Embracing this honor on behalf of the Municipality of Porto, the Councilwoman for Tourism and Internationalization, Catarina Santos Cunha, emphasized the city's ongoing commitment to elevating tourism standards in a sustainable and harmonious manner. She spoke of the Confiança Porto program, a steadfast effort supporting economic operators to attain and acknowledge levels of excellence, particularly in the realm of tourist accommodations.

Cunha passionately articulated Porto's dedication to maintaining its reputation as a warm and inviting city, tailored to meet the diverse demands of tourists. In line with this commitment, she unveiled the Tourist’s Manifest on World Tourism Day, celebrated on the 27th of September. The manifesto aims to engage and enlighten tourists about the commendable practices to uphold while exploring the vibrant city.

The esteemed World Travel Awards ceremony unfolded in Batumi, Georgia, uniting global leaders in the tourism sector for an evening of recognition and celebration. This initiative serves as a beacon, honoring and applauding outstanding contributions to the world of travel and tourism, adjudicated through the discerning votes of industry professionals, media, and discerning consumers.

In the 2022 edition of these distinguished awards, Porto triumphed, seizing the titles of Europe’s Leading City Destination and, on the global stage, World’s Leading City Destination. This triumph follows a previous accolade in 2020, when the city was hailed as Europe's Leading City Break Destination, cementing Porto's legacy as a prime destination for travelers seeking an enriching and captivating experience.

Porto's undeniable allure once again triumphs at the prestigious World Travel Awards. After securing the title of Europe’s Leading City Destination in 2022, the resilient city of Porto has yet again shined on the grand stage, earning the esteemed recognition of Europe’s Leading City Break Destination for 2023 in the renowned "Tourism Oscars."

Porto: Leading City Break Destination 2023 (Europe)

Porto's travel and gastronomy are once again on the lips of the world: it is the "City of the Year" in the awards decided by the readers of the British magazine Food and Travel.

“This is yet another award that recognizes the value of the Porto brand in the international context", comments, in a statement, Luís Pedro Martins, president of Turismo do Porto e Norte de Portugal.
"The city of Porto is once again to be congratulated", underlines the official, referring: "it reinforces our position in the world".

Food and Travel, based in London, has an international footprint and has a 25-year publishing history. Its aim is to take readers "on a gastronomic journey around the world". It is published by Green Pea Publishing, a "small independent publisher".

In the "race" for City of the Year, the most famous cities were nominated, which may have played in favor of Porto: certainly many votes were shared by Barcelona, Edinburgh, London, Melbourne, New York, Paris, Vancouver and Vienna, but Porto achieved primacy.

In the awards of the magazine dedicated to gastronomy, wines and travel, Porto beat the candidates Barcelona, London, New York or Paris. “The city of Porto is once again to be congratulated”.

Porto: City of the Year, by Food and Travel

The city of Porto was elected the Best City Destination in the World 2022 at the 'World Travel Awards' ceremony, which took place on Friday in Muscat, Oman, the Porto City Council revealed this Saturday.

The councilor responsible for Tourism and Internationalization of the Porto Chamber, Catarina Santos Cunha, received the award on behalf of the municipality, and the president of the Porto Tourism Association, Luís Pedro Martins, was also present at the ceremony.

Voting for the 'World Travel Awards' was open to the public until the 20th of November, with Porto also competing as the B

est Heritage City Destination in the World

The 'World Travel Awards' include the entire tourism sector, from hotels, destinations, airlines and tour operators.

The World Travel Awards are "considered the 'Oscars' of tourism". The city of Porto was ahead of cities like Acapulco, Cancún and Mazatlán, Bogotá, Quito, Cape Town, Nairobi and Dubai.

