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Guimarães 2012 - European Capital of Culture is up and running

Sunday, 05 February 2012 00:00

Guimarães 2012 is the European Capital of Culture, kicked off with a large gathering of creators and creations - music, film, photography, visual arts, architecture, literature, thought, theater, dance and street arts. Over the period of a year, Guimaraes is the center for cultural diversity. http://www.guimaraes2012.pt/

Bussaco National Forest

Saturday, 04 February 2012 00:00

The Bussaco National Forest offers many trails and sights that seem to replicate what the lands were prior to human settlement. On the trails one can see a wide range of trees and plants, fountains, and valleys. The Bussaco Forest also holds military and religious landmarks such as the Military museum, built in memorium of the Battle of Bussaco fought during the Napoleonic invasions, and the Convent of Santa Cruz. These trails vary in degree of difficulty, from easy to intermediate, and trekking footwear is recommended.

++ Visits in Buçaco

Visit 1: The Convent of Santa Cruz - In 1628 the Diocese of Coimbra donated a large piece of land to the Order of Discalced Carmelites. On the piece of land the Order constructed the Convent of Santa Cruz, which was an active monastery for two centuries, until the abolition of religious Orders in 1834. Some parts of the convent still remain from the early days, including paintings, sculptures, and tiles.

Visit 2: Convent and Gardens of the Bussaco Palace Hotel - One of the main places of interest in the Bussaco National Forest is the historic, and royal, Palace Hotel. Originally built as a hunting lodge for the last kinds of Portugal, the architecture is both romantic and representative of the nationalist culture. Additions have been made to property, including buildings, ponds, and gardens.

Visit 3: Convent and The Bussaco Woodlands - The Bussaco Woodlands is home to a wide range of plants and enormous trees. It is one of the richest natural forests in terms of natural, architectural, and cultural heritage. The area is divided into three different landscapes, including the Arboretum, the Gardens and Valley of the Ferns, and the Relict Forest. Today it is a living laboratory and an important subject of study for several Portuguese universities. Trekking footwear advised.

Visit 4: The Bussaco Woodlands - A beautiful landscape with many landmarks and natural formations. Trekking footwear advised.

The visits and walks are subject to prior booking.

Visits are provided in English, Spanish and French for groups with a minimum of 15 persons. Bookings for smaller groups are accepted subject to the payment of the fee applied for a group of 15 persons. For information and booking please call (+351) 231937004 or email: atividades@fmb.pt

The new CS Salgados Mar Hotel is on schedule to open during 2012

Friday, 03 February 2012 00:00

The hotel is set in an idyllic location right on the Salgados beach dunes. This elegant 5 star hotel is inspired by its exclusive and natural surroundings and offers fantastic views across the Algarve coastline, golf course and nature reserve. Suited for adults and families, inside every room or suite you’ll find sophisticated surroundings including walkout balconies, sought-after modern amenities including flat-screen television and Internet access.

Relax and enjoy our restaurants and allow us to cater to your every need with signature beverages and light snacks in our four theme bars. Indulge and pamper yourself at our exclusive Ocean SPA and experience the delights of time spent away from the everyday stresses of life,.

260 accommodation units;

• Direct access to Salgados beach from the pools (± 200m) through a purpose-built pathway over the dunes;
• 2 Outdoor pools (one of them with 60 meters long);
• 3 Restaurants (1 Buffet, 1 A la Carte and 1 Snack-bar);
• 3 Bars (2 Lobby and 1 Pool bar);
• SPA with pool with whirlpool features, sauna, steam bath, gym room and 3 treatment and massage rooms;
• Seasonal entertainment program;
• Mediterranean style gardens;
• Wireless broadband internet connection;

Top Guimaraes

Wednesday, 01 February 2012 00:00

A new organization dedicated solely to raising awareness in Portugal and around the world. TOP Guimarães wants to change how local businesses work on the internet. They guarantee the maintenance of its content and regularly report its performance on their website. All this at the lowest price in the market, as well as high flexibility in the method and frequency of payment.