Do you have snowbird clients looking for an escape from the frigid temperatures in parts of the US – or those hoping to avoid the heat and crowds of peak-season travel to Europe? Consider recommending Portugal’s capital city of Lisbon and the surrounding area, where winter temperatures range from 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
There are many more reasons to suggest this incredibly affordable destination as a winter-season option. It features innumerable cultural attractions, including a generous of number of UNESCO Heritage Sites; superb culinary offerings; reasonably priced accommodations options, including those ideally suited for longer stays; and excellent air accessibility, with 153 direct flights available from the US and Canada.
As I found out for myself during a whirlwind, three-night press trip in late November, Lisbon serves as an excellent base to explore such destinations as Cascais and Sintra along the Atlantic Coast – which are 20 and 32 miles, respectively, from the city.
Cascais is often referred to as “the Hamptons of Portugal.” (Source: Claudette Covey)
En route to Cascais and Sintra, recommend a visit to Belém in Lisbon’s southernmost district, which is home to some of Portugal’s most important historical sites, including the Belém Tower, the first tower constructed to defend Lisbon; Jerónimos Monastery, where the explorer Vasco de Gama is buried; and the Monument of the Discoveries, which pays tribute to Portugal’s explorers from the 15th and 16th centuries.
No trip to Belém, of course, would be complete without a visit to Pastéis de Belém for a taste of Portugal’s sumptuous pastel de nata egg tart. (Trust me – they’re well worth the calories.)
The charming beach town of Cascais, where the Portuguese royal family spent their summers in the 19th century, is often referred to as “the Hamptons of Portugal,” and it’s easy to see why. The village itself is a picturesque promenade proffering up gorgeous beach and sea views, to the village of São Joao do Estoril.
The destination is also a highly rated venue for golfers and features a considerable number of highly rated courses.
Cabo da Roca Portugal (Source: Claudette Covey)
In between Cascais and Sintra, is Cabo da Roca, a World Heritage Site whose rocky promontory boasts sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding area. Set on the westernmost point in continental Europe, Cabo da Roca is also home to one of Portugal’s oldest lighthouses.
Sintra’s landscape is dotted with colorful palaces, and there are many well worth visiting, including Pena Palace, the brainchild of King Fernando II; and the Monserrate Palace, nestled in an expertly groomed botanical garden.
A fun activity to recommend to clients is a 45-minute excursion on a vintage, narrow-gauge tram from the village of Sintra to Praia das Maçãs.
There’s arguably much more to see and do in Lisbon and the surrounding area. To find out more, look for my story in the March issue of AGENTatHOME.
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