Lisbon Coast - expensive?

leahyl

Hi all,

Myself and friends are trying to decide where to go on sun holiday. One of my friends suggested Lisbon Coast but I wonder is it very expensive or would there be a chance of getting a last minute deal there? We're looking to go in August.

Has anyone been there and which resort were you in? We want somewhere that has a nice beach, isn't rowdy (not Ibiza or Aiya Napa in other words!) but still has a bit of an atmosphere with nice restaurants.

Thanks very much:)

Unshelved

Caiscais is lovely, has a nice beach and great restaurants. It's also within an easy distance of Lisbon so you could go sightseeing or partying in the Bairro Alto area.

Portugal is one of the cheapest countries in Europe. If you go a bit further afield to somewhere like Nazare or Eirceira it's even cheaper (we were charged €1.25 for a bottle of beer and a glass of wine in Eirceira last summer!!).

sarkozy

I second this. Cascais is nice enough, resorty, but maybe think Dalkey of Lisbon. Around that area are nice beaches, particularly in the vicinity of Seisimbra. You can also take lovely coastal mountain drives and visit the very unusual but enchanting Sintra up in the mountains; the Portuguese elite and some emigré British writers holidayed in this picturesque microclimate. The coastal area even has a wine area - its speciality is 'Moscatel', a very sweet dessert wine, but you may also try port. I think it was the 'Perequita' vinyard we visited.

And, as Unshelved says, Lisbon is but 50 minutes drive away. I found it to be a wonderful city with the most sublime (and cheap) grilled fish and freshest arts culture. Overall, Lisbon and its environs is excellent value for money. Anywhere, a typical lunch meal will cost you €6 for a grilled fish (usually sea bream or scabbard fish with a red pepper side salad and potatoes) plus a euro or two for a load of local wine.