The best beaches of the Lisbon Riviera. Lisbon Riviera
We will organize a variety of excursion tours to Portugal in 2020. Portugal is one of our favorite destinations. Portugal - wonderful country For have a relaxing holiday And interesting travels. The destination is relatively expensive, mainly due to air travel to Lisbon.
We specialize mainly in sightseeing tours, of which I would like to highlight first of all our wonderful author’s tour “Iberian Voyage”. This tour includes visits to two countries - Spain and Portugal and is relatively inexpensive due to the more economical flight to Madrid.
Our tours to Portugal are designed for tourists from different cities. In each tour, in the "Transport" section, there is information on flights and transfers.
Portugal differs from many other countries in its calmness and tranquility in everything. Even the songs are somehow calm and melodic. Portugal is also distinguished by excellent service, an abundance of attractions and the absence of “tourist extras”. And also a calm, cool climate, very fresh air from the ocean and excellent cuisine that could easily compete with its more famous neighbors. But the Portuguese don’t argue - they just cook deliciously.
There is a lot to see in Portugal. In addition to Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve, numerous palaces and monasteries are of interest: Alcobaca, Estoril, Braga, Guimaraes, Caimbra, Fatima, Batalha, Sintra, Obidos, Mafra and much more. By the way Portugal great option to combine educational holiday with a beach one, traveling from Moscow to the resorts of the Lisbon Riviera, Algarve and Madeira.
As a specialist in Portugal, we will help diversify your trip in 2020 with interesting routes and holidays in Portugal.
This is the most fashionable resort on the Riviera, which has long been chosen by representatives of the European aristocracy. There are many old, imposing villas and famous hotels here. Aristocrats, statesmen, writers, artists, spies and deposed kings lived here, often maintaining maximum anonymity. The embankment and shady streets of Estoril saw Ian Fleming, Indira Gandhi, Jean Renoir, Kim Philby, Graham Greene, Stefan Zweig. The King of Italy, Umberto, the royal families from Bulgaria and Spain, the Archduke of Hungary, and the King of Romania, who arrived in Portugal in the trunk of a car, found shelter in Estoril. Many of them stayed at the Palacio, the most famous hotel here.
World chess champion Alexander Alekhine lived and died in the now defunct Hotel du Parc in 1946. Once upon a time, this now thriving suburb of Lisbon was a deserted coastline (Estoril = sterile, deserted). But after the construction of the casino, villas of the European nobility began to be built on the shore, and soon the casino itself became the center where the espionage passions of the world's intelligence services were in full swing. It was here that young Ian Fleming conceived his agent 007; the action of the first James Bond book takes place in Estoril. And the famous agent carries an unquenchable love of gambling through all his books.
Here truly heavenly place for tourists: many magnificent towns and villages, modern hotels, beaches, bars and restaurants - all this and much more attracts tourists from all over the world.
For lovers of active and beach holiday there are a huge number of beaches. True, the water in the ocean is not too warm, but the modern infrastructure of the resorts fully compensates for this disadvantage. Besides picturesque nature, tourists are interested in historical sites that can be visited.
When is the best time to go on holiday to the Lisbon Riviera?
Like many other resorts, tourist season lasts from May to October, the climate here is mild Mediterranean. But the water in the ocean does not warm up above +22°C even in summer. The best time for a holiday is August and September, when there are the most tourists here. The average air temperature during the season ranges from +22°C to 29°C. Due to influence Atlantic Ocean There is often windy weather and powerful waves on the water, which attracts surfers.
Prices for tours to the Lisbon Riviera
The price at the height of the season is approximately 45,000 rubles per person for 7 days; for residents of our country this is an affordable cost of traveling abroad. For those who want to spend their holiday in luxurious surroundings, the price will increase to approximately 120,000 rubles per person, provided that two people are traveling.
Those who want to save money on their vacation can buy a last-minute tour. Will help save the situation early booking, a few months before the start of the season the ticket is cheaper.
Types of recreation. What to do in the Lisbon Riviera?
