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3rd Students' Exchange Portugal -Programme

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3rd Students' Exchange Portugal -Programme

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Sunday, 22nd October 2023

SN 3816 - BRUSSELS AIRLINE

Departure:  Lisbon 12.05 h
Taxi to Lisbon at 8:30

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8:00 Departure from school
9:00 – 11:30   Creating/presenting a Deplastifying Padlet at Montijo Learning Laboratory: tips and tricks we can use in our daily life/school to reduce the use of plastic.
11:45 Departure to Lisbon
12:30 – 13:45  Picnic in the Adventure Park (families provide the packed lunch)
14:00 – 16:30  Treetop trek at the Adventure Park (Lisbon- Jamor)
18:00 – Arrival at school

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8:00 – 12:30 Comic Book
12:30 – 13:45  Lunch at school

14:00 -15:30 Lecture with the ambassador of  Zero Waste movement - Portugal
15:45 - 17:00 - Dance time
19:00 - Farewell dinner and Certificates

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8:00 – 8:30  Students attend classes
8:30  Departure from school
10:00 - 12:00 Beach Clean Up in Costa da Caparica (in collaboration  with Omnis Factum youth association)
12:00 – 13:30  Lunch in Costa da Caparica
13:40 - Departure to Belém
14:30 – 16:30  Sightseeing in Belém
18:00 – Arrival at school

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8:00  Departure from school
10:00 – 12:00 Oceanário de Lisboa (workshop + guided visit)
12:00 – 13:30  Lunch in Parque das Nações – Lisbon
14:00 – 16:30  Sightseeing in downtown Lisbon
18:00 – Arrival at school

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8:00 – 8:30  Students attend classes
8:30 – 9:00 Welcome
9:00 – 13:00  Comic Book
13:00 –14:00  Lunch at school
14:00   Workshop with Xico Gaivota, a plastic artist who collects  plastic from the beaches, creating works of art.

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9:30 -13:00

- Presentations of each school

- Presentation of host school: initiatives to reduce plastic.

-Icebreaking and team building activities/games (in collaboration with scouts)
13:30
- Welcome lunch for teachers
- Students spend the afternoon with families

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21/10

By private van/car.

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14/10 By private van/car.

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21/10 Ryanair

Lisabon 20:05
Train to Lisbon

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21/10 Departure KLM Lisbon

5:00am

Group will leave the 20th by train to Lisbon

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Sat 21.Oct

Brussel Airlines

Lisbon 12:05 – Brussels 15:45
Train to Lisbon

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Croatia - arrival on Sunday 15th October

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Croatia - arrival on Sunday 15th October

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15/10 Ryanair

Viena 16:10 -Lisabon 18:45
Taxi to Vendas Novas

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13/10 Arrival KLM Lisbon 9:45
14/10 train to Vendas Novas @ … (to be announced)

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Saturday, 14th October 2023

OS 7487 - AUSTRIAN AIRLINE

Arrival: Lisbon 13:30
Train to Vendas Novas

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Sat 14.Oct

Brussels Airlines

Brussels 9:15 - Lisbon 11:10
Train to Vendas Novas

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Ana Milhazes - ambassador of Zero Waste movement Portugal

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Ana Milhazes - ambassador of Zero Waste movement Portugal

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ZERO WASTE LIFE| ANA MILHAZES | MEETING WITH CHANGEMAKERS

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Ana Milhazes - ambassador of the movement Zero Waste Portugal

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Ana Milhazes - ambassador of the movement Zero Waste Portugal

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Ana Milhazes is a Yoga teacher, author of the blog (https://anagoslowly.com/), founder of the group Lixo Zero Portugal (https://www.facebook.com/groups/LixoZeroPortugal ), ambassador of the movement Zero Waste Portugal (https://www.facebook.com/zerowasteportugal/), who fully embraces the daily mission of producing as little trash as possible, while sharing the challenges and inspiring change.

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Train times are only available 60 days before departure date.

The train time search will always return the quickest connections for your route, depending on the options you selected.

Prices are only indicative and should be confirmed at the sales point.

Connections between trains can only be guaranteed under normal circulation conditions, not being presented in this search the trains with connections with less than 5 minutes (with exception of Lisbon's urban trains of 3 minutes).

Be sure to check the journey details.

Whenever you use Regional or InterRegional trains as an addition to Alfa Pendular and Intercidades services, you can get 65% off the Regional or InterRegional tickets. This discount only applies if the Regional or InterRegional tickets are bought together with and on the same ticket as the Alfa Pendular or Intercidades journey and up to a maximum of 25% the total journey cost. If you choose to use any other Regional or InterRegional discount, it replaces the 65% discount. This discount cannot be used in conjunction with any other special offers, except return ticket discounts.

