Lisbon & Beach

3 Nights – Lisbon
7 Nights – Beach (Cascais or Algarve)

✈️ UK – Lisbon (3 nights): On arrival in Lisbon, you’ll quickly see why it consistently ranks among the best cities in Europe for its blend of history, delicious food, and sunny, laid-back atmosphere.  A great starting point is the Praça do Comércio (Terreiro do Paço), a grand riverside square that once housed the Royal Palace. Here, you can enjoy an ice cream or sit at one of the cafes, watching the world go by. From there, head to the hilltop Castelo de São Jorge, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views before descending into the historic Alfama District. With its narrow streets, colourful houses, and Fado music spilling from the bars, Alfama offers a glimpse of old Lisbon.  For a spot of nightlife, make your way to the bohemian Bairro Alto, where lively bars and restaurants line the narrow, cobbled streets. To experience the city’s modern side, visit LX Factory, a former industrial area now transformed into a trendy hub filled with cafes, shops, and street art.  No trip to Lisbon is complete without tasting pastéis de nata, the iconic custard tarts, best enjoyed at one of the city’s many artisanal bakeries.

🚆 Lisbon – Beach (Cascais or Algarve) (7 nights): After soaking up Lisbon’s energy, it’s time to relax at a beach resort of your choice.  Choose between the chic coastal retreat of Cascais, just 40 minutes on a train from Lisbon, or the golden beaches and dramatic cliffs of the Algarve in southern Portugal.  Cascais is renowned for being a stylish seaside town with a lovely, laid-back charm. Its Marina de Cascais is a hub of waterfront dining where you can sit and look out at the luxury yachts and ocean views or take a stroll or sunset boat trip.
There are plenty of  stunning beaches in the area, from wild and windswept to calm to family-friendly bays. Praia do Guincho, about 8 km from Cascais, is a paradise for surfers, windsurfers, and kitesurfers. Whilst Praia do Tamariz in nearby Estoril offers a more sheltered and relaxed atmosphere, with a gently sloping shoreline and a long stretch of golden sand. Estoril is also home to the famous Casino Estoril, one of Europe’s largest casinos.

If you’re looking for something a little more relaxed and sun-kissed, then the Algarve may suit you better.  Around a 3-hour train trip from Lisbon to Faro, the Algarve is home to over 100 miles of pristine, Blue Flag beaches, world-renowned golf courses, and picture-postcard cliffs overlooking turquoise waters, perfect for surfing, windsurfing, and various water activities. One of the best beaches is Praia de Falésia, a 6km stretch of golden sands nestled between Albufeira and Vilamoura, where you’ll find plenty of hotels to suit all budgets. Vilamoura itself is a lovely resort, with a marina and great nightlife. If you’re looking for luxury, the exclusive resorts of Quinta do Lago and Val do Lobo are renowned for their stunning beaches, golf courses, high-end restaurants and shopping. For those who prefer a mix of beaches and lively bars, Albufeira offers both, while Lagos boasts stunning cliffs and quiet beaches. If you’re after a more rugged, tranquil experience, head to Sagres in the Algarve’s southwest, where you’ll find a picturesque harbour and pristine beaches.

✈️ Beach – UK: You’ll fly home from Faro Airport if staying in the Algarve or take the short train back to Lisbon Airport if you opt for Cascais.