Football is by far the most popular sport in Lisbon and one where Portugal has earned international recognition and respect for its many superstar players such as Eusébio, Cristiano Ronaldo, Luís Figo and Rui Costa. Lisbon’s main rival teams Sporting and Benfica are centre stage in Lisboetas’ collective psyche and they will defend their respective teams with fierce pride. Perhaps the second sport most associated with Portugal is golf, due to the outstanding courses in and around the Lisbon area and the unbeatable climate, which is ideal for any outdoor sport.
One of the best places to go for the best golf and tennis are the Cascais and Estoril areas, where Guincho beach is also perfect for water sports, hosting many surf and windsurfing competitions. The Sintra hills also provide excellent golf courses such as Penha Longa as well as a Formula One race track that hosts regular classic and Supercar races as well as Superbike challenges.
