Lisbon Adventure and Nature Activities

Lisbon has a privileged location surrounded by picturesque villages and natural landscapes. You have to take advantage of its adrenaline-filled water activities that include amphibious boat rides, surfing lessons, recreational diving and dolphin watching. You can also visit Cascais, Sintra and Arrábida which are small neighboring towns with incomparable beauty and adrenaline-filled plans.

And if you want quieter plans, you can always opt for the zoo or its viewpoints and botanical gardens. Discover everything you can do and see in Lisbon surrounded by nature and adventure in this article.

If you want to combine a land and sea experience, you definitely have to get on the Hippotrip. Discover Lisbon aboard an amphibian that takes you around the main sites of the city such as Praça do Comércio, Marques de Pombal and the Jerónimos Monastery. After rolling through the streets, you will leave the road and dive with the same vehicle in a water adventure on the Tagus River.

From the flow of the river you will be able to appreciate the Belém Tower, Cais do Sodré and the 25th of April Bridge. In general, it is an accessible and innovative option that lasts an hour and a half, with departures every two hours. It can be an ideal plan for those who plan to visit Lisbon in 1 day or want to know the local history and culture in a short time.

Lisbon is the perfect destination for surfing and enjoying extreme water sports. The gentle waters allow you to learn elementary movements and techniques to master open water. It can be done at any time of the year, sinceneoprene wetsuits are offered for summer and winter.

If you have no experience, you should not do this activity on your own. Instead, with a professional you will go to safe areas, such as the Costa da Caparica which is an ideal destination if you plan to visit Lisbon in summer and want to enjoy the beaches of the Atlantic Sea.

When booking a surf lesson you will usually start practicing with the board on land, so that you gain confidence gradually. Later on, you will jump into the sea and try different positions on the board.

To connect with nature you can participate in a dolphin watching experience, which takes you through the beauty of the ocean and its varied marine life. Become a marine biologist for a couple of hours aboard a boat that will set sail from the Tagus River to the mouth of the Atlantic Ocean. Amidst the calm waters you can look for these cute animals and even spot sunfish, sea turtles, whales and jellyfish.

In addition, Lisbon looks impressive from the Atlantic coast, as monuments such as the Cathedral of Se or the Castle of St. George stand out. Generally, you will be accompanied by a professional guide, who will explain about the different species, their behavior and the importance of marine conservation.

The capital of Portugal is surrounded by natural attractions and coastal towns, perfect for unforgettable getaways. You won't want to miss Sintra, a charming Portuguese village with gardens and palaces that are the stuff of urban legends. Nor should you overlook the fishing village of Cascais, where you'll find stunning beaches and buildings.

Getting from Lisbon to Sintra is relatively easy, from Sete Rios station you should take the train Comboios De Portugal. If you are going on your own, I recommend an early start so that you can cover both places, or split the itinerary into two days. Then, to get from Sintra to Cascais you can take the Carris Metropolitano and back to the capital by train to Cais do Sodré station.

The advantage is that both destinations are less than forty minutes away, which makes it easy to access the experience. For first time travelers or those who want to leave the planning in the hands of professionals, you can hire an excursion to Sintra and Cascais from Lisbon. There are different packages and you should consider that some do not include entrance fees to monuments.

Sintra

Excursions to Sintra from Lisbon can offer:

• Visit to the Da Pena Palace.
• Grottoes through the gardens of Quinta da Regaleira.
• Tour of the historic center.
• 4x4 jeep rides to the highest point of the village.
• Hiking experiences in the Sintra Natural Park.

Cascais

Cascais is a paradisiacal tourist destination where you will fall in love with its picturesque alleys and nature landscapes. During your visit you can not miss:

• Meet the Cabo da Roca.
• A trip to the cliff of Boca do Inferno, located on a steep hill where the waves crash wildly.
• A dip in Praia do Guincho.
• Sign up for a surfing experience.

Another unforgettable plan is to buy tickets to the Castelo dos Mouros in Sintra, a historic fortress created by the Arabs between the eighth and ninth centuries. It was used as a protective wall of the city and served to monitor movements between Cascais and Mafra. To discover the history in detail I recommend you to go inside the castle, where you can admire its architecture and finds from the Bronze and Iron Ages.

It is on a hill and to reach its location you can venture on a nature walk, choosing between twosteep trails. As a first option you have the Caminho de Santa Maria with a moderate-low difficulty. It will take you about an hour and you will start on a paved road, which then leads into a forest with some steep climbs. The Villa Sassetti trail, on the other hand, has a moderate-high difficulty and, although it is faster, some sections are more demanding and risky.

To add a touch of fun and adventure, you can explore the walls surrounding the castle and reach secret nooks and crannies at the highest points.

If you travel to Portugal, you can't miss the Arrábida National Park, just 45 minutes from Lisbon. This place combines natural beauty, adventure activities, culture and gastronomy, which makes it an excellent choice for an excursion. It is popular for snorkeling sessions that invite you to dive a few meters deep on paradisiacal beaches, while learning about its biodiversity of fauna and flora.

To recharge your batteries you can enjoy a seafront meal in the restaurants of the area based on fresh fish, as well as a variety of wines and cheeses. If you want to go in a group, there are different options and some offer transfers, sports insurance and guide. In addition, there are other extreme activities that take place in this destination. I personally recommend:

• Hiring a 4x4 jeep ride in Arrábida: you will discover the rugged terrain of the Arrábida Mountains, as well as the subway cave of Santa Margarita.
• Practice mountain biking.
• Take a scenic hiking route to explore places such as the Convent of Nossa Senhora da Arrábida and the Fort of São Felipe.
• Combine an excursion to Azeitão and Arrábida to immerse yourself in two historical gems and visit a wine region.

