Lisbon is a city full of monuments and attractions to visit. So it’s no surprise that it’s considered a ‘trendy’ tourist destination. Even so, there are still several (almost) undiscovered spots to explore not only in the city, but in the Lisbon region itself.
From picturesque villages to enchanting farms, not to mention themed museums and literary spaces, the offer is diverse and aimed at kids and adults alike. So, if you want to take a stroll without emptying your wallet, take a look at this brief itinerary.
Spots outside the obvious in the Lisbon region
At Lisboa Secreta we know the capital like no one else, after all, our mission is to show you the best Lisbon has to offer on a daily basis. With mouth-watering restaurants and unique sidewalks, there are plenty of reasons to write about it.
However, this time the scenario is broader and goes beyond the geographical limits of the city, passing through Sintra, Amadora, Mafra and beyond. In 2024, the Lisbon Regional Tourism Authority (ERT-RL) put together five less famous spots, which we now present to you step by step.
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Quinta do Pisão
The first stop on this tour of the Lisbon region is the municipality of Cascais, more specifically Quinta do Pisão, one of the best-kept secrets of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park.
This is an ideal suggestion for families and children, but also for those who like to walk long nature trails, alone or accompanied.
With an area of 380 hectares and free admission, you can ride a horse or donkey and pick vegetables straight from the fields, in an educational experience for those who are unfamiliar with country life.
There’s also a surprise for the younger ones, namely the existence of the Cuquedo trail, inspired by the Portuguese children’s book “O Cuquedo”, by Clara Cunha and Paula Galindro.
Address: Estrada da Serra, Alcabideche
Portas do Sol mural
Then it’s time to head back to the center of Lisbon. But forget the queues full of tourists. Here, what’s not obvious ‘wins’, so the next stop is an excellent example of urban art.
More specifically, we’re talking about the Portas do Sol Mural, located next to the viewpoint of the same name, in a small tunnel next to the staircase on Rua Norberto Araújo.
The mural, by Nuno Saraiva, depicts key moments not only in the history of Lisbon, but of Portugal in general, such as:
- Revolution of April 25, 1974
- Discoveries
- Napoleonic invasions
- Earthquake of 1755, among others
Address: Largo Portas do Sol
Amadora’s Bedeteca
Now it’s time to get out of Lisbon and visit another municipality. This time, the spot promises to please literature and comic book lovers in particular. Can you guess the place? Well, the next stop is Amadora ‘s Bedeteca.
Located on the second floor of the Fernando Piteira Santos Municipal Library, this literary space has more than 40,000 publications and two exhibition areas.
Address: Avenida Conde Castro Guimarães 6, Amadora
Air Museum
The municipality of Sintra is known as a romantic destination due to its woods, castles and palaces, not to mention its beautiful beaches. However, as in previous cases, it also has (almost) unknown spots to explore.
For example, the Air Museum is perfect for fans of aviation history, with an interesting collection of more than 40 planes, helicopters, propellers and other aeronautical equipment. A place where you can travel through more than 100 years of national aviation history.
Address: Granja do Marquês, Pêro Pinheiro
José Franco Typical Village
To finish off this off-the-beaten-track itinerary, how about a visit to a village? Located in Sobreiro, between Ericeira and Mafra, just over 30 minutes from Lisbon, Aldeia Típica José Franco is a real open-air museum.
Although at first glance it looks like a ‘normal’ village, it is a recreation of a typical Portuguese village built by José Franco in the 60s.
There are miniature houses, a children’s playground, replicas of old workshops and stores, a small winery and even a bakery. A perfect place for family outings, especially for the little ones.
Address: Estrada Nacional 116, 34 (Sobreiro)
