Christmas is not over in Obidos. That medieval village located about one hour north of Lisbon has been transformed into a Christmas theme park this holiday season called “Obidos Vila Natal” (“Obidos the Christmas Village”).  The castle has been given an extra fairytale look, fake snow has been added (it never snows in this part of Portugal), and there are special holiday-themed shows every night. Throughout the village you will find the theme of the Nutcracker, and kids will also be able to visit Santa Claus’ house. In between, be sure to take a look at over 100 nativity scenes made with different materials in different countries, from Poland to the former Portuguese colony Angola.

These special celebrations take place until January 4th, and will be a fun family destination if you’re in Lisbon for the holidays.

It is now mid-November, so the time to plan your holidays is here. If you’re looking to escape to a warmer climate for New Year’s, somewhere with special celebrations but that won’t feel too foreign, the place for you is Portugal’s Madeira island. Its New Year’s fireworks show is one of the most spectacular in Europe, and throughout the Christmas season its capital Funchal is filled with light and holiday spirit.

Madeira is one of those places where you don’t necessarily go to see monuments, but rather to enjoy a one-of-a-kind setting, a subtropical paradise as close to the Equator as it is to Europe, but with a distinct European feeling (almost as British as Portuguese). It is also an island to experience what elsewhere may be unaffordable luxury to most of us, but that here is offered at reasonable prices. Open up a major travel publication ranking the best hotels Europe, and it’s guaranteed that you’ll see one from Madeira.

In fact, those hotels are an essential part of the Madeira experience, and when choosing your ideal place to stay in the island you must take into consideration your budget and your personality. Depending on those factors, these are the hotels in Madeira you should consider for the upcoming holiday season:

ROYAL SAVOY
Designed to provide the most breathtaking views of the Atlantic (inclusing from its garden and outdoor swimming pool), this luxurious hotel is for those looking for a romantic getaway, and the perfect gift for a special someone for the holidays.

CHOUPANA HILLS
Travelers looking for the utmost sophistication should choose this hotel that’s constantly voted one of the best in Europe. It overlooks practically the entire island, and is comprised of bungalow-style units designed by architects and designers who’d previously worked on resorts in Malasya and Bora Bora. For a similar exotic experience in European territory, this is the place to go.

THE VINE
A member of Design Hotels, this is the choice of young, cosmopolitan travelers who look for cuting edge interior design and sheer sophistication. Enjoy a meal by a 3-Michelin star chef at the restaurant and the deluxe rooftop spa at the end of your day.

QUINTA DA BELA VISTA
A 19th century mansion with luxurious gardens and stunning views was converted into this exclusive hotel. The décor is classic elegance, which extends to the two restaurants offering first-class cuisine. Mature couples will love it, and it’s ideal for a second honeymoon.

CLIFF BAY
You’re practically standing on the Atlantic at this hotel that is a good choice for a family holiday. There’s a large saltwater pool for adults, as well as a children’s pool, mini golf, tennis court, and other sports facilities, in addition to private access to the sea.

Conde Nast Traveler magazine just published its “100 Best in the World” list in its November issue, ranking the hottest destinations according to its readers. Portugal seems to be a new favorite, ranking high in several categories.

In the European Resorts list, Penha Longa in Sintra was considered the best one in the continent, while #3 is also found in Portugal — Evora’s Convento do Espinheiro Hotel and Spa. In the top 20 are also the Albatroz Hotel in Cascais (#14), and Quinta do Lago in Algarve (#15).

In its hotel rankings, the publication also devides the lists by continents, and Europe into “Northern Europe” and “Southern Europe.” Lisbon’s Bairro Alto Hotel was considered the 9th best Southern European hotel in a list dominated by Italian and French hotels.

In the best European island category (topped by Mykonos and followed by Capri), Madeira ranked 6th, ahead of Sardinia and Crete.

These results are just the latest confirmation that Portugal is quietly seducing visitors through excellence and becoming a hot European destination. For complete information about all of the country’s cities and sights, see GoLisbon’s extensive Portugal guide.

