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Places to visit

Portugal is located in Southern Europe, on the westernmost edge of the Iberian Peninsula, bordered by Spain and the Atlantic Ocean. In addition to its mainland territory, Portugal includes the autonomous regions of Madeira and the Azores, both situated in the Atlantic.

Known for its mild climate, Atlantic coastline, historic cities and distinctive cultural heritage, Portugal offers visitors a rich and diverse experience. Across the country, centuries-old monuments, traditional neighbourhoods, museums, natural landscapes and contemporary cultural spaces reflect a long history of openness, exchange and connection with the world.

The conference will take place in Estoril, in the municipality of Cascais, close to Lisbon. Located along the Cascais coastline, Estoril is part of a region with a longstanding tradition of welcoming international visitors and hosting major events. Its location offers convenient access to Lisbon and to nearby areas such as Cascais and Sintra, should participants wish to explore the region during their stay.

Participants interested in discovering more about Portugal, Lisbon, Cascais, Sintra or other nearby cultural and natural sites are encouraged to consult official tourism resources.

01

Getting to Portugal

Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport is Portugal's main international gateway. The airport is located approximately 6 km from Lisbon city centre and offers regular connections with major European capitals and other international destinations.

02

Getting Around

The Cascais-Estoril area is well connected by public transport, including frequent train services, buses, and road links. Taxis and ride-hailing services are also widely available throughout the region.

Participants staying in Lisbon can easily travel to Estoril via road transport or public transport connections across the Lisbon metropolitan area.

Plan your journey using official transport websites:

03

Explore

Participants wishing to explore Portugal during their stay may find the following areas of interest useful. The suggestions below are provided for general information only and are not part of the official conference programme.

Cascais, Estoril and the surrounding area

Discover the coastal heritage, historic streets and natural landscapes of Cascais, Estoril and nearby Sintra.

Historic centre of Cascais
lele3100 · CC BY 2.0

Cascais historic centre

Cascais offers a historic centre with cultural sites, local streets, museums, gardens and a strong connection to the Atlantic coastline. Participants may wish to explore the area during their free time. Visit Cascais presents Cascais as a destination with beaches, museums, parks, gardens, events and visitor activities.

Landscape in Sintra-Cascais Natural Park
Antonio Juan Sánchez · CC BY-SA 4.0

Sintra-Cascais Natural Park

The Sintra-Cascais Natural Park includes natural landscapes between the mountains and the Atlantic coast. It is one of the main natural areas near Cascais and Sintra.

Atlantic coast at Guincho
Alvesgaspar · CC BY-SA 3.0

Guincho Coastal

The Guincho coastal area is located within the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park and is known for its Atlantic landscape and natural surroundings. Participants interested in outdoor routes and coastal scenery may consult official tourism resources before planning a visit.

Sunset view over Cascais
Dora Dragoni · CC BY 3.0

Cascais best views

Cascais and the surrounding coastline offer several viewpoints and walking areas. Participants interested in local views, walking routes and cultural points of interest may consult Visit Cascais for updated information.

Pena Palace in Sintra
Jakub Hałun · CC BY 4.0

Pena Palace

Located in Sintra, Pena Palace is one of Portugal’s most recognised historic monuments and a major example of 19th-century Romantic architecture. It is part of the cultural landscape of Sintra, an area known for its palaces, parks and historic setting.

Quinta da Regaleira in Sintra
Diego Delso · CC BY-SA 4.0

Quinta da Regaleira

Also located in Sintra, Quinta da Regaleira is known for its palace, gardens, symbolic architecture and underground passages. It is one of the most visited cultural sites in the area.

Monserrate Palace in Sintra
Jorge Lobo · CC BY-SA 4.0

Monserrate Palace

Monserrate Palace is a 19th-century palace located in Sintra, surrounded by a botanical park. The site combines architectural influences and landscaped gardens, forming part of the broader cultural and natural heritage of Sintra.

Lisbon historical and cultural sites

Explore Lisbon's monuments, historic districts and cultural landmarks connected to Portugal's history.

São Jorge Castle overlooking Lisbon's historic centre
Massimo Catarinella · CC BY 3.0

São Jorge Castle

Located on one of Lisbon’s historic hills, São Jorge Castle offers views over the city and the Tagus River. It is one of the city’s best-known historical landmarks.

