Lisbon is now trying to put an end to such practices and has introduced, on 15 October, fixed fares for taxi journeys from Humberto Delgado Airport to the capital. 

The move follows years of complaints about overcharging, alleged scams and even drivers refusing to take passengers. Both tourists and locals have taken to social media to share their experiences and warn others.

In early October, a Facebook user, Nastya Zh posted a warning in the Lisbon Travel Tips group about alleged fake taxi drivers at the airport. According to her account, a friend had been threatened by a driver who was “screaming hard and violently” and refused to “release her luggage” unless she paid an exorbitant fare.

Users responding to her story seemed hardly surprised. One called it a known fact, pointing out to the warnings displayed at the airport, while others recommended using either private transfers or the metro instead.

Similar stories have appeared on Reddit. One user described taking a taxi with a friend from the official airport rank and noticing the meter rising suspiciously quickly. When they questioned the fare and photographed the meter, the driver reportedly became aggressive.

One Portuguese commenter offered little reassurance, saying, “I’m from Portugal and I never take a taxi in Lisbon, I always call in an Uber”.

The complaints prompted a police crackdown in late August, when inspections of around 100 taxis uncovered 67 infringements, including incorrectly positioned meters, missing documentation and safety violations.

Under an agreement signed in September by Lisbon City Council, airport operator ANA, the Lisbon Tourism Association (ATL) and two taxi associations, FPT and ANTRAL, journeys from the airport taxi rank now fall into two fixed-price zones.

On weekdays from 7 am to 10 pm, Zone 1, which includes Parque das Nações, Alvalade and Areeiro, costs €16. Zone 2, which covers central and historic areas such as Baixa, Chiado, Bairro Alto, Belém, Alcântara, Estrela and Campo de Ourique, costs €19.

At night, on weekends and public holidays, fares rise to €20 and €23 respectively. Luggage is included in the price.

The text stipulates that drivers must now accept vouchers and electronic payments, cannot refuse journeys and are required to keep their vehicles “clean and in good condition” and “treat passengers courteously”. 

There is even a clause governing their personal appearance, under which they must “dress appropriately”. Flip-flops, shorts and sleeveless shirts are not permitted.

Carlos Silva, president of the FPT, told Lusa that while the fares are already in force, driver accreditation and automatic number-plate recognition at the rank will only be fully operational in early November. Information panels displaying the fares inside and outside the terminal should be installed by then.

Silva has meanwhile called for the system to be extended to nearby municipalities, including Moscavide, Sacavém and Prior Velho.

Not everyone is celebrating, though. Some social media users have called the fares inflated. One traveller who said she previously paid between €7.50 and €10 for a journey to Oriente station will now have to pay €16.

L’article Lisbon Airport introduces fixed taxi fares after years of tourist scams and complaints est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The results brought recognition for destinations, airlines, hotels and tourism businesses across the continent, with Portugal securing awards spanning beach holidays, city tourism, adventure travel and visitor attractions.

Portugal wins across beach, city and adventure tourism

The Algarve won Europe’s Leading Beach Destination, while Lisbon took Europe’s Leading City Destination. The Azores received Europe’s Leading Regional Adventure Tourism Destination, and Dark Sky Alqueva was named Europe’s Leading Tourist Attraction.

The Algarve’s recognition follows other international accolades for its coastline, with Praia da Falésia featuring among Europe’s top beaches in TripAdvisor’s 2025 rankings.

Meanwhile, Alqueva’s award highlights a different side of Portugal’s tourism offering, with stargazing and nighttime experiences ranging from astrophotography workshops to canoeing after dark.

In its response to the results, Visit Portugal said the national destination award reflected a strategy focused on the quality, diversity and innovation of Portugal’s tourism offering. It described its own award as recognition of its work promoting the country internationally.

Established in 1993, the World Travel Awards recognise businesses and destinations across the global travel industry, with voting involving tourism professionals and travellers worldwide.

Montenegro takes the spotlight as first-time host

Host country Montenegro secured two prominent destination titles. Kotor won Europe’s Leading Emerging Tourism Destination, while Montenegro was named Europe’s Leading Nature Destination.

