The PorTuguese PosTcard

08/07/2024

Portugal from A to Z
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S is for Serra da Estrela

Music: Those Who Arrived by Volcan Peaks (through Canva Pro)

🌱 Serra da Estrela is the highest mountain range in mainland Portugal, renowned for its stunning natural beauty and diverse recreational activities.

🌱 Rising to 1,993 meters at its highest peak, Torre, the range is part of the Serra da Estrela Natural Park, the largest protected area in Portugal.

🌱 Visitors to Serra da Estrela can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, skiing and snowboarding in Winter.

🌱 The region is also famous for its unique landscapes, featuring glacial valleys, rocky outcrops and crystal-clear lakes.

🌱 The area also boasts charming mountain villages, where visitors can experience local culture and hospitality.

🌱 In addition to its natural attractions, Serra da Estrela is known for its traditional cheese, Queijo Serra da Estrela, a creamy and flavorful sheep's milk cheese that is a staple of the local cuisine.

🌱 One of the most distinctive features of the region is the Serra da Estrela dog, a breed native to this area and one of the oldest and most esteemed in Portugal.

🌱 Serra da Estrela offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, adventure and cultural heritage, making it a must-visit destination in Portugal.

07/31/2024

Portugal from A to Z
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R is for Régua

Music: Waltz with Me by Martin Carlberg (through Canva Pro)

🌿 Régua, officially known as Peso da Régua, is a city located in the Vale do Douro (Douro Valley), one of the oldest wine regions in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
🌿 It's renowned for being a significant center of the Douro wine region, particularly famous for its production of Port Wine.
🌿 Situated along the Rio Douro (Douro River), Régua is a gateway for scenic river cruises, providing picturesque views of the terraced vineyards that characterize the region.
🌿 The Museu do Douro (Douro Museum) is a notable attraction, showcasing the history and culture of the region's wine production.
🌿 You can enjoy a scenic journey on the Comboio Histórico do Douro (Douro Historical Train), traveling along the captivating Linha do Douro (Douro Line).
🌿 Régua is also famous for its traditional sweets, known as Rebuçados da Régua (Régua Candies).
They are handmade sugar candies, often flavored with honey or anise and wrapped in paper.
These beloved local treats have a distinctive taste and are popular souvenirs, offering a sweet way to remember a visit to the region.

07/24/2024

Portugal from A to Z
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Q is for Queluz Palace

Music: Complete Surrender by Joyspring (through Canva Pro)

07/09/2024

LOVING THE AZORES!

Richard Gere is enjoying a family vacation in the Azores with his wife and children. The renowned American actor, his wife Alejandra, and their two young sons, Alexander (five years old) and James (four years old), have chosen Portugal as their dream holiday destination, according to 'Hola' magazine.

This idyllic family trip comes just before the Gere family relocates to Spain. Portugal, especially the Azores, continues to be a favored destination for Hollywood stars seeking a memorable vacation.

07/01/2024

06/26/2024

Portugal from A to Z
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N is for Nazaré 🏄🏼‍♂️

- Nazaré is a picturesque coastal town in central Portugal, renowned for its spectacular beaches and massive waves that attract surfers from around the world.

- It is especially famous for the Nazaré Canyon, an underwater geological formation just offshore, which creates some of the highest surfable waves on the planet.

- The town itself is charming, with traditional fishermen's houses, lively seafood restaurants and a rich cultural heritage.

- It is also known for its religious festivals and vibrant local customs.

06/21/2024

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06/21/2024

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06/19/2024

Portugal from A to Z
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M is for Madeira 🌺

- Madeira Island, located in the North Atlantic Ocean and part of Portugal, is renowned for its rugged landscape, lush vegetation and weather conditions.

- It is known as the "Ilha da Eterna Primavera" ("Island of Eternal Spring") due to its climate that ranges from subtropical to mild temperate.

- Madeira boasts a rich cultural heritage, exquisite cuisine and world-famous wine, Vinho da Madeira.

- Its capital, Funchal, offers historical sites, lively markets and gardens, while the island's mountainous terrain provides a paradise for hikers and adventurers.

