Lisbon Chef Opens Maritime Rooftop Restaurant El Mar

Lisbon is enhancing its appeal with a variety of maritime and cultural experiences, including the newly opened rooftop restaurant El Mar by chef Kiko Martins, which features a nautical-themed design and fresh shellfish menu overlooking the Bairro Azul neighborhood. From August 28 to September 7, 2025, the nearby coastal town of Cascais will host Festas do Mar, a ten-day festival featuring concerts, fireworks, traditional boat processions, artisan markets, and seafood, perfectly timed with Lisbon's renowned summer sunsets. The city offers multiple iconic sunset viewing spots such as Cais das Colunas, Sintra, and Cascais Bay, ideal for visitors to enjoy the natural beauty alongside local festivities. Meanwhile, Madrid, traditionally quiet in August, has transformed into a vibrant summer destination filled with locals and tourists, leading to busy traffic, crowded museums, and lively city festivals that reflect a shift in holiday patterns and tourism dynamics. The city combines its rich historical heritage, including the Palacio Real, with a lively urban atmosphere, offering a mix of cultural, social, and gastronomic attractions year-round. Together, these Iberian cities showcase a blend of tradition and modernity, attracting visitors with diverse experiences from coastal celebrations to urban exploration.