The ceremony highlighted a country whose attractions extend from Kotor’s historic old town and Adriatic coastline to the mountains and Tara River Canyon in Durmitor National Park.

Montenegrin hospitality businesses were recognised in national categories, too. Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort won Montenegro’s Leading Resort, while Merit Starlit Hotel & Residence & Casino received Montenegro’s Leading Hotel. Villa Geba Boutique Hotel took the boutique hotel title.

Graham Cooke, founder of the World Travel Awards, congratulated the winners and thanked the resort and local partners for hosting the gathering. Hans Prins, the resort’s general manager, described the recognition for Kotor and Montenegro as a source of pride for both the destination and his team.

Airlines, city breaks and business events recognised

Elsewhere, Turkish Airlines was named Europe’s Leading Airline, and Athens won Europe’s Leading City Break Destination. Disneyland Paris received Europe’s Leading Theme Park Resort, while Dubrovnik took Europe’s Leading Seaside Metropolitan Destination.

Business tourism featured among the awards, with Madrid winning Europe’s Leading Meetings & Conference Destination and The Convention Centre Dublin receiving the corresponding venue award. Cannes was recognised as Europe’s Leading Festival & Event Destination.

The Montenegro gathering was the final regional ceremony of the World Travel Awards Grand Tour 2026, following events in Zanzibar, Dubai, the Maldives and Jamaica. The series will conclude with the Grand Final in Tanzania.

The full list of European winners is available on the World Travel Awards website.

L’article Portugal named Europe’s leading tourism destination at World Travel Awards 2026 est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The decision was announced on Wednesday, 14 October 2026, by Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro following a Council of Ministers meeting. Lufthansa emerged victorious over Air France-KLM after both groups submitted improved final binding offers.

Under the privatisation framework, 44.9% of TAP’s shares will be allocated to the selected strategic investor, while up to 5% will be reserved for employees. The Portuguese state will retain majority ownership of the airline.

According to Montenegro, Lufthansa’s financial proposal was 16% higher than that of its French-Dutch competitor and presented a lower degree of uncertainty.

“This is the best choice for the company’s future and the one that best protects the national interest,” the Prime Minister declared.

€2.55 billion valuation and new investment commitments

The Portuguese government estimates that the operation will generate €1.201 billion in its first phase, followed by €1.351 billion in a second phase, bringing the total direct valuation to €2.552 billion.

Montenegro described the valuation as significantly higher than independent assessments conducted in recent years and even recent months.

Beyond the financial offer, the government highlighted Lufthansa’s industrial development commitments, including expanding TAP’s fleet, passenger numbers, destinations, international connections and employment opportunities.

Governo seleciona a Lufthansa para aquisição de até 49,9% do capital social da TAP https://t.co/yot2oX0Wuc

— República Portuguesa (@govpt) October 14, 2026

The investment plans also include a new pilot training school in Tancos, an innovation centre in Aveiro and a corporate services centre in Santa Maria da Feira.

For the Portuguese government, joining Lufthansa represents an opportunity to integrate TAP into one of Europe’s largest aviation groups and the world’s fourth-largest airline group by revenue.

“Our ambition is to give TAP wings so that it can fly increasingly higher and further,” Montenegro said.

Finance Minister Joaquim Miranda Sarmento described the agreement as a significant structural reform, arguing that the investment would benefit Portugal’s economy through tourism, employment, aviation maintenance and industrial development.

Strategic importance of TAP’s transatlantic network

TAP’s extensive network connecting Europe with Brazil, Portuguese-speaking African countries and North America has been one of the main attractions for prospective investors.

Following the final round of negotiations, the Portuguese government sought guarantees that the airline’s development would extend beyond Lisbon, strengthening connectivity through Porto, Faro, the Azores and Madeira.

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Lufthansa’s acquisition would further consolidate its position in European aviation, adding TAP to a portfolio that includes SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines and ITA Airways.

The German group had already formally expressed its interest in TAP in November 2025, emphasising the two airlines’ longstanding relationship within Star Alliance and its existing investments in Portugal.

