A low-cost trip to Lisbon
Everybody wants to travel and Europe is truly the ultimate destination for so many people. The only issue is money, which is why many of us are deprived of the chance to make their perfect journey. But what if we told you there is the option of a low-cost trip to Lisbon?
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Best March 2016 events in Lisbon
Say “hello” to spring with the best March 2016 events in Lisbon! Today we thought we’d talk about the most exciting events and activities to look forward to this coming month in the capital city of Portugal.
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Christmas traditions in Portugal
The local customs and cultural elements are what make a people different, unique, and the season colorful and merry. The Christmas traditions in Portugal represent a strong identity element, one that defines the country and attests to its uniqueness.
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How Lisbon prepares for the winter season
Rumor of jingle bells and the hooves of Santa’s reindeer in the open are already starting to spread throughout town. There’s a general sense of anticipation of Christmas, so let’s see how Lisbon prepares for the winter season this year!
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5 Lisbon hidden places
Everybody has heard about the Cathedral, about Parque das Nacoes and about the Belem tower, but here are 5 Lisbon hidden places that will help you make the best of your trip to the capital city of Portugal!
There is a life of the city beyond the prying eyes of the public and the commercial facade that is sold to the tourists. The uncovered Lisbon will unfold before your eyes far from the city center.
For those who want to get the real feel of life in Portugal – and we can’t stress this enough – a visit to the old Alfama neighbourhood is a must. One of the oldest parts of Lisbon, Alfama is the place where you will find old winding medieval streets, colorful clothes left to dry hanging from the balconies of the bohemian and somewhat dilapidated houses, mini-markets and street markets galore.
Among others, here you will find the (locally) famous Feira da Ladra or Flea Market (also, sometimes referred to as “The Thieves’ Market”) open on Saturdays and Tuesdays, where you can find vintage clothes and genuine antiques for really cheap prices. This might actually be a better idea than to spend money of magnet souvenirs.
If you want “organic food”, you just might have a chance to procure it at the vegetable markets in the suburbs. The products and healthy, natural and accessible as well. Also, this will make you feel like home.
The last stop we suggest is to take a relaxing walk through the Monsanto Forest Park (in Portuguese, Parque Florestal de Monsanto). This green haven is the largest urban forest in the entire Europe – a sort of Central Park of Lisbon. It is a wonderful place to take pictures, take a breath and enjoy the panorama over the Tagus river and the happy city.
If you rent a car in Lisbon or book a Lisbon tour, you can make the best of your trip!
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Santa Claus will find you in Sintra this Christmas!
For those of you who still have no idea where to spend their winter holidays, we have a few suggestions we would like to discuss. After reading today’s article, we do believe Santa Claus will find you in Sintra this Christmas!
Before you say anything, let us just explain why late-October is a perfect time to book your vacation in Portugal. First of all, if you book in time, you might get plane tickets discounts – if you wait too long, actually, you might not find tickets left at all, which will be an issue… Secondly, the choice of lodgings can be time-sensitive and other services, such as Lisbon airport transfers or Portugal tours can be booked in advance for more advantageous prices.
What we are trying to say is that today is just as good a day as any to book your Portugal trip during Christmas and/ or the New Year’s Eve. Now that we have covered this, let’s visit Sintra for a quick preview of what you are in for, provided you plan your vacation there.
Sintra is the setting for a fairytale. Nested between the Sintra Mountains and the vast natural confines of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, the city is scattered with estates and retreats, medieval castles and tourist attractions.
The most emblematic symbol of Sintra is the UNESCO-recognized 19th-century Romantic royal castle Pena National Palace. Perched on a tall hill, the castle is visible even from Lisbon. Built on the medieval ruins of a chapel, the castle was commissioned by King consort Ferdinand II and the construction lasted from 1842 until 1854. It is one of the greatest worldwide samples of Romantic architecture.
Sintra also offers beautiful plazas, the Old Town and the medieval Castle of the Moors to admire and to spend a truly enchanted Christmas and to welcome the coming of the New Year.
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Spend New Year’s Eve 2016 in Lisbon
You might call us obsessive control freaks, but there is a lot to say about planning in advance. There are lots of people who are already worried about how to Spend New Year’s Eve 2016 in Lisbon or someplace else in Portugal or around the world.
Some people dream of spending a white Christmas and a bright, frosty New Year’s Eve in mountainous regions, in the Alps or in the wild Carpathians. Others, however, crave for a bit of warmth – or at least for an outstanding view over the Ocean; and they can choose Portugal.
The capital city of Portugal hosts some of the most beautiful New Year’s Eve parties. Praca do Comercio is one of the best European locations to spend the night between the years. It is the biggest plaza in the country, hosting amazing firework displays as the clock strikes 12 and featuring a breathtaking view of the lights reflecting in the waters of the River Tagus.
Parque das Nacoes, featuring the modern ensemble, and the historic Belem Tower, symbol of the great age of Portuguese Discoveries, are other places to go out and celebrate New Year’s Eve with a crush of happy enthusiastic people.
As for the many neighborhoods that celebrate the coming of a new year, Bairro Alto and Cais do Sodre are famous for their lively partying, plus there are many bars and clubs and the Lisbon Casino to choose from.
