The 16th-century monks of Évora knew life was short. As if to ram home the point, they decorated an entire chapel with bones dug up from the town’s overflowing cemeteries. The sign outside the Chapel of Bones roughly translates as “We bones in here wait for yours to join us”. Cheerful lot, those monks. Columns, walls, arches – all are covered in skulls, tibias, fibulas, clavicles. Rapt, I can’t stop staring, then start to chuckle when I see skulls curving round frilly frescoes of cherubim on vaulted ceilings, a whimsical touch of chintz among the ghoulishness.
Évora has me in its grip even before I come to the Chapel of Bones. This former royal city of Portuguese kings and capital of the Alentejo region has so many architectural and cultural treasures wedged within its historical centre that it’s often referred to as a living museum. But in a museum, you generally have to keep your voice down: here in Évora, there’s the buzz you get with 11,000 university students roaming round a Unesco world heritage site old town that’s encased within medieval walls.
I feel a pang of envy when I visit the 16th-century College of the Holy Spirit within the University of Évora, which is open to the public willing to pay €3 and take pot luck as to which of the ridiculously beautiful classrooms are free at that moment. My guide, Andre Birken, came to Évora from Germany as an Erasmus student years ago and decided to stay. Chilly northern Germany or laid-back southern Portugal, where even in late October it’s still 23C? Bit of a no-brainer, he tells me. He shows me classrooms decorated in the azulejo tiles for which Portugal is renowned, and where, if the lecture gets dull, you can lose yourself in bucolic blue-and-white scenes.
The ancient Romans, rather than the Greeks, left their mark on Évora in a more monumental style, including an enormous aqueduct that’s one of the first things visitors see as they approach the city. Rising in the centre of the old town are the 14 graceful Corinthian columns of the Roman temple built for emperor Augustus around the 1st century AD (and not, as is commonly assumed, dedicated to the goddess Diana). Surrounding it are buildings that typify most of the architecture here – low-slung, whitewashed, trimmed in ochre and usually sporting wrought-iron balconies. One of them is my hotel, a 15th-century former convent turned into the Pousada del Convento Évora. Every cobbled lane in the old town has this same style of architecture, and I find its uniformity immensely pleasing and harmonious – the white reflecting the sun, the mustardy ochre reminding me of the landscapes of the Alentejo around me, whose brownness is dotted with olive groves and cork forests.
The Chapel of Bones. Photograph: Sirbouman/Alamy
And vineyards, of course, all of them blazing with autumnal colours. Alentejo is one of Portugal’s major wine regions, and its subregion of Baixo Alentejo will be 2026’s European Wine City. About 10 minutes’ drive from Évora is Fitapreta Winery, the brainchild of the innovative Portuguese winemaker António Maçanita and the British viticulturist David Booth. In 2015, Maçanita bought an old fortified manor house that had been in the same family since the 14th century, resurrecting ancient grape varieties, planting new vineyards and sticking to organic production. It’s an idyllic spot for a leisurely wine-tasting, followed by an even more leisurely lunch.
Within the modern winery (its facade clad in cork in a nod to Portugal’s millions of cork forests), André Alves leads me through a tasting of five of the winery’s 22 varieties – all indigenous. A deliciously bone-dry rosé (amusingly named Freshly Squeezed), a fresh-tasting orange-type wine that technically wasn’t an orange wine (A Laranja Mecânica) and the very elegant red Enxarrama all made me wish I had room to stash these in my luggage.
Heavenly … Azulejo tiles in the University of Évora. Photograph: Geogphotos/Alamy
This is only the preamble. Sommelier Francisco Cunha of the winery’s A Cozinha do Paço restaurant then guides me into the part of the manor house that was originally the chapel, and whose galleried upper floor is one of the many atmospheric spots where they serve a seven-course lunch that deserves some serious Michelin attention. Braised fennel and a gorgeous sheep’s milk cheese sauce with turbot, and the famed black pig of the Alentejo paired with a cauliflower cream quenelle were exquisite.
In fact, excellent food is a given in Alentejo. At Enoteca Cartuxa near the Roman temple, they serve their own wines to go with plates of thin buttery slices of cured black pig and chorizo; not to mention the sublime Monte da Vinha sheep’s milk cheese that’s as gooey and as good as an Époisses. The venerable Restaurante Fialho comes out with classic Alentejo dishes done expertly: pigs’ cheeks braised in red wine melt in the mouth, and pork and clams unite in a piquant red peppery stew.
Évora’s food and wine alone make it a worthy holder of the 2027 European Capital of Culture title, even without its architectural marvels. Then again, Évora Cathedral is magnificent, with a typical mishmash of architectural styles, from romanesque and gothic to Renaissance and baroque. From here, it’s almost a rite of passage to walk down the narrow pedestrianised Rua Cinco de Outubro and its souvenir and craft shops wedged into white and yellow houses. Yes, it’s touristy, but delightful nonetheless, with cork handbags and ceramics actually made in Portugal.
Évora’s Roman temple, which dates from the 1st century AD. Photograph: Bert de Ruiter/Alamy
This takes me to Évora’s historical heart, Praça do Giraldo, an expansive square filled with cafe terraces, arcaded shops, more of those lovely wrought-iron balconies and a huge 16th-century marble fountain that instantly grabs your attention. This is the spot for lazy and mild autumn mornings with a coffee and a pastel de nata custard tart or a cheesy tart called queijada de Évora, before heading off in search of more of the town’s oddities.
One in particular catches my eye: the row of very cute houses built under the 16th-century aqueduct Água de Prata, in the north-western part of the old town. I need more time here, yet I end up following the tourist trail out of Évora for a morning in the hilltop village of Monsaraz, right by the Spanish border. Here, in this all-white village, where craft boutiques and wine shops attract the tourists, it feels less real, more toytown. It’s all very pretty, and I even get a closer look at the beaches of Alqueva, western Europe’s largest artificial lake, just outside the village.
But I was missing Évora, which manages to hold on to its mellowness despite the growing number of tourists. I recall a chat with my guide, Andre, who mentioned the number of people who take day trips from Lisbon (only 90-odd minutes away) and tour groups who stop for a night or two. But they need four, five days, maybe a week, he says, to get the most out of it. I’m inclined to agree, as these too-short days fly by and I don’t get round to following the nature trails out of the town, or visiting all of the museums, or having another lazy coffee and eating a pastel de nata in the sunshine. Those monks were right: life really is too short.
