THE LISBON COAST
Traders and invaders from the Phoenicians to the Spanish, have left their mark on this region, in particular the Moors whose forts and castles, rebuilt many times over the centuries, can be found all along this coast. After Lisbon became the capital in 1256, Portuguese kings and nobles built summer palaces and villas in the countryside west of the city, particularly on the cool, green heights of the Serra de Sintra.
Across the Tagus, the less fashionable southern
shore (Outra Banda) could be reached only by ferry, until the suspension bridge was built
in 1966. Now, the long sandy beaches of Costa da Caparica, the coast aroud the fishing
port of Sesimbra and even the remote Tróia peninsula have become popular resorts during
the summer months. Fortunately large stretches of coast and unspoilt countryside are being
protected as conservation areas and nature reserves.
Though the sea is cold and often rough, especially on west facing coasts, the beaches are among the cleanest in Europe. As well as surfing, fishing and scuba diving, the region provides splendid golf courses, horse riding facilities and a Formula-1 motor racing track. Arts and entertainment range from music and cinema festivals to bullfights and country fairs where regional crafts, such as hand painted pottery and baskets, are on display.
Exploring:
North of the Tagus, the beautiful hilltown of Sintra is dotted with historic places and surrounded by wooded hills, at times enveloped by an eerie sea mist. On the coast, cosmopolitan Cascais and the traditional fishing town of Ericeira are both excellent bases from which to explore the rocky coast line and surrounding countryside.