When I got the opportunity to visit Portugal, thanks to the chic, boutique gay travel firm Further Afield, I did wonder if it would be similar to my many trips to Spain. As well as sharing a border, I thought paella would be the main dish served and palm trees would line the streets.

To my surprise Lisbon offered me much more and it all started when I stepped off the plane.

During my four-day visit to Lisbon I stayed in the luxury Inspira Santa Marta Hotel, Portugal’s first ecologically sustainable hotel. Something that was unique when the hotel opened in 2010 but now has set the trend for many new developments for a better eco future.

Designed as an ‘urban retreat’ it allows you to relax in an oasis of calm in the heart of the city. Within walking distance to all the main attractions – including the town square Terreiro do Paco.

Inspira Hotel definitely offers the Tardis effect to their guests. From the outside the building looks like a stylish town house hotel. But once you step inside, the grand open plan reception area definitely has the wow factor (see picture below).

The décor has combined the ancient principles of Feng Shui for harmony, with the latest gadgets to offer the wow factor for their guests.

While staying in the hotel, I would recommend checking out The Retreat Spa. With a range of treatments and prices to suit all needs, the staff are very friendly and willing to help with your choice. I went for a Tranquility Moment massage as soon as I arrived. My masseur SophiÃ had a firm technique, finding all my pressure points and de-knotting my back. She got my trip off to the best start; ready to experience more of what the hotel and the city had to offer.

If you want to see the main attractions in Lisbon but don’t fancy walking up and down their many steep hills, I would recommend the Go Car Tour experience.

Driving around the streets of Lisbon in a bright yellow Go Car provides a unique view of city. It will also get you noticed by everyone; the friendly locals beeped and waved us along our way as we took in the sites.

So you never get lost, the car features an automated sat nav, guiding you along with fun facts and dates. The car voice continually jokes not to get her lost or wet when driving close to the sea, bless her.

But if my car was an explosion of color, the streets of Lisbon also had an eruption of taste for me. Fresh ingredients, a range of fish dishes and experimental starters… I experienced new flavors and I left wanting more. Both the Inspira hotel restaurant (open to the public and guests) and the local establishments offered a five star menu.

One restaurant that would have to be on your to do list when in town is Antig Confeitaria de BalÃ¨m – home to the famous PastÃ¨is de BelÃ¨m (custard tarts).

Baking in the building started in 1837 using the ancient secret recipe from the monastery, passed on and known exclusively to the master confectioners who hand crafted the pastries in the secret rooms.

To this day the recipe has remained secret and unchanged. Its popularity becomes apparent when you enter the building and crowds of tourists and locals fill the tables all ordering the same specialty. You can even book a tour of the bakery, but the secret recipe room is off limits.

Here are a few other treats while you’re visiting Lisbon:

Lisboa Story Centre: An innovative interactive space dedicated to the history of the Portuguese capital. Full of a range of facts and events that have shaped the city; including the Great Lisbon Earthquake in 1755.



Can the Can: Don’t let the idea of canned fish put you off. Based in the town square it takes canned sardines to another level. Full of fun and fresh recipes I would highly recommend a visit. Also with a great gift shop… yes tin cans do feature.



Hills Tramcar Tour: Wind your way through the many hills of Lisbon and discover its most historic quarters. From the simplicity of the traditional quarters of Alfama, Castelo and Bairro, to the sophistication of Lapa.



Elevador de Santa Justa: Lisbon’s only vertical street lift, it offers great views over the city’s skyline. If heights scare you, this might not be for you as there is a tight spiral staircase to get to the top.





The Lisbon region is sure to be a trip you remember for all the right reasons. The friendly locals, tasty cuisine all packaged in a city built on history. You’ll be sure to return to discover its beauty again and again.

Other useful tips:

While visiting Lisbon, especially for the first time, I would recommend a Lisboa Card; it allows free and unlimited travel and free admission to 26 museums and many other places of interest. A 24 hour pass costs â‚¬18.50 ($24).

If you plan to get a taxi from the airport to your hotel, I would pre-book transport as fares do vary and taxis charge for your luggage. If you’re traveling in or around the city center, the underground is very simple and cheap to use.

Inspira Santa Marta Hotel has a total of 89 rooms and suites designed to fulfill a fundamental purpose: ensuring relaxation and well-being. Check out their promotion page here for their latest offers.

For all your travel needs to Portugal or the rest of the world, check out Further Afield; providing handpicked gay-friendly places to visit with a tailored, boutique service.

Check out more Lisbon snaps below: