Get to know the perfect european holiday destination all year round - Castelo Branco

In the highest of the seven hills lies the historic district of Graça, which belongs to the São Vicente parish. The whole of São Vicente comprises both iconic and historic venues such as monuments, parks and viewpoints, neighbourhoods and restaurants.  Here, you can feel a genuine Lisbon atmosphere and witness a truly cosmopolitan environment. Indeed, many young newcomers that come to work in Lisbon, choose to live in Graça due to its centrality, lively neighbourhood activity and a large offer of public transportation. Due to this multicultural environment, one can find an extremely rich and varied offer of restaurants and cultural activities. The Graça district is one of the most beautiful and oldest neighbourhoods of the Portuguese capital, located next to the iconic São Jorge Castle, known for its superb views over the city and the Tagus River.  Two of this neighbourhood’s highlights are well-known viewpoints: the Miradouro da Graça and the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte. But they are on top of one of the steepest Lisbon hills, so prepare for a good climb if you choose to walk.

Considered the westernmost point of Europe, the Azores is an archipelago of 9 volcanic islands in the blue immensity of the North Atlantic Ocean. It is worldwide recognized for its scenery of natural beauty, blessed with stunning landscapes of lakes, green meadows, volcanos, geysers and hot thermal waters. It is also funnily known for having a massive herd of cows, being commonly said by locals that the Azores have more cows than people. The Azores is also characterized for its picturesque towns, full of colourful character and cobbled squares that bring the Renaissance and Discoveries period back in time. The world’s recognition of the immeasurable value of the Azores dates back decades ago. In 1983, UNESCO named the Historical Centre of Angra do Heroismo, in the island of Terceira, as World Heritage, and, in 2004, the Landscape of Pico Island Vineyard Culture, in the island of Pico. The first references to the island’s settlement date back to the 14th century. Under the command of Prince Henry, the Navigator, the Azores were discovered by the Portuguese, that claimed their rights over it. The active settlement only started later and was shared between the Portuguese and the Flemish over two centuries. It is even said that the particular Azorean accent has its roots in the French language. Fun Fact: the Azores is the only place in Europe that grows green tea!

The Marquês of Pombal Square is the heart of modern Lisbon and is known for its huge roundabout and a majestic statue in the middle. This area marks the start of Lisbon’s downtown. It is located between Avenida da Liberdade and the Eduardo VII Park in the parish of Coração de Jesus, being the radiating point for many important avenues: Avenida da Liberdade, Avenida Fontes Pereira de Melo and Duque de Loulé. In the centre, you’ll see an imposing statue by the name of Sebastião José de Carvalho e Melo, better known as Marquês de Pombal, who lead the reconstruction of the city after it suffered a catastrophic earthquake in 1755. Marquês de Pombal is surrounded by a plethora of corporate headquarters of important companies, including the largest Portuguese banks and several of the world’s famous 5-star hotels.

The neglected child of central Lisbon, Anjos has been relishing a lively rebirth in recent years. Part of the old Lisbon in Avenida Almirante Reis - one of the most sought-after Lisbon neighbourhood for investment -, Anjos is known for its rough edges, economic activities and its multicultural ambience.  The neighbourhood includes one of the city's most prominent late 19th-century Portuguese-style architecture. Gentrification is well underway, but it is balanced with a thriving activist and cooperative landscape.

Covilhã is one of the main urban centres of the historical Beira Interior region. Lying right next to Serra da Estrela, this "city mountain" offers magnificent scenery of natural beauty and it is a paradise for those fond of hiking, camping, mountain climbing and skiing.  The city is known for its textile industry, which dates back centuries ago - wool production began among the Jewish community that settled there in the Middle Ages. The river streams, Carpinteira and Goldra, provide excellent conditions for the wool industry activities. Covilhã is the main wool production centre in the country, which made the region earn the mane of "Portuguese Manchester". Along with its historical heritage, the city presents one of the broadest and most diversified urban art collections in the world, as well as first-class hotels, restaurants and sports facilities.

Guarda is the capital city of the County to which it borrows its name. The entire region is marked by granite, by the contrasting mountain climate and by its pure, cold air that allows for the curing and manufacture of high-quality smoked meats and cheeses.  After the Roman Empire period, followed periods of occupation by the Visigoths, later by the kingdom of Asturias and also by the Islamic civilizations. Only after the Portuguese reconquest process was it confirmed the importance of the city and the region. The event that clearly marked the birth of the Portuguese Language happened here in Guarda, when a Galician troubadour wrote a song in Portuguese for his beloved lady, in 1189. It is well connected to major Portuguese cities such as Porto and Aveiro by the A25 highway and to Lisbon by the A23 highway. The good geographical position and accessibilities make Guarda an excellent place for the storage and transport of goods from Portugal to the rest of Europe (and vice versa). In this sense, private entities together with the City Council created the Platform Business Initiative Logistics (PLIE), which is a cross-border platform that seeks to boost the regional economy and attract industrial flows and investments.

Saldanha is located at the heart of Lisbon and combines the Central Business District with the surrounding shopping centres with a strong residential and cultural component. It is a popular area among those who seek to live in the centre of the city. Saldanha is one of Lisbon's newer neighbourhoods, having been founded in the mid-19th century by Duke João Carlos, only having been recognized after his death in 1922. Inspired by the cities of Paris and London, this neighbourhood’s heart lies in the Duke of Saldanha’s statue, as well as in the wide avenues and beautifully landscaped streets. The neighbourhood undertook a series of heavy constructions in the ’90s as private investors wished to give it a more modern and posh feel. They gave life to Atrium Saldanha, one of the biggest known buildings in the area today. What’s more, most of the buildings here were build post-WWI, adding a charming feel to the atmosphere and a Parisian feel to those who walk around Saldanha streets.  Saldanha spoils investors with many luxury apartments and properties that have been refurbished and restored while keeping their traditional features. These make the area enticing for ex-pats wishing to move into Lisbon’s city centre.

Évora is the capital of Alentejo’s region. Filled with impressive historical and cultural landmarks, the city is one of the most popular places to visit in Alentejo. The Historic Centre of Évora was elected a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1986. The city’s roots go as far back as Roman times. Évora still retains ruins from that period, such as from the Temple of Diana. Three centuries later, during the Moorish period, a fortified gate was built to improve the city’s defensive system, as well as a Kasbah. The presence of the Moors can also be felt through the old labyrinthine quarters of the city, which are filled with typical Moorish arches.  Évora is also home to a beautiful Cathedral built during medieval times, in the 13th century. In the 15th century, when Évora became the Portuguese king’s residence, a number of royal buildings started to pop up. St. Claire Convent, the royal church and the convent of São Francisco are some examples of those. The Manueline style of architecture characterises these remarkable buildings.Besides Évoras’s rich monumental heritage, the city is also known for its beautiful whitewashed houses decorated with tiles and wrought-iron balconies, its colourful handicraft stores and the family-run cafés and restaurants, which offer the tastiest gastronomy in the land.