Flights from Podgorica to Lisbon: To the Rhythm of Fado

TO THE RHYTHM OF FADO

TRAVEL TO LISBON

Like Rome, the city of seven hills captivates with its beauty, but Lisbon’s atmosphere is far friendlier and more laid-back, and its people are incredibly welcoming. The city is made even lovelier by the sound of fado, music that works its way into your heart and heals the soul. Lisbon gladly embraces every visitor, so much so that you may feel you could stay forever…

TRAVEL TO LISBON

Portugal is considered the oldest nation-state in Europe. It was proclaimed a kingdom in 1139, when Afonso I took the throne. Since the 13th century, after peace was signed with Spain, Portugal’s borders have not changed. Once a powerful nation, it was among the world’s first colonial powers. It built its wealth trading spices brought from the Far East. One of the most prized forms of payment in the 14th century was pepper, which Portugal had in abundance in its overseas territories. Portugal funded many maritime expeditions, so it is no wonder it gave the world one of its most famous explorers, Vasco da Gama.

Interestingly, Portugal abolished slavery as early as 1761, making it the first country in the world to take this step.

Portuguese is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, used by around 250 million people. Besides Portugal, it is an official language in eight other countries, the largest and most populous of which is Brazil.

Lisbon, the city where the Tagus River meets the Atlantic, has existed since ancient times. However, most of its buildings date from the 18th century, because in 1755 a devastating earthquake destroyed nearly the entire city… The prime minister at the time, the Marquis of Pombal, decided not to restore the half-ruined buildings and instead rebuilt the city center in line with the European artistic and architectural trends of the day. Few parts of the city survived untouched, but that takes nothing away from its beauty.

In Lisbon there is truly plenty to see, explore and taste… But perhaps the most fascinating thing of all is tram line 28, which links the lower town with the Bairro Alto, known as Lisbon’s bohemian quarter.

Hop on tram 28 and you will reach São Jorge Castle (St. George’s Castle), one of the city’s most important landmarks. The castle was built in the 11th century, during Moorish rule, as a strategic defensive stronghold. Afonso I, the first king of Portugal, captured it from the Moors during the fight to free Lisbon from their rule. There is a story tied to its capture. The fortress was considered impregnable, and the Portuguese could not take it despite their siege, until one day the knight Martim Moniz noticed that the gates were open. As the Moors began to close them, the brave knight threw himself into the gap to keep them from shutting. He lost his life, but his sacrifice led to the fortress finally being taken, and Moniz became a respected and beloved hero.

It was to this very castle that Vasco da Gama came to pay his respects to King Manuel I after returning from India.

Today it is one of the city’s favorite attractions, both for the building itself and for the views it offers! It is well worth the ride up.

Afterward, wander through the Alfama, the streets behind the castle, and soak up the atmosphere of the old town. Colorful Alfama will show you how the Portuguese really live. Don’t be surprised by how open the locals are; they will gladly welcome you if you strike up a conversation. In the evening, when you are tired from walking, drop by the bohemian Bairro Alto and relax with a glass of good port.

Lisbon has a wealth of sights that will win you over with their beauty. Be sure to see the Vasco da Gama Tower, the Oceanarium, the Vasco da Gama Bridge (17 km long, the longest bridge in Europe), the Monument to the Discoveries, the Jerónimos Monastery, and Belém Tower, perhaps the most recognizable symbol of Lisbon and Portugal.

FLIGHTS PODGORICA – LISBON

A Podgorica – Lisbon flight can be found for around 230 euros. Podgorica – Lisbon tickets can be booked with Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian… Unfortunately, Podgorica – Lisbon flights cannot currently be booked as a direct flight…

Lisbon Airport, known as Aeroporto da Portela, is practically in the city itself, about 7 km from the center. It is the largest and busiest airport in Portugal, with more than 15 million passengers a year… From the airport to central Lisbon you can take the bus if your flight arrives during the day, while the metro runs from 5 a.m. until around midnight. Be careful: travelers often miscalculate public transport times, which can put your trip home at risk. So head to the airport earlier than you planned!

Enjoy the wistful sound of the guitar and the songs of fado, and raise a glass of port to life right here in Lisbon, a city that overflows with emotion and radiates optimism!