Lisboa & Tagus Vallery

Legend has it that Lisboa was founded by Ulysses. The name comes from “Olissipo”, which has its origins in the Phoenician words “Allis Ubbo”, meaning “enchanting port”.

Most likely it was founded by the Phoenicians and styled by the Moors which shows in the strong Arabic influences. It was, after all, ruled by the Moors for 450 years. In the 12th century  the Christians re conquered the city but it was not until the mid-13th century that Lisboa became the country’s capital.

With the beginning of the Portuguese Age of Discoveries, Lisboa enriched as a spice and jewellery trade centre.

The breakthrough for Portuguese expansion came in 1498 when Vasco da Gama discovered the sea route to India.

This was indeed the beginning of a golden age, characterised by the Manueline architectural style named after King Manuel I, with its typical decorative use of maritime motifs.

Over the centuries Lisboa naturally grew and changed. When the city centre was almost completely destroyed by the earthquake of 1755, it was rebuilt by Marquise de Pombal, who thus created the Baixa Pombalina, a commercial area that still retains much of its original lay out.

Lisboa is a historic capital, a potpourri of unusual character and charm, where 800 years of cultural influences mingle with modern trends and life styles creating spectacular contrasts.

The historical neighborhoods of central Lisbon are perfect for visitors to the Portuguese capital to experience for themselves.

Their culture, the history, the architecture and the people are fundamental aspects of Lisbon’s identity, and those who explore them will discover their own personal map. There are so many possibilities, don't let them get away.

The Bairro Alto is one of the most characterful and attractive neighborhoods in the city.

The Bairro Alto boasts boutiques and bars and is a place where people meet in an eclectic and multicultural atmosphere.

To discover its streets, lanes and alleys, it is essential to explore it.

Traditional restaurants nestle alongside cosy bookshops; tea rooms serving signature cakes vie for attention with funky design shops and the boutiques of the most respected Portuguese fashion designers.

Bairro Alto is a unique experience within Lisbon packed with secrets ripe for discovery.

From Bairro Alto, stroll down to the Chiado, the sophisticated hub for the city’s young people, artists and intellectuals The Chiado is an area of iconic cafés including “A Brasileira”, art schools, theatres and of living history.

The intrinsic beauty of the Chiado, and it’s people – going about their daily lives -, makes the area what it is.

The Carmo area, next to the Chiado, has some of the most fascinating historical sites in the city, such as the Convent and Church of Carmo, which maintain their elegance and grandeur.

Don’t miss the Museu Arqueológico do Carmo, which houses a collection of artefacts from pre-historic, Roman, Medieval, Manueline, Renaissance and Baroque periods. Largo do Carmo was the site of important events in the 1974 Revolution.

Carmo is connected to the Baixa by the Elevador de Santa Justa, another of Lisbon’s icons.

The Elevador, designed by a disciple of Gustave Eiffel, is open to the public and boasts impressive views over the Baixa Pombalina and the rest of Lisbon.

The Baixa is the city's traditional shopping district where visitors can stroll around the streets and find dozens of shops offering a wide range of temptations.

Rua Augusta is the main artery of the Baixa Pombalina leading north from Terreiro do Paço (known as Black Horse Square by the English), to the beautiful Praça do Rossio (Praça Dom Pedro IV).

Just north of Rossio, discover Avenida da Liberdade, which in the 19th century, was the favourite promenade for the Lisbon élite.

Today, the Avenida is home to exclusive international boutiques to tempt and inspire.

Although it was at the castle that everything began, historical sites can be found across the city.

As the capital of the Portuguese Empire, Lisbon boasts a thousand years of history, and is peppered with monuments of great importance, reflecting the key moments in the country’s history.

The peak of Lisbon's wealth was during the Age of Discovery a time which has left a heritage of rare beauty.

Close to the castle, in Graça, is the church and monastery of São Vicente de Fora, one of the most imposing and notable religious monuments in the city. It was built immediately after the city was recaptured from the Moors following a vow made by King Afonso Henriques to São Vicente during the siege of the Lisbon in 1147.

On Tuesdays and Saturdays, don’t miss one of the most popular and busy markets in the city, the Feira da Ladra, or flea market, just a short stroll from the imposing church.

Every imaginable object and curio – as well as genuine antiques – are on sale, and a visit to the flea market is a real walk through Lisbon culture.

