Around Lisbon

Costa da Caparica :

In the summer, Lisboners cross the bridge of April 25 to relax on the sandy beaches of the Costa de Caparica.

Cacilhas :

From Cais do Sodré, the sea shuttle will take you in 10 minutes to Cacilhas where you can enjoy seafood in the restaurants near the landing stage. You can also walk along the abandoned docks of the Tagus and dinner at Punto Final. It is the perfect place for summer evenings to enjoy a beautiful sunset on the April 25 bridge and admire the view of Lisbon.

Caiscais :

Caiscais is a charming seaside resort which was in the 20th century one of the refuges of the European royal families.

Sintra:

Top must visit close to Lisbon, Sintra is a charming little town where is the last Portuguese kings’ summer residence, the Palacio da Pena. Built in the nineteenth century on the ruins of a monastery, the romantic castle surprises its visitors with its different styles (Neo-Manueline, neo-Gothic or neo-Islamic) and colors. It faces the castle of the Moors.

In Sintra is also Quinta da Rigaleira and its magnificent park full of Masonic and Templar symbols. The children and even the older ones like to explore its initiatory well and to go through its mysterious tunnels.

Cabo da Roca :

Returning from Sintra, the traveler will have the good idea to take a detour to the coast and admire the cliffs of Cabo da Roca more than 100 meters high. It is the most westerly place in continental Europe.

Queluz :

13 km from the center of Lisbon is the Palace of Queluz, the little Portuguese Versailles. Its construction began in 1747. This magnificent castle still has its interior furnishings allowing us to imagine the life of Portuguese kings.

Troia:

The Troia peninsula is 13 km long. It is very popular in the summer with its beautiful beaches of fine sands and crystalline waters.

Sesimbra:

Sesimbra is a beautiful seaside resort located near the Arábida Natural Park. Nearby, pretty little beaches at the foot of high cliffs including the beautiful Portinho da Arrábida.

Mafra :

To honor a wish to have an offspring, King João V built the impressive Mafra monastery-palace which was completed in 1755. The Palace served mainly as a second home to the royal family.

In a monumental building, there are a basilica, a monastery, a royal palace and a large Rococo style library.

Alcobaça :

The monastery of Alcobaça was founded in 1153 by Afonso Henriques, the first Portuguese king.

Inside, there are the burials of several kings and queens of Portugal including King Pedro I and the « dead queen » Inés de Castro.

Tomar :

Founded by the Knights Templar, Tomar’s Convent of Christ allows a trip back in time to Portuguese religious architecture. Inside, the visitor will have the pleasure of discovering no less than 8 cloisters of any style (Romanesque, Gothic, Manueline or Renaissance).

Batalha :

The monastery of Batalha is a mixture of flamboyant Gothic and Manueline style. It is also the burial place of several kings and queens of Portugal.

Fatima :

Fatima is a high place of Portuguese pilgrimage since the apparitions of the Blessed Virgin postponed by three young shepherds in 1917.

Obidos :

Obidos is a pretty walled medieval town.

Nazaré:

The highest waves in the world are in Nazaré. Extreme surfers come here to beat the world record.

Peniche:

Peniche is on a peninsula. The sea is omnipresent. Its beaches to the west are very popular among surfers. Offshore, a boat trip takes you to the Berlangas Islands Nature Reserve.

Evora:

Evora is a beautiful medieval town. In its center stand the columns of the ancient Roman temple dedicated to Diana. Inside the São Francisco church, the visitor will be surprised to discover the strange chapel of Bones whose walls are covered with the bones of about 5000 skeletons.