The trip was provided by Kirker Holidays, which has three-night breaks at Pousada Convento Évora in November from £819pp, including breakfast, car hire and flights, although rail options are also available. Further information: visitalentejo.pt
When I wheeled my bike off the ferry at Roscoff, northwest France, in the summer of 2024, the furthest I had ever ridden was the 99-mile Devon Coast to Coast route over two days. And yet here I was, about to embark on an epic journey, unsupported, towing a trailer with two wooden surfboards, a tent and wetsuits strapped to it. My wife, Lizzy, 62, and I had rented out our house and lent our campervan to friends, so there was no turning back.
Lizzy was also towing a trailer with two belly boards and the rest of our camping kit. She, the veteran of many long rides in her 20s – one of which took her across the Andes – was full of quiet confidence. I was excited beyond words to be setting off on a new adventure, but also terrified of what the road might reveal about me. I had no idea whether my 57-year-old body or soul could cope with cycling for days on end, climbing mountains or setting up a tent every night for three months. My first attempt at a mountain pass, in the Pyrenees some years before, hadn’t started well. I threw a hissy fit at the first hairpin, demanding of Lizzy: what’s the point?
As our route out of Roscoff took us down a narrow, overgrown track with brambles brushing our legs and panniers, I started to wonder what we had got ourselves into. Would we have to ride on paths like this all the way? What were we thinking?
The plan was to cycle from home in Cornwall to Cape St Vincent in Portugal, Europe’s most south-westerly point, surfing as we went. The journey, I reckoned, would be at least 1,900 miles (over 3,000km). I had travelled to surf in Europe many times before, but only in a campervan and, in my late teens and 20s, a series of clapped-out cars.
My friends and I went to Europe to surf, drink cheap red wine, smoke Gauloises and live out our Californian Beach Boys fantasies. We were following in the footsteps of those who had made the trip in the 1960s and 1970s, leaving the UK to surf in the sun on world-class waves. In time, the journey became a rite of passage for all surfers: get beaten up in the powerful French shore breaks, find new waves in northern Spain and lose yourself on the wild coasts of Portugal.
The prospect of doing it all again, but this time on two wheels, thrilled me. I had become disillusioned with travelling by van and needed time out. I loved the idea of chasing waves without the faff and environmental impact of van life and wondered if living with less would make me happier. Would stripping back to basics – a surfboard, a wetsuit, a tent, a meths cooker and a change of clothes – make for a bigger, more meaningful adventure?
Martin and Lizzy took the ferry to Roscoff, Brittany. Photograph: Eyewave/Getty Images
Travelling by bike, I argued while planning this trip, would allow us to follow the old roads and forgotten paths our surfing forefathers had travelled and give us the kind of access to beaches that is impossible today.
Eventually the bumpy lanes outside Roscoff gave way to smooth, flowing tarmac, following the course of a muddy river, and we cruised along easily, our trailers rumbling happily behind us. Dare I hope it would all be fine?
The truth was, at that point, I doubted I was up to the adventure. In 2023 I had severed my anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), an injury that left me in a knee brace and on crutches for weeks. In the early days of recovery, I feared I’d never surf again.
The NHS consultant told me “most people your age manage perfectly well without an ACL”. I felt the sharp sting of ageism. But I wasn’t ready to be written off just yet. I had the ligament repaired privately and, when the surgeon recommended cycling for rehab, I took him at his word.
Riding ebikes made the trip possible. The psychological effect of knowing I had a little in the tank if things got difficult worked wonders, even if we rode in the mode that delivered the least power most of the time.
We followed La Vélodyssée, an 800-mile, mostly off-road cycle route down the west coast of France to Hendaye on the border with Spain, joining the Nantes-Brest canal for the first 190 miles. The riding was mostly flat and we bimbled along happily. I loved the attention we got: I guess there weren’t many middle-aged cyclists pulling surfboards along the towpath.
Seignosse in the far south-west of France was the location for the first proper surfing on the trip. Photograph: Dpa Picture Alliance/Alamy
At about 6pm each day – after about five hours in the saddle – we’d stop at a campsite, cook and collapse on to our blow-up beds. We’d prebooked some sites but mostly took our chances that something would turn up. On the one occasion it didn’t, we checked in to a hotel. Clean white sheets – heaven!
Despite daily drenchings from rain showers, I loved being self-sufficient and outside all day. When we finally found some good waves, at Seignosse, a little north of surfing’s spiritual European home, Biarritz, hitting them was all the more satisfying.
Spain, and her terrible hills, gave us a shock after the level paths through France’s maritime pine forest. Just after crossing the border we climbed Jaizkibel mountain in rain and fog. It was a 5-mile slog from sea level to 450 metres, en route to San Sebastián. I resisted the urge to press the ebike’s power button despite it being a “classic climb” that has been featured in the Tour de France and Spain’s equivalent, La Vuelta.
When I reached the top, I was wet, cold and exhausted – but elated. If it hadn’t been so misty, I could have looked back at France behind me and seen how far we had come. We had ridden 870 miles since leaving home and I had loved it. I had surfed some excellent waves too, at Biarritz and Hendaye, as well as Seignosse, and had got my mojo back after months out of the water. I decided it was just like riding a bike: you never forget how to do it. I was definitely ready for the more serious Iberian waves to come.
Martin celebrates conquering a 600-metre mountain in Galicia. Photograph: Martin Dorey
After Jaizkibel, my legs were tuned up and I was starting to relish this life-affirming trip that would see us follow the coasts of Spain and Portugal for another 1,200 miles over the next two months. We surfed some hallowed spots at Mundaka, Peniche and the World Surfing Reserve at Ericeira; mended multiple punctures; pitched our tent 67 times; climbed another 20,000 metres; and completed two legs of the Camino de Santiago. Arriving in Praza do Obradoiro, the main square in Santiago de Compostela old town, was a highlight. But we still had another 500 miles to go to our final destination of Sagres in the Algarve.
I may not be as fit as I was in my 20s – but the thrill of adventure remains the same.
Martin Dorey’s book about the adventure, The Way of the Waves, is published by Bloomsbury Sport (£20) on 11 September. To support the Guardian order your copy at guardianbookshop.com.Delivery charges may apply
If bill is signed into law, Portugal would join several European countries which already have full or partial bans.
Published On 17 Oct 202517 Oct 2025
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Portugal has approved a bill to ban face veils used for “gender or religious motives” in most public spaces that was proposed by the far-right Chega party and targets burqas and niqabs worn by Muslim women.
Under the bill, approved by parliament on Friday, proposed fines for wearing face veils in public would range from 200 to 4,000 euros ($234-$4,670). Forcing someone to wear one would be punishable with prison terms of up to three years.
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Face veils would still be allowed in aeroplanes, diplomatic premises and places of worship.
