20 Amazing Day Trips From Lisbon – By A Travel Expert
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, monasteries, small towns, palaces, islands, and even caves to explore. There really is no shortage of incredible 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 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. 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 popular day trips from Lisbon. Located just 32km (20 miles) from Lisbon, it is a dreamy and mystical town that seems to have leapt straight out of a 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 one 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 perched 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, with its sweeping views of the 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 well known for its magical garden featuring hidden caves, an initiation well and many other mysterious constructions. It’s a labyrinth of hidden tunnels and enchanting gardens.
The Initiation Well looks like an underground tower with a spiral staircase lining its inner wall. Historians believe the nine staircases symbolise the initiation ceremony for the Knights Templar, which 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 Chic
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, viewpoints, museums, shopping, and restaurants. And it’s only a 40-minute train ride from Lisbon making it a must-visit destination on anyone’s itinerary.
You can wander through the postcard-perfect Old Town, eat delicious Portuguese food and relax on the picturesque beaches. The best beaches include Praia da Ribeira, Praia da Rainha 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 want 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 viewpoint feels like it exists 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 proudly since 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 as little as 15 minutes. However, there are stunning trails leading along the coast from Cabo da Roca. If you want to hike down to Praia da Ursa or another beach 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 unique bookstores, and sample sips of ginjinha served right on the street.
This beautiful medieval town is famous for being fully encircled by its medieval castle walls. You can walk freely along the tops of them (Cam loved “hunting for dragons”). And you can enjoy a panoramic view of the picturesque countryside that stretches out around Óbidos.
While you’re there, don’t miss the chance to taste the local cherry liqueur, ginjinha, usually served in a small chocolate cup.
No matter how long you spend in Óbidos, you are sure to love the town and its charm!
You could combine Óbidos 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!
Nazaré is where the world record for the biggest wave ever surfed has been continually broken. A title that is currently held by Brazilian surfer Rodrigo Koxa, who surfed a terrifying 86-foot wave!
“Big wave” season runs from November to February.
To learn more about the huge waves and why they get so massive, you should visit the Praia do Norte beach and the Nazaré lighthouse. There’s a surf museum at the lighthouse which details the uniqueness of the geology at Nazaré.
There’s even an exhibition of the many surfboards and equipment used by the surfers who surf the waves.
This was one of our favourite day trips from Lisbon.
6. Peniche and the Berlengas Islands
Distance: 1 hour | Google Maps
Peniche is a picturesque fishing town that juts out into 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 trip to the Berlengas Islands. These islands are a picturesque 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 home to a variety of seabirds, making it a great place for bird-watching. The Berlengas Islands make for an incredibly memorable day trip
In Peniche itself you can explore the historic town centre and savour freshly caught seafood at one of the local restaurants. The grilled sardines are a must-try!
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 most famous for the fact that in 1917, a miracle occurred 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 well worth a visit even if you’re not interested in the religious aspect. We couldn’t get over the size of it!
The main attraction in Fatima is the Sanctuary of Fátima which is a giant complex with a large church and impressive architecture. The centrepiece is the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, a neoclassical church where the tombs of the three children lie. Adjacent to it is the Chapel of the Apparitions, marking the exact spot of the Marian apparitions.
The site is free to enter and you can walk around taking in the atmosphere. If you plan your visit to coincide with one of the annual pilgrimages (on May 13th and October 13th) you’ll get to see Fátima at its most vibrant.
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. The most famous thing about the park is the dinosaur footprints on the west side of the park (just follow the signs).
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 was once the seat of the Knights Templar, featuring a castle, church, convent, and more.
Carl was particularly keen to stop here as he found the Knights Templar fascinating. Tomar is beautiful, memorable, and a bit mysterious. Which is exactly what you would expect from a place tied to the Knights Templar!
You should also make time to explore the old town as this is part of the city’s charm. You’ll see picturesque cobblestone streets and quaint houses. The city has a rich history with well-preserved medieval synagogues and churches.
If you’re driving from Lisbon to Tomar then you can stop at the city’s aqueduct just outside of the town. You can walk along the top of it, just take care as it lacks 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.
Add in the stunning Évora cathedral (and the views from its rooftop), Évora’s very own Roman Temple, and plenty of other churches and attractions to explore. And this beautiful city makes for a fantastic 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!
The expansive Mafra Palace was originally intended as a modest monastery. However after King John V found new wealth for Portugal, it quickly expanded into the palace that we know today.
Even though the National Palace of Mafra is slightly off the beaten track 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 Sado River is the sun-soaked paradise of Troia. This is one of the most popular day trips from Lisbon for locals because it has some of the most stunning beaches in Portugal.
The reason people visit is because of its sandy coastline where you’ll find clear waters which are perfect for a refreshing dip. Because these beaches stretch along the length of the narrow peninsula you’ll never struggle to find yourself a relaxing spot to soak up the sun.
If you’re a fan of wildlife, you can take a dolphin-watching tour in the Sado Estuary. For golfers, Troia has one of Portugal’s best and most beautiful golf courses, The Troia Golf Championship Course. The course blends itself into the natural landscape of Troia and offers breathtaking views over the ocean.
20. Azeitao – A Must For Wine and Cheese Enthusiasts
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?
As Portugal’s second-largest and second-most-famous city, Porto is really worth visiting. This is why it’s not surprising that so many visitors think about making a day trip to Porto from Lisbon!
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!
