Lisbon & Beyond

CARRIE-MARIE BRATLEY

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Contents

Welcome to Lisbon & Beyond

Lisbon

The Portuguese Riviera

Sintra

Mafra and Ericeira

Tomar

Costa da Caparica

Setúbal Peninsula

Melides

Évora

Essentials

Index

List of Maps

Photo Credits

Copyright

Rua Augusta in Lisbon

WELCOME TO Lisbon & Beyond

9 TOP EXPERIENCES

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

GETTING THERE

BUDGETING

GETTING AROUND

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

WHAT TO PACK

BEST OF Lisbon & Beyond

WHERE TO GO FROM LISBON

Lisbon Beyond the Crowds

REGIONAL DELICACIES

CAPES, CLIFFS, AND VIEWPOINTS

Trips Beyond Lisbon

Consistently ranked among Europe’s top destinations for tourism and quality of life, Lisbon is a thriving city packed with contemporary attractions that sit comfortably among its time-honored facets, a city that effortlessly manages to blend tradition with trendy. Add exciting cuisine, welcoming hospitality, and first-class accommodations, and you get a hugely appealing destination.

Follow the wonderfully scenic Marginal Road to the Portuguese Riviera for regal towns and some of the finest beaches in the region. Take a day trip to Sintra, a town whose whimsical buildings could be straight out of a children’s storybook. Nearby, majestic Mafra, with its extravagant Baroque national palace and beautiful gardens, is easily paired with the surfy town of Ericeira. To the northeast lies Tomar, an enigmatic Portuguese city renowned for its medieval Templar Castle and monumental Convent of Christ.

Just across from Lisbon, you’ll find sunny Costa da Caparica and the sea-salt-kissed Setúbal Peninsula, where wines and fresh fish are as abundant as vast golden beaches. Cross the Sado Estuary from Setúbal to the lesser-explored Troia Peninsula, gateway to colorful Alentejo hamlets. Finally, to the east in the deep Alentejo region is Évora, a fantastically preserved historic town with strong Roman ties.

A trip to Lisbon should be a priority for any European escapade—not only for the quintessentially Portuguese experience it provides, but for the opportunity it offers to explore a wealth of other incredible destinations, all within easy reach of the capital.

Costa da Caparica

9 TOP EXPERIENCES

1 Getting 360-degree views of Lisbon from the towers of São Jorge Castle.

2 Touring the out-of-this-world Pena Palace in Sintra, with its colorful turrets and towers.

3 Getting immersed in Templar history at Tomar’s spectacular Convent of Christ.

4 Strolling along Lisbon’s tree-lined Avenida da Liberdade, past elegant shops and picturesque cafés.

5 Visiting the ancient, mysterious Almendres Cromlech outside Évora.

6 Relaxing on the beaches of the Portuguese Riviera, Costa da Caparica, and coastal villages south of Setúbal.

7 Seeing wild dolphins in the glistening Sado Estuary.

8 Taking in a soulful fado show in Lisbon’s historical Alfama or Bairro Alto neighborhood.

9 Indulging in regional delicacies like delicious pastel de Belém.

Before You Go

WHEN TO GO

High Season

May-September offers the best beach weather; average temperatures for this time of year range from the mid-20s to the mid-30s Celsius (mid-70s to mid-90s Fahrenheit). June-August constitutes the peak of high season, when Portugal is at its busiest—and priciest. Most of the country’s major events, such as the traditional Popular Saints festivities and local festivals, are held in summer. But don’t feel obliged to visit Portugal when it’s at its hottest; peak summer season can mean extremely busy monuments and beaches, packed hotels, and parking at a premium. Inland areas such as the Évora in Central Portugal can be sweltering (over 40ºC/104°F) in summer and are much more enjoyable in spring or autumn. Just outside peak season—June and September, even October—are also beautiful times to visit, when the weather is milder and the pace is more relaxed.

Lisbon’s famous Rua Augusta, connecting Comércio Square to Rossio

What You Need to Know

• Currency: Euro (€)

• Conversion rate: €1 = $1.11 USD; £0.87 GBP (at time of publication)

• Entry requirements: Currently, no visa needed for travelers from the US, Canada, UK, Europe, Australia, or New Zealand. South African nationals need to apply for a Portugal-Schengen visa. From mid-2025, people from over 60 visa-exempt countries, including the USA, UK, and Canada, will be required to have an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) travel authorization to enter most European countries, including Portugal. For more information about the new requirements, visit the European Union travel requirements site (travel-europe.europa.eu).