- Madeira's dramatic cliffs and coastal views, combined with its unique Levadas (Irrigation Channels specific to the Portuguese Atlantic region of Madeira) walks, attract nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts from around the world.

🎥 Ponta de São Lourenço, a volcanic peninsula and the easternmost point of Madeira Island.

05/29/2024

Portugal from A to Z
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I is for Ílhavo 🛶

- Ílhavo, known for its rich maritime heritage, it is closely linked to the cod fishing industry.

- The region's landscape is characterized by the Ria de Aveiro, a coastal lagoon that provides beautiful natural scenery and is a haven for various bird species.

- This city in Aveiro district, is also famous for its traditional ceramics and the Vista Alegre factory, one of the oldest and most prestigious porcelain manufacturers in Portugal.

- Ílhavo is further enhanced by its picturesque coastal areas, especially the beaches of Costa Nova and Barra.

- Costa Nova is renowned for its colorful striped houses, known as "Palheiros", originally used by fishermen and now serving as a distinctive architectural feature that attracts tourists.

- The Costa Nova Beach is popular for its scenic beauty and excellent conditions for water sports.

- Barra Beach is famous for having the tallest lighthouse in Portugal, providing stunning views of the Atlantic.

- Together, these elements make Ílhavo a captivating destination with a rich blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty.

́lhavo

05/22/2024

Portugal from A to Z
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H is for House of Spikes (Casa dos Bicos) 💎

- House of Spikes, Casa dos Bicos in portuguese, an iconic historical building located in Lisbon, stands out for its distinctive facade adorned with diamond-shaped stones, known as "bicos."

- Built in the early 16th century, the structure exhibits a unique blend of Portuguese and Italian architectural styles, reflective of the Renaissance period.

- Originally constructed as a residence for the nobleman Brás de Albuquerque, it has survived significant events, including the devastating 1755 Lisbon earthquake.

- Today, Casa dos Bicos houses the José Saramago Foundation, dedicated to the Nobel Prize-winning Portuguese writer and serves both as a cultural center and a museum, attracting visitors interested in literature and history.

05/20/2024

If you cherish peaceful destinations, adorned with stunning beaches and lush landscapes, Arrábida and Tróia are perfect for you! ⛱️ 🐬

Don't miss out on the insider tips we've gathered in our latest newsletter to enhance your travel experience. ⤵️

Escape to the Seaside Serenity and Mountain Majesties.

05/14/2024

Portugal from A to Z
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G is for Gerês 🏞️🌱

- Gerês, officially known as Parque Nacional Peneda- Gerês (Peneda- Gerês National Park), is one of Portugal's most breathtaking natural treasures.

- This expansive park is renowned for its rugged hills, lush forest and a network of crystal-clear rivers and waterfalls.

- The park is also steeped in history, with numerous cultural landmarks dispersed throughout the area, such as traditional stone villages, ancient megalithic sites and old Roman roads that invite exploration.

- For visitors, Gerês provides an array of outdoor activities from hiking and canoeing, to horse riding and thermal spa visits.

- The blend of natural beauty, rich biodiversity and cultural heritage, makes Gerês a unique and compelling destination, embodying the serene and wild spirit of northern Portugal.

05/08/2024

Portugal from A to Z
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F is for Floresta Laurissilva da Ilha da Madeira (Madeira Island Laurissilva Forest) 🌳 🐦

- The Laurissilva Forest in Madeira is a magnificent example of a primary laurel forest, a type of subtropical rainforest.

- Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is estimated to be between 15 million and 20 million years old, making it one of the oldest of its kind.

- Covering about 20% of the island, the Laurissilva of Madeira is famed for its lush, dense vegetation and a rich biodiversity that includes many endemic species- species that are native to a specific geographical location and not naturally found anywhere else.

- Intersected by levadas (irrigation channels), this mystic forest offers scenic walking paths that allow visitors to explore its dense and verdant landscape.

05/05/2024

05/03/2024

Join us as we explore the vibrant city of Porto through our newsletter.

Last week's edition is filled with insights that will transport you straight to the charming streets of Porto!

Subscribe now and let Porto come to you! 🤲🏻

Embark on a unique journey and experience an unforgettable day filled with culture, history and distinctive flavors!

