Why Summer is perfect to discover Lisbon (and Beyond)?

Nana Guerreiro
Jun 11
4 min read

Updated: Jul 10

Olá, travelers.

If you’re looking for the best time to experience Portugal with all your senses — sun on your skin, music in the air, fresh seafood on your plate — then let me tell you: July and August are it.

Summer in Lisbon is not about rushing from monument to monument. It’s about slow mornings with good coffee, long lunches in shady courtyards, golden-hour strolls through cobbled streets, and the occasional dive into the Atlantic when the heat calls for it.

As your private guide, I’m here to help you live this season fully. So, let’s talk about why these two months are the best time to join me for a journey you’ll never forget.

The light is simply unbelievable

Let’s start with the obvious: the Lisbon light. It’s not a myth. In summer, it’s everything.

In July and August, the sun rises early and sets after 9 p.m., giving us full days to explore neighborhoods like Alfama, Baixa, and Belém in their best light. Everything looks golden, especially around sunset when we’re perched at a viewpoint — Senhora do Monte, Graça, or Santa Catarina — soaking in a panoramic view with a glass of local wine in hand.

It’s not just a photo opportunity. It’s a feeling. And I’ll take you there.

Lisbon is full of life

Yes, it’s high season. But here’s the truth: while tourists may flood the main attractions, real Lisbon is still here — in the quiet alleys, the local markets, the hidden gardens, the riverfront cafés where the breeze makes time stop.

In July and August, we still hear fado echoing through the streets of Mouraria, smell grilled fish in Campo de Ourique, and find locals dancing at small festivals and open-air events. I’ll guide you away from the crowds when needed, and toward the experiences that feel most alive.

The beaches are calling — And we’ll answer

This is the season when Lisbon locals live by the rule: work ends when the sun is up, and the sea is calling.

Luckily, we’re surrounded by amazing beaches:

Carcavelos – close, fun, surf-ready.
Praia da Conceição (Cascais) – elegant, easy, with cafés just steps away.
Praia do Guincho – wild Atlantic vibes and untamed beauty.
Praia da Ursa – a hidden gem near Cabo da Roca, for adventurous souls.
Praia dos Galápos and Galapinhos (Arrábida) – calm, turquoise, and unforgettable.

And we don’t just go to the beach. We make it a day experience: a scenic drive through coastal villages, a seafood lunch in Sesimbra, maybe a stop at a local winery in Azeitão. That’s summer done right.

Food tastes better in the heat

There’s something about food in the Portuguese summer. Maybe it’s the ingredients — ripe tomatoes, fresh herbs, local fish — or maybe it’s the way time slows down around a good table.

Some seasonal favorites I always recommend:

Octopus salad with olive oil and fresh parsley.
Grilled sardines (still the star of the summer, especially in early July).
Ameijoas à Bulhão Pato – clams in garlic and cilantro sauce.
Melon and presunto as a snack on hot days.
Fresh market peaches that perfume the whole bag.

I know the best places to try it all — from local taverns in the heart of Lisbon to seafront restaurants where the wine is cold and the fish was caught that morning.

Escape the heat without losing the Magic

In July and August, we may take things a little slower — but that’s the beauty of it.

We can go inland to Évora, where Roman ruins and medieval streets wait under cork oak trees. Or north to ( ok not so cold!), Óbidos, a fairy-tale village where whitewashed houses and bougainvillea lead you to castle walls. Or even to the cool green forests of Sintra, where palaces rise through the mist.

And always with comfort — air-conditioned transport, flexible timing, and plenty of chilled water (and wine, when needed).

Travel in summer, the Peppe Way

With me, summer is not about running from point A to B. It’s about pausing at point C — the charming terrace café, the scenic viewpoint nobody mentions, or the tiny family-run shop where someone still hand-wraps your cheese.

My tours are private, personal, and always adapted to your energy and interests. Want a beach day followed by wine tasting? Let’s do it. Curious about history and hidden gems? I’ve got you. Craving something off the beaten path? You’re in the right hands.

So, What Are You Waiting For?

Lisbon is waiting. Portugal is in full bloom. The beaches are shining. The food is calling. And I’m here, ready to make this your best summer yet.

Whether it’s your first time in Portugal or your fifth, July and August offer something special — a kind of relaxed joy that you’ll carry with you long after the season ends.

Let me show you around - Day tours from Lisbon

Sintra & Cascais Tour: Palaces, gardens, ocean views, and pastel de travesseiro? Say less. I’ll guide you through Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, and we’ll end the day by the sea.
Fátima, Nazaré & Óbidos: Spiritual peace, monster waves, and medieval charm in one perfect day. You won't regret it.
Évora & the Cork Trees: History, wine, and a side of something unexpected.
Setúbal - Palmela: Wine, views, and the stunning Arrábida coastline — with dolphins if we’re lucky. It’s the kind of day that makes you fall in love with Portugal all over again.
Remember: I can also take you on a Lisbon half day tour — quick, fun, and packed with hidden gems only a local would know

With Portugal Journeys With Peppe, all you have to do is show up ready to smile, eat, explore, and maybe dance a little.

My Fleet

No matter your group size or travel style, I’ve got the wheels to match — from comfy SUVs to spacious minibuses and a full-size bus for the party people. Let’s ride in comfort and style!