Iran says crew of Israel-linked ship to be released

Iran’s foreign minister said the crew of a seized Portuguese-flagged ship linked to Israel have been granted consular access and are expected to be freed, Iranian media reported on Saturday. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards seized the container vessel MSC Aries with a crew of 25 in the Strait of Hormuz on April 13, days after … Read more

How ruined St Paul’s in Macau might have looked like Coimbra’s New Cathedral, and other delights from the Portuguese city

Academic papers published in a 2020 book – Coimbra Visa: The College of Jesus between Portugal and the World – also connect the New Cathedral with Macau’s St Paul’s (referred to as Igreja da Madre de Deus, or the Church of the Mother of God) and explain how the Jesuits of Coimbra influenced ecclesiastical developments … Read more

Inside the stunning European resort of Quinta Do Lago – with all-year sunshine, luxury hotel and fantastic golf courses

AS we drove up to the Magnolia Hotel in Portugal’s ultra-exclusive Quinta do Lago area,  it felt like we’d stumbled onto the set of Happy Days. It’s got a 1950’s motel theme, with a bright exterior and welcoming flashing lights and the rooms reflected that throwback to yesteryear — but in a good way. 13 … Read more

The beautiful city dubbed ‘the Rome of Portugal’ | Travel News | Travel

The city of Braga has been dubbed the Rome of Portugal thanks in large part to its being a key outpost of the Roman Empire. Anyone in search of a place steeped in history should add Braga to their list of places to visit, with its ancient ruins, beautiful architecture and historic buildings among the … Read more

Madeline McCann prime suspect Christian Brueckner ‘told girlfriend to clear out flat where he kept rape & torture vids’

MADELINE McCann prime suspect Christian Brueckner allegedly ordered his girlfriend in a note from prison to cover his tracks by clearing out his flat, a court has heard. Brueckner is said to have been afraid of police finding “stuff”, believed to be rape and torture videos, that could be used against him following his arrest … Read more

Iranian paramilitaries seize container ship near Strait of Hormuz amid Israel tensions – POLITICO

Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces, released a one-minute video response to the Iranian capture of the ship. “Iran will bear the consequences for choosing to escalate the situation any further,” he said. “We have increased our readiness to protect Israel from further Iranian aggression. We are also prepared to respond.” … Read more

Four European cities you can find pints of beer for less than £2

IF you’re looking for a holiday destination where a boozy break won’t break the bank, you’re in luck. A recent study found four cities that have direct flights from the UK where you can find a pint of beer under £2. 5 Beer lovers can still find pints for less than £2 in EuropeCredit: Alamy … Read more

‘Can I order my McDonald’s meal on that thing?’, say fans as tennis star awarded prize money on bizarre touch screen

TENNIS star Hubert Hurkacz received his prize money for winning the Estoril Open in a peculiar way. The Pole defeated Spaniard Pedro Martinez 6-3, 6-4 to claim his first clay-court victory in Portugal. 6 Hubert Hurkacz won the Estoril Open on SundayCredit: Getty 6 But his prize money was awarded in a strange wayCredit: https://twitter.com/josemorgado … Read more

Center-right leader Luís Montenegro sworn in as Portuguese prime minister – POLITICO

Montenegro additionally said his government would seek to present a comprehensive plan to fight corruption and make the Portuguese government more transparent. The announcement comes six months after his predecessor, António Costa, resigned after his official residence was raided by police in the midst of an influence-peddling probe. But it’s unclear how Montenegro’s Democratic Alliance … Read more

The best European port cities to visit this spring – with sandy beaches, mountain hikes and stunning floral displays

MAY and June were the most popular months to travel to Europe last year, according to trade association Abta. And what’s the best way to visit all the hotspots? 5 Soak up the sun at the Sardinian treasure that is OlbiaCredit: Getty On a cruise, of course. Sophie Swietochowski picks top spring voyages, with tips … Read more