Tróia Portugal Match Cup 2013

The "Troia Portugal Match Cup" takes place between the 14th and the 17th of November, in the Sado River, at troiaresort. This is one of the major international sailing events taking place in Portuguese waters, welcoming some of the best skippers in the world to the  troiamarina.

The match races of the "Troia Portugal Match Cup" offer a unique and competitive show at the highest technical level and of extraordinary beauty. Given the proximity of the vessels, viewers can follow the competition from the shore, in one of the terraces at troiamarina. The best skippers in the world will be there at troiamarina for one of the biggest international competition happening in Portuguese waters. 

Names like James Spithill (America’s Cup winner), Ben Ainslie, Dean Barker and Peter Holmberg have been present in this event. Ian Williams, the current champion in title, is one of the confirmed skippers for this edition.

After hosting the 2007, 2008 and 2009 editions of this competition – with the participation of the Álvaro Marinho’s Olympic team – Troia welcomes back this worldwide projected competition. The event aims to promote the beautiful Alentejo region, its famous and wide Costa Vicentina and particularly the Peninsula of Troia, whose vast natural heritage shaped by the River Sado and by the Atlantic Ocean, make it a privileged place to practice sea sports and to welcome major nautical events.

Troia is an anchor for the Alentejo region’s tourism. Its range of touristic offer, its excellent accessibility conditions and the quality of its services and infrastructures, make Troia a unique family destination in Portugal and in Europe. These elements, together with its leisure equipments and renowned gastronomy, allow for the promotion of the Alentejo region as a competitive, truly attractive and one of a kind spot in Europe for the practice of sports activities in both land and sea, throughout the whole year. 

The supply of touristic developments, excellent accessibilities, leisure equipment’s and renowned gastronomy, allow for the promotion of Troia and the Alentejo region as a competitive, truly attractive and one of a kind spot in Europe for the practice of sports activities in both land and sea, throughout the whole year.

More information at:
- www.troiaportugalmatchcup.com
- www.facebook.com/MatchCup
- https://twitter.com/matchcup
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Source: Troia Portugal Match Cup

Diving in Madeira

With a mild climate all year round, and sea temperatures ranging between 17ºC and 23ºC, Madeira is a very attractive diving destination.



The extremely clear waters allow visibility to more than 20 metres to observe a wide diversity of species, such as jewfish, rays, moray eels, dolphins and manta rays.

Quite close to Funchal there are several spots, like the Clube Naval. And you can also go night diving in complete safety, as part of a programme organised by one of the various schools. Marine reserves are places not to be missed, but nature should be respected by not disturbing underwater life. Some areas even enjoy the status of full reserve, which bars any visits, so you should obtain comprehensive information before setting out.

On Madeira’s southern slope, the Garajau Nature Reserve is the only exclusively marine one in the country and a world reference. Diving in its waters is unmissable to observe an abundant and diverse fauna, with large fish such as the jewfish, an emblematic species of the reserve. The diving spots are the cleanest, with easy access and only a few minutes away by boat. The most well-known locations are Corais Negros (at 35 metres), Pão de Açúcar, Garajau Baía, Garajau Este (where the largest jewfish lives), Recife dos Monges and Gruta dos Reis Magos, a favourite night diving spot, accessible by land.

On the Island of Porto Santo, the beauty of the seabed and its clear, warm waters offer an unexpected tropical setting, much appreciated by divers. One of the most sought after spots is located south of the harbour, where the wreck of O Madeirense is to be found. Ilhéu de Baixo and Ilhéu de Cima, uninhabited rocky islets off the south coast, are other places with excellent diving conditions.

More information about Diving in Portugal at http://www.visitportugal.com/

The region of Portugal’s Douro River Valley is one of Top 10 Travel Agent's Trending Destinations of 2013 according to Travel Agent magazine

"The Douro region of Portugal, overwhelmingly the top vote-getter in our poll, is gaining new or renewed interest among agents and their clients.

The wine region of Portugal’s Douro River Valley has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, and it’s not hard to see why: The River Valley has lots of castles and monasteries and other historical sites to explore along the waterway.

For those not interested in history, the valley also has plenty of vineyards with some of the world’s most popular wines. (Winemaking in this region dates back 2,000 years—in fact, both Port wine and Portugal were named after the city of Porto on the Douro.) 

It goes without saying that a cruise is a great way to experience the valley…Highlights include winery visits and tastings, a chance to visit the Portuguese pilgrimage site Nossa Senhora dos Remedios (Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies) and the centuries-old Alpendurada Monastery.

In Porto, art and architecture fans will want to explore the city’s Baroque churches and an iron bridge built by Gustave Eiffel. The Serralves Museum specializes in international contemporary art in an edgy minimalist building. Porto also has an excellent Museum of Modern Art.

After sightseeing, relax at a Cais de Gaia riverfront café or grab a snack at the Confeitaria Tavi, a local hangout with a seaside terrace. Since this is Porto, a glass of Port wine is absolutely in order: Visit any of the wine shops behind the riverfront for an authentic experience. Sandeman Cellars is a good pick for a tour and tasting, or go up the hill to Taylor’s Port Cellars.

Be sure to stop at a local restaurant for some traditional dishes such as bacalhau, a fresh unsalted cod."

