The area surrounding Lisbon is an incredibly vibrant and diverse place, offering visitors to Lisbon a wide range of options when it comes to day trips.
How do we define a ‘day trip’? Well it should be reasonable to get to and from the attraction or site within a day, and potentially be back in Lisbon for dinner! Well, that part is optional as some of these places just so happen to offer the best food in Portugal.
The best bit, we’ve done all these day trips from Lisbon ourselves! Many of these towns and cities, also offer easy return trips by public transport, so you don’t need to worry about organising expensive tours or hiring a car if you don’t want to.
1. Sintra: A Land of Palaces and Secret Gardens
First on the list is the magical Sintra! Just a short 20 minutes or 15km from Lisbon by train or by car. Compared to Lisbon’s city landscape you’ll find lush, forested hills dotted with all manner of palaces, mansions, and even a historic castle.
This makes Sintra the most popular day trip from Lisbon, and does trend towards being a very busy and hectic day out. However, that’s for good reason, each one of its incredible sites is well worth it, and offers visitors something different and unique. The stunning Pena Palace and gardens, or the ornate Quinta da Regeleira for example. There’s a lot to explore in Sintra!
Top tip: Don’t get distracted by trying to see and do everything in Sintra, it’s doable, but it’s an exhausting day with a lot of movement. Pick one or two palaces and save the others for another visit!
2. Cascais: A Luxury Coastal Escape
30km along the coast from Lisbon is Cascais, it’s probably around second for the most popular day trips from Lisbon. It’s a simple drive, or an easy train ride on Lisbon’s Cascais train line.
Cascais is a seaside town that blends modern coastal facilities with a historic old town. Along the coastline are the former manor houses and mansions of Lisbon’s elite, many repurposed into hotels. Leave the sophisticated town and beach front though, and you’ll find windswept landscapes and rugged charm. Fortresses dot the cliffs and the must see in the area is the impressive Boca do Inferno.
3. Cabo Da Roca: The Wild Coastline
Continuing along the coast from Cascais, is the wild western coastline that surrounds the Lisbon metro area. The place where this truly feels the wildest is Cabo da Roca, which is also the most western point of the Portuguese mainland. It’s a stunning area where you can explore cliffs, a historic fortress and lighthouse, and some stunning beaches.
Top Tip: Follow the N247 for a truly stunning drive out of Cascais and don’t forget to squeeze in some beach time at Praia do Guincho, one of the biggest beaches in the Lisbon area.
4. Obidos: The Prettiest Walled Village in Portugal
Óbidos is another of the established and very popular day trips from Lisbon so there’s a high chance you’ve seen, and heard all about it already! For those that haven’t been introduced, Óbidos is a beautiful walled village around an hours drive or 80km north of Lisbon.
It is firmly on the tourist route, and during the busy season can lose some of its ‘village life’, but step off the main street and you’ll find whitewashed houses, blooming flowers, and lots of easy going charm.
It’s also very convenient to get to, if you don’t have your own vehicle with a direct bus route from Lisbon that departs nearly hourly throughout the high season.
Top Tip: Óbidos is within the UNESCO Creative Cities Network and has a lively cultural events calendar. If you’re in the area during February, make sure to visit the the International Chocolate Festival. Each year during July, you’ll find Mercado Medieval de Óbidos (the Medieval Market). During October, you’ll find FOLIO, Festival Literario Internacional de Óbidos, a literary festival and book fair. The final event of the year is Óbidos’ Christmas Village, where the entire village is turned into a beautiful Christmas village that’s great for the entire family.
5. Alcobaça – Stunning UNESCO World Heritage
Next on our list is Alcobaça, it’s around 120km north of Lisbon and actually named after the meeting point of two rivers; the Rio Alcoa and the Rio Baça. The town itself is steeped in both Portuguese history and legends. Central to the town is the renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site – the incredible Monastery of Alcobaça.
However, the monastery is not the only part of the town worth visiting, head to the nearby Jardim do Amor (the garden of Lovers) to find out the legends of two couples that occupy much of the towns and Portugal’s history.
6. Ericeira: A Seaside Village and Surf Reserve
Heading back to the coast is the beautiful village of Ericeira, which is also now known as the worlds only surf reserve. Ericeira is a charming seaside town located just 50 kilometers northwest of Lisbon, offering a peaceful escape from the city.
It’s widely known for its stunning coastline and status as a World Surfing Reserve, Ericeira is a haven for surf enthusiasts. After exploring the beaches, it’s an incredible place to taste some of the freshest seafood in Portugal, much of it brought to shore at Ericiera’s small port!
