Later this month, the Portuguese capital will come alive in preparation for the start of the 2006 Euromilhoes Dakar Rally. Competitors will travel from all over the world to proudly display their race machines and make final preparations before the start of the rally in Lisbon on 31 December.
If you have never been to Lisbon, it’s a great time to go. It’s a destination that has something for everyone – fascinating culture, history and architecture, an abundant nightlife and fantastic food. This year is also the first time that it plays host to the start of the biggest motorsport race in the world.
As the 2006 Dakar Rally starts on 31 December, it is worth spending a few extra days during the Christmas and New Year holiday period exploring this beautiful seaside city. One of the "must see" destinations is the Belém district. This was originally the location of the old city docks and is where the rally will start. Here you can find two landmark monuments that have both been awarded World Heritage status – the Tower of Belém and the Monastery of Jeronimos.
Lisbon’s seafaring heritage can be witnessed almost everywhere in this stunning city. Visit the Naval Museum or the Parque das Nacões – the site of World Expo 1998, as well as Europe’s largest aquarium.
Lisbon is the only European capital with Atlantic beaches and is also fortunate enough to be on the banks of one of the finest estuaries in Europe where watching flamingos and other birds can be a fascinating experience for any aspiring ornithologist. The Tagus Estuary is a nature reserve and is considered to be one of the ten most important wetlands for sea birds in Europe.
At night, Lisbon comes alive. The Portuguese are a nation of night owls and come midnight, the locals are just finishing their meals in the plethora of terraced restaurants and bars. It’s then that the nightlife comes into its own – the club scene has been said to rival that of Ibiza.
BMW aficionados are invited to celebrate the Dakar festivities by joining the exclusive Race to Dakar party in Lisbon on Thursday 29 December. The party – which will be attended by Dakar entrants Charley Boorman, Simon Pavey and Matt Hall – will start at 8pm and include a welcome cocktail, three-course meal and free bar – for drinks under six euros. Places are strictly limited, so those wishing to attend should call the World of BMW on 08000 131 282 for further details. The cost is £45 per person.
Dakar fans will be in their element in Lisbon. There will be thousands of enthusiasts out to see the hundreds of race vehicles – motorcycles, quads, cars and trucks – and to meet the riders and drivers. The 2006 Dakar Rally will officially start on Saturday 31 December in the centre of Lisbon. In the lead-up to the race start, the city will be alive with the buzz of Dakar excitement. Scrutineering will take place on Thursday 29 December and the Riders’ Briefing is on Friday 30 December.
British Airways (www.britishairways.co.uk); Lufthansa and Air Portugal (www.expedia.co.uk) all offer direct flights to Lisbon. To find out more about accommodation and transport visit www.visitportugal.com
To request more information about the World of BMW Dakar Party call 08000 131 282 or email bmw@worldofbmw.com.
Lisbon Dakar schedule
29 December
8:00-19:30 Dakar administration checks 18:00 to late Race to Dakar party
30 December
8:00-15:00 Dakar scrutineering
31 December
7:00 Dakar start – motorcycles leave from podium in Belem
