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Portugal está preparado e aberto para voltar a receber turistas estrangeiros. Neste momento, a situação no país está a evoluir muito positivamente e a maioria do território nacional passará, no dia 1 de julho, a estar no mínimo de restrições impostas à população.

Desde o início de maio, altura em que se iniciou a primeira fase de desconfinamento, o país tem vindo a registar melhorias consideráveis no que diz respeito a:

▪ Número de internamentos:  -50% (eram 968 e são agora 436);

▪ Internamentos em Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI):  -70% (172 versus 67 para uma capacidade de mais de 700 camas de UCI em todo o território);

▪ Número de óbitos:  -70% (passou de uma média de 15-20 diários para cerca de um terço desse valor atualmente (3,57 se considerada a média dos últimos 7 dias);

▪ Número de casos ativos:  -50% (no início do plano de desconfinamento chegaram a ser 24.065, mas nesta altura esse número está em cerca de metade, ou seja, 12.484).

Esta evolução positiva permite ao país sair do Estado de Calamidade e passar a estar apenas em Estado de Alerta.

Graças ao controle e ao aumento de testes (Portugal é o 6º país da Europa em número de testes, tendo já feito mais de 1,1 milhão de testes, mais de 10% população) foi recentemente considerado essencial aplicar algumas regras de contingência a algumas zonas na periferia de Lisboa como o encerramento de alguns estabelecimentos comerciais às 20h00 e a proibição de ajuntamentos com mais de 10 pessoas. Contudo, hotéis, restaurantes, super e hipermercados, serviços de saúde, postos de combustível e equipamentos desportivos mantêm o horário normal de funcionamento. O mesmo se aplica a todos os museus, equipamentos culturais, etc. Igualmente não existe qualquer limitação a circulação de residentes ou turistas e todos os transportes estão em pleno funcionamento não existindo qualquer situação de encerramento ou quarentena em Lisboa.

A aplicação cirúrgica destas regras enquadra-se na atuação e procedimentos que Portugal tem assumido desde o início da crise e que permitiu controlar de forma exemplar o progresso da pandemia. Estas medidas permitem ainda que todos os equipamentos turísticos e culturais estejam abertos e a funcionar em pleno assegurando àqueles que desejam visitar a região de Lisboa e o país a segurança necessária.

As restantes regiões mais turísticas do país (Algarve, Madeira, Porto e Norte) continuam o seu caminho de continua redução de casos enquanto as outras regiões (Açores, Alentejo, Centro) estão a ser progressivamente mais procuradas por turistas nacionais e estrangeiros.

Portugal é o 3.º país mais seguro do mundo (Global Peace Index 2020) e todo o setor, desde empresas e operadores privados até aos vários agentes do setor público, está preparado para que a retoma da atividade possa gerar a máxima confiança em visitantes e turistas, cumprindo todas as condições de higiene e segurança.

A criação do selo Clean & Safe foi determinante. A iniciativa, que conta já com mais de 17.000 adesões voluntárias das várias empresas e atividades do setor (e de outras que lhe estão direta ou indiretamente ligadas), consolida-se a cada dia através da sua plataforma digital. Disponível em dois idiomas (português e inglês) reúne a informação sobre todos os estabelecimentos aderentes, permitindo que os próprios turistas classifiquem os empreendimentos no que diz respeito ao cumprimento das condições sanitárias. Foi também assegurada a formação necessária às empresas para a implementação das medidas associadas que é necessário garantir, sendo já mais de 20.000 as pessoas formadas.

A importância deste projeto para retoma da atividade turística nacional, granjeou a Portugal o convite da OMT (Organização Mundial do Turismo) para apresentar, na assembleia mundial da organização, as boas práticas do setor nesta fase e contribuiu decisivamente para que o próprio destino Portugal fosse o primeiro na Europa a ser distinguido com o selo de “TravelSafe” por parte do WTTC (World Travel & TourismCouncil).Também o facto de Portugal ter sido o país escolhido para a realização da fase final da Liga dos Campeões é já uma enorme demonstração da confiança internacional no destino.

