### Important Travel Update

The **Porto Santo Line** has announced changes to the **travel schedules** between **Madeira** and **Porto Santo** for tomorrow, **Thursday, March 20**, due to adverse **weather conditions**. Travelers should take note of these adjustments to avoid any inconvenience.

### Weather Impact

The decision comes as forecasts predict **poor weather**, which may affect travel safety. Passengers are advised to check the updated schedules and plan accordingly.

Stay tuned for further updates as the situation develops. For real-time information, please visit the official Porto Santo Line website or contact customer service directly.

A Porto Santo Line anunciou a alteração dos horários das viagens entre a Madeira e Porto Santo amanhã, quinta-feira, 20 de março, devido às condições ...

Travel Alert: Porto Santo Line Adjusts Schedules Due to Weather Forecasts

### Recent Weather Changes
The **intense precipitation** experienced in recent days has led to a significant rise in the water levels of dams in the Algarve, necessitating **emergency water releases** from several reservoirs in the region. In just three months, the area has transitioned from a **water scarcity** situation to one of **abundance**, bringing both relief and challenges to water resource management.

### Emergency Alerts in Dams
At the **Odeleite Dam** in Castro Marim, an **alert siren** was activated this Tuesday to signal the opening of sluice gates, a measure not taken since 2018. This audible warning was issued to inform the public about the need for controlled water discharge into the **Guadiana River**. The **Beliche Dam**, connected to Odeleite, also began controlled releases after both dams recorded an increase of approximately **two meters** in their storage levels.

### Cautious Optimism
According to **Teresa Fernandes**, spokesperson for **Águas do Algarve**, the company responsible for public water supply in the region, this is a positive moment but one that requires caution. She stated, "It's a happy moment because the Algarve dams are filling up, but we must be very attentive as we do not know when the next dry period will arrive," as reported by Correio da Manhã.

### Current Dam Capacities
The **Odeleite Dam** currently stands at **94% capacity**, while the **Beliche Dam** is at **89%**. The **Funcho Dam**, at **58%**, is also releasing water into the **Arade reservoir**, which remains at a lower level of **20%**. The **Odelouca Dam**, the largest in Algarve, has seen its levels rise by two meters recently, reaching **61% capacity**.

### Flooding in Vale do Tejo
The adverse weather conditions are also affecting central Portugal, particularly in the **Vale do Tejo**, where flooding is reported due to preventative discharges from Portuguese and Spanish dams. The **Martinho depression** has been responsible for these persistent rains, causing roads and agricultural lands to become submerged. In areas like **Golegã**, strong winds have stirred the waters of the **Tejo River**, leading to extensive flooding that impacts crops such as peas and potatoes. Farmers are experiencing delays in planting spring and summer crops, including tomatoes and corn, although there is hope that the current water storage will benefit irrigation in the upcoming seasons.

### Coordinated Management Efforts
The management of dams in the Vale do Tejo has been coordinated between **Portugal** and **Spain**, employing a prevention strategy to create space for new rains without compromising infrastructure safety. Controlled releases have helped to prevent more severe situations while ensuring water availability for the approaching dry season.

### Continuous Monitoring Needed
With unpredictable weather conditions, authorities emphasize the need for constant monitoring of reservoir levels and efficient water resource management to prevent floods and avoid future drought crises.

Em apenas três meses, a região passou de um cenário de escassez de água para uma situação de abundância, trazendo alívio, mas também desafios para a gestão dos recursos hídricos.

Heavy Rains Trigger Emergency Water Releases in Algarve's Dams and Floods in Vale do Tejo

# Kimpton Atlântico Algarve Welcomes New General Director

The **Kimpton Atlântico Algarve**, part of **Highgate Portugal's** management portfolio, is set to open in the second quarter of this year and has appointed **Catarina Simões** as its new General Director. She will be responsible for leading the property and ensuring an exceptional guest experience.

![Catarina Simões](https://maisalgarve.pt/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Catarina-Simo%CC%83es-Kimpton-Ata%CC%82ntico-Algarve-1.jpg)

## A Wealth of Experience

Catarina Simões has over **10 years** of professional experience, having started her career with **Minor Hotels & Resorts**. She has held various positions at several hotel groups, including **Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spa**, **AVANI**, and **Tivoli Hotels & Resorts**. Her international experience spans across **Abu Dhabi, Malaysia, Maldives, Qatar, Vietnam**, and **Tunisia**. Since 2023, she has been in Portugal, most recently serving as the Deputy Director at **Anantara Vilamoura Resort**.

## Excitement for a New Challenge

“I am very excited about this challenge, which comes with the additional responsibility of launching the **Kimpton brand in Portugal**. This will be the first lifestyle unit of **IHG Hotels & Resorts** in the national market and is one of the most anticipated openings in Highgate Portugal's management portfolio. I will be focused, together with the entire team, on the quality of service provided at the resort, which will feature innovative spaces highlighted by new concepts in bars, dining, and wellness,” says **Catarina Simões**.