Porto: Europe's Leading City Destination 2022

On a pivotal Wednesday night at Estádio do Dragão, FC Porto staged a dramatic comeback to defeat Vitória de Guimarães 3-1 in the second leg of the Taça de Portugal semifinal, booking a final clash against Sporting. The aggregate score over the two legs favored Porto 4-1, setting the stage for what promises to be an enthralling final at the iconic Estádio Nacional do Jamor on May 26.

The game started on a sour note for Porto as they conceded in the very first minute, continuing a worrying trend of early setbacks at home. Vitória’s Afonso Freitas capitalized on a long throw that was converted into a dangerous cross, finding the back of the net and momentarily leveling the aggregate score and stunning the home crowd.

Porto’s response was swift and effective. At the 23rd minute mark, after a VAR review, the referee awarded a penalty to Porto. Mehdi Taremi stepped up and confidently equalized, restoring balance and injecting momentum back into Porto's play. Francisco Conceição, the game's standout performer, then took center stage with a series of influential plays.

As the first half wound down, a well-orchestrated move initiated by João Mário found Francisco Conceição, who clinically finished to give Porto the lead just before the break. The goal not only put Porto ahead on the night but also shifted the psychological advantage firmly in their favor.

The second half saw Porto exerting more control, looking to seal the victory and avoid any slip-ups. Pepê, at the 75-minute mark, secured the win with a strong finish after receiving a perfect pass from Romário Baró, concluding the scoring at 3-1 and ensuring Porto’s progression to the final.

With a dominant aggregate victory, Porto demonstrated their resilience and tactical strength, securing their place in the Taça de Portugal final for the fifth time in the last six seasons. The final against Sporting, who edged out Benfica with a 4-3 aggregate win, is set to be a highly anticipated encounter.

Both teams now turn their focus back to the I Liga, with Porto scheduled to face Casa Pia and Vitória de Guimarães gearing up for a confrontation against Sporting, further heightening the tension and excitement surrounding the upcoming fixtures.

In an electrifying semifinal return leg at Estádio do Dragão, FC Porto overturned an early deficit to triumph 3-1 over Vitória de Guimarães, securing a 4-1 aggregate victory and setting up a highly anticipated final against Sporting.

FC Porto beat Vitória SC to reach Cup Final

The northern city emerged victorious over finalists Istanbul, Nicosia, Sofia, and the event's host city, Seville. The initiative, which recognizes the best Erasmus destination of the year, was launched by the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) in partnership with the European Commission, aiming to identify best practices in supporting student mobility and highlighting the role that local student associations play in making cities better mobility destinations.

"We feel that our effort has been recognized. As student volunteers, we will continue our hard work to make Porto an even more welcoming city. We want all international students to feel at home, to continue choosing our Porto, and to take back to their countries all the good memories that the Invicta provides them," emphasizes Vitor Bizarro, president of ESN Porto.

ESN Porto was responsible for the candidacy and Porto's success in the initiative. As a local section, it supports over 3,000 international students, with the most represented nationalities being Italy, Spain, and Brazil. In addition to helping students achieve a better cultural, educational, and social experience, it also carries out various activities to support local communities.

During this 4-day meeting, the EGM brought together over a thousand ESN volunteers from various countries to discuss the future of mobility, focusing on topics related to digitization, sustainability, inclusion, democratic participation, among others. Through these various moments of sharing, debates, and workshops, mobility programs, higher education institutions, and opportunities in Europe were also promoted.

The Invicta has just been awarded the title of best Erasmus destination at the largest European student conference, the Erasmus Generation Meeting (EGM), held from April 4th to 7th in Seville.

Porto elected best Erasmus destination of 2024

The Final Four of the 58th edition of the Roller Hockey Champions League will take place at the Super Bock Arena - Pavilhão Rosa Mota in Porto, on May 11 and 12.

The teams competing are the winners of the quarterfinal matchups: Sporting-Barcelona, Lodi-FC Porto, Trissino-Oliveirense, and Óquei de Barcelos-Benfica.

It is worth noting that FC Porto is the defending champion, having defeated Valongo in last year’s final with a score of 5-1.