7. Azenhas do Mar – A Clifftop Foodies Paradise
30 minutes south of Ericiera, or 40km north of Lisbon, is the stunning Azenhas do Mar. A postcard worthy village on the top of cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. It’s known for its dramatic cliffs, stunning beaches, and incredible sea pool. It’s best combined with other nearby places as a day trip, like Ericiera or the National Palace of Mafra.
Discover More: Azenhas do Mar
8. Palácio Nacional de Mafra – National Palace of Mafra
If the popularity of Sintra puts you off, but you still want to explore an opulent palace from Portugal’s history, then put Mafra on your list.
It’s just 40 kilometers northwest of Lisbon lies Mafra, a small town renowned for its monumental Baroque and Neoclassical palace-convent, the Palácio Nacional de Mafra. This UNESCO World Heritage site was built in the 18th century by King João V, is a must-visit. It’s somewhat overshadowed by Sintra – public transport is not as convenient, and it gets many less visitors.
9. Palacio Nacional De Queluz – National Palace of Queluz
The next stunning palace that makes this list is the National Palace of Queluz, once again it’s also overshadowed by Sintra but this one is also well worth exploring. Queluz is just 15km from central Lisbon, an easy train ride, or a simple Uber ride!
Once you’re there, your immediately be taken back by the size and scale of Palacio Nacional De Queluz and its grand gardens. Its long history as Royal Residence shows fine architectural details from the Baroque, Rococo and Neoclassical periods. Tickets cost €13 for an adult, and you’ll rarely find a queue here. It’s not quite a hidden gem, but it just does not attract the sheer numbers that Sintra does!
10. Peniche and Berlengas
100km north of Lisbon is the seaside town of Peniche, it’s on a spur of land that has an incredible beach on either side. You’ll find a historic town to explore, fortresses, and a lighthouse, but that’s not all. From Peniche’s Port you can take a short boat trip to the Berlengas Islands.
The Berlengas Islands are a small group of islands that are now a protected area called the Berlengas Nature Reserve. The main island, Berlenga Grande holds a 17th Century fort, as small fishing community, and some of the most exceptional beaches you can find in mainland Portugal!
11. Nazaré – Where Surfer’s Meet Tradition
Nazaré has recently established itself as a surf mecca with record breaking waves being broadcast across the world. However, during summer it’s a traditional coastal resort based around an incredible beach. Those record-breaking waves only occur during the winter season, and even then rely on very specific conditions.
If you’ve not yet visited the stunning Portuguese coast, or experienced fresh sea food, then we really recommend visiting Nazaré. It’s not all about the beach, you’ll also find a traditional Portuguese heart. With both several cultural sites exploring Portuguese fishing heritage, clothing heritage, and of course religious heritage in its beautiful sanctuary.
Top Tip: It’s very difficult to predict when those record-breaking waves will arrive, so don’t plan your entire trip around them!
12. Aveiro – Portugal’s Art Nouveau Canal City
Aveiro roughly 250km, or 2 hours by road north of Lisbon is a Portugal’s coastal city. It’s widely known for its canals and its beach resort Costa Nova do Prado.
For architecture lovers, it’s also regarded as one of the best places to explore Portugal’s Art Nouveau scene, with many buildings dating to this period. The city has has a small network of canals, where visitors can take a ride on one of the traditional moliceiros.
With those canals, colourful boats, and rides, visitors are often quick to call this the Venice of Portugal, a title it really does not need. Aveiro stands on its own and is also home to many cultural and artistic attractions, including museums, galleries, and theatres, as well as a thriving food scene that celebrates the region’s seafood and sweets.
13. Tomar – Historic Home of the Knights Templar
Tomar is a wonderful riverside town located around 130km north of Lisbon. It’s a town that manages to blend small town charm with a whole lot of history, including one of Portugal’s most famous UNESCO heritage sites. If you’re looking for a break from the hectic sites in Lisbon, Sintra, and even Cascais, then Tomar might just be for you. Being just slightly off the beaten track means that you can actually slow down and enjoy the town and its sites.
Tomar is another excellent option for those that don’t have a car, or don’t want to book an organised tour. Trains and buses are available from central Lisbon. We prefer the train, and it only takes 1 hour and 45 minutes each way, perfect for a day trip from Lisbon!
14. Fátima – The Catholic Centre of Portugal
Roughly in between Tomar and Batalha is the small town of Fátima. It’s most widely known for its religious significance and as a pilgrimage site for Catholics all over the world.
To give a little bit of background, the town is named after a legendary Arab princess who converted to Christianity and is said to have lived in a nearby village area sometime during the 8th century. However, Fátima would get worldwide religious attention for stories of apparitions of the Virgin Mary that were witnessed by three shepherd’s children in 1917. To this day it remains an area of immense significance to Catholics. Despite this, with its myriad of churches and chapels, many of them modern, makes it hard to recommend Fátima to people who don’t have an interest in Catholicism. Most other visitors are typically underwhelmed.
