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Lisbon, or Lisboa as it is called in Portuguese, is the capital of Portugal and Europe’s westernmost city with a population of about 680,000. Situated about 16 km inland from the Atlantic Ocean, on the banks of the River
Targus, Lisbon enjoys a spring-like climate in winter and pleasant summers cooled by Atlantic breezes. Lisbon is an all-season destination, the most-visited city in Portugal, with a rich diversity of places of interest, chic shopping, superb hotels, gastronomy, culture and a history spanning over 20 centuries. Alfama for example is one of the oldest quarters in Lisbon and as it largely survived the great earthquake of 1755, the area still retains much of its original charm. Close by are the old districts of Castelo and Mouraria on the slopes of the hill crowned by St. George’s Castle.
The nearby coast offers superb sandy beaches at Cascais and Estoril, quaint fishing villages such as Sesimbra and remarkable architecture at Sintra with its impressive royal palaces.
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