The climactic stage of the competition is set to be held on May 11 and 12 at the Super Bock Arena - Pavilhão Rosa Mota. FC Porto holds the current title.

Final Four of the Roller Hockey Champions League to Take Place in Porto

The construction of the CAR is planned in three phases:

 Construction will include five football fields, accommodations featuring 46 suites plus two master suites, a spa, hydrotherapy and physiotherapy areas, locker rooms, administrative and financial management offices, a 56-seat auditorium, leisure spaces, dining rooms, a kitchen, and staff rooms.

 Building of a pavilion, a support building, a 2,000-seat stand, and a store-museum.

Pereira mentioned that the center is expected to be fully operational by December 2026, an ambitious but achievable deadline. The acquisition cost for the roughly 19 hectares designated for the CAR, plus an additional 12 hectares of natural spaces, totals 3.85 million euros. The estimated costs for the first two construction phases range from 18 to 23 million euros, with the third phase coming in at about 8 million euros.

"This is a significant investment that will create substantial value," Pereira asserted. "If we can generate an additional 120 to 180 million euros over six years, this CAR could pay for itself in two or three years. The calculations are not that straightforward, but once operational at full capacity, the infrastructure’s potential for monetization is immense."

Pereira also assured that there is no shortage of foreign investors interested in financing the project, emphasizing the project’s potential for value creation and the ease of finding financial partners for well-conceived projects. This CAR represents a strategic development that could set a new standard in sports facilities for FC Porto, aligning with Villas-Boas's vision for the future of the club.

The proposed new High-Performance Center (CAR) for FC Porto, unveiled by André Villas-Boas on Tuesday night, is expected to significantly boost the club's competitive edge with an estimated cost of 30 to 35 million euros and promises financial returns, according to José Pedro Pereira, the financial administrator of Villas-Boas's team.

André Villas-Boas Proposes New High-Performance Center for FC Porto

The event took place this Wednesday morning at Estádio do Dragão, but signs of a new era were already visible, especially for those traveling on the A3 from Braga to Porto. In Maia, on the land that sparked controversy last week, a massive billboard announced, "Here rises the FC Porto Academy," with construction equipment ready to commence work, signaling the involvement of ABB, the construction partner in this project. With this backdrop, Pinto da Costa, from the stadium's VIP stand, seized the moment to respond to comments made by rival André Villas-Boas.

“This academy is a long-held dream, a promise made four years ago. It’s a pleasure to have you here witnessing the unveiling of this wonderful utopia and this string of lies,” began the FC Porto president, following an introduction by architect Manuel Salgado. "You see it before you, it's visible, and it's captivating us all. Four years ago, at the start of my term, I promised to build an academy. I made it a condition for my candidacy that the academy would begin. Three conditions were set: reaching the Champions League Round of 16, moving out of negative equity, and starting the academy. Thus, this academy is both a long-held dream and a four-year promise," he added in response.

"Before I make further remarks, I want to highlight two individuals. First, architect Manuel Salgado, who has dedicated himself to this project not only professionally but with heart, as we are in the most beautiful stadium in Portugal, his creation, which he strongly identified with, making it even more a part of the dragon spirit. The second is Mr. Gaspar Borges. I've known him for decades. I have always had the utmost respect and best impression of him. When we needed someone to collaborate with us, he was fully committed, heart and soul, to drive this forward. His dedication was exceptional, his vision brought us to a successful outcome. Up until about three weeks ago, give or take, we always discussed things verbally, as men of their word do. Always agreed, noted things down, and moved forward," Pinto da Costa said, also mentioning Fernando Gomes, the club's administrative board member who is stepping down after a decade.

"It's been a dream for many years, a promise for four years," declared Pinto da Costa this morning as he presented the FC Porto Academy project, expected to cost around 40 million euros. Amid criticisms of Villas-Boas, the ceremony also "confirmed" Fernando Gomes's departure from the club's administrative board.