Lufthansa also previously highlighted its plans to develop aircraft maintenance activities in Santa Maria da Feira, with ambitions to expand its Portuguese workforce.

Privatisation process enters final stage

The government’s decision concludes a competitive process relaunched in 2025, following TAP’s renationalisation and restructuring during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The partial privatisation process followed approximately €3.2 billion in state support received by TAP during the pandemic, making its future ownership and financial sustainability a major political and economic issue in Portugal.

Three European aviation groups initially expressed interest in acquiring a stake: Lufthansa, Air France-KLM and International Airlines Group (IAG), the parent company of British Airways and Iberia.

IAG subsequently withdrew from the competition, leaving Lufthansa and Air France-KLM as the final contenders.

Despite Wednesday’s announcement, the acquisition is not yet completed. The parties must negotiate and finalise the contractual arrangements, while the transaction will also require regulatory approvals, including scrutiny by the European Commission’s competition authorities.

The government expects the process to be concluded by early 2028.

For Portugal, the agreement represents a major turning point in the future of its national airline, with the government betting that Lufthansa’s financial strength and international network will reinforce TAP’s competitiveness while preserving Portuguese majority ownership.

L’article Lufthansa wins €1.2 billion bid for 49.9% stake in TAP Air Portugal est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The Portuguese capital prevailed over a field of established European cruise destinations, including Athens, Barcelona, Dubrovnik, Kotor, Funchal, Monte Carlo, Nice, Rome, Oslo and Southampton, according to the Lisbon Port Authority (APL).

The authority credited the achievement to the professionals and organisations working across the city’s cruise tourism sector, alongside the hospitality of Lisbon’s residents. It said their efforts to create memorable visitor experiences were helping strengthen the capital’s position as a competitive, innovative and sustainable destination.

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The recognition comes in a year when the Lisbon Cruise Terminal received its sixth consecutive nomination for Europe’s Best Cruise Terminal. That award went to Iceland’s Port of Reykjavik – Vör Cruise Terminal in 2026.

Lisbon’s victory also continues Portugal’s record in the European destination category. According to APL, Lisbon and Madeira have shared the title between them since the World Cruise Awards were established in 2021.

Portugal collected several further honours this year. DouroAzul was named Europe’s Best River Cruise Line, while Portugal won Europe’s Best River Cruise Destination. Madeira’s Port of Funchal received the global award for the World’s Best Cruise Terminal for Sustainability, adding another Portuguese winner to the international results.

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The awards are decided through votes cast by cruise industry professionals and members of the public. Following a year-long programme, the nominee receiving the most votes in each category is declared the winner. The Jamaica ceremony formed part of World Travel Week, which brought together representatives from across the travel industry.

Abu Dhabi and Norwegian Cruise Line take top global honours

Beyond Europe, Abu Dhabi took the title of World’s Best Cruise Destination, while Vietnam was named World’s Best River Cruise Destination. Regional destination awards also went to Jamaica, the Seychelles, Mexico and Canada’s Prince Edward Island.

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Norwegian Cruise Line secured both the global and European awards for Best Cruise Line. Dubai’s DP World Mina Rashid was named World’s Best Cruise Terminal, while Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas won World’s Best Large Cruise Ship.

Individual ships were also recognised for different aspects of the passenger experience. Sun Princess won the dining category, Disney Wish took the family award, and Celebrity Apex was recognised for romance. Utopia of the Seas received the entertainment award. In specialist cruising, Australis was named World’s Best Expedition Cruise Line, and Pandaw won World’s Best River Cruise Line.

L’article Lisbon named Europe’s Best Cruise Destination for the third time est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The study compared 47 cities using five equally weighted factors linked to feeling good while away: annual sunshine, conditions conducive to quality sleep, the proportion of restaurants classified as healthy, green space per resident, and walkability between major attractions. The methodology was developed with guidance from Harvard-affiliated clinical psychologist Natalie Dattilo-Ryan, according to the index.

