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 EXCURSions
Quinta dos Raposeiros

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MAFRA
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​About 50 kilometers separate the São Bento Palace, in Lisbon, from the Mafra Palace. It is therefore very easy to take advantage of a day to trip visit the municipality who’s ex-libris is the National Palace of Mafra. It's an almost unavoidable visit for anyone who passes through the region, even if it's just to admire the imposing building from the outside (and take the usual photo), but since you're walking around, take the opportunity to get to know the town and other surrounding parishes. You can sleep in an old palace or in a small village, smear yourself with a regional sweet, get to know the local ethnography, stock up on fresh products or explore a forest. These are the best things to do in Mafra: https://www.visitlisboa.com/en/regions/mafra

 
BIRDWATCHING

 

Birdwatching (bird watching) is an activity with an increasing number of knowledgable and curious people in Portugal, and the municipality of Mafra is an excellent laboratory for those who are dedicated to this exercise.

 

The Tapada Nacional de Mafra is the place where larger birds find tranquility, in addition to the necessary food for growth and development. Worth mentioning, among others, is the Bonelli's Eagle, the Goshawk, the Eurasian Eagle Owl (Europe's largest nocturnal bird of prey) and the Short-toed Eagle, in addition to 60 other species of small birds.

 

Outside the walled enclosure of Tapada Real, there are mainly four observation centers:

 

 

  •  Riverside areas of Cheleiros and Carvalhal

  • Vale da Senhora do Ó and Foz do Lizandro

  •  Beaches north of Ericeira, Praia de Ribeira d´ilhas and Vale de São Lourenço

  • Heath, more precisely at the tip of Messapez, Talefe.

 

 

In all these places there is a great variety of species, such as the White-billed Sandpiper, the Rock Sandpiper, the Water Chicken or the White Egret, as well as a huge diversity of smaller birds. The most sighted species are eagles, hawks, pigeons, woodpeckers, blackbirds, herons, owls and rooks. We also draw your attention to the majestic water birds, which in Ericeira are quite easy to observe and even photograph.

 

 

CASCAIS

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The sofisticated and elegant culture of Cascais is to be experienced on the streets, by the contact with its inhabitants, at the entrances to the monuments and at the table of its restaurants.

 

In what used to be the most popular place for the old European royalty to spend the bathing season, experience the contrast between the calm beaches along the Linha and the inspiring Atlantic coast. With its dunes, pinewoods and dream houses, Cascais awaits.

With an amazing atmosphere and ocean views as far as the eye can see, Cascais is somewhere that nobody visiting Lisbon should miss. Just 20 minutes from the capital, it has a warm welcome for everyone, cycle lanes and urban beaches with inviting loungers. While the atmosphere in Estoril is more bohemian and cosmopolitan, mostly due to the largest casino in Europe and the surrounding lively nightlife, Cascais is an old fishing town and a seaside resort for cultural recreation.

The nautical tradition is paramount here and the marina and cycle lane to Guincho, as well as the available bicycles, let you get close to nature without yielding an inch in terms of glamour and urbanity. With various top restaurants and teahouses with unforgettable views, nothing prepares you for the panorama as you arrive at Guincho. This very popular beach when the northern winds subside, with Cape Roca in the background and intrepid surfers in the sea, is the town’s landmark feature. Visit Guincho to run, walk, sunbathe or get wet in the rain and prepare yourself for the constant wind which makes it one of the best beaches for windsurfing and kitesurfing.

Returning to town, don’t forget to visit the Cidadela Art District in the Museum Neighbourhood and make the most of the fantastic local golf courses. Cascais is ideal for sport, with its perfect weather and amenities:

https://www.visitcascais.com/en/article/10-ideas-to-experience-the-culture-of-cascais

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LISBON
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Discover Lisbon, a city full of authenticity where old customs and ancient history intermix with cultural entertainment and hi-tech innovation. Lisbon is ageless, but it loves company, as you’ll find out if you meet someone and ask them to explain, with lots of gestures and repetition, where the best place is to listen to Fado. After all, Lisbon is famous for its hospitality and the family-like way it welcomes visitors.: https://www.visitlisboa.com/

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Sintra
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​Visiting Sintra is like entering a romantic realm where majestic palaces, a fairytale castle and fascinating mansions emerge amidst lush hills and forests. Here, the cultural landscape is breathtaking and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995. Located just 30 km from the Portuguese capital Lisbon, Sintra has a unique beauty in Portugal and you will find unique symbols of Romanticism, Neo-Gothic and Manueline. You can stroll around town and maybe hike up to the Castle and Palace (Castelo dos Mouros & Palacio da Pena).

 

15 places not to miss when visiting the municipality of Sintra: https://www.visitlisboa.com/en/regions/sintra

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CABO DA ROCA

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Cabo da Roca is the westernmost point of Europe and is located in Colares, Sintra. If you do decide to visit, we highlu recommend going to a café close by called Moinho Dom Quixote. Amazing view and chocolate cake! Adraga beach is our favorite spot with a fantastic restaurante to complete your day: https://www.visitportugal.com/en/content/cabo-da-roca

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​Nazaré

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The home of the biggest wave in the world. During summer it´s not big but it is still a super nice place to stoll around for a day: https://www.visitportugal.com/en/node/73770

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OBIDOS

Óbidos is a true medieval village out of a fairy tale, small and preserved. This one day excursion can be complemented with a visit to Buddha Eden and when returning to Ericeira, remember to pass through Torres Vedras to taste the typical bean sweet, the Pastel de Feijão: https://bacalhoa.pt/enoturismo/bacalhoa-buddha-eden

 

WINE TASTING
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Wine Tasting for Wine Lovers…

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Quinta de Sant'Ana do Gradil, Mafra

Guided tour of the Quinta's vineyards, its cellar, barrel room, 17th century chapel and shop, with wine tasting of a selection of 5 white & red wines, accompanied by seasoned olives, regional cheeses and toast.

Website: https://www.quintadesantana.com/

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Casa Santos Lima, Alenquer

The wine house is the official producer of “Vinho Regional Lisboa” and “DOC Alenquer”. In recent years, it has been one of the most awarded Portuguese producers in the main category for national and international wines. Get to know Quinta da Boavista and the journey made every year by its grapes, “from the vineyard to bottling”. 

With a guided tour, you may visit the museum, the cellar, barrel room and shop, where you can buy excellent wines at exclusive prices.

Website: https://www.casasantoslima.com/en/

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