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🗓 From 1 January 2025, tolls will be eliminated on : the A4 Transmontana and Túnel do Marão : 137.1 km between Vila Real e Quintanilha; the abolition of tolls on this section will save a maximum of between €1.20 and €2.95 per journey, depending on whether it is a class 1 or class 4 vehicle respectively. the A13 Pinhal Interior and the A13-1 or Radial de Coimbra : 89.6 km between Coimbra and Atalaia (A13) + 12.5 km between Condeixa-a-Nova and Almaguês (A13-1); the maximum saving will be €3.05 for a class 1 vehicle, per journey, on the A13, plus 35 cents on the Radial de Coimbra. the A22 Algarve (formerly Via do Infante) : 133 km between Bensafrim and Castro Marim; vehicles will no longer pay between €4.65 and €11.70 (Bensafrim-Ponte do Guadiana) per journey, depending on class. the A23 Beira Interior : 208.7 km between Torres Novas and Guarda, which passes through the districts of Guarda, Castelo Branco, Portalegre and Santarém; in this case, savings can range from €7.40 to €18.40, depending on the class of vehicle - for the longest journey. the A24 Interior Norte : 150.1 km between Viseu and Chaves; savings of between €4.80 and €11.90, depending on the class of vehicle, on the longest journey. the A25 Beiras Litoral et Alta : 195.5 km between Gafanha da Nazaré, Aveiro, e Vilar Formoso; maximum savings of between €6.70 and €17 per journey. the A28 Minho : 24.2 km between Esposende and Antas and between Neiva and Darque; savings of around €1.15 for class 1 vehicles and €2.85 for class 4 vehicles. 🚘 951 kilometres of motorway will thus become free by 2025. After more than 13 years to re-establish the original model of financing these roads at no cost to the user, tolls are being abolished on the structural motorways of the interior and the Algarve, known as SCUT* . 🔎 SCUT* = ‘ Sem Custo para o Utilizador ’ ( No Cost to the User ) motorways; designation of motorways whose costs, initially borne by the Portuguese State, are now paid by users of certain routes, by means of electronic invoicing. 🧐 SCUT toll roads were introduced in Portugal in 1997 , when António Guterres was Prime Minister. At the time, the costs were borne entirely by the State . Highly controversial, the funding model for these roads changed in 2010 , when the costs of ex-SCUTs became the responsibility of users. 📜 The law was passed by the President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa , in July 2024 . The proposal, which ‘ abolishes tolls on motorway interchanges and subinterchanges in the interior and on roads where there are no alternatives allowing safe and quality use ’, had been presented by the Socialist Party and approved with 🗳 the favourable votes of the Socialist Party, Chega, Bloco de Esquerda, Portuguese Communist Party, Livre and PAN; the Liberal Initiative abstained and the PSD (Social Democratic Party) and CDS-People's Party voted against . The governing parties, PSD and CDS, voted against, due to the significant drop in expected revenues. 💶 According to the report on the State budget for 2025, the abolition of payment on several inland motorways will result in a significant loss of revenue, estimated at €180 million . ⛔️ Organisations such as the Portuguese Association of Toll Motorway or Bridge Concessionaires (APCAP), the Portuguese Taxpayers' Association (APC) and the Portuguese Association of Railway Companies (APEF), have raised objections to the end of tolls on these roads. APCAP and APC pointed out that the end of these tolls will transfer the costs of building and maintaining infrastructure from users to taxpayers in general , while APEF felt that the decision would penalise the railways . 📣 Toll prices on other sections will be updated in 2025 : While tolls on some motorways will disappear, on others prices will rise in 2025, with average increases of 2,21% . In all, 52 of the 93 Class 1 tolls will be updated in 2025. The price of tolls on the A1 between Lisbon and Porto will rise by 0,70€: you will have to pay €24,60 for this journey from 1 January 2025. Toll prices on the A2, between Lisbon and the Algarve , are rising by 0,60 € : from 1 January 2025, you will have to pay €23,30 for this journey. On the A5, between Lisbon and Cascais , the fare remains unchanged at €1,50. On the A5, between Lisbon and Oeiras , the fare will increase by 0,05 € : it will cost you 0,40 € in 2025. On the CREL A9 , the fare will increase by 0,15 € from 1 January 2025 to €3,70 in 2025. On the A3, the fare between Porto and Valença will increase by 0,20 € to €9,95 in 2025. On the A4, the fare between Porto and Amarante will rise by 0,25 € to €4,70 in 2025.