The Lisbon Riviera combines several resort towns, each of which attracts tourists in its own way. The most visited of them are: Estoril, Carcavelos, Caixas, Cospa de Caparica. All of them are located near the capital Lisbon.
"Glamourous" holiday
The most popular and expensive resort on the Lisbon Riviera is Estoril. All thanks to the fact that many entertainment venues are concentrated here: beaches with golden sand, golf clubs, shopping centers, water parks, casinos, bars and restaurants. Car lovers can visit the local race track and watch racing events.
The city is rightfully called glamorous - rich and famous guests come here. Its entire atmosphere is imbued with luxury and wealth.
Youth recreation
The resort town where mostly young people vacation is Cascais. They are attracted here not only by sandy beaches, but also by night parties. There are an abundance of discos, nightclubs, bars and hotels here. The city is beautiful, but it is simply impossible to call it calm. It is definitely not suitable for passive relaxation with children.
Sports and active recreation
Carcavelos is a place for devotees active rest and a healthy lifestyle. In addition to the beautiful beach, there are many sports facilities here, and this is where surfing enthusiasts come. You can do something during the day water sports, and while away the evening with a glass of amazing dry wine. This wine is known in many European countries. It is made from 9 grape varieties and has an exquisite taste.
Family holiday
Costa da Caparica is famous for its white sandy beaches. This place is ideal for family vacation. There is everything you need for quality relaxation - attractions, hotels, restaurants, cinemas and shopping centers. There is a magnificent beach 30 kilometers long and huge plantings of eucalyptus, pine and acacia. Anyone who likes to alternate active holidays with beach holidays can go here.
Beaches
All the beaches of the Lisbon Riviera are sandy, and most importantly, they are all free. The largest of them is Carcavelos. Various competitions in beach sports are held here, and there are more vacationers here than in other places. Most beautiful beach– in Cascais, located in nature reserve Sintra-Cascais. Mostly surfers come here.
On the beaches of the Lisbon Riviera, guests are provided with a full range of beach activities. You can go scuba diving or snorkeling, parachute, ride along the shore or go spearfishing.
Sights of the Lisbon Riviera
It would take forever to list all the attractions of the Lisbon Riviera. But there are those that every tourist should see.
Source Fonte da Pipa
Once upon a time he “drinked” all the inhabitants of Sintra, but today it’s just beautiful monument architecture, which has survived to this day since 1787.
Extreme point of Europe
Cape Roca rises above the water at an altitude of 140 m. There is a lighthouse here, which symbolizes the westernmost point of the European continent. The view that opens from this point fascinates and shocks any tourist. There is also a souvenir shop where you can buy a miniature of the lighthouse.
Estate of Quinta de Rigalheira
This is true mystical place, whose history was connected with the Masonic fraternity. On its territory there is a deep well into which, according to legend, Masons threw people before initiation, leaving them without water and food for three days. If, after such a test, the applicant answered the questions correctly, he was accepted; if not, he was driven away.
Royal Palace
It is located in the city of Sintra. Portuguese kings lived here from the 15th to the 19th centuries. This palace is also called Wooden.
Cave "Devil's Mouth"
Church of Santo Antonio in Estoril
It was built at the beginning of the 16th century. Its building was damaged and restored several times. Tourists are attracted to this place. It reflects the history of Portugal as a whole.
Situated along the Atlantic coast, the Lisbon Riviera stretches from the mouth of the Tagus River in a northerly direction. This is where some of the best Portuguese resorts, characterized by a high level of service, are concentrated. Holidays on the Lisbon Riviera, Portugal - these are relatively affordable housing prices, variety of entertainment and the opportunity to explore historical, cultural and natural attractions.
The leading resorts of the Lisbon Riviera are Estoril, Cascais, Carcavelos, Casta di Caparica.
How to get there
The very name of the region already suggests that you have to get there from the Portuguese capital. The Riviera's distance from Lisbon is insignificant; by car you can cover this distance in just 20-30 minutes.
