Behind the Portuguese capital lies a region of breathtaking sites, from historic towns to heavenly beaches. Commonly known as the Lisbon Region, Extremadura has much more to offer than just its big city. Not to be confused with its Spanish namesake,Portugal's Extremadura is a delight for all travelers, whether history buffs, nature lovers or those looking for a relaxing getaway. To find out what to visit in Extremadura, Portugal, discover the 15 most beautiful places.
1- Lisbon
Beautiful and easygoing, Lisbon ticks all the boxes. It's not for nothing that the country's capital is one of the 20 most beautiful cities in the world. Take the famous No. 28 streetcar, lose yourself in the beautifulAlfama district and visit Castelo São Jorge before admiring the view fromone of the city's best rooftops. Don't forget to visit Belém and its Tower, with a mouthful of delicious Pasteis de Nata.
Since we can't sum up this incredible capital in just a few lines, check out our article dedicated to Lisbon's 19 must-sees.
2- Visit Sintra
Just 30km from Lisbon, Sintra is the region's Eden. Elegant, extravagant and surrounded by lush vegetation, the city of colorful palaces seems straight out of a fairy tale. A UNESCO World Heritage Site in its entirety, it inspires and enchants visitors with its many gardens and enchanting architecture. Visit the Palais de Pena and its gardens,one of the most beautiful castles in the world, before discovering the nearby ruins of the Château des Maures. Take the tour a step further with our article on Sintra's 13 must-sees.
Book your ticket now for a visit to Pena Palace and its gardens.
3- Cascais and Estoril
These are the most famous towns on the Lisbon Riviera. Cascais and Estoril have been attracting visitors since the 19th century, thanks to their thermal waters and pleasant microclimate. Before going for a dip in the sun on the small beach of Tamariz, stroll through the narrow streets of Estoril and admire its seaside palaces, visit the church of Santo Antonio and enjoy the fine weather on a café terrace. More lively, Cascais offers a wide range of events and activities in summer. The promenade between Largo Luis de Camões and Largo 5 de Outubro is crowded with tourists and pubs, perfect for a refreshing break after a day at the beach.
4- What to visit in Extremadura Cabo da Roca
If there's one place where it doesn't hurt to be completely west, it's Cabo da Roca. The most westerly point of continental Europe offers an absolutely breathtaking view of the coast and cliffs. Get up close, but not too close, and admire the waves breaking on the rocks. Travellers prone to vertigo, please refrain! Before you leave, go to the tourist office to pick up your passport certifying your passage at 9° 30' west longitude, 38° 47' north latitude, 140 m above sea level- the exact coordinates of the site.
5- Surfing in Ericeira
Surfers and Portuguese holidaymakers alike flock to this wave-beaten town every year. Ericeira is a charming little seaside resort northwest of Lisbon. Come and enjoy the beaches and stroll through the narrow streets, admiring the typical fishermen's houses, whitewashed and framed in indigo. Head for the central Praia des Pescadores beach, where you can admire the open sea from its belvedere.
6- What to visit in Portugal's Extremadura region? Setubal
Many travelers stop off in Setubal on their way to theAlgarve. Long neglected, this port city boasts a harbor and a historic old town with a pleasant atmosphere and great shopping. If you're looking for a lively town, head here at weekends, when a big market takes place every Saturday, and many bars and restaurants come to life on the harbor. Taste a wide range of fish and seafood, and discover tortas de Azeitão, a rolled cake with fluted egg cream.
Portugal is a country rich in culinary specialties, and we've listed just a few for you.
7- Almada
Just outside Lisbon, cross the Tagus on Europe's largest suspension bridge, the famous Pont du 25 Avril, and you'll find yourself in Almada. Cross the Golden Gate Bridge to reach this suburban town on the outskirts of Lisbon. Here you'll find the sanctuary of Christ the King, a replica of Rio's Christ the Redeemer. At 110m high, the monument can be seen from afar, and its terrace offers a panoramic view of the surrounding area.
8- Visit Azenhas do Mar
Plunge straight into a postcard setting with a visit to the cliffside village ofAzenhas do Mar. A popular destination for seaside breaks, the town boasts a natural swimming pool carved out of the rocks, and the beach below is perfect for a refreshing dip in summer. Take a stroll through the village's narrow streets to admire the white houses with tiled roofs, typical of the area.
9- Go to Praia das Maças
The small Praia das Maças makes up in beauty what it lacks in size. The "apple beach" is a pretty cove surrounded by rocks, against which the waves crash. Nearby, the Praia Grande seafront is ideal for surfing, or enjoying a drink after a relaxing day at the beach. You can also take a stroll along the footpaths at the top of the surrounding cliffs to admire the view over the bay.
