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Gulbenkian Garden is considered by its founders to be one of the most iconic modern gardens in all of Portugal. Only loosely geometric in its design, the garden is orderly enough to lend a sense of serenity within its suggested modes exploration. Gonçalo Ribeiro Telles, the garden's co-creator, offers visitors three walking itineraries that he believed best showcase the garden's highlights; the light and shade itinerary, the pond itinerary, and the rim itinerary. Experience the flickering dialogue between light and shade under the canopy of trees. Hear the accompanying songs of the birds indigenous to the plants and trees that have grown together since the 60s. And get lost in the reflection of the still ponds on a spring day. There's an interpretive center, too, where you can learn more about Ribeiro Telles and the lush stories hidden within the garden. The grounds are free and open every day.

In Lisbon, you neighbor the Atlantic, but while you're there, did you know you could also visit the Pacific, Indian, and Arctic Oceans? It's true! Anything feels possible when you dive into the Oceanário de Lisboa on the shore of the Tagus Estuary. Inside, swimming to their heart's content, 8,000 sea creatures from 500 species in four ocean habitats delight millions of visitors from all over the world. Bigger than an aircraft carrier, the Lisbon Oceanarium entertains young and old for hours, whether getting up close and personal to the colorful pufferfish, or keeping a respectful distance from the Sandtiger sharks. And yes, there are cuddly penguins waddling around, too. On sunny days, you can rent a pedalo and make circles in the artificial boating lagoon. Tickets are available for purchase online so you can plan your visit well ahead of your arrival to Portugal's capital city.

December in Lisboa can be cool and windy, so why not let it blow you inside the Coliseu de Lisboa? It's a famous old theatre house that hosts international and national concerts as well as a number of variety shows throughout the year.  And every year during the holidays, the Coliseu de Lisboa reserves the space for the annual Christmas Circus. For the month of December, incredible acrobats, unbelievable illusionists, trapeze artists, cyclists, clowns and more perform to amaze and delight spectators of all ages. Check the website for more show and ticket information. On your way to the circus, peek in a bakery window to find a regional holiday favorite, Broas Castelares. They're a tender biscuit made from delicious and nutritious sweet potatoes and make a great treat to finish your pre-circus meal! What are you waiting for? Come see why December in Lisbon is a feast for the eyes and taste buds!

They say that in October, the whole world fits in Lisbon. Why? Because everyone (who's anyone) descends upon the city to see DocLisboa. It's Portugal's annual international documentary film festival. The 10-day event, beginning on October 17th, plays host to independent, uncategorized film productions made by filmmakers from around the globe. There are more films than we care to count with stories best left to their tellers—so just go and learn, challenge your perspectives, get inspired, and be entertained. Seven silver screens will show the films and you can pay to see just one or buy a voucher to see 20. And while you watch, some will be picking winners. Opening and closing soirees bookend a week of live musical performances that pay tribute to world-famous artists Depeche Mode, Joan Jett, Aretha Franklin, and more. Tickets go on sale beginning October 3rd at the central ticket office or online at Ticketline.

Portugal's premier music festival, Jazz em Agosto, or "Jazz in August" begins on the 1st of the month and swings straight through to the 11th. Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian hosts the annual event, with this summer marking its 36th year. National and international artists have been invited to perform in the auditorium during the afternoon and in the open-air amphitheater, both set within the Calouste Gulbenkian Garden near the Center of Modern Art and the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum. "Resistance" is this year's theme, and the festival opens with Marc Ribot's rebellious project, 'Songs of Resistance', composed in response to the volatile social and political contexts in the United States. Joining his cry will be jazz superstars, Heroes Are Gang Leaders, Burning Ghosts, Nicole Mitchell, and Ambrose Akinmusire. Their collective motto: It's music to make change happen. Music to make sure nothing stays the same. Tickets and festival passes are available online HERE.

Celebrate June with the Saints! Special this month is the annual Festas de Lisboa, religious festivals-turned-street parades that pave the cobbles with costumed dances, drink, and traditional food. On this occasion, that food is the celebrated Portuguese sardine! Taste them fresh from the grill, blackened, or barbequed on a chunk of toasted bread. Just follow your nose, and the crowds, to pick your fish of choice.