Arrival and departure times for the Spanish stations are given in local time (one hour ahead of Portugal).

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Check train Times Online | CP - Comboios de Portugal

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Check the times of different CP trains. Available online for Alfa Pendular, Intercidades, International, Regional and Urban trains.

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Train times are only available 60 days before departure date.

The train time search will always return the quickest connections for your route, depending on the options you selected.

Prices are only indicative and should be confirmed at the sales point.

Connections between trains can only be guaranteed under normal circulation conditions, not being presented in this search the trains with connections with less than 5 minutes (with exception of Lisbon's urban trains of 3 minutes).

Be sure to check the journey details.

Whenever you use Regional or InterRegional trains as an addition to Alfa Pendular and Intercidades services, you can get 65% off the Regional or InterRegional tickets. This discount only applies if the Regional or InterRegional tickets are bought together with and on the same ticket as the Alfa Pendular or Intercidades journey and up to a maximum of 25% the total journey cost. If you choose to use any other Regional or InterRegional discount, it replaces the 65% discount. This discount cannot be used in conjunction with any other special offers, except return ticket discounts.

Arrival and departure times for the Spanish stations are given in local time (one hour ahead of Portugal).

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Check train Times Online | CP - Comboios de Portugal

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Check the times of different CP trains. Available online for Alfa Pendular, Intercidades, International, Regional and Urban trains.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The Costa da Caparica is the stunning 26km coastline of glorious sandy beaches, powerful Atlantic waves and beautiful natural scenery, that extends along the western side of the Setubal Peninsula.

The Costa da Caparica coastline faces the might of the Atlantic Ocean, and onto the wide, sandy beaches powerful waves break, making it ideal for surfing and kitesurfing. From these beaches, fishermen employ traditional Xávega fishing techniques (by hauling the nets on to the beach) and with catches ladened with sardines.

During the summer the Portuguese flock to the beautiful beaches of the region, and there is a buzz about the town of Costa da Caparica, while late at night beach parties are hosted at secluded beach bars.

Most foreign tourists head to the beaches of the Cascais-Estoril coastline, but the Costa da Caparica is as equally enjoyable for a day on the beach.
This guide will provide an introduction to Costa da Caparica region and the town of Costa da Caparica.
Related articles: Lisbon beach guide - Cascais guide

The best of the Costa da Caparica region

Related articles: Fonte da Telha - Lagoa de Albufeira
Below is an interactive map of the Costa da Caparica region. The main beaches are marked in yellow and the major sights are shown in green.

Costa da Caparica's best beaches: 1) Praia de São João 2) Praia da Saúde 3) Praia da Mata 4) Praia da Rainha 5) Cabana do Pescador 6) Praia do Rei 7) Praia da Bela Vista 8) Praia 19 9) Praia da Fonte da Telha 10) Praia da Lagoa de Albufeira 11) Praia do Meco
Sights of the Costa da Caparica: 1) Costa da Caparica (town), 2) Fonte da Telha, 3) Lagoa de Albufeira 4) Cabo Espichel 5) Convento dos Capuchos 6) Aroeira golf course
Insight: Generally, the further south you travel along the Costa da Caparica coastline, the quieter and more picturesque the beaches are.

The town of Costa da Caparica

Costa da Caparica town is a favourite with the Portuguese, who either own holiday homes here or visit as a day trip from Lisbon. Within the town are many excellent and inexpensive restaurants cafes and beach bars, and in the summer there is a lively holiday atmosphere about the region.

As Costa da Caparica is a modern town, it lacks any Portuguese charm or unique identity as with Cascais or Sesimbra, the other main resort towns of the Lisbon region. A holiday or day trip to Costa da Caparica will primarily focused on the beach and sea (for surfing), with the town and setting unimportant.

There are regular bus services connecting Lisbon to Costa da Caparica town, and guide to the bus service is here.

South of Costa da Caparica

The real magic and beauty of the Costa da Caparica is when you have a car and explore further south. You don't even have to travel that far, by the Praia da Saúde (1.7km south of the town) the beach is surrounded by rolling sand dunes and pretty beach huts.