15. Batalha – The Origins of Portugal
Batalha, named after ‘battle’ is a town rich in history, and deeply connected to the origins of Portugal as a nation. It’s 140km north of Lisbon, and just 1 hour and 30 minute drive. What can you see and do in Batalha? It’s UNESCO world heritage site monastery is the focal point of any visit, but there’s a few other unique sites and stories to discover nearby!
The grand monastery was the Portuguese Monarchy’s main building project for over two centuries. Representing the architectural transition from Gothic to Manueline, and although never finished, would influence Portuguese architecture for generations. Batalha might only be a small town, but it packs a strong historical punch. Anyone interested in history or architecture should be looking at visiting Batalha, and its an easy day trip from Lisbon.
16. Coimbra – Portugal’s University City
Coimbra is the largest city in the Centro region of Portugal, and also home to the fourth UNESCO World Heritage site that makes this list! Coimbra is a city that dates to Roman times and has played a significant role in shaping Portugal’s history and culture over the centuries.
Coimbra’s university was founded in 1290 and is one of the oldest in Europe, and the student heart of the city plays a large role in the culture and traditions across Coimbra today. Coimbra boasts a thriving arts, music, and cultural scene, as well as some rich gastronomical heritage in many of its cafes, bars, and restaurants. The city and its university earned its place on the UNESCO world heritage list by being an outstanding example of a Portuguese university city which kept its historic architecture, ceremonial, and cultural traditions alive.
17. Costa da Caparica – Lisbon’s Beach Retreat
Heading south of Lisbon and across the Tagus river is Costa da Caparica, it’s 15km from downtown Lisbon. If the beaches of Cascais and Estoril are too developed for you, then in the Costa da Caparica you’ll find beaches that stretch along the coastline for nearly 26km. Offering everything from beach towns to seaside villages, or deserted nature reserves. It’s a beautiful coastline to explore and the start is just 15 minutes from Lisbon.
18. Sesimbra – A Wonderful Seaside Town
If you’re looking for an authentic seaside town within easy reach of Lisbon, then look no further than Sesimbra. 40km, or around 40 minutes by car, this delightful seaside town is famed for its local atmosphere, authentic restaurants and typical seaside experience.
Getting to Sesimbra by public transport can be awkward though, and the town is far smaller than the likes of Cascais so overall feels a lot less busy. It offers a beautifully sheltered bay surrounded by forested hills. Within those hills is Arrábida Natural Park.
Top Tip: To get the most out of Sesimbra and the surrounds, a car rental is advised. Public transport is limited in this area!
19. Parque Natural da Arrábida
Parque Natural da Arrábida to give its full name is the natural park that occupies the area that covers the southernmost region of the Setubal Peninsula. Hiking, or driving along its stunning coastal routes is unlike anything else in mainland Portugal.
Taking a step down from the cliffs are several stunning beaches, with Praia de Galapinhos and Praia do Creiro being the most famous. There’s also the very tiny community of Portinho da Arrábida, a small collection of houses and several waterfront bars and restaurants. It’s here you can rent kayaks to discover secret beaches that are inaccessible from the roads and pathways.
A truly unique place along this coastline is Lapa de Santa Margarida, an abandoned chapel hidden in a sea cave. It’s atmospheric and enchanting to say the least!
Top Tip: Like Sesimbra, much of this coastline is tricky to get to if you don’t have your own transport. Consider taking a tour out of Lisbon, or hiring a car to get the full experience.
20. Azeitão – Traditional Food and Drink
Heading north from Arrábida and Sesimbra, you’ll have crossed Azeitão. This small collection of villages, just 15km outside of Lisbon packs a significant punch in the gastronomy department.
The now world famous Azeitão cheese is produced here, and it’s a significant area for wine production in the Setubal region. You’ll find the famous wineries of José Maria da Fonseca famed for Moscatel de Setúbal, and Quinta da Bacalhoa. In the bigger town of Palmela you’ll find the Ovelheiro Museum which is dedicated to shephards, dairy production, and of course cheese making. This makes Azeitão an intriguing area for people that want to get under the skin of traditional Portuguese gastronomy.
21. Setúbal – Seafood, Dolphins and More
Just 50 km (31 miles) south of Lisbon, is the local city Setúbal. Although up until recently it was more commonly known as an industrial or port city, recently it’s becoming a popular day trip.
You’ll find a charming oldtown, that opens up into the Sado Estuary, as well as historical details like a fortress. It’s booming fish market is also widely regarded as the best in Portugal, and if there’s one place to try fresh seafood it has to be Setubal.
