The Lisbon Region
The Greater Lisbon is the region surrounding Lisbon, the capital of Portugal. It consists of municipalities located on the northern bank of the wide mouth of the Tagus River (Rio Tejo) where it meets the Atlantic Ocean.
Here are some of the main attractions on the Lisbon Region
Lisbon
Lisbon, the capital. In fact, anyone who wants to get to know Portugal cannot miss Lisbon, which can be a good starting point for exploring the rest of the country. Lisbon is a beautiful city full of contrasts, between the modern and the old, which makes you want to discover it little by little. International, vibrant, historical, with a hole year calendar of all kinds of events, is perfect for those that want to live in an urban town.
Cascais e Estoril
Close to Lisbon, about 30 km away, you will find Cascais and Estoril, known as “the Portuguese Riviera”. One of the most cosmopolitan and touristic places in Portugal, with beautiful beaches and wonderful mansions built from the moment when King Luís I chose Cascais Bay as his summer residence, at the end of the 19th century, followed by the aristocracy. The proximity of the sea and the beaches, the streets and alleys of the historic centre, the fortress, the museums and gardens, the restaurants, bars, shops, and traditional commerce, make Cascais and Estoril very attractive places.
Sintra
It is a major tourist destination in Portugal, thanks to its picturesqueness and for its historic palaces and castles. The Quinta da Regaleira, for example, is classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Besides its architecture, the site attracts visitors thanks to its park.
Mafra
This town near Lisbon, in the "saloia" (rustic) area, which used to supply the capital with garden produce, is famous for its imposing Palace-Convent, the largest edifice in Portugal, built by order of King Dom João V in the 18th century. The traditional fishing village of Ericeira, on the seaside near Mafra, is much sought after as a holiday resort, and by surfers attracted by the excellent opportunities this beach and the ones near it (Ribeira das Ilhas and Lizandro) afford for their sport.
Almada
Almada, on the South bank of the River Tagus, has undoubtedly the best view of the city of Lisbon. The most outstanding views are above all the statue of Christ the King, built in 1959. In past centuries, Almada was a popular summer resort for the Court, which ordered the construction of stately homes and buildings that are still preserved in the city. Life in Almada does not revolve only around the capital, where most of its inhabitants work; it is a city with its own life, the setting for well-attended events like the Theatre Festival. The Costa da Caparica, much sought after during the summer season by the population of Greater Lisbon, who are lured by the long sandy beaches, is also part of the council of Almada.
Setúbal
Just over 50 minutes from Lisbon, Setúbal is a city located in the Arrábida Mountains with natural landscapes, which blend between beautiful beaches and mountains covered by preserved vegetation, which makes the scenery even more stunning. Setubal is a busy working port and major commercial fishing centre, that boasts an extensive history and seafaring heritage. The wines produced in the surrounding area are still famous today, especially table wines and the moscatel called Setúbal, which can be tasted in the cellars in nearby Azeitão, which also produces excellent cheeses and delicious tarts. Around Setúbal there are nature conservation areas, in particular the Sado Estuary Nature Reserve, where it is still possible to watch dolphins in the wild, and the Arrábida Natural Park, which has unique characteristics and contains species that can only be found in areas near the Mediterranean. There are also excellent beaches, especially Figueirinha, Galapos and Portinho da Arrábida (a magnificent sheltered bay), and on the other side of the River Sado, within easy reach by ferry, there is the Tróia peninsula with about 18 kms of beaches and a golf course.
