Near Lisbon

Sintra

Sintra (36 km from Lisbon) lies within the Serra de Sintra hills and has historically been associated with the Portuguese nobility and elite. Contained in the region are two royal palaces: Palácio da Pena and Palácio Nacional, the ancient ruined castle Castelo dos Mouros, and numerous other stately and grand residences.

Cabo da Roca

Cabo da Roca (38.9 km from Lisbon) is the most westerly point of Portugal and Europe. The isolated atmosphere of Cabo da Roca is enhanced by the very limited development in the area; there is a lighthouse, coffee shop and gift shop but not much else. The main attraction of the area is the raw power of nature as the massive waves bound the 100m high cliffs of highly faulted rocks.

 

Cascais

Cascais (32 km from Lisbon) is the coast and beach of Lisbon. It has lively bars, nice shops, cafes and restaurants, and cute streets with palm trees. You can take time out for a sunbath in the small beach Praia da Rainha, or go to the Praia da Conceição for a trip boat with paddle boats and playground.

Costa da Caparica

The last days in Lisbon were passed in the Costa da Caparica beach. Costa da Caparica is located across the Ponte 25 de Abril Bridge from Lisbon. The town has around 11 km of breath-taking beaches. The further south you go the finer the beaches get, with lively beach bars and fish restaurants. My favorite is the Praia Nova. The water is clean and cold with big waves from the Atlantic Ocean.

What I like the most are the summer memories I have of spending time there with my family. We would sunbathe, picnic, read, listen to music, chat and observe people around us. I also love playing in the ocean; trying to “catch” big waves, it’s a sensational feeling, which makes me laugh, I feel like a child. When I am resting I love the “song” of the ocean and the breeze. It’s a natural spa and it does wonders to my mental health and physical wellbeing. What can one ask more to the Lord?  I’m counting down the days until I return there.