• Emergency number: The common European emergency number is 112.

• Time zone: Western European Time (WET)

• Electrical system: 230-volt, 50-hertz electricity and type C or F sockets (the standard European round, two-prong plugs)

• Opening hours: Vary; most businesses open 9am-10am and close 6pm-7pm. Shops may close 1pm-3pm for lunch, but this is increasingly rare.

Low Season

Spring, autumn, and winter are mild and mostly sunny, with temperatures that can range from the mid-teens to mid-20s Celsius (mid-50s to low 70s Fahrenheit), although Portugal does have rainy months, December being the wettest; January is the coldest, when thermometers can sometimes dip to single digits (30s Fahrenheit), particularly at night. Sintra, Tomar, and Évora are year-round destinations. Hotels will again be close to full over Christmas and New Year, but outside that, low season in most of Portugal will mean fewer tourists and a more tranquil, relaxed pace of life.

GETTING THERE

From Europe

Traveling to Lisbon Airport from almost anywhere within Europe is quick and easy—and even better, it’s now less expensive, thanks to the growing number of low-cost airlines. Gatwick, Stansted, Heathrow, and Luton in London usually have two or three daily flights to Lisbon on low-cost carriers such as Ryanair and easyJet. Flag carriers TAP and British Airways also fly direct to Lisbon from London.

Bus and train services connect Portugal with Spain, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. Driving to Lisbon from within Europe is also possible thanks to a good international road network and the EU open-borders policy.

From Outside Europe

There are direct flights from the United States to Lisbon from cities including New York, San Francisco, Miami, Boston, Washington DC, and Chicago, and from Toronto in Canada.

Budgeting

• Small espresso coffee: €0.80

• 1.5-liter bottle of water: €1

• Sandwich: €2

• Local bus ticket: €2

• Museums: €3-6

• Small glass of wine or beer: €1.50-2

• Hotel room: €60-100 d

There are no direct flights between South Africa or Australia and Lisbon, but travel is possible on flights with main European carriers via other major European cities such as Madrid, London, Paris, Frankfurt, and Amsterdam, or via Dubai, Doha, and Luanda. There are direct flights between Lisbon and Dubai with Emirates and Doha with Qatar Airways.

GETTING AROUND

Thanks to its compact size and a good road network, Portugal is easily traveled by car. Renting a car also provides greater flexibility for exploring off the beaten track. But an efficient bus and train network also connects most major towns and cities. Train travel can often be more scenic and cheaper than the bus, but train stations can sometimes be located far outside the town centers. Bus travel is almost always quicker than the train.

Car

Portugal’s road system is decent and major routes are kept in good condition, although the same cannot be said about smaller regional or municipal roads. Some are in urgent need of repair, particularly in rural areas, and on certain stretches signage could use updating.

Motorways are generally in good condition, although major motorways (autoestradas) have tolls, signaled by a black car on a white background with a blue border. Cars drive on the right-hand side of the road—the same as the rest of mainland Europe and the United States.

Train

Portugal’s train service Comboios de Portugal (CP) (www.cp.pt/passageiros/en) is efficient and inexpensive but complex. Despite being comprehensive, the national rail network isn’t as direct as bus services, and, oddly, some major cities have no train station, while many cities and towns have their train stations on the outskirts, requiring a taxi ride to the center. On the plus side, Portugal’s trains tend to be spacious and clean on the inside, and offer cheaper second-class tickets and more privacy and comfort in first class, sometimes in private compartments.

Lisbon’s Oriente train station

Bus

There are many different bus companies in Portugal, including three major intercity long-distance ones; most of the regions in this book are serviced by national Rede Expressos (www.rede-expressos.pt [URL inactive]). Local and regional buses link towns, villages, and parishes within municipalities. In Lisbon the local public transport company is Carris, which operates buses, trams, and funiculars. Lisbon also has a safe and efficient subway, the Lisbon Metro, whose four lines total 44 km (27.5 mi) of route and serve 56 stations. Bus travel in Portugal is inexpensive but not always the most comfortable, although long-distance express buses are mostly equipped with air-conditioning, TVs, toilets, and even onboard drinks and snacks.

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

All travelers entering Portugal are required to have a valid ID.

As of mid-2025, nationals from over 60 visa-exempt countries, including the US, UK, and Canada, will be required to have an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) travel authorization to enter most European countries, including Portugal. The ETIAS is linked to a traveler’s passport, valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, and is a fully electronic system (https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias/what-etias_en). A valid ETIAS travel authorization allows multiple short-term entries into European countries, typically up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Entry is not guaranteed; border guards will check compulsory documents and ensure passengers meet entry conditions upon arrival.

