Taking our adventures along the Iberian Coast, the city of Lisbon has long stood as a booming tourist destination and for good reason. Boasting a lengthy history, diverse dishes and popular attractions, this summer escape is perfect for families, as well as couples looking to getaway. Much like neighbouring country Spain, Portugal offers pristine summer weather all year round, so picking up your favourite beverage to cool you down is always needed.
If you are planning a short cruising break or something a little more extensive, here are several reasons to include Lisbon in your cruising itinerary.
The Old City Look With The New City Feel
It's no secret that Lisbon is a city full of stunning architecture, large-scale tram systems and gorgeous backdrops. Monuments are great starting points and must-see attractions. The most iconic, Belém Tower, dates back to the early 15th century and has a very distinct structure, still containing its original defences. Along with visiting the highlights, authentic restaurants and niche coffee shops are a great way to taste the local cuisine and most of them been passed down through families for generations, keeping authentic recipes alive.
Lisbon also holds the strange Guinness World Record for having the longest start-to-finish date on a building; the Santa Engrácia Church was originally started in 1681 but wasn't finished until 1966. The church now stands as the National Pantheon, boasting jaw-dropping architecture, stunning artwork and a golden high altar that sits as the centrepiece.
Museums and Oceanarium
Before you dive headfirst into the beaches and sun loungers to top up your tan, the city has more than its fair share of museums to get stuck into. From the quirky Museu Nacional do Azulejo (National Tile Museum) to the colossal MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology), Lisbon really does have a museum for everything.
For nature lovers, the city's famous Oceanarium, Oceanário de Lisboa, is the largest indoor aquarium in Europe, with the main exhibit measuring 1,000m2 and holding 5,000,000 litres of water. Around 450 species of marine life live here (100 in the main tank). You can see everything from penguins to sharks, octopuses, jellyfish and many more.
Visit the Nearby Town of Sintra
Known as a long time royal sanctuary, Sintra is amongst the wealthiest municipalities in Portugal. It won't take you long to work out why this is a must-see destination; opulent palaces, golden sand beaches and UNESCO World Heritage Sites will all offer helpful clues.
In the centre lies 19th-century renaissance architecture in the form of historic statues and villas, mesmerising gardens, and numerous palaces and castles that lie amongst the hills. Luxury restaurants are perfect for experiencing the lavish Portuguese cuisine and, as the evening sets in the city, has many romantic spots from which to enjoy the sunset.
Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in Europe and has a lengthy history to go along with its fantastic sights and monuments. So, if you are planning your next cruising itinerary and want to see something a little different, contact our friendly sales team via the freephone number above or complete the online enquiry form.