However, if you are not planning to rent a vehicle, you are not planning to take a taxi. Then the most convenient option is by rail.
The train's departure point is Cais do Sodre station. By the way, in addition to railway platform the metro station of the same name and a pier are located here. Not far from the station there are stops for various buses and tram routes, so getting to the platform will not be difficult.
Electric transport to the resorts of the Lisbon Riviera departs daily at intervals of half an hour. You need to board the train heading to Cascais. 
A one-way fare will cost 2.15 euros. You can save money if you do not pay for every trip, but purchase a prepaid Zapping card, which will reduce the price to 1.80 euros.
When to go
The Lisbon Riviera is interesting at any time of the year, but if, in addition to the desire to contemplate the sights and visit entertainment venues, you also want to soak up the shore, then it’s better to go to summer months, from the second half of June. Daytime temperatures at this time are about 28 degrees, the sea is warmed up to +20.
In winter, the daytime never gets cooler than +10 degrees, which means walks and excursions will be more than comfortable.
Main resort areas
Estoril
A holiday here is an opportunity to visit a large number of beaches, go shopping and see ancient churches. But the main thing that attracts many tourists here is the opportunity to spend time in the center of gambling and tourism in Portugal.
Main city attractions
- Fort of São Julião da Barra, rising at the very beginning of the beach;
- Palace of the Marquis de Pombal, built in the 18th century;
- Ancient lighthouse of Bugio.
Beaches
Local beaches are the most popular among Lisbon residents. There is a wide sandy beach here, stretching for almost one and a half kilometers, the ocean is calm, the entry into the water is gentle, which makes this an excellent place for families with children.
Near the shore there is a landscaped walking area, a large number of cafes and restaurants. By the way, in summer they are open to guests even at night.
There is a school on the beach where they teach surfing and other water sports, and equipment rentals are organized. There is a first aid station and a rescue service. The shower is working. There are grounds for playing volleyball and football
Tourist sites of the Lisbon Riviera
No matter what resort town The Lisbon Riviera is your holiday destination of choice in 2020 and has a number of must-see attractions.
While relaxing here, you can also visit the birthplace of port wine - the city or go explore the sights of Coimbra, which was the Portuguese capital in the 12-13 centuries.
What else you need to know about holidays on the Lisbon Riviera
Where to eat
Each resort has wide choose cafes and restaurants offering both seafood dishes and meat delicacies. Grilled dishes are popular.
For wine lovers, it is worth visiting one of the Carcavelos wineries, where you can taste local drinks.
Shopping
It’s worth going to the capital of Portugal for shopping, because Lisbon is firmly established in the top ten cities in Europe, the best in terms of shopping.
The capital's main shopping centers open at 11 a.m. and are open until 11 p.m., which cannot be said about smaller stores that welcome customers from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
In addition to magnificent palaces and castles, as well as delicious wine and excellent cuisine, sunny Portugal offers tourists luxurious beaches for comfortable rest. The best luxury resorts This country was called the Lisbon Riviera. These beaches stretch along the Atlantic coast from the mouth of the Tagus River to the north. The Lisbon Riviera will be an ideal holiday destination for those who plan to combine a beach holiday and sightseeing of historical and cultural monuments. Best season The months to visit the Riviera are from May to the end of September. The main cities in this part of the country are Estoril, Cascais, Carcavelos and Costa de Caparica, located just 10-15 minutes from the Portuguese capital.
Estoril - the most fashionable
Estoril is considered the most fashionable, modern and developed resort on the Lisbon Riviera. Gambling fans also come here, since Estoril is also known as a major gambling center in Portugal, where one of the most famous European casinos is located. For lovers of active recreation, this resort offers a variety of water spots, horse riding, luxury golf courses, and eight water parks. Among other things, Estoril is called the most sunny city all over the world, and the Gulf Stream, which washes this coast, provides a warm and mild climate at the resort. The most popular months here are the summer months, when the air temperature rises above +30 degrees Celsius and the water warms up to +21. Sandy beaches are one of the main advantages of the city - they stretch along coastline and move one into another, offering tourists all the necessary conditions for a comfortable and pleasant stay - changing cabins, showers with fresh water, sun loungers and parasols, rental points, as well as cafes, beach bars and restaurants.
