Medieval Alvalade 2011

Music World 2011 - Sines -

Program 2011

Launch of the first stone at Pestana Tróia Eco-Resort & Residences

Last Monday 30th May, the Pestana Tróia Eco-Resort & Residences started the first stage of its construction with a symbolic ceremony to lay the first stone. Presents where Bernardo Trindade, Secretary of State for Tourism, Carlos Beato, Mayor of Grândola and Dionísio Pestana, President of Pestana Group.

“This day marks a new phase in this project which began with a dream about 10 years ago. Today, after many obstacles and some challenges, we launch the first stone of this unique potential reality of what is called Pestana Tróia Eco-Resort”,said Dionísio Pestana.

Including all phases of the project:  the plot, infrastructure, the 2 touristic resorts and the Aparthotel the project represents a total investment of more than 90 M€. The Pestana Tróia Eco-Resort is starting the first phase of construction of this unique and ambitious project having as main differential feature the sustainability which includes real estate, hotels, shopping and leisure areas.

With a prime location, the Pestana Tróia Eco-Resort & Residences is a unique project in the coast of Tróia, in the heart of a Nature Reserve. Sustainability is reflected in all options, such as low density construction, low landscaping impact and architectural use of environmentally balanced solutions. Pestana Tróia Eco-Resort & Residences, given the objective of reducing the ecological footprint is now proceeding with the certification system by BREEAM - BRE Environmental Assessment Method - one of the most demanding and recognized international methods of certification.

Source: Grupo Pestana

Birdwatching: Lagoas de Santo André e da Sancha

Alentejo: Santiago do Cacém and Sines (Beja)

Geographical coordinates: 38º04’N 08º49’W

Area: 2,672 ha

Altitudes: 0-48 m

Description

The site extends along a coastal region and includes two coastal lakes - Lagoa Santo André and Lagoa da Sancha - and a system of small, freshwater lakes formed in dune depressions. Lagoa de Santo André and Lagoa da Sancha lakes are representative examples of Mediterranean-style coastal lakes, one of the most vulnerable types in wetlands. Lagoa de Santo. The lake vegetation includes extensive patches of reeds and rushes.

Empty promise: Portugal's Alentejo region

This article appeared on p10 of the Travel section of the Guardian on Saturday 21 May 2011. It was published on guardian.co.uk at 00.05 BST on Saturday 21 May 2011. It was last modified at 00.09 BST on Saturday 21 May 2011.

Portugal's Alentejo region is poor, uncrowded, wildly beautiful – and now linked by direct flights to Heathrow

Gavin McOwan

The Guardian, Saturday 21 May 2011

In these environment-conscious times the opening of a new airport is not normally cause for celebration. But I think the world will forgive tiny Beja airport for putting up the bunting and letting the band strike up tomorrow to celebrate the inaugural landing of flight BD1234 from Heathrow.

For one thing, we're talking about an Embraer 49-seater, flying just once a week to the airport, a former military airbase that is listed as an emergency landing site for the Space Shuttle. (The only other flights from here are to Cape Verde, used mainly by migrant workers.) For another, if ever there was a region in need of the economic shot in the arm that a new airport provides, it is the Alentejo – with Beja sitting in its heart – the poorest region of the poorest country in western Europe.

The Alentejo, derived from Além-Tejo or Beyond the Tagus, covers almost a third of Portugal, from the south bank of the Tagus down to the Algarve, and from the Atlantic coast to the Spanish border in the east. But it's home to just 7% of the country's population, economic flight having been a fact of life here for generations.

Visit the area of Alentejo, Portugal

This report is http://www.chooseportugal.com

Visitors to the south-central area of Portugal will find that the Alentejo region offers a wonderful journey back into ancient times, but with most of the current conveniences of today!This part of the country is named for the term "Beyond the Tagus", due to its position of the Tagus River. There are contrasting high and low lands, and it consists of about 31,152 km. Within its borders are several nature parks, such as the Parque Natural da Serra de São Mamede (including lovely medieval villages), Parque Natural do Vale Guadiana (near the port of Sines ), and Vicentine Coast Natural Park, to name a few. There are also many historical and religious monuments, astounding architecture, and breathtaking scenery. Other tourist interests are its culinary and wine offerings; polyphonic singing groups are a unique local entertainment. Investments in the golfing industry has also turned Portugal into a golfing haven, and it was named "Best Golf Destination 2006" by readers of Golfers Today, a British publication. (Fourteen of Portugal's courses are rated in the top 100 best in Europe.) However, any guest on holiday will find that there is always plenty to do and see! The major municipalities of the Alentejo area each offers different and colourful attractions for guests:

Horse-riding in Portugal: Along the coast at a canter

Report written by Alexandra Ferguson for http://www.telegraph.co.uk/

By Alexandra Ferguson 1:34PM BST 24 Sep 2009

Alexandra Ferguson enjoys a riding holiday among the cork forests and beaches of south-west Portugal.

'Form a line,” Miguel shouts, as we plunge into the dunes and the horses pull at the reins, eager and excited. The beach is deserted; virgin sand stretches north and south, and Atlantic rollers crash on the steep shore. As we descend to the water’s edge, the hiss and roar of the surf is deafening and spray flies on the breeze. The horses brave the surge: chasing the retreating waves, shying from the advancing breakers and we fight to hold them as Miguel raises his arm. “Everyone ready?” he cries. Then we are off, galloping along the sand: the horses slick with salt and sweat, the warm wind on our faces.