What are the Different Lisbon Districts?

When it comes to talking about the districts of Lisbon, it is important to know that there are in fact 9 distinct districts, each with its own unique character, culture, and attractions. The nine districts of Lisbon have a varied history, as well as offering some of the most charming communities in all of Portugal.

What are the Different Lisbon Districts?

The nine districts of Lisbon are Santarém, Castelo Branco, Setúbal, Faro, Évora, Portalegre, Braga, Beja, and Lisbon. Here is a breakdown of what each district offers its locals and visitors alike:

Santarém District

Santarém is one of the oldest and most important of the districts in Lisbon. It is known for its dense forests and its rich cultural heritage, as it is home to various Roman ruins and medieval castles. The district is home to many traditional Portuguese villages, offering an authentic experience of Portuguese culture. One of the main attractions in Santarém is its archaeological site, which includes the ruins of an Ancient Roman town and a large Early Christian basilica.

Castelo Branco District

The district of Castelo Branco is located right by the Spanish border, making it accessible to many Spanish towns. This district is famous for its numerous castles and medieval cities – it is home to five castles and nine medieval cities. Castelo Branco also boasts some of Portugal’s most stunning landscapes, including the Serra da Estrela range, which offers some stunning panoramic views. This district also has many archaeological sites, including sites from the Iron Age.

Setúbal District

Setúbal is located at the very tip of Portugal’s western coast, where the river Sado meets the Atlantic Ocean. Setúbal is known for its pristine beaches, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Portugal. It also has an incredibly active fishing industry as well as a growing winemaking tradition. This district is home to a number of historical monuments such as Sacavém Castle and the fish market.

Faro District

Faro is known for its beautiful beaches, which draw many visitors from Europe looking for some fun in the sun. In addition to its stunning coastline, Faro also has a number of cultural attractions such as the old town centre and Faro Cathedral. The area is also home to some amazing wildlife reserves, making it perfect for nature lovers.

Évora District

Évora is one of Portugal’s oldest cities and has a rich history dating back over 2000 years. The city boasts an impressive range of historical monuments and attractions such as the Templo de Diana Roman temple and the UNESCO World Heritage Site Palace of Évora. Évora also has a thriving wine scene with some fantastic wineries located around the city.

Portalegre District

Portalegre is the northernmost district in Lisbon and is located in-between Lisbon and the Spanish border. Portalegre is known for its amazing arid mountainous landscape as well as its abundance of stunning old churches. The area also boasts some fantastic hiking opportunities allowing visitors to explore Portugal’s stunning countryside.

Braga District

Braga offers something for everyone – from stunning religious sites to a vibrant nightlife and world-class shopping streets – this district has it all! This district is home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Bom Jesus Batalha Monastery and Braga Cathedral. This district is also known for its fantastic views from top of Mont Serrat hill allowing visitors to soak up some incredible sunsets.

Beja District

Beja district is located in south-central Portugal and it has a lot to offer its visitors. This region is famous for its fortress city as well as its traditional pottery, which can only be found in this area of Portugal. Beja also has a number of historical monuments such as Mertola Castle and Aljustrel Castle, which are both worth visiting while in this region.

Lisbon District

Lisbon is known as one of the most picturesque cities in all of Europe and it’s easy to see why! This district is bustling with life from its historic Alfama district to its world-class restaurants and internment nightlife. Lisbon has something for every visitor – from old churches to incredible views over Tagus river. This district also boasts numerous museums such as National Tile Museum and Museu Calouste Gulbenkian– perfect for any culture vultures visiting Lisbon!

Although each Lisbon district has it’s own unique character, culture, and attractions; it’s easy to understand why this area remains one of Europe’s premier travel destinations! With so much history and culture on offer, it’s no wonder people flock to this beautiful area in Portugal. For more information on each of these Lisbon districts you can visit portugal-live.net/lisbon/contents/districts/, which gives a detailed overview on each district in the region including attractions, culture and much more!