Tourists can diversify their beach holiday in this part of the Lisbon Riviera by going to the casino, visiting excellent local fashionable restaurants or playing sports. Families with children should definitely visit the stunning water parks, which will impress and delight not only children, but also adults. Sightseeing lovers will also find entertainment in Estoril. The main monument of these places is the Citadel, which was built to protect against external enemies. The citadel saved this part of the country many times; it was strengthened and rebuilt just as many times, until it turned into a powerful and impregnable stronghold. According to historians, the Citadel is a magnificent example of Renaissance architecture. It will also be interesting to see the Church of St. Anthony, the patron saint of Lisbon, built in the 16th century. In addition, it is worth visiting the amazing Boca de Inferno, which literally means "Devil's Mouth". This gloomy hole in the rock makes the most vivid impression in cloudy weather, especially when looking at the “mouth” from the sea. Museum lovers might be interested in visiting small local museums (Maritime Museum, Museum of Folk Instruments, Museum of Antique Cars).
The easiest way to get to Estoril, which is located about 15 kilometers from Lisbon, is by train or bus from the capital. The cost of a bus trip is about 3 euros (about 145 rubles). The cost of a flight to Lisbon from Moscow and back is (as of May 2014) about 14,000 - 16,000 rubles per person if you fly with a transfer, and about 30,000 rubles without transfers. The flight time is approximately five and a half hours. As for hotel accommodation, prices in Estoril start from 1,500 rubles per day per room in a hostel or inexpensive hotel to 2,500 - 4,000 rubles per room in a three- or four-star hotel and 11,000 rubles per room in a luxury five-star hotel.
Cascais is the youngest
The most popular resort on the Lisbon Riviera among young people is Cascais, located a few kilometers from Estoril. This part of the coast has the most discos and nightclubs, and this is where nightlife lovers come.
Like the rest of the Riviera, the climate here is mild, allowing ocean swimming from May to early October. However, most tourists come here in the warmest months - July and August, when the air warms up to +28 degrees Celsius and the ocean - up to +20. In addition to cheerful young people, those tourists who like to relax on the best beaches come to Cascais. Here the sandy strip stretches along the coast for several kilometers. The most popular beach in this part of the Riviera is Guinho, with the highest waves attracting surfers, kiters and other water extreme sports enthusiasts. Connoisseurs of lazy “beaching” should choose the beaches of Riberia or Torre, which are calmer and have excellent infrastructure.
In addition to relaxing on the beach, tourists can visit Cascais interesting monuments antiquity. For example, Palacio de Conde de Castro Guimaraes (open on weekdays from 10-00 to 17-00, on weekends - from 10-00 to 13-00 and from 14-00 to 17-00) - a museum-library where you can see for a unique collection of 25,000 books, including many rare editions. Lovers of natural wonders should definitely see the Grutus do Poço Velho grottoes, which are located in the very center of the city and date back to the ancient Neolithic era. Tourists also like to walk along Parque Palmela between Estoril and Cascais, where open-air concerts often take place. The most convenient way to explore the city's attractions is on foot or by bicycle, since the situation with car parking is quite tense, especially in the city center. There is a separate path for cyclists in Cascais, which stretches almost ten kilometers from the city to the Guinho promenade in Estoril. By the way, you can rent a two-wheeled bicycle completely free of charge - there are rental points in different parts of the city where you just need to show your passport and rent a vehicle.
The most convenient way to get to Cascais from Lisbon, which is 25 kilometers away, is by bus or train. As for accommodation, hotel accommodation here will cost from 800 - 1000 rubles per day for a room in a hostel and 3000 - 4,500 in 3*-4* hotels to 12,000 rubles per day for rooms in luxury hotels such as Grande Real Villa Italia or Hotel Cascais Miragem.
