Twelve places to visit around Lisbon

Beyond the tourist wealth of the Portuguese capital, the Lisbon region also has a beautiful historical and cultural heritage to discover in several small towns. In addition, the coastline and the beaches are much less crowded than on the southern coast of the country.
So, why not take advantage of this and plan many excursions during your trip to Lisbon…?

What to do, where to go and what to visit around the city of Lisbon ?

Within a radius of a hundred kilometers around the city…

Almada
After crossing the 25th of April Bridge, recognizable by its Golden Gate Bridge look, you will arrive in Almada. This city of the southern suburbs of Lisbon shelters the famous sanctuary of Christ the King which faces the capital. With its 110 meter high statue, this monument inspired by the Christ of Rio de Janeiro can be seen from afar and offers from its terrace a superb view of the surrounding area with notably the Costa da Caparica and its long beaches which is also part of the municipality and remains a popular place for both Lisboners and tourists.

Cabo da Roca
Arriving at Cabo da Roca, you are at the westernmost point of continental Europe. Located next to the beautiful city of Sintra, this cape has always sounded a bit like “the end of the world” in front of the immensity of the Ocean. A rough and wild nature, a tortured and deserted coastline, cliffs more than a hundred meters high plunging into the sea, the landscape here is unique and spectacular. So what better way to discover it than by taking the hiking trails along the cliffs?

Cascais
Cascais is one of the many seaside towns around Lisbon. Both a traditional fishing port and a marina, it is a very popular summer destination with its pleasant climate, its historic heart and its beautiful 19th century houses, its long sandy beaches and its entertainment, including nightlife, which is very popular with some visitors.

Ericeira
This picturesque fishing port is a popular seaside resort in the Lisbon area. But if its long sandy beaches attract a lot of summer visitors, it is first of all its magnificent surfing spots that have made its international reputation, to the point that the small town has been named “World Surfing Reserve” since 2011. And that’s not nothing in the world of big wave lovers…

Estoril
Estoril is one of the many seaside resorts, quite chic in its case, that surround Lisbon. Long sandy beaches, a select casino and a pleasant seafront are all part of this city, which also owes its reputation to the many sporting events that are – or have been – organized there, whether they be regattas, ATP tennis tournaments, F1 or motorcycle grand prix, or golf tournaments.

Evora
Between Lisbon and Spain, Evora is one of the most beautiful cities of Portugal, to the point of being often qualified as a “city-museum of Portuguese architecture”. It has been classified as a Unesco World Heritage Site since 1986 for its magnificent historic center, which is composed of Roman, medieval and Renaissance remains.

Mafra
About 30 kilometers from the Portuguese capital, Mafra is famous for its huge National Palace, a former royal residence in baroque style, whose construction began in 1717. It is listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site since 2019 and is well worth a visit during a stay in Lisbon.

Obidos
The small town about 100 kilometers north of Lisbon is a highly visited place thanks to the excellent preservation of its medieval setting. Its perched castle dating back to the Moorish period, its almost 2 kilometers long ramparts, its ancient churches, and its old center with its labyrinth of paved streets surrounded by white houses are an excellent reminder of what the city once was.

Arrabida Natural Park
On the coast between Setubal and Sesimbra, this small park is popular for its beautiful beaches that traditionally attract on weekends many people from the Portuguese capital located just a few dozen kilometers away. Moreover, Arrabida is also a pleasant hinterland with some places to visit like the Palmelo Castle or the Convent of Our Lady of Arrabida.

Queluz
Queluz is one of those places on the outskirts of Lisbon that one goes to see on an excursion from the capital. The city is home to the magnificent Royal Palace of Queluz. Built in 1747 in the rococo style, this “Portuguese Versailles” is a real masterpiece in its architecture, its richly decorated interiors and its landscaped gardens. In short, a visit not to be missed!

Santarém
North-east of Lisbon, this medium-sized city on the banks of the Tagus has a pretty old center with cobbled streets and a few beautiful Gothic churches that deserve to be discovered inside.

Sintra
The one that many people visit in an excursion from Lisbon, which is only a few kilometers away, is one of those cities in the world that have succeeded in creating a certain harmony between nature and the built heritage that they house. On the one hand, the fiery ocean with its cliffs and beaches and on the other hand, a superb historical center, unique palaces and a Moorish fortress that dominates the place. No wonder then that Sintra is part of the Unesco World Heritage for several years now.

Weather, temperature, which period for a trip to the region?

The Lisbon region enjoys a sunny Mediterranean climate, pleasant all year round. Summers are hot, but not excessively so, thanks to the influence of the Atlantic Ocean, and winters are mild and a bit humid. It is mainly at the end/beginning of the year that it rains.
Generally speaking, the climate of the destination is pleasant at any time of the year, even if the half seasons are often preferred. If only because of the summer crowds.
For more details, it’s here…

> For more info: www.visitportugal.com