Gay Guide Lisboa

Lisbon is one of Europe's grandest and most scenic capitals. Its metro region has 3 million people and is spread over a wide area around the huge Tagus river estuary from elegant Cascais to romantic Sintra and the castle towns of Palmela and Setubal. Lisbon dates back to the Phoenicians, Greeks and Romans and was the world's richest city in the 16th century following the discovery of the sea route to India by Vasco da Gama in 1498, a voyage that historians regard as marking the beginning of the modern era. Lisbon, with wonderful museums, art galleries and monuments is one of the trendiest European cities with a vibrant night life (gay, African, Brazilian or alternative) mostly around Bairro Alto, Principe Real and Avenida 24 de Julho/Alcantara quarters, and very modern design and fashion and architecture in some of Europe's best shopping malls and Park of Nations (Metro: Oriente). Lisbon is surrounded by a fantastic coastline, north and south. Caparica beach is Europe's most beautiful gay beach (take the beach train and get off at the stop before the last) and a bit further south Meco beach is a treat (you need a car to get here) and for great scenery Arrábida National Park, Tróia fabulous endless beach (with a gay section) and the beaches along the Sintra coast (Guincho, Praia Grande and Ericeira).