The beautiful city of Lisbon lies draped across a string of seven hills on the western Iberian Peninsula and is the westernmost and oldest city in western Europe. Its long and tumultuous history has resulted in an aesthetic characterised by a haphazard combination of old and new; however, the aesthetic chaos of Lisbon only adds to its appeal and its undeniable charm. Bright yellow centenarian trams rattle their way up steep, tree-lined, cobbled streets; ornate ironwork balconies overrun with bougainvillaea sit above elegant outdoor cafes housed in ancient whitewashed, red-roofed stone houses; and a flurry of detailed mosaics decorate the sidewalks. Ancient statues adorn grand squares and hidden gardens. A diverse culinary scene, a plethora of fascinating museums, and numerous castles make it easy to see why Lisbon is one of Europe’s most misunderstood and underrated cities.
Located in northern Portugal along the Douro River estuary, the old sailing port of Porto is a World Heritage Site and the second-largest city in the country. While retaining the timeless charm of a small town, Porto also has many of the modern advantages of a metropolis. Browse the expansive art collection at the Soares dos Reis National Museum, view the ornate interior of the Church of Sao Francisco, and explore the medieval maze of stairways and terraces in the old quarter of Ribeira. Don’t miss the chance to visit the Vila Nova de Gaia area to sample some of Porto’s famous Port wine. Other popular attractions include the 12th-century Porto Cathedral, Clerigos Tower and the Harry-Potteresque Livraria Lello bookshop, showcasing some magnificent neo-gothic architecture.
Forming part of the autonomous community of Castile and Leon, the Spanish university town of Salamanca is as vibrant as it is beautiful. Ornate historical churches and stately Renaissance buildings dot the old quarter, between trendy cafes and lively bars. The Plaza Mayor is considered one of Spain’s most attractive and atmospheric squares, particularly enchanting at night when its sandstone Baroque buildings are illuminated with countless lights. Art lovers should not miss a visit to The Casa Lis Art Nouveau and Art Deco Museum, housed in a Modernist building dating to 1905 and featuring a spectacular collection of artworks, jewellery, fashion, furniture, sculptures, carvings and more from two of history’s most elegant design genres. The culinary scene here, with its diverse influences and fresh ingredients from the surrounding countryside, is also reason enough to visit.
