Lisbon is the largest port and capital of Portugal. It is located in the southern part of the Iberian Peninsula, fifteen kilometers from the Atlantic Ocean. It is an important political and commercial center of the country. The city stands on seven hills that descend to the river in ledges.
From the history of Lisbon
The name of the city is translated from the Phoenician language as "Favorite Bay." Initially it was called “Allis Ubbo”, with the advent of the Greeks, the name was transformed into “Opisipio”. The city was ruled by the Romans, Germans, and then the Arabs. In 1147, he was conquered by the first king of present-day Portugal A. Enriques, and a hundred years later he became the capital of the state.
Climate
Lisbon has a mild and comfortable Mediterranean climate, which is greatly influenced by the Gulf Stream. Summer is usually sunny and hot. The average air temperature in summer does not exceed +28 degrees. In winter, the city is warm and there is no snow. Temperature - from +10 to +15 degrees. Even in summer, water in the ocean does not warm above +20 degrees. This temperature is not too comfortable for swimming. The weather in Lisbon is characterized by sharp changes in night and day temperatures. They reach ten degrees.
Lisbon Riviera on a map of Portugal
For many years, sunny Portugal has attracted tourists not only for its magnificent palaces, aromatic wines and fine cuisine, but also for its luxurious beaches for a great vacation. The best and most popular of them are united by a common name - the Lisbon Riviera. The beaches stretch along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean to the north along the mouth of the Tagus River. The most visited cities are Estoril, Carcavelos, Kaykash, Coshpa de Caparica, which are located near the capital.
Resort Estoril
This is the most developed resort of the Lisbon Riviera. Casino lovers come here. Estoril is a gambling center of the country.
Anyone who likes to relax actively can engage in a variety of water sports, horse riding or golf at this resort.
Estoril is often called the lightest and sunniest city in the world. The warm current of the Gulf Stream provides the resort with a mild and warm climate. Most tourists come here in the summer months. At this time, the air temperature can rise above +30 degrees, and the water warms up to + 21 degrees.
The main advantage of this resort is its magnificent sandy beaches that stretch along the entire long coastline. They are well equipped. Vacationers are offered sun loungers and umbrellas, showers with fresh water, comfortable cabins for changing clothes. There are numerous beach cafes, bars and restaurants.
They took care of families with children at this resort. Little guests will be just happy to have fun in stunning water parks.
Connoisseurs of antiquity and sights will be pleasantly surprised by informative excursions to the sights of the city. The main monument of Estoril is the Citadel, erected to protect against enemies. This fortification has repeatedly saved this area of the country. It was rebuilt and strengthened several times until it became an impregnable and powerful fortress. This is a great example of Renaissance architecture.
Guests of the city are no less interested in the church of St. Anthony, who was the patron saint of Lisbon. The church was built in the sixteenth century.
You should definitely visit the gloomy, but very expressive failure in the rock - Boca de Inferno, which means “devil’s mouth”. It is especially impressive in cloudy weather, if you look at it from the sea.
Cascais - youth resort
The Lisbon Riviera also has a very popular resort, beloved by youth from all over the world. It's about the city of Cascais.
Holidays on the Lisbon Riviera, and this youth resort in particular, allow you to swim in the ocean for quite a long time - from May to October. Most tourists come there in the summer months. This is a place for those who are used to relaxing in the best resorts. Sandy beach stretch for several kilometers. The most popular beach is Guinho. Surfers, kiters and other lovers of water extreme sports like to relax here. Those who come to Portugal to soak up the affectionate sun, it is better to choose the beaches of Torre or Riberia. They are more calm, have excellent infrastructure.
Snow-white resort of Costa de Caparica
The Lisbon Riviera, the photo of which you see in our article, has a unique beach on its territory. Its feature is snow-white sand. The beach is very fond of the inhabitants of Lisbon, so they often come here for the weekend. Great waves attract surfers here. Culinary gourmets are attracted to gourmet fish dishes that can be enjoyed in coastal cafes. Romantics come here to take a walk along the extraordinary shore. Here are the best beaches. The most popular of them are Morena and Sereia.
Wine Carcavelos
This resort is distinguished not only by excellent conditions for a beach holiday, but also by many historical monuments and attractions. This city has glorified not only Portugal, it has become known far beyond its borders thanks to its delicious wines. They can be enjoyed at beach bars and restaurants at a very affordable price. Lovers of a wide variety of water sports come here.
In this part, the Lisbon Riviera always gathers a lot of vacationers, so you can not count on a secluded vacation. The beaches of this resort have a well-developed infrastructure. Here you can play volleyball, soccer, etc. Windsurfing and diving schools also work here.
In the evening, tourists have the opportunity to have a good time in one of the many restaurants. Be sure to try the Carcavelos wine, which is made from ten varieties of aromatic grapes, a juicy barbecue and unusually cooked shrimp and octopus in olive oil.
Portugal, Lisbon Riviera: hotels
If you are lucky enough to come to one of these resorts on your own, then you will certainly be faced with the question of where to settle. In the Portuguese resorts (Lisbon Riviera) there are many hotels of different classes of comfort. We want to introduce you to some of them, perhaps this information will help you choose the most suitable option.
Palacio Estoril 5 *
A chic hotel located in the center of Estoril, in a quiet park. The park has 161 rooms. On its territory there are a restaurant, a bar, a spa, a well-equipped gym, outdoor and indoor pools. The beach is sandy. There is a playground, which operates in July and August.
The rooms are perfectly technically equipped - telephone, satellite TV, air conditioning, minibar, Wi-Fi.
Estoril Eden 4 *
This comfortable hotel is also located in Estoril, 300 meters from the ocean. Nearby are many boutiques, restaurants and cafes. The hotel is near Monte Estoril Station. From here, non-stop, in just thirty minutes you can get to Lisbon.
The hotel has 162 well-equipped rooms. The hotel has a laundry, dry cleaning, indoor and outdoor pools, open all year. In addition, guests can use the jacuzzi, gym, sauna, massage room, car rental, currency exchange, paid parking, two bars. Babysitting is provided for babies.
The hotel rooms are equipped with air conditioning, satellite TV, telephone, safe, free Wi-Fi.
Cidadela Hotel 3 *
It is located near the beach in the heart of Cascais, thirty kilometers from Lisbon Airport. Rooms at the hotel overlook the garden, sea or pool. On the territory there is a bar, restaurant, swimming pool, conference room, private parking, internet access.
All rooms have telephone, satellite TV, central air conditioning.
Hotel Rivera 4 *
Located very close to Carcavelos Beach (300 meters), it has 130 comfortable rooms. On the territory there is a pool bar, a restaurant, two outdoor pools, an indoor pool, a pool for children, a shopping center. It offers a Turkish sauna, spa, massage room.
The standard rooms of the hotel have air conditioning and a safe. Execlutive rooms are additionally equipped with a minibar, LCD, DVD.
Hotels of the Lisbon Riviera, regardless of the level of comfort, are famous for their excellent service. Attendants are helpful and friendly.
The Lisbon Riviera is a vacation for sophisticated travelers who know a lot about European resorts. There is everything for a pleasant pastime - white fine sand, well-maintained beaches, calm expanse of the ocean, entertainment for all categories of vacationers, excellent restaurants.
The Lisbon Riviera, reviews of which are always enthusiastic, will be remembered by you for an excellent vacation, the friendliness of the locals, excellent service and unique natural landscapes.