ObservaNatura 2013: 12-13 October

Learn more about birds and their habitats at ObservaNatura, that takes place in October at Moinho de Maré da Mourisca near Sado River estuary.

This fair is held since 2009 and it is currently the only fair in Portugal dedicated to Ornithology Tourism, a subgroup of nature tourism focusing on birdwatching, either directly or using binoculars or telescopes. The extensive programme for the "ObservaNatura" fair includes workshops, mini-courses, guided birdwatching tours through the Sado Estuary Nature Reserve on foot and by boat, and bird banding sessions. Herons, spoonbills and flamingos are just some of the species which can be observed at this time of year.

The fair has free entry, and is organised by the Institute for the Preservation of Nature and Forests (ICNF)/Sado Estuary Nature Reserve and Tróia-Natura, with many partners, including the Portuguese Tourist Board, Setúbal City Coucil, the Portuguese Society for the Study of Birds, the Setúbal Bay Association and Birds & Nature. 

More information at:
- http://www.observanatura.com/
- https://www.facebook.com/observanatura

Algarve Spa Week 2013: 19-26 October 2013

From 19 to 26 October 2013, Algarve Spa Week brings together 11 of the best 5-star hotel spas with an exceptional offer - during 8 days any spa treatment is available at half the price.

Experience an endless range of health and beauty spa treatments, holistic and alternative therapies, spa facilities in luxurious surroundings each as remarkable as the next one.

The experiences and special offers are available to all, hotels guests and local residents.

More information at http://www.algarvespaweek.com/

Madeira promoted on Eurosport

With the purpose of promoting Madeira Islands internationally as a tourism destination by excellence of nature and active tourism Madeira Tourism Board conducts once again, until the end of the year, an  advertising campaign on Eurosport - TV channels, Internet and Mobile Phones - reaching almost 26.5 million spectators and users daily.

Madeira Islands is promoting this campaign, in order to captivate active tourism lovers, demonstrating its enormous potential and its excellent conditions for practising open air sports activities surrounded by stunning nature.

In addition to the promotional television spots, there is a detailed microsite on the Madeira Islands, also available on Eurosport.com website where it is possible to access videos and photos regarding a diversity of sporting activities that can be practised in Madeira.

Discover an active Madeira on Eurosport!


Source: VisitMadeira

Aveiro invites



Todos os direitos reservados a aboutcentro



Visit Aveiro, with its scenic lagoon and the famous barcos moliceiros. Discover the city of water and light.

A famous Aveiro landmark, the immense lagoon at its centre known as the Ria, creates a tangible link between land and sea. Boats move up and down its channels and give the city its uniquely colourful atmosphere. You’ll find a bustling ambience everywhere as you stroll through Aveiro’s waterside districts, where the small houses, whitewashed or covered in decorative tiles, are reflected in the water.

Narrow streets, filled with the city’s warm and hospitable inhabitants, lead you to simple but attractive little chapels, standing as symbols to local religious devotion. Brightly painted windows and flowers contrast with the black and white patterns of the stone pavements, creating a colourful scene. The sea and mountains acting as a backdrop to the city’s pretty streets.

At the Aveiro fish market, an interesting iron structure, you get the sense of a city that has held on to its traditions despite recent development.

Now contained within the walls of the former Franciscan monastery of Santo António you’ll find the Infante Dom Pedro Municipal Park and Garden. ts lake and carefully planted landscaping provide a pleasant patch of green that is repeated in grassy areas and small brightly coloured gardens across the city.

When you’ve learnt about the city’s history, discover its modern and dynamic side. The many different shops to be found in the new avenues are testament to the success of recent development. The University has also given Aveiro a rich and active cultural life, with many new and exciting leisure and entertainment venues opening to serve it students. Finally, to explore the city more fully, take a ride on a BUGA, one of the city’s free bicycles, and discover Aveiro’s many charms.

More information about Aveiro at:
- http://www.visitcentro.com/aveiro
- http://www.turismodocentro.pt/
- http://www.aveiro.eu/ 

Cascais Billabong Pro: October 21st-27th 2013

The beautiful and touristic coastline of Cascais will host the first ever Cascais Pro, an ASP Prime event gathering the World’s highest ranked competitors in the hunt for their spot on the World Championship Tour.