## Educational Background

Catarina holds a degree in **Hotel Management** from the **Escola Superior de Hotelaria e Turismo do Estoril** and specialized in **Hotel Finance** at the **EHL Group** in Switzerland.

## A Luxurious Retreat Awaits

The **Kimpton Atlântico Algarve** will be an exclusive luxury retreat located on the stunning **São Rafael Beach** in **Albufeira**. With a sophisticated and cozy design, it will offer a unique experience that combines **Mediterranean charm** with personalized services, including an **excellent Wellness Hub**, a **fine dining restaurant**, and a **rooftop bar** with panoramic sea views. The hotel is ideal for events, weddings, and all types of celebrations, providing unforgettable moments with the unique touch of Kimpton — a luxurious, relaxed atmosphere with impeccable service where every detail is crafted to surprise guests. It promises a true immersion in the spirit of the Algarve for those seeking relaxation and sophistication.

O Kimpton Atlântico Algarve, pertencente ao portefólio de gestão da Highgate Portugal, com abertura prevista para o segundo trimestre deste ano, já tem

Meet Catarina Simões: The New General Director of Kimpton Atlântico Algarve

### The Dubai Chocolate Phenomenon
At first glance, the **famous Dubai chocolate** may seem like just another treat, but its **pistachio and knafeh filling** has transformed it into a global sales phenomenon. Originally available only in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, this **delicious chocolate** is now making its debut in Portugal, but it tends to sell out quickly.

### Origin Story
In 2021, **Sarah Hamouda**, founder of **Fix Dessert Chocolatier**, created this unique chocolate, not anticipating its worldwide popularity just two years later. The inspiration came from a personal craving during her pregnancy for something **unique and rewarding** that typical desserts couldn't satisfy.

### Inspired by Arabic Sweets
According to **Expresso**, this chocolate draws inspiration from the Arabic dessert **knafeh**, which features melted cheese, sugar syrup, and pistachios. Although created in 2021, it only went viral at the end of **2023** after digital influencer **Maria Vehera** shared a TikTok video, expressing her inability to describe how good it is!

### Available at Apolónia Supermarkets
Since that viral moment, the demand for this chocolate has skyrocketed, and it is now available at **Apolónia supermarkets**, a chain exclusive to the Algarve. You can find this **popular delicacy** in Almancil, Lagoa, and Albufeira, but be prepared for it to sell out quickly!

### Coming Soon to Lidl
Moreover, starting **March 20**, the Dubai chocolate will also be available at **Lidl**, with a 100-gram bar priced at **€8.95**. 

For those who want to experience this **chocolate sensation**, get it while you can!

Chocolate do Dubai chega a cadeia de supermercados que só existe no Algarve e uma tablete de 100 gramas custa menos de 10€.

Dubai's Chocolate Craze Lands in Algarve Supermarkets: Discover the Sweet Sensation!

### Jorge Serafim Takes the Stage in Algarve

The **FNAC Guia** in the Algarve is set to host the charismatic storyteller and comedian **Jorge Serafim** on **March 23rd** for an unforgettable afternoon filled with humor and engaging narratives. Serafim, known as one of Portugal's most beloved figures in storytelling and comedy, will present two distinct events that blend words and laughter into a unique experience.

At **16:00**, Serafim will join actress and writer **Sofia Brito** for a special edition of the podcast *Direito ao Grito*. This intimate conversation will explore themes of **literature**, **orality**, and the **power of stories** in shaping cultural identity. Drawing from his extensive background in oral narration and writing, Serafim will share personal experiences and insights, emphasizing the significance of both spoken and written words.

Then, at **18:00**, the atmosphere shifts to **satire** and **improvisation** during the *Comedy Session* with Jorge Serafim. Renowned for his unmistakable comedic style, Serafim promises to deliver laughter with hilarious tales and quirky characters, ensuring that spontaneity takes center stage.

All events are **free of charge** and open to the public. For the full agenda, check online or through the FNAC Card app.

![Jorge Serafim Comedy](https://maisalgarve.pt/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/FNAC-Guia-Jorge-Serafim-Comedy.jpg)

A FNAC Guia, no Algarve, recebe no dia 23 de março Jorge Serafim, um dos nomes mais carismáticos da narração e do humor em Portugal, para uma

Don't Miss Jorge Serafim's Hilarious Afternoon of Stories and Laughter in the Algarve!

## Insights from Albuquerque on Elections

**“Polls do not determine elections,”** emphasized **Albuquerque**, urging both **Madeirans and Porto-Santenses** to engage actively in the democratic process. He highlighted the importance of humility in political campaigning, reminding constituents that their votes are crucial in shaping the political landscape.

Albuquerque's remarks came as part of broader discussions surrounding the upcoming elections, where he reiterated the need for **active participation** from the electorate. He believes that regardless of what the polls indicate, the true power lies in the hands of the voters.

### The Importance of Voter Engagement

In a political climate often influenced by public opinion polls, Albuquerque's message serves as a reminder that **voter engagement** is essential. He called on the community not to rely solely on surveys but to take action by voting.

