Portugal

Portugal

Portugal’s two main cities, Lisbon and Porto, are rich in history and culture, offering countless opportunities for eco-conscious travel. Whether strolling through Lisbon’s sunlit streets by the Tagus River or enjoying Porto’s scenic beauty along the Douro, you can explore these destinations responsibly.

Baixa de Lisboa

Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal

If you choose Portugal's capital, Lisbon, start by visiting the Baixa Pombalina, in the very heart of the city, bounded by the magnificent square called Praça do Comércio, which opens onto the river. The views are best appreciated by heading uphill to St. George's Castle, the Santa Justa Lift or other viewpoints, such as São Pedro de Alcântara and Graça Lisbon’s efficient public transport makes exploring the city simple. Use the reusable Navegante occasional card for cost-effective travel across the Lisbon metropolitan area public transport, or the Lisboa Card, which offers free transport and discounts on monuments, museums, and attractions.

Lisbon, Lisbon

Exploring historic neighbourhoods such as Alfama, Mouraria, and Bairro Alto on foot allows you to immerse yourself in the city’s culture, with fado music filling the air. For a scenic ride, hop on the iconic Tram 28, which runs from Martim Moniz to Campo de Ourique, or other trams with different routes, like Tram No. 12 , Tram No. 15, Tram No. 18, Tram No. 24 or Tram No. 25. Yellow is the signature colour of the trams, but there is a historical red version too, which is more comfortable and offers a guided tour to ensure you don’t miss any detail along the route. There are also 3 lifts and an elevator, that helps you climb the hills of the city. At Restauradores, you can take Elevador da Glória to get to Bairro Alto, Príncipe Real and the viewpoint of Jardim de São Pedro de Alcântara quicker. Across Avenida da Liberdade, halfway along the parallel Rua das Portas de Santo Antão, the Elevador do Lavra takes you up to Jardim do Torel. Close to Chiado, Elevador da Bica connects two old neighbourhoods that are a nightlife reference of Lisbon, Bairro Alto and Cais do Sodré. And last but not least, one of Lisbon's iconic attractions in the heart of Baixa (downtown) is the Elevador de Santa Justa. Built-in 1902 by French architect Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard, a disciple of Eiffel, this remarkable iron structure offers an excellent viewpoint over the city centre and stands as a testament to Portugal’s architectural heritage.

Belém

Lisbon, Portugal

Cycling is a great eco-friendly way to explore Lisbon, with bike-sharing services like Gira offering electric bikes to tackle the hills. The city’s expanded bike paths, mainly along the waterfront, include a scenic route from Belém to Parque das Nações, passing iconic UNESCO sites like the Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower, which like Fado, are UNESCO World Heritage. You could also explore the Museu dos Coches (National Coach Museum) and Belém Cultural Centre, and of course sample the famous and delicious Pasteis de Nata (custard tarts )😋. And, at the other end of the city, the Parque das Nações (Park of Nations), a fine example of modernity with squares, gardens and one of Europe's largest oceanariums.

1B Av. Infante Dom Henrique
Lisboa, Lisboa

Lisbon’s ferry system offers a scenic and practical way to explore the city while enjoying stunning skyline views. With routes to Cacilhas, Montijo, and Seixal, these ferries provide a unique perspective of the Tagus River. A short 10-minute ride from Cais do Sodré to Cacilhas is especially worthwhile, leading to a waterfront district renowned for its fresh seafood and breathtaking views of Lisbon. The traditional "cacilheiro" ferries also serve as a gateway to key attractions like the Cristo Rei statue, Almada, and the beautiful beaches of Costa da Caparica, while offering glimpses of iconic landmarks such as Belém Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery. Beyond the ferries, visitors can also enjoy various boat tours along the Tagus River, from sailing trips with or without a skipper to sunset cruises with music and food. Hop-On Hop-Off boat tours offer a flexible way to see the city, while themed experiences such as river cruises with fado music provide a unique cultural touch. Whether for individuals or groups, these boat rides offer an unforgettable way to experience Lisbon from a fresh and stunning perspective.

Avenida Ribeira das Naus

Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal

A walk along the Tagus River is one of the most relaxing experiences in Lisbon. As soon as the sun peeks through, locals and visitors alike head to the waterfront—to walk, run, exercise, or simply unwind. The open views, fresh air, and sense of freedom make it an irresistible spot for outdoor activities. Whether you're admiring the 25 de Abril Bridge, enjoying a coffee at a riverside café, or just taking in the beauty of the other shore, the Tagus offers the perfect escape. As you can see, Lisbon offers countless ways to explore the city while being a conscious traveler. Whether you choose to wander on foot, cycle along scenic paths, hop on a historic tram, take the metro, ride a Segway, or enjoy a hop-on-hop-off bus tour, there are plenty of eco-friendly options. You can also experience Lisbon from the water on a boat trip, cross the Tagus River on a cacilheiro ferry, or zip through the streets in an electric tuk-tuk. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to immerse yourself in the city's vibrant atmosphere while minimizing your carbon footprint