Strolling down to Santa Apolónia to explore the riverside neighbourhood, it is impossible to miss the unique 16th century Casa dos Bicos, so named after the diamondshaped stones that cover its façade.

Note the Italian influences in the architecture combined with elements of the Portuguese Manueline style.

The building belonged to Afonso de Albuquerque, Viceroy of India, and is the site of a number of Roman archaeological finds.

Belém

Next along the riverside is the neighbourhood with the largest number of heritage sites connected with the Portuguese voyages of discovery: Belém.

It was from the beach in Belém that Vasco da Gama set sail to discover the sea route to India and the grandiosity of the former empire can be sensed throughout the area.

One of the most imposing symbols of the city is here - the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, the construction of which was started in 1501 by King Manuel I and finished a century later.

Overlooking the magnificent Praça do Império, the monument is an outstanding example of late Gothic and Renaissance architecture and is regarded as one of Lisbon’s finest landmarks.

Royal, religious, naturalist and nautical decorative elements combine to create a building that is considered the jewel of the distinctively Portuguese Manueline style, and it has been recognised as a World Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO.

In one of the wings of the former monastery is the Museu da Marinha, - an excellent place to discover the naval history of Portugal - and the Museu de Arqueologia.

The monastery church, the Igreja de Santa Maria de Belém, is a magnificent church with a nave flanked by two aisles separated by elegant pillars supporting a unique ogival dome.

The sunlight filtered by the stained glass windows creates an almost dreamlike atmosphere complimenting the beauty and grandiosity of the building which embodies the history, the faith and the knowledge and determination that drove Portuguese culture.

The tombs of Vasco da Gama and the epic poet Luís de Camões can be found in the church.

Also in Belém, on the river bank, is another marvellous Manueline monument, again classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site -, the Torre de Belém.

Designed in the 16th century by Francisco Arruda, the Torre de Belém is a square tower with a polygonal bastion facing the river Tagus.

The exterior facades, balconies and verandas are covered with abundant decoration, with Arab and Venetian influences which contrasts with the austerely decorated interior.

The organic elements of the Manueline style – such as plants and animals - are represented in many different forms and the Torre de Belém has the first sculptural portrayal of an African animal, in this case a rhinoceros.

Much more recent, but still invoking the grandeur of the Age of Discovery, is the Padrão dos Descobrimentos in Belém.

The monument, dating from 1960, commemorates the five hundredth anniversary of the death of Henry the Navigator and pays tribute to the instigator of the Voyages of Discovery and to the most important Portuguese sailors.

Belém is the symbol of the “golden age” of the Voyages of Discovery, however the modern age is very much in evidence at the CCB – Centro Cultural de Belém, where you can find the Museu Colecção Berardo. Not to be missed are walks in the extensive gardens to admire the river views, and a delicious "pastel de nata" with friends.

Sintra

Sintra is an inexhaustible attraction.

The perfect symbiosis between nature and its built heritage led to its classification by UNESCO as World Heritage, at the category of Cultural Landscape, in 1995.

The town has been adored over the years by artists and writers from all over the world and the passion for the town reached its peak in the 19th century, in the heart of the romantic era.

Poets such as Lord Byron, who called it a "a Garden of the Earthly Paradise", or Portuguese writers such as Eça de Queiroz, who described it in so many passages in his books, helped create an aura of the town, which is theirs by right.

What makes Sintra such an exceptional place?

It is exuberant in all senses of the word. Essentially, it is the perfect fusion between natural richness and the magnificence of its monuments, combined in an extreme beauty.

Let us take, for example, the vast area classified by UNESCO. Starting in the Historic Town Centre, stands the Paço Real, one of the many monumental buildings of the region.

To walk through the centre of the town is to travel through a magical world, full of extremely rich apparently insignificant details.

All this surrounded and watched over by the grandeur of the Serra de Sintra, with its luxurious , which offers endless different walks.

Sintra has unique examples of parks and gardens and has influenced many European landscapes. Highlights are the Parque da Pena and the Jardins de Monserrate.

High in the Serra, on one of its steep peaks, we can find the Palácio da Pena, the most complete and notable example of Portuguese Romantic architecture, recently restored and painted in the original colours and standing out among the surrounding greenery.

Built on the site of the ruins of the Mosteiro Jerónimo de Nossa Senhora da Pena, the palace dates back to 1839.

The monuments that are part of the area classified by UNESCO are numerous and all deserve to be visited.

