Miradouro de Santa Catarina (Santa Catarina Viewpoint), Lisbon

Often referred to as Adamastor's Viewpoint ("Miradouro do Adamastor"), this location owes its name to a rock graced with a sculpted image of the legendary sea giant from the epic poem "The Lusiads". Written by Luís Vaz de Camões and first published in 1572, the poem celebrated and nearly deified the great explorers of Portugal's Age of Discovery, portraying figures like Vasco da Gama as Ulysses, who had to confront such mythical demons in their maritime conquests.

As the sun sets, this spot becomes a gathering place for the city's most bohemian young locals, who come together, enjoying drinks and cigarettes while listening to the tunes of street musicians. It's a spot where you can relax and unwind, and if you fancy sipping a drink or having a meal while the sun dips below the horizon, there are several nearby establishments with outdoor seating, offering vistas of the Tagus River, Lisbon's harbor, and the neighboring district of Madragoa.

By nightfall, the viewpoint transforms into a rendezvous for both residents and tourists who come to witness the illuminated 25 de Abril Bridge, strikingly reminiscent of San Francisco's Golden Gate. The views of Lisbon's city lights from this vantage point are particularly breathtaking.

Tip:
Located behind the viewpoint is a small Museum of Pharmacy dedicated to the history and evolution of pharmacy as a discipline. It houses a fascinating array of exhibits and laboratory equipment used in the development of pharmaceuticals.