LisbonLisbon is the capital of Portugal. Situated on the banks of a river (Tagus), the charm of Lisbon exists in its strong links to the past. Its renovated palaces, magnificent churches and an impressive castle mirror the city's rich cultural heritage. Its eclectic blend of neighbourhoods, culture and architecture distinguish this capital city uniquely from the other European capitals and make it a truly fascinating city to visit. The city is set on seven hills, with its cobble-stoned pavements and narrow streets full of Art Nouveau cafes promises a lot to discover. Most popular spots in Lisbon are; located around Rossio and Pradil;a do Comercio, Baixa; situated on the hill around St. Georges Castle, Alfama and Mouraria; and set on Tagus River, Belem. Lisbon also hosts a great number of remarkable museums of ancient and modern art but, Lisbon isn't all culture and history; Bairro Alto is the center of nightlife with various restaurants and bars where melancholic traditional Portuguese music, Fado, can also be listened. When tired of sight-seeing, there is plenty of shopping in Lisbon - including the biggest shopping mall in Iberian Peninsula, Centro Commercial Colombo. For those who prefer to shop in local markets, there is a fascinating flea market at the Campo de Santa Clara. The best way to discover Lisbon is to get lost in its narrow streets and up and down roads. |
Monchiqueis the Algarve, Portugal’s highest town. With a few exceptions, Monchique has been happily untouched by the invasion of tourism in the last decades. It is located in a saddle formed by the two highest hills of the Algarve, Picota (774 m) and Foia (902 ml). The inhabitants of this town have maintained the rustic atmosphere, and the small dark doorways contain various artisan trades. The 17th Century Franciscan monastery overlooking the town offers a panoramic view over the peaceful countryside. The surrounding area produces cattle, pigs, cork and wood. It is also the place where the famous Medronho , an excellent strong schnapps is distilled from the fruit of arbutus bushes. The two hills dominating the landscape offer dramatic views to the southern and western coast of the Algarve. Hidden in the valley south of Picota there is a hot spring site named Fonte Santa that is rumoured to have special healing effects. The Romans estimated the sulphuric warm spring water emerging at a constant temperature of 32°C and developed the village of Caldas de Monchique as a Spa. |
SilvesSilves was the former Moorish capital of the Algarve, Portugal. The remains of the Moorish castle are still impressive, and the huge underground water reservoir is still used by the city today. An archaeological museum has been constructed above this cistern showing local objects including items from the Stone Age. The tumultous city of yesterday is today a quiet market town surrounded by the largest orange growing area in Portugal. Cork is processed locally. North to the fertile valleys is an area of attractive forest covered hills leading to the mountains of Monchique. The dams of Arade and Foz are well worth visiting for the beauty of their natural setting. |