From October 21-27, the beaches of Carcavelos and Guincho will bring the heat on Portugal’s world reknown breaks with an intense week of action to crown an inaugural Cascais Pro champion.

With an incredible $250,000 prize-purse on offer and enough ranking points to make or break a surfer’s qualification attempt, the ASP Prime Cascais Pro is assured to play a dramatic role in the road to the 2014 WCT. Portugal which already counts several important surfing events shows once again it’s desire to showcase the natural beauty and idyllic conditions its coastline has to offer.

While the competitor’s main concern will be establishing themselves amongst the best surfers on the planet, the country’s fanatic crowds and international travelers alike will be able to enjoy the endless summer vibe that puts Portugal on the A-List of surfing destinations during the European summer. World class golf courses, beautiful weather, exceptional food and cultural diversity are just a few reasons to check out the area while staying in Cascais.

“For Cascais, national birthplace of surfing, to become part of such a big event, is a natural step in the development strategy that contributes to the affirmation of the brand “Cascais” through the potential of its sea,” organizers stated. “Used to be the scenario of major world events, the Cascais City Council has hosted some of the most prestigious international sporting events such as the America’s Cup World Series, World Cup Sailing ISAF or the Audi Med Cup, as well as major Golf Competitions.”

The Cascais Pro will have the ability to move between two major sites: Carcavelos beach, one of the founding places in Portugal’s surfing history, with countless peaks of punchy lefts and rights on offer; and Guincho, the area’s swell magnet that will pick up anything available and transform it into a powerful wave.

The ASP Prime Cascais Pro is scheduled from October 21-27, 2013 in Cascais, Portugal. For all results, photos, video highlights, press releases and LIVE webcast, log on to http://www.aspeurope.com/

More information about the Cascais Billabong Pro at:
- http://aspeurope.com/cascais2013
- https://www.facebook.com/ASPeurope
- https://twitter.com/apeurope
- http://www.youtube.com/aspeurope
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Source: ASP Europe

Moche Rip Curl Pro Portugal: 9-20 October 2013

After last year's incredible display of barrel riding at Supertubos, the world's greatest surfers will once again return to the mythical shores of Peniche.

The Moche Rip Curl Pro, the 9th event of ten on the ASP World Championship Tour, will run from 9-20 October at the most hollow beach break in Europe.

Supertubos is a powerful wave that is fuelled by the long and deep swells coming from the North Atlantic, which can reach up to 4 to 5 meters in height. Because the throating barrels here look so similar to Hawaii's Banzai Pipeline, many surfers have nicknamed this wave "The European Pipe."
While the event is mobile around the town of Peniche, this year we also have the option of running in Cascais. If the swell is out of control, the bright lights of Lisbon city may be calling as we search for the most prime conditions for the world's best surfers.

If you haven't been to Peniche, Portugal then put it on your travel to do list. Or, to see what we are on about, join us this October for the live broadcast. Non-stop action as the world's best surfers pull into one of the world's best beach breaks.

More information about the Moche Rip Curl Pro Portugal at:
- http://live.ripcurl.com/portugal
- https://www.facebook.com/ripcurl
- https://twitter.com/ripcurlpro
- http://www.youtube.com/ripcurl
- http://instagram.com/ripcurl_europe#
- http://www.flickr.com/photos/ripcurl

Source: Rip Curl

Portugal: The Home of European Surfing

Surfing in Portugal is a unique experience. No other coast offers such a high number of surf spots within such a short distance.

With a wealth of exceptional points and reefs along the coastline, the Moche Rip Curl Pro may be surfed at a variety of locations.

Supertubos, known as the "European Pipeline," is the most popular wave in the region. Each fall the sleepy village of Peniche swells with thousands of surf fans who pack the beaches to witness the best surfers in the world perform in the flawless barrels of Supertubos.

 While the event is mobile around the town of Peniche, this year we also have the option of running in Cascais. If the swell is out of control, the bright lights of Lisbon city may be calling as we search for the most prime conditions for the world's best surfers.

 This year's Moche Rip Curl Pro Portugal from 9-20 October will again be timed perfectly to coincide with the start of the winter swells.

Source: Rip Curl