At the time of writing, European Union nationals traveling within EU or Schengen states do not require a visa for entering Portugal for any length of stay. They do require a valid passport or official ID card. European citizens traveling between Schengen Area countries are not required to present an identity document or passport at border crossings, as an open-borders policy is in effect. However, it is recommended that travelers have ID documents with them, as they may be requested at any time by the authorities.

Citizens of the United Kingdom and Ireland must produce a passport to enter Portugal, valid for the duration of the proposed stay, and can stay for up to three months. Further documentation might be required post-Brexit.

People from non-EU countries always require a passport, valid for at least six months; some may require a visa. Australian, Canadian, and US travelers require a valid passport but do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days in any six-month period. While it is not obligatory to have an onward or return ticket, it is advisable.

South African nationals need to apply for a Portugal-Schengen visa. This should be done three months before travel. Applicants must have a South African passport valid for six months beyond date of return with at least three blank pages.

WHAT TO PACK

Key items to pack include mosquito repellent and sunblock (sunblock can be expensive in Portugal) plus a hat for May-October, a windbreaker for all seasons (Portugal can be breezy year-round), and warm sweaters, a jacket, and a light raincoat for winter. Comfortable shoes for walking are advised if your trip is more than a beach holiday, and don’t forget a plug adapter for chargers. Pack a concealable pouch to carry documents and cash while out and about exploring, and never carry cash and documents together.

BEST OF Lisbon & Beyond

Lisbon can get very busy and hot in summer, so a hat, sunscreen, water, and a healthy dose of patience are useful in warmer months. If you plan to visit in June, make sure you book well ahead, as this is the month in which the Santo António Festival causes the city to explode into party mode.

The Portuguese capital is also rather hilly, which can mean steep climbs. That said, public transport is pretty reliable, and all those hills mean amazing views from the many miradouros (viewpoints) dotting the city. If your feet get tired, the historical and famed No. 28 tram is one of the quirkiest ways to explore the city, trundling through authentic neighborhoods on the time-honored tracks.

After spending three days in the city, experience a few great day trips within a quick drive or train ride, from Lisbon’s favorite beach resorts to the world-famous castles and palaces of Sintra.

Where to Go from Lisbon

If You Want . . . | Destination | How Long to Stay | Why Go | Getting There from Lisbon
Beaches | Costa da Caparica | 1 day | spacious beaches; fun seaside feel; close to Lisbon | bus or car (25 minutes)
The Portuguese Riviera | overnight | beautiful beaches; cool bars; glamorous hotels | car or train (40 minutes)
Troia and Comporta | overnight | unspoiled, wild beaches with a touch of glamour; horseback riding | car (1.5 hours)
Melides | overnight | Alentejo village; endless golden-sand beaches | car (1.5 hours)
Palaces | Sintra | 1 day | magical palaces and castles; shady woodland | car (30 minutes) or train (1 hour)
Mafra and Ericeira | 1 day | an extravagant royal palace within 15 minutes’ drive of a beach; laid-back vibes | car (50 minutes)
Historical villages | Tomar | overnight | the remnants of a Knights Templar stronghold; river-town charm | car (1.5 hours), train (2 hours), or bus (1 hour 45 minutes)
Nature | Setúbal Peninsula | overnight | wild dolphins; unspoiled coastline; fresh fish | car (45 minutes) or bus/train (1 hour)
Rural Portugal | Évora | 1 day | excellent wines; the thrilling Bone Church; a glimpse into rural life | car (1.5 hours) or bus/train (2 hours)

Day 1

Spend the morning discovering downtown Lisbon, beginning at the main Avenida da Liberdade, exploring Comércio Square’s museums and landmarks.

After lunch, take the tram to Belém, where you can visit the Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery before indulging in a famous pastel de Belém custard tart.

Head back to Lisbon’s Chiado Square for an afternoon refreshment before walking up to Bairro Alto for dinner and a show at a typical fado restaurant. After dinner, let loose in one of the many nearby bars.

Day 2

Today, explore the Baixa, Alfama, and São Vicente neighborhoods by Lisbon’s famous trams, visiting sights such as the National Pantheon, the Fado Museum, Lisbon Cathedral, and the Graça viewpoint.

After all that walking, hop on the train toward Park of Nations. Here you can visit riverfront gardens, explore the Lisbon Oceanarium, and rest your feet on a scenic cable car ride.