The latest James Bond film just premiered last week, making this the perfect time to visit his birthplace in Lisbon. You may not know it, but James Bond is really Portuguese. That character came to life when its creator, author Ian Fleming, was enjoying the sun in the Lisbon Coast, or more specifically in Estoril.

When Fleming stepped into the casino of Estoril and saw himself surrounded by spies from all over Europe, together with European nobility and aristocrats, he was inspired to write Casino Royale. At that time the Lisbon Coast was the resort for those looking to escape the tragedies of World War II, as neutral Portugal provided the peace and the sun they were looking for. That’s when the then quiet seaside villages of Cascais and Estoril boomed with tourism and became the cosmopolitan playgrounds they still are today.

The casino is still there and still has its title as Europe’s largest. Across the street is the beach of Tamariz, overlooked by a castle that belongs to the royal family of Monaco. Walk west along the boardwalk and you’ll arrive in Cascais, where other fine aristocratic mansions now coexist with hotels welcoming those wanting to experience a little sand and the sea, to go together with all of the cultural attractions in Lisbon only a short train ride away.
While these autumn and winter months are not exactly inviting for a stroll through the beach, Cascais and Estoril are refreshing destinations at any time of the year.

Portugal is now the world’s 14th most popular tourist destination and by 2020 it expects to be in the top 10. While that’s good news for the country’s economy, it may sound like bad news for you as a tourist. But before you imagine your Portugal visit to be rubbing shoulders with crowds of old folks rushing out of tour buses, be assured that most of the country is actually still tourist free. Despite the increased number of visitors, Portugal remains an undiscovered country because most tourists don’t leave their resorts in Algarve or the luxury hotels of Madeira. Even Lisbon is really only overrun with tourists in August and Easter weekend when most of Spain seems to have crossed the border.

Most of Portugal’s tourists are also mostly coming from only a handful of countries, mainly from Spain, UK, Germany, and France. The main reasons to visit the country as reported by tourists is the geographical proximity and culture, good weather, and low prices. That means you just may have many of the country’s most charming towns all for yourself, especially if you go off the beaten path.

While Sintra, Obidos, and Evora are top choices after Algarve and Lisbon, you should not overlook the north, especially Portugal’s second city, Porto (or Oporto in English). From there it is easy to reach some of the most elegantly-preserved old cities in the country such as Braga, Guimarães, and Viana do Castelo, or visit the World Heritage Douro Valley.

As you must have already seen, GoLisbon is not just a guide to the Portuguese capital, but also a complete guide to Portugal, and you should visit the Portugal section for information about all that the country has waiting for you — still without the crowds.

Just when you thought we couldn’t possibly tell you about another film festival coming to Lisbon (GoLisbon has told you about the Digital Film Festival, the Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, and the Horror Film Festival), here comes another one celebrating French cinema! It starts tomorrow, October 2nd, and will screen the best of the latest French films until the 12th in Lisbon, and until the 2nd of November in other Portuguese cities (in Coimbra from the 13th to 18th of October, Porto from the 21st to the 26th, and Faro from the 29th of October to the 2nd of November).

This is a non-competitive showing of films produced (or co-produced in France), and will include 25 premieres in the 45 features screened. They’re shown in French with Portuguese subtitles at São Jorge Cinema in Avenida da Liberdade and at Cinemateca, the city’s film museum not too far away.
A number of France’s film stars will come to Lisbon for the event, which for nine years has drawn thousands to see the original stories created in the land of Méliès.

Portugal’s Algarve has gone from being a cheap holiday destination for British tourists, to an attractive European family getaway, to an increasingly upmarket resort area. We just told you about Europe’s first 6-star hotel opening up in the region soon, and a growing number of luxurious and more sophisticated design hotels are popping up like mushrooms along the coast.

The rich and the famous have taken notice, and this year saw familiar faces like Hollywood actor Tim Robbins and French actress Catherine Deneuve descending towards the southern Portuguese shores. Joining the crowds then came Olympic medalist Michael Phelps, who flew straight from Beijing to Algarve for a few days of rest by the beach after his record-breaking performance in this year’s Olympics. It was reported that he spent €5,000 in drinks in just one night, but you don’t have to spend that much or be a celebrity to enjoy the best of Algarve. There are many reasons why you should go there this month, and these are the top 10:

1. The August crowds are gone, prices have gone slightly down, and the weather is still great! Summer goes on in September in Algarve, and in fact, lasts through October. These are the most enjoyable weeks in the region.

