One should perhaps go for the exploration of the wonderful villages around Lisbon which are really very interesting for a visit. These villages boast of the options varying from the medieval history of the present-day manifestations that would make your trip an amazing one.
Getting a Sneak Peek into Lisbon and the Vicinity
Lisbon located on the banks of the Tagus River is a city that is spellbinding without much effort. Its history that originated with the Phoenician, Carthaginian, Roman, and Arab presence is inextricable from the life of the city. This blends of cultures is seen through the arts, build structures and cultural and historical landmarks of the world heritage. In addition to its rich history, Lisbon includes outstanding nature for recreation and exploration such as clean sand coastlines, green areas, sanctuaries, and paths.
However, that rural charm is equally felt in the villages surrounding Lisbon and arguably can be considered more exciting. In this article you will find just some of the most remarkable villages near Lisbon, all of which are just an hour’s drive away and descriptions of them.
The Villages that are Worth Visiting Near Lisbon
1. Cascais: Neighborhood: A Harmonious Combination of the Sea Breeze and the Ages.
A cosy town near Lisbon that boasts of beautiful architectural designs and activities of a coastal city. The main tourist pull factor is the sandy beaches of Durban that throng with locals as well as tourists who come with the basic expectation of sunshine, sea and sand. The old quarter of the town with the stone-paved roads and the majority of the buildings that are centuries old including the 16th-century buildings give a surprise of the bygone era.
It also boasts of having historical museums that explain tourists on the history of Cascais. Facilities like the Museu Condes de Castro Guimarães, which is an art and artifact museum in the beautiful edifice of an 1800s mansion. Another of these buildings is the Paula Rego Museum or House of the Stories Paula Rego where the works of the famous Portuguese artist are displayed.
- There is also a popular free walking tour that should be taken to get to know all the important sites as well as receive significant information about the history of Cascais. It also covers:
- Point of Boca do Inferno
- The rocky formation
- The marina of Cascais where there are so many cafes to grab a cup of coffee and restaurants to have a delicious meal.
2. Sintra: Serra de Sintra and a Fairy-tale Escape
This village situated in the Serra de Sintra is home to a splendid browse of villas, greenery of trees and managerial walks. Sintra as the combination of beauty and history has been enlisted in the UNESCO World Heritage site list. There are also several palaces, gardens and castles; with the next one being even more beautiful than the previous one.
- The Palácio Nacional de Sintra also known as the summer palace of Portuguese Royalty with chimneys in conical shape. They provide rooms with sophisticated ornament, complex tile stove, which creates an impression about what king’s palaces were like in the ancient times.
- The other place that cannot miss a visit is the Palácio da Pena that is an extraordinary and joyful palace painted in shocking bright colors and located on the hill with a beautiful view of the surroundings.
For the medieval architecture lovers, there is the Castelo dos Mouros, an ancient castle built by the Moors. Its ruins and ramparts provide the beautiful view of Sintra and even the areas farther than it. Constructed at the end of the 19th century, the mystical gardens of Quinta da Regaleira complete the village’s fairy-tale look with the grottoes and secret tunnels and impressive architecture.
- The largest city park in Sintra has numerous green areas and very a good trail that attracts many hiking fans and nature lovers.
- The Sintra-Cascais Natural Park is a reserved area that has many types of habitats and there are many different paths that lead hikers to beautiful terrains, luxurious woods, and quiet ponds.
3. Estoril: Where Modernity Meets Tradition
Estoril is a small city just 35 minutes away from Lisbon and famous for including modern sights and specifics of Portuguese fishermen’s lifestyle. It is rather famous for the CASINO ESTORIL which is one of the largest in Europe. It was during the second world war when people inclusive of gamblers spies and diplomats used the casino. Present day it is a popular entertainment complex where major types of games can be played, show programs performed, and exclusive restaurants are available.
- Also, the tourist visiting Estoril must visit the famous Autódromo do Estoril, which is the racing course that was home to the Portuguese Formula 1 Grand Prix until the year 1996. Motorsport events still occur at the circuit with many people from all over the world participating or watching motor racing.
- Specifically, the presence of Estoril guarantees that it is equipped with an exquisite beach, namely Praia do Tamariz. This beach with the facility of golden sand and crystal clear water is very suitable for sun bathing and water activities. A walk along the palm lined promenade is possible along the beach and many restaurants and pubs are available to get food and drinks.
4. Mafra: Full of History
Mafra is a historical town and is about forty minutes from Lisbon. The most recognisable symbol of the town is, certainly, the Palácio Nacional de Mafra, a Baroque palace and monastery. It occupies the area of four hectares and has a number of rooms which is estimated to be about 1200. The facility looks like monumental Marine blue in color with intensified light fascia and the artwork of pure white paintings giving the ultimate look specifically for those who have a niche for architecture.
- Adjacent to the palace are the basilica, the royal palace and a library, the Count’s library containing more than thirty-six thousands rare books and manuscripts. The palace has a rather complicated design, and the inside is very ornate, which gives the viewer an idea of how the Portuguese Palace of the 18th century looked like.