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Lisbon’s strength lies in its balance. It records 2,828 hours of sunshine a year, offers 49 square metres of green space per resident, and is compact enough for visitors to explore on foot, even if its steep streets demand sensible shoes. Nearly one in ten restaurants in the city is categorised as healthy—the second-highest share in the survey—while fresh seafood, neighbourhood tascas, and varied international options help make eating well relatively accessible.

Its urban appeal also benefits from its proximity to the coast. Cascais and Costa da Caparica can be reached by public transport in under an hour, allowing a city break to combine hillside viewpoints, parks, and waterfront time. Lisbon tourism officials said the result supported a strategy centred on distinctive experiences while protecting the qualities valued by residents as well as visitors.

Second-placed Helsinki stood out for calm surroundings, efficient transport, and proximity to nature. The Finnish capital leads the index for low noise and light pollution and provides around 126 square metres of green space per person. Orlando, in third place, pairs its theme-park energy with 2,930 annual sunshine hours, more than 148 parks, gardens and recreation areas, and extensive lakes and wetlands.

European cities dominated the remainder of the top ten. Athens placed fourth, followed by Edinburgh, Madrid, Vienna, Budapest, Oslo, and Vilnius. Surprisingly, for a city once notorious for traffic problems, Athens received the highest walkability score, while Edinburgh’s mix of parks, pedestrian-friendly sightseeing and healthy dining helped offset its comparatively limited sunshine.

The findings point to a broader shift in how destinations are marketed. Rather than treating wellbeing as a specialist retreat product, the index frames everyday features—daylight, movement, restorative sleep, nutritious food, and access to nature—as part of a mainstream city break. BookRetreats co-founder Sean Kelly said travellers are increasingly choosing places according to how they aspire to feel when they arrive.

As with any composite ranking, the result is a guide rather than a guarantee: personal preferences, season, budget, and the character of an individual trip will shape the experience. Still, Lisbon’s first-place finish underlines a persuasive proposition for international visitors—a European capital where culture, coastline, and daily outdoor life are intricately connected.

L’article Lisbon named world’s happiest holiday destination in new global index est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Set to hit Faro, Lisbon, and Porto airports from 2 to 6 October and 19 to 23 December, the withdrawal of labour could affect thousands of flyers, with at least 500 scheduled flights expected to be grounded during the first walkout, and even more during the second wave, due to increased Christmas traffic volume.

The National Union of Civil Aviation Flight Personnel (SNPVAC) claims easyJet pays Portuguese crew “wages below those paid by other airlines operating in Portugal and below those paid by easyJet itself in other countries in the network” and called for salaries to be in line with the cost of living and the national minimum wage.

Other complaints include planning issues, roster instability, staff shortages, overtime pressure, and unequal treatment of stewards and pilots. Union members also allege easyJet has broken the terms of the collective labour agreement. The strike vote meeting was attended by 188 members and the decision to go ahead with the walkout was unanimous, SNPVAC said.

In a statement, SNPVAC called the deadlock over its grievances “long and intolerable” and said it believed easyJet was entrenched in its approach with an “ultimate aim” to “prolong indefinitely the position it has adopted.”

The union also accused the airline of undermining its members’ right to withhold their labour by replacing striking staff with managers and other colleagues from other countries.

For passengers, the strikes are likely to cause disruption at busy and inconvenient times, falling over the long weekend of Portugal’s Republic Day public holiday on 5 October, and impacting schedule the week before Christmas, a time when journeys to see family and friends, leisure and ski flights, and other seasonal trips should be taking place.

EasyJet says the sustainability of its Portuguese operations is at stake and has declared itself “extremely disappointed” in the strike over what it called “unworkable” demands, an outcome that mediation authority DGERT had been unable to prevent. The carrier insists its crew are paid more than minimum wage.

During the strike periods, a minimum-service operation may be dictated by authorities, and the airline has promised to make all attempts to minimise ​disruption to the travelling public.

L’article Portugal faces easyJet cabin crew strikes during October and December holidays est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The deal, which could be finalised within weeks, will see up to 49.9% of TAP’s shares sold, with 5% reserved for its employees.