🗓 On 11 November, " São Martinho " (Saint Martin's Day) is celebrated in Portugal. 🇵🇹 This autumn day is traditionally synonymous with " Magusto " i.e. a popular celebration around roasted chestnuts ( castanhas assadas ), to be enjoyed with new wine (produced with the previous summer's collection), Jeropiga (a sweet wine liqueur prepared by adding brandy to the grape must to stop fermentation) or Água-Pé (a lower alcohol mixture of brandy, grape juice and water). 🏆 Portugal is one of the main European producers of chestnuts. The main producing region, Trás-os-Montes , is located in the North of Portugal. 🌰 Some figures: 70-80% of chestnuts are exported, 65% to EU countries and 20-30% of regional production is for the domestic market. Brazil and France are among the main importers of Portuguese chestnuts. About Saint Martin (316-397 in Tours): a soldier and later a bishop, he became the patron saint of beggars, tailors, furriers, soldiers, knights, tanners, restaurateurs and winegrowers. According to legend , a Roman soldier named Martin was on his way back to his homeland. The weather was very cold and Martin met a beggar who asked him for alms. To protect him from the cold, Martin tore his coat in half and gave one half to the beggar. At that moment, the weather miraculously warmed up. This change in weather would have been Martin's reward for his kindness to the man. Usually, on St. Martin's Eve and Day, the weather improves and the sun appears! ☀️ Famous "São Martinho" proverbs: No dia de S. Martinho, pão, castanhas e vinho = On Saint Martin's Day, bread, chestnuts and wine. Por S. Martinho, semeia fava e o linho = On Saint Martin's Day, sow beans and flax. No dia de S. Martinho, vai à adega e prova o vinho = On Saint Martin's Day, go to the winery and taste the wine. Enjoy tasting " castanhas quentes e boas " (good hot chestnuts)!

🗺 Every year, 1.4 million people living abroad have to prove their existence to the French schemes that pay their pensions. Payment can be suspended if the life certificate is not completed and sent in on time! 🇵🇹In Portugal, life certificates were previously completed by the Juntas de Freguesia . In principle, automatic data exchange has been in place for several months now, but this presupposes that civil status data (surname, first name, date of birth, etc.) are recorded in exactly the same way in France and Portugal. 🆕 🔎 A new measure was introduced at the beginning of September 2024 : A free, online secure application called ‘My life certificate’ , which allows you to validate your life certificate using your smartphone , with no need to go anywhere. This is a biometric authentication solution (static and dynamic facial recognition). The aim is to implement a 100% paperless process , eliminating the need to have the life certificate signed by the Junta de Freguesia. ⚖️ The legal basis: decree no. 2023-688 of 28 July 2023 - authorises the use of biometric recognition (static and dynamic facial recognition) as part of the ‘existence check’ for pensioners living abroad. Pension schemes have thus been able to provide pensioners with a new way of confirming that they are alive and well, without having to go anywhere. 📱 🤳🏽 In practical terms : Using the ‘My life certificate’ application on their mobile phone, the insured person can validate their life certificate in just a few minutes, without having to go anywhere, by taking a selfie or getting help from someone close to them . They can also certify their marital status, if requested by the schemes. When the insured person needs to prove their existence, they will receive a QR code in their letter or e-mail notification , enabling them to install the application on their phone free of charge. ⚠️ The biometric solution can be used by the insured person provided that : he/she has a current existence check, the French pension authorities know their date of birth, their phone is technically compatible: iOs version equal to or higher than 14.3 or an Android version equal to or higher than 9 , their identity document is compatible: a valid passport or an identity card (with an optical reading zone, also known as an MRZ) issued by a European country (with some exceptions), Algeria or Morocco. 💻 Check out 👉🏽 here 👈🏽 for a video explaining this new biometric recognition solution.

