Custard tarts, cathedrals and city views: Why you should cruise to Lisbon

Portugal holidays benefit from sun-soaked days, rich culture and some of the best cuisine in the Mediterranean – but how to best travel there?

Flying out of the UK has become an utter headache in recent weeks with airport chaos showing no signs of abating. However, there’s no need to put jet-setting plans on hold; you can cruise to Portugal from the UK easily throughout the summer and beyond.

MSC Cruises is a popular line which cruises to Lisbon from the UK, opening a world of Portuguese charms to British holidaymakers looking to avoid the stress of flights.

A unique advantage of Portugal’s strategic position in far western Europe is that it connects the Mediterranean with the Atlantic Ocean so you can explore the highlights of both regions all in one trip.

Cruise from Southampton to Spain and Portugal on MSC Virtuosa, which offers a series of no-fly cruises to Portugal from the UK, taking in the wilds of the west Atlantic coast as well as an abundance of Spanish ports of call.

Despite its position jutting out into the Atlantic, Portugal is blessed with a Mediterranean climate. Did you know it gets more sunshine on average than California? Between May and August, there are at least 10 hours of daily sunshine in Portugal, rising to 12 hours in July!

In peak summer you can expect temperatures of 29 °C in Lisbon and there’s very little rainfall from June to August, while in winter there are mild temperatures that dip to 14 °C in Lisbon.

For the best month to visit the country, head to Portugal in July to enjoy sunshine and warmth but with a cooling Atlantic breeze.

So, you’ve picked your month and chosen your cruise, now what will you do ashore during your Portugal cruises?

One huge benefit of sailing with such a cruise line as MSC Cruises is the sheer choice of shore excursions – these days out pick the must-see highlights (all accompanied by expert guides) to ensure you really get the most out of your shore visit.

Food is done well in Lisbon and MSC Cruises offers a selection of gastronomic excursions. One of these is The Main Sight of Lisbon & Pasty Tasting. This is not to be missed if you want to tuck into Portugal’s famous pastel de nata (custard tarts) and find out more about the country’s fascinating history.

The tour takes tourists around the atmospheric warren-like Alfama district, the oldest part of Lisbon, including the Cathedral of Lisbon, the “Baixa” quarter that was completely rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake (and houses some of Lisbon’s most interesting shops and cafés) and the Belém area – the Torre de Belém (Tower of Belém) is an iconic symbol of Lisbon and was built as a fortress to defend the mouth of the River Tejo. These days visitors can explore the tower’s levels – with the top terrace proving amazing vistas across the city.

It’s here you’ll visit the legendary Confeitaria de Belém bakery and munch on the famous custard treats – the recipe is top secret and dates back to the 18th century when nearby monks created the pastries before selling them at the patisserie when their monastery closed down.

Another cruise excursion for gourmands is Walking in Lisbon & Wine tasting. This also visits the Baixa district and Rossio Square, the heart of Lisbon. You’ll take Elevador da Gloria, a funicular lift, to the upper levels of the city and stop at Sao Pedro de Alcantara Belvedere, where you can soak up views over the tiled rooftops. You’ll be treated to a glass of typical Porto wine and a visit to Sao Roque church, renowned for its beautiful painted wood ceiling, and an adjoining museum filled with works of art.

So what other food should you tuck into during your time in Lisbon? Bacalhau (salted cod) is a true Portuguese speciality and hard to avoid. Unsure? Should you just want to dip a toe in the water, pastéis de bacalhau (deep-fried fishcakes) can be found in most cafés.

Perhaps more mainstream and equally delicious is presunto, the equivalent of prosciutto, which can be found freshly sliced in good delicatessens and also favas com enchidos (broad bean stew with sausages), another popular dish.

For street food, do sample a meat sandwich. There are three different types – the bifana, a crusty bread roll filled with a pork loin steak marinated in stock and red pepper paste; the prego, a beef steak sandwich generally served inside a bolo do caco (bread made with sweet potato); and the sandes de leitão, a roll stuffed with shredded, roast suckling pig plus a pepper-and-salt sauce.

There are a variety of cruises to choose from depending on the itinerary you are after. MSC Virtuosa sails to Lisbon on nine-night, 11-night, 12-night and 15-night cruises. Other stops include the Canary Islands, Majorca, Paris, Marseille, Barcelona, Seville, Casablanca and more, depending on your route of choice.

As for where do cruise ships dock in Lisbon, Portugal? MSC cruises call at the city’s cruise terminal opposite the Santa Apolónia terminus train station which makes things very handy when heading out into the town.

Of course there’s oh so much to do onboard MSC Virtuosa, too, should you just want an easy day on the ship. Always included with MSC Cruises are full board in fine dining restaurants, gym, pools and relaxation, West End-style theatre shows and kids clubs and activities, so you’ll never go hungry or bored!