Alongside the vines that give the Lisbon region its colour and flavour, there are unmissable views, unforgettable experiences and memories to keep. Come and discover them.
Along the roads of the Atlantic coast
Starting in Lisbon, take the N6/Marginal to the Boca do Inferno in Cascais. Continue along the N247 to Cabo da Roca, through the Sintra hills. From Sintra, follow the same N247 to Ericeira, where you can enjoy the finest quality fish, accompanied by a chilled white wine. The same road continues, always hugging the coast, to Peniche, where the islet of Papôa is well worth a visit. Make your way to Foz do Arelho and São Martinho do Porto, and from there the N242 takes you to the charming town of Nazaré.
There’s nothing better than the coastal roads for appreciating the influence of the Atlantic, which lends the characteristic freshness and salinity to many of the wines from the Lisbon region.
Cabo da Roca and the Serra de Sintra
Situated between Cascais and Sintra, Cabo da Roca is famous for being the westernmost point of mainland Europe. Standing beneath the lighthouse – one of the oldest in Portugal still in operation – one can get a small sense of the vastness of the ocean.
Turning your back on the sea, you find yourself facing the magnificent Serra de Sintra. The lack of vegetation earned it the nickname ‘Monte da Lua’ (Moon Mountain), but it is now covered in dense forest. Hidden amongst the trees are monuments such as the Convento dos Capuchos and the Palácio de Monserrate. Majestic, the ancient Castelo dos Mouros and the more recent Palácio da Pena crown the mountain range.
Tapada Nacional de Mafra
The Tapada was established as a hunting ground by King João V in the 18th century. It covers more than 800 hectares, enclosed by a 21-kilometre wall, and is home to over 200 species of trees.
But the Tapada’s crowning glory is its diverse wildlife. Fallow deer, red deer, wild boar, foxes, owls, eagles, salamanders and tortoises are just some of the species you may encounter. The Tapada Nacional de Mafra can be explored on foot, via the marked trails, or by bicycle. You also have the option of taking the train or an electric car, if you prefer.
Ota Karst Canyon
Although there is evidence of human presence dating back more than five thousand years and continuing into the medieval period, it was not until 1932 that this gorge, of great natural and historical value, began to be properly studied and catalogued. The archaeologist responsible was Hipólito Cabaço, a native of Alenquer.
In fact, this is the valley of the River Ota, which flows from south-west to north-east at the foot of vertical cliffs over 100 metres high, stretching for almost three kilometres. Exploring the area on foot requires caution and, at the same time, time for complete contemplation.
Berlengas Archipelago and Consolação Beach
This archipelago off the coast of Cabo Carvoeiro, Peniche, comprises the Berlenga Grande, Estelas and Farilhões-Forcadas islands. Only Berlenga is inhabited; although there isn’t strictly speaking a local community, there are buildings and people who live and work there in shifts. As well as the natural beauty, you can visit the Fort of São João Baptista, the access bridge and the Duque de Bragança Lighthouse, as well as the Fishermen’s Quarter and the Castelinho.
Back on the mainland, make the most of a swim at Praia da Consolação, which, as well as being a place to relax, has therapeutic properties for those suffering from bone conditions.
Óbidos Lagoon
For those who enjoy the beach, physical activity or biodiversity, the Óbidos Lagoon has plenty to offer. Situated along the coast, it is fed by the Barrosa and the Bom Sucesso channels, and flows into the sea via the Aberta, a tidal inlet in Foz do Arelho. The presence of the estuary and the lagoon sets Foz do Arelho apart from ordinary beaches. There is a wide range of water sports, restaurants and nightlife on offer in the region.
The canals are a world of diversity, commonly home to oystercatchers, flamingos, great reed warblers, mute swans and mallards, whilst the water is also teeming with fish, invertebrates and bivalves.
Paul da Tornada Nature Reserve
The Paul da Tornada Nature Reserve, located in Caldas da Rainha, is a paradise for birdwatchers. It comprises twenty-five hectares of permanently flooded land, surrounded by woodland. From two observation posts, visitors can spot a variety of bird species that rest there on their migratory routes.
Among the most common species are the purple heron, the white-faced cormorant and the osprey, but short-toed eagles, black kites and western swamphens can also be seen. Otters, water lizards and the Mediterranean tree frog are also part of this ecosystem, which comprises mammals, reptiles, amphibians and fish, such as the redfin.
Alvados Cave
This magnificent cave was a simple shelter for shepherds until exploration started in 1964. Nine years later, it was opened to the public. Today, visitors can see stalactites, stalagmites and columns throughout a variety of chambers and lakes.
In total, the cave stretches for 350 metres and its highest point reaches 95 metres. The largest chamber, known as the Cathedral, boasts an impressive fossil, whilst in the Hall of Statues you’ll find stalactites dating back twenty-four thousand years. The Planet Wonder Chamber, meanwhile, is a whole world of colours and unusual shapes.
Santo António Cave
The Santo António Cave, in Porto de Mós, was discovered in 1955, but only became open to visitors in 1972, following the opening of the access tunnel. It is here that you will find the first major point of interest: a five-metre-tall stalagmite, which is equivalent to fifty thousand years old.
The two chambers are filled with stalactites, stalagmites and columns. The Main Chamber, covering 4,000 square metres, is one of the largest limestone formations in Europe. The site also comprises the Palmeira, Cascata and Felicidade pools.