Portugal's oldest handicraft fair is back in Estoril until 25 August 2024 . 🎉 What to expect on site: a 6560 m2 area , 90 commercial spaces, including 4 restaurants, 1 bakery with wood-fired oven, 25 food stalls and other trade and craft stalls. 🕗 When? Fridays, Saturdays and public holiday eves: 5pm to midnight. Sunday to Thursday: 5pm to 11pm. 📍 Where? FIARTIL space, a short walk from the Estoril Casino. Av. Amaral, 2765-192 Estoril Ticket price? ➡️ 1,50€ ➡️ Family Pack €5 - 2 adults 2 children (aged 10 to 17 inclusive) ➡️ Friends Pack €12 - 10 tickets for the price of 8. This event welcomes over 100,000 visitors every year. The aim is to showcase and promote traditional and contemporary crafts, commerce and gastronomy . All in a festive atmosphere with a host of activities (various textile and porcelain painting workshops, etc.) and concerts . 🎶 An overview of the programme 🎸 11/07 – Latin Nights 20h30 | Tortuga Voodoo – Trio 12/07 20h30 | Rúben Portinha 13/07 21h00 | Tiago Ramalho Trio 14/07 18h00 | AJ DanceCrew 20h30 | K Loop Sessions ... 📱 For the full programme, visit FIARTIL's Instagram or Facebook page. Organised by DNA Cascais, the handicraft fair plays a crucial role in promoting trade and economic activity in the municipality.

On 25 April 2024, Portugal will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Carnation Revolution, a historic event that marked the end of the Salazarist dictatorship - in power since 1933 - and the beginning of a new era of democracy. On this day in 1974, a group of left-wing soldiers known as the Armed Forces Movement (MFA) overthrew the authoritarian regime of Marcelo Caetano, successor toAntónio de Oliveira Salazar. The coup, which took place without major violence, was supported by the population, who took to the streets to celebrate their new-found freedom. The Revolution owes its name to the red carnation that MFA soldiers wore in their buttonholes and in the barrel of their rifles as a rallying cry. The 'Revolução dos Cravos', also known as the '25 de Abril', became a symbol of freedom and hope for Portugal and the whole world. It inspired other democratic movements in Europe and Latin America. Every year, 25 April is a public holiday in Portugal. Ceremonies and festivities are organised throughout the country to commemorate this important event. Concerts, shows and exhibitions are held, and speeches are made by politicians and figures from civil society. 🗓 Among the commemorations taking place in Lisbon in 2024 are the following: 23 March-26 May: Free exhibition 'Os 10 Dias que Abalaram Portugal' (The 10 Days that Shook Portugal), Mercado do Forno do Tijolo, Arroios, Lisbon 3-5 April: Festival Política, debates, concerts, Cinéma São Jorge, Lisboa 17 April: 'Santos Debates' on the theme 'For a universal history of 25 April 1974. Commemoration of the fiftieth anniversary of the Carnation Revolution - French and Portuguese perspectives' , French Embassy, Lisbon (register here) 24 April, 10pm: Concert on the Terreiro do Paço square, Lisbon 25 April (10am-6pm ): Open doors at Lisbon Town Hall (Paços do Concelho) Visit the Lisbon City Council (CML) website and the information channels in your place of residence for a detailed programme of events. 📱 As you walk around Lisbon, you're sure to come across the commemorative plaques that are part of the 'Lugares de Abril' (Places of April) project. These 25 plaques (equipped with a QR Code for a detailed description) identify the places associated with the actions of the Armed Forces Movement on 25 April 1974. This initiative is the result of a partnership between the 25 de Abril Association and Lisbon City Council. You can follow the itinerary of the 25 commemorative plaques scattered around the city here.