End your day at one of the many restaurants and bars along the Park of Nations waterfront.

Day 3

Take the train to Sintra, a 40-minute ride from Lisbon, for a day of exploring the town’s whimsical architecture. Give your legs a break and ride the tourist bus up Sintra’s steep hills to top sights like Pena Palace, the Moorish Castle, and the Regaleira Estate.

Moorish Castle

Stop for lunch in town and be sure to grab a traditional baked pastry, queijadas de Sintra, before heading back to Lisbon for dinner.

Day 4

Enjoy some of Lisbon’s quirkier sights today, starting with browsing the many stalls of the LX Factory in Alcântara.

From here, walk across the road to the futuristic-looking MAAT—Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology; be sure to take in the views from the rooftop.

MAAT—Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology designed by Amanda Levete Architects

Head toward the 25 de Abril Bridge, where you can take the Pillar 7 Experience, a unique tour in, around, and up one of the pillars of this iconic bridge.

Finish your night with a sundowner at one of the many bars and lounges on the Santo Amaro docks.

Day 5

Do as the locals do and escape from the city for the day: Just a 40-minute train ride from Lisbon’s Cais do Sodré station is the Portuguese Riviera, one of Lisbon’s most popular beach resorts.

Stop first in Estoril. Spend the day on the beach, popping in to the famous Pastelaria Garrett for coffee and a sweet treat.

Stroll along the 3-km (2-mi) promenade to Cascais, enjoying the chic boutiques, and have dinner at one of the many restaurants on the marina.

Catch the train from Cascais for the 40-minute return to Lisbon.

Lisbon Beyond the Crowds

Venture off the beaten path to experience the quieter side of Lisbon and its nearby attractions.

Day 1

Start at the Medeiros e Almeida House-Museum, a private collection of historical Portuguese and international decorative artwork housed in a striking mansion.

After, stroll down the leafy Avenida da Liberdade to have lunch with the locals at Bonjardim, tucking into finger-licking delicious chicken piri-piri. From here, walk back up the Avenida (or jump on the Metro from Avenida to Praça da Espanha), heading north to the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum to check out its remarkable collection of artifacts, spanning from ancient Egypt to contemporary arts.

Take a half-hour walk west to the Gothic Águas Livres Aqueduct to round off the afternoon with a bird’s-eye view of Lisbon. For dinner, treat yourself to an extravagant dining experience on the Avenida da Liberdade at fashionable JNcQUOI Asia.

Day 2

Take a half-day excursion to Queluz by train. Before setting off, make a stop at the National Pantheon in the São Vicente neighborhood, a 17th-century Baroque landmark overlooking the Tagus. From here it’s a short 10-minute walk to the Santa Apolónia train station where you can make the approximate 40-minute train ride to the commuter suburb of Queluz. In Queluz, visit the beautiful Queluz National Palace and Gardens. On your return, enjoy dinner in Lisbon’s atmospheric Baixa at the traditional Taberna da Baixa.

Queluz National Palace and Gardens

Day 3

Head to Setúbal—around an hour’s journey south of Lisbon—by train or car. Set sail on a unique boat trip to the Sado Estuary to visit its resident pod of bottlenose dolphins. Alternatively, jump straight on the ferry from Setúbal to the chic Troia peninsula to soak up the sun on one of its pristine (and uncrowded) beaches. Savor a lazy seafood lunch at El Cristo with a view of the marina. On the return to Setúbal, stop at Adega Leo do Petisco in the town center and have some fried cuttlefish for dinner (a local specialty) before making your way back to Lisbon.

TOP EXPERIENCE

Regional Delicacies

• Pastel de Belém: These delicious eggy tartlets are made from freshly baked, crisp, buttery pastry filled with rich custard, usually enjoyed with a sprinkling of cinnamon. Not to be confused with pastel de nata, the country’s iconic custard tart, pastel de Belém are found only in Belém, a short train ride west of central Lisbon.

• Bacalhau: Cod is Portugal’s go-to fish, and the country is said to have as many recipes for cod dishes as there are days of the year. Lisbon has several restaurants dedicated solely to cod. Keep an eye out for popular dishes such as bacalhau à Brás (cod mashed with egg, potato, and onion, topped with crunchy matchstick fries), bacalhau à Gomes de Sá (flaked cod layered with sliced potato and egg and baked in the oven), bacalhau espiritual (like bacalhau á Bras but with grated carrot), and pastéis de bacalhau (cod fritters), usually a snack with cold beer. Solar do Bacalhau in Lisbon is one of the best spots for sampling cod dishes.