Fonte da Telha lies at the middle of the Costa da Caparica coastline. This village with its low-key ambience and proud fishing heritage, makes for much better beach trip than soulless Costa da Caparica town. There is a wide sandy beach, and the strong sea-breezes make this area popular for kitesurfing

The pretty village of Lagoa de Albufeira sits on the edge of a tranquil lagoon and is surrounded by pine forests. The beach at Lagoa de Albufeira is unique as it offers dual aspect, with a sheltered side facing the lagoon and a more exposed side facing the sea.

The Praia do Meco beach, covering the southerly section of coastline, is infamous with the Portuguese as it was the first nudist beach in the country. Today the nudist section and family-friendly part are clearly segregated, and Meco is another good option for a day on the beach.

At the southern tip of the Costa da Caparica coastline is the Cabo Espichel headland, an area of towering cliffs, raging seas and dramatic windswept scenery.
Related articles: Lagoa de Albufeira - Cabo Espichel headland - Fonte da Telha - Praia do Meco

Insight: A mini-train used to connect the town of Costa da Caparica with Fonte da Telha and served all of the beaches along the line. Sadly, the mini train was abandoned in 2020, and now there is no public transport to travel to the beaches south of Costa da Caparica town.

Surfing and kitesurfing at the Costa da Caparica

What else is there to see or do in the Costa da Caparica region?

The main draw of the region is the beach and there are only a handful of other sights or attractions in the region.

The Convento dos Capuchos is a 16th-century monastery high on the cliffs above the town of Costa da Caparica, which has a wonderful viewpoint over the region.

There is a hiking trail that extends along the length of the coastline, and a popular section is from Fonte da Telha to Lagoa de Albufeira.

The marshes inland from the Lagoa de Albufeira (known as the Lagoa da Estacada) are a popular for bird watching.

The beach parties hosted at the remote beach bars - the trendiest venue and schedule always change (especially with the events of 2020). To find the best parties chat to bar or waiting staff at the beach bars and cafes, as insider local knowledge is always the best.

For golf, there are the two championship rate courses at Clube de Campo Golfe Aroeira, unimaginatively called Aroeira I and Aroeira II. Aroeira I plays through the pine forests whereas Aroeira II is flatter and open, both courses are managed by Orizonte Lisbon Golf: https://www.orizontegolf.com/

Areas of interest near the Costa da Caparica

What about a holiday to Costa da Caparica?

The town of Costa da Caparica can make for an enjoyable, if alternative, holiday destination. The town has excellent tourist facilities and offers a good selection of hotels or self-catering accommodation while the town centre is crammed with restaurants, bars and shops.

For the intrepid visitor, there is a range of interesting day trips that could include Lisbon, Sesimbra, Setubal or simply hiking around the Arriba Fóssil da Costa coastline. For families, the Costa da Caparica is a traditional Portuguese family holiday destination where children will be welcomed everywhere.

The map below shows the location of the best hotels on the Costa da Caparica, if you set the dates to your holiday it will show current prices and availability:

The average weather of Costa da Caparica

Discover more of Lisbon with our most popular guides

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The Costa da Caparica is a stunning 26km coastline of glorious sandy beaches south of Lisbon

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The Oceanário de Lisboa is a world-class public aquarium that brings the ocean to the city of Lisbon through the 8000 sea creatures from 500 marine species.

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Parque das Nações (Expo Park), Lisbon; an independent tourist guide for 2023

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The Parque das Nações (Park of Nations) is the striking, modern side of historic Lisbon, filled with futuristic architecture, urban art and water-focused exhibits and gardens.

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With charismatic shops and magnificent monuments, downtown Lisbon is the historical heart of the Portuguese capital. Come with us on a guided tour.

1755 and downtown Lisbon today

Most of the capital of Portugal was razed by the massive earthquake of 1755. After "burying the dead and caring for the living", the Marquis of Pombal, prime minister to King D. José I, delved into the task of building the whole city anew. This is how downtown Lisbon as we know it today came to be, and why it is also known locally as the Baixa Pombalina.

The area covers around 255 hectares, from the Terreiro do Paço square, on the bank of the Tagus, to the Marquês de Pombal Square, at the top of the large Avenida da Liberdade, and is spread over the territory currently occupied by the parish of Santa Maria Maior.

Known for the perpendicular design of its streets, centred around Rua Augusta, downtown Lisbon is dominated by the Pombal style which replaced the medieval and organic urban layout with wide roads and pavements, constructed under the supervision of Manuel da Maia, Eugénio dos Santos and Carlos Mardel.

The buildings are architecturally similar, with ground floors used for shops and the upper levels reserved for housing. The size of the buildings is another of the characteristics of downtown Lisbon and points to the birth of a new social order that appreciates and values the financial and commercial classes.

