May 11th, 2008
The city of Albufeira in the Algarve region has been ranked among the best places to live in Portugal in two different studies. The first study, published by the weekly newspaper Expresso in January said that Albufeira was ranked second in the country after Lisbon. Albufeira’s ranking has now been backed by a new study from Instituto de Tecnologia Comportamental, which showed that the town leads in areas such as diversity, tolerance and security as well as tourism. Other factors taken into consideration concluded that Albufeira ranks in second place in economy and employment, in third on the accessibility and transportation, in fourth place in teaching and training criteria and in fifth position where the environment is concerned.
May 11th, 2008
The 6th annual Boom Festival will run August 11 to 18 at its lakeside setting at Idanha-a-Nova near Castelo Branco. Described as a “psychedelic” festival, the event is a mix of art, culture, education and some of the best electronic music. This year the festival has two themes: bio-construction and bio-architecture. Solar generators will provide energy for the event. Bamboo, a sustainable building product, is being used for most of the structures. www.Boomfestival.org
May 10th, 2008
Taking place from 12th to 19th May at our luxury Estrela da Luz resort in Praia da Luz, the break includes painting tuition from professional artists Brian and Maggie Robinson and will take place outdoors in locations in and around Praia da Luz. Program is tailored to suit all levels from the absolute beginner to more accomplished artist, so why not come along and give it a try? www.oceanicoresorts.com/events/events_-_art_in_the_algarve.html
May 10th, 2008
The construction of a five-star hotel with 200 beds in Aljezur, owned by a Portuguese company, could begin next year. The plan is for the hotel to be built in the tourism area in the canal. Originally owned by a German company, the hotel project has been bought by an unknown Portuguese company and will now be set in 200 hectares (494.21 acres) of land.
May 10th, 2008
The Troiaresort located on the Tróia Peninsula encompasses the existing Robert Trent Jones 18-hole golf course. A range of contemporary residences, including 211 beach apartments, 79 marina apartments and 98 private villa plots, is now available at Troiaresort. The apartments have beach and marina views, while the villas have views of the ocean, the lakes or the golf course. Villa owners have golf rights included. http://www.troiaresort.net/entrada.php
May 9th, 2008
Spain and Portugal may together seek to host the 2018 World Cup and the head of the Spanish Football Federation has urged them to do so. Spain hosted the 1982 World Cup. The Portuguese Football Federation proposed the joint bid with Spain back in November 2007. The final decision will be made in 2011.
May 9th, 2008
On April 17, the Hotel Florida in Lisbon reopened as a 72-room, 4-star property with a 1940s Hollywood-style theme. The hotel is located in the heart of the city on the Marques de Pombal Square and at the top of the Avenida da Liberdade. The hotel includes The Great American Disaster restaurant, a retro experience from the 50s, and a relaxing winter garden. http://www.sterlinghotels.com/hotel_overview.asp?id=64297&prop=overview
May 9th, 2008
The northern resort Vila do Conde near the city of Porto is planning a new eco-attraction on the site of a 120-year-old river research station. The development will cost $14.3 million and will tell the story of the river and the surrounding wildlife. http://cmviladoconde.wiremaze.com/
May 9th, 2008
The Porto-based soccer club FC Porto won its third straight Portuguese Premier League title this season, the club’s 22nd title since 1893. Porto will be playing in the final Portuguese Cup on May 18 at Jamor Stadium in Lisbon. http://www.fcporto.pt/English/Index_eng.asp
May 9th, 2008
TAP Portugal airlines is offering flights from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Lisbon, Porto or Faro from June 1, 2008 to September 15, 2008 at $2,130 round trip. Flights to Madeira Island are $2,305 and to the Azores or Porto Santo is $2,400. Business Class includes the same luxury and style as Top Executive Class. Fares are subject to availability and include fuel surcharge of $180.00 (subject to change at time of ticketing). Other fees and government-imposed airport taxes are not included. www.flytap.com
