Page 97 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Lisbon

T h e L i S bon c o AST  95

THE LISBON COAST

Within an hour’s drive northwest of Lisbon you can reach
the rocky Atlantic coast, the wooded slopes of Sintra or
countryside dotted with villas and royal palaces. South of
Lisbon you can enjoy the sandy beaches and fishing towns
along the coast or explore the lagoons of the Tagus and
Sado river estuaries.

Traders and invaders, from the Phoenicians Despite the region’s rapid urbanization,
to the Spanish, have left their mark in this small fishing and farming communities
region, in particular the Moors, whose still survive. Lively fish markets offer a huge
forts and castles, rebuilt many times over variety of fresh fish and seafood; Palmela
the centuries, can be found all along this and the Sado region are noted for their
coast. After Lisbon became the capital in wine; sheep still roam the unspoilt Serra
1256, Portuguese kings and nobles built da Arrábida, providing milk for Azeitão
summer palaces and villas in the country­ cheese; and rice is the main crop in the
side west of the city, particularly on the Sado estuary. Traditional industries also
cool, green heights of the Serra de Sintra. survive, such as salt panning near Alcochete
Across the Tagus, the less fashionable and marble quarries at Pero Pinheiro.
southern shore (Outra Banda, more Though the sea is cold and often rough,
popularly known as the Margem Sul) especially on west­facing coasts, the
could be reached only by ferry until the beaches are among the cleanest in
suspension bridge was built in 1966. Now, Europe. As well as surfing, fishing and
the long sandy beaches of the Costa da scuba diving, the region provides
Caparica, the coast around the fishing splendid golf courses, horse­riding
town of Sesimbra and even the remote facilities and a motor­racing track.
Tróia peninsula have become popular Arts and entertainment range from
resorts during the summer months. music and cinema festivals to bullfights
Fortunately, large stretches of coast and and country fairs where regional crafts,
unspoilt countryside are being protected such as hand­painted pottery, lace and
as conservation areas and nature reserves. baskets, are on display.

View of the town of Sesimbra, lying at the foothills of the Serra da Arrábida
Rocky cliffs along the coast at the Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of both mainland Portugal and continental Europe

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