Fancy an escape to Porto, here are my suggestions for a first contact with the city. Walk along the Douro quays: Cais Guindais, Cais da Ribeira, Cais da Estiva : Walk along the river, discover the colorful buildings and picturesque cafés. Departure point for tourist boats for excursions on the Douro. Beautiful view of the famous Luiz I Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built between 1881 and 1886 by the Belgian engineer Théophile Seyrig, a disciple of Gustave Eiffel. You can walk across the Luiz I Bridge to the south side of the Douro River in Gaia. This is where the most famous Port Wine production cellars are located 🍷: Churchill's, Grahams, Ferreira, Cálem, Sandeman, Croft, Taylor Fladgate & Yeatman, Cockburn's, Porto Poças, Offley Forrester.... These houses offer a visit of the cellars with wine tasting but also a Fado show (Cálem cellars in particular). Contemplative breaks to enjoy: The magnificent azulejos at the entrance of São Bento Station (1916). The Art Nouveau style of the Lello Library (1906). To avoid a long queue, you can book your entrance online for €5 (with a choice of time slot every 30 minutes). The historical and decorative heritage of the interior of the Infante Sagres Hotel: chandeliers and stained glass windows are worth a look. The blue azulejo facades of the churches in the city centre: in particular Igreja do Carmo, Igreja dos Congregados, Igreja de Sto Ildefonso and Capela das Almas. A walk in a beautiful green setting: in company of the peacocks of the Palácio de Cristal Gardens: these beautiful green spaces offer a beautiful perspective on the part of the Douro that joins the Atlantic, on the Arrábida Bridge side. Guided tour of the most visited monument in Northern Portugal: the Palácio da Bolsa: a 19th century monument located in the historic centre, classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Built by the Commercial Association of Porto on the ruins of the Convent of S. Francisco. Adult price: 10€. 360º view of the city of Porto: from the tower of the Igreja dos Clérigos : At 76 metres high and with over 200 steps, it is the highest tower in Portugal. Church of the Clerics, Baroque style, built between 1735 and 1748. adult ticket at 6€ for access to the Tower, the Museum and the Church. Culinary specialities & sweet breaks: Stroll through the alleys of the Mercado do Bolhão, built in 1914 (architect António Correia da Silva) and which has just been completely renovated. The market has 70 shops: fish, fruit and vegetables, delicatessen, crafts... On the outskirts of the Bolhão market, the Confeitaria do Bolhão (rua Formosa 339) and its shop window will attract food lovers. Immerse yourself in the Belle Époque inside the Café Majestic (rua de Santa Catarina). Discover a wide range of sweet and savoury Porto specialities (francesinha, jesuítas, ...) in the simple but good café-patisserie O Forno Dos Clérigos. Accommodation: The hotel offer in Porto is vast. For my autumn stay, I opted for the Hotel Premium Porto Downtown. It is a modern 4-star hotel, well located (Av. de Rodrigues de Freitas 427), with closed parking. The plus: the beautiful view from the panoramic terrace on the 8th floor (where breakfast is served). Good to know: It is very pleasant to walk around Porto; you can easily complete the whole of the above itinerary just by walking. If you want to learn more about the city and its treasures, I recommend that you take a look at the website of the Tourist Office: https://visitporto.travel/ , the facebook page https://www.facebook.com/visitporto.portal or follow the Instagram account visitporto. Enjoy Porto!

Here's a sneak peek at some of the most famous wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia. Enjoy guided tours and wine tastings on the south bank of the River Douro, opposite the city of Porto, in the Upper Douro region. Andresen - founded in 1845 by Dane Jan Heinrich Andresen; sold in 1942 to Albino Pereira dos Santos; independent and 100% family-owned; specialist in top-of-the-range wines, in particular oak-aged Tawnies and very rare white Ports; the chais are not open to the public. Burmester - founded in 1750 by Henry Burmester and John Nash. Guided tour of the winery for €16, with tasting of 2 ports; located at the foot of the magnificent Dom Luis I bridge. Cálem - founded in 1859; produces 8 million litres a year; €17 for the interactive tour with 5D film followed by a tasting of 2 different wines. Various options are available online, including an evening visit with a fado concert. Churchill's - winery created recently, in 1981, by John Graham (a member of the family that owns another Porto wine brand of the same name); production of 500,000 bottles a year; tours of the cellars by prior booking only. Cockburn's - 20€ for a tour of the cellars and the barrel repair workshop + tasting of 3 cuvées (Cockburn's Special Reserve, LBD, Tawny 10 year old). Ferreira - house founded in 1751, museum dedicated to the famous Dona Antónia Adelaide Ferreira (1811-1896), a businesswoman pioneered for her leadership in viticulture and for the oenological innovations she brought to Portugal. Several tour options available online. Porto Cruz - founded by a Frenchman, Jean Cayard; creator of Porto Rosé; the best-selling Porto brand in the world; the cellars are not open to the public, but you can discover the history of the brand at the 5-floor Espace Porto Cruz (virtual tours, tastings, restaurant, 360º lounge terrace bar for Porto cocktails). Quinta do Bom Dia - established in 1846, 5th family generation, 25-hectare domaine, traditional production techniques. Online booking available. Sandeman - founded in 1790 by the Scotsman George Sandeman, the brand is easily recognisable by its world-famous logo, which shows The Don in a black cape (a reference to students) and a large black hat, holding a glass of Porto in his hand. Cost €19 for a visit and a tasting of 3 different wines. Taylor's - visit to the chai + museum with audio guide + tasting of 2 vintages of Taylor's Chip Dry White Port and Taylor's vintage 2018 (all included €20). 🎒💡Want to discover the city of Porto? Read : 👉🏽 48 hours in Porto: the must-sees