**“We must continue to humbly appeal to our citizens,”** he stated, signifying that every vote counts and can lead to significant changes in governance. This approach encourages a **proactive stance** among voters, reinforcing the idea that they are the true decision-makers in the electoral process.

“As sondagens não determinam eleições. E nós temos de continuar com toda a humildade a apelar aos madeirenses e aos porto-santenses para dar uma maior...

Election Insights: Why Polls Don't Define Outcomes, Says Albuquerque

## Traditional Session to Honor April 25, 1974

The **traditional solemn session** commemorating the **April 25, 1974**, revolution will take place in Parliament as usual, despite the assembly's dissolution. According to the spokesperson for the leaders' conference, Deputy **Jorge Paulo Oliveira**, the proposal was made by the **President of the Assembly of the Republic**, **José Pedro Aguiar-Branco**, and was unanimously approved.

## Debate on the Session's Continuation

Today, the leaders' conference debated whether to hold this year's session, which has seen cancellations in the past under similar circumstances, since the parliament will be dissolved starting Thursday. This year marks the **51st anniversary** of the Carnation Revolution and the **50th anniversary** of the first free elections in Portugal, which led to the drafting of the **1976 Constitution**.

## Parliamentary Dissolution

The Assembly of the Republic will be formally dissolved on Thursday following the publication of a decree by **President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa**. The session commemorating the Carnation Revolution has only been canceled four times in the **49 years** since the establishment of the Assembly following the elections of April 25, 1976, when the democratic constitution came into effect.

## Historical Context of Cancellations

The commemorative session was not held in **1983**, **1993**, and **2011**. In **1992**, then-President **Mário Soares** proposed relocating the celebration to **Belém** to make it more appealing and engage younger generations with democratic achievements. The cancellation reasons included legislative elections on April 25 in **1983**, the Assembly's dissolution in **2011**, and media protests in **1993** against limitations on journalist access to the São Bento building in Lisbon.

## Support for the Commemoration

Several parliamentary leaders advocated for celebrating the date, especially during the **30th anniversary** of the first elections for the Constituent Assembly. **José Pedro Aguiar-Branco** emphasized that the session should proceed as in previous years, presenting the topic to the leaders' conference for party input. **Pedro Nuno Santos** noted that with elections in May and the official campaign not yet started, it is feasible to celebrate the April 25 anniversary, particularly the **50 years** since the Constituent Assembly elections.

**Hugo Soares**, the leader of the PSD parliamentary group, confirmed that the PSD supports holding the solemn session on April 25 in the usual manner as determined by the leaders' conference.

A Conferência de Líderes marcada para esta quarta-feira decidiu que a sessão solene do 25 de Abril vai realizar-se como habitualmente, apesar da dissolução da Assembleia da ...

April 25th Ceremony Confirmed Despite Parliamentary Dissolution: A Historical Commemoration

**Disruptions in the Blue Line of Lisbon's Metro** occurred on Wednesday morning, specifically between the stations **Laranjeiras and S. Sebastião**, lasting approximately **20 minutes**. According to the company, this interruption was communicated via their social media account on **X**. Fortunately, the metro service has since returned to **normal**. The Lisbon Metro noted that wait times may have been longer than usual due to this incident, which was described as a **cause beyond their control**. They assured passengers that they were making every effort to resume normal operations as quickly as possible. Prior to the notification of the interruption, the company had already requested **patience** from travelers due to increased waiting times on this line.

A circulação esteve interrompida entre as estações Laranjeiras e S. Sebastião. 

Travel Alert: Porto Santo Line Adjusts Schedules Due to Weather Forecasts

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Important Travel Update

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Other Latest News

Heavy Rains Trigger Emergency Water Releases in Algarve's Dams and Floods in Vale do Tejo

Meet Catarina Simões: The New General Director of Kimpton Atlântico Algarve

Dubai's Chocolate Craze Lands in Algarve Supermarkets: Discover the Sweet Sensation!

Don't Miss Jorge Serafim's Hilarious Afternoon of Stories and Laughter in the Algarve!

Election Insights: Why Polls Don't Define Outcomes, Says Albuquerque

April 25th Ceremony Confirmed Despite Parliamentary Dissolution: A Historical Commemoration

Disruptions in Lisbon's Blue Metro Line: What You Need to Know

Other Latest News

Heavy Rains Trigger Emergency Water Releases in Algarve's Dams and Floods in Vale do Tejo

Meet Catarina Simões: The New General Director of Kimpton Atlântico Algarve

Dubai's Chocolate Craze Lands in Algarve Supermarkets: Discover the Sweet Sensation!

Don't Miss Jorge Serafim's Hilarious Afternoon of Stories and Laughter in the Algarve!

Election Insights: Why Polls Don't Define Outcomes, Says Albuquerque

April 25th Ceremony Confirmed Despite Parliamentary Dissolution: A Historical Commemoration

Disruptions in Lisbon's Blue Metro Line: What You Need to Know