But it is a walk through the town and up into the Serra that shows its unique charm and magic atmosphere created by typical mist.

Take a quiet walk on foot or a ride on a picturesque coach.

The attractions of Sintra are not only limited, however, to its romantic aspect. Indeed, the region delimited by the municipality of Sintra has beenoccupied since ancient times and many archaeological finds from the distant past have been found.

The proximity of the sea also makes the region a unique destination, since it has some of the most beautiful Atlantic beaches, including Praia Grande and Praia das Maçãs.

To travel from Sintra to this beach, you can take a typical tram along an unforgettable track. Further south is Cabo da Roca, the most westerly point in mainland Europe, immortalised by Camões as the place “where the earth finishes and the sea starts …”.

For pure fascination, Sintra is the solution.

Estoril / Cascais

The attractions of this region are not limited to the sea and the extraordinary coastline.

The historical heritage, particularly the delicious and picturesque town of Cascais, is one of the great interests of the area, with important architectural and artistic works.

There is a wide variety of cultural activities to ensure that you are never bored.  

The Casino de Estoril, the largest in Europe, is the best example of this.

One of the most important entertainment venues in Portugal, it offers visitors an extraordinary selection – from the many different forms of gaming to great moments of entertainment, with daily shows.  

Nature is also an important attraction. Complementing the sea, green spaces are also fundamental for the ecological balance of the region.

The Parque Natural Sintra-Cascais is a key example, representing not only a unique space for the protection of species, but also a key location for leisure activities connected with ecotourism, with a range of activities available to visitors.  

In Estoril, culture and entertainment are a constant, supported by diverse and high quality accommodation, including some of the best hotels in the country.

PLEASURE AND BUSINESS MIX AFTER ALL The almost inexhaustible selection of leisure activities is complemented by the best facilities for working meetings.

Does that sound impossible? In Estoril, it is mandatory! The lengthy tradition in organising business tourism events, from seminars and conferences to international level meetings, has led to the development of an unequalled range of services and support facilities, including the modern Centro de Congressos do Estoril.

The unique characteristics of the location, including the excellence of the climate, the landscape and the other tourist facilities, offer conditions for unforgettable trips and ensure that all working meetings are a great success.

Facing the south, the beaches in the estuary of the Tagus offer visitors calm waters, fine sand and modern facilities, to provide all comfort.

From Carcavelos beach, ideal for surfing, to Guincho, the paradise for windsurfers, you can discover many others, all different but all offering maximum pleasure.  

A privileged location for water sports, from the most radical to the most sophisticated, the Costa do Estori loffers unique conditions for sea lovers, with high quality facilities including the modern Cascais Marina.

SAVOURING LIFE One of the particular attractions of the Costa do Estoril is its numerous restaurants.

Try some of the most typical dishes of the region, including fish and shellfish, such as steamed lobster, sea bass, white bream or the memorable Cascais sole.  

One of the greatest flavours of life is adrenalin, and there is no lack of sources of adrenalin in Estoril, with a wide range of facilities for all sportsmen and women.

The Autódromo do Estoril, the most important race track in the country, hosts spectacular national and international races.  

The magnificent selection of golf courses in the Costa do Estoril region are a major attraction for golfers. Considered some of the best in Europe, they can be found in privileged locations and with the best possible facilities and infrastructure.

Playing golf in Estoril is pure pleasure for all players that visit its famous, international courses.

The Costa do Estoril is waiting for you to discover it.

Romantic, cosmopolitan, full of entertainment and with a unique character, it is where Lisbon meets the sea.

Considered by many to be the Portuguese Riviera, Estoril and Cascais are full of glamour and charisma.

They offer a great diversity of attractions and the experiences in a limited area and in a setting that is exceptional in terms of nature, culture and heritage along the whole of this marvellous coast.

Essentially, Estoril is a destination with a life of its own, providing a range of experiences, with romantic Sintra and the capital just a short hop away.

Oeiras

The municipality of Oeiras has various points of cultural interest and pleasant locations for sport and leisure.

Besides of the forts of São Bruno and São Julião da Barra, on its coast, you will find also the fantastic Piscina Oceânica swimming pool.

Oeiras has one of the finest examples of the Portuguese 18th century mansions, the Palácio do Marquês de Pombal.

The former residence of the first minister of King José, the Marquês de Pombal (who was also Conde de Oeiras) is in the Baroque and Rococo styles.

