Lisbon | Faro

About the destination: Lisbon is recognized as the city of seven hills due to its geographical position, with the city sprawling across steep hillsides that overlook the Rio Tajo. The city, both romantic and cosmopolitan, showcases its characteristic red rooftops to visitors eager to explore every corner. Lisbon astonishes with its natural beauty and laid-back ambiance. The capital of Portugal boasts numerous museums, libraries, a vast port, churches, palaces, and breathtaking views of the Rio Tajo. Once considered a poor and chaotic city, Lisbon has undergone a revival reminiscent of the 14th and 15th centuries when it was part of a vast empire stretching from Brazil to India. This resurgence was sparked by the World Expo held in 1998, which led to the construction of a new bridge over the Tagus and the remodeling of the city's subway system. The city's revival continued when it hosted several matches during the 2004 Euro and the MTV Delivery Music Awards in 2005. Many of its most beautiful buildings date back to the 14th and 15th centuries, particularly those in the Belem district. There are also many 18th-century buildings, primarily located in the Baixa area of central Lisbon, which were almost entirely rebuilt after a devastating earthquake struck the city in 1755. The city's historic center, situated on Las Siete Colinas, features steep streets and charming alleys. On the city's west side is Monsanto Forest Park, known as Lisbon's lung, which spans 10 km and is one of the largest in Europe. The capital's impressive port has three docks frequently used for various cruises and is currently the busiest port on the European Atlantic coast. Lisbon is a city with centuries of history and an ambitious outlook, blending the historical with the modern, the traditional with the avant-garde. As you wander through the old quarters, you can hear the traditional Fado music being sung and played in small local restaurants. In the hilltop district of Bairro Alto, dozens of restaurants and bars line the narrow streets, with the sounds of jazz, reggae, and electronica filling the air and party-goers celebrating until dawn. Nightclubs scattered throughout the city creatively utilize old spaces, whether on riverside docks or tucked away in 18th-century mansions. Lisbon presents itself to the world as a cosmopolitan and vibrant city, offering something for everyone, especially during the summer months when its many bars, terraces, and restaurants are bustling with people.

About the destination: The Algarve’s capital and largest city, Faro, is the starting point for many northern Europeans’ holidays in the sun. Yet tourists have not overrun Faro; it’s a large city, and its marvelous beach, floating on an islet outside the town, helps the jaded forget their lot. Despite being just the arrival point for many holidaymakers, with more than 300 days of sunshine a year, it's an enticing city-break destination in its own right. Faro's Old Town is a little gem. It's small, quiet, and wonderfully atmospheric. The Cidade Vella is crammed with tourists and locals visiting the handicraft markets or just wandering around looking at the old buildings, many of which show signs of the city’s Moorish ancestry. Leading into Faro’s Old Town stands the Arco da Vila, a gate originally constructed as an arched gateway with a bell tower atop and a statue of the city’s patron saint, St. Thomas Aquinas. In the center, there is a beautiful square, Largo da Sé, that used to be the Roman Forum. It's lined with orange trees and is flanked by Faro’s Cathedral, the Bishop's Palace, and a 16th-century convent that is now the Faro Museum of Archaeology. Se Catedral, Faro’s Cathedral, dominates the Old Town. The original Gothic church was built in the 13th century but was severely damaged during an earthquake. Only the tower and a doorway remain from that era, and the temple presents today elements of different styles like Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque. From the tower, you can enjoy panoramic views of Faro and the coastline. Faro has a beautiful marina which lies just to the north of the Old Town and is probably the busiest part of the city. The city of Faro is a busy cosmopolitan center, offering plenty of things to do, whether it's a wander around the shops, relaxing at one of the many pavement cafés, or visiting some of the historic places of interest, this city has much to tempt you off the beach.