For active visitors, it’s also the stepping off point to explore Serra da Arrábida Natural Park and a short ferry trip away Troia.
22. Troia – Luxury Meets the Sea
Just a short ferry ride (around 25 minutes) across the Sado River from Setúbal is Troia. It’s a small peninsular that was occupied as far back as the Roman times, you can visit Roman Ruins on the peninsula today.
It’s a pristine stretch of coast that boasts luxury accommodation, several golf courses and a truly wild atmosphere. The main attraction is of course the crystal clear water, and during the summer is a popular beach destination.
Using public transport, you can take the passenger ferry, catamarans, or if you’re up for a somewhat longer route you can drive. This ends up being close to 100km away though as you’ll drive around the entire Sado estuary, taking you through Alcácer do Sal and Comporta.
23. Comporta – A Natural Retreat
Comporta roughly 125km (77 mi) south of Lisbon is a natural beauty spot that’s fast becoming known as an ultra-luxury getaway. Combining pristine nature, with bohemian vibes to make an enticing destination.
The northern stretches of the coastline blend into Tróia, you’ll find seven villages that dot the coastline: Comporta Pego, Carvalhal, Brejos, Torre, Possanco, and Carrasqueira. The coastline blends a beautiful beach, with sand dunes, and pine and cork forests. On its northern and eastern edge you’ve got the Sado estuary which is also a bit of a beauty spot. A sunset on the pier of Porto Palafita da Carrasqueira is incredible.
While the beaches and nature are just one angle available in Comporta, you’ll find facilities catering to relaxation with some incredible nature resorts offering spas, massages and therapy. For the activity, how about a horse ride between the dunes, or hitting a golf course in nearby Tróia. The Sada Estuary regularly attracts dolphins, so you can also depart on boat trips to see these in their magical natural habitat!
24. Évora – A Timeless UNESCO World Heritage City
Our final option for you, and one that is an excellent choice for any wine lovers, or history lovers is Évora. Évora is a UNESCO world heritage city 130km east of Lisbon in the Alentejo region.
With a history that dates to Celtic times, Évora boasts a rich historical background. The city is famous for its impressive Roman ruins, Gothic churches, and well-preserved historic centre which was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1986. As the heart of the Alentejo region, it’s also a fantastic place to discover Alentejo’s gastronomy and its amazing wine!
Discover More: The Ultimate Guide To Evora
25. Almada – Lisbon’s Twin City?
On the opposite side of the River Tagus is Almada, a lot of visitors actually think it’s part of Lisbon. However, for those that live there, they are proudly from the south margin and Almada, a city that is separate to Lisbon.
This is perhaps one of the simplest day trips you can make, a short ferry ride across the river, or even train ride across the famous 25 de Abril Bridge. Cais de Gingal is a small walkway that will lead you along the coastline, towards the famous Ponto Final. You’ll find an elavator that takes you to the top of the cliffs. From here you can even walk to Cristo Rei – the icon that occupies so many photographs and postcards of Lisbon.
Can you do a Day trip from Lisbon to the Algarve?
Yes, it’s possible but for us hard to recommend.
The quickest route from Lisbon to the Algarve is around 3 hours, so around a 6-hour return trip. For us its better to spend time around the coast of Sintra, Setubal or Arrabida to get your sun and sand, if you only have time for a day trip.
However, if the Algarve is something you have to experience, the one place that is worth it is Faro. From Lisbon’s Entrecampos station, you can take the Alfa Pendular service to Faro in 2 hours and 50 minutes. It will be a long day, but you can take the earliest train at around 8am and arrive into Faro around 11am, there a return train available around 7pm which arrives back into Lisbon at 10pm. Day trip possible? Yes, but it’s a long day!
Can you do a Day Trip from Lisbon to Porto?
A day trip from Lisbon to Porto is possible. It’s around 300km (186 miles) and at least 3 hours of travel, so 6 hours to allow for a return.
So, it is possible, but is it really worth it? This will be a long day once you include sightseeing, and all thing top things to see and do in Porto.
Similarly to the Algarve, Porto is best left for an overnight trip at minimum, or another visit to Portugal. If you’re interested in wine, the wine regions much closer to Lisbon will allow you to get your fill – take a look into Evora in the Alentejo, or Bucelas around 30 minutes north of Lisbon.
How do you Pick a day trip?
What interests you? How do you want to get the most out of day trip? We always like to mix things up, so if you’re trip to Lisbon mostly involves modern areas and museums, then maybe you want to experience the traditional side of Portugal – whether that’s wine making or a market town. If your trip has mostly been about urban landscapes, the coastline is a perfect accompaniment!
Which of Lisbon’s Best Day Trips Will You Pick?