A reabertura das linhas aéreas entre Portugal e diversos destinos europeus está a ser feita de forma gradual. A curto prazo, prevê-se uma recuperação de 45% das rotas aéreas em julho e de cerca de 60% em agosto, sendo que todos os equipamentos, atividades e empresas do setor estão abertos e preparados para receber visitantes e turistas, nacionais e estrangeiros.

Portugal, o Melhor Destino do Mundo, continua autêntico, diversificado, atrativo, inclusivo e seguro. Mantém o propósito e o compromisso de receber bem, respeitar as diferenças e hoje, mais do que nunca, garantir a todos que podem viajar pelo país, seguros e com confiança. 

Toda a informação útil sobre o destino pode ser encontrada em VisitPortugal.com, uma plataforma em permanente atualização com dicas e sugestões sobre viagens e turismo em Portugal.

If you’re dreaming about the picturesque island of Madeira, you will be pleased to learn that it will re-open to international visitors from July 1st. Its neighbour in the archipelago, Porto Santo will too. The Portuguese archipelago had closed in March to help control the spread of COVID-19. There are many more reasons, but here are our main 5 reasons to visit Madeira after lockdown.

About Madeira

Madeira is an autonomous region of Portugal, an archipelago of two main islands, off the northwest coast of Africa. Along with the main Madeira island, with a length of 57km and width of 22km wide, its sister island, Porto Santo, measures just 14km by 8km. There are also Desertas and Selvagens islands which are uninhabited. All islands are a true paradise for nature lovers, both sea and mountains.

COVID-19 in Madeira

So far, the region has registered 92 cases of COVID-19 out of which 90 have already recovered. Madeira and Porto Santo will reopen to tourism on the 1st July date when the mandatory quarantine will be eliminated. The reopening will be carried out safely and aiming to recover the confidence both of travellers and locals

Reasons to visit Madeira after lockdown

1. Madeira has had very few cases of Covid-19

Until the present date, the islands of Madeira have registered ninety-two (90) positive cases of COVID-19. And there was no community contamination and no deaths. The local government acted quickly to control the virus on the archipelago (actually, the whole of Portugal has been widely praised for its rapid response).

Madeira was a pioneer in the whole Portugal, in developing good practices document to deal with Covid-19 – COVID SAFE TOURISM (English version here), resulting from the involvement from the whole tourism sector, along with the launch of a certification process that will reassure consumer confidence and hence promote Madeira as a safe tourism location for all visitors.

2. Free COVID test when visiting Madeira

All travellers are requested to be tested within 72 hours prior to arrival for faster checkout. Passengers who were not tested will do a free test upon arrival at the airport. Children ages 12 and younger do not have to take the test, except for suspected cases.

“The government will pay for all costs of the tests upon arrival to the destination to prevent any extra costs for travellers,” says Eduardo Jesus, regional secretary of tourism and culture. “This measure ensures all visitors that not only the locals are virus-free, but all those who enter will be scanned, thus promoting a highly secure and reassuring environment. The testing process is being prepared by the Regional Health Authority, with the collaboration of ANA – Airports of Portugal, and strives for the highest speed with least inconvenience for travellers.” 

3. No mandatory quarantine in Madeira

The Regional Government of Madeira (GRM) will carry out a test for all travellers, upon arrival in Madeira islands. These tests can be avoided if passengers present a PCR test with a negative result, carried out in the last 72 hours before landing time. 

However, while confinement is not mandatory for those who took the test upon arrival, it is recommended for travellers to go to their accommodation while they wait for the results. Results should be presented within 12 hours.

This measure ensures all visitors that not only the locals are virus free, but all those who enter will be scanned, thus promoting a highly secure and reassuring environment.

4. Monitoring of travelers in Madeira

As part of the pre-travel requirements, all passengers should be monitored through an APP (mobile application). The app is called “Madeira Safe to Discover” of the Regional Health Authority, of voluntary, but recommended use, or by telephone contact. 

