A Sun-Seeker’s Guide To Lisbon In Summer
From seaside escapes to boat cruises, there are plenty of ways to make the most of the beautiful weather in Lisbon in summer
Portugal is known for its hot summers and the capital is blessed with wall-to-wall sunshine from June through August. If you’re a sun-seeker, Lisbon in summer should be high on your travel list. From sunbathing at the city’s largest green space, Eduard VII Park, to relaxing at quaint seaside towns like Cascais or exploring the hilltop town of Sintra, here are the best ways make the most of the sunshine.
Edward VII Park
When the summer heats up, follow the locals to Eduard VII Park. The huge green lawn is a prime place for a sun-soaked picnic, while the banks of trees and mosaic of hedges provide some shade from the sun if needed. Take a break from sunbathing to explore the park’s networks of lakes and tropical greenhouses and on your walk discover a host of decorative monuments dedicated to influential Portuguese people, including a grand the monument of the Marquis of Pombal.
Boat Trips
One of the best ways to catch some sun is by heading out into the ocean. Whether you wish to rent a boat or join a tour, there are plenty of options (and boats) available. The city’s harbours are filled with modern sailing yachts, motorboats and even tall ships, ready to take visitors on sightseeing tours. Myriad companies and tour operators offer trips – Lisbon by Boat, TagusCruises and Halycon I are a few of the best-rated. As well as being great for getting a suntan, boat trips also provide breathtaking views of Lisbon from the water.
Cascais
The Portuguese coastline is known for its beautiful coves and sandy white beaches. While some visitors choose to take a long drive to The Algarve, there is an excellent option closer to home, the beach town of Cascais (just a 20-minute drive from Corinthia Hotel Lisbon). Cascais is now Lisbon’s version of The Hamptons. Formerly a fishing village and harbour frequented by Kings and noblemen, it’s now filled with gourmet restaurants, high-end fashion boutiques and grand mansions overlooking a charming, intimate beach.
Estoril
A short walk from Cascais is the beach town of Estoril, a great destination to explore in Lisbon in summer. Accessed via a promenade linking the two, Estoril is famous for its sandy beach, Tamariz. It’s also a leisure and entertainment hotspot with a number of premium restaurants, spectacular golf courses and the largest casino in Europe, Casino Estoril.
Sintra
A hilltop town on the outskirts of Lisbon, Sintra is a veritable neverland of Disney-style palaces and green forests. A refreshing break from the city, the sunny town is known for its aristocratic history. Over the decades, Sintra has been home to many members of the Portuguese royal family and a number of grand palaces remain in excellent condition to this day. Head to higher altitudes and feel the breeze while catching some rays as you explore picturesque sights such as the colourful National Palace of Pena and the historic National Palace of Sintra.