20 Amazing Day Trips From Lisbon – All You Need To Know!
Where can you visit on day trips from Lisbon?
We’ve recently spent a month in Portugal with our two boys exploring all of the incredible things to do in Portugal. We’ve spent time based in Porto, Lisbon and Lagos as a digital nomad family. It’s enabled us to really get to know each region and what it offers.
The great thing about being based in Lisbon is that there are so many great day trips that you can do. We really loved our time there, as it’s a great place to discover. As well as the city itself there were lots of other exciting places to explore.
There are beaches, small towns, monasteries, palaces, islands, and even caves to explore. There really are some amazing day trips from Lisbon, Portugal! The following 20 places are our personal recommendations for the best day trips from Lisbon. Some can even be combined together to make one single-day trip.
Quick Guide To The Best Day Trips From Lisbon
There are two great day trip combinations from Lisbon that we can recommend:
Most popular day trip combination: Sintra, Cascais and Cabo da Roca
Alternative top trip combination: Fatima, Batalha Monastery, Obidos and Nazare
Fun for families: Sintra, Cascais, Nazaré & Ericeira
Top for nature: Cascais, Nazaré, Setubal, Peniche & Ericeira
Best for history: Sintra, Batalha, Obidos, Fatima & Mafra
If you don’t want to worry about the logistics of reading about all 20 places and deciding which to visit. Or perhaps you only have one day to explore outside of Lisbon. Then our first choice of best things to do on day trip from Lisbon to see in one day is; Sintra, Cascais and Cabo da Roca.
On this combination of destinations, you’ll get to visit the beautiful downtown area of Sintra and its iconic Pena Palace. Followed by time to relax in the coastal town of Cascais. Then finishing with amazing coastal views and sunset from Cabo da Roca, once believed to be the westernmost place in mainland Europe. They make a perfect day trip!
We’ve put together a handy map at the bottom of this post so that you can see where each of the day trips is located from Lisbon. You’ll notice the day trips from Lisbon form clusters and that some destinations can be combined together.
1. Sintra – Stunning Palaces and Forests
Distance: 40 mins | Google Maps
Sintra is one of the most famous day trips from Lisbon. Located just 32km (20 miles) from Lisbon, it is a unique town which looks to have leapt straight from a beautiful fairy tale. As well as the individual attractions it’s worth spending some time in the town.
Top tip from a travel expert: We’d recommend choosing three attractions to visit in the day so that you don’t feel rushed. The Moorish Castle, The Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira make for a great day out!
Pena Palace and Gardens
Pena Palace is the fairytale castle of yellow and red that is located high on the hill top. Many people say that it’s what inspired Walt Disney for his princess castles. For most visitors to Sintra, this is the main attraction that they come to see.
The Moorish Castle
Another must-see is the Moorish Castle, and its vast panoramic view over the beautiful surrounding landscape. Built in the 8th and 9th centuries by the Moors, what remains of this historic castle still remains spectacular to visit.
Whilst you’re there, you must take advantage of the chance to climb the 500 steps to the top of the Torre Real. The views from there are extraordinary!!
Quinta da Regaleira
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its fantastic garden that features an initiation well, hidden caves and several mysterious buildings. It’s a collection of hidden passages and tunnels as well as enchanting gardens.
The Initiation Well is like a reversed underground tower that has a long spiral staircase inside it drawing you downwards. Historians have suggested that the staircases, there are nine of them, represent the secret initiation ceremony of the Knights Templar, because they had nine founders.
Other Places To See In Sintra
There are a lot of other cool palaces and parks to visit which we’ve listed below:
📍Monserrate Palace – you can take a wander through the palace (and its grounds) to see neo-gothic and Indian influences.
📍Sintra National Palace – once home to the Portuguese Royal Family, Palácio Nacional de Sintra is pretty easy to visit once you’re already in the area.
📍Chalet of the Countess of Edla – this 19th Century Apline house is quite different from all the other sites.
📍Vale dos Lagos e Pateira – this stunning park is perched below Pena Palace
2. Cascais – Coastal Cool
Distance: 45 mins | Google Maps
Carl has visited Cascais several times when he’s been sailing yachts from the UK down to the Mediterranean. So he was super keen to show us around when we got there. It ended up being one of our favourite places in Portugal and is just a short drive from Lisbon.
It’s an effortless blend of a chic town with a seaside resort. It has a fun mixture of beaches, shopping, museums, viewpoints, and restaurants. Plus it’s only a 40-minute train ride from Lisbon making it a must-visit destination on anyone’s itinerary.
