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 in ledges to the river.
From the history of Lisbon
The name of the city is translated from the Phoenician language as "Beloved 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, the Germans, and then the Arabs. In 1147, it was conquered by the first king of present-day Portugal A. Enriques, and a hundred years later it became the capital of the state.
Climate
Lisbon has a mild and comfortable Mediterranean climate, which is greatly influenced by the Gulf Stream. Summers are 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, the water in the ocean does not warm up above +20 degrees. This temperature is not too comfortable for swimming. Feature of the weather inLisbon - sharp changes in night and day temperatures. They reach ten degrees.
Lisbon Riviera on the map of Portugal
For many years, sunny Portugal has attracted tourists not only with its magnificent palaces, fragrant wines and fine cuisine, but also with 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, Caicas, Coxpa de Caparica, which are located near the capital.
Estoril Resort
This is the most developed resort on the Lisbon Riviera. Casino lovers come here. Estoril is the gambling center of the country.
Those who love to be active can enjoy a variety of water sports, horseback riding or golf at this resort.
Estoril is often called the brightest 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 during 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 the 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 changing cabins. There are numerous beach cafes, bars and restaurants for tourists.
Families with children were also taken care of at this resort. Younger guests will simply be happy to have fun in amazing 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, built to protect against enemies. This fortification has repeatedly saved this region of the country. It was repeatedly rebuilt and strengthened until it became an impregnable and mighty fortress. This is a great example of Renaissance architecture.
The church of St. Anthony, who was the patron saint of Lisbon, arouses no less interest among the guests of the city. 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 when viewed from the sea.
Cascais - youth resort
The Lisbon Riviera also has a very popular resort, loved by the youth of the whole world. We are talking about the city of Cascais.
Rest on the Riviera of Lisbon, and in this youth resort in particular, allows you to swim in the ocean for quite a long time - from May to October. Most of the tourists come there during the summer months. This is a place for those who are used to relaxing in the best resorts. The sandy beach strip stretches for several kilometers. The most popular beach is Guinho. Surfers, kiters and other lovers of water extreme love to relax here. To those whocomes to Portugal to soak up the gentle sun, it is better to choose the beaches of Torre or Riberia. They are quieter and 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 white sand. The beach is very fond of the people of Lisbon, so they often come here for the weekend. Excellent waves attract surfers here. Culinary gourmets are attracted by delicious fish dishes that can be tasted in coastal cafes. Romantics come here to stroll along the extraordinary shore. Here are the best beaches. The most popular ones 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 tasted in beach bars and restaurants at a very affordable price. Lovers of various water sports come here.
This part of the Lisbon Riviera always gathers a lot of vacationers, so you can't count on a secluded vacation. The beaches of this resort have a well-developed infrastructure. Here you can play volleyball, football, etc. There are also windsurfing and diving schools.
Tourists in the eveningit is possible to have a good time in one of the many restaurants. Be sure to try Carcavelos wine, which is made from ten varieties of fragrant grapes, juicy barbecue and extraordinarily 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 face the question of where to settle. On the territory of the Portuguese resorts (Lisbon Riviera) there are many hotels of different comfort classes. We would like to present some of them to you, perhaps this information will help you choose the most suitable option.
Palacio Estoril 5
Luxury hotel located in the center of Estoril, in a quiet park. There are 161 rooms in the park. On its territory there is a restaurant, a bar, a spa, a well-equipped gym, outdoor and indoor pools. The beach of the hotel is sandy. There is a playground open in July and August.
The rooms are well equipped with a 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 close to Monte Estoril Station. From here, there are direct connections to Lisbon in just thirty minutes.
The hotel has 162 well appointed rooms. The hotel has a laundry, dry cleaning, internal andoutdoor pools open all year round. In addition, guests can use the jacuzzi, gym, sauna, massage room, car rental, currency exchange, paid parking, two bars. Babysitting services are 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.
Rivera Hotel 4
Located very close to the beach of Carcavelos (300 meters), has 130 comfortable rooms. On the territory there is a pool bar, a restaurant, two outdoor pools, an indoor pool, a pool for kids, a shopping center. It offers Turkish sauna, spa center, massage room.
Standard hotel rooms have air conditioning, safe. Execlutive rooms are additionally equipped with a minibar, LCD, DVD.
Lisbon Riviera hotels, regardless of the level of comfort, are famous for their excellent service. The service staff is helpful and friendly.
The Lisbon Riviera is a vacation for sophisticated travelers who know a lot about European resorts. It has everything for a pleasant pastime - white fine sand, comfortable beaches, calmexpanse of the ocean, entertainment for all categories of vacationers, excellent restaurants.
Lisbon Riviera, which is always rave about, will be remembered for a great holiday, the friendliness of the locals, excellent service and unique natural scenery.