10- What to visit in Extremadura? Alcobaça
Rich in history and culture, the town ofAlcobaça is well worth a day's visit. Start by heading for the Alcobaça Monastery, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a detour to the Abbey Museum to admire preserved works of art and artifacts from the period. Don't miss a visit to the Jardin de l'Amour, perfect for a quiet stroll. As for culinary specialties, the town is famous for its Cornucopias, horn-shaped soft-boiled egg pastries.
We recommend booking a guided tour of the Alcobaça Monastery.
11- Hiking in the Arrabida Natural Park
Nature lovers and hikers will be delighted by the Arrabida Nature Park, renowned throughout the country. Start by walking the Serra do Risco trail and enjoy panoramic views of the ocean and surrounding mountains. Visit the Convento da Arrabida, a 16th-century convent nestled in the hills. A number of hiking trails pass through the region's vineyards . To round off your day, seek post-exertion solace at Praia dos Galapinhos, a secluded beach only accessible on foot.
12- See Queluz
Queluz is located on the outskirts of Lisbon. This historic city with a royal flair boasts the impressive Palais National de Queluz, a baroque palace with a sumptuous interior. Don't miss a stroll through the gardens, where fountains, sculptures and statues punctuate your stroll with beautiful details. In the city, you'll also find the Royal Chapel, with its typical Portuguese architecture, and the Music Museum, which houses an impressive collection of antique instruments.
Book your ticket for the Palais National de Queluz now.
13- Albufeira's Praia da Lagoa
Well south of Lisbon, near the Arrabida Nature Park, discover the Praia da Lagoa de Albufeira. This heavenly beach with its golden sands and crystal-clear waters is very popular with tourists. Stroll along the surrounding hills and enjoy spectacular ocean views. Numerous beach restaurants in the vicinity offer seafood and traditional dishes. For walkers, a coastal path allows you to enjoy nature far from the crowds.
To discover Portugal's most beautiful beaches and cliffs, head for the Algarve region.
14- Mafra
Mafra is best known for its immense national palace. This Franciscan monastery of Baroque architecture was built in the 18th century at the request of King Dom João V. It was built to thank the Franciscan monks for the birth of the king's daughter, Maria Pia. It is one of the largest monasteries on the Iberian Peninsula. Don't forget to visit the Tapada de Mafra, a forest close to the city, once used as a hunting reserve.
If you have booked the Lisbon Card pass, you can visit Mafra Palace free of charge.
15- What to see in Portugal's Extremadura region? Sesimbra
While in the small fishing town of Sesimbra, be sure to explore the Castelo de Sesimbra, from where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the coast and surrounding area. Then visit the narrow streets of the city's historic center, where you'll find craft stores and small cafés. To relax after your stroll, head to Sesimbra Beach, and pass by the harbor to sample fresh seafood in the local restaurants.
How do I get to Extremadura in Portugal?
To get to Portugal's Extremadura region, the best place to start is Lisbon. Portugal has good public transport networks, so you can then reach the region's towns easily. You can get to Lisbon by
- By train: international trains, some of them overnight, run to Lisbon with a stopover in a major Spanish city. This is your chance to discover an extra city along the way! If you're already in Portugal, the inland train network is well served.
- By bus: several bus companies offer regular routes to Lisbon from many European cities, ideal for those on a tight budget.
- By car: the journey is longer, but the scenery along the way is well worth the detour. From France, head for Spain, then take the A6 towards Lisbon.
- By plane: Lisbon's Huberto Delgado airport is served by many airlines with direct flights.
When to visit Extremadura in Portugal?
Portugal's Extremadura region enjoys a pleasant climate for most of the year, so all you have to do is choose your season:
- Spring : the mild climate is perfect for outdoor activities. The countryside is full of freshly blooming flowers, and many cultural events punctuate the season, such as Holy Week (Pàscoa).
- Summer : it can get very hot, with temperatures sometimes reaching 35°C. It's best to go out of season. If you have no choice, take advantage of water sports to cool off.
- Autumn: temperatures are milder. At the start of the season, it's still warm enough for swimming and hiking in the color-changing countryside. It's also harvest time.
- In winter : temperatures are cool, sometimes as low as 5°C. Ideal for avoiding the crowds. Enjoy Christmas markets and end-of-year celebrations.
What are the most beautiful towns in Extremadura?
- Sintra : a romantic town and UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its palaces, castles and lush gardens. Don't miss the Pena Palace, the Moorish Castle and the Sintra National Palace.
- Cascais : an elegant little seaside resort, Cascais is famous for its beaches, marinas and charming scenery. Explore the town's historic center before enjoying its water sports.
- Estoril : more glamorous, the town is famous for its casino and beaches. Visit the Estoril Casino, Casino Gardens and Tamariz beach.
- Mafra : famous for its magnificent Mafra National Palace. Visit this baroque palace, its gardens and the Mafra Basilica.