You can walk through its pretty Old Town and then eat some tasty Portuguese food. You can then follow it with some time spent relaxing on one of the pretty beaches. The best Cascais beaches in our opinion are Praia da Rainha, Praia da Ribeira and Praia da Conceicao.
If you’re feeling energetic then we’d suggest taking a walk around the marina and along to the Santa Marta Lighthouse. If you’d like to continue along the coast then you can also visit Boca Do Inferno (Mouth of Hell), a massive sea cave with crashing waves.
We spent a full day and evening in Cascais as there was just so much to do there! It’s one of the best day trips from Lisbon.
The Skate Park At Cascais – A Hidden Gem For Kids!
If you have children that like to scooter or skateboard then you really must stop by the Olympic skate park. At the weekends it is the “go-to’ place for families.
We went there twice with Cam and it was here that he had his very first skateboarding lesson. You can book them at the skate shop before you get there. Cam still talks about his skateboarding lesson to this day!
3. Cabo da Roca & Sintra-Cascais Natural Park
Distance: 40 mins | Google Maps
This beautiful panoramic view makes you feel as though you are stood at the end of the world. As the most western part of mainland Europe, it most certainly feels like that when you’re looking across the expanse of the Atlantic Ocean.
The cape itself is a small area by the cliff with a picturesque lighthouse. The lighthouse has stood bolding protecting sailors since it was built in the 18th century. And is a perfect place to soak up the Portugals’ natural beauty of the surrounding countryside.
The best time to visit is at the end of the day, as the sun setting over the ocean is spectacular. It’s one the the most beautiful sunsets that we saw on our trip to Portugal, perhaps only exceeded by the one we saw at Sagres.
Visiting just the cape itself can take only 15 minutes. However, there are stunning trails leading along the coast from Cabo da Roca. If you decide to walk down to Praia da Ursa or one of the other beaches you can while the day away there.
It makes a great day trip from Lisbon as it’s only 40 40-minute drive.
4. Obidos – Medieval Walled City
Distance: 1 hr | Google Maps
Óbidos is home to one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Portugal. You can climb along the city walls of the medieval castle, shop in its bookstores, and sample sips of locally made ginjinha served from the side of the street.
This stunning town is popular to visit because of its beautiful mediaeval castle walls which wrap themselves around the town. You can walk happily walk along the top of them for free (Cam loved “hunting for dragons”). From the top you can lookout across the panoramic view over the pretty countryside and farms that stretch out around the region of Óbidos.
Spend an hour or two in Óbidos because time flies when you enjoy a lovely and charming town like Óbidos!
You could combine a visit to Óbidos along with other destinations such as Nazaré and Peniche.
5. Nazaré – Big Wave Surfing
Distance: 1.5 hours | Google Maps
This beautiful beach town on the Atlantic Coast is extremely popular with both surfers and visitors alike. In summer it’s a charming seaside town with winding roads and stunning beaches. Then come winter it’s where expert surfers ride giant waves!
The town of Nazaré is famous for holding the world record for the biggest wave ever surfed, and the record has been consistently broken there for several decades. The current world record is held by a Brazilian surfer called Rodrigo Koxa, who was recorded surfing an awe-inspiring 86-foot wave!
“Big wave” season runs from November to February.
To learn more about these huge waves and why they get so massive, you should make a stop at the Nazaré lighthouse. There’s a surf museum at the lighthouse which details the uniqueness of the geology at Nazaré.
We particularly loved the exhibition devoted to displaying the surfboards used by some of the surfers who have surfed the waves of Nazaré.
This was one of our favourite day trips from Lisbon.
6. Peniche and the Berlengas Islands
Distance: 1 hour | Google Maps
Peniche is a pretty little fishing town that sticks out in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Its unspoiled coastline is the perfect off-the-beaten-track destination for a day trip away from Lisbon.
As well as being a great place to visit on a day trip from Lisbon it’s also a starting place for a short excursion over to the beautiful Berlengas Islands. These islands are part of a pretty archipelago lying about a 45-minute ferry ride away from Peniche. Featuring sea caves, swim spots, beaches, a lighthouse, and the picturesque São João Baptista Fort.
Berlenga Grandis is also where you’ll find a selection of seabirds, making it the perfect place for a spot of bird-watching. The Berlengas Islands make for an incredibly memorable day trip
In Peniche itself you can discover the historic old town centre and enjoy eating some fresh seafood at a local restaurant, there are several to choose from. Don’t forget to try the freshly grilled sardines which are a local delicacy!
Peniche is also one of the best places to visit if you plan on surfing in Portugal!