All persons or organisations in Portugal who own either : - a car, - a pleasure boat, - an aircraft, registered in their name, must pay a single annual road tax = "IUC" for "Imposto Único de Circulação". 🗓 When to pay the IUC? IUC is payable annually. During the first year of registration, including for imported vehicles, IUC must be paid within 30 days of the legal deadline for registering the vehicle. If you have purchased the vehicle from a car dealer, payment is made at the time of purchase. In all other cases, the IUC must be paid during the month in which the vehicle is registered, until you cease to be the owner or the registration is cancelled. In the case of pleasure boats and aircraft, IUC must be paid in January. 💸 IUC amount? The amount of the single road tax is calculated according to the category of vehicle. There are currently 7 categories of vehicle: Category A: light passenger cars and mixed-use cars with a gross weight of less than 2,500 kg, registered between 1981 and 30 June 2007. Category B: passenger cars registered after 30 June 2007, mixed-use and goods vehicles, or cars weighing more than 3,500 kg and having no more than 9 seats. Category C: goods vehicles and mixed-use vehicles weighing more than 2,500 kg for private goods transport, own-account transport or hire (without driver). Category D: goods vehicles and mixed-use vehicles with a gross weight of over 2,500 kg for public goods transport, transport for hire or reward or hire without a driver. Category E: includes motorbikes, tricycles, quadricycles and mopeds registered since 1992. Category F and G: includes pleasure boats for private use of more than 20 kW and aircraft for private use. Note! In addition to the categories, the date of registration, engine capacity and fuel/carbon dioxide emission levels are also used to calculate the amount to be paid. The document containing the IUC payment terms and conditions can be requested online from the Portal das Finanças. ✍🏻 For full legislation, see online the IUC Code. 📰 New developments announced by the Portuguese government for 2024: The State budget for 2024 includes increases for motorists. These include an increase in direct tax on the purchase of a new vehicle (ISV) and an increase in the single road tax (IUC). The State budget for 2024 will increase the IUC for pre-2007 cars by a maximum of €25 in 2024.

🗺 Part. 2 : must-see stops from Almograve to Odeceixe The route is marked by superb beaches (each very different from the next), breathtaking views (don't forget your binoculars) and countless red fruit plantations (especially raspberries and strawberries). 📍🏖 PRAIA DE NOSSA SENHORA (20 minutes 🚗 south of Vila Nova de Milfontes) 📍🏖 PRAIA DO ALMOGRAVE 📍CABO SARDÃO (20 minutes 🚗 from Almograve/ 20 minutes from Zambujeira do Mar) - lovely lighthouse, wild area with incredible views of the Costa Vicentina. 📍ZAMBUJEIRA DO MAR - fishing village, known for Portugal's biggest annual rock festival. - Zambujeira beach 🏖 is magnificent, especially out of season and/or at sunset. 🍽 O Sacas : A very good place to eat fresh fish (the little fishing port is just below) and regional dishes. A short walk away is the small promontory of Nossa Senhora do Mar, with its lovely view over the fishing port. 📍PRAIA DA AMÁLIA 🏖 - named after the famous Fado singer Amália Rodrigues, who had her house built here in the mid-1960s, perched on the cliff. You can stay in this house (Herdade Amália Rodrigues). - A pretty beach accessible via a path dotted with bamboo tunnels along a river. 📍AZENHA DO MAR (20 minutes 🚗 from Zambujeira do Mar) 📍ODECEIXE - starting point for the Costa Vicentina, - a charming little village - the beach stretches along 2 sides of a river, offering sea and freshwater bathing. 🍽 Taberna do Gabão : Algarve and Alentejo cuisine, home cooking, rustic decor. 🍽 Chaparro : rustic yellow tavern with covered terrace, typical regional menu (fish and meat), speciality octopus salad, black Alzejur pig, barnacles. 🛌 Casa Vicentina : small haven of peace surrounded by nature; 8-hectare property; 12 bedrooms. Superb swimming pool set on the edge of a pond. Peace and quiet guaranteed. Very functional flat, decorated with care. Fully equipped kitchen. Lounge area. Cosy wooden garden furniture available for pleasant meals on the terrace and sunbathing on the deckchairs. Buffet breakfast with regional products. As you stroll through the park, you're sure to come across the owners' friendly dog and 2 cat friends among the olive and eucalyptus trees. Ideal location, just a ten-minute drive from the small village of Rogil and Odeceixe. 15 minutes from Aljezur. 📍 ROGIL (7 kms north of Aljezur) - town on the border between Alentejo and Algarve 🍽 Museu da Batata Doce 🍠: restaurant serving local specialities including the famous sweet potato. Live traditional music in the evening. 🏖 There are several uncrowded sandy beaches nearby, offering fabulous views of the rugged coastline: 📍 PRAIA DE VALE DOS HOMENS : accessible via 285 steps. 📍 PRAIA DA AMOREIRA : A vast beach that is a popular choice with surfers.

