Lisbon, Europe's most vibrant city
Less than an hour from Praia D’El Rey
Europe's westernmost capital, Lisbon is a world-class city combining magnificent cultural heritage with the pace and excitement of 21st century living.
Set on seven hills beside the River Tagus, the charm of Lisbon is its strong links to the past, renovated palaces, magnificent churches and an impressive castle. At its heart are wide, tree-lined avenues graced by Art Nouveau buildings, mosaic pavements and street cafes.
Every year in June, many of the streets come alive with feasts in honour of the popular saints.
Because of the city's layout, you see bustling street life interspersed with great views at every turn. The best way to discover Lisbon is to get lost in its narrow streets and hilly avenues - but if walking becomes too tiring, Lisbon is a city of picturesque old trams, which are frequent, cheap and a good way to see your own sightseeing tour.
Had enough of sightseeing? Time for a little shopping therapy. Lisbon has it all, from the largest shopping mall in the Iberian Peninsula to old 'chic' areas and modern designer stores, to flea markets and second hand shops.
And the nightlife is definitely not to be missed. Start at sunset, finish at dawn; in between you can eat tapas and drink in one of the old quarter's lively restaurants before moving on to a fado house to hear singing that's the musical expression of the soul of Lisbon. Then pop into some of the best clubs in Europe and finish at one of the open-air cafes down by the river.
