Portugal Confidential

“On Drawing Places” at CAM in Lisbon, 7 Nov to 29 March

Greg Boegner — Wed, 04 Nov 2026 09:52:36 +0000

What makes a place memorable? Is it the architecture, the objects within it, or the experiences and memories we associate with it? A new exhibition at the Centro de Arte Moderna (CAM) Gulbenkian in Lisbon explores these questions through more than 100 works by Portuguese and international artists. Opening November 7, On Drawing Places (Lugares Que Se Desenham) invites visitors to consider how artists interpret and reimagine the spaces around us. (At top: Photo ©Pedro Pina, courtesy of CAM ) […]

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From Weekend Escape to Home: Castelo de Bode and Amara Village

Alexia Deboffe — Wed, 28 Oct 2026 15:15:43 +0000

Ask people in Lisbon where they go to cool off in summer and you will hear Comporta, Ericeira or the beaches of Arrábida. Very few will say Castelo de Bode. Yet about an hour and a half north-east of the city there is a lake long enough to get lost on, framed by pine and cork oak, with water clear enough to see your feet. That may not stay a secret for long: the lake is starting to attract people […]

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Marvão Hotel Museu: Boutique Luxury in a Medieval Hilltop Alentejo Village

Greg Boegner — Wed, 28 Oct 2026 15:02:03 +0000

In the heart of the medieval hilltop village of Marvão, the newly opened Marvão Hotel Museu combines historic architecture, contemporary comfort, and exceptional gastronomy in one of Portugal’s most atmospheric settings. Surrounded by centuries-old stone buildings, cobblestone streets, and sweeping views across the Alto Alentejo, this charming boutique hotel is an inviting destination for a relaxing escape. Created from four previously ruined historic buildings, the four-star property has been thoughtfully restored into an intimate hotel with just 12 rooms, a […]

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Mesa Farta: Celebrated Chef João Viegas Back Home in Tavira

Greg Boegner — Thu, 22 Oct 2026 12:26:23 +0000

At Mesa Farta in Tavira, celebrated Algarvian chef João Viegas brings years of international culinary experience back to his hometown. Traditional Portuguese recipes, outstanding regional ingredients, and a healthy dose of creativity come together in a dining experience that is sophisticated yet refreshingly unpretentious. Tucked into a quiet residential neighborhood, away from Tavira’s bustling tourist center, Mesa Farta occupies a former storage warehouse, beautifully renovated into a bright, spacious, and contemporary restaurant. The airy main dining room features clean architectural […]

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Game Season Returns to Vila Vita Biergarten, through 16 November

Greg Boegner — Tue, 20 Oct 2026 16:13:00 +0000

Autumn has arrived at Vila Vita Biergarten in Porches, and with it comes one of the most anticipated culinary traditions of the year — Game Season. Running through 16 November, this special menu celebrates the robust, comforting flavors of game cuisine, perfectly paired with the finest German and craft beers. Inspired by Bavarian traditions and the earthy richness of the season, the menu is a feast of rustic indulgence. Highlights include the Hunter’s Platter, (pictured at top) featuring sausages and […]

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Lisbon Art Weekend – 5-8 November

PC Staff — Tue, 20 Oct 2026 11:49:53 +0000

Aficionados of urban contemporary art are in for a treat. Lisbon Art Weekend, returns for a third edition–Thursday, 5th through Sunday, 8th November. Celebrate contemporary art with exhibitions, guided tours, performances and more through 60 participating gallery spaces and 90 different events across the city. (photo at top: This Is Not a White Cube ©Ana Malta) Organized as a non-profit, Lisbon Art Weekend is intended to bring more attention to the city’s contemporary art scene by opening-up and planning special […]

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São Martinho in Portugal: Celebrate St. Martin’s Day, 11 November

Greg Boegner — Tue, 20 Oct 2026 09:06:00 +0000

In many parts of the world, November 11 is celebrated as St. Martin’s Day. It is a religious holiday honoring Martin of Tours, a 4th century Roman soldier who is known for a certain miracle… Riding on horseback in a snowstorm, Martin came upon a nearly naked beggar. Not having any money or food, Martin took his sword, cut his cloak in half and gave the cloth to the beggar. Legend has it that clouds dispersed, the sun came out, […]

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Avó: Portuguese Comfort Food with a Chef’s Touch in Lisbon

Ann Abel — Wed, 14 Oct 2026 16:45:47 +0000

Hugo Candeias is not the first chef to say he was inspired by his grandmother. But his new restaurant, Avó—“grandmother” in Portuguese—is a particularly lovely tribute. He says it’s an homage to grandmothers everywhere, and a response to our collective desire to return to a comforting kitchen and a table where we feel close to the ones we love. Candeias is a serious chef, having spent 14 years in top kitchens in England, Denmark, and Spain, where he was part […]

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