On Friday, António Leitão Amaro, the Minister of the Presidency, announced that the government would open talks with the two groups competing for a stake in the airline after reviewing the binding offers submitted at the end of July.

A PARPÚBLICA, SGPS, S.A. confirmou hoje que recebeu duas propostas vinculativas, no âmbito da terceira etapa do processo de venda de referência de 44,9% do capital social da TAP, SA, apresentadas pela Air France-KLM S.A. e Deutsche Lufthansa Aktiengesellschaft.#MIH⁰#TAP pic.twitter.com/VRg4nYDE71

— Infraestruturas e Habitação PT (@iestruturas_pt) July 29, 2026

Leitão Amaro said that although the bids were different, their “overall valuation” was pretty close, which, according to him, “justified additional negotiation efforts” with both companies, giving the “bidders an opportunity to improve their offers.

“That is why we decided to launch as final round of negotiations lasting a few weeks,”, he told reporters after a cabinet meeting.

The enthusiasm appears to be shared by both rivals.

Air France-KLM has confirmed its “unaltered interest” in TAP. ‘We look forward to the next phase of the process’, the company wrote in a statement. Its bid includes a strategic plan covering all areas of TAP’s business, including passenger transport, cargo, and maintenance. It is reportedly supported by its transatlantic joint-venture partner, Delta Air Lines.

No Conselho de Ministros de hoje, aprovámos:

Fase final de negociação da reprivatização da TAP;

Estratégia TERRA+ para mais reciclagem e menos aterros;

Apoio extraordinário até 12 M€ para produtores do Douro e fundo permanente para o setor. pic.twitter.com/Rkco84MZIR

— António Leitão Amaro (@Leitao_Amaro) September 4, 2026

For its part, Lufthansa said it was “looking forward to continuing the process constructively in the coming weeks” and reiterated its interest in developing a long-term partnership with TAP Air Portugal.

Both Air France-KLM and Lufthansa submitted their bids to acquire 44.9% of TAP Air Portugal by the 29 July deadline. These were then assessed in depth by Parpública, the state holding company, which submitted its report to the Portuguese government on 1 September.

A third group, International Airlines Group (IAG), the owner of British Airways and Iberia, had initially been interested in the airline, but withdrew in April, stating that acquiring a minority stake did not align with its acquisition strategy.

The partial sale of the Portuguese flag carrier was relaunched in 2025 by Luís Montenegro’s government in an attempt to increase TAP’s international reach, capacity, and competitiveness while maintaining state ownership of the majority stake.

TAP posted losses of €99 million in the first half of 2026, largely due to higher jet fuel prices. The airline had already received billions of euros in state aid during the pandemic.

The national carrier’s most valuable assets are its extensive routes to Brazil and Portuguese-speaking African countries, including Luanda, a major business destination, as well as to the United States. These routes are particularly important for diaspora communities, tourism, and investment.

The Portuguese government is demanding that potential investors support growth across Portugal’s airport networks and strengthen operations and connectivity not only in Lisbon but also in Porto, Faro, the Azores and Madeira.

Leitão Amaro insisted that “the price is an important aspect, but it is not the only one”.

The winning bidder could begin jointly managing the airline with the current board as early as 2026. However, the actual capital injection is not expected until the summer of 2027.

While the Portuguese government would retain its majority holding, it also reserves the right to resell the remaining 50.1% to a strategic investor at a later stage, if deemed appropriate.

L’article Portugal opens final TAP privatisation talks with Air France-KLM and Lufthansa est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Lisbon Metropolitan Command issued a statement on 26 August 2026, detailing inspections of approximately 100 vehicles. Over a third of them (34) were found to have incorrectly installed or miscalibrated taximeters, the force said, while 18 vehicles were being driven without the correct certification, insurance or other documents.

Several of the violations concerned safety. Six taxis failed to comply with fire extinguisher regulations, two were deemed unroadworthy, one failed a seatbelt inspection, and one driver was found to be driving under the influence of alcohol.

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The crackdown comes amid viral social media complaints about taxi services around the capital’s air hub, with influencers criticising dubious practices and describing the airport as a “trap for tourists.” Alleged scams include negotiating fares in bad faith and failing to switch on taximeters, leading to tourists being overcharged for their journeys, with little recourse.

