Portugal- Lisbon Events -Traditions- where to stay in Portugal- Sintra day trip
Lisbon, Portugal: Must-See Events and Traditions in Portugal
Day Trips from Lisbon
1. Sintra: Just a 30-minute train ride from Lisbon, Sintra boasts fairy-tale palaces like the Pena Palace and the Moorish Castle. Its mystical forests and picturesque town center make it a must-visit. This area can be busy, with lots of walking. Dress comfortably.
VISITING SINTRA ON YOUR OWN (without a tour guide)
Sintra is one of Portugal's most popular destinations, and it's also a large area with several palaces and monuments.
Do not drive to Sintra from Lisbon. Parking is an issue.
To enjoy the area, I recommend visiting 2-3 palaces/monuments at most in one day.
Pena Palace
Moorish Castle
Quinta da Regaleira
Palace of Monserrate
The town of Sintra
OPTION #1
1) Pena Palace Exterior
2) Moorish Castle
3) Sintra town for lunch
4) Quinta da Regaleira (well)
OPTION #2
1) Pena Palace Exterior and Interior (with tickets)
2) Sintra town for lunch
3) Quinta da Regaleira (well)
OPTION #3
1) Pena Palace Exterior (Opens at 9:00 AM)
2) Quinta da Regaleira
3) Sintra town for lunch
4) Palace of Monserrate
Once you get to Sintra, how do you get up to Pena Palace at the top of the mountain (55 min walk/hike uphill)? Here are the different ways to get to Pena Palace:
Uber: The cheapest and easiest (costs 7-10 euros)
434 Bus - Tickets for the 434 bus to Pena Palace are €7.60 round trip. The 434 departs every 15 minutes. The disadvantage is that the bus can be overcrowded.
Taxi: Very similar to Uber, but more expensive at around 10 euros.
Note that when you get to the Pena Palace entrance, it's another 15 min walk to Pena Palace itself, and you can choose to buy the entry ticket in advance with an optional shuttle service within Pena Palace so you don't have to walk.
MOORISH CASTLE From Pena Palace, you can then walk 15 min to the Moorish Castle or back into town. Just like for the Pena Palace Park (exterior), you don’t need to choose a time slot when purchasing tickets for the Moorish Castle, just the date you plan to visit.
LUNCH You can either walk to the city center (about 25 minutes) or hop back on bus 434. If you take the bus from Moorish Castle, it will stop at Pena Palace before the city center since the road is a one-way loop.
QUINTA DA REGALEIRA - After lunch and town exploring, it’s time to head to Quinta da Regaleira. To get to Quinta da Regaleira from the town center, you can walk, take the 435 bus, or take a taxi or tuk-tuk. Walking is the easiest option, and the walk takes 10-15 minutes.
Get a train back to Lisbon.
WHERE TO STAY IN LISBON
Chiado has culture, shopping, and a classic Portuguese experience, close to stores, with easy access to cafes and a waterfront walking area
Bairro Alto has a busy nightlife, lots of restaurants with an artistic atmosphere, perfect for relaxing while people-watching, and colorful buildings with exquisite verandas
Principe Real / Prince Royal has trendy cafes, quieter evenings, and local charm, grand mansions, with lively miniature gardens
Baixa is my favorite area in Lisbon. It is a walkable area of historic Lisbon, with shopping
Alfama has local historic streets, with steep inclines, authentic charm, and beautiful views,
Avenida da Liberdade can be noisy at night, has luxury hotels with lots of upscale shopping, and can be considered a central area to stay because you can walk along the side road
2. Cascais: A beautiful coastal town only 40 minutes by train from Lisbon, Cascais offers stunning beaches, a lively marina, and the dramatic Boca do Inferno cliffs. The water is chilly but refreshing.
3. Óbidos: Known as the "Queen's Village," this medieval town is an hour's drive from Lisbon. Walk through its cobbled streets, explore the castle, shop in the captivating stores, and taste the famous Ginja de Óbidos, a cherry liqueur served in chocolate cups. Óbidos celebrates with numerous festivals throughout the year. Check the calendar for interesting festivals in Óbidos. Our favorite is the chocolate festival in the spring.
