Lisbon itself has very few sports facilities. Most outdoor activities, such as watersports, fishing, and scuba diving, take place on the Costa do Sol, north of the city.

If you want to lie on the beach, you can take the train from Lisbon to the Costa do Sol; the main resorts there are Estoril and Cascais.

Fishing -- Head for Sesimbra, south of Lisbon, where local fishers take visitors out on boats looking for "the big one." Fees can be negotiated.

Fitness Centers -- Some hotels allow nonguests to use their health clubs for a fee. It's always best to call in advance. Outside of the hotels, a worthwhile fitness club is Ginásio Keep Fit, Av. João Crisóstomo 6 (tel. 21/793-15-36), costing 15€ for one-time use of its facilities. It's open Monday to Friday 8am to 10pm, and Saturday 10am to 2pm (bus no. 58). Metro: Saldanha.

Golf -- The best courses lie along the Costa do Sol and Estoril Coast. The closest course to Lisbon (but not the best) is at the Lisbon Sports Club, Casal da Carregueira, near Belas (tel. 21/432-14-74; www.lisbonclub.com). The number to call for reservations is tel. 21/431-00-77. It's about a 25-minute drive from the center; allow more time if traffic is heavy. A former playground of royalty, the Atlantic Golf Course lies at Quinta de Penha Longa at Linho, outside Sintra (tel. 21/924-90-11; www.penhalonga.com), part of the Penha Longa Hotel Spa & Golf Resort. Ranked in the top 30 courses of continental Europe, the 18-hole, par-72 championship course was designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. The course opens onto panoramic views of the Atlantic and has been host to numerous international competitions, including the Portuguese Open. An adjacent course, the 9-hole, par-35 Monastery Course spreads around the core of the resort, often attracting late arrivals who want a round of golf before the sun sets. For the Atlântico Course of 18 holes, greens fees range from 80€ to 120€. For the Mosteiro Course of 9 holes, greens fees range from 28€ to 45€.

Jogging -- We used to recommend Parque Eduardo VII as the best place for jogging, but joggers there have recently been the victims of muggings. Daytime jogging in the park is risky enough, but nighttime jogging is unwise. Some joggers head for the Estádio Nacional (National Stadium), on the northern outskirts of the city on the road to Estoril. A track worn smooth by joggers winds through pine woods. It is also unsafe at night. You might prefer to jog along the Tagus between Ponte do 25 de Abril (the major suspension bridge) and Belém, heading north. Another possibility (but likely to be congested) is the median strip of the main street of Lisbon, Avenida da Liberdade, from Praça do Marquês de Pombal toward Baixa.

Tennis -- Public tennis courts are available at Campo Grande Estádio do 1 de Maio, at Alvalade. To reserve a court and find out schedule info, inquire at the main tourist office in Lisbon. Real tennis buffs head for either the Club de Tenis do Estoril, at Estoril, or the Quinta da Marinha at Cascais.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.