Portugal Confidential

17/12/2025

Lisbon’s newest luxury hotel doesn’t announce itself — and that’s exactly the point. Set within a 19th-century mansion in Lapa, Tarabel Lisbon is a serene, design-driven retreat created by French interior designer Rose Fournier. With just nine suites, private gardens, a swimming pool, and a guest-only restaurant overlooking the Tagus, it’s one of the city’s most elegant new addresses.

At Tarabel Lisbon, it’s refreshing to find a luxury hotel that’s so discrete, there’s not even a name plate beside the front door.

16/12/2025

Looking for last-minute Christmas gifts—or simply a festive place to celebrate the season? From December 19 to 21, Vila Vita Parc hosts an elegant Christmas Market at the VLife Shops, bringing together upscale fashion and lifestyle boutiques, gourmet delights, holiday treats, mulled wine, and live entertainment. Set in the resort’s charming Piazetta, this three-day event is the perfect blend of sophisticated shopping and Christmas cheer in the Algarve. See more about VLife shops in the links below.

11/12/2025

Chef Olivier da Costa’s newest Lisbon restaurant, Mimi, Curated by Yakuza, elevates omakase to a dazzling level. Guests are seated around an intimate counter for a 12-course journey curated nightly by sushi master Alex Hatano. Expect artistry, technique, and a finale you won’t forget: a wagyu pastrami sandwich topped with caviar. Find out more in link in comments....

10/12/2025

How about something special to celebrate the holidays in the Algarve? Vila Vita Parc has curated a full month of activities, 6 December to 6 January. Their "Paradise in the Parc" program is packed full of workshops, treatments, experiences, fun for kids...and, of course, glamorous Christmas eve and day, and New Years eve and day dinners. Click to check out the brochure of activities.

Come celebrate Christmas and New Years at Vila Vita Parc. There is a full program of activities, workshops, markets and fine dining.

04/12/2025

Wonderland Village debuts this Saturday the 6th in the Market Square at Viceroy at Ombria Algarve. Get into the holiday spirit with a Christmas market, Santa's Corner and seasonal treats. Open from 3:00 to 7:00. Tree Lighting Ceremony at 5:30. Free screening of "Home Alone" in the ballroom at 7:30. It's free to enter. Eats and drinks available for purchase. Visit Wonderland Village every Saturday afternoon in December.

Every Saturday in December, you are invited to the Wonderland Village at Viceroy at Ombria Algarve. It's a winter experience filled with fun.

02/12/2025

It's one of the largest nativity scenes in Portugal. The Persépio Gigante in Vila Real Santo António has over 6000 pieces across a 240 square meters. You can visit everyday through 6 January. Learn more in the link in comments below...

24/11/2025

As you probably know, Guia Repsol awards "Sols" ("Suns") to restaurants of high-caliber cuisine. But, NOW, for the first time, Repsol has awarded "soletes" ("small suns") to the very best "everyday eateries" across Portugal. The are 285 food spots--from cozy cafés and pastry shops to tapas bars, gelatarias, restaurants, kiosks, and wine bars. Click to see if your favorite spot is on this honored list.

Guia Repsol, the distinguished gastronomic guide, has unveiled its Soletes awards in Portugal, spotlighting 285 everyday eateries

17/11/2025

It's 10 days away! If you're in the Algarve on 27 November, you'll want to be at Tribulum Algarve for Thanksgiving dinner. A full set menu of traditional favorites. Limited seats remain.

It's Thanksgiving Algarve. 27 November 2025, at 19:00 presented by Portugal Confidential at Tribulum Restaurante in Almancil.

14/11/2025

Legendary urban artist AKACORLEONE returns to Underdogs10 Gallery with "Out of My Control," a vibrant new series in watercolor and diluted acrylic that embraces spontaneity and the joy of letting go. On view in Lisbon through December 31.

Underdogs Gallery presents Out of My Control, a vibrant new exhibition by AKACORLEONE, on view through December 31.

13/11/2025

Fismuler Lisboa has opened at the new ME Lisbon Hotel, bringing a relaxed, produce-driven dining experience inspired by its Madrid and Barcelona siblings. Expect bold flavors, tableside preparations, and signature dishes like the escalope San Román and the celebrated cheese tart.

Fismuler Lisbon is the home of modern Spanish cuisine as prepared by technically-savvy chef Nino Redruello.

12/11/2025

New to Market Villa Rental - Spend the holidays in Douro Valley...or book early for Summer. This six bedroom villa sleeps 10 guests. In addition to a private pool, there's a trampoline, football goal, and footvolley court, with direct river access to the Tâmego River to enjoy kayaking, private boating, and a variety of water activities. Learn more: https://portugalconfidential.com/douro-valley-villa-tamego-river-for-rent/