Every December, and until the first week of January, Óbidos turns into one big Christmas theme park. The medieval village becomes the “Christmas Village,” attracting families and children of all ages, with special events, shows, and lots of Christmas spirit. Daily attractions include Santa Claus’ house, Christmas trees, elves, reindeer, snowmen, and lots of lights. $
In the past, events have included performances of The Nutcracker, magic shows, puppet shows, concerts, and circus shows.
4. Évora: About 1.5 hours away by car or train, Évora is a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring well-preserved Roman ruins, a stunning cathedral, and the eerie Chapel of Bones.
5. Setúbal: A hidden gem just 45 minutes from Lisbon, Setúbal offers fresh seafood, great wine, and the Arrábida Natural Park, perfect for hiking and enjoying scenic views.
Tomar, Fatima, and Buddha Garden are also among our favorite places to visit from Lisbon.
Saint Anthony Day in Lisbon
As summer brings heat to Lisbon, it also kicks off its annual month of Saints' celebrations. St. Anthony (Santo António), often revered as Lisbon's true patron saint, lends his name to this June event, which combines religious celebration with extensive non-religious activities and lots of sardines with wine. June 13th
Portugal St Anthony Day Lisbon events -traditions
The Santo António Festival is quite a protracted affair. Throughout June, concerts, theatre, puppetry, vendors, sports, and exhibitions fill the city, including fado musicians on the trams. However, the main focus is on more traditional festivities in Lisbon's oldest neighborhoods (bairros), where streets and squares are decorated with colorful decorations, paper flowers, and streamers. You will smell sardines as households, restaurants, and bars grill them. Many Portuguese citizens and visitors eat out in the street, creating a party for the whole family, with music and folk dancing to accompany them.
Lisbon June = Saint Anthony Day
The Biggest Celebration in Portugal
What is Saint Anthony's Day?
The Santo António (Saint Anthony) Festival is Lisbon's most important annual fiesta.
This historic event celebrates Saint Anthony, Lisbon's patron saint, as well as marriage and lost things.
Who was Saint Anthony?
Since Saint Anthony is the patron saint of marriage, you’ll also see newly married couples celebrated during the event.
Your experience at the Santo Antonio Festival
The highlight of the Santo Antonio Festival is the procession along Avenida da Liberdade. Locals wear incredible, elaborate costumes with colorful gems, feathers, rhinestones, and masks. Dancers and musicians all add to the electrifying atmosphere on the streets.
What to Eat during the Saint Anthony Celebration in Lisbon
There will be lots of delicious treats to eat, like grilled sardines, beef sandwiches (bifanas), Portuguese cabbage soup (Caldo Verde), sangria, wine, and beer, which will give you the energy to party until the sun comes up.
Restaurant Recommendations in Lisbon
Restaurante Pinóquio
Pinóquio
Praça dos Restauradores 79 80, 1250-188 Lisbon 21 346 5106 https://g.co/kgs/oKPT24
Restaurante Zé dos Cornos, grilled fish and meat ( Iberian pork included):
Beco dos Surradores 5, 1100-591 Lisboa. They don't do reservations; first come, first served.
Ze is fabulous! They opened up a second restaurant: Ze De Mouraria 2 nearby! Double-check the hours for both for a dinner reservation, as it looks like ze 2 is open for dinner and ze 1 just for lunch. Here are some additional restaurant recs - Pinoquio is listed as well
How to eat on a budget in Lisbon
We eat lunch or dinner at the Continente grocery store
They have 3-4 plates of the day @$5 euros
The dish could be cod and potato with nata ( cream sauce)
Chicken and rice, Fish and potatoes
Pasta, Other
They have a small cafe with cooked meals, coffee, bread, and sweets
They usually have soup and salad too
2 adults can eat for under 10 euros
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Lisbon highlights
Lisbon is the most beautiful city in Europe. Lisbon, Portugal, is calming; the whole city feels leisurely. A must-see attraction: Lisbon Commercial Plaza is one of Europe's most beautiful squares. My favorite place to relax and walk around is National Park along the waterfront.
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Are there tour guides in Lisbon?
We enjoyed a tuk-tuk tour of the city
And a tour of Benfica Stadium
So much to see and do.