5. Madeira will always be Madeira

Luckily, COVID-19 did not change the natural and cultural blessings of Madeira. Warmed year-round by the Atlantic sun, Madeira is known as the ‘Pearl of the Atlantic’. The archipelago is worldwide known for its lush botanical gardens, wine tasting and, of course, the crazy toboggan rides in a wicker basket from Monte to Funchal. 

It is also an outdoor paradise that attracts hikers and sea lovers. The main reason to make the journey to Porto Santo is that it boasts one of Europe’s finest golden-sand beaches. Travellers between Madeira and Porto Santo are currently free from any control by Health authorities.

Madeira has already opened most of tourist products and services such as bars, restaurants, spas, and tourist spots implementing health and safety protocols like social distancing, proper hygiene, and the wearing of mask. Boat tours and other sea experiences like SUP and surf will resume July 1st (some have already restarted in June).

The Regional Government of Madeira, through the Regional Secretariat for Tourism and Culture, and Madeira Promotion Bureau are working side by side with all stakeholders to relaunch the Destination. Our teams are always available to share information.

What are you waiting for? Madeira is ready for you, vamos! And if you need more reasons to visit Madeira after lockdown, let us know, we’ll convince you!

O meu nome é Bo, sou uma das co-fundadoras da SeaBookings, e preciso de partilhar algo com os meus amigos cá em Portugal. Por favor, visitem o Algarve. Partilho as razões, boas e más, pelas quais devemos fazê-lo. Comecemos pelas más.

Acabei de chegar de umas mini-férias em Lagos e garanto que foram as melhores de sempre. Fiquei na casa dos meus pais no campo pelo que, no início, praticamente nem senti nada de especial no que toca ao “novo normal”. Foi quando entramos de carro na cidade de Lagos que o meu coração apertou. A Avenida estava quase sem carros, montes e montes de lugares para estacionar. Até deitei uma lágrima. Sim, claro que já tinha noção da queda do turismo e sentimo-lo na SeaBookings, mas esta realidade foi muito confrontante. Nunca imaginei a enérgica cidade de Lagos tão calma e tão vazia. 

O turismo é muito importante para todos nós, direta ou indiretamente. Mais que nunca, e especialmente agora que o Algarve deixou de estar ao alcance de todos, precisamos dos portugueses cá. Tu podes. Visita Portugal. Não só o Algarve, claro. Mas foco me no Algarve por ter vivido esta situação tão devastadora em primeira mão. Penso que talvez um terço das lojas pequenas e cafés giros de Lagos estavam encerrados. Não há clientes! Precisamos de ti cá. Vem desfrutar do nosso Algarve!

E paralelamente a este cenário negativo, nunca desfrutei tanto do meu lindo Algarve. O porquê é óbvio mas custa admitir. O Algarve sem turistas é um verdadeiro paraíso. Se o é com turistas, imagina agora. Imagina a famosa gruta de Benagil, onde os barcos no verão até fazem fila para entrar, só para TI!

Aproveitei a visita para desfrutar do mar, claro. Já conheço bem a zona da emblemática Ponta da Piedade, seja por barco, SUP ou kayak, mas esta vez foi especial. Além de que o mar estava super calminho e a luz incrível, desfrutar da nossa costa sem muitos barcos ou praticantes de SUP e kayak foi maravilhoso. Por isso, agarra em ti, e vem desfrutar. Agora! Agora, antes dos turistas, para teres o nosso mar só para ti. E os hotéis, e os alojamentos locais, e os restaurantes, e as lojas. Só para ti.

E por fim, não queria deixar de partilhar uma nota sobre as notícias recentes sobre o aumento de casos COVID-19 e novas restrições. Felizmente, Portugal é dos países do mundo com mais testes realizados por 1000 habitantes. É também, por isso que o número de casos tem vindo a aumentar e pode parecer que estamos acima da média, comparando com outros países, mas tentemos relativizar e considerar os testes feitos. Sublinho que é super importante ter cuidado, seja em casa, seja de férias, e cumprir os protocolos em prática, tal como os nossos parceiros estão a fazer, comprometendo se com o selo Clean & Safe. 