🗺 Part. 1: Must-see places from Sines to Vila Nova de Milfontes 📍SINES (2 hours 🚗 from the centre of Lisbon) - Sines' motto: "entre o Alentejo e o Mundo" (between the Alentejo and the rest of the world). - Birthplace of Vasco da Gama. - Things to do: walk around the small town centre, visit the ruins of the castle, enjoy the view from the ramparts over the Vasco de Gama beach. 🍽 Ponto de Encontro : small restaurant serving fresh fish and regional dishes, simple, typical and delicious cuisine; pleasant terrace just opposite the entrance to the castle. We enjoyed the "choco frito" and the homemade chips. 📍🏖 PRAIA DA SAMOQUEIRA (20 minutes 🚗 south of Sines) 📍PORTO COVO (20 minutes 🚗 from Sines, 10 minutes from Praia da Samoqueira) - A typical Alentejo village with white houses restored by the Marquis of Pombal. 📍ILHA DO PESSEGUEIRO (5 minutes 🚗 from Porto Covo) - Celebrated by the song by Portuguese singer Rui Veloso 🎶 -🏖 Praia da Ilha do Pessegueiro - next to the fortress of Nossa Senhora da Queimada (abandoned, although a national monument) built to protect the coast from piracy in the 16th-17th centuries. 📍PRAIA MALHÃO (20 minutes 🚗 from Pessegueiro, 20 minutes from Vila Nova de Milfontes) -🏖 Beautiful sandy beach. 📍VILA NOVA DE MILFONTES (30 minutes 🚗 from Pessegueiro) - A picturesque village in the Alentejo. - The Fort of São Clemente is the symbol of the town of Vila Nova de Milfontes. 🛍 Hand Color : pretty shop selling Portuguese crafts (ceramics, cork, wool, etc.). 🍽 A Choupana : restaurant on the Farol beach, specialising in barbecued fish and meat dishes. A delightful spot, especially at sunset. Closed on Mondays and out of season. 🍽Pão café e companhia : bakery-pastry shop, the ideal place for a good breakfast or to stock up on good sandwiches or regional biscuits/cakes. 🛌 Sol da Vila (rooms and flats) : Very friendly welcome. Beautifully decorated common areas. Very clean and functional rooms. Ideal location in the heart of the old town of Vila Nova de Milfontes. Perfect for discovering the town by walking from the hotel to the beautiful viewpoint of Farol de Milfontes to watch the sunset. Bonus: maybe you'll be lucky enough to bump into Francisco, the local mascot, a pretty blue-eyed 🐰 busy eating the flowers on the hotel patio.