04/29/2024

Portugal from A to Z
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E is for Évora 🏛️ 🦴

- Évora is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its old town center, which is surrounded by ancient walls.

- This city rich in medieval architecture, is also notable for its Roman origins, evident in landmarks such as the Templo Romano de Évora (Roman Temple of Évora), also known as the Templo de Diana (Temple of Diana).

- Évora also boasts a unique blend of Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance architectural styles, with the Sé Catedral de Évora (Sé Cathedral of Évora) being a prominent example.

- The Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of Bones), is one of the most striking and macabre monuments in Europe.
This small interior chapel, adorned with the bones and skulls of over 5,000 monks, is one of Évora's most famous attractions.

04/25/2024

Discover the art of Vinho do Porto (Port Wine):

From ancient vineyards to your glass, our last newsletter takes you behind the scenes of this legendary wine. 🍷

From Ground to Glass: Explore the Thrilling Trail of Port Wine!

04/22/2024

Portugal from A to Z
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D is for Douro Valley 🌳🍇

Renowned for its terraced vineyards that produce the famous Port Wine, offering spectacular scenic beauty.

04/16/2024

Portugal from A to Z
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C is for Cascais 🌊⛱️

- Cascais is a charming coastal town located just west of Lisbon.

- It's known for its picturesque sandy beaches, elegant seaside architecture and vibrant cultural scene.

- Historically a fishing village, it has transformed into a popular vacation destination.

04/12/2024

Portugal from A to Z
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B is for Buçaco (or Bussaco) 🏰🌳

- The heart of Buçaco is the luxurious Palace Hotel.

- This Forest is known by its natural beauty, mystical paths, rich history and breathtaking architecture.

04/09/2024

Portugal from A to Z
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A is for Açores (Azores)🌿🐄

An archipelago known for its stunning landscapes, lush greenery and volcanic activity.

04/05/2024

Have you ever wondered about the stories hidden within the expressions we use every day?

There's a Portuguese saying that goes "Ouro sobre azul" (Gold over blue). What lies behind these words?

Don't miss the opportunity to discover the true meaning of this saying in our next newsletter that is about to be released!

📥 https://theportuguesepostcard.beehiiv.com/

04/04/2024

🥈Portugal is the 2nd World’s Best Place to Retire in 2024,
according to “The Annual Global Retirement Index”.

The last years have seen an increase in American expats retiring
in Portugal.

Why are so many Americans moving to Portugal?
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-💰Cost of Living: Portugal offers a significantly lower cost of living compared to many parts of the United States, making it an attractive option for retirees looking to maximize their savings and pensions.

-🌡️Climate: Mild Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry Summers and mild Winters, which is very appealing to those from extreme climates.

-🩺 Healthcare: Portugal has a high standard of affordable public and private healthcare system. The public system is free to join if you have residency status and the private options are also accessible at reasonable costs.

-🕊️ Safety: Portugal is the 7th Most Peaceful Country in the World, according to the “Global Peace Index 2023”. Low crime rates contribute to a high quality of life and peace of mind for residents.

-🗣️ Language: While Portuguese is the official language, English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas, making it easier for American retirees to transition and communicate.

-🏌🏼 Culture and Lifestyle: Portugal offers a rich historical and cultural heritage, with a wide range of activities for retirees, such as golfing, hiking and going to the beach.

-🏡 Friendly Residency Policies: The country offers various paths to residency for non-EU citizens, including visas that provide access to residency under certain conditions, such as investment or proof of sufficient funds to sustain living in Portugal.

-🙋🏼‍♂️ Community: There is a growing expatriate community in Portugal, including many English-speaking retirees. This can make the transition easier, offering a network of peers for social and practical support.

-📄 Tax Benefits: There are programs that offer advantages for qualifying expats, potentially including tax exemptions on foreign income.

-📍 Location: Portugal's location in Europe is ideal for retirees looking to travel. It serves as a gateway to the rest of Europe, with many destinations within a short flight's reach.

04/02/2024

Did you catch our first newsletter about Lisbon that we released last Friday? Not yet? 😱 The perfect moment is now!

Explore it and be captivated by the enchantment of Lisbon: ➡️

Featuring: Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, Fado, Pastéis de Nata and Best Time to Visit.