Lisbon and around : places, beaches & nature to visit

What to see around Lisbon ?

The surroundings of Lisbon are very attractive. I recommend them. It takes at least 8 days to have a nice holiday : five for Lisbon and three for the typical villages and beaches near Lisbon. On this page you will see how to organise your stay around Lisbon. You are not the kind of person who follows the mass of tourists ? Here's an alternative that you might like !

Programme for day trips around Lisbon :

Biking around Lisbon : the track to Cascais

The more athletic can cycle to Cascais along the river Tagus and then the atlantic coast. The 35km cycle track runs parallel to the rails. Just a note to draw your attention to how to get to Cascais. This fishing village near Lisbon is very touristy, but it’s a must see !

What can you find in Cascais? First of all the beaches. Small but beautiful, they are surrounded by steep rocks and « art nouveau » buildings.  The water remains cool but it is impossible to resist a dip in such a beautiful place ! Parents keep a protective eye on their children. Lovers snog each other. The elders take their time. It’s also a reading room for people in search of solitude. At mealtimes, the terraces are full of fish lovers. At snack time, there is a rush to the « Mecca » of icecream : the very first Santini house created in 1949.

Cascais, a typical fishermen's village, the St Tropez of Lisbon, very chic and pleasant to live in

Did you know that there are exceptional vineyards around Lisbon ?

If we offer in Lisbon itself a wine tour and tasting, great wine lovers will be interested in discovering the best recommendation of Lisbon’s wineries on the spot. Our guide Sylvain will pick you up in Lisbon and take you on a sensory adventure for half a day.

Whether on the south or north shore of Lisbon, we offer you an exclusive oenological experience where you will be welcomed by the owners. Sylvain will provide valuable input for any specific questions you may have.

On the menu : a tasting of 6 wines with generous tapas, a beautiful drive with our guide Sylvain through the unique landscapes of the Portuguese coast. Even the children will be able to enjoy themselves !

From 150 € per adult. Contact us on whatsapp (bottom right).

 

Exclusive private tour to a wine estate in the Lisbon area to taste Portuguese wines from Lisbon

Sintra & Cabo da Roca : hiking the coast around Lisbon

Once you have left the typical village of Cascais, the surrounding area offers beautiful golf courses, slightly less crowded beaches with stunning scenery, cliffs reminiscent of Ireland for their height and the French Riviera for their colour. This is where you will encounter the westernmost lighthouse in continental Europe : Cabo da Roca. Facing the ocean, the mountain of Sintra rises up.

You can’t visit Lisbon without visiting Sintra ! The ultimate mystical place (and for me the only one where this term applies). The train takes us there directly in 45 minutes for about € 3. Then, the walks to get to the different viewpoints take about 1 hour and offer, on a clear day, a panorama that stretches out to the ocean. If each palace is an architectural feat, I will only linger on the one that moves me by making me return to my childhood.

The Quinta da Regaleira, a special residence that intrigues with its architecture and secrets but also with its labyrinthine gardens. The caves hidden behind the waterfalls seem to have sheltered many rituals. The buildings with their fountains, towers, chapels and walls exude an energy that is difficult to describe, but which is very much present in this magical place without a false note. One thing is certain, all this maze protects a mysterious past that I invite you to explore.

 

quinta da regaleira, the most incredible palace in sintra to visit during your stay

Hike around Sintra with the best guide in Portugal.

The Sintra national park is a mythical, even mystical forest. Sintra is for all those who are looking for a hike in Portugal, in the heart of an intense nature where the strong elements are present at every single moment. From the coast to the heights of the ancient volcanoes, man has put his mark on it without altering its original beauty. Sintra is therefore a perfect destination for those who wish to take a nature break outside Lisbon. Several trail excursions in Sintra are available :

1- Sintra city hike to castle : this romantic hiking will take you through the historical city of Sintra, its mystical forest and its most emblematic palaces : among others the Pena Palace, Monserrate or the Quinta da Regaleira.

During this thematic tour of Sintra, you will learn a lot about this magical place, chosen as a resting place by many historical figures. The kings and queens of Portugal loved to spend their summers there, far from the hustle and bustle of Lisbon.

2- Sintra Coastal Walk : This is the wildest walk in Sintra as you are facing the elements and a life-size spectacle. The linear itinerary will take you along the entire wild coast of Sintra and you will be able to explore the wildest beaches of the Atlantic coast. There will be many moments of contemplation !

The route will alternate inland with typical villages but also the most emblematic beaches of the coast: Ursa, Adraga, Maçãs, etc. Let yourself be guided and… dazzled ! Cabo da Roca is of course on the trail.

3- Hiking in the Sintra Natural Park : this hike takes you to the heart of the high hills of the Sintra Natural Park. The green paths will reveal a diversified and lush landscape : evergreen forests, Mediterranean plants and above all views with an unbeatable horizon.

To add mysticism to the enchantment, you can visit the modest Capuchin monastery, nestled in the heart of a chaos of granite rocks.

Booking request free of charge. Do you have a question? If you have the slightest doubt, do not hesitate to consult our FAQ, as well as our general terms and conditions of sale.

Around Lisbon day tours, by VisitmyLisbon.com

Looking for a day/half day getaway in exceptional destinations around Lisbon ?

With VisitmyLisbon.com, you can book private tours in the enchanting cities of Sintra, Evora, Tomar, Obidos, Ericeira, Fatima.

And I forget the monastery of Alcobaça, considered one of the 7 wonders of Portugal. There, they produce a magnificent cherry liqueur, the ginja.

Or why not the magnificent Douro river or the Serra of Arrabida that I could ride my bike through ?

For history buffs, the convent of Mafra and the archaeological museum of Odrinhas are establishments not to be missed !

Contact us on whatsapp (bottom right).

 

Obidos is the perfect tour with a certified guide around Lisbon

Beaches around Lisbon : Costa da Caparica & Sesimbra

You can cross the river Tagus by the « 25th April » bridge by car, bus or train. Bicycles and pedestrians are only allowed on the boat. On the other side of the river, there are beautiful beaches which are very popular especially at weekends. If you venture to the south shore, you can eat in the many beach clubs along the coast. One of them is the Casablanca Beach Lounge. Here you can taste the best clams on the coast ! The proximity of the sea allows the fish to still be wriggling on the grill… which explains its fame.

From the top of Christ the King, the view of Lisbon is unique. In Almada, you will discover how much the landscape of Lisbon differs in colors and relief. For an exclusive food walking tour on the bank facing Lisbon, click here.

A little further south, a visit to the hillsides where many wines are produced is a very good idea. As in Cascais, the cliffs of the Serra of Arrabida give a special character to the view. We can even suggest you fantastic sports activities in the middle of nature !

dream beach in lisbon for sunset near sesimbra and caparica

You should enjoy these activities :

Private tour of Lisbon
Lisbon tailor-made
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Boat trip on river Tagus
The best sunset experience
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Outdoor activities outside Lisbon
Only 1 hour from the capital city
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Car rental in Lisbon
Our best tips... & rates !
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Wine tour & tasting in Lisbon
A tour for lovers & experts alike !
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© VisitmyLisbon.com – 2022

Let's keep in touch :

            

© VisitmyLisbon.com – 2022

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