Lifestyle in Portugal

Portugal’s national trade unions have announced a general strike for Thursday, 11th December, the first time in 12 years.

Living in Faro means easing into the laid‑back capital of the Algarve, where a compact old town meets the lagoon. With a population of around 60,000, life feels refreshingly local.

Portugal consistently sits near the top of Europe’s league table for safe travel, and the 2026 ranking from Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection confirms it: Portugal is comfortably within the top 15 safest countries worldwide to travel to. BHTP's safest destinations report explainedThe BHTP St

According to Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection’s 2026 traveller safety survey, Lisbon is in the top ten safest cities in the world.

The Algarve once again confirmed its position as Portugal’s top tourist destination, welcoming 597,700 guests and 2.38 million overnight stays in September.

For things to do in Olhao, early starts and unhurried evenings work best.

The 1st of December is a national public holiday in Portugal, officially called Restoration of Independence Day.

Olhão is a low-key fishing town in the Algarve with flat-roofed “cubist” houses, working boats in the marina and ferries sliding out to Ilha da Armona. Living in Olhão means you get proper year-round town living here rather than a manicured resort.

If you’re weighing up the best place to spend New Year’s Eve in Portugal, picture Passagem de Ano as sociable and outdoorsy: twelve raisins at midnight (doze passas), a toast with espumante, and a slice of bolo‑rei the next day.

This town in Alentejo, less than two hours from Lisbon, feels like sun on whitewashed walls, cool church interiors, and cork‑oak country rolling to the horizon.

Portugal does festive evenings properly: grand trees, clever illuminations and markets threaded through historic centres.

Are there any lakes in Portugal? While Portugal is famous for its stunning coastline and sun-soaked beaches, the country also offers a selection of beautiful lakes and lagoons perfect for autumn getaways.

Portugal’s winter can be quietly dramatic: frost on granite villages, empty mountain roads, taverns warmed by bowls of caldo verde.

Winter slips into Portugal with misty valleys, fire‑warm taverns and the scent of street‑roasted chestnuts. Snow does arrive on higher ground while the coast stays mild and moody.

Winter in Portugal suits a quieter city break with mild days, good-value stays and proper comfort food, especially if you’re plotting the best Portuguese cities to visit in winter.

Lisbon’s festive season returns with scale and pageantry across the city centre.

As Portugal gears up for Christmas 2025, the travel picture is tilting towards compact breaks, city lights and island escapes, with cars setting the pace.

December in Portugal has a lovely winter rhythm: crisp mornings in the mountains, cosy evenings by the fire, and cities that glow once the lights go on.

The term neurodivergence is increasingly entering everyday conversation, yet it is still often misunderstood or reduced to stereotypes.

Portugal is famous for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture—but did you know it’s also home to some of Europe’s best hot springs and thermal spas?

Netflix’s crime drama Turn of the Tide is back with Season 2, revisiting the Azorean fishing town of Rabo de Peixe on São Miguel.

Beyond pastéis de nata, Portugal hides a world of convent sweets and regional bakes shaped by egg yolks, cinnamon, almonds, and even carob.