 Lisbon's Coast spreads from the Tagus estuary to the
Alentejo coastline, from the sophisticated great metropolis
to colourful fishing villages.
Nearby, Sintra's lush wooded heights and verdant charms
invite one to take a ride on a horse-pulled carriage,
and gaze at the marvellous manor-houses, located within
the grounds of century old farms, as one drives up to
Pena Palace, a fabulous example of Romantic architecture,
that keeps the atmosphere of a royal residence.
To make it a difficult choice for the curious visitor
and only slightly farther afield, lie the impressive
Mafra Convent, the cosmopolitan seaside resorts on the
way to Cascais, the verdant Serra da Arrábida
and picturesque Sesimbra, the Sado estuary and the aristocratic
farm-houses of Azeitão. Driving south, the ochre
and blue unspoilt beaches on the Alentejo coastline open
on to a vast Atlantic horizon.
Places of Interest
Cascais -
Stylish summer resort. Amongst the numerous restaurants,
bars and discotheques, are the following historic places:
Castro Guimarães Museum and Sea
Museum; the 18th century churches of Nossa Senhora da
Assunção and Nossa Senhora dos Navegantes;
the hermitages of Nossa Senhora da Guia (15th century)
and São Sebastião (16th-17th centuries)
and the 17th-century fortress. Just a few minutes’ away
lies Guincho beach (a great place for those who enjoy
surfing and windsurfing).
Estoril - Renowned world-wide as an important tourism
spot (casino, golf course and racing track). The beautiful
Santo António Church stands out in this cosmopolitan
resort, which also boasts an exciting nightlife.
Lisbon - Spreading out along the right bank of the Tagus,
its downtown, the Baixa, is located in the 18th-century
area around Rossio. East of the arcaded Praça
do Comércio, are the medieval quarters of Alfama
and Mouraria, crowned by the magnificent St. George's
Castle. To the west lie Bairro Alto and Madragoa, with
their typical streets, and on the western extreme is
Belém, with its Belém Tower, the Jerónimos
Monastery (masterpieces of Manueline architecture and
classified in UNESCO's International Heritage list) and
the Cultural Centre of Belém. Museums: Ancient
Art, Chiado (Contemporary Art), Tile, Archaeology, Ethnology,
Coach, Costume, Theatre, Maritime, Military, City, Gulbenkian,
Modern Art Centre, and the Ricardo Espirito Santo Silva
Foundation. Palaces open to the public: Ajuda and Fronteira.
Churches: Cathedral (with Treasury); São Vicente
de Fora; Conceição Velha (Manuelina), São
Roque and Sacred Art; Madre Deus; Santa Engrácia
Pantheon (Baroque), and the Estrela Basilica. Shopping:
Downtown; Avenida de Roma, Praça de Londres, Avenida
Guerra Junqueiro, and Amoreiras. Nightlife: Bairro Alto
and Avenida 24 de Julho.
Mafra - Palace-Convent built in the 18th century, is
the largest Portuguese religious monument. It consists
of lavish royal apartments, magnificent library, carillon,
basilica and museums.
Palmela - Dominated by a magnificent castle which houses
the ancient Santiago Convent (currently a Pousada). The
town features.
Igreia de São Pedro - a 17th century church. Its
inside walls are entirely covered with azulejos depicting
scenes from the life of Saint Peter, Pillory erected
in 1645, Capela da Misericórdia - famous for its
walls lined with 17th century azulejos.
Queluz - Summer palace of the kings of Portugal in the
18th century, enclosing a series of rambling and beautiful
gardens with lakes and sculptures, and housing an important
collection of furniture, paintings, tiles, and decorative
arts.
Sesimbra - Picturesque small fishing town, with a medieval
castle. Whilst here, do not miss the Sanctuary of Nossa
Senhora in Cabo Espichel and Lagoa de Albufeira, a favourite
spot for windsurfers.
Setúbal - Opposite to the Tróia Peninsula
(18 km of beaches and golf courses) is the city of the
Sado river (an important natural reserve). Places of
interest: Museum, churches of Jesus and São João
(Manuelina), São Domingos, Boa Hora, Santa Maria
da Graça and São Julião. The castle
includes a Pousada, overlooking Setúbal.
Sintra - In the centre stands the National
Palace, with its beautiful painted rooms and huge pair
of conical chimneys, the Village's ex-libris. Other palaces:
Pena, Seteais (18th century and currently a luxurious
hotel) and Monserrate, renowned for its gardens and water
courses. The churches of São Martinho (Romanesque
origin), Santa Maria (Roman-Gothic) and São Pedro
of Penaferrim (15th-16th centuries). Nearby are the church
of Santo António do Penedo (16th century) and
Peninha Hermitage (Baroque tile works). The Toy Museum,
with over 20 000 pieces from the 16th to the 20th century.
In the suburbs: the Capuchos Convent (16th century) and
Cabo da Roca (the westernmost point in continental Europe).
Regional Gastronomy
This region is a fish heaven where you can find fresh
bass and cockle, and the musseis from Ericeira and Cabo
do Roca; the red mullets, clams and oysters from Setúbal;
the swordfish from Sesimbra and the crustaceans from
Cascais.
Other specialities typical of this area include the goat
and sheep cheeses from Sobral de Monte Agraço
and from Azeitão, the pastries from Malveira and
the "pão de ló" from Loures,
the nuts and egg dainties from Cascais, the "zimbros" (gin
cakes) from Sesimbra, the "queijadas" (little
cheese cakes) from Síntra; the wines from Colares,
Bucelas, Setúbal, Carcavelos and the farrious "moscatel" wine
from Setúbal.
In Lisbon itself, you can try all the specialities of
Portuguese cuisine. In this city, you will mainly find
typical country dishes like grilled sardines, clams "à Bulhão
Pato" style, fish soups "à fragateira" style
... and varied and tasty dishes cooked with codfish.
Apart from all the desserts available to you, do not
forget to try the local Belém custard pies.
Article © 2002-2006, Oporto,
Portugal
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