  
SURFING HOLIDAYS IN LISBON, PORTUGAL
ROUGH GUIDE TO THE LISBON REGION & TOWNS
Covering an area that extends roughly from Leiria to Setúbal, and with its centre in the capital, the Lisbon Region has has something for everyone.
The beaches are excellent, the climate mild and the waves of the north are legendary. Surfing, kitesurfers and windsurfers flock to this region for active holidays, but luckily for their partners and not-so-active friends, the Lisbon region is also a place to relax and unwind. Visit the nudist beaches to work on your all-over tan, swim with dolphins at Setúbal or take a leisurely boat trip to the beautiful Berlengas archipelago.The artistic and cultural heritage of Portugal is just so overwhelming that we feel intimidated even attempting to describe it. Suffice it to say that there are several world heritage sites in Portugal alone.
Pottery studios, gastronomic festivals and wine routes cover the region, and there are plenty of local fairs and pilgrimages during the summer months.
LISBON
The capital of old world power, Portugal today is a European metropolis full of contrasts. The mixture of old world and modern Europe finds expression in architecture and lifestyle. The 'Baixa' (down town) is framed from the hill districts 'Alfama' and 'Bairro Alto' good nightlife. You must enjoy the panoramic view from Alfamas Castelo São Jorge over the city and the river 'Tejo'. In the 'Park das Naçoes' you find the biggest aquarium in Europe. Lisbon is a city steeped in history and tradition, whole websites are devoted to it please dont miss the opportunity to explore this amazing city.
Check out: Guide to surfing holidays In Portugal's Lisbon & central coast
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ERICEIRA
Ericeira is a fishing village 50 km (31 miles) northeast of Lisbon, 25 km (16 miles) from Sintra and 10 km (6 miles) from Mafra. Life in Ericeira is laid back and nothing happens quickly. Typical blue and white azulejos (Portuguese decorative tiles) still adorn the house fronts and fishermen still launch their sardine boats out to sea taking very little notice of the growing tourist trade. Ericeira is a far cry from the hustle and bustle of Lisbon and the tourist resorts, yet in summer, it has a suprisingly lively nightlife. No matter what time the parties end, by dawn surfers and fishermen alike turn their attention to the sea.
Check out: Ericeira Suring Holidays
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PENICHE
The quaint fishing port of Peniche lies in the shelter of a great headland on Portugal 's rugged Atlantic coast. As late as the mid-16th century, the town was part of an 8-kilometre-wide island, although an accumulation of sand gradually joined it to the mainland to form the present peninsula.A small area of 74.6 Km2, Peniche combines a large modern fishing harbour with a 17th century military complex that is now only a symbol of its ancient strategic value.
Today the town is most famous for its lace-making and fishing, and of course the abundance of beautiful beaches and surf spots. The numerous fish restaurants serve up some of the tastiest sardines in Portugal .
At the water's edge on the south side of town stands the 16th-century Fortaleza, used as a prison during the opressive Salazar regime. It now contains a museum of local archaeology and crafts, incorporating former cells, solitary chambers and the visitors' grilles. In Largo 5 de Outubro, the Church of the Misericórdia has 17th-century painted ceiling panels depicting the life of Christ and patterned azulejo glazed tiles from the same period. There are also frequent festivals and markets offering the opportunity to buy goods from around the world.
Check out: Peniche Surfing Holidays
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THE BERLENGAS ARCHIPELAGO
The Berlengas archipelago is located 6 miles west from the peninsula of Peniche and includes the islands of Berlenga, Farilhões, Estelas and Forcados. The completely unspoilt island of Berlenga is a natural haven with clean and transparent waters and offers visitors an unforgettable day surrounded by unspoiled nature. The island is also a bird watchers paradise home to the airo, the dark-winged-seagull, the yellow-beak sea-sparrow and the crested-sea-crow, amongst others. The islands indigenous flora is comprised of over 80 species of plants, of which, 4 are not found anywhere else in the world.
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BALEAL
Baleal lies within walking or short driving distance from the Peniche peninsula. Casais do Baleal is a small island 5 minutes drive from Peniche and about an hour from Lisbon. There is good public transport to and from Peniche.
Baleal is small and more or less surrounded by beaches. You have bars and cafés on the beach where you can watch the sunset or party at night. There are also quite a few restaurants, a nearby market, surf shops, bakery and everything necessary for your day to day needs. For more banking. post office etc. you need to go to Peniche.
Check out: Baleal Surfing Holidays
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