• Queijadas: Despite being made with fresh cheese, there is nothing cheesy about these sweet, stodgy, sticky delicacies. Many towns are renowned for their own versions of queijadas, but Sintra’s are especially famous.

• Ginjinha: An infusion of macerated morello cherries in aguardente alcohol, this sweet cherry liqueur is sometimes served in a chocolate cup, with or without a cherry. Dating to the 17th century, its original recipe is to this day a closely guarded secret, known only to a privileged few. That recipe is thought to have been first brewed by a friar—possibly with medicinal purposes, as ginja is a renowned digestive aid—and later local families would compete to see who could best replicate the recipe. Try ginja for yourself at award-winning A Ginjinha in Lisbon’s Baixa neighborhood.

• Canja de Carapau: A fishy broth made from mackerel, canja de carapau is the trademark dish of Costa da Caparica. Ideally situated along the water, beachside restaurants use fish fresh from the market.

• Peixe-Espada Preto: The quaint fishing town of Sesimbra is renowned for its freshly caught black-scabbard fish—a fluffy, meaty piece of fish served simply, just charcoal-grilled.

• Porco Preto: A delicacy found widely throughout the Alentejo region, black pig pork meat is more moist and succulent than regular pork, and derives from acorn-fed pigs. You’ll find most restaurants in Évora’s centro histórico serve the dish along with excellent regional wines.

Capes, Cliffs, and Viewpoints

Dramatically situated along Europe’s most beautiful coastline, with many cities and towns famously set into picturesque hills, Portugal is a great place to get some altitude and take in awe-inspiring views of the sea. The following are some of the most jaw-dropping viewpoints, or miradouros, covered in this book.

• Lisbon’s Best Views: Gorgeous miradouros abound in Lisbon, from the famous Graça viewpoint to the romantic Miradouro da Nossa Senhora do Monte.

• Cabo da Roca: Be amazed by the vastness of the Atlantic Ocean as you stand on the high cliffs of mainland Europe’s westernmost point.

• Cabo Espichel: Walk paths where dinosaurs once roamed on the eerily remote and rugged Espichel cape.

Day 4

Explore some of Lisbon’s quieter neighborhoods with a leisurely stroll around affluent Estrela and Lapa. Family-friendly and lined with lovely mansions and green spaces, Estrela is home to historical sites such as the British Cemetery and the grandiose Estrela Basílica. Enjoy lunch at Restaurante XL, which serves haut international cuisine with views of Portugal’s Parliament. Take a walk around the Estrela gardens before heading to Lapa, a short stroll from Estrela.

A wander along Lapa’s well-heeled streets reveals beautiful buildings, many of which are home to embassies. Head back to Estrela for a low-key dinner at Churrascaria o Lavrador, which serves fresh meat and fish straight off the grill.

Day 5

Conclude your week venturing beyond Lisbon with a day trip to Costa da Caparica. Make the short drive (or direct bus trip) south across the Tagus. After arriving in Costa da Caparica, enjoy brunch or lunch at the highly-rated A(mar)ia Café. Afterward, take a walk through the atmospheric Fishermen’s Quarters and promenade before jumping on the tourist train down the stunning stretch of coast to Fonte da Telha beach. If you’re feeling energetic, explore the Fossil Cliff Protected Landscape, or simply enjoy the peace and space the beach affords. Make sure you don’t miss the last train back to town, where you can toast to an enjoyable week with a fresh fish dinner and sunset views at the funky Sentido do Mar beach restaurant.

Fonte da Telha beach, Costa da Caparica

Trips Beyond Lisbon

The villages and cities in this guide make excellent day trips from Lisbon. For those with more time to settle in and explore a region in depth, here are some suggestions for creating longer excursions from Lisbon, with overnight stays outside of the city.

Lisbon and the Palaces

Number of Days: 5-6

LISBON

Start by spending at least a couple of days in Lisbon. Visit São Jorge Castle, which sits atop the former Royal Palace, and be sure to tour the Museum of Decorative Arts and the National Museum of Ancient Art, both housed inside former 17th-century palaces.

QUELUZ

For a half-day excursion, head 20 minutes northwest of downtown by train to Queluz National Palace and Gardens, the 18th-century summer palace of Portugal’s royal family.

SINTRA

From Queluz, make the short train trip to Sintra, where you’ll stay for at least two nights. You can visit the main palaces of Sintra, a fairytale forest town with whimsical architecture, in one full day, but with two days, you can see all the attractions.