According to local media reports, the bill is now set to be discussed in the parliamentary committee on Constitutional Affairs, Rights, Freedoms, and Guarantees – a body responsible for reviewing legislation related to constitutional matters.
If signed into law, it would put Portugal alongside European countries, including France, Austria, Belgium and the Netherlands, which already have full or partial bans.
President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa could still veto the bill or send it to the Constitutional Court for checks.
During Friday’s parliamentary session, Chega leader Andre Ventura was confronted by several female lawmakers from left-wing parties who opposed the bill, but it passed with support from the centre-right coalition.
“We are today protecting female members of parliament, your daughters, our daughters, from having to use burqas in this country one day,” Ventura said.
In a post on X, he wrote: “Today is a historic day for our democracy and for the safeguarding of our values, our identity and women’s rights.”
Andreia Neto, a lawmaker from the ruling Social Democratic Party, said before the vote: “This is a debate on equality between men and women. No woman should be forced to veil her face.”
Two out of the 10 parties in parliament abstained from the vote – the People-Animals-Nature party, and the Together for the People party, according to local media reports.
The parties have suggested that the proposal incited discrimination.
Only a small minority of Muslim women in Europe cover their faces, and in Portugal such veils are very rare.
But full-face coverings such as niqabs and burqas have become a polarising issue across Europe, with some arguing that they symbolise gender discrimination or can represent a security threat and should be outlawed.
A European island has been hailed as the place with “perfect weather” all year round, and it’s only a short flight from the UK – with return flights available for just 27 per person
Alice Sjoberg Social News Reporter
16:37, 17 Oct 2025
People were amazed when hearing about this European island with ‘perfect’ climate all year around (stock image)(Image: Getty Images)
People are dreaming about visiting a specific European island which many claims has ‘perfect weather’ all year around. As Britain grows chillier and wetter, it’s perfectly natural to fantasise about escaping to sunnier, warmer destinations. Unfortunately, such dreams often prove costly and out of reach. But imagine if you could fulfil these dreams in a wonderfully sunny, dreamlike spot with return flights costing just £27 per person?
Madeira is an archipelago located in the North Atlantic Ocean, frequently dubbed Portugal’s Island of Eternal Spring thanks to its consistently ‘perfect’ weather conditions throughout the year. While much of Europe cools down, Madeira boasts a subtropical climate maintaining pleasant temperatures year-round.
During early October, the island’s average highs still linger around 25C before dropping slightly to 23C by month’s end. Evenings remain pleasant too, with temperatures rarely dipping below 18C.
This makes it ideal for sunset walks along Funchal’s waterfront or outdoor dining at the island’s numerous family-owned restaurants.
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Posting on Instagram, the account ‘beautifuldestinations’ declared in its caption: “Just a short flight from Lisbon, this subtropical island feels like it lives in permanent golden hour, warm, green, and blooming no matter the month.”
The Instagram post featured a reel showcasing the island’s stunning natural beauty, including its verdant mountains and brilliant azure coastline. They went on to say: “It’s the kind of place that’s just as good for hiking mountain trails as it is for slow cliffside lunches (ideally with a glass of local Madeira wine).”
The piece then highlighted various activities available, including witnessing dawn break above the clouds at Pico do Arieiro, taking a dip in volcanic pools, exploring trails and pathways through stunning landscapes.
For those preferring to discover local settlements, you can wander through Funchal’s historic quarter and sample regional delicacies, such as bolo do caco, or Poncha.
Timing your visit to Madeira isn’t crucial, as pleasant and bright conditions persist for most of the year. While winter brings milder temperatures averaging 15-18C, summer offers warmer weather with typical highs of 21-25C.
The island enjoys a subtropical climate, ensuring sunshine remains likely year-round.
Viewers were astonished by the footage, with numerous people vowing to experience Madeira themselves as the word ‘beautiful’ was repeated among several people.
“Going there just in a month – can’t wait,” one person wrote, while another user said: “The hiking and ending up above the clouds. the best part of travelling to Madeira!”
“Madeira is so wonderful! Love Portugal beautiful country with lovely people! Dream place,” someone else said.
Another person shared: “Been there past May, it is beautiful.”
Local authorities in holiday hotspot Albufeira, Portugal, have warned that the new rules will be “enforced strictly” and that the code of conduct will be in place year-round
The authorities in Albufeira in Portugal have issued a new set of rules(Image: Getty)
Tourists now face fines for misplacing shopping trolleys in a popular European destination keen to crack down on bad behaviour.
British travellers visiting Portugal this year risk fines of over £1,570 for breaking new public rules in the popular holiday destination of Albufeira. The fines range from a minimum of €150 to €1800 (£130-£1570) for ignoring tightened restrictions, which include misplacing shopping trolleys, lighting barbecues on the beach, and creating excessive noise.
Local authorities have warned that the rules will be “enforced strictly” and that the code of conduct will be in place year-round.
Over the years, Albufeira has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Portugal. With its stunning coastline, buzzing nightlife, and holiday appeal, it is easy to see why it attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. But that popularity has come with some cost.
A small number of visitors are engaging in disruptive, disrespectful or even dangerous behaviour. This has had an outsized impact on the town’s quality of life, particularly in peak season. From rowdy public drunkenness to inappropriate conduct in public spaces, these incidents have prompted concern from residents, visitors, business owners, and local authorities.
Following a year of work, the local authorities have unveiled a new code of conduct. It was put together through consultation with police, businesses and civil society organisations.
Signs have been placed across the city centre area to remind tourists and locals alike of the new rules. Authorities say the crackdown follows several high-profile incidents of disruptive behaviour last year, including viral videos of British tourists engaging in indecent acts on the main party strip.
Fines being introduced in Albufeira include:
Wearing swimwear outside of authorised areas – €300 to €1,500 (£260–£1,300)
Street drinking, urination or defecation in public – €300 to €1,500
Public nudity or sexual acts in public – €500 to €1,800 (£435–£1,570)
Sleeping in public or unauthorised camping – €150 to €750 (£130–£650)
Spitting in public – €150 to €750 (£130–£660)
Abandoning shopping trolleys/carts – €150 to €750
“With a €144 million investment in projects across the municipality over the last four years, Portugal is pushing to protect locals and keep its reputation as a family friendly destination.” an expert at One Sure Insurance explains.
“We are seeing fines introduced across Europe which could lead to tourists being caught out. Portugal is looking to introduce some steep fines, so we are asking British travellers to consider these new rules when on holiday to avoid unexpected costs to their trip.”
If you’re concerned about accidentally breaking one of the rules, you can speak to tourist information offices, hotel staff, your country’s consulate or local police for more details. In emergencies, dial 112.