Southern façade of Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon
Dennis G. Jarvis · CC BY-SA 2.0

Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower

Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower are two of Lisbon’s most important monuments, located in the Belém area. They are closely associated with Portugal’s history and maritime heritage.

Side view of Padrão dos Descobrimentos beside the Tagus River
Nippius · CC BY-SA 4.0

Padrão dos Descobrimentos

The Padrão dos Descobrimentos is a monument located in Belém, by the Tagus River. It commemorates figures associated with Portugal’s maritime history.

White dome and façade of the National Pantheon in Lisbon
Dale Cruse · CC BY 4.0

National Pantheon

The National Pantheon, located in Lisbon, is a historic building associated with national memory and notable Portuguese figures.

Viewpoints and city walks

Experience Lisbon on foot through riverside routes, historic streets and viewpoints across the city.

Praça do Comércio with the equestrian statue and Rua Augusta Arch
Joaomartinho63 · CC BY-SA 3.0

Praça do Comércio and Ribeira das Naus

Praça do Comércio is one of Lisbon’s most iconic public squares, located by the Tagus River. Nearby, Ribeira das Naus offers a riverside area for walking and enjoying the city’s connection to the river.

Santa Justa Elevator viewed from Rua de Santa Justa in Lisbon
Dicklyon · CC BY-SA 4.0

Santa Justa Elevator

Located in downtown Lisbon, the Santa Justa Elevator connects different levels of the city and offers views over the historic centre.

View over Lisbon rooftops and the Tagus from the Graça viewpoint
Lark Ascending · Public domain

Senhora do Monte and Graça viewpoints

The Graça area includes some of Lisbon’s well-known viewpoints, offering broad views over the city, historic neighbourhoods and the Tagus River.

Traditional and cultural experiences

Discover Lisbon's heritage through its traditions, historic neighbourhoods and authentic cultural experiences.

Fado Vadio mural on the Escadinhas de São Cristóvão in Lisbon
Carlos Fonseca · CC BY-SA 4.0

Alfama and Fado

Alfama is one of Lisbon’s oldest neighbourhoods, known for its narrow streets, historic character and strong connection to Fado, Portugal’s traditional music.

Traditional yellow Lisbon tram at Praça do Comércio
Ajay Suresh · CC BY 2.0

Traditional trams

Lisbon is known for its historic tram network. The traditional yellow trams are part of the city’s urban identity and pass through several historic neighbourhoods.

Contemporary Lisbon

Explore modern Lisbon through architecture, creative districts, cultural venues and renewed waterfront areas.

Panoramic waterfront view of Parque das Nações in Lisbon
Jules Verne Times Two · CC BY-SA 4.0

Parque das Nações and Oceanário de Lisboa

Parque das Nações is a modern area of Lisbon known for contemporary architecture, public spaces and cultural facilities. The Oceanário de Lisboa is one of the main visitor attractions in this area.

Converted warehouse with a mural facade at LX Factory in Lisbon, with the 25 de Abril bridge behind
TJ DeGroat · CC BY 2.0

LX Factory

LX Factory is a contemporary creative and cultural area in Lisbon, with shops, restaurants, galleries and events. Participants interested in contemporary urban culture may consult official tourism resources for further information.

Curved contemporary façade of MAAT in Lisbon
Leeturtle · CC BY-SA 4.0

Creative and cultural spaces

Lisbon includes several contemporary cultural and creative areas with shops, restaurants, galleries and events. Participants interested in contemporary urban culture may consult official tourism resources for further information.

04

Portuguese taste

Portugal is known for its gastronomy, including traditional pastries, fish and seafood, codfish dishes, coffee culture and regional cuisine.

Participants may wish to try traditional Portuguese specialities such as:

  • Pastel de nata, including the well-known custard tart tradition associated with Belém
  • Codfish dishes, including Bacalhau à Brás
  • Traditional Portuguese meat dishes, such as bitoque
  • Portuguese coffee, and regional desserts
Portuguese pastel de nata
Unsplash contributor · Unsplash

05

Official tourism resources

For more information, participants are encouraged to consult the official channels: