Lisbon
Overview
When we think of Lisbon, it is easy to think that we are in a dream, being in a place with such a charming location, a stunning terrain, fascinating architecture and so much to see, do, explore and experience.
One would be right to pinch oneself to be certain that we are awake and that is for real.
The traditional architecture seen all over Lisbon is often called “Manueline” and it is quite ornately decorated. Everywhere there are fountains and statues.
There are beautiful avenues lined with trees and many are giant palms soaring into the sky.
The roads are mostly cobbled, the pavements and squares are decorated with beautifully designed mosaics of white marble stones with black marble patterns with every design imaginable, pictorial, scenic, armorial and geometric.
Lisbon is the capital of Portugal and it is also the westernmost capital in mainland Europe.
Lisbon is one of the most romantic European cities and surely one of the most beautifully situated cities in the world – on seven hills, near the sea.
It is stunning, beautiful, historic, nostalgic and modern all at the same time. It is perfect for shopping, for discovering, for dreaming, for relaxing and for enjoying one’s time.
The centre can be discovered by walking or by taking buses, the underground Metro, the quaint Tramways or in the inexpensive taxis.
The city is “A Paradise” for shopping and for nightlife and you should definitely plan enough time for excursions out of the city to the beautiful Lisbon coast!
Lisbon consists of a series of old quarters where the old way of life still prevails and many original historic buildings still stand.
The mediaeval Alfama quarter, the oldest in Lisbon, sits on a hillside under St George’s Castle which still retains its Moorish influences.
It is from here where there are stunning views of the city and the waterfront.
Alfama is a delight and a great place just to wander around, with its maze-like steep cobbled streets and charming inns, taverns and markets. Trams trundle and screech along the winding streets.
The pavements are still decorated with black-and-white mosaics in the most beautiful pictorial and geometric patterns.
The modern streets of Lisbon are lined with Portuguese shops and goods of international standard, all full of eager shoppers, particularly in the Chiado District.
There are many squares and quaint streets which are home to traditional cafés, bars, restaurants and boutiques.
Beautiful views are everywhere, the broad avenues, the parks, the monuments and fountains, the buildings, the hills of Lisbon, the hills on the other side of the Tagus, the boats, “Cristo Rei” – Christ the King who stands arms outstretched, his body in the form of a cross, looking down as if he is greeting the young.
The best views of the city are on a ferry boat when approaching the city from across the water, it shows this beautiful city in all of its many colours, stretched out, climbing the hills displayed before you like a fine Canaletto oil painting.
Most of the nightlife in Lisbon is centred around the Bairro District, a colourful and vibrant area full of lively bars and clubs, with many places featuring “fado” meaning “fate”, the traditional music and dance of Portugal.
Lisbon is full of fantastic restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets, with many specialising in fish and seafood and the delicious country cooking of the country.
Geography
Lisbon is located in the mid-west of the country, on the Atlantic Ocean coast, at the point where the giant River Tagus flows the last of its 800 kilometres (500 miles) past Lisbon’s monumental cityscape into the Atlantic Ocean.
Demography
Lisbon has a population of 564,477 inhabitants and the metropolitan area nearby has about 2,800,000 inhabitants, making it the biggest and largest populated of the 18 cities in Portugal.
Climate
Lisbon is one of the mildest European capitals.
Summer months are mostly sunny, dry and hot with temperatures between 16°C to 36°C and winters are typically rainy, windy and cool with some sunny days with temperatures between 2°C and 18°C.
On average, there are 3300 hours of sun per year and only 100 days with rain per year.
Leisure
Whilst visiting Lisbon, there are plenty of cultural sights to see, including beautiful churches and museums. Tourist attractions include the Tower of Belem, the Parque das Nações (the Expo 1998 site) and the Monument to the Discoverers.
The beaches of Estoril and Cascais are close by and other excursions from Lisbon include Sintra, with its elegant palaces, Azeitão, a series of charming small villages next to the Arrabida National Park, and the Mafra Monastery.
Lisbon Coast holidays feature the Estoril Coast which runs west from the Lisbon suburb of Belem to the wild expanses of Praia do Guincho.
The sandy Carcavelos beach is popular with surfers and there are superb Lisbon Coast beaches at Parede and the lively resorts of São Pedro and São João.
An undoubted highlight of Lisbon Coast holidays is Cascais, a fascinating resort with great character and a charmingly easy going relaxed atmosphere.
Cascais is a great spot for a Lisbon Coast holiday, offering quality gourmet restaurants, an interesting cultural life, a nightlife scene and three beautiful beaches.
Holidays on the Lisbon Coast should include the lovely promenade walk from Cascais beach to the equally sophisticated upmarket resort of Estoril with its extraordinary mansions, luxury hotels and amazing casino.
Estoril Coast holidays also feature Praia do Guincho, a huge wild beach and a world-famous spot for the most challenging surfing and windsurfing.
No holiday on the Lisbon Coast should miss out on the amazing town of Sintra with its cool exuberant forests and ravines and its amazing collection of romantic and fantastic castles, palaces, mansions, follies and gardens.
The Lisbon Coast west of Sintra features pleasant small resorts like Praia Grande, Azenhas do Mar and Praia das Maçãs and the cliffs at Cabo da Roca – the western-most point of Europe.
Lisbon Coast holidays could also include the wonderful rococo Palacio de Queluz and the Mafra Monastery.
The Lisbon Coast is one of the fastest growing golfing regions in Europe and already boasts some of the best courses in Portugal. Just a short drive from Lisbon city centre brings you to some top quality courses including Estoril and Penha Longa - both hosts to the “Portuguese Open”. A bit further north is the stunning Praia d'El Rey 5* resort which is ideal for a week long Portuguese golf holiday.
For winter golf breaks to warmer climes or some summer sun, the resorts of Aroeira and Quinta da Marinha offer the ideal surroundings in which to relax. In addition, the vibrant capital city of Lisbon is never far away, ensuring that your Portuguese golf break is as entertaining or as relaxing as you want it to be.
Useful Data
Currency
The Euro €, but other currencies may be taken and will be exchanged in banks.
Language
Portuguese is the native language, but you will find that many people in the Lisbon will speak English, particularly business people and the young.
Emergencies
You should dial: 112, the national emergency number for Ambulance, Fire and Police, in the event of an emergency. This service is free of charge and your call can be answered in either English, Portuguese or French. Spanish is also understood.
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