- go to Sintra (45 mins outside
If you’re near Sintra, check out [Quinta da Regaleira] (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quinta_da_Regaleira), it was a private residence built by a total madman/woman. The house is nice and all but what’s really incredible is the garden area. There’s an underground labyrinth with an underground pond connected to an “upside down tower” that goes into the ground like a well and all kinds of crazy stuff. Really fascinating and partially creepy. I liked it even more than the Pena Palace.
Arrábida Natural Park is less than an hour south of Lisbon, in a swathe of coastal land between the city of Setúbal and the small fishing village of Sesimbra. The road that follows the Atlantic through the park offers some of Portugal’s most pleasing ocean vistas, while the hills to the north provide a verdant counterpoint to the azure seas. The fine white-sand beaches along this stretch of coast are a favourite with Lisboetas. Stretch your legs, or go for a swim, at Portinho da Arrábida, where a sheltered cove and crystalline waters await. With a bit of advance planning, you can schedule a visit to the nearby Convento da Arrábida, founded by Franciscan monks in the 16th century. Or detour a bit inland to the town of Palmela to sample local vintages, including those made from the local Castelão grape, at Casa Mãe da Rota dos Vinhos.
?Beaches
- Short drive over the Ponte 25 de Abril to the 15km of surf beaches and bars on Costa da Caparica, a lively resort that’s adored by the Portuguese but virtually unknown by tourists.
- Portinho da Arrábida, very close to Setúbal, is absolutely my favourite summer spot.
- Praia do Amado
- Praia da Cordoama
- Praia do Zavial
- Praia da Amalia
- Praia da Arrifana
- Praia de Val Figueira
OUTSIDE OF LISBON
Cascais/Estoril – 20min away from Lisbon. Go to Guincho beach and spend afternoon and night in Cascais.
Sintra – Is a magical place in a woods near Lisbon. Filled with castles and palaces. Go to Quinta da Regaleira or Palacio de Seteais
Beach living:
Comporta – really hippie (chiq) village by the beach 1h and bit south from Lisbon. Really cool vibes. Museu do Arroz for dinner. Yoga Shala for meditation and yoga classes by the rice fields. You can go for the dayor stay somewhere around.
Praia da Aberta a Nova is an amazing beach to go to.