Economy Beach Towns Not Far From Lisbon

Young travelers who reach Lisbon usually head south to soak up the sun on the popular Algarve coast. Yet near Lisbon are interesting and economical stops to make before you head for the beautiful beaches.

Take a break from big-city sightseeing by riding an electric train from downtown Lisbon to the popular beach-front coastal towns of Estoril and Cascais. It takes 35 minutes to get to Estoril, and the cost is only 105 escudos (about 75 cents U.S.).

The beaches aren’t like the Algarve but they are sandy, something you can’t always count on when you visit European waterfront towns.

Estoril was once home to European royalty and the wealthy. The beautiful villas that surround Europe’s largest casino still remain.

Cascais is just a little farther along the coast. It’s the next stop by train, or you can walk along the waterfront, which is dominated by the remains of a guard tower.

Cascais, a town of trendy shops and restaurants, has evolved out of the winding streets of a small fishing village. Colorful fishing boats and nets add to the atmosphere of the cheerful, busy beachfront.

Not for Backpackers

This area does not cater to the backpacking traveler, but at a few budget hotels rates for a double start at 2,000 escudos ($14 U.S.) in the winter season and 3,500 escudos in summer. Tourist information offices in both towns give directions.

From Estoril take a 45-minute bus trip to Sintra. Because of its palaces and gardens, Sintra has been called the “fairy-tale city of Portugal.”

Buses leave each hour. The fare is 170 escudos ($1.20 U.S.).

Another interesting option is to travel inland from Lisbon to Evora, one of the oldest cities of the Iberian Peninsula.

Evora is often referred to as Portugal’s “museum town.” When the Romans were there during the second century they built a beautiful temple to their goddess Diana. Much still remains.

An excellent regional museum is housed in what was once the Bishop’s Palace. For the bizarre, visit the Church of St. Francis; walls are decorated with the skulls and bones of about 5,000 monks.

Fast Bus Service

If you are traveling on a Eurailpass you can use it to reach Evora from Lisbon. The trip takes about three hours. On many routes in Portugal, buses provide more frequent and faster service than trains.

A two-hour express bus from Lisbon to Evora costs 650 escudos. The non-express bus service takes about three hours and costs 585 escudos.

It’s best to start in Evora at the tourist information office, which faces the main Praca Do Giraldo square. You can store your luggage at the bus or rail station but the rail station is not as central.

At the tourist information office you can get a list of lodgings and a map with directions to the youth hostel, formerly a private home, at 32 Rua de Corredoura. It’s a 10-minute walk from the tourist office. The hostel opens between 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m., depending on the season, and has a curfew at 10:30 p.m.

Showers May Be Cold

At 500 escudos for accommodations and continental breakfast, the price is right. But don’t count on hot water for the showers.

The hostel staff is helpful with information about sights to see, good economical restaurants and bus and rail information. Kitchen facilities are available. A supermarket is near the main bus terminal.

In Portugal, International Student Identity Cards are good for free admission to 30 museums and palaces (this does not include private museums).

The fee for exchanging traveler’s checks is high, however. One bank charged 500 escudos, plus 45 escudos tax. So shop around and try not to make more transactions than necessary.

For more information on travel to Portugal, contact the Portuguese National Tourist Office, 590 Fifth Ave., New York 10036, (212) 354-4403.