June 12th and 13th, the streets will be decorated with flowers, lights, and garlands, practically vibrating with music. Even if you don't pack a costume, plan to wear your best. Every year, the Lisbon City Council finances more than two dozen weddings for couples who can't afford the ceremony on their own. Go ahead! You're invited and encouraged to march with them down the avenues.

If you miss the parade, visit the Castelo and Alfama neighborhoods anyway. Have a drink and a sardine to celebrate!

In June the fine weather is finally here to stay and it's time to enjoy the long summer days in the best possible way.
All over the country popular festivals take place. Lisbon, only a 30-minute ride from our resort, becomes the city of celebrations. If you like traditional dancing, you just need a 30-minute ride to be in the heart of all the amusement. However, our suggestion is not about sardines and basil.

Leave the crowds behind and march towards the Oeste where you will find all you need to rest. Start by getting tanned in one of our 2 outdoor swimming pools. You can choose the main pool at the hotel with bar service and a wonderful outdoor jacuzzi, the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail. If you're bringing children along, we suggest the Sunset swimming pool, located next to Welly Kids Park!

In Portugal, May is the doorstep to summer. So get a bird's-eye view of the city in waiting by climbing Rua Augusta's Arch. It rises from the heart of downtown Lisbon, originally built to commemorate the reconstruction of the city after a devastating earthquake in 1755. What many may not know is that in 2013, the interior of the arch was opened to the public. That means you can climb the spiral staircase or ride the elevator and take photos from a perspective you just can't achieve from anywhere else. Time it just right to catch the sunset before continuing on to Praça do Comércio. Rua Augusta is closed to traffic but is bustling with colorful shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars to sit at and watch the world go by... and to look up at the top of the arch you just climbed! Tickets sold at the arch, just bring your walking shoes and a sense of adventure.

Once you've seen all of Lisbon's beautiful exteriors, from its historic cobbled curves and romantic river cruises to its craggy hilltop castles, treat yourself to a ticket inside one of its most glamorous artistic venues. Teatro São Carlos is the sparkling refurbishment of Lisbon's original Opera House leveled by an earthquake way back in 1755. It reopened its doors in the city's Chiado neighborhood in 1793 and has played host to world-renowned operatic and symphonic performances ever since. Lauded as the city's theatrical masterpiece, Teatro São Carlos maintains its historical integrity while welcoming the best and brightest the stage has to offer. Performances are scheduled every season. Looking ahead to summer, tumbling into the square in front of the Teatro São Carlos, will be outdoor classical music concerts and performances. These are free to the public and a must-go during the warmer months when daylight lingers well into the evening.

Don't miss some of the holiday season's sweetest and most festive treats unique to Portugal. Almost anywhere you dine, you'll find these winter favorites decorating cafe menus. Read our list of the top three holiday treats to try so that you can prime your taste buds first. 

“Bolo-Rei," or “king-cake” in English, is a traditional Lisbon dessert served only at Christmastime. Its name refers to the Three Wise Men who visited Jesus when he was born. Studded with candied fruits and dusted with sugar, it even looks like royalty.

Rabanadas are another Christmas delicacy. A cousin to French toast, this Portuguese egg bread is practically pastry. Indulge in a variety of flavors from chocolate and cinnamon to lemon and orange.

Finally, aletria, or sweet pasta is a dessert made from vermicelli. The tried and true recipe includes egg yolks, milk, sugar, lemon or orange peel, and cinnamon.

Save room and try all three!

After you’ve sipped and savored a few new favorites in our restaurants, get out to explore the wineries in and around Torres Vedras. Wines here capture the unique characteristics of the Lisbon Region which was once known as Estremadura. It runs alongside the wind-swept Atlantic Ocean and stretches inland to the DOC regions of Torres Vedras, Óbidos, and Alenquer, where some of the region's leading wineries are located.

Famous for its traditional whites and easy drinking reds, this picturesque countryside west and north of Lisbon boasts a total of nine DOC regions growing indigenous and international grapes, including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Cabernet. Many of the region's wineries are open to the public for tours and tastings, including Torres Vedras' stunningly architectural Adega Mãe and the award-winning Casa Santos Lima, which is said to be the largest producer of “Vinho Regional Lisboa” and “DOC Alenquer.”

À sua saúde!