One trip, one week, or one month is not enough
Boa Viagem
Things to do in Lisbon
Roman Ruins. Lisbon sits atop Roman ruins, hidden beneath the Baixa district. Once a year, archaeologists open the Roman galleries under Rua da Prata, leading visitors through vaulted stone chambers and ancient aqueducts. Tickets sell out quickly, so plan ahead if you want a rare glimpse into the city's buried past and your chance to experience one of the most unusual things to do in Lisbon.
Picnic in Jardim do Torel
High above Avenida da Liberdade lies Jardim do Torel, one of Lisbon's best-kept secrets. This scenic park has hammocks, fountains, and benches with vivid views over the hillside below. Bring a picnic, wait for sunset, and enjoy a quiet break from the busy city
Day trip to Ericeira, a fun surfing town
Belem
Sintra
Chiado area downtown
Baixa area downtown
Most-visited landmark in Lisbon: Belém Tower
Oldest landmark in Lisbon: Lisbon Cathedral (built in 1147)
Tallest landmark in Lisbon: Monument to the Discoveries (170 ft)
Most historic landmark in Lisbon: São Jorge Castle
Best Walking Waterfront Area: Nations Park, Lisbon
One of the most beautiful squares in Europe, Praça do Comércio opens out onto the river Tagus. Under its arches, you'll find market stalls, restaurants, The Wines of Portugal, and the Beer Museum; be sure to visit Lisbon's oldest restaurant, Martinho Da Arcada, established in 1782. This area of the city never seems to sleep. It is alive during the day and lit up at night.
Portugal St Anthony Day Lisbon events -traditions in Portugal
WATERFRONT in Downtown Lisbon
If you are looking for a great dining experience in Belem, then Portugal is for you. They've been serving the Lisbon locals for over 90 years, and their specialties are a local steak dish and exceptional seafood. Prices can be on the high side,e but the dining is superb, and the food is delicious. If visiting Lisbon for the first time, then the district of Belem will definitely be on your agenda. The Discoveries statue next to the restaurants is my favorite statue in Portugal. It was inaugurated in 1960. It stands @ 170 feet tall. It celebrates Henry the Navigator and all the discoveries Portugal enjoyed.
Day trips from Lisbon
Lisbon to Fatima: the A1 Highway has tolls
Fátima can be a day trip from Lisbon or a stop-by on the way to Porto.
Leaving Lisbon, head north on A1 toward Porto.
Exit at Fátima approximately 1 ½ hours from Lisbon.
You can take lots of day trips from Lisbon. It depends on your interests. I prefer Nazaré, Fátima, Tomar, Cascais, Coimbra, and Óbidos. You can drive to Porto and stop at a few of these cities. You could stay a few days in Coimbra or Nazaré and see Central Portugal from there.
In Porto, you can do day trips to Braga, the Douro wine valley, and Aveiro. I enjoy the boat tour down the Douro and the scenic train ride to the Douro.
It seems easy to travel to Portugal because of the country's size. It is about the size of New Jersey.
Where to park in Fatima
Park behind the Basilica near Lot #7. Parking is free, and Lot #7 has some shady areas. Public bathrooms are behind the Basilica between the parking lot and the Church. The bathrooms are not always clean,n nor do they always have toilet tissue. The walk is long but on a wide sidewalk. Enter the Church and pray. Take lots of photos. Be prepared to walk down steep steps or go to the side of the Church and walk down the long slope toward the shops and the small church.
Where is Fatima?
You will hear people speaking various languages. A feeling of pure joy tingles through your body as you see people crawling on their knees toward the small Church and circling the Chapel, praying, meditating, lighting candles, and enjoying the peace of the area.
Why are people crawling into the lot and around the Chapel? People make promises to the Lady of Fatima for help with their loved ones, their own health, or care for a family member. They then walk from their town in Portugal to Fatima. The pilgrimage can take days or weeks. Then, when they enter the large lot in front of the Basilica, they begin crawling along the tile path and around the Chapel.