2. I stayed at the Memmo Baleeira Hotel last year and will return again next time I’m in Sagres. The rooms look out over the pool standing on top of a cliff which also offers a view to the coast that was known as “the end of the world” to the ancient Europeans before Prince Henry the Navigators’ exploration of the oceans. Even cooler is the modern design all throughout the hotel, including in the wellness center and spa.

3. An alternative to Memmo Baleeira is Pousada de Sagres, just a few steps away. It does not have the all-modern design but offers the elegance and top-notch service that the Pousadas de Portugal chain is known for. Look from your window or stand by the pool and you’ll see Prince Henry the Navigator’s fortress in the distance, which you may visit later in the day. Even better news is that in September there are good deals you can’t get during the traditional summer months.

4. I have stayed in six Pousadas de Portugal so far and the Pousada de Tavira was one of my favorites (which I wrote about here). Being housed in a former 16th century convent, it has the historical feel of other pousadas, but the contemporary décor gives it a light and fresh atmosphere which is just what you want when you’re so close to the beach. And speaking of the beach, the little island of Tavira just outside the town of Tavira is perfect under the still-warm September sun, minus the summer overcrowding!

5. Another sign of Algarve moving towards satisfying the more refined tastes of the modern traveler is Monte D’Oiro Refugio Design Hotel. It’s located just outside Lagos, arguably Algarve’s most beautiful town and with the best beaches. Every detail from the breakfast room to the outdoor swimming pool combines characteristics of the Algarve with stylish modern furnishings. A hotel of this calibre would cost you about 5 times more anywhere else, so the time to book it is now.

6. You no longer have to go to Miami or St. Tropez to experience the ultra-cool Nikki Beach. Now open in Algarve’s Vilamoura, this beach club and lounge is the place to see and be seen. Surrounded by the famous marina, you can relax in luxury at the lakeside restaurant and then stay all night long for drinks. It’s only open until October, so if you don’t want to have to wait until next year, go now.

7. Once you’ve been-there-done-that at Nikki Beach, head to Amo-te Pine Cliffs. Located in the Sheraton Pine Cliffs Resort, this 2-year-old space is one of the new places to be at night. The ambience may feel slightly formal when you look at some of the people but overall it manages to maintain a casual attitude in service. Have a caipirinha or a sangria as you listen to house music, or move to the more chilled-out zone in the open air.

8. From Septemer 26 to the 28th, the Grand Prix of Portugal Powerboat P1 World Championship will take place in Praia da Rocha, the postcard beach by the city of Portimão. As if there weren’t enough reasons to come to this big and beautiful beach, now you can watch the powerful boats cutting through the waves at speeds of over 160 kph in an exciting and spectacular contest.

9. Also in Portimão, the Formula Windsurfing World Championships will take place from September 9th to 14th. It’s the world’s largest annual windsurfing event, for which only the finest international windsurfers quality. Watch the thrilling competition from the beach, and work on your late-summer tan while you’re at it.

10. What would Algarve be like without golf? The two words are almost synonymous, as this is one of the top golfing destinations not just in Europe, but of the entire world. Check out the deals for this month at the Dona Maria San Lorenzo Resort, where you can golf in the stunning 18-hole course, or if you’re not into that, simply stay in the hotel with its breathtaking views of the Atlantic and world-class facilities at incredibly affordable prices. You have no excuse for not taking advantage of it.

See GoLisbon’s complete Algarve guide for all the information you’ll need about visiting Portugal’s southernmost province where it’s summer almost all year long.

