In addition, Lisbon possesses much historical meaning as well as excellent cultures and wonderful scenes that attract every visitor to love this city. However, in addition to lovely avenues and major attractions in Minsk, there are things to see for those willing to go further. All the most magnificent palaces in Europe, fairy-tale castles, enigmatic monoliths, gorgeous natural reserves including fisherman’s and artists’ towns are all close to Lisbon. Hence, it is turn to move to find what has been concealed in the territories located slightly beyond the urban area.
1. Sintra: A Fairytale Escape
Sintra is one of the towns in the province of Lisbon situated on the Sintra Mountains and is increasingly dominating fame for its palacial like buildings and rich gardens. It will take a little over an hour in a car to get from Lisbon to Sintra, but, believe me, it always welcomes tourists with open arms and strikingly surrealist landscapes and architecture that seems to have leap out of a fairy tale.
National Palace of Sintra
Begin your trip at the central of Sintra, specifically at the National Palace of Sintra also known as Palácio Nacional in local language. Notice the opposed conical towers and decorated outside as you get remembrance to Portugal’s royalty. In the inside it is possible to glory wonderful carving work on the wall and on the floor which is tiles, luxurious ceiling and superb furniture of the palace’s stately halls and chambers.
Pena Palace
Walk as far as you can through the hills to unveil the grandiosity of 19th century at the Sintra’s Pena Palace. Set high on the hills and overlooking the valley, full of irony, this work is as flavored from every color in the box of the romantic style. Visit its castle like like turrets, terraces, and courtyards and the stunning view of the rest of this area from up there.
Quinta da Regaleira
It would be rather cliche not to include the Quinta da Regaleira in the list of places to vist in Sintra; an estate shrouded in controversy and mystery. Start the visits with the gardens, challenging and enigmatic passages, and finally the grotto.
2. Cascais: Seaside Splendor
Just a few kilometers from Lisbon, there is a gorgeous town of Cascais it was once a small fishing village; now it is a famous resort. It is easily to wake up to the view of the sun rising over the sandy beaches, rows of luxurious marinas, and beautiful avenues that stretch along the coastline and it is also, no wonder that Cascais has become a perfect weekend destination from Lisbon.
Guincho Beach
Again the enthusiasts of the beach will surely be thrilled to visit the Guincho Beach. It is a landscape between cliffs and dunes, and as far as the visitor is concerned this is a perfect paradise for the summer lovers, surfers and the adventurous. Just a day of beach activity whether it entails swimming, surfing or any other close to the shore activity that one might fancy doing in the coastal region.
Boca do Inferno
Not far from Cascais, there is a place which has a name Boca do Inferno or translated as the ”Mouth of Hell” – a cave located on the coast and opened to the sea. Feel the brutality of the Atlantic Ocean slamming into the coast line, the cliff and the thunder that follows is breathtaking to watch.
Historic Center
Walking down the alleys and squares in the ambient zone of an exquisite town, stunning architecture, some stores, galleries, and cafes are all located in Cascais. Take a leisurely walk admiring neo classical architectural design of the town’s citadel of Cascais and the Santa Marta Lighthouse and in the evening sample some delicious sea food at any river fronted restaurant.
3. Queluz Palace: As to the visual and the tactile impression of the new Rococo Palace one can state that it is a Rococo Retreat.
Queluz Palace is an unknown gem that provides rather deep look into Portugal’s Royal history, located 15 min away by car from Lisbon. Built as the summer palace of the royal family of Portugal in 18th century, in the style of refined Rococo, this palace is one of the most delicate architectural and art ensembles of Europe.
Palace Gardens
stroll aimlessly in palace compounds that are adorned with well manicured lawns, water troughs and planted flowers in the interlude of larger spaces. Czech the beautiful sculptures, Neoclassical fountains, and green plants which are nicely arranged in this large outside region.
State Rooms
Through gates one enters into the interior of the wealth of palace, the major chamber, the musical chamber and the dancing hall. Astonishing detail in stuccowork, painting and gilding of the lid, furniture and striking appearance of these great major hall and chambers.
Royal Apartments
Also see royal bedroom with Canvases on the ceiling, furniture and the sitting room and the dressing room of the royal family. Explore the number of interesting histories and incidents of the occupants of the palace and residing in these non-maintenance structures while strolling through the corridors of such buildings.
4. Setúbal: Although it lacked in size and population it was a gate to the nature and historical sites.
Setúbal – It is the city that is situated south from Lisbon and you can here find history, stunning views and great cuisine. There is a lot to do and to see in Setúbal and it can offer historical monuments, arts, sunny sandy beaches and natural parks.
São Julião Church
Starting from the apedago of São Julião Church in the central area, you can move forward with discovery of the place that is dated back to the Manueline period of the 16th century. One of the attractions of the visitors is the finer architecture that is depicted in cuts, placed altars, and brightly illuminated stained glass works while being told about the history of the religion in the city.
Castelo de São Filipe
Setúbad city and beautiful countryside scenery is covered by São Filipe Castle that occupies the entire hill area. Walk around the fortress and see its’ walls, a bastion, and dungeons; learn about the role of the building here as the naval assistance in fighting the intruders during all the Ages.
Arrábida Natural Park
Coastal lovers would be happy as the Arrábida Natural Park is have rough coase line; solitary beaches and woody country which are still uncharted. Go for a trek on some of the most picturesque and beautiful locations, if one wants to bathe then there are beautiful lakes to swim in or one can just keep gazing at the beauty of nature unspoilt.