Across the huge lot, you can see the new Church. The new Church is basic and modern. Enter the new Church on the side of the building. A gold-textured mural behind the altar features a large statue of Christ on the Cross. For the daily Mass, an endless procession of priests enters on the right side of the building and walks down the right aisle toward the altar. The altar servers carried large photos of Jacinta, Francisco, and Lucia. When the choir sang, the pipe organ joined in. The music and singing sounded like a feather falling from the sky. The large pipes on the wall vibrated in elegance. The seats were set up like a theater. The building felt cold and damp. The architecture was modern and plain. The church interior was disappointing. The mass was wonderful, and the choir was breathtaking, but the building was too blah. There were no books or pamphlets to pick up.
An interesting fact about the Chapel in Fatima
In the Chapel of the Apparitions, a statue of the Lady of Fatima wears a gold crown. Built into the crown is the bullet removed from Pope John Paul ll after an attempted assassination.
On the 13th of each month, thousands of people flock to Fatima to celebrate, pray, and ask for help with a loved one. From May to October 13th, larger crowds gather in Fatima to pray and celebrate the Virgin's visions to the three shepherds.
The large Basilica was built in 1928 and renovated several times over the years. The large Church is dominated by a tower rising 70 meters high. The ornate Church is absolutely adorned with white flowers.
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Lisbon airport
The airport can be busy one day and quiet another. The day of the week and your departure or arrival time matter.
When arriving at the Lisbon airport for a departure, allow 4 hours for non-Schengen destinations and 3 hours for Schengen ones. If you are returning a rental car at the airport, allow an extra 30 minutes to return it near Terminal 1.
When you reach Terminal 1, a large plasma screen in the main entry area shows your flight's check-in area. Each airline has a designated check-in area labeled A, B, C, D, E, F, with corresponding numbers. Some airlines will only check you in 3 hours before the flight.
For checked luggage, follow your airline's assigned letter and number to the specific check-in line. If you have carry-on only, check in online or use the self-check-in kiosk to get your boarding pass. We usually fly on American Airlines. The staff is extremely helpful. After we check in and drop off the checked bags, we head to the AA lounge upstairs above the food court.
After check-in, follow signs for the "Boarding Gates". You will only need your boarding pass to enter these gates. Then join the line to clear carry-on security. These lines can be long. A sign shows the approximate minutes to clear security. The line zigzags back and forth. This is only checking you and your bags. You still need to clear passport security after the food court.
After clearing your carry-on bag, you enter a large food court and duty-free shops. The airline lounges are upstairs. The lounge has a plasma-illuminated screen telling you which flights are boarding. It also displays flight gates and locations. Gates for USA or Canada flights (N41-47) are past the food court; don't linger there, as non-Schengen travelers must clear passport control, which can take 30-45 minutes. Terminal 1 gates are divided into S7-26 for Schengen and N41-47 for non-Schengen. The new e-gates have opened, making passport checks quicker than before. I think there are more than 50 passport-check kiosks.
E-passport kiosks at passport control are available if all travelers are over 18, Portugal is a Schengen entry point, and you have an electronic passport. All USA passports are electronic. My husband is a Portuguese citizen, so I go with him, and we can stay together. He has an EU passport.
After passport control, you enter the "non-Schengen" transfer area near the gates, featuring smaller cafes and shops.
Heads up: There is a hidden passport check for travelers going to the USA. If your boarding pass has a red circle on the bottom left, you will have additional screening at the gate. I was randomly picked last year. This added 25 minutes to boarding. I had to check all my bags, have my passport screened, and even remove the case from my cell phone for scanning.
Things I do not like about the Lisbon Airport:
Random extra screening at the gate
Departing passengers and arriving passengers are in the same areas.
Passport control is after the food court and shopping areas.
You have to walk a lot to get to the gate when you are departing.
It feels like you're in a loud maze when you arrive at the airport.
People line up to board their plane; others stroll around the airport; and other passengers try to exit the gate, collect their checked bags, and leave.
Things that I like about the Lisbon Airport
You can buy a Vodafone SIM card in the baggage claim area for travel within Portugal. I paid $35 euros for unlimited data for 30 days.
The restaurants are reasonably priced, and the food is good.
Taxis are in front of the airport. You can't miss them.
It is clean.
The staff is friendly and helpful.
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