Escapade in Lisbon: make a lot of pure air and strong sensations in the beautiful Portuguese capital!
Dynamic and full of charm, the capital of Portugal has been in the ranking of French favourite destinations for several years. From Lisbon you will be charmed by the diversity of its landscapes, the atmosphere of its typical neighbourhoods and the multitude of leisure activities to practice on site. It must be said that the relief of the city, as well as its opening on the Tage and the Atlantic Ocean, makes it a particularly suitable terrain for sports and adrenaline climbs.
Between cycling, boating and helicopter rides, segway and surf rentals, scuba diving and observation of aquatic fauna, visiting its gardens and natural sites, you will be spoiled for choice.
If you wonder what the best outdoor activities to do in Lisbon, follow the guide!
1. The emblematic districts of Lisbon
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Olga Gavrilova
Despite its vertiginous slopes, Lisbon is a City in which it is very pleasant to walk. Gather yourself with good shoes and discover its picturesque neighbourhoods, you will not be disappointed. Its architectural richness and the many monuments it houses will be revealed through your walks, creating a surprise at every corner of the street.
Do not miss the Cathedral of Santa Luzia and its view, the panorama from the walls of the Castelo de São Jorge, the authentic streets of the neighborhoods of the Alfama and Graça, the famous Tour de Belém and the shores of Tage .
Those who wish to take a bowl of pure air in the middle of the city will also be able to walk through the gardens of the Gulbenkian Foundation, one of the outdoor activities to do in Lisbon. Located close to Spain’s square, in the heart of the modern district, this unique green space is attached to the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, a major and dynamic cultural hub of the city.
Designed in 1957, the gardens feature a stream, a lake, trees and an outdoor amphitheatre that regularly hosts plays and concerts. Perfect to relax in a bucolic setting.
2. The electric bike on the hills
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Liliana Marmelo
Known as “the city with 7 hills”, Lisbon is easily reached by foot, tram, metro and bicycle! Because if its threatening relief does not seem to be suitable for exercise, the Portuguese capital is perfectly equipped for practice. Thanks to its many bike paths and the presence of electric bike renters, this leisure is suitable for both athletes and amateurs, it has become one of the outdoor activities to do in Lisbon.
The electrical support of the cycles will allow you to access the most remote areas and the heights of the City without being overdue. It will push you to the most beautiful views of the city, from the National Pantheon to the Miradouro Da Graça. It will also be an excellent means of transport if you do not want to travel by metro, bus or tram.
3. The segway walk
Photo credit: Shutterstock – vedrana2701
Segway is one of the best outdoor activities to do in Lisbon to discover the city and its treasures effortlessly. Easy to use, the two-wheel machine works quickly as an extension of your body which allows you to fully enjoy the guided ride.
The majority of companies in segway offer thematic circuits articulated around the history of Lisbon, its architecture, its gastronomy... Depending on your preference, you can enjoy an exciting and/or greedy trip punctuated with a few playful breaks carefully commented by the guide.
The advantage is that the two wheels of the segway allow you to cover a large surface in a short time and thus to explore very varied places.
4. Surfing and water sports
Photo credit: Shutterstock – John Copland
The opening on the Tage River and the proximity of the Atlantic Ocean provide the Portuguese capital with the optimal conditions for water sports. Every day, its winds and currents give rise to perfect waves that attract passionate surfers. In order to avoid the flow of tourists that occupies the beaches of the centre of Lisbon, they go to the coves between Estoril and Carcavelos, spots for connoisseurs.
In addition to surfing, the omnipresence of water gives access to the practice of other aquatic activities such as windsurfing, scuba diving, jet skiing, canoeing, kayaking, waterskiing, etc. Available all over the coast, these water sports allow you to enjoy the beauty and warmth of the country’s waters while having fun.
5. Cruises on the river Tage
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Steve Photography
Symbol of the Portuguese capital, the Tage takes its source in Spain and finishes his race in Lisbon Bay. Several companies offer you to board the river for more or less long trips.
These guided cruises allow you to discover new views of the city, to better understand the geography of its seven hills and to learn more about the history of the place. These circuits sometimes have specific themes such as visiting monuments by boat, fishing or romantic cruise.
6. Contemplation of sunset from a boat
Photo credit: Shutterstock – UschiDaschi
Depending on your cruise schedule, you will have the opportunity to admire the golden reflections that color the Tage at sunset. These are these amazing colors have given the site the name of "Paille Sea". This natural show has pushed several tourist companies to create excursions based on its observation, they are mainly located in the neighborhood of Belém .
Think about taking your camera!
7. Observation of whales and dolphins
Photo credit: Shutterstock – chrisdorney
Leaving to meet whales and dolphins is one of the outdoor activities to be carried out in Lisbon. A friendly and magical excursion will begin at the Tage level and will quickly take the direction of the Atlantic Ocean. After about 30 minutes of navigation, the first specimens will be visible, some will even have fun following the hull of the boat.
In addition to the observation of cetaceans, this friendly ride will give access to a nice viewpoint on the Torre do Buguio , the oldest lighthouse in Portugal, and part of the coast of the beautiful natural reserve of the Arrábida .
8. Overflight of the capital by helicopter
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Benny Marty
If you want to discover the city otherwise and experience an unforgettable experience, you can always take height! In Lisbon, qualified pilots offer you to board their helicopters for a ten-minute ride.
These flights allow you to enjoy rare perspectives on the hills of the Portuguese capital, the tower of Belém , its monastery, Castelo and the impressive bridge of the "25-Avril". If it is not within the reach of all budgets, this output is among the best outdoor activities to be done in Lisbon.
9. A day off the capital
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Yasonya
If Lisbon already has a lot to offer, the city is close to several destinations that deserve detours. Suitable for a half day trip or a day, they allow you to contemplate another face of Portugal.
In less than forty minutes, for example, you can reach the white sand beaches and historical monuments of Cascais . Enjoy the well-informed Lisboets and travellers, this beach resort is ideal for sunbathing in an authentic setting.
More remote but equally charming, the Arrábida Natural Park has a paradise setting that combines Atlantic Ocean, limestone cliffs and lush vegetation. Its postcard decor is suitable for walking, swimming and snorkeling.
I mean, Sintra is a "heart shot" stop just 30 minutes from the capital! With its pine hills, colourful palaces and countless mysteries, exploring the charming Portuguese city is definitely one of the outdoor activities to do in Lisbon and its surroundings.
Among all outdoor activities to do in Lisbon, what are the ones that attract you most?
Loading comments ...