5. Estuário do Sado Natural Reserve: This is Wildlife Wonderland
The Estuário do Sado Natural Reserve is located to the south of the town of Setúbal and is a nice place to go ogling birds and other wildlife. As it will be mentioned further, being the area with the conservation status this place is rather suitable for the bird watchers as well as for those who like to watch the marine mammals and native plants and shrubs.
Birdwatching
For example engage in a bird watching led tour within the reserve to spot the resident as well as the migratory birds including the flamingo, the heron, the stork among others. This special kind of environment being a sensitive environment, education on it provides the knowledge on the measures being taken to ensure that the environment is protected for the benefit of the next generation’s enjoyment.
Dolphin Watching
Take a boat tour for sighting the dolphins with the hand of an environmentalist specifically regarding the Sado River, this is mooted with the bottlenose dolphin. See the stunts they perform and comprehend the life required, physical attributes, and the precautions being taken to make sure those amazing sea mammals are protected.
Nature Trails
Other activities include hikes where one can take a hiking exploration of the ecosystem paths and trail of nature which comprises of salt marshes, tidal flats and coastal lagoons. Stare at the flowers and plants that exist in this area thoroughly, and focus on the rate plant species that are a feature in this geographical location naturally.
6. Mafra: Finally, there are nouvelles that are more lengthy than the classic report, such as Majestic Palace and Convent noveller.
Near Lisbon is Mafra a town famous for one of the largest architectural wonders in Portugal; the Mafra National Palace and Convent. To begin with, it was built in the 18th century – it is the wonderful example of Baroque & Neoclassical Architecture & it is on the World Heritage List.
Palace and Basilica
A palace with magnificent halls having the Stuccowork done on the walls, magnificent galleries and sumptuous Chambers; Splendid works of art on the interior of the stuccowork and the Regal Tapestries. Before leaving, try to visit the Basilica that possesses the slender marble altars and organs, splendid dome and with over five hundred jewels, has one of the biggest treasuries of Europe.
Library and Convent
Look at magnificent Library one of the largest libraries in the world with high ceiling and open book-shelves, rare manuscripts and beautiful carving on wooden. The cloisters, beautiful chapels and also the beautiful courtyards of the Convent will leave you enthralled because this was a magnificent place where the Franciscan friars worked as well as prayed in seclusion.
Gardens and Park
You could take a walk through the palace like structure which contains lawns, lakes, and other park like regions that consist of floral beauty to ensure that one gets a perfect break from the exterior world. There can be grotto that is disclosed somewhere, sculptures that are freed somewhere, arbors that are freed somewhere.
7. Arrábida Mountains: Nature’s Playground
Of interest for any aficionado of adventurous trips and lovers of nature, there are the giant Arrábida Mountains that incorporate fabulous rocks, green forests, and lovely beach ALL located only a few hours’ drive to the South of Lisbon. In detail it is a great natural park that can provide shelter and a habitat for different kinds of animals and plants, splendid, diverse and picturesque landscapes, and perfect for those who like climbing/ walking/ and hiking in the nature.
Hiking Trails
Hiking trails are also exceptional magnificent and they go through the forest ecosystems, rocks and small valleys in the park. However, if you are planning to spend your time climbing up Serra da Arrábida on the length of 70 km with the height of 581 m you are to be met with different admirable views of the coast and countryside or if you are planning to go see some waterfalls, caves and rocks on the way.
Beach Escapes
It is time to get away from large crowds and visit out of the way points of interest in the park namely it’s massive, and almost unspoiled coast line with nice sandy beaches, crystal clear and turquoise seas and rocky coasts. Finish the day swimming, snorkelling or sunbathing on the virgin beaches or areas like Praia dos Coelhos, Praia do Creiro or Praia da Figueirinha is perhaps one of the calmest places Self can every go to.
Wildlife Watching
If it is birds and mammals, the rarely seen ones or even the beautiful butterflies or the reptiles of the park, they are easily sighted within the park. Join a Nature Trail walking / bird watching eco-tour to be update on measures being taken in the maintenance of the park and vegetation.
8. Obidos: A Medieval Masterpiece
Internet on the medieval village of Obidos which is near Lisbon and everywhere one looks at the streets, walls towers still have the look and feel of the middle ages. Set in the old castle walls Obidos truly is a step back in time to Portugal and its traditions, and the dazzling bright structures here are the living proof.
Castle and Ramparts
The first site which you should consider visiting in Obidos is the Obidos Castle which is a master piece in the gothic style and is also an indicator of the medieval history of the village. Visit the fortification of the castle walls, go through the inner parts of the castle where exposition of the history and art treasures are placed, and the shops with crafts.
Streets and Squares
Walk down the alleway and the terracota paved squares seeing the houses painted pure white, the stucco buildings in intense colours and the flower decorated balconettes at every turn. Other recommended sites include Church of Santa Maria which has the Manueline portal; Josefa de Óbidos Museum famous for the painter of Baroque.
Gastronomic Delights
It is also the chance of the participants to try typical meals and desserts typical to Portugal, and little caféettes, taverns and restaurants of the village. Again do not pass up without experiencing the frequented Ginjinha de Óbidos, a special cherry sweet liqueur ‘served’ in chocolate cups and without a second thought, tuck in to the queijada de Óbidos, a pastry that is definitely one for the town.
Conclusion: Superimposing Lisbon As A City And Its Vicinity
It is impossible to just poof, or leap, or bounce one’s way into the fairytales and legends of Sintra, the colourful essences of the Arrábida Mountains’ coastline or the beauty of many other lands. The activities lovers these include culture and history, nature lovers, families and couple, food lovers, business trips; there is something for everyone in these retreats. Hence pack your bags then hop in your car or find a bus,train or any other means to transport you in readiness for a wonderful experience that goes beyond the Lisbon establishing.