### New Digital Hub for Lisbon’s Age-Friendly Initiative

The **“Lisbon, a City with Life for All Ages”** program has launched a new website aimed at providing continuous updates about activities and initiatives designed to enhance the lives of the city's elderly population. 

On this new platform, users can delve deeper into the program, read the latest news, stay informed about upcoming events, and learn more about the **Radar** and **KORALE** programs. 

This initiative represents a **strategic and integrated plan** to improve the quality of life and well-being of those aged 65 and older, transforming Lisbon into a space that promotes **active living, autonomy,** and full participation.

Explore the new website at [lxcti.scml.pt](https://lxcti.scml.pt). 

![Lisbon Age-Friendly Program](https://scml.pt/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/lxcti.jpg)

O Programa “Lisboa, cidade com vida para todas as idades” tem um novo website. Esta nova morada digital pretende continuar a informar sobre todas as atividades e iniciativas em torno da estratégia de melhorar a vida da população mais velha da cidade de Lisboa. No novo website pode saber mais sobre o programa em si, […]

Discover the New Website for Lisbon's Age-Friendly Program!

With the end of the year approaching, it's time for our usual **retrospectives**. This article is dedicated to the **best photos of the year** shared by our followers on Instagram, highlighting the **top 7 images** that received the most **likes**. From the **charming streets** and **typical houses** of Lisbon to the serene views of the **Tejo River**, these scenes inspire countless photographers capturing the city for posterity.

![Tejo River](https://offloadmedia.feverup.com/lisboasecreta.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/26182457/foto-rio-tejo-shutterstock-1024x683.jpg)
*Photo: Andrey Yurlov / Shutterstock.com*

We want to take this opportunity to thank every photographer who tags **Lisboa Secreta** in their posts or uses our **hashtags** #minhalisboasecreta and #lisboasecreta. We look forward to seeing more stunning captures in 2025!

## 1 – Costa do Castelo | [@juliopereiramusic](https://www.instagram.com/juliopereiramusic/) 10,821 💛
This area is one of the most characteristic in Lisbon, connecting the **Baixa** to the **Castle**, making it a special spot for photos.

![Costa do Castelo](https://offloadmedia.feverup.com/lisboasecreta.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/26192212/costa-do-castelo--821x1024.jpg)
*Photo: @juliopereiramusic*

## 2 – Flowers Everywhere | [@juliopereiramusic](https://www.instagram.com/juliopereiramusic/) 8,959 💛
Lisbon is beautiful all year round, but during **spring**, it gains even more charm with the various **colors and flowers** enlivening the city.

![Flowers in Lisbon](https://offloadmedia.feverup.com/lisboasecreta.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/26192920/foto-2-lugar-lisboa-821x1024.jpg)
*Photo: @juliopereiramusic*

## 3 – The Beauty of the Sunset | [@mr.goldenhour_](https://www.instagram.com/mr.goldenhour_/ ) 8,616 💛
At sunset, especially by the **Tejo**, the city becomes the **perfect backdrop** for stunning photos.

![Sunset](https://offloadmedia.feverup.com/lisboasecreta.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/26193328/mr-golden-hour-3-lugar-melhores-fotos-do-ano-LS-819x1024.jpg)
*Photo: @mr.goldenhour_*

## 4 – The Full Moon | [@b2graphy](https://www.instagram.com/b2graphy/) 8,193 💛
This year was filled with **astronomical phenomena**, and the full moon always looks amazing in photos, especially when shining over Lisbon.

![Full Moon](https://offloadmedia.feverup.com/lisboasecreta.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/26193727/lua-cheia-foto--821x1024.jpg)
*Photo: @b2graphy*

## 5 – The Beauty of the Sunset | [@olhar_sobre_a_lente](https://www.instagram.com/olhar_sobre_a_lente/) 7,486 💛
**Christmas** is one of the most magical times of the year, and with the city filled with **lights and decorations**, it’s a fantastic opportunity for photography.

![Christmas in Lisbon](https://offloadmedia.feverup.com/lisboasecreta.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/26194351/foto-de-natal--818x1024.jpg)
*Photo: @olhar_sobre_a_lente*

## 6 – MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology) | [@costajosemanuel](https://www.instagram.com/costajosemanuel/) 6,952 💛
MAAT is one of the most interesting places to visit in Lisbon and is also a very **photogenic building**.

![MAAT](https://offloadmedia.feverup.com/lisboasecreta.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/26194659/maat-819x1024.jpg)
*Photo: @costajosemanuel*

## 7 – Christmas Lights | [@luismbcarvalho](https://www.instagram.com/luismbcarvalho/) 5,990 💛
The **Christmas lights** attract many, and the best part is that you can still visit the **festive decorations** in the city until January!

