Ria & Chris

September 2–5, 2025 • Lisbon, Portugal
130 Days To Go!

Ria & Chris

September 2–5, 2025 • Lisbon, Portugal
130 Days To Go!

Local Info

There's so many amazing places to explore around our wedding location. Whether you're looking to extend your trip, or pop-off for some time during our wedding week, the surrounding towns are all really accessible and offer something unique!


Below are some of our top recommendations for places to visit!

Mafra

Located a 15 minute drive from our wedding venue, Mafra is a charming town steeped in history and natural beauty.


The town’s highlight is the monumental Palácio Nacional de Mafra, an 18th-century royal palace and monastery that is one of the largest Baroque buildings in Europe. The palace complex includes an impressive basilica, a royal library, and beautiful gardens. This UNESCO-listed site showcases the grandeur of Portuguese architecture and royal life during the reign of King João V.


Mafra is also close to the scenic coastal area of Ericeira, a world-renowned surf town, offering picturesque beaches and a relaxed vibe.

Ericeira

Located a 20 minute drive from our wedding venue and where we'll be spending our post-wedding relaxation day, Ericeira is a charming fishing village, renowned for its stunning beaches, surf culture, and picturesque scenery,


Recognised as one of the best surf spots in Europe and classified as a World Surfing Reserve, it offers a variety of breaks suitable for all skill levels, including famous locations like Praia de Ribeira d'Ilhas and Praia do Matadouro.


The charming old town features narrow cobbled streets lined with whitewashed buildings, where visitors can explore local shops and enjoy fresh seafood in various restaurants.

Lisbon City Centre

Lisbon is Portugal's vibrant capital, and only a 30 minute drive from our wedding venue. Whether you visit before the wedding, or after, we recommend taking a look!


The city center is a mix of old-world charm and modern culture, offering something for everyone.


In the heart of the city, you’ll find the Baixa district with grand plazas like Praça do Comércio and bustling streets like Rua Augusta, perfect for shopping and exploring. The nearby Alfama neighborhood, Lisbon's oldest district, invites you to wander through narrow alleys and discover historic landmarks like the São Jorge Castle and Sé Cathedral, with stunning views over the city and the Tagus River.


You can’t miss Belém, famous for the Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.


Lisbon is well-connected with public transport, including trams, buses, and the metro, making it easy to explore nearby towns like Sintra and Cascais.

Sintra

Sintra is a magical town located about 30 kilometers west of Lisbon, nestled in the Sintra Mountains. Known for its fairy-tale palaces, lush gardens, and mystical atmosphere, Sintra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit destination in Portugal.


The town is famous for its Palácio da Pena, a colorful 19th-century palace perched high on a hill, offering stunning panoramic views over the surrounding landscape. Nearby is the Castelo dos Mouros, a Moorish castle that dates back to the 8th century, where you can walk along ancient walls and take in breathtaking vistas.


You can drive here in 30 minutes from Lisbon, or there's trains from the city that take around 40 minutes and drop you off right in the center of Sintra.

Cascais

Cascais is a beautiful coastal town about 30 kilometers west of Lisbon, known for its sandy beaches, lively marina, and charming old town. Once a fishing village, Cascais has transformed into a fashionable seaside resort with a mix of traditional Portuguese charm and modern attractions.


The town is famous for its stunning beaches, like Praia da Rainha and Praia da Conceição, which are perfect for sunbathing and swimming. Cascais is also home to the Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe, offering dramatic cliffs and breathtaking ocean views.


You can drive here in 30 minutes from Lisbon, or get a train directly from Lisbon in 40 minutes.