A sustainable city model
As an active member of the Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy, Lisbon pledged in 2016 to reduce its CO2 emissions by 60% by 2030, and then to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. By 2016, the city had already reduced its emissions by 42%. In order to reduce pollution caused by traffic, since 2011 Lisbon has also implemented low-emission zones(zona de emissões reduzidas). In these two areas, which cover 30% of the entire city, only Euro3 standard vehicles, or higher, are allowed to circulate. The metro, the famous streetcars and buses are efficient - the latter are increasingly electric. According to the city's own data, more than 93.3% of the population lives within 300 meters of a public transport service. The city is committed to sustainable mobility, with the largest public network of free charging stations for electric vehicles (540 in all). Several private companies offer self-service electric scooter rentals. More than 49% of the vehicles used by the municipality are electric.
A bicycle-friendly policy
Even if the seven hills and small cobbled streets are not the most suitable for cycling, Lisbon has greatly developed its cycling facilities. Today, there are 150 kilometers of lanes separated from car traffic. Bicycle parking facilities have also been built. Two bike-sharing services are in place: GIRA, currently being rolled out, and JUMP electric bikes. Bike paths have also been laid out along the Tagus River. You can cycle along the river from the Vasco de Gama Bridge to Caxias beach. Part of this trail features poems and phrases by Alberto Caeiro and Fernando Pessoa on the ground.
Energy efficiency and renewable energy
To meet its emissions reduction targets, Lisbon has improved the energy efficiency of its municipal buildings, reducing their consumption by 21%. The city is also banking on renewable energies, with solar power production up 400% on 2013. It intends to build on this success by encouraging private individuals to install solar panels. All the city's traffic lights are now equipped with LEDs, as is much of the city's street lighting. On a national scale, Portugal is one of Europe's champions in terms of renewable energies. Almost half of its electricity is generated by hydroelectric dams and wind turbines. In 2024, Portugal set a record by generating 71% of its electricity from renewable sources, reducing its CO₂ emissions to levels comparable with 1990. The target is also to produce 85% of electricity from renewable sources by 2030.
Many green spaces
Over 76% of Lisbon's inhabitants live within 300 metres of a green space of over 5,000 m². Thanks to its favorable climate and history of trade, the city is home to a rich biodiversity. There are 2,800 species of plants and over 100 species of birds. Around the Vasco de Gama bridge, it's not unusual to see thousands of pink flamingos. For birdwatching, the salt marshes of the Tagus Estuary Nature Reserve are the ideal place. It is home to over 120,000 birds and 200 different species. An interpretation center helps visitors understand the local flora and fauna. Activities include guided tours and workshops. The 1,000-hectare Monsanto Forest is Lisbon's largest green space. After a long period of abandonment, it is now a place for activities and walks. You can go hiking, horse-riding, swimming in the pool or rock-climbing.
The Botanical Garden is Portugal's very first botanical garden, created in the 18th century. Covering 4 hectares, it features greenhouses housing over 5,000 plant species, as well as remarkable trees such as the dragon tree(Dracaena draco) and a beautiful ombu(Phytolacca dioica). As for the Botanical Garden of the Faculty of Science, it's a romantic maze of the rarest exotic and tropical plants (over 2,500 species). There's also a butterfly house.
The 25-hectare Parc Edouardo VII is one of the largest parks in the city center. Its marvellous hillside greenhouses, often overlooked by tourists, are nonetheless sensational: palms, philodendrons cascading down waterfalls, ficus and other succulents and tropical plants crowd around small ponds, streams and waterfalls. Cats, cockerels and chickens live in close proximity. The Jardin da Estrela is one of the best-kept gardens, ideal for relaxation. Don't miss the impressive cactus and prickly pear clump. You may also spot a few free-roaming green parakeets.
Organic products and shared gardens
It is not difficult to find fresh and local products in Lisbon, there are markets in every neighborhood of the city. The most famous organic market is the one in Príncipe Real (Mercado Biológico do Príncipe Real), the ideal place to buy delicious fruit in a friendly atmosphere. More recently, an organic market has opened in the Lumiar neighborhood every Saturday. In the last ten years, the municipality has also developed urban agriculture. Numerous vegetable gardens and urban gardens, managed by the inhabitants, have been installed throughout the city.
In the surroundings: breathtaking landscapes and coastlines
For a nature getaway outside the city, the Serra d'Arrábida Natural Park, about 40 kilometers from the historic center, is the ideal place. Located on the seashore, this park offers beautiful views of the coastline. The Serra do Risco, its highest point, is a sublime cliff. Below, you can enjoy small white sandy coves. Portinho da Arrábida is undoubtedly one of the prettiest beaches, with its dozen houses, its cats and its seagulls. The water is a transparent blue. To learn more about the fauna of this beautiful region, visit the oceanographic museum located in the Santa Maria da Arrábida fortress, nestled on the hillside.