As world travelers become more demanding and sophisticated, the regular 5-star treatment is just not enough. For a more exclusive luxurious experience, those who can afford it have been wanting something extra. The result was the creation of a 6-star service. But you’ll have to go to super-rich Dubai for that because there are still none in Europe – until next year.In 2009 Portugal will be home to Europe’s first 6-star accommodation, with the opening of Palacio da Quinta in Algarve. It will be located in Quinta do Lago, already an exclusive destination at the moment. It seems millionaire coach José Mourinho is one of the property’s investors, so you know you’ll be hearing a lot about it in the upcoming months.

Palacio da Quinta will not simply have hotels rooms. It will offer penthouses and apartments (from one to four-bedrooms) surrounded by 17 acres of subtropical gardens. For meals, guests do not have to worry about waking up for breakfast in time or having their choices limited by what’s available on the menu for dinner because they’ll have a private chef.

For other services they won’t need to call reception. Their butler will take care of whatever they need. Need to go somewhere? Their chauffeur will take them there. Need to go somewhere a little farther? Their private jet or yacht is waiting for them.

Of course you’re wondering if you can be one of them and how much it will all cost you. It will be a mere $1.9 million for a one-bedroom suite, all the way up to $5 million for the 4-bedroom penthouse. But don’t worry, if $1.9 million is all you can afford, everyone still gets a terrace spa bath with views of the garden, pools, and lakes included.

Now that you know what you’re paying for, you’re dying to know what it will all look like. Picture marble floors, an intelligent home system, and designer touches.

And since Portugal’s Algarve is one of the world’s top golf destinations, there are special discounts for the famous greens in Southern Portugal. That’s just to guarantee that you don’t miss all that Algarve has to offer.

After all, Portugal’s sunny province promotes itself in the tourism world with an extra “L” as “Allgarve,” reminding visitors that it’s got it all, not just beach and sun. And this new 6-star luxury leaves no room for doubt about that…

It is now easier to visit Sintra, the must-see World Heritage town just outside Lisbon, now that the Portuguese capital’s most central station, Rossio Station, has reopened. It had been closed for about three years, but this month’s reopening brought a more modern interior and a cleaner Neo-Manueline façade reminiscent of the style during the Age of Discovery. Built at the end of the 19th century, it is the terminal for suburban trains and used mostly for travel to Sintra.

Located between the central Rossio and Restauradores squares, it can easily be reached on foot from anywhere in the center of the city, or by metro, using the blue line (to Restauradores station) or the green line (to the Rossio station).

The striking horseshoe entrance of the station is therefore now once again your gateway to the fairytale world of Sintra, with its storybook palaces and magical vegetation. And as the weather gets warmer in the city, Sintra becomes even more inviting, as its hills always provide shelter from the heat. Spring also means an even greener Sintra, and an even more welcoming atmosphere.

It’s just one more reason why you can not miss Sintra in your tour of Portugal or even on a quick visit to Lisbon.

It is now time to begin making summer vacation plans and that usually means a warm sunny place by the sea, plenty of leisure facilities, and nightlife fun. With the weak dollar, that also means a relatively inexpensive place for most Americans, although that also applies to pretty much everyone else in these uncertain economic times. All that essentially summarizes one destination: Algarve.Portugal’s southernmost coast was once known as the end of the world and remains quite a mystical place today. The coast of Sagres (known as the retreat of Prince Henry the Navigator) is just as breathtaking and stunning as in the 15th century, and whitewashed towns such as lovely Tavira remain as charming and timeless as ever.

The rock formations and blue-green waters around Lagos and Ponta da Piedade will remind you of Cabo San Lucas in the Mexican Riviera, but step into the old center of Lagos or Albufeira and you’ll find typically Mediterranean towns (although facing the Atlantic), and a laid-back European atmosphere mixing an exotic Moorish or North African flavor.

Those looking for a more luxurious experience should look for the upscale resorts of Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo, and Vilamoura, which offer world-class golf and just the right amount of pampering to guarantee that you’ll return home feeling refreshed and recharged.

Complete detailed information about all of Algarve is found on the special Portugal section of the Go Lisbon website. It ranks the area’s top 10 beaches and destinations, as well as offer plenty of accommodation options. Algarve has all that you need for the perfect holiday, and GoLisbon.com has all you need to plan it.