Pinto da Costa Unveils FC Porto Academy Project in Maia

A patronage action by a Northern entrepreneur has brought back to Portugal a masterpiece that had previously left the country due to a "regrettable lapse in service," according to various sources connected to Portuguese museums and art galleries interviewed by Expresso. The announcement is expected to be made on Wednesday. When approached by Expresso, neither the Ministry of Culture, the MMP (Portuguese Museum of Photography), nor the new owner of the painting wished to comment.

The most likely scenario is that the Lello Bookstore Foundation, represented by Pedro Pinto—a lawyer, real estate investor in Porto, and head of the Lionesa Business Center in Leça do Balio—was the "private entity" that agreed to purchase Domingos Sequeira's masterpiece. The 19th-century work left Portugal at the end of last year amid significant controversy, following what the Minister of Culture termed a "regrettable failure of the services" of the then Directorate-General for Cultural Heritage (DGPC), a story first reported by Expresso.

The announcement is set to take place at a ceremony in the National Palace of Ajuda this Wednesday at noon. A "Memorandum of Understanding between the Portuguese state and the owner of the 'Descent from the Cross' painting" will be signed, aiming for its public exhibition in a national museum. Invitations were sent out on Monday to various authorities connected to cultural heritage and directors of Portuguese museums.

The Lello Bookstore Foundation has acquired "Descent from the Cross" by Domingos Sequeira.

Domingos Sequeira's "Descida da Cruz" Painting Returns to Portugal

The festival grounds buzzed with excitement with the sun still in the air, eager to witness the last great acts taking the stage. From soul-stirring melodies to high-octane performances, the closing day promised a grand finale that would leave a great impression on the hearts of all in attendance.

First to grace the stage was the immensely talented Xavier Rudd, a renowned Australian musician known for his captivating blend of folk, reggae, and blues. With his vast array of instruments, including the didgeridoo, Xavier Rudd wove a spellbinding tapestry of sound, taking the audience on a journey of musical discovery. Celebrating his chart-topping hits like "Follow the Sun" and "Spirit Bird," Rudd's music radiated positivity and unity, resonating with fans from all walks of life. His ability to create a deeply immersive experience through his soulful performances is a testament to why he has garnered worldwide success and a devoted following, being also a great surprise for lots of first timers attending.


Next, the spotlight shone on the Portuguese sensation, Fernando Daniel, whose meteoric rise to stardom has captured the hearts of music lovers across the nation. Armed with his powerful voice and emotive storytelling, Fernando Daniel delivered an unforgettable performance, showcasing his biggest hits like "Nada Mais" and "Se Eu." As the crowd sang along to every word, the undeniable connection between the artist and his fans became apparent. After winning ‘The Voice 2016’, Fernando Daniel's success can be attributed to his genuine talent and ability to touch hearts with his heartfelt ballads and infectious energy on stage.


The eagerly awaited Irish band, The Script, took the stage for what could be a night headliner concert. With their captivating blend of pop-rock anthems and heart-rending ballads, The Script has carved a special place in the hearts of music enthusiasts worldwide. Celebrating their chart-topping hits like "Hall of Fame" and "Breakeven," The Script's music reverberated through the festival grounds, fostering an electric atmosphere of unity and celebration. Lead singer Danny O'Donoghue requested the fan to call her ex-boyfriend, and to everyone's surprise, the call was answered on stage. With the entire crowd as witnesses, Danny sang their emotional ballad, "Nothing," directly to the ex-boyfriend, making it an unforgettable and heartfelt moment of closure and catharsis. Their profound connection with their audience and ability to deliver powerful, relatable messages in their music has cemented their success and made them a beloved fixture in the global music scene.

