Sports

Eusébio, Luís Figo, Cristiano Ronaldo, José Mourinho. Who does not know these names, who symbolize what football means in Portugal? Sports are overly related to the culture of Portugal, and especially football is. Football has a long history in the country, and Portugal presented many talented football players and coaches to the world. The 3 UEFA 5 starts stadia show the popularity of the sport in Portugal. Portugal is not just a great place to watch games in one of the fabulous arenas, but also to practice football.

In Lisbon, choose from the wonderful international golf courses , the sandy beaches with a huge assortment of water sports or the many sports associations with well-equipped gyms, swimming pools, etc. The climate and the development of the golf industry in the country, turned Portugal into a "golfing heaven". In the surrounding areas, you can find 18 golf courses just a few minutes away from the city centre. Fourteen of Portugal's golf courses are rated in the top 100 in Europe. Set in great landscapes and made for those who love golf (and even for begginers) and refuse to renounce the quality of life factor, these golf courses are equipped with all the facilities that the most discerning players demand.

Surfing, body boarding, sailing, windsurfing and all sorts of water sports can be found in beaches like Guincho (that has some of the best conditions for surf and windsurf), Cascais and Costa de Caparica . This last one boasts a 15 kilometer stretch of golden, sandy shoreline. Also not to be missed are the surrounding areas of Setúbal and Sesimbra. Peniche is an excellent destination for surfers. The small town is known for the long and windy beaches, and a home as many surf championships and surf schools. Recently Peniche gives place to the World Championship Tour of Association of surfing professionals.
Just an hour way by car to the north, you can find the town of Nazaré , with long sunny beacheslocated on the Athlantic coast. The little city is famous for the enormous waves caused by the presence of the underwater Nazaré Canyon. In 2011 Garrett Namara surfed a record-breaking 23,8 m wave at Nazaré.

ParksBesides having good conditions for water sports, both these regions offer spectacular scenery and are definitely worth a visit. One of the best ways to explore the natural beauty of Lisbon's surrounding countryside is on horseback . The magnificent landscape of the Costa do Estoril , particularly the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park , is best appreciated on horseback, providing a truly memorable day out for visitor riders. The Natural Park includes the Serra de Sintra Mountain Range but extends all the way to the coast and Cabo da Roca , continental Europe's westernmost point. The cape presents an amaizing view to the Athlantic ocean.

Lisbon has several parks: Jardim da Estrela (near ISEG), where you can enjoy the sun, the trees, relax and visit the local café. Parque Eduardo VII (above Marquês de Pombal), where you can find the Estufa Fria (an exuberant greenhouse, with exotics plants, trees and fountains). Parque do Campo Grande , where you can roller-skate, swim or hire a rowing boat on the lake, simply to relax, enjoy the sun or appreciate the refreshing shade of the overhanging trees. Parque do Lumiar, Estrada do Lumiar . This park is relatively isolated from the city noises and houses the Museu Nacional do Traje (National Costume Museum) and the Museu Nacional do Teatro. (Theatre Museum).