LISBON COAST TOURISM
Fairytale Palaces and Sandy Beaches
Many travelers spend much of their time north of Lisbon, where there are
some delightful places not to be missed, in particular the beautiful town of
Sintra,
dotted with magnificent palaces.
Nearby are also the beaches of Cascais and
Estoril
(home to Europe's biggest casino), the Versailles-like palace in Queluz, the
extraordinary Mafra Palace in Mafra, and the
traditional fishing town of Ericeira.
All these places can be reached by public transportation from Lisbon or by driving,
often
along breathtaking seaside cliffs, especially by Cabo da Roca,
the westernmost point of continental Europe.
South of the city, reached by ferry or the 25 de Abril Bridge, are sandy beaches and miles of
dunes along Costa da
Caparica and fishing towns like Sesimbra
that are very popular during the summer months. Large stretches of this
coast and unspoiled countryside is being protected as conservation and
nature preserves, and despite rapid urbanization, small fishing and farming
communities still flourish.
North or south of Lisbon, most of the beaches are clean, and although the
waters may be colder and rougher than in the south of the country, they are
ideal for surfing. The entire region also provides splendid golf courses
and horseback riding facilities.
Top 5 EXPERIENCES Around Lisbon
1. Falling under Sintra's spell, exploring fantastic palaces and parks.
2. Spending a day by the sea in Cascais, Estoril, Ericeira, or Troia.
3. Being awed by the scale and extravagance of Mafra Palace.
4. Strolling through the beautiful gardens and magnificent rooms of Queluz Palace.
5. Standing on mystical Cabo Espichel or on Europe's westernmost point, Cabo da Roca.
Places to Visit Around Lisbon
Sintra - Enchanting and mysterious atmosphere; romantic palaces; Europe's westernmost pointQueluz - Palace mixing Versailles' French grandeur and Portuguese eclecticism
Cascais - Playground of nobility; picturesque resort; a surfer's paradise
Estoril - The inspiration for James Bond; Europe's largest casino; spectacular golf courses
Ericeira - Traditional seaside village; surfing mecca, superb seafood
Mafra - One of Europe's biggest palaces, the building that bankrupted the nation
Sesimbra - Calm waters in a fishing town; a mystical cape
Setubal - Busy port; the birthplace of Manueline architecture; dolphin-watching
Arrábida - Mediterranean vegetation by the Atlantic
Azeitão - Sleepy village with fine mansions and wine
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AROUND LISBON
AND TAGUS VALLEY Alcobaça Arrábida Azeitão Batalha Cascais Ericeira Estoril Fatima Leiria Mafra Nazaré Obidos Palmela Peniche Queluz Santarém Sesimbra Setubal Sintra Tomar |
ALENTEJO
Beja Castelo de Vide Elvas Estremoz Evora Marvão Mértola Monsaraz Vila Viçosa ALGARVE Albufeira Faro Lagos Sagres Silves Tavira Vila Real de Santo António Vilamoura |
BEIRAS (CENTRAL PORTUGAL)
Aveiro Belmonte Buçaco Coimbra Conimbriga Figueira da Foz Guarda Monsanto Piodão Serra da Estrela Viseu PORTO AND DOURO Amarante Lamego Porto |
MINHO
Barcelos Braga Gerês National Park Guimarães Ponte de Lima Ponte da Barca Viana do Castelo TRAS-OS-MONTES Bragança Chaves Vila Real THE ISLANDS Azores Madeira |