Highlights of Lisbon

This compact area of Portugal offers so many different experiences. Lisbon alone can fill the senses to the point of confusion, but there is calmness, too, and tranquillity, in the hills around Sintra or the endless beaches on the Troia peninsula.

Cakes
For the Sunvil team, the chance to enjoy a Pastel de Nata in an atmospheric Lisbon café is an essential part of any trip to the region. For a taste of tradition head to the café of Pasteis de Belém where the sweet pastries have been sold since 1834.

Fado
Lisbon is the city of Fado music, a sorrowful tale of passion, yearning and of unrequited love. Visit the Casa do Fado museum to trace the music’s evolution and for live musical performances head to the fado houses in the districts of Alfama and Bairro Alto.

Surfing at Guincho
The winds and swell enjoyed at Guincho have attracted surfers, of all abilities, from around the world to its sandy shores. Surfing, kite boarding and windsurfing lessons are available locally.

São Antonio festival
Between 12-14 June the Portuguese capital celebrates St Anthony, the patron saint of the city. During the festival, there are street stalls selling grilled sardines, fado music is played, people dance and a parade takes place on the Avenida da Liberdade.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites
The Lisbon region has two UNESCO World Heritage sites - The Monastery of Hieronymites and Tower of Belém in Lisbon and the cultural landscape of Sintra.

Walking in the Serra de Sintra
This verdant area of wooded hills and coastline surrounds the romantic historical town of Sintra. Paths and marked trails take you into the countryside and afford magnificent views over the Atlantic and of turreted palaces and palatial gardens.

Awards
Lisbon has been voted the Best City Break Destination in Europe three times in the last 6 years. This prestigious prize is awarded by the World Travel Awards. Lisbon is recognised for its year round pleasant climate, rich culture and unrivalled pricequality ratio.

Cycling in Cascais
A cycle path links the seaside resort of Cascais with the beaches of Guincho (8km) - a wonderful way in which to explore the coastline. You can also cycle along the promenade from Cascais to Estoril. Bicycles are available for hire locally.

Take a tram ride
Criss-crossing the centre of Lisbon is a network of trams. For first time visitors we would recommend taking a journey on Tram No.28 across the historic core, or on Tram No.12 which winds through the narrow streets of the Alfama quarter.

Dolphin watching excursion
The Sado river estuary borders the port town of Setúbal and is the only river in Europe to have a colony of resident dolphins. Currently a pod of 30 bottlenose dolphins live in these waters. Boat excursions are available locally.

Ursa
Explore Ursa one of the most secluded and beautiful beaches situated along the road to Cabo da Roca (the westernmost point of mainland Europe). It involves a steep descent along narrow paths and requires caution when swimming.

Museums
Lisbon has a wealth of excellent museums including the excellent Calouste Gulbenkian Planetarium, the National Museum of Ancient Art, the Ajuda National Palace, The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, The Coach Museum and the Tile Museum.

Sunsets
Cabo da Roca at (38°46'49.59"N and 9°29'56.19"W) is the westernmost point of mainland Europe, and sunsets from here are unrivalled. Before your eyes is the Atlantic Ocean which stretches ahead for 1500km before reaching the Azores.

Viewpoints
Built on 7 hills, Lisbon has many fine viewpoints. Our favourites are from the Elevador de Santa Justa, from the Botanical gardens of Ajuda, from the Belvedere of São Pedro de Alcantara and from the Castle of São Jorge. Across the River Tagus from Lisbon is the Cristo Rei Monument, a great vantage point for taking in all of the capital and the river estuary.