Discover the best day trips from Lisbon. Despite its lively city life, Lisbon’s unique location offers some breathtaking getaways. Take a car, bus, or train and reach these nearby destinations quickly.
©iStock
Our List of the Best Day Trips From Lisbon
From world heritage sites to medieval villages to the perfect beach locations, here are the best day trip destinations for the ideal Portugal experience.
Sintra: The Land Of Palaces And Forests
Firstly, we’ll present this fairytale town 32 km (20 mi) from Lisbon. Nestled in the middle of lush, verdant hills and dotted with extravagant palaces and enchanting forests, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers an enticing escape from urban life.
Secondly, the city is best known for its 19th-century Romanticist architecture, especially the colorful Pena Palace, perched high on a hill and visible from many points in the town. With its sweeping views of the surrounding landscape, the Moorish Castle is another must-see, as is Quinta da Regaleira, with its labyrinth of hidden tunnels and enchanting gardens. There is also the Palácio Nacional de Sintra – Sintra National Palace (or Pena National Palace).
But it’s not just the grandeur of its palaces that make Sintra magical. The town also boasts a charming historical center filled with traditional Portuguese bakeries (make sure to try a Queijada & Travesseiro) and quaint shops, perfect for strolls. Sintra is a true testament to the allure of the old world, offering a journey back in time.
Note: To book and organize the tour in advance, we recommend Viator.
©movingtoportugal.pt
Aveiro: The Venice Of Portugal
Situated about 253 km (157 mi) north of Lisbon, Aveiro is a vibrant city in Portugal’s Centro region. Often referred to as the Venice of Portugal, Aveiro delights visitors with its quaint charm, reflected in its unique moliceiros (gondola-like boats) and rich history.
The city’s history traces back to the Roman era, yet it thrived during the 15th and 16th centuries due to its bustling seaport. Aveiro became a significant point for salt production and maritime trade, fostering its growth and prosperity. One unique thing to do in the city is to take a salty bath.
Today, along with its molicerios, 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 molded into various maritime symbols. Another local delicacy to savor is tripas de Aveiro, crepes filled with sweet and savory ingredients. And lastly, if you want to book a tour in advance, we suggest visiting Viator.
©Noelle Salmi
Ericeira for World-Class Surfing
Ericeira is a charming fishing village located just a 30-minute drive from Lisbon. It is Europe’s first World Surfing Reserve, attracting surfers of all levels worldwide. Apart from surfing, there are many other things to do in Ericeira, such as strolling around the village center, enjoying the nightlife, or relaxing at one of its beautiful beaches. If you want to explore the rural countryside, you can take a guided day trip from Lisbon, including a history and wine tour. Check the availability and price of the Ericeira tour here.
Watch The Giant Waves in Nazare
Nazaré, a former fishing village about an hour and a half north of Lisbon, is undeniably a surfer’s paradise. Its beach is beautiful, and the town is filled with charming, whitewashed, red-roofed houses and shops. This city is renowned for its freshly caught seafood. If you visit Portugal between October and March, you cannot miss the opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring giant waves off the coast of Nazaré. It would help if you headed to Praia do Norte in Nazaré, Portugal, and the best place to observe these massive waves is at the sítio da Nazaré next to the lighthouse – Fort of São Miguel Arcanjo on the north side of Nazaré.
Fatima: The City Of Miracles
Located 127 km (or 79 mi) north of Lisbon, Fátima is one of the world’s most important Catholic pilgrimage sites. Most importantly, this small town is significant in religious history due to the 1917 events when three shepherd children claimed to have seen an apparition of the Virgin Mary.
However, the primary attraction in Fátima is the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima, a sprawling complex containing numerous religious sites. The centerpiece is the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, a neoclassical church where the tombs of the three shepherd children lie. Adjacent to it is the Chapel of the Apparitions, marking the exact spot of the Marian apparitions.
Another must-see site within the sanctuary is the Basilica of the Holy Trinity, one of the largest Christian churches in the world. Its modern architecture starkly contrasts the rest of the refuge, highlighting Fátima’s traditional and contemporary balance.
Plan your visit to coincide with one of the annual pilgrimages (May 13th and October 13th), where you’ll see Fátima at its most vibrant.
Viator has some acceptable offers for visiting this magnificent city from Lisbon.
©Getty Images
Cascais: Coastal Chic for Sun and Surf
Cascais, located 30 km west of Lisbon, is a great day trip destination with sandy beaches, a beautiful town center, and cozy restaurants. Additionally, you can relax at the beach or surf at Guincho Beach. Getting there is accessible by train or car/scooter. Ultimately, guided day trips are also available. Cascais offers hiking, cycling, and picturesque views. You can watch waves striking rocks at Boca do Inferno.
