Lisbon

This pocket-sized full-colour guide is designed for short-break walking holidays in Lisbon and around the capital using the excellent public transport network. Even 'non-walkers' will appreciate the large-scale city plans and maps, descriptions of the sights, and recommendations for restaurants in Lisbon and other tourist centres like Sintra and Cascais. For each suggested restaurant there is a photograph of the décor and one of their dishes, sample menu, price guide, opening times, and a recipe for one of their specialities. Other sections include: planning your trip, logistics on arrival, local markets and specialities, glossary of local food terms, and a restaurant mini-vocabulary. A special feature is the emphasis on natural local foods suitable for those with food intolerances. All recipes have been made by the authors and are known to 'work'.

Area covered: The book describes one walk in the city centre, five in the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park and other walks further afield but easily reached by public transport. There are two excursions -- one to the Tagus Estuary Natural Park, the other to the medieval walled town of Óbidos.

The best months for walking in Lisbon and around are April-June and September/October, although it is usually mild enough to walk in this area right through the winter months. Only in July and August would it be far too hot -- but one can still enjoy the restaurants in Lisbon and the other popular centres covered!