Domingos passed his healthcare course too – and over the next few years, spent time in Spain with second-tier Basketmi Ferrol and top-flight Servigest Burgos, then followed his friend and mentor Bartolo to Portugal to join BC Gaia, all the while racking up international appearances for the country of his birth.
“Spain’s the biggest league in the world,” Domingos said. “It’s the NBA of wheelchair basketball.
“I played alongside two of the best players: Mateusz Filipski – he’s known as wheelchair basketball’s Steph Curry. He can shoot from everywhere. He’s a good leader, an amazing human. And I played alongside Lee Fryer, one of England’s most exciting emerging players.”
But Domingos wanted to come back to England to study, starting a business management degree at the University of Huddersfield – he is set to graduate next summer.
He kept up his fitness playing wheelchair basketball for a team in Wakefield, who shared training facilities with Wheelchair Championship rugby league side Castleford. A friend urged him to sign up with Cas – and everything has snowballed from there.
In April, he scored the winning try as they beat North Wales Crusaders to win the Wheelchair Challenge Trophy, for second-tier clubs. In June, he was called into England’s 17-strong national performance squad.
And then in August, he made the final 10 to fly to Australia – qualifying for the call-up on residency grounds. His domestic season was capped last month when Castleford beat Rochdale in the Wheelchair Championship Grand Final.
“It feels amazing to be part of the Ashes,” he said. “England is a family. I feel privileged to be part of this.
“I think my experiences with Portugal will help me to deal with the pressure. I can take some of the things I’ve learned in professional settings to this.
“At the moment, I’m enjoying this. Everything happens for a reason and you know, if I try to understand the reason, it won’t be so. Whatever happens tomorrow, I’m not sure. I’m hoping it’s a good thing, but I’m living today.”
Portugal maintain winning record in qualifying despite Cristiano Ronaldo’s second-half penalty miss against Ireland.
Published On 11 Oct 202511 Oct 2025
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Portugal’s Ruben Neves scored a stoppage-time goal to snatch a 1-0 win over Ireland, which preserved Portugal’s 100 percent record in World Cup qualifying Group F and consolidated the top spot.
Portugal moved to nine points at the halfway stage of the campaign, with a five-point lead over second-placed Hungary, who they host on Tuesday, when they could secure qualification.
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Neves headed home a minute into added time on Saturday at the Estadio Jose Alvalade for his first international goal.
It was a poignant tribute to close friend Diogo Jota, who died in a car accident in July and whose No 21 jersey Neves wore in Portugal’s first home game since the Liverpool player’s death.
Cristiano Ronaldo had a penalty saved earlier in the match as Ireland threatened to hold the hosts to a draw, but the late strike kept the Irish at the bottom of the standings with one point.
Truly Adams of Moreno Valley is racing Formula 4 cars in France even though he’s not old enough to obtain a driver’s license in California.
The 15-year-old freshman who’s enrolled in online classes at Epic Charter School in Corona became the first American driver to finish on the podium at the Feed Racing Volant F4 finals last month, taking third place in a field of international contenders at Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours, one of France’s top F1 racetracks.
Truly Adams races in the Feed Racing Volant F4 Finals in France.
(Troy Adams Coaching)
Adams is bilingual in English and Spanish and learning French to help further his desired career in racing. He’s won kart races in Spain and was the fastest driver at the Mexico F4 Series test. He’s preparing for the 2026 French Formula 4 season next year, which is the path toward being a Formula 1 driver. Entry into the series requires $300,000 in funding, so he’s seeking sponsorships and partnerships.
“I love racing cars because of the thrill of it, passing cars, getting passed, going 130 mph in the straightaway,” he said.
His father, Troy, serves as his driving coach. His mother, Kara, is his driver when he’s in Southern California. In the last year, he’s traveled throughout the United States and to France, Portugal, Spain and Italy for competitions.
“I played every sport growing up — soccer, football, basketball, golf, tennis, rugby, swimming,” he said. “I tried to play the guitar. I tried to play piano. I tried to play everything.”
He said he has begun studying for his California driving test in September of 2026.
Asked what he might tell the instructor in the car, he said, “I’ll tell him I’m a professional race car driver and do you want to go more than the speed limit?”
This is a daily look at the positive happenings in high school sports. To submit any news, please email [email protected].
One little island in the Atlantic Ocean stays warm and sunny long after summer is over – and it is closer to Africa than the continent it technically belongs to
Madeira is often described as the ‘Hawaii of Europe’(Image: Getty)
When October arrives, much of Britain becomes grey, damp and chilly, leaving countless Brits yearning for a final dose of sunshine.
The brilliant news is that autumn often presents the most affordable time to secure a getaway, and with pupils back at school, the tourist hordes have thinned out considerably.
Whilst most European coastal spots begin to turn cooler, there’s one magnificent little island that remains balmy and bright, and it’s nearer to Africa than the continent it officially calls home. This gorgeous volcanic isle in the Atlantic boasts average daily temperatures of approximately 22C in October.
And whilst it’s a Portuguese territory, it lies more than 300 miles west of Morocco and over 600 miles from Lisbon. The island is Madeira – a verdant, mountainous haven that offers everything from breathtaking tropical landscapes to delightful towns and welcoming hospitality.
Frequently dubbed the “Hawaii of Europe”, it’s a perfect retreat for holidaymakers seeking dependable sunshine without travelling too far.
Flights from Britain to Madeira last just under four hours, with direct connections available from London, Manchester, Bristol, Birmingham, and other cities. Ryanair, Jet2, easyJet, and TUI all provide direct services to the island’s capital, Funchal.
Madeira is most famous as the birthplace of football legend Cristiano Ronaldo, who was born in Funchal in 1985. The island honours his heritage with a special museum and even a statue on the waterfront. But there’s far more to discover beyond that.
For those who adore trekking, countless renowned Levada trails await exploration. These narrow footpaths wind alongside the island’s ancient irrigation channels through valleys, clifftops and woodlands.
Among the most beloved routes is the Levada do Caldeirão Verde, which meanders through verdant laurel forests featuring spectacular cascades. Moreover, the capital Funchal boasts cobbled lanes, vibrant markets, and charming botanical gardens.
Tourists can also enjoy a cable car journey up to Monte, then experience a traditional wicker toboggan ride back down. Whale and dolphin spotting excursions operate throughout the year, and October remains sufficiently warm for swimming or lounging beside the ocean.
Madeira’s culinary offerings represent another major attraction. Regional delicacies feature black scabbard fish served with banana, espetada (beef skewers), and naturally, the globally renowned Madeira wine.
Travellers who have experienced the island describe its tranquil ambience, gentle climate, and breathtaking landscapes, reports the Express. One visitor commented on Tripadvisor: “It’s absolutely breathtaking, the views are out of this world.”
