Subscribe to our newsletter/Subscreva a nossa newsletter

To receive our newsletter you just have to go to http://www.portugaltrails.com/

Para receber a nossa newsletter só tem que ir a http://www.portugaltrails.com/

Bottom of our homepage, right-hand side! Have fun! :)

No final na página inicial, do lado direito! Divirta-se! :)

PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST - Win a Weekend Off!!!

Best Portugal Picture. Win a Weekend off!

Send us your pics. Give us your best shot. Taken a really great photo of Portugal that you are proud of? Then we want to see it. Send us your stunning snaps. It can be a landscape, a monument, an animal, a flower... It has to be somewhere in Portugal!

During 6 weeks (until 9th July 2009!) Portugaltrails will be receiving the best pictures of Portugal and every week we will post the best picture of the week on our blog.

The best picture will be published on our website www.portugaltrails.com and you will win a fantastic weekend (1 night) at a Pousada of your choice.

We just want you to participate and enjoy this wonderful night we have to offer!

To participate you just have to subscribe to our newsletter on our website www.portugaltrails.com, fill in your name and email address. Pictures should be sent to info@portugaltrails.com.

The juri is composed by Portugaltrails' managers and all pictures can be used by us on our site!

Portugaltrails new office! / Novo escritório da Portugaltrails

Check out our new office!
We have moved to an office at Cascais a few months ago! Now we feel like we have a new office because our friend Xana painted and decorated it! It is now a refreshing new space! A red wall with beautiful Portugal pictures chosen by Gabriela.

Vejam o nosso novo escritório!
Mudámo-nos há uns meses para um escritório em Cascais! Agora sentimos que temos um escritório novo porque a nossa amiga Xana pintou-o e decorou-o! Está um espaço mesmo agradável! Uma parede em tons de vermelho com fotografias lindas de Portugal escolhidas pela Gabriela!

Vanessa, Gabriela e Eduardo


We will keep you posted on the office decoration! :)

Vamos mantê-lo informado sobre a decoração do nosso escritório! :)

Weekend break Tips #2

As we promissed last week we're back to give you the best ideas on what to do during the weekend!

This week it seems the Summer has decided to arrive earlier and we're all wishing for a cool dive in the sea!

We suggest you spend your weekend at Sagres in the Algarve.

Programme


29th May


Departure to Sagres

"The promontory, with its wild and rare beauty, was the site chosen for a fortress that is now one of Portugal’s most legendary spots. "





Overnight at Pousada de Sagres.

"Pousada de Sagres, Infante, is located in the fishing village of Sagres, Algarve. This hotel has a superb position on the cliff-top overlooking Sagres fort and the lighthouse of Cape St Vicent, the most south westerly corner of Europe."

30th May

Sagres
After spending the night of your dreams on the cliff top, wake up to the view over the headland and the sea disappearing into the horizon, we suggest a visit to Sagres. Make sure to visit the lighthouse in the Cape of São Vicente after whom this stretch of coastline has been named and the nearby Sagres promontory that housed the famous nautical school founded by the Infante D. Henrique in the 15th century. Discover the mysteries of this unique part of the Algarve and the fantastic view over the Atlantic Ocean from the headland.


31st May


Sagres / Lagos / departure

Today we suggest a visit to Lagos. At Lagos, the emphasis is definitely on the sea. Just enjoy the scenery all around you, whether you’re sitting on the terrace of the fortress, with its magnificent view of the bay and the marina, or strolling amidst the rock formations of the headland of Ponta da Piedade with its breathtaking views over the sea.

Hope you enjoy your weekend out! For more tips contact us!

June Holidays - What's happening in Portugal?

June 10th

We celebrate the Day of Portugal, Camões and the Portuguese Communities. The Presidency of the Republic appointed Santarém as the seat of the celebrations this year.
This city hosts at the same time, the National Agriculture Fair / Fair in Ribatejo. That same day, Ponte de Lima holds another edition of the "Cow of the Strings", a tradition that dates back to 1646. It is a kind of bullfight outdoors through the streets of the town, where a bull is led by dozens of people to Church, where he is given a "bath" of red wine. Then the bull gives three turns around the church, and finally it is taken to the centre of the town, where it is held a "bullfight."

June 11th

We celebrate the "Body and blood of God". Across the country, there are processions, communions and the streets are decorated with floral carpets. The ceremonies are observed in Minho in Trás-os-Montes, in the Douro, the Algarve, in Estremadura, in the Alentejo, Algarve, Madeira and the Azores. At Monção, after the traditional procession through the streets of the town, the locals and visitors go up to the Campo do Souto to assist the fight of good over evil, between S. George and the Dragon (Coca or Coca Rabixa - in the picture).