There is no fuller and more adrenaline-filled sensation than jumping off the cliffs of Lisbon. They are a real attraction in the middle of beaches surrounded by nature. I find it ideal for adventurers because it combines climbing, swimming and jumping from heights depending on the level of experience.

For safety, it is preferable to do it with professionals and a good idea is to hire a snorkeling, kayaking and cliff jumping excursion. This option combines several adrenaline activities and allows you to explore the marine life. It usually takes place in Sesimbra, where golden beaches and calm currents await you.

To make the experience even more exciting, you will get into a kayak to explore the mythical sea caves that characterize the region and you can stop for lunch at a family farm.

Lisbon is an attractive city from any angle and its beaches are no exception. These types of experiences usually depart from Ribeira das Naus or Cais do Sodré, ideal places to enjoy a walk in the open air and take advantage of the nearby Time Out Market, as well as the ferries that connect to Almada.

Another thing to do in Sintra is to visit Cabo de Roca, where you can squeeze in a variety of adventure activities. It is the westernmost point of Europe, perhaps that is why it is one of the main excursions from Lisbon. Centuries ago a fort was built on its cliff, but nowadays you can only appreciate its remains and remote trails.

It rises almost 150 meters above sea level, offering panoramic views of the ocean and surroundings. The landscape is very impressive because it reflects calm and chaos in the same scenario. Of course, the goal is to have fun and here you can go hiking or, if you are more adventurous, dare with paragliding and climbing through the rock formations.

Recreational scuba diving in Lisbon offers an exciting activity that allows you to explore the rich marine life and underwater landscapes of the region. It differs from snorkeling in that you will be able to dive into the depths, without exceeding the safe limits. The most recommended places are Cascais and the Arrábida Natural Park, and the best season is from spring to summer because of the pleasant temperatures.

You can see everything from reefs to shipwrecks and it is advisable to dive with professionals or, at least, to know the area and use the necessary equipment. Also keep in mind that you cannot have been on a plane for 24 hours before, since after the class you must allow at least 12 hours to board a flight.

This precaution is due to the fact that when submerged, nitrogen accumulates in the blood and tissues. Waiting the recommended hours allows it to be eliminated naturally from the body, reducing the risk of decompression problems. Alternatively, you can stay on land and book a traditional boat ride.

It's a sin to pass through Lisbon and not book a tour to Evora, a magical city just an hour and a half away that is a melting pot between the Middle Ages and the present day. Natural viewpoints, ruins of Ancient Rome and an infectious atmosphere await you here.

You can see the creepy Cathedral of Bones, known for its macabre decoration made of human bones. It's also a popular destination for paragliding and gazing out over the Alentejo region, with its golden fields and olive groves. You can choose to jump at 3000 or 5000 meters and with options of 10, 50 or 70 seconds of free fall.

:::link|text=Lisbon'|element=sc-138-5401::: s :::link|text=hiking|element=sc-138-5401::: trails are one of the most striking attractions to unwind, due to their enchanting landscapes that include fishing, coastal and nature trails. There are experiences for all tastes and experience levels, here are my favorite options.

Monsanto Forest Park

Monsanto Forest Park is the largest park in Lisbon, with a network of trails winding through the forest. From the top you get stunning views of the Tagus River and part of the city. It is open 24 hours and is close to the city center.

• Intensity: medium-easy.
• When to go: all year round, especially in spring and autumn to enjoy pleasant temperatures.
• When not to go: avoid rainy days, as the trails can become slippery.

Almada to Cacilhas Trail

One of the most underrated places in Lisbon is Cacilhas, which is located across the Tagus River. From Cais do Sodre you can take a ferry and enjoy a scenic walk of at least ten minutes. Upon arrival, walk along the paths by the water, appreciate the street art and trace a route to the National Sanctuary of Christ the King

• Intensity: easy.
• When to go: all year round, most beautiful at sunset.
• When not to go: on days with strong wind, as it can be uncomfortable to walk near the water.

If you plan to visit Lisbon with children you can't miss the Zoological Garden, one of the oldest zoos in Europe. You will walk through its open-air paths, to appreciate the animal exhibits and a bird show. It has more than 2,000 animals belonging to different species of mammals, amphibians, reptiles, birds, among others.

It offers a theme train to tour its facilities, as well as the possibility of taking a cable car to admire its facilities from the heights. On Saturdays they usually organize special activities that take you through the care and conservation of the animals.

Just outside the city, you can also connect with nature at Badoca Safari Park, a place where you can enjoy a tractor safari to observe the animals.

The oldest botanical garden in Portugal is located in Lisbon, and offers a unique experience in a natural setting. This is the Ajuda Botanical Garden, where you can see flora from different parts of the world.'

These Italian-style gardens are the perfect place to relax and learn about different ecosystems. In fact, you can take an educational tour to learn about its history. In passing you can visit the National Palace of Ajuda, a monument that was the residence of the Portuguese Royal Family in the 19th century and offers about 11 thematic rooms.

• Draw a map and familiarize yourself with the routes and trails you plan to walk.
• Wear appropriate clothing according to the weather.
• Consider a tour guide. It is always advisable to do activities of this type in a group or at least with one person. If you go alone, inform someone about your itinerary.