7. Fatima – The City of Miracles
Distance: 1.5 hrs | Google Maps
Fátima is famous because in 1917, a miracle happened that was recognised by the Vatican. It is said that the Virgin Mary appeared to 3 children in town.
This once small village is now a famous Catholic pilgrimage site drawing over 6 million visitors per year. It is definitely worth a visit even if you’re not religious, because the story behind it, the size of it and the number of visitors that head there all combine to make it very interesting place to visit. We couldn’t get over the size of it!
The main site in Fatima is the massive Sanctuary of Fátima. It is a huge religious complex made up of a very large church surrounded impressive architecture. The centrepiece is the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, which is the church where children from the miracle are all buried. Next to it you’ll find the Chapel of the Apparitions, which celebrates the spot where Mary appeared to the children.
The site is free to enter and you can enjoy a wander around taking in the atmosphere. If you visit during one of the two annual pilgrimages (on May 13th and October 13th) you’ll see Fátima at her busiest which can be incredible.
8. Batalha – Soaring Gothic Monastery
Distance: 1.5 hrs | Google Maps
The top reason to visit Bathala is the Batalha Monastery. This UNESCO World Heritage site dates back to the 14th century and is highly worth a visit.
It is a soaring Gothic complex featuring intricate details. Make sure not to miss the Unfinished Chapels, which as the name implies are ornate chapels that were never roofed in. The effect is stunning, but you can only access them from outside the monastery, making them easy to miss if you don’t keep an eye out!
You’ll be able to cover everything in an hour or so. With this in mind, we recommend visiting as part of a trip to see Óbidos, Nazaré, and Fátima!
9. Serras de Aire – Grutas de Mira de Aire
Distance: 1.5 hrs | Google Maps
We decided to stop as we wanted to try something a little different. Cam had never been to a cave before and this was a great opportunity to take him to one after our visit to Fatima. Grutas de Mira de Aire is Portugal’s largest cave system voted as one of the seven best natural wonders in Portugal.
To visit you take a 45-minute tour that descends 110m down a spiralling staircase. You’ll pass through psychedelically lit chambers to a final cavern at the bottom containing, rather strangely, a fountain. The caves themselves are extremely impressive and worth visiting.
At the end of the tour, you take a lift park to the surface and walk 5 minutes back to where you started. Tours run at irregular timings and tend to go once there are enough people. We waited about 10 minutes for our tour.
The caves are part of Serras de Aire Candeeiros Nature Park which has hundreds of hikes and places to explore. What helps to draw people into visiting the park, is that there are the dinosaur footprints that you’ll find in the western half of the park. There are plenty of signs to follow to get you there so you shouldn’t get lost!
10. Tomar – The Seat of The Knights Templar
Distance: 1.5 hrs | Google Maps
Tomar was the home of the legendary Order of the Knights Templar. It is more famous for the Convent of Christ complex, which is a UNESCO site. It used to be the seat of the Knights Templar, featuring a church, a castle, as well as a convent, and more.
Carl was particularly keen to stop here as he found the Knights Templar fascinating. Tomar is beautiful, and very mysterious. Which is exactly as you’d expect from a place connected to the Knights Templar!
You should also make time to explore the historic old town which is full of character. You’ll see pretty cobblestone streets with cute little houses. The city has a rich and diverse history which includes well-preserved churches and medieval synagogues.
If you’re driving from Lisbon to Tomar then you can stop at the city’s aqueduct that’s located just outside of the town. You can walk along the top of it, just take care as it doesn’t have handrails in some places.
11. Évora – Roman Temples and The Chapel of Bones
Distance: 1.5 hrs | Google Maps
This UNESCO World Heritage site has a history dating back more than two millennia It is filled with architectural gems from different eras contained within its well-preserved medieval castle walls.
Évora ’s most famous attraction is the Chapel of Bones located in the Church of St. Francis. Its name comes from the interior walls are lined with human skulls and bones.
It also has the beautiful Évora cathedral (with some incredible views that you can see from its rooftop). There is also its very own Roman Temple, as well as lots of other churches and sites to discover. Which is why this stunning is a great day trip from Lisbon.
12. Ericeira – A Surfers Delight
Distance: 40 mins | Google Maps
Ericeira is a beautiful laid-back fishing and surfing village. It was one of our favourite beaches in Portugal with a great coastal town to explore.
Also known as “Onde O Mar É Mais Azul’‘ [the place where the sea is the most blue], this small beach town has everything you need. It’s got beautiful beaches, epic landscapes, heavenly gastronomy, animated nightlife and rich Portuguese culture.
Its biggest attraction is the unforgettable surf conditions. Highlighted by its inclusion in the World Surf Reserve. Even if you aren’t a surfer there is still plenty to do and see.