Costa de Caparica - the whitest beach
Costa de Caparica, located not far from Lisbon, is considered the whitest resort on the Lisbon Riviera. That is why residents of the capital often come here on weekends. Young people come here for excellent waves, lovers of gastronomic pleasures for excellent fish dishes, and romantics for a walk along the magnificent coast. Here on the coast stretch best beaches with fine white sand. The most popular are Sereia and Morena, where the best beach bars are located, and the quiet Lagoa de Albufeira beach is ideal for families with children.
Costa de Caparica will be a real paradise for lovers of fish and seafood, because this city is nothing more than an overgrown fishing village. It's worth checking out the cozy Via Caparica restaurant, which has a homely atmosphere and serves delicious and inexpensive dishes. The beach restaurant Praia da Cabana do Pescador is also famous among tourists, where they play live music and offer the best cocktails in the resort. After relaxing on the beach and having some food at a local restaurant, you can go sightseeing. One of them is the Arriba Area - a huge protected area where there is a mass of rocks and fossils up to fifteen million years old. Sports lovers can relax by playing golf at the largest golf club in the Lisbon area - Aroeira. However, these courses are designed more for professionals due to the difficult terrain of the fields.
The easiest way to get to Costa de Caparica is from the nearest city, Lisbon. international Airport is located just 15 kilometers away, from where taxis, buses and trains go to Costa de Caparica. The center can be reached by train across the Tagus River to Pragal station, where you can take bus number 196 to Caparica. A more comfortable taxi ride will cost 25 - 30 euros (about 1,220 - 1,462 rubles), but may take longer due to traffic jams. When planning the budget for a trip to this resort, it is worth keeping in mind that accommodation costs from 700 - 1,700 rubles per day for a room in a hostel or mini-hotel to 3,000 - 5,000 rubles for a room in a more decent and comfortable hotel with all amenities.
The wineiest - Carcavelos
Carcavelos is distinguished not only by excellent opportunities for beach holidays and active sports, but also by a variety of historical monuments. In addition, this city has long been known not only in Portugal, but also abroad for its delicious wine, which can be tasted in local restaurants and beach bars at an affordable price. Surfers, as well as lovers of other extreme water sports, also like to come to this resort.
The beach of this part of the Lisbon Riviera is the most visited local residents, people come here from all over Lisbon and the surrounding area, so you shouldn’t count on a quiet and secluded holiday. The beaches have an excellently developed infrastructure; in addition, their size provides excellent opportunities for playing football, volleyball, etc. Kiting and windsurfing schools also operate here, offering training in these sports. As for the “excursion”, lovers of attractions will be interested in seeing the Fort of São Julião da Barra at the very beginning of the beach. In the 18th and 19th centuries it was a political prison where followers of liberals, Jesuits and absolutists were imprisoned. The palace of the Marquis de Pombal, which was built in the 18th century in the center of the nearby town of Oeiras, is stunning in its sophistication. It is also worth a trip to the mouth of the Tagus River, where the Bugio lighthouse stands, which is a fort with a central tower. Initially, this lighthouse was built of wood, but later it was rebuilt in stone.
Tourists can take a break from sightseeing in one of the many restaurants in Carcavelos. Here you should definitely try the Carcavelos wine, made from a mixture of ten different grape varieties. The best place to try a succulent barbecue is at the Atlântico restaurant, and amazingly tasty shrimp and octopus in olive oil are served at the Gioconda restaurant. Restaurante A Pastorinha is rightfully considered the best of the coastal establishments, famous for its fish dishes and stunning soulful atmosphere.
The most convenient way to get to Carcavelos is from Lisbon. The train journey from Cais Sodre station will take only ten minutes and will cost no more than two euros (about 97 rubles). A taxi ride may take longer due to traffic jams and will cost up to 30 euros (about 1,462 rubles). As for hotels, the cost of living at this resort starts from 1,000 rubles per room in an inexpensive hotel on the outskirts to 3,000 - 4,500 rubles per night in a 3*-4* hotel with all amenities.