MAFRA

Mafra’s National Palace is a Baroque complex just an hour-long bus ride from Sintra, making it a perfect day trip.

Outdoor Adventure

Number of Days: 3-5

SETÚBAL PENINSULA AND ARRÁBBIDA NATIONAL PARK

The Sado Estuary, an hour south of Lisbon, is one of the best spots to see dolphins. For an adrenaline rush, Arrábbida National Park outfitters offer diving, mountain climbing, and other active experiences along the park’s rugged coast.

TROIA AND COMPORTA

A ferry connects Setúbal with up-and-coming Troia and Comporta. Troia and Setúbal city are the departure points for dolphin-watching trips on the Sado Estuary. In Comporta you can rent bikes or go horseback riding and explore the area’s rice paddies and pine groves. Stay and take a well-earned rest on the white sand beaches.

Comporta Beach walkway

MELIDES

With more time, extend your journey south to Melides, a seaside hamlet in the Alentejo region, with wild beaches and sand dunes.

Pastoral Sampler

Number of Days: 4-5

Escape the bustle of Lisbon with a few days in the countryside. You’ll need a car to get to sights outside of Tomar and Évora.

TOMAR AND ALMOURAL CASTLE

Historical Tomar is home to fascinating Templar ruins, quaint streets, and traditional shops. Plan to spend a couple of days soaking up the area’s history and wandering picturesque riverside walkways. Tomar is the ideal base for a visit to Almoural Castle, the 12th-century castle only accessible via a boat ride across the Tagus River.

Almourol Castle

ÉVORA

Once the city of Portugal’s kings, Évora is the place to be to get a sense of the history of the Alentejo. You’ll want to spend a couple of nights in town, and plan to visit the nearby megalithic ruins and Cartuxa Estate vineyard.

megalithic ruins near Évora

Grand Tour Around Lisbon

Number of Days: 14

For the ultimate experience of Lisbon and its neighboring destinations, plan a grand tour around Lisbon, best done by car.

THE PORTUGUESE RIVIERA

After a few days exploring Lisbon, uncovering the hilly capital and its fascinating neighborhoods and monuments, head along the scenic marginal road to the glamorous coastal towns of Estoril and Cascais—collectively referred to as The Portuguese Riviera. You can walk the boardwalk or take a short train trip between them. Cascais makes an ideal base for one or two nights.

SINTRA

From Cascais it’s a short trip to magical Sintra. On your way you’ll pass through the breezy Cabo da Roca landmark, mainland Europe’s westernmost point. Plan to spend at least one full day (preferably two) in Sintra to allow for the number of unique attractions (and huge crowds of visitors) that it hosts.

Cabo da Roca

MAFRA AND TOMAR

From Sintra make your way to Mafra to see the staggering National Palace. From there, continue to Tomar. Plan to spend one night here. Tomar’s beautiful river and captivating Convent of Christ make it well worth the trip.

ÉVORA

From there, head south to Évora, the “capital” of the Alentejo region. Allocate one to two nights there to explore its fascinating sights (such as the Roman Temple and eerie Chapel of Bones) and to sample famous regional wines, cured meats, and cheeses.

MELIDES AND THE TROIA PENINSULA

Return to Lisbon via trendy Comporta or nearby Melides, a quintessential Alentejo seaside hamlet and one of Alentejo’s most characterful gems. Plan to stay the night to fully explore the windswept beaches by bike or on horseback. Continue up to the Troia Peninsula, a prime overnight beach destination that often flies under the radar.

SETÚBAL PENINSULA

From Troia, take the ferry across to the untouristed port city Setúbal, where a boat trip to see the Sado Estuary’s bottlenose dolphins is a must. Rounding the beautiful Setúbal Peninsula, plan for a visit to Sesimbra, a former fishermen’s village where the beaches and fresh fish draw in visitors. While around Sesimbra, stop at the blustery Cabo Espichel promontory to explore its deserted Sanctuary and dinosaur-trodden cliffs.

COSTA DA CAPARICA AND BACK TO LISBON

It’s worth allocating a night to stay in Costa da Caparica to fully enjoy its beaches, traditional fishermen’s quarters, and nightlife. From here, make your way back to Lisbon, ensuring you stop at the towering Christ the King monument in Almada on the south side of the Tagus River. Gazing over Lisbon with its arms outstretched, this is one of the capital’s most iconic landmarks. Conclude a fantastic tour of Lisbon and beyond with one last night in the City of Seven Hills.

Christ the King monument