June 13th

Saint Anthony's day, Patron Saint of Lisbon, and known as the Holy matchmaker. Between weddings and dancing ("bailaricos") , the popular party gets to the whole country. In the capital, thousands of people go to the small old districts to assist the traditional "arraiais". There are also traditional costumes parades through the streets. But the party is not only in Lisbon. The day of the Franciscan friar, protector of the poor, is honored in North and South of Portugal.

Restaurant Week Lisbon

Democratize access to the restoration of quality is the motto of Lisbon Restaurant Week, which began yesterday and offers guests the option of lunch or dinner in some of the most respected forums for restoration of the city for 20 euros.

http://www.lisboa-restaurantweek.com/

WEEKEND BREAK TIPS

From today on we will post weekend break tips for you!

Visit us every Thursday!

This week's tip will take you to the Alentejo!

IV Islamic Festival of Mértola

2009 is year of Islamic Festival in Mértola. From 21 to 24 May, you will see odalisque and music in every corner and the streets of this Alentejo town will become a huge "Souk". We are in the Alentejo - and Maghreb is here and so close.

Programme

22nd May

Departure to Beja.

Overnight at Pousada de Beja - São Francisco.

"In the former 13th century Franciscan Convent located in the heart of the historical centre of Beja, we find the impressive Pousada Beja Hotel, São Franscisco. The first records of this Convent, date from the 10th November of 1268, marking the donation of lands, for its construction, from Paio Pires to Lopo Esteves. This luxury hotel in Beja combines the mystic monument with the needs of today's standards of well-being and comfort. The Pousada has an excellent service and offers the best regional grastronomy in its restaurant. The environment allows guests to relax both body and mind. A true oasis in the Alentejo plain. "

23rd May

Beja / Mértola / Beja

Today we suggest you spend your day in Mértola and enjoy the IV Islamic Festival of Mértola!

This town was called Myrtilis by the Romans and was an important place in southern Iberia. In the Middle Ages it was enclosed by walls, the ruins of which can still be seen today. It was conquered from the Saracens by King Sancho II. The King then gave it to the religious-military Order of Sant'Iago, who built a castle there with a Medieval keep. Perhaps the most charming aspect of the area, however, is the arrangement of the houses along the smooth, gentle slopes. The old white houses descend from the castle to the quiet waters of the River Guadiana below, where there is peaceful atmosphere, enhanced by the reflections of the white houses in the water.

24th May

Beja

Visit this beautiful city!

Beja, the former Pax Julia, is the capital of the Lower Alentejo district, a region of golden plains and gentle hills in the heart of the Alentejo, with its vast flatlands and endless horizons.

Hope you enjoy your weekend out! For more tips contact us!

Traditional Houses Week in Lisbon

Praça da Figueira 29th 30th e 31st May From 10 a.m to 02 a.m free entry

All ages!

A partnership with the Regional Association of Homes will allow the return of an event that reflects the artistic abilities / social / cultural of the various Regional Houses of several Municipalities that exist in Lisbon. Crafts, food, dance, music and traditional games will be part of the wide range of events that will take place in one of the main Town Squares.

Lisbon Festivities - Festas de Lisboa 2009

Information on Lisbon Festivities and calendar coming up soon!

Keep checking out our blog!

SUMMER PROMOTIONS AT POUSADAS

Check our NEW SUPER SUMMER PROMOTIONS at Pousadas!

The best hotels at the best prices!!!

http://www.portugaltrails.com/searchTours.php?q=pousadas&priceRange=&region=&category=&duration=&cx=001964831307020670335%3Asumnalxq5sa&cof=FORID%3A11&ie=UTF-8

Alentejo Coast "I could be there ‘till the end of time itself"

"Some of the fondest memories of my youth are related to the Alentejo Coast, specifically Praia da Galé, Lagoa de Melides and Lagoa de Santo André. Star gazing was such a delight that I wished I could be there ‘till the end of time itself. And the aroma of flowers and trees swirling around you as you drove by.I highly recommend a visit to the region. Beautiful Landscapes, mouth watering gastronomy, and a scent so unique that you must inhale it to acknowledge. Loved it, and I’m sure everyone else will, and I can think of no better way of going there then with PortugalTrails' highly capable and motivated team. It's a tailored experience that one treasures and remembers forever. Good luck to you!"
By Miguel Dias, Aveiro, Portugal