And finally, to culminate the night with an explosive burst of energy, the iconic Black Eyed Peas took the stage, sending the crowd into a frenzy of excitement. With their dynamic fusion of hip-hop, pop, and dance beats, Black Eyed Peas have dominated charts and stages worldwide, earning their status as one of the most successful groups in modern music history. From their iconic hits like "I Gotta Feeling" and "Where Is the Love?" to their high-energy performances, the Black Eyed Peas ignited the festival grounds, transforming MEO Mares Vivas into a pulsating dance party. Their global appeal and ability to deliver genre-defying music that transcends borders have solidified their position as music legends.


From Xavier Rudd's captivating fusion of world sounds to Fernando Daniel's soulful storytelling, and The Script's anthemic performances to the explosive energy of Black Eyed Peas, each act left an indelible mark on the hearts of all in attendance. With unforgettable memories and a sense of anticipation for next year's edition, MEO Mares Vivas bids farewell, promising to return on 19-21 July 2024 with even more exceptional talent and enchanting performances.

The journey of the Festival's Grand Finale, promised to return in 2024 at Madalena

Last day at MEO Marés Vivas 2023

As the sun graced the skies with its radiant warmth, MEO Mares Vivas 2023 entered its second day, promising another unforgettable showcase of musical talent. The festival grounds at Parque de Campismo da Madalena brimmed with anticipation, ready to be immersed in a long array of performances.


Kicking off the festivities for the day was the immensely talented Cláudia Pascoal, a rising star in the Portuguese music scene. Known for her soulful voice and comedy songwriting, Cláudia Pascoal has enchanted audiences across the nation with her captivating performances, mainly after the participation at the 'Festival da Canção'. Taking to the stage at MEO Mares Vivas, Cláudia Pascoal delivered a spellbinding set, showcasing her infectious energy. With each note, she effortlessly transported the crowd into a world of raw well being and musical bliss.


The stage was then graced by a powerhouse collaboration between Carolina Deslandes and Bárbara Tinoco, two formidable artists who have taken the Portuguese music scene with huge sucess these recent years. Known for their distinct styles and immense talent, Carolina Deslandes and Bárbara Tinoco have amassed a legion of fans with their heartfelt lyrics and powerful performances. Individually, they have conquered stages and dominated charts, but this summer, they unite their creative forces to create an unparalleled musical experience. At MEO Mares Vivas, the duo mesmerized the audience with their harmonies, delivering a performance that transcended expectations and showcased their undeniable chemistry on stage.


Next up was the internationally acclaimed Pablo Alborán, whose soulful melodies and heartfelt compositions have earned him a dedicated global following. Hailing from Spain, Pablo Alborán's music transcends language barriers, touching the hearts of listeners around the world. With his enchanting vocals and emotionally charged ballads, he has become a symbol of passion and vulnerability in the music industry. At MEO Mares Vivas, Pablo Alborán took the stage captivating the crowd with his captivating presence and flawless delivery. His performance was a testament to his remarkable artistry, leaving the audience spellbound and craving for more.


Closing out the night with an explosive finale was the electrifying J Balvin, a trailblazing figure in the realm of Latin music. With his infectious beats and irresistible charisma, the columbian has become a global phenomenon, igniting stages and breaking records with his chart-topping hits. His fusion of reggaeton, hip-hop, and Latin pop has reshaped the landscape of contemporary music, captivating audiences with his high-energy performances. At MEO Mares Vivas, J Balvin unleashed his signature style, setting the stage ablaze with his dynamic presence and crowd-pleasing anthems. The audience was immersed in a pulsating sea of rhythm and infectious energy, surrendering to the irresistible allure of J Balvin's music. Adding an extra touch of spontaneity to his performance, J Balvin invited three lucky girls from the front of the stage to join him, leading them to sit sing along to one of his unforgettable songs. A moment of connection and inclusivity from an artist who knows how to create memorable experiences for his fans.

