28 Feb The Best Beaches for Your Lisbon Internship
Have you thought about taking on a Lisbon internship?
If you have, then that’s great – just like you, students all over the world have taken more and more interest in pursuing international internship opportunities. Many have even considered a Lisbon internship. And there’s good reason for this, too: internships, of course, offer unique learning experiences. When taken locally, internships already filled with important lessons. Students are able to get their feet wet in their chosen industry, make connections, and think more about their future careers. But international internships give an edge, too 😉
Taking an international internship opens doors that are seldom available when a student takes internships locally. Sure, there are a lot of hands-on experiences and networking opportunities that are available. But taking an internship abroad also means being exposed to a new set of people, learning about a different culture, and exercising more independence. Imagine all of the benefits of a local internship – but with additional avenues to learn about the world, its people, and of course about yourself.
Why pursue a Lisbon internship
One might wonder why a Lisbon internship is the best choice 👀
And it’s normal to have questions about this, of course. Lisbon is certainly not as big of a name as its other European city counterparts, so people might wonder why it’s a good place to be. The good news is that in 2019, millions of people flocked to Portugal. There were well over 27 million people who traveled to the country who wanted to find that out for themselves.
Many people still consider the capital city of Lisbon as a great place to visit and live. It’s known to be less expensive to reside in and travel to, especially by Western European standards; but still filled with activities and destinations to enjoy. Taking on a Lisbon internship can help you bring those experiences within reach, making your internship experience even more meaningful.
The natural beauty of Portugal
Did you know that Portugal is among the oldest countries in Europe? The country was founded in 1143 CE, with its borders having remained the same for years prior to that. Thus, this has given Portugal a rich and colorful history, which spans centuries long!
One of the central points of Portugal’s history is its coastlines. Portugal has around 850 kilometers of coastline, which have all been used for leisure, research, and even exploration. In the 15th to 17th centuries, thousands of ships left the ports of the country to conquer the world and bring home treasures. All of the country’s beaches and other bodies of water are both beautiful and full of history.
Now, though, most tourists flock to the country to experience the beautiful beaches. Taking a Lisbon internship would mean that you’re a short drive away from soaking up the sun and surfing the waves! No matter what your beach-going preferences are, there are quite a few to choose from. And no worries about distance, either: most beaches are close enough to drive from the capital city! So if you’re looking for a quick weekend getaway, or maybe even a breather for an afternoon, it’s easy to find yourself at the beach.
If you’re wondering what beaches you can enjoy while on your Lisbon internship, check out these amazing beaches that are an hour or less away from the city:
Praia do Guincho
For the adventuring water sport enthusiasts
30 mins from Lisbon
Praia do Guincho. Photo courtesy of www.surf-forecast.com
Alright, if you’re looking for a LOT of fun, then Praia do Guincho is the place to be. It’s a haven for tourists and locals alike as it’s one of the closest beaches to Lisbon. People often visit this beach to enjoy water sports like waterskiing, kite surfing, and beach volleyball. When the sun goes down, people typically enjoy the party scene here, too.
Praia da Ursa
For the introverts who need sun
40 mins from Lisbon
Praia da Ursa. Photo courtesy of www.sayyestonewadventures.com
Despite being only forty minutes away from Lisbon, this beach is a little bit harder to get to – but you know what? Many consider Praia da Ursa to be worth it. Often called a hidden gem, this place is definitely off the beaten path. The coves here are great for gazing over at the ocean and watching the sun sink down into the sea! While waters here are reportedly stronger, people love visiting here for picnics and some quiet time.
Praia da Adraga
For the curious foodies
45 mins from Lisbon
Praia da Adraga. Photo courtesy of www.visitsintra.travel
Looking for fresh seafood? Praia da Adraga won’t fail you. Less than an hour away from Lisbon, this relatively underdeveloped area is actually home to one remarkable restaurant: Restaurante da Adraga. If you want to enjoy top-tier seafood with a picturesque sunset view, as well as enjoy some time away from the city (sans tourists), this is the place for you! (Bonus: the cliffs here offer amazing views, as well).
Praia dos Galapos
For the lovers of nature
1hr from Lisbon
Praia dos Galapos. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia.
The farthest “nearby” beach would be Praia dos Galapos. This beach is home to a national park, Parque Natural da Arrábida, where you can see vast forests and towering mountains. Of course, these all lead to a sparkling, white-sand shore! The waters here are calmer and people typically visit this area to soak up all of the beautiful things that nature has to offer.
Travel tips for your Lisbon internship
If you find yourself traveling during your Lisbon internship, then you should do your best to be prepared.
Traveling in Portugal is relatively safe, especially near city centers. Given that all of these beaches are quite close to Lisbon, it won’t be too difficult for you to make it through safely, which applies whether you’re driving or commuting. Just make sure to take note of these tips to help you make the most of your trip:
Travel light
It can get difficult to enjoy the beach if you’ve got a ton of things to bring with you. After all, the beaches are only a short ride away from the city! There’s no need to pack an entire suitcase full of things – a backpack or totebag should suffice. That way, you’ll also have less to worry about when you’re walking around the beach.
Try to avoid peak season
Like anywhere else in the world, things get expensive when tourists flock to an area. People are simply willing to pay more for the experience! However, if you’re someone who lives in Portugal, you’ll find yourself annoyed by the fact that everything costs an arm and a leg. On your Lisbon internship, make sure that you’re traveling wisely – meaning avoiding both harm AND rip-offs!
Don’t hesitate to try local food
Of course, trying local food is a must anytime you visit different countries. Food is really a window to learn more about people and their culture! But in this case, food isn’t just a learning opportunity or a great meal: in Portugal, trying local food means getting fresher ingredients, and oftentimes lower prices. So if you want to save up a bit AND discover something new, then don’t be afraid to challenge your taste buds and check out the local fare.
Ready for your Lisbon internship?
If you happen to be in Portugal (or are pursuing your Lisbon internship), don’t forget to take a break to enjoy some of the best natural wonders in the country. You wouldn’t want to miss out on the scenic view of the Atlantic, right?
But if it just so happens that you don’t have enough time to wander outside of the city, don’t fret: there’s still a lot to enjoy in Lisbon! You can make the most of your time without having to go far at all.
Where in Portugal would you want to visit?
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