📍ALJEZUR -Built in the 10th century, Aljezur Castle, the last to be conquered from the Moors, offers a superb panoramic view of the town and the Serra de Monchique in the distance. - 🌽🍠 Farmers' market: Saturday mornings from 8am to 12pm. 🍽 Pont’a pé : local restaurant with terrace overlooking the river. 📍ARRIFANA (15 minutes 🚗 from Aljezur) - The landscape is marked by the imposing rock in the middle of the Ocean, known as Pedra da Agulha. Arrifana beach is very popular with surfers. In recent years, there has been an explosion in the number of holiday rentals around Praia da Arrifana 🏖. - Beautiful views from the Fortaleza da Arrifana at the end of the village. 📍CARRAPATEIRA - The charming village of Carrapateira is just a few hundred metres from the Ocean. - 🌅 Pontal da Carrapateira: enjoy fantastic views (and lovely sunsets) from the various observation points along the coast. - Several beautiful beaches nearby: 🏖 Praia da Bordeira, 🏄🏽‍♂️ Praia do Amado (4 km south of Pontal da Carrapateira). 🛌Casa da Olivia : (reservation possible via Booking or Airbnb) very well arranged and extremely clean appartment. Very well equipped and functional kitchen. Spacious and cosy bedroom. Pleasant balcony for meals, sunbathing and enjoying the lovely view of the charming little village of Carrapateira with the beautiful dunes in the background. 🍽 Sitio do Forno : restaurant nestled next to Muslim ruins, overlooking the ocean. Close to the Praia do Portinho do Forno. 📍ALDEIA DA PEDRALVA (10 minutes 🚗 from Carrapateira) - This village was almost in ruins and deserted before it was renovated: 24 traditional houses for rent, a community oven, a restaurant, a café and bike hire. A place full of authenticity that preserves the rural environment. 📍PRAIA DO CASTELEJO (20 minutes 🚗 from Carrapateira) -🏖🌊 Very beautiful and wide beach with boulders, ideal for a long walk. Access to the nearby beaches of ⛱ Cordoama and ⛱ Barriga only at low tide. 🏄🏻‍♀️ Beaches popular with surfers. 📍VILA DO BISPO (interior, 4km from Praia do Castelejo) - Famous for its beautiful 16th-century parish church covered in azulejos. 📍FAROL DO CABO DE SAO VICENTE - A superb viewpoint. - Known as the most south-westerly point in Europe, the ancient Greeks called it the "Land of Snakes", and the Romans called it "Promontorium Sacrum" (Sacred Promontory), hence the origin of the name Sagres. 📍FORTALEZA DO BELIXE and ⛱ Praia do Belixe (5km West of Sagres) 📍SAGRES - Don't miss a visit to the Fort of Sagres: take in the superb panoramic views, stroll around the Sagres chapel and its wind rose measuring 43 metres in diameter, and the lighthouse with its 95 km range, making it one of the most powerful in Europe. - To be done: a visit to the Fort's Exhibition Centre, dedicated to the History of the Portuguese maritime expedition that began in Sagres (this interactive museum was inaugurated at the end of 2022). 🏖 Beautiful beaches nearby: Tonel, Mareta, Martinhal, Ingrina, Zavial. 🍽 Pau de Pita : spacious bar/restaurant with a pleasant rooftop; 500 metres from the Praia da Mareta. 🛣 And, if you decide to continue along the southern coast of the Algarve, towards Lagos : 📍 SALEMA et BURGAU (between Sagres et Lagos) -🏖 2 fishing villages with pretty sandy beaches.

For this 24th edition, with 73 films on the programme, the "Festa do Cinema Francês" will open in Lisbon on 5 October 2023. There will also be screenings in 8 other cities: Almada, Porto, Faro, Coimbra, Oeiras, Lagos, Viseu and Évora. This event is organised by the production company Jangada, in collaboration with the French Embassy, the French Institute of Portugal and the network of Alliances françaises in Portugal. The 2023 programme includes national premieres of works recently produced in France, as well as a wide selection of films never before shown in Portuguese cinemas. 🍿 Cities, dates and cinemas where the films will be shown: 📍Lisbon 5-15 October: Cinema São Jorge - projection of 55 films 17-20 October: Cinema NOS Amoreiras November: Portuguese Cinematheque-Cinema Museum. 📍Almada 10-14 October: Fernando Lopes-Graça auditorium. 📍Porto 17-20 October: Cinema NOS Alameda 24 October 20:30: Batalha Centro de Cinema 24-28 October: Rivoli Theatre 26-31 October: Cinema Trindade. 📍Faro 18-21 October: Cinema NOS Forum Algarve. 📍Coimbra 18-21 October: TAGV. 📍Oeiras 19-22 October: Auditorium Municipal Eunice Muñoz 25-28 October: Cinema NOS Oeiras. 📍Lagos 25-28 October: Municipal Library. 📍Viseu 25-28 October : Cinema NOS Viseu. 📍Évora 25-28 October : Cinema NOS Évora Plaza. 📽 For details of the programme and practical information, visit the festival's dedicated website: www.festadocinemafrances.com