E só mais uma nota final: isto é uma mensagem de incentivo ao turismo interno, sem excluir o turismo de fora, claro. São todos bem-vindos ao nosso Algarve. Até já!

A panel of travel experts at Clickstay.com has voted the Algarve as the best destination for British tourists this summer.

52% of the in-house travel pros voted in favour of the Algarve, the South of Portugal, citing successful control of Coronavirus as one of the key factors.

“Local government has done fantastic work in limiting the spread of the virus and put in sensible measures to ensure people can enjoy their holiday safely”, said Tom Hughes, founder and MD at Clickstay.

“Their use of technology, such as the Info Praia app where tourists can real-time information about the level of occupancy of the beach, is a great example of how the government is being innovative in its approach”, he added.

The article about this study mentions that Portugal recorded a considerably lower number of Covid-19 cases than the UK, so is considered low risk by the UK government. On the other hand, the Portuguese government considers that the UK has got the virus ‘under control’ and is calling for a so-called ‘air bridge’ between the two countries, which would allow British tourists to go on holiday to the Algarve, and the rest of Portugal, without having to quarantine on arrival.

According to these travel experts, there’s a wide range of activities which you can enjoy safely, making the Algarve is the best holiday destination this summer, above other destinations in Europe.

During your stay in the Algarve, you will be able to visit the vast range of beaches without worrying about overcrowding, thanks to social distancing and hygiene protocols and dedicated beach surveillance.

“I usually go on a beach holiday during the summer but was a little anxious having seen some photos of very crowded beaches in the UK,” said one of Clickstay’s holidaymakers, “If social distancing is properly enforced on the beaches in the Algarve, I will definitely consider making the trip”.

Outdoor activities like swimming, kayak tours, SUP tours, and surfing are permitted and most boat tours are already running, all with hygiene and safety protocols in place. In fact, these tours and activities are all recognized by the Portuguese “Safe & Clean” seal. This is surely another big boost for the region’s tourism prospects. According to Tom Hughes, “Many of our customers love to go surfing in their summer holidays, so being able to do that in a safe environment would be a massive attraction’.

For those looking for a more cultural experience, restaurants, hotels, museums and galleries are also already open, with social distancing protocols in place. So yes, you can enjoy some of the local fresh seafood and terraces in under the blue sky are abundant for a safe food-experience.

The research shows that the geography of the Algarve has also been a factor. In the Algarve, there are many relatively quiet places to rent a villa compared with the busier coastlines of France and Spain, which make it a good destination for those wishing to keep their distance and enjoy a relaxed holiday. 

What do you think? Would you consider the Algarve for your holidays this summer?

A distinção, atribuída pelo World Travel & Tourism Council, pretende certificar destinos que cumprem regras de higiene e segurança e visa dar confiança a quem viajar após as restrições para evitar a propagação da COVID-19

Portugal foi o primeiro país europeu a receber o selo “Safe Travels”, que reconhece um compromisso com a segurança, informou esta quinta-feira o Governo. A distinção, atribuída pelo World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), pretende certificar destinos que cumprem regras de higiene e segurança e visa dar confiança a quem viajar após as restrições para evitar a propagação da COVID-19.

“Este selo visa reconhecer destinos que cumprem protocolos de saúde e higiene alinhados com os Protocolos de Viagens Seguras emanados pelo WTTC, ajudando, sobretudo, a instigar a confiança nos consumidores, de modo a que estes sintam que podem viajar em segurança assim que as restrições forem levantadas”, explica o Ministério de Estado, da Economia e Transição Digital, em comunicado.

A secretária de Estado do Turismo, Rita Marques, considera que a atribuição do selo vem premiar o esforço feito no país. “Portugal foi pioneiro no lançamento do selo Clean&Safe. Este selo do WTTC vem premiar o esforço que foi feito por todos. O melhor destino do mundo é também entendido como o mais seguro a nível mundial“, disse a governante.

