Three excursions around Lisbon

Although Lisbon is absolutely stunning, you'll find unique attractions just outside the city that you won't want to miss. Spend a morning exploring the ancient palaces, and another morning taking a dip in the sea to reward yourself for… your last few days of gorging yourself, with great difficulty, on sardines, cheese, and a few glasses of wine a day. Such is Portugal, alas!

1. Cascais and Boca do Inferno

Leave early in the morning to make the most of these beautiful white sand beaches. Not one for chatting with your neighbor on the beach? Do as I do and rent a bike for the modest sum of $10 from one of the shops located right in the train station. Alternatively, the town of Cascais also offers a free bike-sharing service reminiscent of Montreal's famous Bixi. Cycle about fifteen kilometers to reach other, much quieter beaches.

On the way, stop at Boca do Inferno to admire its picturesque cliffs and take some great photos of the local fishermen. If you're the chatty type and speak a few words of Portuguese, I recommend having a drink with them: you might get some excellent tips on fishing along Portugal's Atlantic coast and, consequently, impress your father-in-law at the next family dinner.

Directions: Cascais, one hour from Lisbon, is easily accessible by train from Cais do Sodré station. Note: You will need cash to pay for your ticket.

2. Sintra: beauty everywhere, on every side

A day trip to Sintra is a must-do in Portugal. The place offers, among other things, a palace worthy of the greatest princess tales as well as a lush garden benefiting from a microclimate.

Opt for a tuk-tuk taxi, which will take you to the very top of the steep hill. Ladies, beware: your first stop at Pena National Palace is exactly the kind of place where you might bump into a prince charming and (possibly) seven dwarfs. Built like a labyrinth, the Palace walls resemble the colors of a box of crayons.

Return to the main path and walk down to explore the many attractions that follow. Among them is the Parc da Condessa d'Edla and its chalet, where you'll find swans with an unabashed air, gliding across the lake as if they were stepping onto the most magnificent red carpets.

The town of Sintra has several other attractions that will certainly be worth a visit: the National Palace of Sintra, the Moorish Castle and the National Palace and Garden of Queluz.

*Directions: barely 30 km from the city of Lisbon, the place is easily accessible by train from Rossio station at a cost of €2.25/€1.15 (adult/child).

3. Costa da Caparica: between sports and relaxation

There's no doubt about it, Lisbon has plenty to offer. But having a destination like Copa Caparica just minutes from the city adds a certain je ne sais quoi to an already near-perfect capital. This is especially true for sports enthusiasts who will be delighted to discover a wide beach where the ideal waves allow for first attempts at surfing or stand-up paddleboarding.

After a few dips in the salty water (as was my experience), head out to the streets along the beach for some shopping. Numerous vendors fill their shops with quaint souvenirs, the kind I'd happily display in my Montreal apartment. This little boardwalk reminds me of the one at Old Orchard Beach in Maine: a bit kitschy , but strangely comforting.

*Directions: Located about forty minutes from Lisbon, Costa de Caparina is easily accessible by bus 161 at a cost of € 3.20.

*Prices valid at the time of publication of the blog post. Prices subject to change without notice.

Have a wonderful stay filled with discoveries and pure moments!

Stéphanie Bureau

Winner of the 4 destinations, 1 blogger contest.

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