And last but not least, how about spending New Year’s Eve at the beach? Come to Carcavelos beach!
Estoril and Cascais nearby are also excellent choices to spend the first day of the year. A word of caution, though: be sure to book… well, everything in advance. Lodgings and plane tickets come first – start looking for some. Then, don’t forget to book Lisbon airport transfers and Lisbon car rental online as soon as possible as well.
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A family-friendly trip to Lisbon
Some of us might travel to Portugal for business or just as a solo act, but for those who have children, things are put into a completely new perspective and a family-friendly trip to Lisbon is required. We thought we’d come to their rescue with some ideas today!
A highlight for every tourist coming to town, the amazing Oceanario in Parque das Nacoes presents the wonderful marine life in one of the largest, most modern aquariums in the world. Last generation technology is available, presenting multilingual and interactive informative programs.
Education could never be more fun than in the Pavilhao do Conhecimento Cienca Viva, located nearby, in Parque das Nacoes, where kids and youngsters can learn a fun version of Sciences, Physics and Chemistry.
A cable car ride can also prove fun for kids and it will give them things to talk about for days.
Kids love animals as well, so a visit to the Lisbon Zoo is in store for a successful trip and a day you can offer a smile to your children. Among the animals you can find here, we should count giraffes, parrots, monkeys, hippos, snakes, birds galore and many other friends, all set in an exotic, faithful to nature environment.
But probably above all, what children love is a beautiful puppet they can clasp to their chest or pull the strings of. The Lisbon-based Museu da Marioneta does just that: it offers children the chance to be puppeteers for a moment while learning interesting things about the history of puppets around the world. An impressive collection of string marionettes from all around the world is lined up in this museum founded in 1987, counting string, glove and wood poppets from Portugal, China, Brazil, India and many more.
And you can hire a family car in Lisbon or a Lisbon tour to take your merry group all around town!
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Best events to look forward to in October 2015
So you thought autumn is low in Portugal… The notion of “low season” can mean a lot of things, though: first of all, it’s the definition of “smart travel”, with everything – from tickets and lodgings to Lisbon car hire and Lisbon transfers – cheaper, accessible and the capital city of Portugal less crowded, more enjoyable for those who want to sightsee and review all the best events to look forward to in October 2015.
Do you know the new best way of touring Lisbon? The 2015 edition of the Lisbon Marathon, which will take contenders around the most outstanding sites in town, from the Praca do Comercio, around the Palace of the kings, along the Tagus river bank, pass the Tower of Belem and the Monastery of Jeronimos all the way to the finish line in Parque das Nacoes. To all contenders we say, “Good luck!”
Do you like clowns? Between October 6th and 11th, come to the Fundaçco Centro Cultural de Belem to attend Slava’s Snowshow by contemporary entertainer and clown from Russia, Slava Polunin. This captivating theatrical show will bring you closer to a complete artist that reminds of Chaplin and Marceau.
And if you like French movies, come to the 16th edition of the French Film Festival between the 8th of October and the 29th of November. Francophiles all around Portugal are invited to this event organized with the help pf the Portuguese French Alliance. A total of 30.000 people are expected to take place in events in Lisbon, Porto, Coimbra and Faro.
And if documentaries are your passion, come to Doclisboa from October 22nd and watch the most acclaimed European documentaries and non-fiction movies.
And as a quick last note, don’t forget to visit the beautiful Tower of Belem this autumn, as it celebrates 500 years of existence this year!
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Top 5 must-play golf courses in and around Lisbon
For those of you who want to practice an outdoors activity while in Portugal, but don’t really fit into the sporty category, golf is one sport you shouldn’t write off your list. Top 5 must-play golf courses in and around Lisbon may convince you to count yourself among the many locals and foreigners who come practice their favorite sport in Portugal!
1. Troia Golf in Grandola, Portugal, just a short drive from Lisbon, is a challenging and magnificent golf course built in 1980. With raised greens stretching among lines of scented pine trees, Troia Golf can provide a memorable golfing experience both for professional and for amateur players.
2. Belas Golf Club is a newer course, established in 1997, stretching for an outstanding 6 km. Perched on the surprisingly hostile hills, stretching around the snaking slopes, Belas is a beautiful place to practice your favorite sport.
3. With its fairytale romantic castle and its touristic air, Sintra is a great Portuguese attraction, one you shouldn’t miss under any circumstances. Nevertheless, golf just might make your day even brighter if you decide to visit Penha Longa Golf Resort in Sintra. The two courses in the Penha Longa are quite challenging among luxuriant vegetation and enjoying fresh air.
4. Praia d’el Rey is one of the best golf courses Portugal can boast with. It is a healthy 50-minute drive from the capital city, but it is an excellent facility where everyone can have fun playing golf. Not to mention it’s made the top best golf destinations in Europe!
5. Oitavos Dunes in Cascais, on the northern bank of Tagus River, is tucked between the endless Atlantic Ocean and the imposing Sintra Mountains. Set in sucg an idyllic scenery, the golf course could be nothing but exceptional.
To travel to any of these courses, you are warmly advised to book a Lisbon golf transfer online and enjoy a comfortable drive.
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