Besides the palace, Mafra features lovely streets to stroll down; There are parks and trails to have leisure strolls or to have some fun. Another interesting place that might be of interest in terms of wildlife sighting and in general interest in the natural setting is the Tapada Nacional de Mafra which is a large park and a former Royal hunting ground.
5. Obidos: A Medieval Gem
Overlooking the rolling hills of the region, gorgeous views of the township can be viewed from most parts of the township especially in Obidos. The medieval center of the town is fully preserved, with the ancient walls going as far back as XII century. Strolling along the streets of Obidos with its alley like, paved with small stones – is like traveling in time.
- Most of religious buildings have several attractions:
- The Igreja Matriz de Santa Maria has a decorated azulejo-tiled interior.
- São Martinho’s chapel is beautiful.
- The Igreja do Senhor da Pedra is also quite interesting. All of these sites give a special view on the religious and architectural past of the town.
- Very popular today are also the fairs that take place in Obidos throughout the year, for example, Óbidos Medieval Market simulates the Middle Ages with the help of jousts, soloists and masters of folk art.
- There is also what is known as Chocolate Festival which is celebrated in Óbidos and people are in a position to get to taste chocolates and take part in chocolate making and chocolate testing.
For one to truly embrace Obidos’ beauty and history, a guided tour would be said to be the best bet. Having a guided tour you can learn a lot of interesting facts about the town and they can also help to find less known but interesting places.
Accepting the Benefits and Enchants of Rural Areas Close to Lisbon
To start with, Lisbon, the colorful capital city of Portugal, can be singled out as the center of interest that is cherished by every traveler. However, equally enjoyable are the villages around the city offering equal interesting experience of the city in their unique ways.
Exploring Beyond Lisbon
Although Lisbon presents itself as an interesting city, the surrounding villages each bring a different spice to the area’s ethnographic and archaeological pot. Cascais is the counterpart to Portuguese beaches and more historical monuments can be seen in Sintra as well as palaces and gardens that seem to come from a fairy-tale. Estoril has lots of the newest entertainments and a piece of the traditional Portugal, Mafra will offer you a visit of the monumental palace and Obidos will surprise with the medieval theming.
All of these villages can also be reached on a day trip from Lisbon, or they can be used as additional nights onto stopping in Lisbon. The featured depositories range from historical centers, beautiful sceneries and fabulous cultural sites, to attract any tourist that looks forward to visiting these villages.
Gastronomic Offerings in Lisbon and Its Vicinity
It would not be right to explore Lisbon and the neighboring villages without trying the Portuguese dishes. People can taste numerous dishes, which can be associated with the geographical situation of the region and its history.
Savoring Local Flavors
- Espetos de Sardinas: Marinated sardine barbecue sticks, called as Espetos de sardinas is the traditional food from Portugal particularly to the coastal cities including Cascais. These skewers are usually grilled on the coals close to the sea shore either at the sea shore, and are prepared without spices and marinated only with sea salt. It is best eaten while you are swimsuit on and savored at one of the many chiringuitos that line the coast.
- Porra Antequerana: This chilled soup that is similar to the South Spanish soup, gazpacho is a thicker and creamier soup prepared using tomatoes, bread soaked in oil, garlic, peppers, and topped with hard-boiled eggs and cured ham. It is a cool dish appropriate to be taken especially during the hot season of the year.
- Fritura Malagueña: This compartment containing a variety of seafood such as fish, squid, prawn etc, is marinated and rolled in seaweed, coated in a light flour batter and deep fried to crispness and served hot with wedges of lemon. This dish derives from the fresh items of seafood in the Costa del Sol and is well loved by the Spaniards and tourists.
- Tapas: The flourishing tapas culture gives a great choice of small portions enabling the guests to try different types of ingredients. Some of the more common are boquerones (small fish/ anchovies), albondigas (meat balls), and gambas al pil-pil (prawns/garlic shrimp). It is best to pair these with wine or with a tinto de verano which is red wine blended with soda.
Conclusion: A Welcome to the Charm of Lisbon’s Surrounding, Picturesque Villages
The city of Lisbon is a rich and very unique place which with its historical, cultural, and scenic sights is a great place to visit. To that end, the surrounding villages are just as interesting and are equally enchanting in their own way. From the elitist and glamorous beach town of Cascais to the vast palaces of Sintra, the vibrant cosmopolitan of Estoril, the rich history of Mafra and the fairy tale like village of Obidos, the villages near Lisbon offer great memories.
Regardless of whether the traveller is discovering the ruins of age-old fortresses, admiring the beauty of well-mannered cobblestone roads or tasting delicious meals this or that village is different from others and will definitely provide the visitor with great emotional experiences. Here is a list of magical places you can now include in your travel plans and appreciate the historical value and the natural scenery in Portugal. Have fun discovering the most beautiful villages of Portugal close to Lisbon that reflect ancient and more contemporary design.
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