With over 20 top-notch golf courses, it is not surprising that the Lisbon region was chosen as the European Golf Destination Of The Year – 2007, by IAGTO (International Association of Golf Tour Operators).
An inspiring city, packed with history and dramatic views, great food and restaurants, bustling nightlife, and a sunny climate to match, Lisbon has everything to make a memorable golf holiday, on and off-green.
Lisboa… between strokes.
LISBON
Lisbon is known as the white city, thanks to its unique light. The clear light and the kind climate allow for marvellous walks all over the city. The city has a beauty that extends beyond its famed monuments that can be experienced in the streets, embraced by all the senses.
HISTORICAL QUARTERS
The historical neighbourhoods of central Lisbon are perfect for visitors to the Portuguese capital to experience for themselves. Their culture, the history, the architecture and the people are fundamental aspects of Lisbon’s identity, and those who explore them will discover their own personal map. There are so many possibilities, don't let them get away.
BAIXA/CHIADO
Baixa is the city's traditional shopping district where visitors can stroll around the streets and find dozens of shops offering a wide range of temptations.
Rua Augusta is the main artery of the Baixa Pombalina leading north from Terreiro do Paço (known as Black Horse Square by the English), to the beautiful Praça do Rossio (Praça Dom Pedro V).
Chiado is a sophisticated hub for the city’s young people, artists and intellectuals it’s an area of iconic cafés including “A Brasileira”, art schools, theatres and of living history. The intrinsic beauty of Chiado, and it’s people – going about their daily lives -, makes the area what it is.
ALFAMA/CASTELO/MOURARIA
Alfama is one of the oldest quarters in Lisbon. Since it largely survived the earthquake of 1755, the area still retains much of its original layout. Adjacent to Alfama are the likewise old quarters of Castelo and Mouraria, on the western and northern slopes of the hill that is crowned by St. George's Castle. Every year in June, the streets of all three quarters come alive with the feasts in honour of the popular saints. The Graça quarter and the churches of São Vicente de Fora and Santa Engrácia are within walking distance of this area.
AVENIDA DA LIBERDADE
Just north of Rossio, discover Avenida da Liberdade, which in the 19th century, was the favourite promenade for the Lisbon elite. Today, the Avenida is home to exclusive international boutiques to tempt and inspire.
BAIRRO ALTO/ SANTOS
Bairro Alto is one of the most characteristic and attractive neighbourhoods in the city. Bairro Alto boasts boutiques and bars and is a place where people meet in an eclectic and multicultural atmosphere. Traditional restaurants nestle alongside cosy bookshops; tea rooms serving signature cakes vie for attention with funky design shops and the boutiques of the most respected Portuguese fashion designers.
Santos – in this area you can find some of the most fashionable bars and discos. But also, restaurants, museums and a wide range of design shops.
BELÉM
Belém is linked to Portugal’s Golden Age of Discoveries as the site where the famous navigators set sail to discover the world. Today it is a spacious green suburb with many gardens, parks and monuments that are well worth a visit. Amongst Belém’s attractions is the Jerónimos Monastery, the Monument to the Discoveries, Torre de Belém and Belém Cultural Centre.
PARQUE DAS NAÇÕES
The Parque das Nações is ideal for all ages. Located in the eastern part of Lisbon, this area is a focus of the city's cultural life. The gardens along the river, frame the facilities at the Parque, including the Pavilhão Atlântico, venue for events and the new Casino Lisboa.
The Oceanário is not to be missed, amazing young and old alike with the diversity of its collections. The Pavilhão do Conhecimento and the Vasco da Gama tower are other attractions in this unique park. Take a ride on the cable car offering breathtaking views of the river and the city.
WATER FRONT
From Nations Park to Belém – The riverside, is one of the favourite meeting places for the people of Lisbon. Families, friends and people of all ages enjoy the river views and the wide variety of places to walk and spend time with friends. Cafés terraces, bars and restaurants bustle with the hubbub of people enjoying themselves day and night.