©portugalbywine.com
Azeitao: A Gastronomic Gem For Wine And Cheese Enthusiasts
Just 30 kilometers (about 19 miles) south of Lisbon, nestled in the lush landscapes of the Serra da Arrábida, lies the enchanting village of Azeitão. It is a town known for cheese and wine, making it one of the best trips from Lisbon for foodies.
Additionally, the region of Azeitão is celebrated for producing creamy sheep’s cheese, fittingly named Azeitão cheese, which is a delight for all cheese lovers. But it’s not just the cheese that puts Azeitão on the gastronomic map. This town also has a rich tradition of wine-making. The area is studded with vineyards, offering an endless choice for wine-tasting tours. A visit to one of the region’s leading wineries, such as Bacalhôa Vinhos or José Maria da Fonseca, is a good idea to learn about the rich history of wine production in Azeitão and, of course, sample some of the exquisite local wines. Furthermore, if you wish to choose an easy way to discover this gastronomic Mekah, we recommend booking an organized tour online here.
©Getty Images
Evora: A Step Back In Time In Portugal’s Alentejo Region
Some 137km (85 mi) from Lisbon in Portugal’s Alentejo region, Evora is a historical treasure. This UNESCO World Heritage site has a rich history stretching over two millennia. More fascinatingly, it is filled with architectural gems from different eras within its well-preserved medieval castle walls.
Evora’s Roman roots are displayed with landmarks such as the well-preserved Roman Temple, believed to have been constructed around the 1st century AD. The city also offers an insightful peek into the Gothic era with the impressive Evora Cathedral.
Then there is the Chapel of Bones, located in the Church of St. Francis — it’s called this way because the interior walls are lined with human skulls and bones.
But it’s not just about history and architecture in Evora. The city is also known for its vibrant gastronomic scene, with many restaurants serving local Alentejo cuisine. Please only leave with trying the region’s renowned wines, celebrated for their rich flavors.
Note: To book a valuable tour online, we suggest clicking here.
Azenhas Do Mar: A Coastal Gem
Nestled on the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park cliffs, about 40 km (30 mi) northwest of Lisbon, lies the picturesque village of Azenhas do Mar. It’s the perfect spot for a quick day trip from the Portuguese capital and is only a 20-minute drive from Sintra.
With its whitewashed houses cascading down towards the Atlantic Ocean, Azenhas do Mar is a sight. It gets its name from the old watermills (azenhas in Portuguese) that once existed in the village. The beach, though small, is stunning with its natural seawater pool.
The renowned Azenhas do Mar Restaurant overlooks the beach, a perfect place to try the freshest local fish and seafood while enjoying a stunning ocean view. Lastly, if you want to visit the town via an organized tour, we suggest combining it with the Sintra tour.
©portugal360.de
Óbidos
Firstly, visit Óbidos if you like medieval castles, unique bookstores, and ginjinha. Walk the town’s walls, visit Rua Direita, and see Igreja de Santa Maria. Secondly, to get from Lisbon to Óbidos, rent a car or take an express bus. Combine your visit with other nearby attractions with a tour.
Can You Lisbon To Porto Day Tour?
Yes, it is possible to make a day trip to Porto from Lisbon. The distance between the two cities is less than 320 km (200 miles), and it takes a little over 3 hours by car or slightly less by train. Nevertheless, you can opt for a tour or even book a private transfer if you want more time. Yet, spending at least 2 to 3 days exploring the city to appreciate its charm and attractions is recommended. Porto is one of the best places for a weekend trip from Lisbon.
Lisbon card for best day trips from Lisbon
Get a Lisbon card as soon as you arrive. It provides discounted and free admissions to top attractions and free access to public transport. Purchase it for 24, 48, or 72 hours. Experience Lisbon with various guided tours: walking tours, river cruises, bus tours, and fado shows.
The conclusion
Discover fantastic day trips from Lisbon! Visit ancient castles, royal palaces, and UNESCO sites like the Roman Temple in Evora and Pena National Palace in Sintra. Take a guided day trip or small group tour to explore surrounding areas like Marina de Cascais and the medieval walls of Óbidos. Don’t forget to include a wine-tasting session in Azeitão. Each destination is a significant piece of beautiful Portugal, so immerse yourself and discover the magic!
Note: Lastly, we will link you to an excellent guide to Portugal, which we also used when planning our trip. And this is Now in Portugal.
Take a look at
Photo credits:
Feature photo credits: ©movingtoportugal.pt