Lisbon
Charming, welcoming and unspoilt
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Extensive renovations over the last decade have contributed to the revival of Portugal's capital, Lisbon and this unusually affordable city, which enjoys over 300 days of sunshine each year, continues to enjoy growing popularity with visitors.
You can easily combine a city break with a beach holiday in Lisbon, as there are some excellent beaches along the Lisbon coast less than 30 minutes by car from the city. Those with an interest in culture should visit the Calouste Gulbenkian museum, which houses an impressive art collection from the East and West.
In the district of Belém you will find some of Lisbon's most important monuments, the Jerónimos Monastery, the Belém Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries.
Take a ride on the legendary 'elétrico' tram 28, arguably a tourist attraction in its own right, and get off at Castelo de São Jorge to admire the magnificent views over Lisbon and its seven hills before walking through the narrow cobbled streets of Alfama back to the "Baixa da Cidade" downtown.
Lisbon's nightlife is amongst the best in Europe. One of the new hotspots is the "Docas" docks below the 25th of April Bridge in Alcantara, with a variety of cafés and restaurants hosting live entertainment and several discos and nightclubs.
For more traditional Lisbon entertainment, head to one of the many Fado houses in the Bairro Alto or Alfama districts where you can enjoy a candlelight dinner listening to Lisbon's famous Fado songs.
Strolling through the streets of Bairro Alto where alternative culture is warmly embraced, you'll find an abundance of designer shops, trendy bars and cafés that are popular with people of all ages who come to chat or read the papers over a "bica" espresso coffee and a "pastel de nata" custard tart.
Estoril, Cascais and Sintra
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The beach resorts of Estoril and Cascais are within close proximity to Lisbon and are a popular choice with golfers and beach lovers. Estoril is world renowned for its Casino and popular beaches. Cascais retains a fishing village atmosphere and fishermen can be seen bringing in the morning catch and repairing their boats and fishing nets on the beach. The pedestrianised streets in Cascais boast some excellent sea food restaurants and chic boutiques all buzzing with activity from morning to evening.
Estoril and Cascais boast a number of golf clubs, one of the best being Quinta da Beloura which has an 18-hole course located in the verdant foothills of the Sintra Mountains.
The newest and largest Pousada is being built in Cascais and is due to open in 2011.
Located 29 km northwest of Lisbon, Sintra was once described by Lord Byron as a "glorious Eden". Favoured by Portuguese royals and aristocrats as their holiday retreat, Sintra is a picturesque and hilly area dotted with palaces, mansions and gardens.
Situated in the town square and boasting two gigantic conical chimneys, Palácio Nacional is Sintra's most recognizable landmark and well worth a visit. Time is well spent at the fairytale Romanticist Palácio da Pena and also the newly restored Monserrate Palace and gardens, which were once the residence of William Beckford.
There are many shops, art galleries and small museums in the town of Sintra and the delicious cakes "pasteis de Sintra" should be sampled at one of the various cafés in the town square. Sintra is a popular destination throughout the year due to the many art exhibitions, music concerts and theatre plays that take place there.
A stay in Sintra can easily be combined with a stay in Lisbon. The train from Sintra to Lisbon Rossio Station only takes 40 minutes.
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