Going down to the heart of downtown Lisbon

As the city's most central and commercial neighbourhood, downtown Lisbon also boasts the largest amount of entertainment options, bustling with cultural, gastronomical and leisure alternatives. Here you will find some of the most emblematic streets in Lisbon, whose façades are covered with magnificent tiles that still seduce us today. Now, let's go down the avenue towards the river.

Avenida da Liberdade

This avenue connects the Marquês de Pombal Square to the Restauradores Square. You'll find yourself walking down about one kilometre, flanked on both sides by XIX and early XX Century buildings and in the company of statues of important literary figures such as Almeida Garrett and Alexandre Herculano.

Many of the original buildings have been replaced with offices and the hotels that make this one of the best in terms of the hospitality industry. The pavements are made of traditional black and white cobble designs and lead you past several cafés and terraces, monuments and gardens.

This is also where you will find the most high-end and expensive shops run by famous international clothes and jewellers, and of the fashion industry in general. The classical concert halls that attract both tourists and locals are also in the vicinity, such as the Tivoli or the São Jorge Cinema. Lisbon's central avenue is ranked as the 35 th most expensive in the world and real estate prices are quite high.

Praça dos Restauradores

The central square is paved in traditional Portuguese cobble stones, in the artistic style of famous Portuguese architect and painter João Abel Manta. Real estate prices in this downtown Lisbon square are very similar to the those of the Avenida da Liberdade and architecturally one of the landmarks is the Palácio Foz, with its Baroque façade (this is where you will find the tourist information centre) and the Eden Theatre and the Condes Cinema, which are examples of Art Deco architecture.

Visit the on the rooftop of the Eden and enjoy the wonderful view it commands. On the opposite side of the Condes Cinema you can get climb aboard the Glória Elevator and let it take you to the Bairro Alto, as it has been doing since 1885.

Rossio

In Roman times this used to be a racetrack and in the 1400s an affluent of the Tagus ran through here which led it to be known as Valverde. Many important episodes of Portuguese history took place in this spot, which has always been used for fairs and markets and which, in the XV Century became the home of the Todos os Santos Hospital.

Just off a side street you will find the São Domingos Church, one of the most remarkable in the country, which witnessed the merciless persecution of the Jews in trials held by the Inquisition.

Following the earthquake of 1755, the square was rebuilt according to Carlos Mardel's plan. The Treasury was replaced by the D. Maria II National Theatre , in 1849, surrounded by trees, monumental fountains and basalt and limestone cobbled pavements showing traditional Portuguese mosaics.

The famous Café Nicola, where poet Barbosa du Bocage improvised sonnets and satire still exists, but many of the more traditional Pombal style buildings have been renovated and reflect the most expensive parts of the city in terms of real estate prices. The commercial establishments are mostly memorabilia shops, jewelers and cafés.

Praça da Figueira

Located next to the Rossio, the classical buildings and the King D. João I statue in Praça da Figueira are bound to leave an impression. In the heart of downtown Lisbon, the Praça da Figueira used to share the Todos os Santos Hospital with the Rossio but following the earthquake this is where the city's main market was installed, supplying Lisbon with meat and vegetables, only to be demolished later on.

Rua Augusta

Connecting the Rossio to the Terreiro do Paço (also known as Praça do Comércio), Rua Augusta is one of downtown Lisbon's most famous streets, and has been for a while. At the end closest to the river it is capped by a triumphal arch that overlooks the Terreiro do Paço and the river waters. The statue at the top is a tribute to the august figure of King D. José I.

There is a high concentration of commerce here, with large clothes shops of some of the leading international brands, but also several pastry shops, restaurants and cafés, that spill out into terraces, inviting you to sit back, relax and watch people go by on this street that has been closed to traffic since the 80s.

At number 272 you'll want to pay a visit to Casa Macário, where drinks, candy, coffee, tea and chocolates have been sold since 1913, with many customers coming for the Port Wine. The street itself is full of improv artists, artisans and street venders fighting for your attention.

The parallel Ouro (don't miss out on a visit to the Araújos goldsmith shop, open since 1878) and Prata streets are named after the trades traditionally practiced therein, namely, and respectively, gold and silver. The rule applies to most of the streets in this part of downtown Lisbon, such as Fanqueiros (cloth), Sapateiros (cobblers), Douradores (gilders) and Correeiros (saddlers).