Source: Travel Agent Magazine

Vidago Palace and Heritage Av Liberdade hotels won Condé Nast Johansens 2014 Awards for Excellence

The portuguese hotels Vidago Palace and Heritage Av Liberdade were the winners of two Condé Nast Johansens 2014 Awards for Excellence, given last night, Monday 4th November 2013, at the annual awards ceremony in London.

Condé Nast Johansens created their Annual Awards of Excellence to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across the hotels and spas in their collection, all of which have been handpicked by local experts.

The Vigado Palace won in the category of "Best New or Back on the Scene Hotel" and the Heritage Av Liberdade in the "Best Value for Money" category.

Check here the review on this two hotels at the Condé Nast Johansens website:
- Vidago Palace
- Heritage Av Liberdade


Source: Condé Nast Johansens

DouroAzul Wins Prestigious World Travel Market Global Award

Portuguese river cruise operator DouroAzul has won a prestigious World Travel Market Global Award in recognition of its expansion in the Douro Valley region and the city of Porto, over the past 12 months.

World Travel Market, Head of Marketing & Communications, Micaela Juarez presented the award to DouroAzui Owner Mário Ferreira alongside Publituris Editorial Director Carina Monteiro yesterday, 4 November, at WTM Global Awards.

The Awards give WTM’s Official Media Partners – which represent key travel industry media around the world – an excellent platform to congratulate and recognise those companies and individuals that have made the greatest contributions to travel and tourism in their region for that year.Three nominations from each media partner were judged in September by a panel of three, including an independent body, a representative of WTM and the relevant media partner.

The award for Portugal was judged by Micaela Juarez, Head of Communications, WTM; Tom Jenkins, Chief Executive, European Tour Operators’ Association; and Publituris Editorial Director Carina Monteiro  - Portugal, the Official Media Partner.

DouroAzul offers a wide range of services, including luxury river cruises, sightseeing tours to cities such as Porto and Lisbon and helicopter trips. Founded in 1993 with one ship, DouroAzul has become the leading river cruise operator in Portugal and one of the top 10 river cruise operators worldwide.

In 2012, DouroAzul’s hotel-ships carried 14,000 tourists from 39 countries, helping the Douro become one of the top river cruise destinations in the world.

The company also invests in promoting the Douro region and at the christening gala of its two new ships in May, it featured stars Sharon Stone and Andie MacDowell as the ships’ godmothers, and singer Michael Bolton.

 “We are always looking for different, innovative products and DouroAzul has successfully integrated river cruising with an escorted tour programme. This is an achievement to be celebrated,” said Juarez.

Source: World Travel Market

Portugal with 9 nominations for the Condé Nast Johansens 2014 Awards for Excellence

Today Condé Nast Johansens will be revealing the winners of the 2014 UK & European Awards for Excellence at their annual award ceremony. 

From the publishers of Vogue, GQ, Traveller and Glamour, Condé Nast Johansens is the leading reference guide for those of you searching for a luxury hotel, indulgent spa, country house, boutique retreat, celebratory venue or romantic hideaway by the beach. They provide inspiration and assistance in finding the perfect place for every occasion.

Condé Nast Johansens created their Annual Awards of Excellence to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across the hotels and spas in their collection, all of which have been handpicked by local experts.

Hotels and spas aspire to be the winner of one of these highly regarded Awards for Excellence. The awards demonstrate a trusted mark of quality recognised by consumers and travel professionals alike, and represent the finest standards and best value for money in luxury and independent accommodation.

This year the portuguese nominees for the Condé Nast Johansens 2014 Awards for Excellence - Europe & the Mediterranean - are:

-Best Luxury Apartment, Villa or Chalet: Pine Cliffs Terraces and Villas

-Best Service: Hotel Britania, Portugal

-Best Restaurant: The Yeatman, Porto

-Best for Families: Tivoli Marina Vilamoura

-Best Countryside Hotel: Convento do Espinheiro, A Luxury Collection Hotel & Spa

-Best New or Back on the Scene Hotel: Vidago Palace

-Best Value for Money: Heritage Av Liberdade

-Best for Meetings: Palacio Estoril Hotel Golf & Spa

-Best for Weddings, Parties or Special Events: Myriad by SANA Hotels


Source: Condé Nast Johansens

Douro Launches Wine Tourism App

The Douro region has launched a Wine Tourism App allowing getting all the information about the most iconic wineries in the region (Quintas), and about the offer of Wine Tourism services and activities. The App is already available for Android and IOS smartphones.

Named “Douro Wine Tourism”, the App is free and was presented by BEIRA DOURO – Associação de Desenvolvimento do Vale do Douro, Associação do Douro Histórico e Douro Superior – Associação de Desenvolvimento.

“The download of this tool allows to access information on the wineries and on wine tourism, to contact winery owners and to book and plan a visit to the wine region. The App still allows a better knowledge of the history of the Douro and Port wines, of the most traditional wine varieties, of the climate, terroir and other singularities”, explain the promoters of the Project. 

The App includes a set of new communication tools and is already available for download at the virtual stores Appstore and Google Play. Together with the app were also launched a guide and a good practice manual about Douro Wine Tourism, as well as the website.

See more at www.dourowinetourism.com

Source: Great Wine Capitals