Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, enchants its visitors with its laid-back but seductive culture. On the one hand this is a metropolis with a large array of imposing squares and grand buildings. On the other hand, the majority of the individual neighbourhoods have each kept their own village-like character.

When exploring this city it is best to fall into its Mediterranean-like rhythm, which is regularly peppered with African and Latin American influences.

Lisbon was once the centre of the world’s first colonial power. It is therefore not surprising that the city has many monuments worth seeing. If you stray off the tourist track, then the city becomes a trove of unexpected treasures. We should also mention the city’s beautiful location being situated on and around seven hills, at the mouth of the river Tagus (Tejo). It’s up and down layout provides a wealth of lovely viewing points, called ‘’miradouros’’.

The Portuguese capital has always been one of the best places in Europe for seafood, however, it was not until fairly recently that one can eat in chic modern surroundings. Nowadays restaurants range from the old-fashioned to the trendy and stylish – in the latter category a younger generation of chefs has become celebrated for inventive Portuguese cuisine. Some of these restaurants even offer really good natural wines from wine regions close to the city. It’s a breath of fresh air.

The Alentejo, east and south of Lisbon, offers great scenic beauty with its rolling countryside full of cork oaks, olive trees and vines. The hills, sometimes small mountains, are frequently crowned by mighty castles. Notwithstanding its appeal, the Alentejo remains pristine; it has not been discovered by mass tourism. The landscape is bucolic, the people are hospitable and there is splendid cultural heritage – it is full of lovely historical towns like Marvão, Estremoz,  Vila Viçosa, Monsarraz and Évora. We think the Alentejo is one of the last secret treasures for travellers exploring the unspoiled cultures of Europe. That said, contemporary wineries, modern boutique hotels and new art centres have been emerging, providing a sense of exhilaration in this rural landscape.

In terms of food do not miss the local gaspachos, the carne de porco à Alentejano (pork and clams cooked together), the hearty duck pies, legs of lamb with rosemary or grilled John Dory with tomato rice. It’s a rural cuisine, with contemporary touches these days. The red wine is some of the best Portugal has to offer, with the body and ripeness of Southern Rhone Valley wines. Grape varieties commonly used here are Trincadeira, Alicante Bouschet and the Aragonez, better-known abroad as Tempranillo. In contrast, the whites tend to be fresh but very aromatic. The main white grape variety here is Roupeiro and Antão Vaz.