAGE The history and culture of Portugal, its people and the people who lived here from time immemorial is reflected in the country’s 22 sites classified as having World Heritage status.

The Convent of Christ in Tomar, the Monasteries of Alcobaça and Batalha, the Monastery of Jerónimos and the Belém Tower in Lisbon, owe their ranking to their historical and artistic importance.

The historical centres of Guimarães, Porto, Évora and Angra do Heroísmo are also classified, and there are many other monuments and architectural elements worthy of note, such as the University of Coimbra and other classified areas of the city, or like the fortifications of Elvas. It is important to also mention the Cultural Landscapes of the Alto Douro Wine

Region, Sintra and the Vineyards of the Island of Pico, which offer some of the most breathtaking natural sceneries in Portugal.

It remains to mention the archaeological interest of the rock engravings of Vale do Coa and the exuberance of the Floresta Laurissilva da Madeira (laurel forest of Madeira), thus completing the list with icons that define a way of existing and being: Fado, Alentejo Song and the Mediterranean Diet, elements of the intangible heritage typical of the soul of a people and its times of socialising and celebration. More recently, other arts and cras have merited the classification of Intangible Heritage of Humanity: Making Rales, in Alentejo, the Manufacture of Black Poery in Bisalhães, in the municipality of Vila Real, and Arte da Falcoaria Real (Royal Falconry art), still preserved in Salvaterra de Magos.

PORTUGAL

CUISINE The greatest champion of Portuguese food is its fish, since its location and the Atlantic waters make it the best fish in the world. However, there are countless reasons why Portugal is a gastronomic destination of choice.

The fish and the seafood, which are best enjoyed by the seaside under the pleasant Portuguese sun, are joined by a huge variety of good quality table wines, enhanced by a Mediterranean climate that also offers ideal conditions for olive oil.

That’s why Port Wine has, for centuries, been a great ambassador for Portugal, and nowadays it is joined by other genuine Portuguese products like the pastel de nata (custard tart) and other convent sweets, the cataplana and the mastery of Portugal’s talented chefs who, with this casserole

pan and many others tools, have elevated our gastronomy to the heights of the best cuisines in the world.

Olive oil is also one of the foremost ingredients of Portuguese culinary tradition, as the basis of a varied and healthy diet in Portugal which also includes bread, olives and other fruits, vegetables and herbs. These ingredients of the Mediterranean Diet imprint a strong identity on Portuguese gastronomy, raising it to World Heritage status.

Combined with a list of exceptional gastronomic products are the freshest and most natural vegetables and fruits, and meat with Protected Designation of Origin status, and mountain cheeses that will make you feel grateful for what Portugal has to offer. www.visitportugal.com

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PORTUGAL

MONTE SANTO RESORT

Standing on the banks of the river Rapti, Meghauli Serai overlooks a vast expanse of rippling waters and the core of Chitwan National Park. This 30 room lodge is designed to showcase the spectacular wilderness and rooms as well as guest areas afford uninterrupted views of the jungle. The main lounge with an imposing chandelier made with 10,000 Nepalese hand painted beads. The lodge embraces local décor and aesthetics with an abundant use of local art and artefacts. The large Newari door leading to the lobby has been procured from a local Tharu village. A large infinity pool with a viewing deck and a ‘machan’ over the river for private dining and wildlife viewing add to the charm of this jungle lodge at Chitwan. hps://taj.tajhotels.com/en-in/meghauli-seraichitwan-national-park/

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PESTANA PALACE LISBOA This luxurious and elegant hotel has wonderful views to the Tagus River, is a privileged member of the ‘Leading Hotels of the World’ group and is listed as a Portuguese National Landmark. An exuberant private park surrounds the grounds with an abundance of subtropical plants and trees presenting a magnificent panoramic vista over the city of Lisbon. Its wonderful location and

facilities, excellent quality, standards and service are only some of the reasons why the Pestana Palace Hotel has received so many prestigious awards from different independent associations. The Hotel has also won several international competitions for their unsurpassed, fine dining. www.pestanapalacelisbon.com/

PORTUGAL

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QUINTA DA BELA VIS MADEIRA HOT

STA TEL

PORTUGAL

Quinta da Bela Vista Madeira Hotel, located in Funchal, is a small luxury 5 star Madeira Hotels, winner of Portugal Leading Boutique Hotels from World Travel Awards, this exclusive Hotel offers elegant rooms with a private balcony featuring views of beautiful botanical gardens and stunning views overlooking Funchal bay. We strive to give you the warm and genuine hospitality of the traditional Madeiran Quintas! There are many

moments to be cherished at Quinta da Bela Vista, one of the most select and exclusive family properties on Madeira island. This five stars hotel enveloped in two hectares of luxurious botanical gardens - the ideal place to relax and enjoy spectacular views. Our commitment ensures every guest wishes are fulfilled, making you feel at home. www.belavistamadeira.com/en/home.html

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RIA PARK HOTEL

The Ria Formosa Nature Park and the Ria Park Hotel & SPA welcomes you to a world of tranquility in the exclusive Vale do Lobo. Located in the Algarve, the Ria Park Hotel & SPA is surrounded by a verdant valley from where you can see the beach and the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

Distinguished by elegance and charm, the Ria Park Hotel & SPA oers modern comforts and amenities with vast open spaces and breathtaking views.

hotelandspa.riaparkhotels.com/

PORTUGAL

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SUBLIME COMPORTA Nestled on a stunning 17 hectare estate, surrounded by undulating umbrella pines and cork trees, wild sand dunes, stunning rice ďŹ elds and over 60km of pristine, white-sand beaches is Sublime Comporta - a magical, unspoiled place yet to be discovered. Only one hour from a European capital, here wildlife is abundant, time seems to stand still and one has the possibility to experience all that is genuine and authentic. Rich in cultural heritage, with a welcoming local population, great foods and wines, Sublime Comporta oers a combination of tranquility and simplicity that is both addictive and inspiring, reminding us of the magic of experiencing more with less. www.sublimecomporta.pt/hotel-overview.html

PORTUGAL

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www. pas s adi cos dopai va. pt

STEP INTO THE CITY’S MOST UPLIFTING LUXURY DESTINATION Our stunning views and world-class facilities make us the perfect scene for a luxurious and relaxing retreat or an upscale conference venue.

AV. COLUMBANO BORDALO PINHEIRO, 105, 1099-031 LISBOA, PORTUGAL T +351 21 723 6363 | E: RESERVATIONS.LISBON@CORINTHIA.COM | CORINTHIA.COM/LISBON

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