Another remarked: “We visited in October and the weather was perfect. Not too hot, not too cold, just right for walking and relaxing.” The sole consideration is that the island’s climate can prove unpredictable, positioned as it is amidst the Atlantic Ocean.
Aircraft occasionally cannot touch down owing to powerful winds and must be redirected to mainland Portugal. Although sandy beaches are scarce, the island boasts some remarkable volcanic rock pools that serve as a favourite spot for swimming and unwinding.
Deontay Wilder’s former boxing coach and Kate Abdo’s husband Malik Scott suggested the ideaCredit: Getty
“Any time boxing gets more attention, it’s a good thing. I want people to enjoy the spectacle, not just critique it.
“Just enjoy the carnival. It would be a global event because these are high-level names that would draw huge numbers.”
Scott is no stranger to the world of football, having married fan-favourite CBS sports broadcaster Kate Abdo in September last year.
His prospective competitors were iconic teammates at Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson, making over 200 appearances together.
Their relationship was believed to have turned cold following Ronaldo‘s protests to the referee earning Rooney a red card in a 2006 World Cup quarter final, which Portugal would go on to win on penalties.
He also made headlines for his comments on the heated Messi vs Ronaldo debate, backing the Argentinian over his former teammate.
Kenny is himself set to face former Prem footballer Curtis Davies at a charity event next month, and is keen to keep the ball rolling on his new boxing escapades.
A BRITISH man who stabbed his flat mate to death in Portugal has been found after spending more than a year on the run.
William Hunter murdered 22-year-old Elliot Mulligan in an Albufeira apartment in April 2022.
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William Hunter has been arrested in Spain after spending 17 months on the runCredit: Guardia Civil Ministry of Interior
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Hunter was convicted of murdering his flat mate, Elliot Mulligan, in 2022Credit: Guardia Civil Ministry of Interior
The 34-year-old was sentenced to spend 18 years behind bars for killing the Liverpool man, but lodged an appeal in 2023.
He was released on bail in April the following year, after reaching the custodial time limit for prisoners on remand.
Hunter immediately breached his bail and fled, leading police on a multi-agency manhunt.
The UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) said he was arrested by Guardia Civil officers in Alicante on September 15.
Portuguese authorities have sought the killer to be extradited and complete his jail sentence.
In a statement, NCA spokesman Gill Duggan said: “Above all, our thoughts remain with Elliot’s family, who have endured an unimaginable loss and the painful reality that the man responsible had not been held accountable for his violent actions”.
“Our pursuit of Hunter was relentless, driven by a deep commitment to securing justice for those who love Elliot,” he continued.
“With thanks to our partners at Merseyside Police and in Spain and Portugal, Hunter is behind bars where he belongs, and where he will remain for a long time to come.”
Detective Superintendent Mark Drew from Merseyside Police said Hunter’s arrest had been a “joint operation”.
“We are committed to working with our partners to capture those that evade law enforcement and bring them to justice,” he said.
I’ve been at 5,500 ‘soul-crushing’ scenes as NYC’s death examiner – but 2 boys walking through mom’s blood will haunt me
“We continue to support Elliot’s family.
“As they finally see justice being done for their tragic loss, we hope that the arrest of William Hunter brings them some comfort.”
Hunter was convicted and sentenced over the brutal murder in 2023, where he stabbed Elliot multiple times in the chest, back, arms and hands.
The two men had been living together when they’d gotten into an argument on April 6 in 2022.
Hunter later launched his savage attack, stabbing Elliot 24 times.
Elliot attempted to flee the luxury flat by jumping from the balcony, walking several metres across the garden before eventually collapsing.
Emergency services were unable to save him, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
An autopsy of Elliot’s body found he had died from multiple incisive wounds.
Hurricane Gabrielle could even have knock-on effects on the weather in the UK with reports of heavy rainfall on its way
Angra do Heroísmo is the capital of Terceira in the Azores(Image: Getty)
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued an urgent travel update for anyone planning to visit a popular Portuguese hotspot or its surrounding regions. It comes amid a warning published today (September 25) with the government department alerting travellers to an approaching storm that’s expected to hit very soon.
Its update forms part of the Foreign Office’s Portugal travel advice which also includes Madeira, Porto Santo and the Azores. In its latest advisory, it noted that a tropical storm warning has been issued specifically for the Azores, where adverse weather conditions are anticipated to develop rapidly – and where around four million tourists visit a year, with Brits the top nation for visitors.
The travel experts highlighted that Hurricane Gabrielle is forecast to reach the Azores during the afternoon of September 25, urging travellers in the region to stay informed and take precautions if needed. Because of the expected weather conditions, there could “be disruption to services due to hurricane force winds and possible coastal flooding.” People are being urged to take care and read up on the latest advice over the next few days.
Noting that “hurricanes can change course and intensity”, it stated that the situation is being closely monitored by the US National Hurricane Center. It further advised people follow the guidance of their local authorities, adding: “If you are due to travel, check for updates from your travel provider.”
The US National Hurricane Center website warned travellers that currently, “a hurricane warning is in effect for all of the islands of the Azores, and hurricane conditions are likely tonight into Friday. Significant hurricane-force wind gusts are likely across portions of the Azores even after the center passes.”
The warning continues: “A dangerous storm surge is expected to produce significant coastal flooding in areas of onshore winds in the Azores. The surge will be accompanied by large and destructive waves.”
As well as this, “heavy rainfall from Gabrielle could produce flash flooding across the terrain of the central Azores tonight through Friday morning. Swells generated by Gabrielle will continue to affect Bermuda during the next couple of days, and the east coast of the United States from North Carolina northward and Atlantic Canada for the next day or so.”
Guidance from the experts concluded: “These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions. Please consult products from your local weather office.”
What to do if you are affected by flooding or a storm
Flooding may result from heavy rainfall, tropical cyclones, or tsunamis. These events can cause extensive damage, including loss of life and major disruption to transport networks. During a flood, there is a significant risk of drowning and after, the likelihood of contracting water-borne diseases such as malaria or typhoid fever increases.
People can find out more about flooding from TravelHealthPro (from the UK’s National Travel Health Network and Centre), the World Health Organisation and the Met Office. In addition to flooding, tropical cyclones cause “considerable loss of life” every year. They can also cause “immense damage to property, and damage transport, electricity and communication infrastructure.”
Tropical cyclones gain energy from the heat released when moist air rises into the atmosphere. Hurricane season takes place during the months when sea surface temperatures in a given region are at their peak.