O WTTC publicou também orientações para outros setores, como a restauração, comércio de rua, aviação, aeroportos, centros de congressos, de reuniões e eventos. O selo pode ser obtido através da página na Internet do World Travel & Tourism Council.

O que acham destes selos? Teriam estes selos em conta na escolha do vosso destino de férias ou estabelecimento a frequentar?

Numa altura em que se prepara a retoma do setor, os empreendimentos turísticos, empresas de animação turística e agências de viagem (empresas que possuem registo junto da Autoridade Turística Nacional) podem solicitar a declaração como Estabelecimento “Clean & Safe”.

O Turismo de Portugal criou um selo para distinguir as atividades turísticas que asseguram o cumprimento de requisitos de higiene e limpeza para prevenção e controlo da Covid-19 e de outras eventuais infeções, reforçando, assim, a confiança do turista no destino.

Este reconhecimento tem a validade de um ano, é gratuito e opcional, e exige a implementação nas empresas de um protocolo interno que, de acordo com as recomendações da Direção-Geral da Saúde, assegura a higienização necessária para evitar riscos de contágio e garante os procedimentos seguros para o funcionamento das atividades turísticas.

O selo “Clean & Safe” pode ser obtido online nas plataformas digitais do Turismo de Portugal: RNET (Registo Nacional dos Empreendimentos Turísticos), RNAAT (Registo Nacional dos Agentes de Animação Turística) e RNAVT (Registo Nacional dos Agentes de Viagens e Turismo) e estará sempre associado ao número de registo da entidade.

Depois de submetida a Declaração de Compromisso por parte das empresas, estas podem utilizar o selo “Clean & Safe”, quer fisicamente nas suas instalações, quer na sua presença nas plataformas digitais.

O Turismo de Portugal, em coordenação com as entidades competentes, irá realizar auditorias aleatórias aos estabelecimentos aderentes.

Com esta medida a Autoridade Turística Nacional pretende não apenas transmitir às empresas informação sobre as medidas mínimas necessárias de higiene e limpeza dos estabelecimentos como promover o turismo em Portugal e posicionar o País como destino seguro do ponto de vista de cuidados com a propagação do Vírus, com uma atuação coordenada por parte de todas as empresas do setor e que se alargará brevemente a outras áreas de atividade conforme inúmeras manifestações de interesse.

Passeios de barco e desportos náuticos “Clean & Safe”

Na SeaBookings, garantimos que os nossos parceiros são os melhores operadores marítimo-turísticos. Assim, disponibilizamos os passeios de barco e desportos aquáticos da mais alta qualidade em cada um dos nossos destinos. De facto, em Portugal, quase todos os nossos parceiros já obtiveram o selo “Clean & Safe”, enquanto outros ainda estão ajustando os seus protocolos internos para poder submeter a sua Declaração de Compromisso.

No website da SeaBookings, pode verificar se uma experiência se comprometeu com selo “Clean & Safe” na respetiva página de experiência, onde exibimos o selo.

Para saber mais sobre o selo “Clean & Safe” ou sobre como os operadores marítimo-turísticos locais e outros agentes de turismo estão a implementar protocolos para garantir que Portugal é um destino de férias seguro, não hesitem em contactar-nos a qualquer momento. Teremos todo o gosto em ajudar e esperamos recebê-los com segurança para desfrutar do mar português.

On average, there are over 2 million weddings in the U.S. each year. That means there are a lot of weddings to plan! While some people opt for a simple courthouse ceremony or a backyard event with family and friends, others go all-out. Things like barn weddings, country club weddings, and even traditional church weddings are all still popular in their own right. 

But many people opt to have a beachside wedding due to its natural beauty, relaxed atmosphere, and uniqueness. It’s easy to think about a walk along the beach at sunset for a romantic date or getaway (no matter where you are in the world!), but when it comes to planning your wedding around the beach, there are some pros and cons to consider. 