A definite must is the Santa Justa elevator, that connects the Rua do Ouro to the Largo do Carmo, in the Chiado district, uphill. This is one of downtown Lisbon's most interesting monuments, cast in iron and in a neogothic style, it began to be built in 1900 and was open for business two years later. It doubles as a very useful mode of transport and a fantastic belvedere, commanding a unique view over downtown Lisbon from the upper level.

In the side streets you'll find the historical haberdashers, full of material, buttons, ribbons and any number of sewing instruments that are bound to make you lose your head and want to open all the little drawers that cover the walls of these establishments.

Terreiro do Paço

The Terreiro do Paço, that sits right next to the Tagus River, is also known as Praça do Comércio and is one of Europe's largest squares, at around 36 thousand square meters, harking back to days when, for over two hundred years, the quarters of the Royal Family were located here.

Nowadays these have been adapted to house several governmental departments, cultural activities, hotels, restaurants and cafés, such as the famous Martinho da Arcada, the oldest café in Lisbon, which was attended frequently by renowned poet Fernando Pessoa.

A statue of a mounted D. José stands at the centre of the square, which often hosts cultural events and outdoor shows. This point of downtown Lisbon is deeply intertwined with crucial moments in Portuguese history, such as the murder of King D. Carlos and Prince D. Luís Filipe in 1908, or the landing of Queen Elizabeth II when she visited Portugal in 1957.

Some of the key episodes of the overthrow of the dictatorship in 1974 also took place here and as recently as 2010 Pope Benedict XVI celebrated an outdoor mass for 280 thousand people. The cultural offer is very rich in this point of the city, which is also home to the Lisboa Story Centre, which tells some of the history of the Portuguese capital, including a re-enactment of the 1755 earthquake.

The Praça do Comércio, or Terreiro do Paço, is perhaps the most magnificent square in Portugal, bravely and smugly overlooking the Tagus, perhaps secure in the knowledge that it will outlive it.

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A journey through downtown Lisbon - Moving to Portugal

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Let us take you on a journey through downtown Lisbon so that you can get to know the historical heart of the Portuguese capital.

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With its mild climate, 3000 hours of sunshine per year and 850 kms of splendid beaches bathed by the Atlantic Ocean, Portugal is the perfect holiday destination all year round.

This is a country that has the oldest borders in Europe, with an exceptional range of different landscapes just a short distance away, lots of leisure activities and a unique cultural heritage, where tradition and modernity blend together in perfect harmony. Its superb cuisine, fine wines and hospitable people make this a tourist paradise of the highest quality.

Situated in the extreme south-west of Europe, just a few hours from any of the other European capitals, Portugal attracts visitors from all over the world.
Come and discover the charms of this country too.

GEOGRAPHY
Portugal is situated at the south-west point of Europe and also includes the Madeira and Azores archipelagos in the Atlantic Ocean. Mainland Portugal occupies an area of 88,889 km2. It is 218 km wide and 561 km long. It has 832 km of Atlantic coast and a 1,215 km border with Spain.

The Azores are situated in the Atlantic Ocean between Europe and North America. They have an area of 2,355 km2 and consist of nine islands - São Miguel and Santa Maria in the Eastern Group, Terceira, Graciosa, São Jorge, Pico and Faial in the Central Group and Flores and Corvo in the Western Group. It takes about two hours to get from the Azores to mainland Portugal by plane.

The Madeira Archipelago has an area of 741 km2 and lies in the Atlantic Ocean about 500 km from the African coast and 1,000 km from the European continent (1½ hours flying time from Lisbon). It consists of the islands of Madeira and Porto Santo and the uninhabited Desertas and Selvagens islands, which are nature reserves.

CLIMATE
Mainland Portugal
The climate in Portugal varies considerably from one region to another and is influenced by the relief, latitude and proximity to the sea, which offers mild winters, especially in the Algarve.

In the Porto e Norte area and Centro region, particularly inland, nearer Spain, the winters are colder, although the temperatures are still mild when compared to the rest of Europe. There is some snowfall. It occurs most in the Serra da Estrela mountains, where we find the highest point in mainland Portugal (1,991 m) and where it is sometimes possible to ski.

The summers are hot and dry, especially in the inland areas (Trás-os-Montes in north-eastern Portugal and Alentejo). Temperatures are slightly lower in the coastal areas, because of the influence of the sea.

There are often warm, sunny days in autumn. Nice weather at the beginning of November is often called "St. Martin's Summer" as this saint's day is on 11 November.

Azores
The climate in the Azores is influenced by the islands' latitude and by the Gulf Stream, and temperatures are mild there all year round. The same factors also influence the sea temperature, which is very pleasant both in winter and summer and ideal for nautical sports all year round.

