Beaches, castles, mountains, and secret tunnels Portugal has it all. Without any forethought, I arrived in Lisbon on Portugal Day, one of the largest celebrations of the year. I spent the warm, summer evening wandering the narrow streets of old town. Streamers and lights were hung between the pastel colored homes while the smell of grilled beef and fish wafted through the air. Everyone was out in the street either eating or dancing.
Within Libson, you’ll find beautiful cathedrals, castles and beaches. On the Westside of Lisbon you’ll find Belém, a city that feels like a museum with some of the Country’s most famous monuments such as the Belém Tower, the Jerónimos Monastery and the Belém Palace. However, arguably the best reason for visiting Belém is to eat Portuguese Custard tarts (Pastéis de Belém).
If you want to escape the summer heat you can head to the historic mountain town of Sintra 20 miles Northwest of Lisbon. Portuguese aristocracy and royalty would often spend their summers here in beautiful palaces. You can tour many of these beautiful estates, but the most unique one is the Quinta da Regaleira. A large gothic estate full of secret tunnels that will take you from the chapel to the grotto to a cave to a well and everywhere else.
Things to do
São Jorge Castle - Historic fortress situated on top of a prominent hill in the heart of Lisbon
Lisbon Historic Old Town - Colorful homes, ornate churches, and Portuguese pavement streets winding up on down the steep hillsides
Belém Tower - Iconic Portugese Landmark
Jerónimos Monastery - Exquisitely maintained gothic monastery
Pena Palace - Sintra - Colorful, eclectic palace with unsurpassed ocean and mountain views
Quinta da Regaleira - Sintra - Mysterious gothic estate, full of secret tunnels
Moorish Castle - Sintra - Storybook-perfect castle walls with impressive views
Casais - Vibrant beach town 20 miles West of Lisbon, a mix of soft sand beaches tucked between rocky cliffs