The elegance of its gardens, full of statues, panels of tiles and waterfalls, is complemented by a fascinating interior, with paintings, frescos, tiles and statues of rare quality.

The palace’s wine cellar is equally impressive due to its monumental size.

In this municipality, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Quinta Real de Caxias and the Parish Church.

For more relaxed sightseeing, visit the Fábrica da Pólvora and, with children, the Aquário Vasco da Gama.

Mafra

In Mafra is one of the most magnificent monuments in the whole world: the Palácio Nacional de Mafra, also known as the Convento de Mafra.

This monumental complex contains a basilica, a monastery and a palace, and is the most important masterpiece of Portuguese Baroque.

Its 40,000 m2 took 27 years to be built, work being concluded in 1744. The two carillons and six organs are quite unique and the Library is considered the most beautiful in the country, containing more than 38,000 books, many of which are rare works.

In Mafra you can also visit the Tapada Nacional, created in the mid- 18th century as a park for King João V and his court.

In the Tapada, besides the rich flora, there are many different species of animals, such as deer, wild boar, foxes, partridges and various types of birds, including the endangered Bonelli’s eagles.

Surrounded by a 21 kilometre, three-hundred year old wall, the park has a small Rural Tourism house, the former Real Chalet de Caça, and two museums.

You can visit the Tapada on a tourist train, on foot, by bicycle or even on horseback.

Ericeira

Ericeira is a favourite destination for seaside holidays.

This coastal town, founded eight centuries ago, is 50 kilometres north of Lisbon and offers a perfect atmosphere for visitors to relax and enjoy themselves.

With clear water rich in minerals salts and an iodine-rich climate, the area of Ericeira has beaches of excellent quality such as Praia da Foz do Lizandro, Praia de São Lourenço, Praia de São Sebastião or Praia da Ribeira d`Ilhas, which is internationally renowned for surfing, bodyboard and skimming.

If you like smaller, more intimate beaches, visit the Praia da Orelheira.

With a long fishing tradition, Ericeira also has the Praia do Peixe and the large Praia do Sul.

The importance of the fishing in the area makes it a perfect place to eat marvellous fish and shellfish.

Ericeira is also a pretty town for you to discover. It is a peaceful and charming town that offers pleasant walks, numerous shops and interesting crafts.

Setúbal / Tróia

The Costa Azul has a wide natural diversity of landscapes and environments, favoured by the presence of the sea, and is a wonderful region to discover.

It has a wealth of natural and cultural attractions and comprehensive modern infrastructures to ensure that you thoroughly enjoy your holidays.  

Its northern boundary being the River Tagus, on the opposite bank from Lisbon, the Costa Azul extends south as far as Setúbal.

The coastal area is fundamental, but the Costa Azul also extends into the interior, thus comprising a region with unforgettable beaches, two estuaries, mountains and pure vegetation or the quiet inland plains.

A mixture of colours that radiate a unique light that always has a special charm.  In Almada is one of the most emblematic monuments of the 20th century: the statue of the Santuário do Cristo- Rei. Built in 1959, it is 110 metres high and offers a unique view over the capital and the estuary of the Tagus.

Inspired by the Cristo Redentor monument in Rio de Janeiro, the figure of Christ opens its arms to Lisbon and receives hundreds of tourists, as well as pilgrims.

On what is known by the people of Lisbon as "the other side" or the "south bank" is also one of the most popular beach destinations in the region: the Costa de Caparica.

More than 13 kilometres of excellent beaches, waiting to receive all those who love the sun and the sea. In Caparica you can also find the Convento dos Capuchos, a 16th century Franciscan monastery that has several interesting and admirable details, and is an excellent spot for a walk.

Exceptional Beaches

Beaches can often be a decisive factor in a holiday and this region of Portugal offers a wide range of different beaches.

The Lagoa de Albufeira, a coastal lagoon separated from the sea by a line of dunes is both a fresh water lagoon and a lagoonal area of brackish water, depending on the tides.

With its flat water and moderate wind, the Lagoa de Albufeira offers an excellent beach with excellent conditions for water sports.  

Meco is a well known naturist beach. Contrasting with this extensive beach is the Portinho da Arrábida, offering more intimate contact with the sea.

In Sesimbra, discover its beaches and enjoy some of the most exciting food in Portugal, based on the very best fish and shellfish.

The Costa Azul has two important Estuaries with Nature Reserves to protect various species that, besides helping to protect unique ecosystems, are also a fascinating spectacle to watch.

