Check out these top excursions!
If you’re planning a trip to Lisbon and have time you explore the surrounding area, keep reading. There are lots of places nearby well worth a visit. Here is our selection:
Sintra and other key places
Imagine visiting the colourful Palácio da Pena, reaching the westernmost point on the Iberian Peninsula, uncovering references to the Masons and Knights Templar in the Quinta da Regaleira or discovering the place that inspired Ian Fleming to create his famous character, James Bond. Sounds great, right? Well, you can do all this and more very close to Lisbon!
Estoril: visiting Estoril is a fantastic idea. Only 25 km west of Lisbon, you can get there easily in half an hour by car or train. In Estoril there are beaches for all tastes: from untamed stretches ideal for surfers to quiet spots for families. Estoril also has the largest casino in Portugal and Spain and served as a haven for spies in the Second World War, inspiring Ian Fleming (creator of James Bond) for his first book, Casino Royale. And, best of all, its beautiful seaside promenade leads all the way to the lovely fishing town of Cascais.
Cascais: only 31 km from Lisbon is Cascais, with its mansions and charming old town full of narrow cobbled streets. This historic fishing town has some of the best seafood restaurants in Portugal. Its 16th-century fort forms part of a major line of fortifications along the estuary of the River Tagus that are worth a visit. Make sure you visit the Boca do Inferno: the roar of the waves crashing against the cliffs is truly spectacular, although it’s probably not suitable if you don’t like heights!
Sintra: this World Heritage Site has lots to offer and is only half an hour from Lisbon. The Palácio da Pena, atop the Serra de Sintra and surrounded by a garden with plants from all over the world, is one of the most popular sites in Portugal. We love its bright colours and mixture of architectural styles: this is no ordinary palace! If you travel to Sintra don’t miss the Quinta da Regaleira, an ancient Masonic temple full of mysteries, secret tunnels and waterfalls. Its famous spiral-shaped initiation wells (also known as inverted towers) never fail to surprise. Finally, check out Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point on the Iberian Peninsula, with stunning cliffs and views over the Atlantic.
Queluz: the most beautiful part of this town is the Palácio Nacional de Queluz, inspired by the Palace of Versailles and a National Portuguese Heritage Site. Its rococo style includes traditional Portuguese tiles and it boasts lovely gardens and an impressive interior. The room of Don Quixote decorated with illustrations from the famous novel is breathtaking! The Palácio de Queluz is only 14 km from Lisbon.
Ericeira: this charming town is less than an hour from Lisbon. It has a lovely harbour at the foot of the cliffs, and don’t miss the Praia dos Pescadores and the Igreja neighbourhood, with its cobbled streets and white and blue houses. And Ericeira is world famous for surfing: its Praia Ribeira d’Ilhas is a must for all keen surfers.
Noelia – Marketing Team
