Get to know the perfect european holiday destination all year round - Lisbon South Bay

Chiado is Lisbon's most elegant and trendiest neighborhood is where everyone meets for coffee, shopping, or before dinner and a night out in neighbouring Bairro Alto. Situated between the neighborhoods of Bairro Alto and Baixa Pombalina, Chiado is a traditional shopping area that features a mix of old and modern commercial establishments. Many of the buildings in this elegant and trendy location were first built in the 1700s, although many were restored in the 1990s, after their destruction by a devastating fire in 1988. It's a neighborhood that flashes back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the "Belle Epoque "when writers such as Fernando Pessoa and Eça de Queiroz used to write at the now-historic cafes.It's also the neighborhood of theaters, of charming old bookshops and major international brands, giving it a lively cosmopolitan ambiance at any time of the day. Despite being just a small part of Lisbon, Chiado truly is a place that’s easy for those who visit to fall in love with. And that’s why people return time and time again to this awe-inspiring hidden gem, with many people looking for a place to call home at the end of it.Top things to do in Chiado.

Located along the Douro River estuary in northern Portugal, Porto is Portugal’s second-biggest city and one of the oldest European centres. Its historical core was proclaimed a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996. The western part of its urban area extends to the coastline of the Atlantic Ocean. Its settlement dates back many centuries when it was an outpost of the Roman Empire. Its combined Celtic-Latin name, Portus Cale, has been referred to as the origin of the name Portugal, based on transliteration and oral evolution from Latin.Port wine, one of Portugal's most famous exports, is named after Porto, since the metropolitan area, and in particular, the cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia, were responsible for the packaging, transport, and export of fortified wine. In 2014 and 2017, Porto was elected The Best European Destination by the Best European Destinations Agency.

Located on the coast, about 36 kilometres west of Faro, Albufeira is synonymous with tourism and features some of southern Portugal's best beaches. The region was once a fishing village, and it still holds something of its classic character. A labyrinth of steep, narrow streets lined with whitewashed houses and fishermen's cottages leading down to the astonishing beaches is what the town of Albufeira looks like. The city's original Arabic name, Al-Buhera means "castle on the sea" and there are some beautiful Moorish arches in the towers. Modern Albufeira is, nonetheless, the Algarve's tourism capital, a thriving centre with hotels, restaurants and stores.

Vila Real is a quiet yet vibrant city in north-eastern Portugal, located at the foothills of the majestic slopes of Serra do Marão. Vila Real was established in 1289 by King Dinis and played a significant role in Portuguese history and has long had a strong association with the Portuguese royal family.  It was the birthplace of Diogo Cão, the first European to cross the Congo River, and António da Silveira Pinto da Fonseca (also known as the Count of Amarante), a powerful member of the Portuguese military who led several protests against the Liberal constitution. During the 16th and 17th centuries, many aristocrats constructed grand palaces in Vila Real, giving the city's literal name, "royal villa".

Located within 400 and 700 meters above sea level, Viseu, in the centre of Portugal, is a must-visit Portuguese city. It is surrounded by mountains and crossed by the rivers of Vouga and Dão, where the acclaimed wines of the region get their unique character.  With a vast historical heritage, the city was populated by different cultures through times, including the Romans, Subs, Visigoths and Moors. Viriathus, the rebel leader of the Lusitanians who resisted the Roman expansion, is believed to have lived and fought in Viseu. Viseu is also home to landmarks of sacred art and religious architecture. The numerous churches that adorn the historic centre, such as Viseu’s Cathedral and the Misericórdia Church, are magnificent.  Although known to be built in grey stone, the city conveys a fresh and harmonious feel, due to its large green spaces. Viseu baths are also one of the city’s main attractions, drawing holidaymakers every year to spend some refreshing days. The city is also a cultural centre, home to the nationally acclaimed Grão Vasco Museum and a pole of national universities, including the Catholic University of Portugal.

The Lisbon South Bay area comprises three districts: Almada, Seixal and Barreiro. These three are known for their close historic connection to the Tagus River. From the ancient industries in Barreiro that fed the naval expeditions to África and Índia in the 16th century, to the amazing long sandy beaches of Caparica, Lisbon South Bay welcomes hundreds of thousands of tourists in summertime and surfers all through the year.  Seixal, the district between Almada and Barreiro, was where Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese explorer, built his expedition ships with the help of his brother and father. The Tagus river’s presence greatly affects the region’s economy and the professions that the locals choose. In this sense, this region saw a surge of professions like fishermen, sailors, millers, caulkers, ax carpenters, which, for years, constituted the main way of life of the populations.

The parish of Avenidas Novas presents a configuration of streets that intersect in a perpendicular way, creating square blocks. The main avenues, which gave it its name - New Avenues literally -, start at the stately Avenida da Liberdade and Rotunda do Marquês de Pombal with Parque Eduardo VII and Avenida Fontes Pereira de Melo, passing by Praça Duque de Saldanha and heading towards Jardim do Campo Grande, along the Avenida da República and its adjacent streets. As the capital expanded, Avenidas Novas became the axis of the city's northward expansion in the 19th century. From a residential area of art nouveau mansions built for the middle-classes, Avenidas Novas turned into one of the main business and commercial centres of Lisbon thanks to the existence of shopping centres galore, and also many established large companies in the different avenues around this area. Despite the absence of historic sites, this area of town nonetheless draws a large number of visitors since it is home to several hotels and one of the city's greatest museums - the must-see Calouste Gulbenkian Museum.

The city of Portimão, formerly known Vila Nova de Portimão, is situated in the district of Faro, in the Algarve region of southern Portugal; exploring this old fishing and shipbuilding town will be a breeze to experience. The city offers plenty of leisure activities, historical monuments, beautiful landscapes, and immense sunshine! Depending on what you wish to do, there is an activity for all, from adventure and watersports that are vastly popular in the Algarve region, to full relaxation activities such as shopping, light sightseeing, and indulging in the delicious, and fresh seafood and fish cuisine, the city of Portimão has to offer.You will be bound to love the area of Portimão, whether it be for a weekend escape in the sunny Algarve or settling down in this coastal region of Portugal permanently!