Your big day shouldn’t be stressful because of the location you choose. With that in mind, let’s look at some of the benefits and potential drawbacks of a beachside wedding before you decide whether it’s right for you. 

Pro: A Naturally-Beautiful Backdrop for Any Season

One of the biggest draws to having a beachside wedding is the natural beauty. It takes very little decorating or “preparing” the space to make it look great. With that, you can save money, since you’ll have to worry less about creating a big budget for decorations. You can also use the beach as both your ceremony and reception area by utilizing a large tent; no need to have your guests travel to another venue for food, drinks, and dancing!

Plus, if you get married in a more tropical location or in a Mediterranean climate such as Greece or Portugal, you can have your wedding any time of the year. There are plenty of ideas regarding the best month to get married, but if you don’t want to wait, you can enjoy warm, beachside temperatures even during the winter when you choose a warm destination. 

Con: The Risks of Being Outside

Unfortunately, you can’t control the weather. Weddings take an average of 13-18 months to plan, and the one thing you can’t plan for is harsh sun, rain, wind, or even a higher tide than you expected. On bright, sunny days, you might be putting yourself and your guests at risk for UV exposure. 

It’s a good idea to have both a backup plan for inclement weather and a way to keep your guests safe. A tent or enclosed location is a great solution for rain or wind. Having sunscreen and sunglasses available for both UV protection of the skin and protection for the eyes would be a good idea, and they can also serve as cute party favors for guests to take home. 

Pro: Many Theme Options to Choose From

You don’t have to limit yourself to standing on the shoreline when you’re considering a beachside wedding. There are plenty of location options you can choose from: 

• A long dock/pier
• A lighthouse
• A boat/ship
• Further away from the shore
• A rental property facing the beach

Don’t limit yourself to your idea(s) of what a beachside wedding has to be. When you choose the location that fits your needs, you can also choose the “theme” and style that works for you. Beachside weddings are often more casual and less formal, so guests can enjoy everything from feeling the warmth of their feet in the sand to appreciating a romantic beachside sunset as the backdrop to your reception. Get creative with your seaside locations!

Con: Not All Beaches are Private

Beach weddings can be very intimate, private things if you choose the right spot for your ceremony, but keep in mind that not all beaches are private. If you choose to get married on a public beach, you run the risk of a lot of noise, other people nearby, and even “beach rules” in place that everyone needs to follow. 

Obviously, the best way to avoid this is to rent out a block of time on a private beach. If that isn’t an option for you, be prepared to share your wedding day with other beachgoers who might be curious enough to look-in on your ceremony. That even includes animals, wildlife, and bugs that create their natural habitats on the beach and may crash the party when you least expect it!

Pro: An Instant Honeymoon Spot

Because the beach itself is so naturally romantic, you can transform it into your honeymoon location after the reception is over. Rent a small beach house for a few days and do nothing but relax. If you do decide to have a destination wedding in Greece or Portugal, you’ve already set the stage for the honeymoon of a lifetime!

Beachside weddings are beautiful, romantic, and almost always popular with guests. With a little planning and preparation, you can have the wedding of your dreams with your feet in the sand. 

The many golf resorts across Portugal provide numerous opportunities for families to enjoy themselves not only on the golf course but with a host of activities for the entire family. Along with the first-class golf courses, there are waterparks, beaches, and kid-specific activities can be found at several resorts across the region.

Additional Read: Top 10 blog posts about Portugal

Below are a few of the more popular resorts along with information about their family-friendly features and activities.

Amendoeira Golf Resort

A favorite among many family travelers, the Amendoeira Golf Resort in the Algarve features apartments and villas available alongside 36 holes of Championship golf, with the Christy O’Connor and Nick Faldo courses. There is also a very popular 9-hole course that is perfect for beginners, while still an enjoyable play for low handicappers. A full 27 holes that will put that new GPS watch to its test.

In July and August, the resort’s “Kiz Club” is active. Designed to entertain the younger crowd, it’s a place where children can engage in age-appropriate activities and make new friends. There are also nearby activities for the entire family, like boat tours and fun watersports in Armação de Pêra.