Madeira
The subtropical characteristics of the weather in the Madeira Archipelago can be explained by its geographical position and mountainous relief. The climate in Madeira is exceptionally mild, with average temperatures varying between 24 ºC in summer and 19 ºC in winter.
The sea temperature is also very pleasant all year round, thanks to the influence of the warm Gulf Stream. It varies between 18 ºC in winter and 22 ºC in summer.

POPULATION
Portugal has a population of around 10 million.
Population density is higher in the Metropolitan Area of Lisbon (city and surroundings) where about 2.8 million people live. The second largest city in Portugal is Oporto in the north.
Generally speaking, there are more people living in the country's coastal regions than in the inland areas.

The majority of Portuguese are Catholics, but the Portuguese Constitution guarantees religious freedom and there are a number of different religions in Portugal.

From a Latin root, Portuguese is spoken by about 250 million people in every continent, and is the 5th most spoken language in the world and the 3rd, if we only consider the European languages.

The Portuguese-speaking countries are scattered all over the world. Portuguese is spoken in Africa (Angola, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique and São Tomé e Príncipe), in South America (Brazil) and in Asia, (East Timor, the youngest nation in the world), and it is also the official language in Macao Special Administrative Region of China.

In Portugal there are lots of people who are able to communicate in English, French and Spanish.

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Programe a sua viagem a Portugal. Procure o romance, encontre cultura, viva a aventura ou recupere a tranquilidade. Portugal é o seu destino de férias. Informação útil sobre Alojamento, Gastronomia, Golfe, Património, Sol e Mar, Natureza, Talassoterapia, Atividades.

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Our travel recommendations are based on our personal experiences and research, written by locals and travel experts with deep familiarity with the destination. When you book a hotel or tour that we link to, we may earn a commission.

On the road between Setúbal and Évora, Vendas Novas is an understated Alentejano town embedded in farmland.

Most Portuguese people know Vendas Novas for its sandwiches, "bifanas", which are a pork steak in a bun, flavoured with garlic and spices.

Drivers will even make a detour just to pick one up! The town was born as a stopover for people travelling between cities, and in this spirit a royal palace was constructed as a rest stop here in the 1700s.

This was turned into a military academy in the 19th century, but nearly all of the original palace remains intact.

The municipal pools are just what you need on a hot day, and for littler members of the clan there's an ethical animal park a little way outside Vendas Novas.

Let's explore the best things to do in Vendas Novas:

1. Palácio das Passagens

An Artillery Academy since 1861, this property was commissioned by King John V in 1728. The palace was really a bolthole, somewhere for the Royal family to stay on the way to the marriage of John's daughter Barbara and the future Fernando VI of Spain.

The palace took less than a year to build, a record for the time, and there are still signs from the first years.

Some of the ceilings boast Rococo frescos, there's a hunting lodge for the king, and a well in the courtyard.

If you'd like to take a look around, just consult the tourist office in Vendas Novas.

2. Capela Real do Palácio das Passagens

You're free to poke around the palace's Classical-style chapel, which was built in the same project.

As with the palace, it would most likely have been designed by Custódio Vieira, the court architect also in charge of the Águas Livres aqueduct in Lisbon.

The facade has a simple triangular pediment, fluted pilasters and an image of St Anthony.

Go in to admire the painted garlands in the barrel vault, the 17th-century image of "Our Lady of the Conception" in the altar, as well as the blue and white tile panels on the walls from the 1750s.

3. Chafariz Real

Another tantalising glimpse of the royal palace is hiding just behind Vendas Novas' municipal market.

The Royal Fountain comprises two long masonry basins next to wall with a blue border and a gable flanked by scrolls.

The tanks are from 1728 and were first built for the workers and animals involved in the construction.

The fountain later suffered the indignity of becoming a public lavatory, before being restored to its 18th century appearance.

4. Museu da Escola Prática de Artilharia

On weekends the artillery academy allows visitors to peruse eight rooms full of artefacts from its past.

The exhibits date from the 1860s on, and special attention is paid to the First World War, during which Portugal fought with the Allied Powers.

There are uniforms, medals, shell casings and side-arms from this conflict.

The museum also documents some the academy's most illustrious graduates, and tracks the evolution of artillery in the century and a half since the academy's foundation.

5. Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Nazaré

This church from the start of the 1500s is the oldest surviving building in the Vendas Novas municipality.

It is in Ladeira, roughly halfway to the city of Setúbal from Vendas Novas the town.

