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 Costa de Lisboa 

A Costa de Lisboa or Coast of Lisbon is the Portugal region I know the best as I'm living there during the summer and christmas holidays.

Costa de Lisboa includes the capital and nearby areas with very different characteristics. Long beaches, pleasant countryside, palaces and parks. 

The Estoril coast with Estoril and Cascais is the home of international aristocrats and jet-set. It's known for gastronomy, shopping, fashion and casino. There is a wide variaty of sports; watersports, riding, tennis, clay pigeon shooting, surfing and windsurf championships, regattas, the Portuguese Motor Rally, and the Formula I Grand Prix. Within a range of just a few kms are 7 of the best golf courses in Europe located. 

Cabo da Roca is Europe's westernmost point. On a plateu in the cliff, high above the sea, the lighthouse is guiding seafarers as it has for immemorial times. 
To the north of Estoril lies the historic town of Sintra, which is surrounded by a mountain range whose forests are several centuries old. Here one can see the twin conical chimney towers of the Palácio Nacional. Perched there on the mountain, the Palácio da Pena is redolent of the memory of the last Portuguese kings, and its stately rooms are open to visitors. Further north, visit the impressive Palace-Convent built in the 18th century at Mafra . It is the largest Portuguese religious and militar monument. It consists of lavish royal apartments, magnificent libray, carrillon, basilica and museums.

Just a few minutes away lies Ericeira a great place for those who enjoy surfing and windsurfing (especially in Guincho beach). The area still retains the charm of the little simple fishing village that is popular with the Portuguese, as a summer resort but signs are evident that it is also becoming popular with the visiting tourists. The beach of Ribeira de Ilhas has become internationally know as on of the best surfing beaches in Europe and since 1985 has been host of the ASP Surf World Championship contest. Returning to Lisbon, the Palácio Nacional de Queluz is a good example of baroque and roccoco. 

Crossing the bridge that links Lisbon with the south bank of the Tagus, you are offered one of the most beautiful panoramic views: as it stretches down the estuary, Lisbon spreads itself . Believe me crossing "a ponte de 25 Abril" (before it was "ponte Salazar") by night is unforgettable. Going to the south and crossing the bridge , at your right you can see Belem Tower, Mosteiro dos Jeronimos and Atlantic Ocean; at your left you will see Almada and its Cristo Rei, a "Praça do Comercio", the new bridge "Vasco da Gama". Follow the national 10 and go to Corroios (after Almada and Laranjeiro) to see and old "moulin a maree". Make also a detour to the historic Castles of Palmela and Setúbal, both with pousadas, or visit the Castle or fishing village of Sesimbra. You will find easily in these cities some Moscatel, a really good wine !

If you feel like going to the beach and tanning the best solution is Costa da Caparica. There you will find kilometres and kilometres of sand that go until Fonte da Telha and Sesimbra.

Sesimbra is a picturesque small fishing town, with a medieval castle. Whilst here, do not miss the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora in Cabo Espichel and Lagoa de Albufeira, a favourite spot for windsurfers.

Opposite to the Tróia Peninsula (18 km of beaches) is the city of the Sado river (an important natural reserve):Setúbal. 

 Other towns and villages in the Costa Lisboa:
 

Mafra (18th century palace and monastery), Sintra (luxuriant vegetated hills, royal palaces, the 800 century Moorish castle), Queluz (Barroque palace with its magnificent gardens), Palmela (Roman castle), Setúbal (Portugal's third largest port and one of Portugal's oldest cities. The 16th‚century Castelo de São Filipe is one of Portugal's finest "pousadas". Fish and shellfish restaurants, excellent nearby beaches), Tróia (long beach with modern tourist complexes), Santiago do Cacém (Moorish castle, Roman ruins of Miróbriga), Sines (where Vasco da Gama was born),Alcácer do Sal, Azeitão, Azenhas do Mar, Colares, Ericeira, Porto Covo, Santiago do Cacém, Seixal (Ecomuseum), Serra da Arrábida (beach and convent), .