![Christmas Lights](https://offloadmedia.feverup.com/lisboasecreta.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/26194758/luzes-de-natal-819x1024.jpg)
*Photo: @luismbcarvalho*

Estas são as melhores fotos do ano para os seguidores da Lisboa Secreta, ou seja as que obtiveram o maior número de gostos no Instagram.

Discover the Most Liked Photos of 2024 in Lisbon: A Visual Journey

### Garbage Accumulation in Lisbon

On the first day of the **urban hygiene workers' strike** in Lisbon, the streets are overflowing with **garbage**, leading to an unusual sight: **seagulls and pigeons** flocking around the trash bins. This situation has sparked concern among residents and visitors alike.

The popular saying "**Seagulls on land, storm at sea**" doesn't hold true today. Instead, it reflects the **harsh reality** of the city as refuse builds up near the containers, attracting these birds.

![Garbage Accumulation](https://asset.skoiy.com/jnrcnjwljorqgsbu/hlqrhduzvsgk.jpg?w=1852&q=80)
*Photo: Miguel A. Lopes / Lusa* 

As the strike continues, the impact on **urban cleanliness** and public health may become increasingly evident. Residents are left to navigate the challenges posed by the accumulating waste, raising questions about the city's response to the strike and the long-term implications for waste management in Lisbon.

'Gaivotas em terra, tempestade no mar", o adágio popular não reflete hoje a realidade, pois é devido ao lixo junto aos contentores, que gaivotas e pombos gravitam no primeiro dia de greve dos trabalhadores da higiene urbana de Lisboa.

Garbage Strike in Lisbon: Seagulls Take Over the Streets!

## Internal Audit by SPMS

The **Shared Services of the Ministry of Health (SPMS)** has initiated an internal audit to investigate the circumstances surrounding a child's referral to a closed emergency service by an operator from the **SNS24 hotline**. Minister **Ana Paula Martins** announced that results will be available soon, emphasizing that there were **communication issues** between the hospital and the SNS24 line.

## Incident Details

A child's mother reported that after waiting for **one and a half hours** to receive assistance from SNS24, she was instructed to take her child to the **Torres Vedras Hospital**, which was confirmed to be closed according to the **ULS Oeste website**. Despite being informed of the closure, she was urged to go there by SNS24, leading her to seek care **40 kilometers away** at another health facility.

## Communication Breakdown

Minister Martins highlighted the apparent **failure in communication** between the hospital and the hotline, stressing the need for accurate information to be entered into the system. This ensures that operators can prioritize and direct patients appropriately based on their location and the services available.

## Christmas Emergency Services

During the **Christmas holiday**, **13 emergency services** were either closed or operating under restrictions, causing wait times of over **eight hours** in some cases. The executive director of SNS, **António Gandra d'Almeida**, assured that all necessary measures were taken to address the public's urgent and emergency needs. Despite efforts to hire available medical professionals, gaps in staffing led to service closures.

The Ministry of Health is currently compiling a report on the situation during the **23rd to 25th of December**, comparing it to previous years to better understand the challenges faced.

## Public Assurance

Despite the challenges, Minister Martins expressed confidence in the healthcare system, stating that understanding where the **failures lie** is crucial for implementing corrections. The focus remains on improving responses to ensure that no patient is left without care during critical times.

Ministra nega que SNS 24 esteja a falhar na resposta à população: se a linha “não estivesse a dar resposta, admito que a situação era bem diferente daquela que temos neste momento.”

Urgent Audit Launched After Child Sent to Closed Hospital in Portugal

## New Tax Incentives in Portugal

The previous regime for **non-habitual residents (NHR)** has been replaced by the **Tax Incentive for Scientific Research and Innovation (IFICI+)**. This new framework aims to attract highly qualified professionals to Portugal.

![Tax Incentives](https://d1mnxluw9mpf9w.cloudfront.net/media/16193/4x3/1200.jpg)

### Eligible Professions
Under the IFICI+, the Portuguese government has identified **eight highly qualified professions** eligible for tax benefits. These professions are listed in an ordinance published in the Official Gazette of the Union and include:
- **General director and executive manager of companies**
- **Directors of administrative and commercial services**
- **Directors of production and specialized services**
- **Specialists in physical, mathematical sciences, engineering, and related techniques**
- **Industrial product or equipment designers**
- **Doctors**
- **University and higher education professors**
- **Specialists in information and communication technologies (ICT)**

### Registration Process
As stated by the Minister of Economy, there is a **transitional regime** allowing new residents in 2024 to register for tax benefits until **March 15, 2025**. Following this initial year, the registration deadline will shift to **January 15** for those who became residents in the previous year.