The church's allure stems from its transitional architecture, with elements of both Gothic and Manueline design.

To the rear of the building there's a Gothic octagonal font, while inside a lot of the interior decor dates to the 1700s.

From this time there's an Indo-Portuguese ivory crucifix in the altar, and lining the walls are quintessentially Portuguese blue and white azulejos.

Among the older works are a Manueline holy water font from the 1500s and a 17th-century wooden statue of Our Lady of Nazareth.

6. Palácio do Vidigal

It might be charitable to describe this building as a "palace", but for avid Portuguese historians it's still a fascinating relic from the days of royalty.

The Palácio do Vidigal is down a track off the road from Vendas Novas and was a hunting lodge for King Carlos I in 1896. The lodge has typical Ribatejo architecture, and work continued until the king was assassinated in 1908. In the complex is a chapel and an open space where bullfights would have been held.

The palace is still owned by a foundation for the House of Braganza (the royal line), and you can enquire at the tourist office about a visit.

7. Complexo das Piscinas Municipais

The closest beaches to Vendas Novas are 45 minutes away in Setúbal, so if you're searching for a more convenient place to bathe the town has an open-air pool complex.

When the sun is glaring it's a veritable oasis in the middle of town, drawing thousands of swimmers from June to September.

The complex has an Olympic-size pool, a diving pool and a smaller pool especially for young children and toddlers.

These are all outside, while there's also a small indoor pool for the remainder of the year.

Add a spacious green area and a bar/restaurant and you can while away a few comfortable hours.

8. Jardim Público de Vendas Novas

The park in Vendas Novas was laid out in 1993 on what used to be farmland.

The palms, almond and citrus orchards, cork oaks, holm oaks and irrigation networks you see are all traces from before.

And these sit among verdant lawns and a pond that has a cafe on its banks.

There's also an ornamental water mirror, a skate park, children's playground and an amphitheatre hosting events in summer.

Also sprinkled around the park are sculptures by the local artist Hélder Batista.

9. Antigo Moinho de Vento de Vendas Novas

Open Tuesday to Sunday, the old whitewashed windmill in the middle of Vendas Novas probably dates to the start of the 1800s.

A lot of the old mechanism is visible inside, including a wheel that lets you turn the blades in the direction of the wind.

You might also end up at this attraction as Vendas Novas has set up its tourist office inside.

So you can pick up leaflets and get advice about the sights and activities in the area, all inside a historic windmill.

10. Monte Selvagem

Anyone travelling in this region with little ones should plan an afternoon at ecologically-friendly animal reserve.

Monte Selvagem opened in 2004, and adheres to an animal-welfare code, providing enclosures that mimic natural habitats as closely as possible.

You'll spot numerous primate species, wallabies, crocodiles, meerkats, boars, camels, emus, llamas and a wealth of exotic birds.

The park has a hands-on philosophy, and you can enter the vet surgery, while youngsters can meet and pet goat kids and lambs at the educational farm.

11. Montemor-o-Novo

A short drive east, Vendas Novas belonged to Montemor-o-Novo until it formed its own municipality in the 1960s.

On the highest knoll in the region, the city's decaying castle still packs a punch castle.

It was built in 1203 when King Sancho I was fighting to re-conquer Portugal from the Moors.

You'll be rewarded with some awesome photos of its walls, towers, convent, and the hills dotted with cork oaks in the Alentejo countryside.

There's another marvellous view waiting at the 16th-century Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Visitação, a hill-top chapel up a single, arrow-straight path from the city.

12. Food and Drink

Head for the municipal market or shop around the villages to stock up on some of the local goodies.

These might be cured sausages like chouriço and alheira, honey, pine nuts, oranges and Alentejano cheeses, which normally have a smooth flavour and semi-firm texture.

If you go out for a meal, Alentejo's cuisine is rustic, with lots of soups and stews, full of ingredients grown and reared in the region.

Bread is the base for migas and açorda, two dishes made with lots of olive oil and garlic.

And, most famously, it's used for bifanas, marinated pork loin sandwiches that are amazing with a cold glass of beer.

There are five bars in Vendas Novas that pride themselves on this treat.

