Lisbon and the Coast

This south central region of Portugal comprises the capital city, Lisbon, as well as the coastal resorts of Estoril, Cascais and Sintra.

Situated at the mouth of the Tagus river, Lisbon is the most westerly capital of a mainland European country. The city boundaries are narrowly defined by its historical centre and it is rich in architecture – Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque and modern constructions sit side by side. It is home to the National Museum of Ancient Art, the National Museum of Costume and Fashion, the National Coach Museum and the Roman Theatre Museum.

On the western edge of the Tagus estuary, the former fishing village of Cascais gained fame as a resort for Portugal’s royal family in the late 19th century and early 20th century. There is a large yacht harbour and several small sandy beaches in and around the town. Guincho Beach is to the west and the lush Sintra Mountains are to the north.

Sintra is known for its many 19th century Romantic architectural monuments, which has resulted in its classification as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Sintra-Cascais Nature Park is popular with visitors. Estoril is home to the Estoril Casino – one of the largest in Europe.