It should be noted that the inspections are not a representative sample of taxi services and cannot be read as indicating the overall percentage or “rate” of unprofessional activity. Moreover, organisations representing the taxi sector have strongly defended their members. Ahead of the release of the police data, the National Association of Light Vehicle Road Transport (ANTRAL) said the police action, which included roadblocks and stops of vehicles that were already carrying passengers, made Portugal appear a “highly degrading and frightening” destination.

The trade body said it recognised the authority of the police but did not support the way in which the vehicle inspections were conducted, suggesting that officers had orchestrated the campaign to be as high-profile as possible in order to counter the social media narrative.

 “ANTRAL has no objection to enforcement actions being carried out,” a statement read. “However, when carried out in this manner, with passengers already inside the vehicles and at this specific location, creating a media ‘spectacle’ that only serves to disrupt the lives of users and damage the image of the country and the sector, such actions naturally deserve to be condemned.”

The best advice to passengers worried about being conned when they hail a ride at any airport, is to use official taxi ranks outside arrivals, be vigilant about the meter, check the car and driver certification, and signal that they require a receipt at the start of the trip. Pre-booked transfers, public transport, and ride-hailing apps are other ways to avoid nasty surprises.

L’article Tourist scam complaints trigger major taxi crackdown at Lisbon Airport est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Located in central Portugal, in the parish of Luso, about 80 minutes south of Porto, Bussaco’s 105-hectare forest, enclosed by a five-kilometre wall, meets the numerous criteria required by the German-based Healing Forest – International Certification Office.

It is the first forest in southern Europe and on the Iberian Peninsula to receive this accolade. The other three certified forests are located in Austria and Germany.

This certification system is linked to the International Society of Forest Therapy (ISFT), which was formed in Austria in 2018 and established international quality standards for healing forests and forest therapy.

“This certification, which places us among the four therapeutic forests worldwide and as the first on the Iberian Peninsula, gives us global status and brings with it great responsibility,” said the president of the Mata do Bussaco Foundation, Gonçalo Breda Marques, quoted by the Lusa news agency.

To qualify, a forest must be designed for therapeutic use and have qualified personnel, and its health benefits must be supported by medical evidence. In practical terms, the forest needs natural protection from noise and wind, as well as trails catering for different levels of mobility and difficulty. There should also be designated spaces for therapy, relaxation and exercise. Strict standards apply regarding safety and accessibility.

Forest environments have long been associated with a range of health benefits, including improved cognitive abilities, reduced stress, anxiety and depression, lower blood pressure, a stronger immune system and better sleep quality. The best-known form of this practice originated in Japan, where “shinrin-yoku”, or forest bathing, was introduced in 1982 as part of a national programme encouraging people to spend time in forests to improve their well-being.

@_patricia.ribeiro_ Welcome to… Buçaco This is definitely one of the most magical places in Portugal, with its lush forest, hidden paths and a fairytale palace The Buçaco forest is home to more than 700 native and exotic species from all over the world, making it one of the richest forests in Europe At its heart stands the stunning Bussaco Palace (historically written with two “s” instead of the “ç”), originally built in the 19th century as a royal hunting lodge and now one of Portugal’s most iconic hotels The Neo-Manueline architecture of the palace echoes other famous Portuguese monuments like the Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower Long before the palace was built, the forest was protected by Carmelite monks, who lived here in silence for centuries and planted many of the trees that still stand today. Whether you’re wandering the forest trails or admiring the palace’s intricate details, Buçaco has a peaceful and magical atmosphere that still feels like a hidden gem. Tips for visiting: you’ll need about 2 hours to explore the forest bring comfortable shoes as trails are uneven don’t miss Cruz Alta, Fonte Fria and the Valley of the Ferns even if you’re not staying there, you can go inside the palace hotel to have a coffee after 3.30pm visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the most magical light and fewer people you can enter by car and park inside, and it costs 7€ for the whole day it’s located about 2h15 from Lisbon, and if you’re coming for a weekend trip, you can combine it with Aveiro and/or Coimbra Save for a future trip to Portugal #buçaco #bussacopalace #portugalhiddengems #portugaldenorteasul #portugal_gems ♬ Fairytale (From "Shrek") – Geek Music

However, a certified therapeutic forest goes a step further. Rather than simply offering visitors the benefits of spending time among trees, they are specifically designed to allow trained therapists to conduct structured healing and rehabilitation programmes.

