Cascais
Set around three small sandy bays, including a traditional fishing harbour, the former fishing village of Cascais is now a busy yet relaxed modern resort. The nearby surfing beach of Guincho, with its soft golden dunes, is five kilometres away and Carcavelos beach is 10 kilometres away. Estoril (famous for its casino) is just three kilometres and Lisbon is 29 kilometres away. Several championship golf courses are close by.
Costa de Caparica
With 30 kilometres of golden-white sand, Costa da Caparica is Europe’s largest beach, lined with cafés and bars. The backdrop to the beach is an impressive cliff, topped by the charming 16th-century monastery, Convento dos Capuchos. A lively music festival is held here every summer. Lisbon, on the southern bank of the River Tagus, is around half an hour (15-20 kilometres) away.
Ericeira
A fishing village on Portugal's Atlantic coast, Ericeira, 50 km (30 mi) from Lisbon, boasts some of Europe's best beaches. Surfing and sunbathing are popular with visitors from all over the world at Calada, São Lourenço, Orelheira, Ribeira d'Ilhas, São Sebastião, Algodio, Fishermen, Whale, Lizandro, and São Julião beaches.
Estoril
The popular seaside resort of Estoril was the haunt of exiled European aristocracy in the 19th century, and a wartime refuge from 1939-45. Grand mansions and villas are set in the verdant hills backing the town, and a gothic-style castle overlooks the main beach. Estoril Casino is Europe’s largest and stages top shows. Cascais is just three kilometres and Lisbon 26 kilometres away, and several championship golf courses are nearby.
Lisbon
Portugal’s cosmopolitan capital city, Lisbon offers a vibrant shopping, nightlife, and eating and drinking scene. Lisbon’s layout is fascinating, with its old ‘barrios’ (neighbourhoods) set on hills offering panoramic views. Portugal’s 500-year maritime heritage is evident in the picture-postcard Belém Tower and adjacent Monument to the Discoveries. The Jerónimos monastery is an architectural masterpiece and the city has many excellent museums.
Sesimbra
A picturesque fishing port, Sesimbra is popular with Lisbon dwellers seeking a weekend escape. Renowned for its pretty promenades and beaches, Sesimbra is also a terrific place to eat fish. Hikers won't be let down if they climb atop the hill behind town to the 13th century Dom Sancho II, a restored medieval castle. Next door is the 12th century Church of Santa Maria, also worth a look.
Sintra
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the lush woods and spectacular mountain valleys of Sintra have been a royal retreat since medieval times, popularised by 19th-century romantic writers. Sintra National Palace, with its magnificent collection of exotic tiles, dominates the town. The atmospheric ruins of the Castle of the Moors lie three kilometres southwest and the Disney-like pseudo-medieval Pena National Palace is four kilometres to the south.
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