As hosts to the World Kids Golf Championship, the Amendoeira Resort attracts juniors from across the world to compete in a supportive environment, stimulating growth and development as golfers. In an effort to create a true family experience, it is encouraged that parents serve as caddies for their players. After the tournament concludes, a Parent-Child Par-3 contest is held.

The Amendoeira Resort is a prime example of what makes the Algarve region such a great destination, with nearby proximity to the beautiful beaches of southern Portugal. Views of the magnificent Monchique Mountains are at every turn through the two championship courses, and the resort is home to the region’s only floodlit par-3 course.

Recently awarded the honor of being the Best Course in Portugal by the World Golf Awards in 2016, the Faldo course is consistently ranked as a top 100 course in Continental Europe.

Penina Hotel & Golf Resort

The original home of golf in the Algarve Region, the Penina Hotel & Golf Resort is set within 360 acres of perfect grasslands and natural beauty. Three golf courses, including the Algarve’s first 18 hole championship course, accompany the five-star hotel and leads the way in high-class service.

For the kids, the Penina’s Kangaroo Club is a securely enclosed and fully supervised area that provides quality entertainment for children. Daily programs balance entertainment with education, to ensure that every child gets the most out of their holiday experience. A swimming pool, climbing area, football pitch, bicycle track, and a sandpit are all at the kids’ disposal, and . during the summer season a supervised bouncy castle is also set up. There is a Kangaroo Club Restaurant, a state-of-the-art crèche with baby changing facilities, a designated toddler area, and a fully stocked game room.

The Penina Resort welcomes dogs up to a weight of 7 kilos, at an extra charge so don’t forget to pack the doggy toys and their favorite food. No other pets are accepted, with the exception of guide dogs.

Penha Longa Resort

With two golf courses set across the beautiful slopes of the natural landscape near Lisbon, the Penha Longa Resort is a spectacular place to play golf. The stunning forests and rocky mountains rise around the grounds, giving an isolated experience and perfect place for a high-class golf escape.

Two golf courses, the Atlantic Course and the Monastery Course are located at Penha Longa. The Atlantic Course is the resort’s main attraction, designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. and is ranked as one of the top 30 golf courses in Continental Europe. The 6,786-yard tract features many dramatic holes cut through the resort’s sloping landscape. The course features two distinct sections, with six holes running through a valley, and the remainder straddling the hillside. The Atlantic Course has twice served as host for the Portuguese Open in the mid-1990s, as well as the Estoril Open in 1999.

While the Atlantic Course remains the star attraction at Penha Longa, the 9-hole Monastery Course also deserves a look. A less challenging course, with fewer undulations throughout the tract, the views of the nearby Sintra Mountains are spectacular and make for a nice, relaxing round for players of all skill levels.

There is fun for the entire family, as children can enjoy the Penha Longa Kid’s Club where they can enjoy a host of toys and games to play and learn. With Pirates, Treasures and camping, painting and cinema, cooking classes, and pyjama parties, a continuous choice of activities will fill their days while enjoying their stay at Penha Longa, with even more activities during the Easter, summer and Christmas holidays. 

There is no need to find a dog-sitter for your holiday. Pets are welcomed at the hotel with a reservation of a Junior Suite, but additional charges apply.

Vale do Lobo Resort

The renowned Vale do Lobo Resort sits on the magnificent coast of southern Portugal and is one of Europe’s best all-encompassing golf resorts. Two golf courses, the Royal and the Ocean, provide an epic layout and rank among the best golf courses in Portugal. Vale do Lobo is an ideal combination of two contrasting courses to make it a truly unique venue among its peers.

Thanks to a huge choice of activities, Vale do Lobo is an ideal location to spend quality time with family and friends. Throughout the year there are a host of activities in the various different areas of the resort, from enjoying the restaurants and live music in the Praca to relaxing on the beach or by the pool or just spending time on the courts or the golf courses.

