7-Day Adventure Itinerary in Lisbon

  • Day 1: Belem Tower
    20 minutes (7.5 km) from Lisbon City Centre

    The Belem Tower is a historic fortified tower located in the Belem district of Lisbon. Built in the early 16th century, it has played a significant role in Portugal's maritime history. Visitors can climb up the tower for a panoramic view of the city and the Tagus River.

  • Day 2: Parque Nacional da Serra da Estrela
    3 hours (290 km) from Lisbon City Centre

    The Serra da Estrela National Park is the largest protected area in Portugal, located in the central part of the country. It offers various activities for adventure enthusiasts like hiking, climbing, skiing, and mountain biking. Visitors can also enjoy local specialties like cheese and wine in nearby villages.

  • Day 3: Oceanário de Lisboa
    15 minutes (7 km) from Lisbon City Centre

    The Oceanário de Lisboa is one of the largest aquariums in Europe, located in the Parque das Nações area of Lisbon. It features various marine ecosystems, including an impressive central tank with a wide variety of fish and marine animals. Visitors can also see penguins and sea otters.

  • Day 4: Sintra-Cascais Natural Park
    40 minutes (30 km) from Lisbon City Centre

    The Sintra-Cascais Natural Park is a beautiful protected area located in the west of Lisbon. It includes various landscapes like forests, beaches, and cliffs. Visitors can hike, cycle, or horse ride in the park and visit attractions like Pena Palace or Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of continental Europe.

  • Day 5: Surfing at Costa da Caparica
    30 minutes (15 km) from Lisbon City Centre

    The Costa da Caparica is a 30-km long beach located south of Lisbon, known for its waves and surfing conditions. Visitors can take lessons, rent equipment, or just enjoy the sun and the sea. There are also various beach bars and restaurants along the coast.

  • Day 6: Climbing at Monsanto Forest Park
    15 minutes (5 km) from Lisbon City Centre

    The Monsanto Forest Park is a large green area located within Lisbon's city limits, known for its rock formations and climbing routes. Visitors can climb, boulder, or hike in the park, admiring the views of the city and the river. There are also picnic areas and a playground for children.

  • Day 7: Benagil Cave Tour
    2.5 hours (280 km) from Lisbon City Centre

    The Benagil Cave is a stunning natural cave located in the Algarve region, south of Portugal. Visitors can take a boat tour from Portimão or Lagos to explore the coastline and the caves, including the famous Benagil Cave. The tour also includes swimming stops and dolphin watching.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Belem Tower (1-2 hours, Free)
  • Parque Nacional da Serra da Estrela (Full day, €15 for park entrance, extra costs for activities like skiing or climbing)
  • Oceanário de Lisboa (2-3 hours, €19 for adults)
  • Sintra-Cascais Natural Park (Full day, €14.50 for Pena Palace entrance, extra costs for activities like hiking or horse riding)
  • Surfing at Costa da Caparica (4 hours, €20 for equipment rental, €30 for lesson)
  • Climbing at Monsanto Forest Park (3-4 hours, Free)
  • Benagil Cave Tour (6 hours, €35 per person)
  • Total Estimated Costs: €113.50 per person

Transportation

Most of the locations can be reached by public transportation, such as buses or trains, but for some activities like the surfing lesson or the Benagil Cave tour, it's recommended to book a private or group tour. The transportation costs may vary depending on the mode of transportation used and the distance covered. Expect to spend around €50-€100 for transportation costs throughout the trip.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you can consider adding a day trip to Évora, a historical town located east of Lisbon, or a wine tasting tour in the Alentejo region, known for its high-quality wines. If you have less time, you can skip some of the activities in the itinerary or combine them in a day, like visiting the Belem Tower and the nearby Jeronimos Monastery. Also, keep in mind that some activities like skiing or climbing in Serra da Estrela may not be available during the summer months.

Airports

The main airport in Lisbon is Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS), located 7 km from the city centre. It's the busiest airport in Portugal and serves various domestic and international destinations. Other nearby airports include Faro Airport (FAO) in the south, Porto Airport (OPO) in the north, and Beja Airport (BYJ) in the east.

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