When we visited in September the Festival Municipal de Folclore de Mafra was on. It was a fantastic chance to listen to local folk music and watch the villages compete in their folk dancing competition.
We spent the day here as it’s such a fun day trip from Lisbon for kids as the beach is super safe and there’s lots to see in the town. It’s also got a great skate park!
13. Setúbal – A Chance To See Dolphins
Distance: 1 hr | Google Maps
The vibrant coastal city of Setubal is renowned for its bustling port and fresh seafood.
There is a resident pod of bottlenose dolphins that can often be spotted in the Sado Estuary. If you’re keen to see dolphins then you can take a boat trip that picks you up at the port to take you dolphin spotting.
We particularly loved taking in the local street art. We have a fantastic app that we use called Street Art that helps you to find the art and learn more about it. The city’s old town is packed with seafood restaurants where you can enjoy freshly grilled sardines, a local delicacy.
Setubal is also a starting point for exploring the Serra da Arrábida Natural Park.
14. Mafra – One Of The Largest Palaces In Portugal
Distance: 45 mins | Google Maps
The reason to stop at Mafra is to visit the National Palace which is another UNESCO World Heritage Site!
This expansive palace had originally been intended to be a simple and modest monastery. However after King John V found new wealth for Portugal, it quickly grew into the very large palace that we see there today.
Even though the National Palace of Mafra is a bit out of the way as far as day trip options from Lisbon go, it is still worth visiting. We stopped in Mafra for an hour on our way to Ericiera.
15. Guincho-Cresima Dunes – Surf, Sand and Dunes
Distance: 35 mins | Google Maps
Our campsite was just a few minutes walk from these stunning sand dunes – in fact, we could watch the sunset over them from our tent!
The dune field lies within a protected reserve that you can access by following the narrow wooden broad walk that runs through it. The sand is free-flowing and endlessly shifted upwards to the dunes by the strong westerly wind that Guincho is famous for.
You’ll find that Praia do Guincho is a hot spot for surfers and kitesurfers drawn by the waves and wind.
We should advise that the beach isn’t suitable for children or those that are not strong swimmers as the current is very strong. Instead, we’d head each evening to the neighbouring Praia Grande to splash in the sea and watch the sunset.
16. Aveiro – The Venice of Portugal
Distance: 2.5 hrs | Google Maps
This vibrant city is located in the centre of Portugal. It is famous for being the Venice of Portugal with visitors taking moliceiros (gondola-like boats) on the waterways. That and its brightly coloured buildings.
The city can trace its roots back to the Roman era. However, it was during the 15th and 16th centuries that it thrived as a bustling seaport. It became an important (and rich) city due to its salt production and maritime trade prosperity.
The moliceiros were originally used to harvest seaweed but nowadays they are used as a tourist attraction. You can easily pick up a 45-minute tour when you get there. Your guide will cover the history of the city with you.
Aveiro is also particularly famous for its traditional sweets. Ovos moles, an indulgent confectionery made from egg yolks and sugar, is encased in a thin, crispy wafer moulded into various maritime symbols.
It’s quite far to travel for a day trip from Lisbon, as it’s over 2 hours away. However, it’s worth stopping into Aveiro if you’re driving between Lisbon and Porto.
17. Palácio Nacional De Queluz
Distance: 30 minutes | Google Maps
The Palácio Nacional de Queluz, is only a half-hour drive from Lisbon and plays a key part in Portugal’s rich history. The palace is often compared to Versailles and once served as a royal summer. With its opulent interiors and beautiful gardens it is easy to see the grandeur of Portugal’s royal past.
The palace is known for its stunning Throne Room which is adorned with chandeliers, tapestries, and ceiling paintings. And then outside are the gardens and a canal where the royal family once enjoyed boat rides.
18. Azenhas Do Mar: A Coastal Jewel
Distance: 1 hr | Google Maps
The picturesque village of Azenhas do Mar sits nestled on the cliffs of the Sintra-Cascais National Park. Because it’s only 20 minutes from Sintra you can easily add it to day trips from Lisbon.
It has stunning white-washed houses that sit on the side of the cliff, almost sliding into the water. Although the beach is small, it is not only stunningly beautiful but it also has a natural seawater swimming pool.
Top tip from travel expert: The largest saltwater swimming pool in Europe which is over 100m in length can be found just 4km away at Praia Grande. You can access the pool through the Hotel das Arribas.
19. Troia: A Beautiful Peninsula
Distance: 1.5 hrs | Google Maps
A fun ferry ride from Setúbal across the beautiful Sado River takes you to the sunny lands of a place called Troia. This is one of the most popular day trips from Lisbon for locals because it has a few of the best beaches in all of Portugal.
