With the arrival of summer, Lisbon literally opens up its doors. From rooftops overlooking the city – offering lots of music throughout the nights – to the beaches along the coasts of Cascais and of the South Shore, dotted by seaside hotels that call for long walks on the sand, we’ve elected five reasons that justify a pleasant summer vacation in the Portuguese capital.
1 – Fabulous beaches that no other European city offers
Lisbon is proud of its beaches. From Cascais Coast to Guincho, the sunshine and the waves are a magnet for surfers and bathers. Further north, towards Torres Vedras and Lourinhã, there are plenty of small coves in unexplored beaches. The World Surfing Reserve at Ericeira is the first in Europe and the world’s second; and the South Shore of the Tejo river, not to be forgotten, is a small paradise of sandy beaches extending all the way from Costa da Caparica to Comporta.
2 – Hotels “on the sand”
There are plenty of hotels along the Portuguese coast line. While still in the capital, the Altis Belém Hotel & Spa invites the guest to enjoy the view over the Tejo. In Cascais, the Grande Real Villa Itália Hotel & Spa, the Intercontinental and the Miragem are well placed for facilitating long walks along the shore and refreshing dives in the ocean; the Farol Hotel also in Cascais, is perfectly positioned to appreciate the long evenings contemplating the sun set.
3 – The fashionable rooftops
Close to the sky, installed in comfortable sofas and couches while enjoying great music, delicious cocktails and a panoramic view; such is the setting in many of Lisbon’s esplanades and rooftops, starting with the Topo do Martim Moniz, and continuing with the Portas do Sol, the Sky bar, the Lost In, the Park, Rio Maravilha and the Noobai Café. Outside the city and by the beach, there is the Bar do Guincho and the Blue Bar Baía, places that offer a drink along with an amazing view of the ocean.
4 – Warm and cozy nights
It is one of the awarded cities in the Best Night category. Along with the rooftops, Lisbon night life can also be experienced at the multiple bars and dance clubs in Bairro Alto, Santos, Príncipe Real, Intendente and Cais do Sodré. Drinks, a lot of music and varied entertainment can be expected in the hot summer nights in Lisbon, as well as in the many bars along Cascais coast, where one can enjoy a drink amid the smell of the sea mist.
5 – Walks among nature
For those wanting to escape the city’s heat, a visit to Sintra’s hidden corners is always a refreshing option, as well as a day tour to Mafra and to the Western zone of the country. Portinho da Arrábida and the South Shore of the Tejo are idyllic destinations. And why not just keep going south, down Alentejo’s coast…?
Article in partnership with INS
