Find below some info about Lisbon and where we will be hanging out on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th July.
Around Lisbon
- Costa da Caparica- this is the closest one to Lisbon, about 10km from the city centre: about 15 km stretch of sand, 1 large beach but several names. Probably where will be.
- Carcavelos - urban beach, really used for surfing only as it is not the prettiest around
- Guincho and Praia Grande - arguably the most beautiful ones in the area, but are colder and therefore require warmer weather. Guincho in particular is very exposed to wind and can be a nightmare for beach goers (and a paradise for kite surfers...)
- In all of them: water is cold! This is the Atlantic Ocean, beach for real men and tough women, not that sissy Caribbean thing. But well worth it... check teaser pics
Sunset + "beach activities" in Costa da Caparica
October mist in Praia Grande
If you are brave enough to challenge "the elements", you can get a wetsuit and a board and have a go at surfing. Let me know if you feel like to know how you're loundry feels in the washing machine and I should be able to get some rental equipment.
a nice little beginners' wave at Costa and a heavy one at Carcavelos
the beginner surfer challenges "the element" and gets his reward. It was his 4th or 5th time
With regards to the city itself:
The orientation in Lisbon is dead easy! There is one main artery that goes downhill to the river (Av.Liberdade and pedestrian R. Augusta) that splits the city in two. On the left you have the Alfama and the castle where the original 12th century Lisbon was; on the right the Bairro Alto where 19th and 21st century Lisbon thrive (all the bars are here!). On the east of Lisbon you have the Expo area (new development that removed old industries), nice and pleasant for a Sunday stroll; on the west the Belem area with monuments, cafes and great views to the golden gate bridge (pretty much like the one in San Francisco but without the fog!).
And this is really all you need to know for a weekend. Except for Belem and the Expo, everything is walking distance but be ware: 1) Lisbon is not flat; 2) wear comfortable shoes, specially the ladies as Lisbon sidewalks are a deadly trap for high heels (you'll understand it when you're there).
Left: view from the castle; right and bottom : around Bairro Alto
About safety and where to stay
Lisbon is totally safe and you would have to be REALLY unlucky or try very hard to get into trouble. Just a few things to bear in mind:
- beware of pick pockets around touristic areas like the castle, downtown, bairro alto and belem (usual stuff)
- avoid Martim Moniz, Intendente, Anjos. They are all on the "left side of town" on the metro green line. You will never go to Intendente and Anjos but Martim Moniz is really close Rossio (downtown between Av. Liberdade and R. Augusta). Martim Moniz is not dangerous during the day but it is where the illegal immigrants hang out so it is not pleasant.
- Bairro Alto after 3am can get heavy, I wouldn't hang around the tight winding streets at that time. Also, be aware that this is full of bars and there is always some drunk guy looking for trouble. And I don't need to tell you to decline any invitation to go inside some building or into a dark corner to buy drugs, right?
When you are choosing where to stay you have all the safe options (Novotel, NH,...) cheaper than in most other European cities. For a stay in style you can try to get a short term let deal like this (thanks Sebastian for the tip), and it even isn't more expensive. hint: always ask if there is public parking nearby because Bairro Alto and Alfama are a nightmare for cars. I have heard there are zillions of places like this but I actually don't know them cause....aaa, I normally stay at home when I'm in Lisbon...
Ok, this is the basics taken care of. Next post will be about eating & partying so keep checking.
And of course, if you have any questions or need any help you know where to find me!
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