The reason people visit is because of its sandy coast where you’ll see clear waters which are great for a cooling dip. That’s these beaches run along the length of the narrow peninsula you’ll never struggle to find yourself a relaxing spot to soak up the sun.
If you love wildlife, then you can enjoy a dolphin spotting tour on the Sado Estuary. And, for golf fans, Troia has one of the best courses in Portugal’s, The Troia Golf Championship Course. The course seemingly blends itself with natural landscape of Troia and has a beautiful panoramic view of the ocean.
20. Azeitao – A Must For Wine and Cheese Lovers
Distance: 30 minutes | Google Maps
Nestled in the lush landscapes of the Serra da Arrábida, hides the welcoming village of Azeitão. We recommend that Azeitão is one of the best trips from Lisbon for anyone who loves wine and cheese as much as we do!
We loved the award-winning creamy sheep’s cheese, named Azeitão after the town itself. As well as cheese production the town also has a rich history of wine-making, hence it’s a perfect place for foodies, especially if you aren’t going to visit Porto.
Top tip from a travel expert: Before you visit Azeitão make sure to book in for a wine-tasting tour at one of the vineyards!
How To Get Around For Day Trips From Lisbon?
The best way to take day trips from Lisbon is to either take a tour or hire a car. When we visited we had brought our own car with us from the UK as we were carrying on to Morocco after Portugal. Driving yourself gives you the flexibility to stop for longer in the places you prefer.
We’ve researched and seen that you can take public transport to some day trips from Lisbon. However, navigating public transport to get between destinations can be tricky and time-consuming.
Another alternative if you don’t fancy driving is to take tours from Lisbon. There are lots to choose from that cover some of the top day trip destinations from Lisbon.
Some of the popular tours from Lisbon will combine 3-4 of the day trip destinations together into one tour. From our experience, if you’re visiting them independently then we’d always try to keep to just 2-3. That you don’t feel too rushed.
Can You Do A Day Trips To Porto From Lisbon?
Porto is Portugal’s second city and really worth visiting. This is why it’s not a surprise that so many visitors think about making a day trip from Lisbon to Porto!
Yes, you could do a day trip to Porto if you wanted to. However, the drive is between 3-4 hours each way depending on traffic. This means you wouldn’t have that much time once you got there.
We’d really recommend that if you do want to head to Porto then you really need to spend at least a couple of days there. Especially if you want to take in the beauty of the Duoro Valley, which is definitely worth visiting!
FAQs
What are the best day trips from Lisbon to combine together?
Taking a tour that takes in Sintra, Cascais and Cabo da Roca is the popular day trip from Lisbon.
On this combination of destinations, you’ll get to visit the beautiful downtown area of Sintra and its iconic Pena Palace. Followed by time to relax in the beach town of Cascais. Then finishing with amazing coastal views and sunset from Cabo da Roca, once believed to be the westernmost place in mainland Europe.
What can I combine with Lisbon?
If you’re spending more than a week in Portugal then you could combine Lisbon, Porto, and the Douro Valley. On the route between Lisbon and Porto, there are some fabulous destinations to visit such as Nazare, Fatima and Aveiro.
Is Porto worth a day trip from Lisbon?
Not really, as the drive is between 3-4 hours each way depending on traffic. This means you wouldn’t have that much time once you got there.
We’d really recommend that if you do want to head to Porto then you really need to spend at least a couple of days there. Especially if you want to take in the beauty of the Duoro Valley, which is definitely worth visiting!
Can you do an Algarve day trip from Lisbon?
The Algarve is undeniably stunning. With its golden sandy beaches and turquoise waters it’s easy to see why it is so popular.
However, it’s a 3-hour drive between Lisbon and Lagos. If you took a day trip then you really wouldn’t have much time to explore the area. We would recommend that you would be better to spend the extra day exploring nearer to Lisbon.
If you do want to visit the Algarve from Lisbon, then you really need to set aside a few days. The Algarve is well worth visiting given enough time.
Final Thoughts on Day Trips From Lisbon
There are many fantastic day trips that you can make from Lisbon.
It’s possible to combine several of the day trip destinations into a single day, such as Sintra, Cascais, and Cabo do Roca. Some of our family favourites were Cascais, Nazaré, Ericeira and Tomar.
Whilst you could technically make the day trip to Porto, we would advise that you’ll need longer than a day to really explore Porto.
We wanted to offer some inspiration for day trip itineraries, so we’ve put together the below map to showcase you with all of the possibilities. Now the only thing you need to decide is which one to visit!
