Edition 98 - Ocean: Blue Dialogue

A prestigious beach resort for many decades, the inviting coastal city of Figueira da Foz continues to seduce its visitors with its unique flair and welcoming beaches.

We say goodbye to the unique classical charm of Figueira da Foz and head to a once small fishing town that became a major surf Mecca, Nazaré.

We leave the gravity-defying waves of Nazaré and set for the discovery of Peniche, a paradise for geology, bird-watching, surf and diving aficionados.

Water is a pivotal concern of nations worldwide and Portugal is in this scope no exception, struggling against water scarcity, especially in the inland regions. In Center of Portugal, the prestigious Universities of Aveiro and University of Beira Interior, in Covilhã, are at the forefront of innovative water-based sustainable projects, developing smart nature-based solutions to reduce water consumption and to protect biodiversity and natural ecosystems, while raising public awareness on urgent sustainable practices. The clock is ticking.

Nazaré is the finest example of the relentless power of Mother Nature. The giant wave surfed by Hawaiian surfer Garret McNamara on November 1st 2011 has changed the fate of this charming fishing town. Nowadays, the whole economy of Nazaré evolves around surf and the big waves. But why are the waves so incredibly big in Nazaré?

Heavenly placed on the shore of Peniche, Berlenga archipelago is the only island reserve in the Portuguese mainland. Berlenga, Estelas and surrounding islands were classified Berlenga Natural Reserve on September 3rd 1981.