Highest risk:
June to November in the Northern Hemisphere Tropics (Caribbean, Atlantic, Southeast Asia, Pacific, Far East)
November to April in the Southern Hemisphere Tropics (for example, East Africa coast)
Tropical cyclones can cause:
high winds: buildings can be damaged or destroyed; trees, power and telephone lines fall; flying debris becomes dangerous
storm surge: a hurricane can cause a temporary rise in sea level of several metres which can flood coastal areas and damage buildings on the shoreline
very heavy rainfall: this can cause localised or widespread flooding and mudslides
You can find the latest Portugal travel advice here. Please keep an eye on the Foreign Office before and during your holiday.
Nine other countries, including France and the UK, also plan to recognise Palestinian statehood next week.
Portugal has joined Australia, Canada, France and the United Kingdom in announcing plans to recognise a Palestinian state.
In a statement on Friday, the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the recognition will take place on Sunday, a day before a high-level conference on Palestinian statehood at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
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“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirms that Portugal will recognise the State of Palestine,” the ministry wrote in a statement on its website.
“The Official Declaration of Recognition will take place on Sunday, September 21st, before next week’s High-Level Conference,” the statement added.
According to Portugal’s Correio da Manha newspaper, the country’s centre-right Prime Minister Luis Montenegro consulted with the president and parliament before finalising the decision.
It marked the end of nearly 15 years of debate in the Western European country’s parliament, Correio da Manha reported, after the proposal was first put forward by the country’s Left Bloc political party in 2011.
People carry a banner with the words ‘Free Palestine’ during a demonstration demanding a ceasefire in Gaza and in support of Palestinians, in Lisbon, Portugal, on April 7, 2024 [Armando Franca/AP Photo]
Global outcry
Portugal’s announcement comes days after a landmark UN inquiry found that Israel’s war on Gaza amounts to a genocide.
At least 65,141 people have been killed and 165,925 wounded since Israel’s onslaught began in October 2023. Many thousands more are believed to be buried under the rubble.
The Portuguese government first announced its intentions on recognising Palestine as a state in July, citing “extremely worrying evolution of the conflict”, as well as the humanitarian crisis and Israel’s repeated threats to annex Palestinian land.
Earlier on Friday, an adviser to French President Emmanuel Macron said that Andorra, Australia, Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta and San Marino plan to recognise the State of Palestine alongside France at the high-level meeting it is co-organising with Saudi Arabia in New York on Monday.
They will join some 147 countries, representing 75 percent of UN members, that had already recognised Palestinian statehood as of April this year.
Portugal was also among 145 countries which voted on Friday to create an option for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to address the UNGA in New York next week by video, after the United States denied him a visa.
Nauru, Palau, Paraguay, as well as Israel and the US, were the five countries that voted no, while six countries abstained.
Israel and the US have strongly criticised countries moving to recognise Palestine, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio describing France’s announcement as a “reckless decision” that “only serves Hamas propaganda”.
Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich warned last year that a new illegal Israeli settlement would be established in the occupied West Bank for every country that recognises Palestine.
Luxembourg considers sanctions
Earlier this week, Luxembourg’s Prime Minister Luc Frieden and Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel told a parliamentary commission that their country intends to recognise Palestinian statehood at the UNGA.
Bettel also said that he would propose a bill to parliament so that Luxembourg could take further measures, such as sanctions, according to the country’s broadcaster RTL Letzebuerg.
Francesca Albanese, the UN special rapporteur on human rights in the occupied Palestinian territory, has implored countries to take more measures to end Israel’s war on Gaza, including by imposing sanctions and an arms embargo on Israel.
Roberto Carlos needed a heads up on which dressing room he was in…
Good evening and welcome to SunSport’s live blog of the Legends Charity Game!
This year’s edition marks the start of the series, with the match scheduled to be held at Sporting‘s home annually until 2030, when Portugal co-hosts the World Cup.
Portugal and the World legends will go head-to-head in the star-studded charity match.
Luis Figo, Pepe, Nani, Deco and Ricard Carvalho are among the Portuguese legends taking part.
While the likes of John Terry, Kaka, Michael Owen, Alessandro Del Piero and Edwin van der Sar will represent the World Legends in the Portuguese capital.
Undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk swaps the ring for the pitch as he ties up his boots to feature in the event.
SunSport will bring you minute-by-minute coverage of tonight’s huge clash!
Portugal earned a 3-2 victory at Hungary in their UEFA World Cup qualifier on Tuesday, with Joao Cancelo scoring a late winner, two minutes after the hosts had equalised, to put them in control at the top of Group F with two away wins from two.
The visitors came from behind to lead thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo’s penalty, but almost let the three points slip when conceding late on before Cancelo’s goal rescued the win to add to their 5-0 success in Armenia on Saturday.
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Hungary took the lead in the 21st minute when Barnabas Varga met Zsolt Nagy’s inch-perfect cross into the box with a header which went in off the upright, before Portugal drew level 15 minutes later through Bernardo Silva’s close-range effort.
Portugal went in front after Varga handballed a Ronaldo flick-on in the area, and the 40-year-old buried his spot kick into the bottom corner.
The goal took Ronaldo level with Guatemala’s Carlos Ruiz as the joint-top scorer in World Cup qualifiers on 39. He also extended his international record to 141 in 223 games.
Hungary, who drew 2-2 away to Ireland on Saturday, looked to have done the same in Budapest when Varga headed his second of the night six minutes from time, but the hosts were unable to hold on.
Two minutes later, Cancelo struck a first-time shot from outside the area after a Bernardo Silva pass to leave Portugal top of the group standings on six points.
“It’s never easy once you fall behind, and we showed a lot of character, just like against Germany and Spain [in the Nations League] in June when we were losing but managed to come back,” said Silva.
“Today, once again against a tough team, we managed to come back. Even when they scored after 80-something minutes, we still managed to score the winner.”
Armenia, who beat Ireland 2-1 earlier on Tuesday, are second with three points, with Hungary and Ireland on one point.
Ronaldo scores Portugal’s second goal from the penalty spot on September 9, 2025 [Bernadett Szabo/Reuters]
Norway register double-digit win against Moldova
Norway’s Erling Haaland scored five goals and substitute Thelo Aasgaard added four more as they hammered hapless Moldova 11-1 to take another huge step towards qualifying for the World Cup for the first time since 1998.
With five games played, the Norwegians top Group I on 15 points, six ahead of second-placed Italy, who have a game in hand. Moldova’s worst defeat leaves them bottom of the group with no points.
The group winners qualify automatically for next year’s World Cup, while the runners-up go into a playoff.
