Portugal Lisbon

A naturally beautiful city which is surrounded by and set on seven steep hills (though some say eight!), Lisbon overlooks the Tagus River, the longest river in the Iberian Peninsula. Characterized by its laid-back atmosphere, Lisbon is known for vibrant culture, history, and architecture as well as for its picture-perfect panoramas.

A historic royal resort, the town is dotted with colorful, pastel villas, castles and palaces, and centuries-old monasteries – many of which are concealed in its pine forests.

It is home to luxury hotels, stunning beaches, and the famous Casino Estoril – considered the largest casino in Europe. Once a small fishing village, Estoril’s wide, white sandy beaches and hot springs have made it a popular vacation destination for the jet set since the 19th century as well. It is a favored spot for surfers and windsurfers, and it served as home to several 20th century kings who lost their crowns and went into exile, including King Umberto of Italy and King Juan Carlos of Spain.

Today, there is a large yacht harbour and several small sand beaches in and around town. It has the ruins of a castle, an art and sea museum, as well as parks and the charming cobbled streets of the historic centre. The town has many hotels and tourist apartments as well as many good restaurants. Cascais is surrounded by popular beaches and the lush Sintra mountains to the north. Some of its shoreline is cliff-y, attracting tourists for its seascapes and other natural sights. It is also becoming a popular golf destination. Surfing, sailing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing are also popular in the region.

Palmela, once a fortress, was conquered by the Portuguese in the 12th century. A semi-rural town, it is located up a hill in the Arrabida area, right in the middle of Portugal's biggest urban area. The castle, Castelo de Palmela, offers a unique view over the whole region of the Setubal Peninsula, Lisbon, and the Atlantic Coast. It was a strategic place in past centuries, and today it is still a main juncture of Portugal's road and rail networks. Palmela's traditional products are the wine, which has achieved international awards in several festivals like Bordeaux's, and the Queijo de Azeitao (Azeitao's cheese).

Tourism is based on the existing natural conditions plus excellent hotels and resorts. Also connected with the nearby coast of the Arrabida hills natural park - which offers an unspoiled nature and beautiful beaches to the Atlantic Ocean. A dolphin colony inhabits the Sado River. Across the river on the south bank lies the peninsula of Troia, a place with white beaches and several luxury hotels and resorts. The Troia peninsula is visible from the city, across the river. A main historical monument of the city of Setubal is the Monastery of Jesus, with a 15C church. The Castelo de Sao Filipe is a 16C fortress on the north bank of the Sado river. The fortress was converted into a luxury hotel.

Ericeira is a seaside resort and fishing community on the western coast of Portugal. It is a popular destination for local and visiting tourists, as well as amateur surfers (owing to the 40 beaches with good conditions in the area). Ericeira is also keen on its musical culture. The local philharmonic, currently named Filarmonica Cultural Ericeira, has existed since 1849 and pursues a path of success in this village's musical heritage with a permanent free musical school for all who love this type of culture.

Sesimbra is a municipality of Portugal, in the Setubal District, lying at the foothills of the Serra da Arrabida, a mountain range between Setubal and Sesimbra. Due to its particular position at the Setubal Bay, near the mouth of the Sado River and its natural harbour, it’s an important fishing town. The town is famous for its beaches, fish restaurants and nightlife. Close by, on a mountaintop, 240m above sea level, lies strategically (the ruins of) the Moorish castle. Close to the Moorish castle is the church Nossa Senhora do Castelo. It stands on the spot where king Sancho I built a Romanesque chapel in the early 13th century.

Almada is a city and a municipality in Portugal, located on the southern margin of the Tagus River. Although small, Almada is densely populated. It is bounded to the east by Seixal, to the south by Sesimbra, to the west by the Atlantic Ocean and to the north by the Tagus River. At Cacilhas, its main port, ferry boats transport visitors and local residents across to Lisbon daily. Almada is considered a transportation hub and a fast-growing suburb; its coast has several sandy beaches and panoramic vistas.