Closer to the city of Lisbon, on the other side of the fantastic Vasco da Gama Bridge, is the Reserva Natural do Estuário do Tejo, a protected area of more than 45 thousand hectares, considered the largest wetland in Portugal and one of the most important in Europe. Mouchão do Lombo do Tejo and Pancas are the two restricted nature reserve areas.

Nature Right At Hand

An important passage for migratory birds and for fish, one of the main attractions of the reserve is its colony of flamingos, which has over six thousand birds.

Its agricultural habitats are highly characteristic, in particular the pastures and "lezíria" plains.

Outside the reserve, you can also visit the salt pans of Alcochete, and the pleasant town itself.

Other interesting sites include the beautiful tidal water mills, particularly in Seixal and Montijo, and the windmills in Alcochete and Barreiro.  

Further south, the Sado Estuary has another important Nature Reserve.

This vast estuary communicates with the Atlantic Ocean.

The notably diverse landscape of the 25,000 hectare Reserve includes dunes with rare vegetation cover, sandbanks, vast marshes, reed beds and thickets.

But the main attraction of the reserve is the dozens of dolphins that live in the estuary and delight both adults and children, unique in Portugal and very easily observed.

Other endangered species in the zone include the Barbastelle bat and the otter.

We recommend taking one of the mini-cruises that depart from the city of Setúbal, during which you can admire the dolphins, the estuary and the stunning coastline of the Parque Natural da Arrábida.

One Step From Paradise

Arrábida is a spectacular landscape, in which human activity has been carefully integrated into the beautiful backdrop of nature.

The Hills, the Natural Park, the beaches and the historical buildings show how the best of nature can lead to best of Mankind, if people are able to integrate natural elements into their daily leisure life, without ever failing to preserve and protect them.  

The Parque Natural da Arrábida extends from the Morro de Palmela to Cabo Espichel, and includes three full botanical and landscape reserves: Reserva do Solitário, Reserva Integral da Mata Coberta and Reserva dos Vidais.

It also has a zoological reserve on the islet Ilhéu da Pedra da Anixa, which includes the Parque Marinho da Arrábida, with fully protected species.  

In the Serra da Arrábida, we can also find several beaches, such as Galapos and Creiro.

But the main beach is Portinho da Arrábida, between the highest part of the Hills and the sea.

This is a large beach of hot, white sand and is an absolute delight for beach lovers. In its waters, is the Pedra da Anixa, a small rocky islet that is very popular among divers.  

For other pleasures, to be enjoyed at the table, visit one of the restaurants on the beach and try the popular "caldeirada" (fish stew) or some exceptional shellfish.

You will also find interesting examples of significant human presence in Arrábida.

Near the small Creiro bay are some interesting Roman ruins.  In the heart of the Natural Park, on a secluded hillside, is the Convento da Arrábida, originally founded by Arrabidino Franciscan friars who built cells, a church and other outbuildings in 1542.

It is a fascinating collection of buildings that resembles a small village.

Another important site is the 17th century Forte da Arrábida, the mission of which was to defend the coast.

Today, it houses the Museu Oceanográfico do Parque Natural da Arrábida.  In Arrábida, walking is always the best choice.

There is no other place like that.

Super Shots

The Costa Azul is an exceptional scenario for playing golf, with five courses offering excellent conditions.

Next to the Fonte da Telha beach, on the Costa de Caparica, you will find two course: Aroeira I and Aroeira II.

The first, designed by the British architect Frank Pennink, is integrated into a dense pine wood, which gives it a unique atmosphere.

Aroeira II has quite different characteristics and together they make up the largest golfing complex in the Lisbon region. Indeed, with these two courses and their excellent and complementary facilities form a popular leisure and tourism centre, with the advantage of the neighbouring beaches.  

Quinta do Peru is the most recent course on the Costa Azul. Situated in Azeitão, it was designed by the North American architect Rocky Roquemore with a very pleasant layout.

The Quinta do Peru course has many trees and wild flowers and offers a series of complementary activities besides golf and also excellent surrounding views, including the imposing and beautiful Arrábida hills.

Designed by the Portuguese architect Duarte Sottomayor, the Montado course is in the region of Setúbal, near Palmela.

Surrounded by Moscatel vineyards, the course has many cork oaks, the typical trees of the region, as well as natural lakes.

For more information: Visit Lisboa

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