Discover Lisbon and Coastline. Lisbon was founded on the 12th century, is Portugal’s capital and the hub of a multifaceted area that appeals to different tastes and senses.
In a city that has been influenced by many different far-off cultures over time, there is still a village feel in each historic neighborhood. Stroll through the Pombaline grid of streets in the Baixa district that opens on to the Tagus in Praça do Comércio, then follow the river to discover some of the city’s most beautiful parts: the monumental area of Belém with its World Heritage monuments, the medieval quarters and the latest contemporary leisure spaces, such as the Parque das Nações.
If you continue to the mouth of the river, you’ll understand why we say that Lisbon is the centre of a vast resort. Along the coastal road you’ll find Cascais beaches and beach resorts that combine villas and hotels from the beginning of the 20th century with marinas, terraces and excellent golf courses.
Further along the coast you’ll come across world-renowned Ericeira surfing beaches, for the ones love surf and travel, classified as World Surfing Reserve since 2011, first and unique in Europe, but also the palaces and gardens like Quinta da Regaleira, Pena Palace and or the Moorish Castle scattered across the cultural landscape of Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The wide variety of landscapes and heritage is always close by, whether to the north or south of the capital like Costa da Caparica or the Arrabida Natural Park. With beaches, natural parks, cultural routes and accommodation for all tastes, it is hard to escape the Lisbon region on a visit to Portugal.
Very rich gastronomy being bounded by the sea, the freshness and quality of the fish and seafood has a prominent place, as in all Portuguese cuisine. As sweets, of course the Pastel de Nata or the Belem (custard tart), Queijada and Travesseiro from Sintra. Unique wines can be found in the area of Lisbon from Mafra to Palmela, including the Moscatel de Setubal (Muscat, sweet fortified wine).
Fado is another expression of what it is to be Portuguese that has also been awarded World Heritage status. You can hear it at night in a fado house or in a traditional neighborhood like Alfama. But go, as well, to the lively bars and nightclubs, to find other types of music. From reggae to African music, new wave, indie or electronic, there’s a great diversity of sounds and environments, but all are good excuses to have a drink and dance the night away.
Check the video “Lisbon Region As Never Seen Before” and come discover Lisbon and the coastline.