How to Beat a Heatwave in Lisbon

How to Beat a Heatwave in Lisbon

It’s summer in Europe and you’re finding out the hard way just how prone to heatwaves this coast line is.

For the most part, Lisbon maintains a healthy hot temperature in the twenties during the summer. This increases naturally due to the day’s humidity. Occasionally, Lisbon will peak into the early thirties — and you’ll feel it, especially if you attempt to walk up the hills through the city center.

Sportágua Water Amusement Park – by Sportágua Water Amusement Park – Sourced from their website

I give you a few tip and tricks about how to manage the sticky summer days in the Portuguese capital.

Take the Train to Cascais in Lisbon

Cascais is the nearest beach town to Lisbon city center. They aren’t the prettiest beaches in Portugal, but they have clean water and ample space for the thousands of tourists who flock from the city on a summer’s day.

The journey to Cascais during a heatwave is largely unpleasant, I must be honest. You’ll have to catch the train from Cais do Sodre and sit in a packed compartment, with little ventilation, for 40 minutes. These old trains need to be updated, I know.

When you get there it’s a short walk until you can throw yourself into the cold Atlantic water. Cascais has a number of different beaches within walking distance of the train station. 

Cascais – by Alain Rouiller – Wikimedia Commons

If you think you should walk to a further beach because it will probably be less full, think again. All of the beaches in Cascais are equally crowded in the summer months, as both tourists and locals make use of the facilities.

The main village is also filled with restaurants, bars and cafes that are also great spots to sip cold cocktails while the sun beams down. Sunset in Cascais is a magical time, and the last train back to Lisbon leaves at 9pm — don’t miss it!

Eat Ice Cream All Over Lisbon

The Portuguese are big believers in enjoying the finer things in life; good gelato happens to be one of them.

You can get yourself some scoops from the many ice cream stores that are scattered around the city center . Amorino have a few branches and are known for making those floral designs out of their cones.

by Markus Spiske – Unsplash

In a heat wave it’s not always a good idea to consume large amounts of sugar and dairy, so more and more travelers to Lisbon are opting to track down dairy free alternatives around the city center — myself included. Click here for a list of my top dairy-free ice cream finds.

Acai bowls are another great body cooler when the heat is up. Lisbon has taken to these trendy dishes quite well and you can find them in almost ever cafe in the center. More great dairy and sugar free alternatives.

Visit a Mall in Lisbon

Everyone knows that when the outdoors become unbearable you need to move inside — and into air-conditioning!

Your hotel or Airbnb should already have air-conditioning as a standard feature; though don’t be surprised if a few of the much older buildings in the Alfama don’t offer this at all.

Atrium Saldanha – by Atrium Saldanha – Sourced from their website

Malls are the go-to. In Lisbon they are open at all hours, filled with entertainment and pumped with ice cold air constantly. I know we usually reserve cinema visits for rainy days, but I do believe heatwaves are suitable excuses too.

The following are the most worthwhile malls to visit in Lisbon:

Centro Vasco da Gama — Av. Dom João II 40, 1990-094 Lisboa, Portugal

Amoreiras Shopping Center — Av. Eng. Duarte Pacheco n° 2037, 1070-103 Lisboa, Portugal

Galerias de São Bento — R. de São Bento 31, 1200-109 Lisboa, Portugal

Atrium Saldanha — Praça Duque de Saldanha, 1050-094 Lisboa, Portugal

Swim at Sportágua Water Amusement Park near Lisbon

If you’re in the mood to swim but are really not up to brave the beach; or if you’re in Lisbon with kids and need a safe water facility, then Sportágua Water Park will be a happy compromise.

It’s a park made of multiple pools, slides and water based activities. It takes about an hour to get to by car from Lisbon center; you’ll travel directly north, past Sintra.

Sportágua Water Amusement Park – by Sportágua Water Amusement Park – Sourced from their website

Adults pay €11 for a full day pass, and €9 for kids. Children under the age of six are allowed in for free.

Admittedly this is not the most mind blowing water park that Europe has to offer. The attractions are very basic, but the pools are clean and the space is safe. It’s a great escape from the city on a heatwave day.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday – 10am to 7pm

ADDRESS: Av. Monsenhor Bastos, 2520-206 Peniche, Portugal

Sunbathe at the Oceanic Pool Oeiras in Lisbon

Taking a free guided walking tour through Lisbon is one of the best experiences available in the city, but should definitely be reserved for a day when temperatures aren’t skyrocketing. You’ll need hats, sunblock and the comfiest walking shoes that you own.

If you aren’t fortunate enough to be staying in an Airbnb or hotel that has a pool on offer (don’t be discouraged, it’s mostly only 5 star hotels that do) then the Oeiras public pool should be on your radar.

Oceanic Pool Oeiras – by Oceanic Pool Oeiras – Sourced from their Facebook

This as an oceanic pool, meaning it was built into the ocean water and makes use of the natural sea as opposed to chlorine and chemical filled tanks. There are two pools, one for adults and one for kids.

You’ll also have access to tanning beds and a bar/cafe throughout the day. The entrance fees fluctuate depending on the season; head to their website to see how much they are charging on a particular day.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: MONDAY TO SUNDAY – 10AM TO 7PM

ADDRESS: PASSEIO MARÍTIMO DE OEIRAS, OEIRAS, PORTUGAL

METRO STATION: SANTO AMARO