The Tennis Valley section of the resort features a children’s playground area. The newly refurbished par tee mini-golf course includes fantastic new elements, holes, and challenges, including plenty of water features, tricky holes, and oversized entertainment.

Will we be able to enjoy the lovely Spanish beaches this summer? Now that we know that the two-week coronavirus quarantine for overseas arrivals in Spain will be lifted from July 1st, we want to know when will beaches in Spain reopen. According to El País, Spain is to recommend reopening beaches at reduced capacity, just like its neighboring country, Portugal, where beaches are already open.

Spanish beaches should be reopened in summer with measures in place to reduce the risk of coronavirus contagion. These measures include:

• Limits on capacity
• Distance between sun loungers
• Delineating the space allowed for each beachgoer.

Beaches are allowed to reopen under Phase 2 of Spain’s deescalation plan. So far, beaches have been only open for walks and sports activities. The Institute of Quality Spanish Tourism (ICTE) established general protocols for reopening beaches. In addition, a draft agreement was reached with regional and local authorities. The final decision on beach regulations will fall to city councils, which are largely responsible for beach management. In fact, local councils will have to determine whether it is necessary to set up a system that warns people they are unable to go to a beach when it is at capacity. 

“It’s a draft that still needs to be approved by the Health Ministry, meaning that the final version could be different,” explained a spokesperson from ICTE. “The rules are not binding, but they have been created with the input of the regions and local authorities, so we believe that most of them will be followed.”

Local governments should estimate the capacity of each beach, taking into account its characteristics and how space is used (availability of beach umbrellas and sun loungers) to determine whether it is necessary to control access or set up a system that warns people they are unable to go to a beach when it is at capacity. 

According to the guidelines, areas for sun loungers and umbrellas must be clearly demarcated, with controls set up to ensure that “the equipment has been properly cleaned and disinfected.” 

Some regions in Spain have already outlined their own regulations. In Andalusia, for example, Southern Spain, regional authorities have recommended limiting time at the beach to four hours, setting out safe distances on the sand, setting opening and closing hours, disinfecting beaches every day, and banning the use of shower facilities and changing rooms. And in Tenerife, the white-sanded Las Teresitas beach is now open under Phase 2 of the government’s coronavirus deescalation plan. Some watersports are even available already, like SUP tours and kayak tours for small groups.

So the answer to our question is soon! Gradually, beaches in Spain will reopen. There’s no fixed date like in Portugal, because the decision about the reopening date and the protocol for each beach depend on municipal authorities.

We’ve long been waiting for this news! Spain will lift its two-week coronavirus quarantine for overseas arrivals from July 1. Regarding tourism and opening its borders, Spain has been one of the most cautious countries in Europe. Yes, we can continue planning our holidays in Spain after lockdown.

There’s light at the end of the tunnel as Foreign Minister Arancha González says via Twitter that “the hardest part is behind us,” and that “health conditions will be guaranteed” for visitors. It seems like we can enjoy summer in Spain this year as the Spanish government is planning on lifting the two-week coronavirus quarantine requirement for overseas arrivals on July 1. 

Since May 15, the Spanish Health Ministry has required travelers arriving from outside the country to remain isolated for 14 days. The rules currently in place apply to all international travelers, with a few exceptions for specific types of workers.

Both travellers and the local travel sector were concerned about the quarantine period for the effect that it would have on the arrival of overseas tourists this summer. Luckily, given the positive progress of the epidemic in Spain, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the sector should start to get ready for the summer season and that overseas tourists would be welcomed into the country under safe conditions from July. He also encouraged Spaniards to start planning domestic vacations from as early as June.

It’s still uncertain if the quarantine-free arrival applies to all foreign travellers or if Spain will bet on the free movement of travelers from countries that send the highest number of tourists to the country, such as Portugal, France, the United Kingdom and Germany.

Let’s stay tuned for more news while planning our holidays in Spain after lockdown this summer. Guess we all deserve some Spanish sun after lockdown, right?