OUT OF TOWN
ESTORIL/CASCAIS
The Costa do Estoril is ripe for discovery. Romantic, cosmopolitan, packed with entertainment and boasting a unique character, Estoril is where Lisbon meets the sea. Considered to be the Portuguese Riviera, Estoril and Cascais are full of glamour and charisma. They offer a great diversity of attractions and the experiences in a limited area and in a setting that is exceptional in terms of nature, culture and heritage along the whole of this marvellous coast.
SINTRA
Sintra is an inexhaustible attraction. The perfect symbiosis between nature and its man made heritage led to its UNESCO World Heritage status in the Cultural Landscape category in 1995.
The town has been adored over the years by artists and writers from all over the world. The passion for the town reached its peak in the 19th century, in the heart of the romantic era. Poets such as Lord Byron, who called it a "a Garden of the Earthly Paradise", and Portuguese writers such as Eça de Queiroz, who described it in many passages of his works, helped create a special aura of the town.
SETÚBAL/TRÓIA
The Costa Azul has a wide natural diversity of landscapes and environments, favoured by the presence of the sea, and is a wonderful region to discover. It has a wealth of natural and cultural attractions and comprehensive modern infrastructures to ensure that you thoroughly enjoy your holidays. There’s always the Sea, the Nature and Golf.
LISBON REGION
PORTUGUESE FAITH
Beyond the incomparable coast, majestic monuments there are also places of religious pilgrimage, offering spiritual comfort, fascinating and inspiring. Visit the so-called Altar of the World: Fátima, where spiritual comfort is sought under the watchful eye of the Virgin Mary. Every year, millions of pilgrims visit Fátima moved by ardent faith to visit the city of peace. Two of the most important National Monuments can be found in the region, both commemorating landmarks in Portuguese history and both recognized as World Heritage sites by UNESCO: the Monastery of Batalha and the Monastery of Alcobaça.
Nature is an inevitable part of any visit to this area, and particularly worth a visit are the Natural Park of Serras de Aire e Candeeiros, the Serra de Sicó and the Pinhal de Leiria and the natural monument of the dinosaurs footprints.
RELIVING THE PAST
Closely connected with the Order of the Templar, the Lisboa Region has numerous vestiges and buildings that bear witness to their presence. The influence of this Order during the Age of Discovery in the 15th and 16th centuries had an important impact on the cultural and historical legacy of this region, particularly in Sacred Art. The Convento de Cristo is the finest example of Templar art and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1983. Particularly interesting are the Charola and the Castelo dos Templários.
Throughout the region, we can find numerous and valuable signs of its wealth and importance in the past as well as interesting festivals, such as the "Festa dos Tabuleiros".
Nature is also an attraction in the region, with several natural
parks, with natural parks, such as the Natural Reserve Paúl do Boquilobo, which is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
PALETTE OF COLOURS
One of the largest Wine Regions in Europe and its interesting vineyards and wine cellars can be visited by following the Rota dos Vinhos in the Lisbon Region.
In Peniche, the most westerly town in continental Europe, discover the largest traditional fishing port in the country; enjoy the delicious fish on the coast and the exceptional beaches.
The Natural Reserve of Berlenga is another fascinating place to visit. This is the only marine reserve in the country and is classified by the Council of Europe.
There are also well-known spas, in particular the spa town of Caldas da Rainha, which is also famous for its artistic ceramics and pottery.
Óbidos is a magnificent walled medieval town that enchants visitors. Captured from the Moors in 1148, Óbidos has many attractions including the fine Castle, now a Pousada, from which you can gaze over the magnificent landscape.
RIGHT ON THE TAGUS
The Lisbon Region is clearly marked by the river Tagus, Portugal's largest river.
One of the typical features of this landscape is the "lezíria" or river plain, where bulls and horses are raised, unique to this region of Portugal.
Santarém, has a valuable architectural heritage that is well worth exploring. The City Walls offer fine views over the Tagus and river plains.
The towns of Abrantes and Constância are two destinations that should not be missed, not just because of the fantastic views they offer of the river, but also for their food and traditional convent sweets.
Exceptional and quite unique is the Castelo de Almourol, built on a small granite island in the middle of the Tagus, near Tancos.
Dating from the 12th century, the Castelo de Almourol is one of the best preserved medieval monuments in the country.