Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
to the
Reserva Natural das Dunas de São Jacinto
, a scenic nature reserve and bird-
watching site. The popular resort town of
Figueira da Foz
is the next stop; you'll find
prime surfing, a touch of nightlife and wide people-packed beaches, with more isolated
sands out of town. After a day of sunbaking, make an inland day trip to the striking
mountain-top castle of
Montemor-o-Velho
. The picturesque and fun-loving beach town
of
Nazaré
is next and here you can frolic in the waves, enjoy traditional seafood restaur-
ants and take the funicular to a clifftop promontory for superb views. Nazaré is also a
good base for exploring the architecturally stunning monasteries (and Unesco World Her-
itage sites) in
Alcobaça
and
Batalha
. From there, head south to
Óbidos
, with its cobble-
stone lanes and upmarket inns. Go west back to the coast to reach
Peniche
, where you'll
find excellent beaches, particularly in nearby
Baleal
. From Peniche, be sure to take a boat
out to the remote island of
Berlenga Grande
. You can even stay overnight (reserve well
ahead). Continue south to
Ericeira
, a whitewashed village perched atop sandstone cliffs.
Explore the beaches, feast on seafood, then continue on to the fairy-tale setting of
Sintra
,
where picturesque guesthouses make a fine overnight stay. Take the road to the coast, and
follow it out to the dramatically set
Cabo da Roca
and down to the windswept beach of
Praia do Guincho
. The next stop is the pretty village of
Cascais
, home to narrow pedes-
trian lanes, lively outdoor restaurants and leafy gardens. End your journey in
Lisbon
,
spending a few days exploring Portugal's vibrant capital.