Palácio das Passagens

2. Capela Real do Palácio das Passagens

Chafariz Real

Museu da Escola Prática de Artilharia

Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Nazaré

Palácio do Vidigal

Complexo das Piscinas Municipais

Jardim Público de Vendas Novas

Antigo Moinho de Vento de Vendas Novas

Monte Selvagem

Montemor-o-Novo

Food and Drink

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12 Best Things to Do in Vendas Novas (Portugal) - The Crazy Tourist

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On the road between Setúbal and Évora, Vendas Novas is an understated Alentejano town embedded in farmland. Most Portuguese people know Vendas Novas for its sandwiches, "bifanas", which are a ... Read more

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BestGuide Portugal | O guia que mostra apenas o melhor

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JUST TWENTY MINUTES AWAY FROM LISBON, MONTIJO IS THE PERFECT PLACE FOR A VISIT. A LAND OF CONTRASTS, CONNECTED TO THE COUNTRYSIDE AND THE RIVER, WHERE ONE WILL DISCOVER A RICH CULTURAL IDENTITY.

Visiting the municipality of Montijo is getting to know a land with a history highly connected to the Tagus River, since most of its territory is surrounded by its borders.

Right on Lisbon's doorstep, Montijo is quickly accessible and a pleasant destination, where you will find a land with two distinct realities. The scenery on the municipality's eastern side is composed by cork oak and pine tree forests, embraced by wide vineyards and rural fields. Take the opportunity to discover the Pegões Settlement, and to enjoy quality lodging.

On the western side, visit the historical buildings that attest to the memory and the identity of the local population: the Parish Church, the Atalaia Sanctuary and Church and the Agricultural Museum. The Riverfront and the Municipal Park are two other obligatory strolling spots.

Montijo's gastronomy is rich in river and farmed products, where fish and pork assume the main roles and the wine list of the reputed Agricultural Coop of Santo Isidro de Pegões is the perfect match.

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Visit Montijo, the cultural wealth of a land rich in contrasts

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Just twenty minutes away from Lisbon there is a place deeply connected to the river and the land, provider of generous views and experiences, and warmly complemented by the authenticity of its people and their great gastronomy.

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➤ Hotel Acez | Evora

Only a 5-minute walk from the Vendas Novas Train Station, this 4-star hotel is located in a historic 19th-century building. It offers air-conditioned guestrooms with satellite TV and has free on-site private parking.
Hotel Acez rooms have parquet floors and modern furnishings. They come equipped with a work desk and mini-bar. Some private bathrooms include a bathrobe and luxury amenities.
In the morning, the hotel serves a buffet breakfast. Restaurant Paragem das Rainhas features a large sun deck and serves Mediterranean cuisine for lunch and dinner. There is also an elegant bar.
Guests can benefit from the hotel's laundry and ironing services. Staff at the 24-hour front desk assist with car hire and provide information on local attractions.
Hotel Acez is 52 mi from Lisbon. Nearby leisure activities include hiking, horse riding and skiing.

See photos for Hotel Acez Vendas Novas

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Hotel Acez Vendas Novas - Vendas Novas - Hotel WebSite

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FREE Cancelation - Booking your stay at Hotel Acez Vendas Novas. We guarantee the highest security, at the best price and booking conditions.

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DPtP padlet - tips to reduce the use of plastic

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DPtP padlet - tips to reduce the use of plastic

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Adventures with animation, creativity, team spirit and friendship.

Adventure Park has 2 treetop adventure treks for field trips and the chance to mix in with other adventures such as Canoeing, Orienteering and Laser Combat.

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Unleash your adventurous spirit on one of our Circuits: Mini Forest, Little Forest or Mega Circuit, then return to the ground down an epic zip-line slide.

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European Youth Portal - European Commission

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Para atingirmos o nosso objetivo de envolver os jovens nas questões sociais da comunidade, realizamos diversos projetos, tanto internacionais como nacionais.

Todas as nossas iniciativas são destinadas a jovens, estando focadas no desenvolvimento comunitário, no desenvolvimento de competências nos participantes, em ações de sensibilização e também em ações de solidariedade.

Conhece aqui as nossas iniciativas:

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Omnis Factum - Associação | Associação Juvenil Sem Fins Lucrativos

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Para atingirmos o nosso objetivo de envolver os jovens nas questões sociais da comunidade, realizamos diversos projetos, tanto internacionais como nacionais. Todas as nossas iniciativas são destinadas a jovens, estando focadas no desenvolvimento comunitário, no desenvolvimento de competências nos participantes, em ações de sensibilização e também em ações de solidariedade.

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Belém district: must-see attractions and where to stay - Portugal.net

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The Belém Tower is one of the most visited monuments of Lisbon. The Belém district offers several famous attractions as well as the most famous pastries in town.

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Once a fisherman, Xico Gaivota swap a shellfish bag for a selfish bag full of plastic, sculpting art with his hands while cleaning the shoreline.