As day two of MEO Mares Vivas 2023 drew to a close, the festival continued to exceed expectations, offering a diverse and enthralling musical experience for all in attendance. From Cláudia Pascoal's soul-stirring performance to the captivating collaboration between Carolina Deslandes and Bárbara Tinoco, followed by the international sensations Pablo Alboran and J Balvin, the festival grounds echoed with the cheers of an enthralled audience. The magic of MEO Mares Vivas persisted, leaving everyone eagerly anticipating the final day of this extraordinary celebration of music and camaraderie.

With the sun back to the skies, unforgettable moments happened at the second day of MEO Mares Vivas 2023.

Second day at MEO Marés Vivas 2023

As the summer sun painted the skies with vibrant hues, music enthusiasts from far and wide flocked to the picturesque Parque de Campismo da Madalena for the much-anticipated MEO Mares Vivas. This year's edition promised to be an extraordinary celebration of music, showcasing an array of talented artists from various genres. With an enchanting atmosphere and a diverse lineup, the festival kicked off in a blessed fashion, under lots of rain.

Setting the stage ablaze with their electrifying energy and infectious melodies were the sensational band, Os Quatro e Meia. Hailing from Portugal, this group has rapidly captured the hearts of music lovers with their unique blend of folk, pop, and rock influences. With a repertoire that spans from heartfelt ballads to upbeat anthems, Os Quatro e Meia treated the audience at MEO Mares Vivas to an unforgettable musical journey. From their chart-topping hits like “Sentir o Sol" and "P'ra Frente é Que é Lisboa" to soul-stirring tracks like “Na Escola" and “Bom rapaz" their performance was a masterful display of their poetic lyrics and soulful compositions. As their melodies intertwined with the rain-soaked air, Os Quatro e Meia's enchanting show captivated the audience, leaving them spellbound by the band's melodic prowess and heartfelt performances. It was a truly magical experience that solidified their status as one of Portugal's most captivating musical acts.


Next up on the main stage was Slow J, a Portuguese artist known for his distinct fusion of hip-hop, R&B, and soul. With his soul-stirring lyrics and smooth vocal delivery, Slow J has become a prominent figure in the music industry, garnering international recognition and numerous accolades. His introspective and thought-provoking songs resonate deeply with listeners, touching upon themes of love, introspection, and societal issues. Slow J took the stage at MEO Mares Vivas, fueled by a profound sense of gratitude. Years ago, he stood amidst the vibrant energy of Rock in Rio, witnessing the transformative power of Da Weasel as they commanded the crowd. Today, being a part of the festival's lineup held immense significance for Slow J, as he harnessed that same spirit, turning the rain-soaked atmosphere into a backdrop for his magnetic performance. With each verse and chorus, Slow J effortlessly captivated the audience, creating a powerful connection that resonated long after his final note. The sheer passion and significance of the moment were palpable, as Slow J celebrated the culmination of his musical journey on the hallowed grounds of MEO Mares Vivas.

And finally, the moment that festival-goers had been eagerly awaiting arrived—the triumphant return of the legendary band, Da Weasel. After years of anticipation, this iconic Portuguese group, known for their groundbreaking fusion of hip-hop, rock, and electronic elements, made their long-awaited comeback at MEO Mares Vivas. Da Weasel had left an indelible mark on the music landscape during their active years, and their reunion was met with huge excitement. With their charismatic stage presence and genre-defying sound, they revolutionized the Portuguese music scene and inspired a generation of artists. Their headlining performance was a monumental occasion, as they unleashed their signature hits, reaffirming their status on the Portuguese music.

With Jorge Palma, Os Quatro e Meia, Slow J, and the long-awaited return of Da Weasel setting the bar high, anticipation was already building for the remaining acts set to grace the stages in the days to come. Stay tuned for more highlights and updates from this celebration of music near the Sea.

Rain or shine, the passion and dedication of both the artists and the audience transformed the challenging weather into an integral part of the experience, reaffirming that no downpour could dampen the undeniable magic of the first day of the festival.