Haaland’s beautifully cushioned pass teed up Felix Horn Myhre to break the scoring deadlock with a sixth-minute tap-in, and Martin Odegaard should have made it two a minute later, but he blazed the ball over from close range.
The Norwegians did not have to wait long for another goal as Haaland rattled home in the 11th minute, snapping up a loose ball in the box and sweeping it into the far corner.
Haaland slotted home his second to round off a Norwegian counterattack in the 36th minute and completed his hat-trick before halftime.
Moldova keeper Cristian Avram forced him to go wide, but Haaland recovered the ball and chipped it brilliantly in at the far post to make it 4-0.
Odegaard netted a fifth in first-half stoppage time, and seven minutes into the second half, Haaland struck again, scoring his fourth with a header as Norway ran riot in front of their home fans.
Substitute Aasgaard struck twice, either side of an own goal by Leo Ostigard, and he got his hat-trick from the penalty spot in the 79th minute before Haaland added the 10th, his ninth goal in five World Cup qualifiers.
Aasgaard completed the rout with a flicked finish in second-half stoppage time to complete a rare double-digit margin of victory.
Norway’s Erling Haaland scores their fourth goal to complete a hat-trick against Moldova in their UEFA World Cup qualifying match at Ullevaal Stadion, Oslo, Norway, on September 9, 2025 [Fredrik Varfjell/NTB via Reuters]
England dominate Serbia
England took a huge step towards automatic qualification for the World Cup, with captain Harry Kane paving the way for an impressive 5-0 victory away to main Group K rivals, Serbia.
Criticised for a laboured home win over Andorra at the weekend, England produced their best display under Thomas Tuchel to take full advantage of a timid Serbia display and maintain their 100 percent record in the group without conceding a goal.
Kane headed England’s opener from Declan Rice’s corner in the 33rd minute, and minutes later Noni Madueke scored his first senior international goal to double the lead.
Seven minutes after the break, it was Ezri Konsa’s turn to open his England account and put the visitors in cruise control with a close-range finish.
Serbia’s night went from bad to worse when Nikola Milenkovic was sent off in the 73rd minute for a foul on Kane, and from Rice’s resulting free kick, Marc Guehi arrived to make it 4-0.
Substitute Marcus Rashford rounded it off with a late penalty after a foul on Ollie Watkins as England moved to 15 points from five games and a seven-point lead over Albania.
Serbia’s first defeat in the group leaves them third on seven points, with a game in hand.
The group winners qualify for next year’s finals, with the runners-up going into the playoffs.
England’s Marcus Rashford scores their fifth goal from the penalty spot against Serbia on September 9 [Andrew Boyers/Action Images via Reuters]
Who: Armenia vs Portugal What: UEFA qualifiers for FIFA 2026 World Cup Where: Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium in Yerevan, Armenia When: Saturday, September 6 at 8pm (16:00 GMT).
How to follow: We’ll have all the build-up on Al Jazeera Sport from 13:00 GMT in advance of our live text commentary stream.
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Portugal begin their quest to reach the FIFA 2026 World Cup when they travel to Armenia on Saturday for their UEFA qualifying match, but much of the focus is on the first match for the Portuguese since the passing of their forward, Diogo Jota.
Portugal midfielder Ruben Neves will wear the number 21 jersey of his late friend, Jota, during games for the national team and has revealed a tattoo on his left calf in honour of the former Liverpool striker, who died in July.
“I and the entire national team will do everything we can to keep Diogo here with us, on our team,” Neves said late Tuesday at a ceremony at Portugal’s training base held ahead of the team’s World Cup qualifiers against Armenia and Hungary. Republic of Ireland are the other team in Group F
Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, died in a car accident on July 3.
Neves, who plays for Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia, was very close to Jota – they played together at English club Wolverhampton and Portugal – and spoke on behalf of the Portugal squad about his former teammate at the ceremony, which was also attended by Cristiano Ronaldo, Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and Luis Montenegro, the recently appointed prime minister.
The Portuguese federation posted a video on X of Neves with a tattoo that shows him embracing Jota, who was wearing the number 21 jersey.
Tuesday’s ceremony was also a tribute to Jorge Costa, the former Portugal international who died last month of cardiac arrest.
Pedro Proenca, president of the Portuguese Football Federation, described Jota and Costa as men “who loved football; who loved their country; who loved their national team; men who defended, with courage and dedication, the colours of our flag”.
Jota and Costa were posthumously honoured as Commanders of the Order of Merit and awarded medals, which were accepted by family members.
The federation said the squad was made up of “23 (+1)” players – in another nod to the memory of Jota.
Why have Portugal not played any World Cup qualifiers yet?
Portugal, along with 23 other teams, are only joining the qualifying programme for the World Cup now due to the progress of some of the top seeds in the 2025 Nations League, which culminated in June.
Portugal beat Germany in the semifinal, while Spain overcame France. The rest of the qualifiers for the latter stages of that tournament are also only entering the World Cup qualifiers now.
Head-to-head
This is the seventh meeting between the countries, with four Portugal wins and two draws recorded previously.
The last meeting came in a Euro qualifier in 2015, which the Portuguese won 3-2 in Armenia.
Armenia team news
Narek Grigoryan is injured, while Norberto Briasco misses out due to a family issue.
Lucas Zelarayan and Grant-Leon Ranos are both, however, back in the first-team plans.
Portugal team news
Rafael Leao is out with a calf injury, while Diogo Dalot has a muscle problem and has been forced to withdraw.
Cristiano Ronaldo has scored five goals in four games against Armenia, including a hat-trick in the last meeting between the sides.
At least 15 people were killed when Lisbon’s Gloria funicular railcar derailed and crashed, emergency services said.
Portugal’s President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa shared his condolences with the families affected by what he described as a tragedy.
The Portuguese government has announced a day of national mourning, while officials in Lisbon have declared three days of mourning in the capital city.
What happened in Lisbon?
At about 6:15pm local time (17:15 GMT), a carriage on Lisbon’s world-famous funicular electric railway derailed and crashed.
Witnesses said they heard a loud noise before one of the trams sped down a steep slope in the city, apparently out of control.
“It hit a building with brutal force and collapsed like a cardboard box; it had no brakes,” a witness told the AFP news agency.
Photos showed the tram carriage toppled on its side along the narrow road it usually travels. The sides and roof of the carriage were partly crumpled by the impact after it appeared to have struck a bend in the road at speed.
Local media reported that emergency crews responded quickly, deploying 62 rescuers and 22 support vehicles to help survivors trapped in the wreckage.
An accident involving a funicular railcar caused several deaths and serious injuries in Lisbon, Portugal, on Wednesday [Patricia de Melo Moreira/AFP]
Authorities said it was too early to determine the cause of the accident.
