2 min summary When to go Map & highlights Things to do Families Alentejo Algarve Lisbon Maderia Sintra Advice Responsible tourism

Lisbon

The Monument to the Discoveries, representing iconic figures of Portugal’s ‘Age of Discovery’, is among the most famous landmarks in Lisbon. It’s entirely fitting as one of Europe’s most beautiful capitals marks the start or end point of so many Portuguese holidays. Wherever it appears in your itinerary however, Lisbon is certain to prove a highlight.

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Lisbon, Portugal

The Portuguese capital offers a masterclass in balancing the ancient and modern. Lisbon is a seamless and seemingly effortless blend of living history and cosmopolitan cool. Witness the old men playing dominos in the park next to digital nomads on their laptops at the next table; handsomely restored buildings converted into trendy bars, quirky shops and fascinating museums; and Michelin-starred restaurants that nestle with traditional tascas where lunches can go on for hours.

Set against the bank of the River Tejo (Tagus), where the Iberian Peninsula’s longest river meets the Atlantic, Lisbon is basking in a resurgence of popularity as a European destination, yet remains affordable and charmingly modest, blushing a deep shade of pink at sunset. It makes for a wonderfully appealing end point to a self guided cycling trip from Porto, a small ship cruise from Malaga, even a base for a marine conservation holiday, or a fascinating midway point on a Moorish history route from Morocco to Spain. Holidays that finish here can easily be extended by a few more days, left to your own devices.

When exploring Lisbon, it’s best to start at the very top. You rattle your way almost to the São Jorge Castle aboard the number 28 tram, one of the classic creaking, squeaking ‘remodelados’, then wander slowly down through the labyrinthine streets of the historic Alfama district, pausing here and there to admire the azulejo tilework, or take in the panoramas from a miradouro lookout. Once you reach the bottom you emerge onto wide, tree-lined boulevards lined with outdoor restaurants and cafes, ideal for an ice cold beer and a tangy plate of petiscos.

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Lisbon attractions

It’s hardly an original observation, but Lisbon is a truly beautiful city. From the Moorish castle and the tightly packed houses of Alfama where sheets hang on wrought-iron balconies to dry, to the UNESCO-listed Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower, the imposing 12th century cathedral and the spectacular Praça do Comércio, Lisbon is a place you wander with your eyes always upwards.

Many of Portugal’s finest beaches are found within a 30-minute journey from Lisbon by car or train, including wild Guincho, the lesser-known but equally dramatic Adraga, and those of the Costa de Caparica on the other side of the Tagus, where people go to see and be seen. These latter take you past the Christ the Redeemer statue, a smaller replica of the one in Rio de Janeiro. After a day on the beach the action turns to the bairros, specifically Bairro Alto, where much of Lisbon’s hippest nightlife is to be found.

Just outside of Lisbon, on the Atlantic Coast and what’s known as the ‘Portuguese Riviera’, the Sintra region is a paradise of wooded and coastal walking trails, fairytale palaces and ancient castles.

Cobbles & codfish – Lisbon culture

It’s said the Portuguese have a different cod (bacalhau) recipe for every day of the year – certainly you’ll find practically endless dishes using the national food in restaurants across the city. Lisbon is made for eating out, indeed many Lisboetas eat lunch in restaurants every day. You’re never more than a short walk from a place where a meal will set you back less than the price of a good bottle of wine in the UK, so most itineraries featuring Lisbon will sensibly include only breakfast.

Convention dictates that when in Lisbon you must try the famous custard tarts – pasteis de nata – first created by the monks of the Jerónimos Monastery and now a national institution. Along with a sharp coffee they’re fuel for walking the city’s cobbled pavements, which are frequently brightened up with mosaics. If you want to hear authentic fado, the mournful and melancholic singing so intertwined with the Portuguese character, the Alfama district is the best place to find both touristy and non-touristy venues.

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If you'd like to chat about Portugal or need help finding a holiday to suit you we're very happy to help.

01273 823 700

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01273 823 700

Calling us from outside the UK?

rosy@responsibletravel.com

When to visit Lisbon

We always recommend exploring popular European destinations during off-peak season, when the crowds are smaller and the strain on services lessened. In Lisbon, it’s practically a necessity. This is a city built on seven steep hills, where the temperature can clip 28°C in July and August and many of the residents wisely retreat to the coast or the mountains. Lisbon in spring or autumn however is delightful, significantly cooler but still easily doable in shorts and t-shirts, and with far fewer other tourists around.

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More about Portugal

Best time to visit Portugal

The best time to visit Portugal is spring season which starts in February to find hills bedecked in seasonal flowers and almond groves awash with pretty pink blossom.

Portugal travel guide

Our Portugal travel guide will point you in the right direction when it comes to what we rate and what we don't as well as offering a fair bit of insider info regarding the best beaches, walking and cycling trails, and a brief history of Portugal, warts and all.

Portugal Map & highlights

From Porto in the north to Lagos in the south, with Lisbon and the Sintra-Cascais National Park in between, making the most of your time in Portugal should always start with a map and highlights as this page goes to prove.

Things to do in Portugal

There's no getting away from Portugal's wild and woolly coastline which is why things to do in Portugal usually start and finish with a day spent surfing, sunning or simply staring at the beach.

Yoga holidays in Portugal

There's just something about the warm weather and peaceful countryside that sets yoga holidays in Portugal aside from the rest of the pack with no end of additional activities and well-being therapies also helping to create an experience that's as spiritually inspirational as effortlessly relaxing.

Sintra holidays

Sintra, a fairytale tapestry of ancient castles, palaces and grand estates set into the wooded hills of the ‘Portuguese Riviera’ is the most popular day-trip from Lisbon.

Alentejo

Holidays in Alentejo introduce you to one of Europe’s last remaining unspoilt landscapes.

The Algarve

Whether you want a more active holiday, or a peaceful few days hanging around the pool with the family, Portugal’s famously sunny Algarve region fits the bill.

The Azores

1,500km off the coast of Portugal, the Azores is a volcanic archipelago that’s all about the scenery and cetaceans.

Cycling in Portugal

We give Portugal an ‘A’ for cycling holidays: Algarve, Azores, Alentejo, Atlantic Coast – an incredible diversity of scenery.

Madeira

For such a small island Madeira boasts a stunning range of landscapes from volcanic lava pools to vineyards, emerald green forests, rivers and offshore reefs.

Walking holidays in Portugal

Walking holidays in Portugal introduce you to magnificent coastal and countryside routes, many of which can be approached at any time of year.

Portugal with kids

Finding the right beach is essential for anyone travelling to Portugal with kids as wave sense equals freedom to let little ones run wild amongst the surf and sand along the Atlantic coast.

Portugal travel advice

Portugal travel advice should always start with a few tidbits from friendly folks that we know and trust which is why this page is devoted to tips on how to eat, live and love like a local as well as a handy health & safety section to help you travel with confidence along Portugal's Atlantic coast.

Responsible tourism in Portugal

Hard times across the globe haven't helped Portugal's fragile economy although the responsible tourism industry in Portugal is doing its level best to entice travellers away from the resorts of the Algarve as well as encouraging travel outside of peak seasons and into the country's rural landscapes.

All our Portugal guides

All our Portugal guides. Find all of our Portugal guides in one place, for particular places in Portugal such as the Azores or Algarve. Or perhaps you would like to know more about the different types of Portugal holidays we offer such as walking or cycling in Portugal.