These programmes can complement treatment for various conditions, including cardiovascular, respiratory, orthopaedic, psychosomatic and neurological illnesses.

Qualified forest therapists are available to guide guests through the wonders of the forest, which is home to more than 250 species of trees and shrubs, and is considered “one of Europe’s finest dendrological collections”, according to the Mata do Bussaco Foundation’s website.

The forest’s history is as unusual as its vegetation. Human management of the forest can be traced back to the 6th century, when monks from the nearby Monastery of Vacariça began tending the land. In 1628, the Discalced Carmelites took it over, establishing a secluded monastic retreat. Protected by papal decree, the forest became home to exotic species that were brought to Portugal during the Age of Discovery, when the country was one of the world’s great maritime powers.

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One of these species was the Bussaco cedar, a cypress species imported from Mexico which gave the forest its name.

“It is one of the National Forests richest in natural, architectural and cultural heritage and can be divided into four landscape units: Arboretum, Gardens and Fern Valley, Relic Forest and Pinhal do Marquês,” the Foundation explains.

The forest underwent significant changes in the 19^th century, with the addition of lakes, gardens, and ornamental areas. By the end of the century, construction of the palace had begun. Conceived as a hunting lodge for King Carlos I, it was later converted into the luxury Palace Hotel do Bussaco that stands today.

After several years of preparation, Bussaco certification was awarded on 17 July and is valid until 2031, when the forest will have to undergo a new assessment.

However, the Foundation already has its sights set on another international accolade. Bussaco has been on Portugal’s tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage status since 2017 under the title “Desert of the Discalced Carmelites and Built Ensemble of the Palace-Hotel in Bussaco”.

L’article Portugal’s 400-year-old Bussaco becomes southern Europe’s first certified healing forest est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The Nobu development will “form the centrepiece of a broader investment programme led by Norfin,” a press release said, “spanning hospitality, residential living, leisure amenities and future additions, including a beach club” set across more than 400 hectares of countryside, centred on an existing Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course.

Accommodation will comprise 100 rooms and suites, and 21,000m² of Nobu villas and branded residences, alongside an on-site Nobu restaurant and thoughtfully curated guest amenities. Tapping into the strength of the premium travel market, the resort promises “luxury hospitality, genre-defining cuisine, timeless design, and intuitive service,” press materials say.

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Two decades after its launch in 2007, Monte Rei Golf and Country Club will see ground break on its next phase of development, and is slated for completion in 2029. In line with the way many highly touristed areas are trying to spread tourist arrivals and stays across the calendar year, Nobu says the work will make Monte Rei a “more complete year-round destination for residents, members and guests.”

Hailing the project as “an important milestone for Monte Rei,” Miguel Mateus, CEO of investors Norfin said: “The resort has long been recognised for the quality of its golf, service and residential environment. We are now building on that legacy with a broader ambition for the destination – one that brings together world-class hospitality, exceptional residential living and carefully designed leisure experiences.”

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Trevor Horwell, CEO of Nobu Hospitality, meanwhile, pointed to the relevance of the project to today’s travel consumer, who increasingly demands authenticity and individuality. “Together with Norfin, we have the opportunity to create a distinctive Nobu destination that feels deeply connected to the Eastern Algarve while delivering the hospitality, dining, design and service for which the brand is known around the world.”

The expansion of the golf course and country club comes at a time when, in southern Europe in particular, such facilities have come in for criticism as concerns multiply about sustainable water use. It’s an issue that is becoming existential amid predicted long-term droughts and surging wildfire risks.

L’article Robert De Niro’s Nobu to launch luxury hotel and residences in Portugal’s Algarve est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.