Lisbon, Portugal

8th stopover

Situated at the mouth of the Tagus, Lisbon was most likely founded by the Phoenicians. From that time, the city was occupied by several civilisations: Romans, Visigoths and Moors dominated the area over its history. Despite the earthquake of 1755 which wiped the current capital off the map of Portugal, the city still reflects the richness of its history, especially in the architecture of the city centre. The climate of Lisbon, considered to be one of the best along the Iberian Peninsula, is characterised by mild, hot summers and wet but never very cold winters. The "city of the seven hills" ranks among the most prosperous cities in Europe.

More than 600,000 inhabitants form part of its conglomeration. The economic sector of Lisbon is currently undergoing a particularly favourable period compared with the situation of the country itself. Proof of this lies in the fact that the unemployment rate in the city is one of the lowest in Europe. The port of Lisbon is the largest in the country and, thanks to its import business, is proving to be very dynamic. Portugal is a country of Catholic religion: the city centre abounds in convents, monasteries and churches, which greatly contribute to the throng of tourists.