Over the past week, Portugal has experienced a series of notable events across various sectors, reflecting both challenges and advancements.
On Monday, February 17, 2025, a 4.7 magnitude earthquake shook Lisbon and its surrounding areas at 1:24 PM local time. The Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) reported the epicenter approximately 14 kilometers southwest of Seixal, near the capital. Residents felt the tremor in central Lisbon, with significant intensity reported in Almada and Sesimbra. Fortunately, there were no reports of personal injuries or property damage. This event serves as a reminder of the region’s seismic activity, echoing concerns raised by experts about the potential for a major earthquake similar to the devastating 1755 event.
In the political arena, on Friday, February 21, 2025, the Portuguese government, led by Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, survived a motion of censure presented by the far-right party Chega. The motion was rejected by 171 votes, with both right and left-wing parties uniting to support the governing coalition. This political maneuver by Chega was widely perceived as a distraction from recent scandals involving the party, including allegations of theft at Lisbon airport and accusations of child prostitution. Prime Minister Montenegro defended his integrity and the legal activities of his family’s business during the parliamentary debate.
Economically, Portugal’s largest hotel group, Grupo Pestana, announced on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, record-breaking sales of €457.1 million for the year 2023, marking a 21.7% increase from the previous year. This growth was driven by all business segments, including hospitality, real estate, and leisure activities. The group’s EBITDA also reached a record €146 million, with a margin of 31.9%. By September 2024, EBITDA had risen to €147.1 million, reflecting a margin of 40.4%. These figures underscore the group’s robust financial health and strategic investments across various sectors.
In the retail sector, Spanish supermarket chain Mercadona announced on Monday, February 17, 2025, plans to expand its presence in Portugal by opening ten new stores throughout the year. This expansion will bring the total number of Mercadona outlets in the country to 70, with new locations slated for cities such as Fafe, Penafiel, Matosinhos, Oporto, Leiria, Loures, Lisbon, and Palmela. Notably, this year marks Mercadona’s inaugural entry into the city of Lisbon, with a supermarket under construction in Alta de Lisboa. This development includes office spaces and a Co-Innovation Center aimed at tailoring offerings to consumer preferences.
Environmental advocacy saw a significant milestone as Greenpeace launched its Portuguese branch on Monday, February 17, 2025. The organization’s iconic icebreaker, the Arctic Sunrise, docked in Lisbon to commemorate the event. Greenpeace Portugal aims to address the nation’s pressing socio-environmental challenges in collaboration with civil society and other organizations. Following its stay in Lisbon, the Arctic Sunrise is scheduled to visit Porto from February 21 to 23, offering free guided tours to the public.
In the cultural domain, the 46th edition of the Celorico da Beira Cheese Fair commenced on Friday, February 21, 2025, in the self-proclaimed ‘Serra da Estrela Cheese Capital’. The three-day event, held at the town’s municipal market, features over three dozen local producers showcasing the region’s most famous delicacy, Serra da Estrela cheese. The festival includes cheese and regional product tastings, traditional music, crafts exhibitions, ‘showcooking’ sessions, and lectures. Notable performances include Delfins on Friday, Os Quatro e Meia on Saturday, and Sons do Minho on Sunday. The event aims to promote and honor the unique local product and its producers.
Sports enthusiasts witnessed the 51st edition of the Volta ao Algarve, a prestigious road cycling race, which took place from February 19 to 23, 2025. The race covered a total distance of 748.1 kilometers across five stages, attracting top-tier international teams and riders. The event not only highlighted the athletic prowess of the participants but also showcased the scenic landscapes of the Algarve region.
In the energy sector, Portugal has announced plans to increase imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the United States and Nigeria, aiming to eliminate reliance on Russian gas. This strategic move aligns with the European Union’s broader efforts to diversify energy sources and enhance energy security in response to geopolitical tensions.
On the business front, Lisbon has emerged as a prime destination for real estate investment in 2025. A study by CBRE revealed that 70% of investors believe the market has already recovered or will do so throughout the year. Lisbon now ranks 8th among European cities preferred for real estate investment, reflecting growing foreign interest in the Portuguese market. Factors contributing to this trend include competitive yields, a resilient real estate sector, and a focus on sustainability in property development.
In the realm of public safety, Albufeira’s town council has introduced a new Code of Conduct aimed at preserving the municipality’s family-friendly and multicultural reputation. The regulations, currently under public consultation, propose fines of up to €1,250 for individuals found wearing swimwear, such as bikinis or swim shorts, in public areas away from beaches or pools. Additionally, complete public nudity could result in fines up to €1,500, while street drinking may incur penalties starting at €250. These measures are part of a broader initiative to address behaviors deemed inappropriate and to maintain public decorum.
In the financial sector, Novo Banco, established in 2014 following the collapse of Banco Espírito Santo, is reportedly considering an initial public offering (IPO) in 2025. The bank has undergone substantial restructuring, focusing on improving asset quality, reducing non-performing loans, and enhancing operational efficiency. As of June 2023, Novo Banco operated 292 branches nationwide, serving approximately 1.6 million customers.
Over the past week, Portugal has experienced a mix of weather conditions, ranging from cloudy skies and occasional rain showers to periods of sunshine. In the northern regions, including Porto and Braga, rain and cloudy conditions dominated much of the week, with temperatures fluctuating between 9°C and 16°C. Central Portugal, including Lisbon and Coimbra, saw milder temperatures, with highs around 17°C and occasional foggy mornings followed by scattered showers. The southern region, particularly the Algarve, enjoyed drier and sunnier weather, with temperatures reaching up to 19°C on some days, though occasional cloudy spells and light showers were observed.
Looking ahead to the coming week, northern Portugal is expected to continue experiencing rain showers and overcast skies, with cooler temperatures between 8°C and 15°C. Central Portugal, including Lisbon, will see a mix of clouds and sun, with occasional rain, and temperatures hovering between 10°C and 17°C. The Algarve and southern coastal areas will remain the warmest regions, with highs reaching around 18°C, though occasional breezy conditions and scattered showers may occur. The interior regions, such as Évora and Guarda, will have cooler mornings, with lows around 6°C, and partly cloudy skies throughout the day. The Azores and Madeira archipelagos will see mild and humid conditions, with occasional rain showers and temperatures between 14°C and 20°C.