### Tax Rate Details
The new tax regime aims to attract qualified workers, particularly in scientific research, applying an **IRS rate of 20%** on income from both dependent and independent work (categories A and B).

The old regime for non-habitual residents (NHR) is replaced by the Tax Incentive for Scientific Research and Innovation (IFICI+).

Unlocking Tax Benefits: Which Professions Qualify for Portugal's New Tax Incentives?

Lisbon is blessed with new restaurants almost every week or month, and 2024 was no exception. We've explored some incredible dining spots that deserve a second visit in 2025!

**The New Gems of Lisbon's Culinary Scene**  
The latest additions to Lisbon's gastronomic landscape are true pearls you must try. If you're not already in the know, this list highlights the **best restaurants of 2024**, as experienced by us.

**Dining Out in Lisbon**  
Lisboetas love to dine out! Think about it: when was the last time you strolled through the city and ended up in a restaurant?

In 2024, we visited some of the best restaurants Lisbon has to offer, focusing on those that opened this year or those we finally had the chance to experience.

**Lisbon: The Best Culinary Destination in Europe**  
If you missed any, now's your chance to visit because Lisbon has been recognized as [the best culinary destination in Europe](https://lisboasecreta.co/melhor-destino-culinario-da-europa/).

![Dish from Santa Restaurant](https://offloadmedia.feverup.com/lisboasecreta.co/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/22114130/prato-Aqui-o-Papa-e-Tuga-no-restaurante-santa-em-lisboa-%40vleandro-_20-1024x576.jpeg)  
*Dish from Santa Restaurant. | Photo by @vleandro*

### Eliseu dos Leitões  
Not our first visit to **Eliseu dos Leitões**, where you can savor the **best leitoes in Lisbon** at a new location on Avenida da Liberdade. The original spot has been renovated and is also worth a visit.

- **Address:** Rua Duque de Palmela 20 (entry via Avenida da Liberdade, Hotel Turim); Rua Álvaro Benamor 2, 2B (Carnide near Centro Comercial Colombo)  
- **Hours:** Tuesday to Sunday, from 12 PM to 3 PM and 7 PM to 10:30 PM  
- **Our Experience:** [This menu](https://lisboasecreta.co/eliseu-dos-leitoes-avenida/) is simply delicious.

### Lovely Castelo  
A new entry within the walls of **Castelo de São Jorge**, it offers a fantastic view over Lisbon, making it a must-visit.

- **Address:** Rua de Santa Cruz do Castelo (inside the castle walls)  
- **Hours:** Daily from 9:30 AM to 6 PM (winter); 9:30 AM to 9 PM (summer)  
- **Our Experience:** We enjoyed [this](https://lisboasecreta.co/restaurante-rooftop-lovely-castelo/) delightful culinary experience.

### ÀCosta by Olivier  
We can't wait to share our experience at **chef Olivier’s** newest space, which was phenomenal!

- **Address:** Avenida Infante Dom Henrique A (Doca da Marinha)  
- **Hours:** Monday to Thursday and Sunday, from 12:30 PM to 3 PM and 7 PM to 11 PM; Friday and Saturday until 11:30 PM  
- **Menu Suggestion:** We sampled some of the [Executive Menu dishes](https://www.acostabyolivier.pt/acosta_by_olivier_lisboa_menu_executivo.pdf).

![Baked Cod at ÀCosta by Olivier](https://offloadmedia.feverup.com/lisboasecreta.co/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/26145556/bacalhau-assado-no-restaurante-ACosta-by-Olivier.jpeg)  
*Baked Cod at ÀCosta by Olivier. | Photo by @vleandro*

### Fama d’Alfama  
This **Fado house** in Alfama surprised us with its quality cuisine and talented artists.

- **Address:** Rua do Terreiro do Trigo 80 (Alfama, near Santa Apolónia station)  
- **Hours:** Daily  
- **Menu Suggestion:** We tried some delicious [tapas](https://famadalfama.pt/ementa-restaurante-portugues-fado-lisboa/).

### More Recommendations  
We also explored other notable restaurants like **Real Pérola by Olivier**, **Taberna Meia Porta**, **Ilha da Madeira**, and many more, each offering unique culinary experiences and delightful dishes.