17 Largo do Duque de Cadaval
Lisboa, Lisboa

For nearby destinations like Sintra or Cascais, opt for the train —a more eco-friendly alternative to driving. Close to Lisbon, Sintra is a must-visit place in any tourist programme because of its historical and cultural value and the striking beauty of a landscape that has been classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. And one of the most comfortable ways of getting to Sintra is by train. Departing from the Rossio station, the trip from Lisbon to Sintra takes about 40 minutes. You can look up the times at www.cp.pt. The municipality of Sintra is also served by the Scotturb coach company – www.scotturb.com. CP – Comboios de Portugal offers a combined pass with Scotturb, called Train & Bus, which provides tours past the main points of attraction in Sintra, Cascais and Lisbon. You can reach Sintra by bus from Cascais and Estoril. See times of the 417 and 418 lines at www.scotturb.com. The Lisboa Card, the City of Lisbon tourist card, also allows travel to Sintra, in addition to other benefits in accessing museums, monuments and services in the City which can be consulted at https://lisboa-card.com/ The Cascais and Estoril Coast are also among the top must-visit destinations near Lisbon, offering a perfect blend of stunning beaches, charming towns, and scenic ocean views. One of the most comfortable and picturesque ways to get there is by train from Cais do Sodré station. This journey follows the waterfront, hugging the Tagus River and passing by the bustling beaches of the Estoril Coast.

Porto, Porto District

Located in Portugal’s oldest region, Porto is rich in heritage and history. Its UNESCO-listed historical center is best explored on foot, with landmarks like the Sé Cathedral, Clérigos, and Palácio da Bolsa. You can also stroll through the popular Ribeira with its café terraces and picturesque corners along the scenic River Douro waterfront. The city’s public transport system includes the rechargeable Andante card for all transport in the Porto Metropolitan Area, or the Porto.Card, offering free transport, museum admission, and discounts on attractions.

Ribeira

Porto, Porto, Portugal

Porto’s historic centre is a captivating blend of medieval charm and breathtaking river views, and the best way to explore it is on foot, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the city’s charm while taking in all the intricate details. The journey begins at the city’s iconic Cathedral (Sé do Porto), where the first glimpse of the Douro River, cascading houses, and the opposite bank unfolds. From here, a descent through narrow, medieval streets and stone steps leads to the lively Ribeira District, known for its colourful facades, charming café terraces, and picturesque corners. The majestic Dom Luís I Bridge spans the river, offering stunning panoramas. From here, you have the chance to embark on a scenic cruise under Porto’s six iconic bridges, offering a unique view of the city’s stunning architecture and the winding Douro River. Just beyond, the Church of São Francisco awaits with its dazzling gilded interior, while nearby tile-adorned churches, historic monuments, and the grand Palácio da Bolsa add to the city’s architectural splendour. Walking through this area lets you discover all the hidden gems and enjoy the city's rich history at your own pace.

47 Cais da Ribeira
Porto, Porto

Start your cycling 🚴‍♂️adventure in Porto’s picturesque Ribeira district, where colorful facades and Douro River views set the scene. Follow the scenic riverside path towards the coast, passing iconic bridges and charming neighborhoods. Ride all the way to Matosinhos on the dedicated traffic-free cycle routes, where the Atlantic breeze and fresh seafood await.

Rua Nova da Alfândega

Porto, Porto, Portugal

Porto is a city of charm, where history and tradition blend seamlessly with modern life. Among its many treasures, the historic trams stand out as a nostalgic reminder of a bygone era. If you’re looking for a unique way to explore the city, hop aboard one of Porto’s iconic electric trams from Ribeira to Foz, and take a journey through time. The ride starts at the Infante stop, in front of the São Francisco Church, and ends at the Passeio Alegre stop, in the beautiful Jardim do Passeio Alegre.

Porto

Porto, Porto District, Portugal

Experience Porto from a new perspective with a scenic river cruise on a traditional rabelo boat, once used to transport Port wine barrels along the Douro River. As the sun sets, watch the city glow in golden light while gliding under its iconic bridges. 🍷 To make it even more special, sip on a glass of rich Port wine as you take in the breathtaking views. A perfect way to end the day! ⛵

Praça de Almeida Garrett
Porto, Porto

For travel beyond Porto, head to São Bento Station—famous for its stunning azulejo tile atrium—and take the train. The S. Bento Railway Station was built at the beginning of the twentieth century on the exact location of the former Convent of S. Bento de Avé-Maria. The glass and iron structure was designed by the architect Marques da Silva. The vestibule is adorned with twenty thousand tiles painted by Jorge Colaço that illustrate the transport evolution and events of Portuguese history and life. From São Bento Train Station, you can easily catch a train to travel all over Portugal. This historic station, known for its beautiful tile murals, serves as a hub for regional and long-distance trains. Check CP website for details: https://www.cp.pt/passageiros/en

Portugal

Portugal

In both Lisbon and Porto, you're in for a treat when it comes to food. These cities offer an exceptional culinary experience, where you’ll eat incredibly well at every turn. In Lisbon, savour the iconic Pastéis de Nata, a crispy, creamy delight, and don’t miss a glass of Ginginha, a traditional cherry liquor that’s a local favourite. In Porto, indulge in the indulgent Francesinha, a hearty, meat-filled sandwich that’s a true must-try. And of course, no meal in Porto would be complete without a glass of the famous Port wine. Both cities promise a feast for the senses!