The Lisbon Firefighters Regiment reported that the crash was caused by a “cable that came loose” in the funicular system.
At least 15 people were killed and 18 others injured, five of them critically, according to the National Institute for Medical Emergencies.
Police and firefighters work on the site of the Gloria funicular accident in Lisbon [Patricia de Melo Moreira/AFP]
What is a funicular railway?
A funicular is a type of cable railway built to carry passengers up and down steep slopes.
It operates with two counterbalanced cars attached to opposite ends of the same cable: as one car ascends, the other descends, and the weight of the descending car helps pull the ascending car, making it highly efficient.
Funiculars are commonly found in hilly cities and tourist destinations where conventional trains or buses would struggle with steep gradients.
The Gloria funicular was opened in Lisbon in 1885 and electrified three decades later. It can carry 43 people, seated and standing. It is commonly used by the capital’s residents.
The driver of the Lavra funicular waves while steering it downhill through a narrow street to downtown Lisbon, Portugal [File: Armando Franca/AP Photo]
Where exactly did the crash happen?
The crash took place on a popular tram line in the centre of Lisbon that connects the city’s downtown area near the Restauradores Square with the Bairro Alto (Upper Quarter), which is known for its vibrant nightlife.
The funicular derailed and crashed on Rua da Gloria, a well-known street in central Lisbon.
Gloria is one of three funicular lines operated by the municipal public transport company, Carris.
Carris said in a statement that “all maintenance protocols have been carried out”, with the last one taking place in 2022, and there were daily inspections.
According to a report by Spanish newspaper El Pais, workers had complained on several occasions about “poor maintenance” on the Gloria line.
The Gloria line transports about three million people annually, according to city officials.
O Elevador da Glória descarrilou e tombou esta quarta-feira, junto à Avenida da Liberdade, em Lisboa. Segundo os bombeiros sapadores, o acidente provocou “muitas vítimas”, incluindo feridos graves. pic.twitter.com/ADWpR5c8oe
Translation: The Glory Elevator derailed and overturned this Wednesday, near Avenida da Liberdade, in Lisbon. According to the municipal firefighters, the accident caused “many victims”, including serious injuries.
What do we know about the victims?
Portugal’s Ministry of Health said there were local and foreign surnames among the victims in the crash, but that their nationalities were not yet known.
There were no children among the 15 dead, it added.
In total, 18 people were injured. Of those, nine were taken to hospital, five of them in serious condition. A child was also injured.
The Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that two of the injured are Spanish citizens, according to Europa Press.
What is the latest on the ground?
According to local reports, all victims were taken to hospitals by 8:30pm local time (19:30 GMT), and by 9pm (20:00 GMT), police and emergency personnel had cleared the crash site, where an investigation into the cause is under way.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the streets around the crash site filled with news media and hundreds of tourists stopping to capture images of the wreckage.
Lisbon’s City Council shut down the city’s other streetcars and called for urgent inspections, local media reported.
Police and firefighters at the site of the Gloria funicular railcar accident in Lisbon, on September 3, 2025 [Patricia De Melo Moreira/AFP]
MOST holidaymakers love a tipple, and one destination in Europe has been crowned the best for boozy breaks.
The Telegraph declared Portugal to be the best destination for drinking as it’s not only “amongst the higher per capita drinkers of wine in the world, they also have some of the cheapest prices”.
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Portugal is the best holiday spot for a boozy breakCredit: Alamy
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In Portugal, you can even get a can of beer alongside a Big MacCredit: Alamy
Weighing up the stats like annual alcohol consumption, cheapest capitals for pints and cities with the most bars per capita, Portugal came out on top.
In particular, the country landed in second place when it came to the annual consumption of wine – which was 52.3 litres per person.
And the reason that wine is so affordable is because Portugal is covered in vineyards – around 4,700 of them.
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Portugal is widely known for producing its very own Port wine in the Douro Valley.
It’s a sweet wine typically served with dessert, and has a high alcohol content usually ranging between 19 and 22 per cent.
When it comes to bagging affordable booze, Portugal’s capital, Lisbon, is especially well-known for it.
According to HikersBay, the price for a domestic beer in the city is €3 (£2.61) and a glass of wine at the table might set you back €5.50 (£4.78).
If anyone decides to pop into McDonald’s for a bite to eat, you can even order a can of Sagres beer to have with your burger and it’s priced just over €2 (£1.74).
The Portuguese city of Porto produces the well-known Port wineCredit: Alamy
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The reason wine is so affordable is due to the amount of vineyardsCredit: Alamy
The average bottle of wine is just £3.91 with the cheapest being as little as £2.53 – in the UK buying a bottle of wine in the supermarket averages £9.36.
You can regularly find cheap bottles of wine in Portugal for under €5 (£4.35) at the supermarket, including Esteva, Evel, and Porca de Murça.
Around the country, there are even attractions dedicated to telling the story of its alcohol production, in Porto, the World of Wine museum even holds free tastings.
The venue has seven museums, 12 restaurants, a bar and café, a wine school and shops.
The seven themed museums in the Wine Experience take guests on an “extraordinary journey from grape to bottle”.
And a new addition called the Pink Palace immerses visitors in the concept of rosé wine.
Time Outdescribed World of Wine as ” basically a big theme park for those who like a tipple (or three)”.
There are plenty of quirky bars in the cities – including Pensão AmorCredit: PENSÃO AMOR
One of the most famous in the capital is ‘Bar A Parodia’, one of the oldest cocktail bars in Lisbon which visitors have described as “a real treasure”.
Another unique bar in the city is well-known for its live shows and events – and it used to be a brothel.
The bar is called Pensão Amor and is found on one of Lisbon’s promenades and is tucked inside an 18th century building spanning across five floors.
It’s decorated with vintage posters from burlesque shows and punters can enjoy a drink on velvet sofas and armchairs.
It regularly holds events like burlesque presentations, themed parties and even poetry meetings.
Cocktails include a Pornstar Martini which is priced at €11 (£9.57).
Of course, Portuguese pubs and restaurants outside major tourist destinations like Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve will be generally cheaper.
One example of this is Silves in Portugal that used to the be capital of the Algarve.
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Silves is a very affordable city around an hour from FaroCredit: Alamy
Flights from the UK were under £50, on average – and it’s very pretty too with cobbled streets, cafes and independent shops selling handcrafted gifts and ceramics.
There’s still time to go to Portugal too as the weather tends to stay dry and mild through autumn with the temperature in October ranging between 15C and 23C.
As for getting to Portugal, it’s not that expensive, Sun Travel found return flights to Lisbon from £38 in October – and the flight time is two hours 50 minutes.
