Lisbon holidays

1. Visit the Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga. A 17th Century palace houses one of the city’s best art collections of European and Asian masterpieces. Look out for highlights such as Durer’s St Jerome, Nuno Gonçalves’ naturalistic Panels of St Vincent and Lucas Cranach’s spooky Salome. The decorative arts are well represented too, including items such as King Afonso V's ceremonial 1470s armchair.

2. Call in at the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos. Built in 1498 to celebrate Vasco de Gama’s discovery of the sea route to India this UNESCO-rated monastery is an ornate feast for the eyes. De Gama is buried here alongside poet Luís Vaz de Camões. Wander through the honey-hued cloisters dripping with finely honed details and look out for gargoyles and fantastical beasts on the upper balustrade.

3. Scale the Tower of Belem. This imposing 16th Century fortress juts out dramatically over the Rio Tejo guarding over the city’s harbour. It’s a powerful landmark symbolising the Portuguese renaissance and the Age of Discovery since many a maritime explorer set sail from here. Climb the narrow spiral staircase for prime views of Belem and the Tagus and look out for details such as meringue-shaped cupolas and a stone rhinoceros.

4. Gawp at tile art in the Museu Nacional do Azulejo. This fascinating museum charts the phenomenon of Azulejo, the intricate hand painted tiles that adorn many a wall across the city. King Manuel I imported the tradition from a trip to Seville in 1498 kickstarting a national ceramics movement. Key exhibits include a 36-metre long panel showing pre-earthquake Lisbon and a Manueline cloister with web-shaped vaults and stunning blue and white Azulejos.

5. Head underground for art. Many of Lisbon’s best examples of public art can actually be found underground in the city’s Metro stations. Minimalist artist Maria Keil was among the first to exhibit her work underground, joined by the abstract works of Nadir Afonso. Each station has its own unique character. Stop off at Restauradores, Aeroporto, Olaias and Oriente to catch some of the most inventive examples.

• There are several great hotels for keen golfers we’d recommend. Penha Longa Resort offers a beautiful championship golf course designed by the renowned Robert Trent Jones II and ranked in the top 100 courses in Continental Europe. In addition, Penha Longa Spa offers a wealth of treatments with products by Natura Bissé, nine treatment rooms and a garden with gazebos, a Jacuzzi and a private pool. Alternatively try the Sheraton Cascais Resort, which is perfect for golfers, families and couples looking to hit the greens, explore Cascais or frequent the nearby Atlantic Ocean. At Serenity Spa there are a range of treatments and a thermal circuit, which includes a sauna, a Turkish bath and a hot tub.
• Check in at the Vila Gale Cascais which is located over the sea and a few metres from the renowned Boca do Inferno, the Cascais Marina and the town’s historic centre. Another Cascais option is the Pestana Cidadela Cascais - Pousada & Art District. This offers a prime location in the centre of Cascais, boasting rooms with incredible views over the marina. Take a dip at the indoor swimming pool with marina views or the outdoor swimming pool surrounded by the Fortaleza Gardens.