This area comprises Lisbon, the Estoril coast and the Costa Azul. Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, lies on seven low hills at the estuary of the River Tagus (Tejo), 10km (6 miles) from the Atlantic Ocean on the west coast, with the Algarve to the south and Costa de Prata and Costa Verde to the north. The Estoril coast runs along the mouth of the Tagus Estuary on to the Atlantic as far as Ericeira. Here there are long Atlantic beaches, pleasant countryside, castles, palaces and parks around Lisbon and also the international life of the Costa de Estoril, where there is a casino, varied nightlife, restaurants, watersports, golf, shopping and riding.

Lisbon is a lively, international city. In the centre of the city is the medieval Castle of São Jorge, which stands with its ten towers on the hill where the original colony was situated in Phoenician times. Nearby is Alfama, the old Moorish quarter, which has narrow winding streets and whitewashed houses, and the Bairro Alto, centre of Fado (the traditional folksongs of Lisbon).

CASCAIS - If you want a stay-put holiday for a week or more this is the resort to choose, thanks to its buzzing centre and the clustered charm of its small, cobbled old town and harbour. The town beaches are a little underwhelming but Praia do Guincho, 6 km to the west is a good bet for sunbathing or riding the surf. After dark the waterfront hosts a colony of little stalls festooned with necklaces of lightbulbs and designed to sell junk jewellery and junkier ornaments to visitors. For a bit of a splurge, head for Hotel Albatroz's cocktail bar, favoured retreat of the likes of Cary Grant and Grace Kelly. The restaurant at the associated Villa Albatroz is very fine too.