Lisbon's restaurant scene is vibrant and diverse, making it a culinary hotspot you won't want to miss in 2025!

Nós fomos a alguns, que podes encontrar nesta lista com os melhores restaurantes de 2024, que merecem uma segunda visita em 2025!

Discover the Top Must-Visit Restaurants in Lisbon for 2025: A Culinary Journey

### Political Poster Removal in Lisbon

In a bold move to enhance the visual appeal of **Lisbon**, Mayor **Carlos Moedas** has initiated the removal of political posters from **Alameda Dom Afonso Henriques**, marking the second emblematic location in the city to undergo this change after **Marquês de Pombal**. The municipality aims to eradicate these "visual stains" from highly trafficked areas, with reports indicating that **six posters** from various political parties were removed "coercively" after prior notifications were ignored.

### Municipal Justification

The municipal services clarified that political parties were given a deadline to voluntarily remove their advertising. When they failed to comply, the city took action on Thursday morning, removing the posters themselves. Moedas emphasized that the removal of the Marquês de Pombal posters received overwhelming support from the public, and this latest action is part of a broader initiative to preserve the beauty and heritage of Lisbon’s historical sites.

### Future Plans for Alameda

The city is also working towards classifying **Alameda Dom Afonso Henriques** as a "Conjunto de Interesse Municipal" (Municipal Interest Ensemble), which would strengthen their stance against the placement of posters in this area, similar to the successful campaign at Marquês de Pombal. A municipal directive dated October 28, signed by the Director of Culture, Laurentina Pereira, has already set this process in motion.

### Historical Context

Moedas has previously faced backlash for his decisions to remove political advertising, notably at Marquês de Pombal, where he was accused of violating political rights. Despite these criticisms, he remains firm in his belief that the removal of such posters is essential to protect the city’s cultural and aesthetic integrity. He has stated that the city’s actions are backed by legal provisions intended to safeguard national monuments and public interest buildings from visual pollution.

### Legal Challenges Ahead

While the campaign has been met with public support, it is not without controversy. The **National Elections Commission** has previously indicated that municipalities lack the authority to regulate political advertising, suggesting that such decisions should be left to the courts. In the past, Moedas faced criticism from political parties, including the **PCP**, which labeled his actions as arbitrary and a breach of democratic rights.

Moedas remains undeterred, reiterating his commitment to maintaining the visual integrity of Lisbon’s historic sites.

Seis cartazes foram retirados de forma "coerciva", depois de partidos terem sido notificados. Autarquia quer classificar Alameda Dom Afonso Henriques como "Conjunto de Interesse Municipal". 

Lisbon's Carlos Moedas Takes Down Political Posters: A Move for Visual Clarity

### Social Media Claims
Recent social media posts claim that **almost 50% of Lisbon's population in 2021 were not Portuguese**. These assertions, originating from a Facebook post dated November 27, have garnered significant attention with numerous likes and shares. The post cites the **Annual Report of the Aliens and Borders Service (SEF)** as its source.

![Lisbon](https://bordalo.observador.pt/v2/q:60/rs:fill:560/plain/https://s3.observador.pt/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/26162638/captura-de-ecra-2024-12-26-as-162624.jpg)

### Analyzing the SEF Report
According to the **SEF's 2021 Annual Report**, there were **294,736 foreigners** residing in the Lisbon district. Meanwhile, data from the **National Institute of Statistics (INE)** indicated that the total population of the district was **2,287,869**. From these figures, it can be calculated that **foreigners comprised only 12.88% of the population**—far from the claimed 50%.

### Breakdown of Foreign Residents in Lisbon
When focusing specifically on the **Lisbon municipality**, the SEF report shows there were **108,894 foreigners**. The **2021 Census** recorded **544,851 residents** in the municipality, leading to a percentage of **19.99%** of foreigners—again, significantly lower than the 50% claim.

### Conclusion
The assertion that **“around 50% of Lisbon's inhabitants in 2021 were not Portuguese”** is **false**. Official data from institutions like the **INE** and **SEF** confirm that the actual numbers of foreign residents do not exceed 20%. This misinformation has been classified as **incorrect** by the **Observador** fact-checking system, and it aligns with Facebook's classification of this content as **false**.  

### Note
This content was selected by **Observador** as part of a fact-checking partnership with Facebook.

Publicações nas redes sociais alegam que em 2021 quase metade da população de Lisboa não era portuguesa, citando um relatório do SEF como fonte. Mas será verdade? 


Discover the New Website for Lisbon's Age-Friendly Program!

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New Digital Hub for Lisbon’s Age-Friendly Initiative

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