Holiday Villas >> Portugal villas >> Lisbon villas

Our range of villas on the coast near Lisbon is ideal for family holidays as they are close to the sea and fabulous beaches, near world-class golf courses and within easy driving distance of the historic centre known for its gastronomic restaurants as well as the airport. To the south of Lisbon, we have superb homes for rent with private swimming pools near the coastal villages of Sesimbra and Setubal by the wild beaches of the natural park as well as the Aroeiro golf course. To the west and north of the centre, there are luxury properties in the trendy villages of Cascais and Sintra. The quality of villa and value for money is quite exceptional and the sea views on offer in some are absolutely breath-taking, a few have private tennis courts and the big houses are well suited to special occasion holidays.

Lisbon is the capital of Portugal and as many as 10% of the countries population reside in the city. Its seafront setting, Rio Tejo river estuary and a substantial old town based on three hills provide the main elements of this fascinating, cultured city. Lisbon is steeped in history dating back to pre-Roman and remnants of Moorish occupation and Christian crusades still remain in the form of the Castelo de Sao Jorge, along with numerous references to its famous personalities which include many artists and poets.

The Lisbon area is the richest in the country and this wealth is reflected in the infrastructure and architecture on display which dates back to the ages. Despite a devastating earthquake in 1755 which wreaked havoc and destruction the city recovered its stature.

There are many attractions in the Lisbon area. Holidays in Lisbon are culturally rich and throughout the year there are plenty of interesting events in the surrounding area.

Sports and leisure

Both to the north and south of Lisbon there are fabulous sandy beaches which are great for sunbathing but also popular for surfing and wind surfing as well as sailing and boating. There are a number of excellent golf courses in the Lisbon region as well as tennis facilities.

Food and drink

Being by the sea there is an abundance of fresh fish and seafood on sale. Being a major centre there is also plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables as well as excellent meat. Local wines are good and of course, there is Porto from up the coast.

Eating out

Lisbon is well known for its excellent value cafés and restaurants and has become a popular capital for visitors who also enjoy the foreign influences of former Portuguese colonies: Brazil, Mozambique, Angola, Cap Verde, Macao and Goa.

Shopping

There are some great shops in Lisbon, with a wide range of boutiques to go at as well as the souvenir shops.

Beaches

Lisbon's beach suburbs of Estoril and Cascais lie to the west and to the south there is the Costa da Caprica followed by the port of Setubal and the resort of Sesimbra, which is well frequented by locals.

Travel

Lisbon (LIS) airport is located about twenty minutes north of the centre and there are good rail services plus a metro in Lisbon which are advisable in preference to taking the car. Lisbon airport is serviced by low-cost airline Easyjet and TAP. A car is advisable for a villa holiday in Lisbon. If you need an overnight stop in Sitra near Lisbon you may wish to stay here quintadasmurtas.com which comes recommended by our clients.

Weather

The weather in Lisbon is ideal for holidays, the climate is mainly dry from Spring to Autumn, with temperatures becoming pretty hot in the height of summer.

Films to see before a Lisbon holiday

A night in Lisbon directed by Zbynek Brynych was released in 1971. Others are Lisbon story by Wim Wenders and the James Bond film On her majesty's secret service.

Books to read

The main recent novel set in Lisbon is the international bestseller Night train to Lisbon by Pascal Mercier which gives a fascinating insight into life in Portugal just after the last war. Others include The Alexandria Link by Steve Barry, The Book of Disquiet by Fernando Pessoa and The night in Lisbon by Erich Maria Remarque.

Lisbon holiday houses and what to expect

The holiday rental houses in the Lisbon area are of a generally high standard. They are located either near Setabul to the south of Lisbon or near Sintra to the north, you can get to the centre easily enough from all of them. Some are within walking distance of the beach. There are over 50 houses to choose from.