Lisbon is an amazing city to visit and can be a great place to base yourself to see other parts of Portugal. There are many amazing day trips from Lisbon you can take, and the following are some of the best possible options you will not want to miss. From charming seaside towns to medieval villages, there are a variety of awesome places to visit on a day trip from Lisbon.
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Where to Stay in Lisbon
TripAdvisor is a great place to start your hotel search. Search for the best Lisbon hotels here!
The following hotels are also some great options, especially if you are using points.
- Hyatt Regency Lisbon
- Vignette Collection Covent Square Lisbon
- Holiday Inn Express Lisbon Av Liberdade
- The Ivens, Autograph Collection
- Moxy Lisboa Oriente
- Duo Hotel Lisbon
The Best Day Trips from Lisbon: Under 1 Hour
Sintra
Sintra is one of the best day trips from Lisbon to take and easily one of the most popular options. It is super easy to get to Sintra from Lisbon by train. It will take you just under an hour to get there by train or it is a 30 minute drive to go about 17 miles.
You will want to visit Sintra as it holds a certain fairytale-like charm and has a rich history with tons of amazing architecture. It is the perfect way to escape the hustle of Lisbon for a day or two.
When in Sintra, make sure to visit the Pena Palace, the Castle of the Moors, the Quinta da Regaleira, Monserrate, and explore the old part of Sintra. All of the sites have an amazing history to tell and are worth taking in the views. For dinner, make sure to eat at Romario de Baco for an amazing meal.
If you have extra time, you can also head towards Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of continental Europe and the beaches. You can easily get around Sintra by walking or by bus. You can buy an all day bus pass that will take you to all the sites, or if you have a Lisboa card, it works on all the transportation in Sintra. Alternatively, you can book a guided tour from Lisbon.
Azenhas do Mar
By Sonia of Carey On Travels
Azenhas do Mar is a picture-perfect ancient fishing village, perched on the cliffs of Sintra. This charming village overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and is just 30-kilometers northwest of Lisbon. It makes for one of the best day trips from Lisbon.
The most convenient way to get to Azenhas do Mar from Lisbon is by car. This scenic 40-minute drive passes through the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, famous for climbing. Alternatively, visitors can take the train from Lisbon to Sintra in 35 minutes, followed by a 20-30 minute bus ride. For a unique way to get here, take the Sintra tram down to Praia das Maçãs, and walk about 4 km down the coast to Azenhas do Mar.
What makes Azenhas do Mar worth the trip from Lisbon are the dramatic views of this white-washed fisherman’s village. The combination of houses clinging to the cliffs, the natural swimming pool carved into the rocks, and the beach below make this a paradise for photographers. The best views of the town, pool, and beach are from the south side. Park at the parking area on the way into town and simply walk towards town to enjoy these views.
While in Azenhas do Mar, visitors can explore the narrow, cobbled streets and dip their toes into the cool waters of the natural pool and beach. Keep in mind that the beach almost disappears at high tide. It is best to time a visit with low-medium tides. To add a beautiful cliffside walk, simply walk south along the coast towards Praia das Maças, or north towards Praia da Aguda.
Don’t miss watching the sunset while having dinner at Azenhas do Mar Restaurante Piscinas, a seafood restaurant located just above the natural pools. The sunset views from the restaurant or pools are a fantastic way to wrap up a day trip to Azenhas do Mar.
Setúba
By Inês Of Random Trip
Less than an hour away from Lisbon and very accessible by public transport, Setúbal is an amazing plan to spend the day. It is one of the best day trips from Lisbon. Setúbal’s Arrabida mountain is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the country, and the city has a wide cultural and gastronomic offer.
Famous for its grilled fish (peixe assado) restaurants, Setúbal is a safe bet to have an excellent meal. Miguel’s terrace overlooking the Sado river is a great choice.
Setúbal is also a safe bet on paradisiacal beaches, especially if you visit between May and September. Explore the beaches of Figueirinha, Galapos, Galapinhos, or Creiro and have a beer on the terrace of beautiful Portinho da Arrabida. Don’t be deceived by the water temperature: though it looks like you’re in the Caribbean, once you enter you’ll definitely acknowledge you’re entering the fresh water of the Atlantic Ocean where dolphins live. Dolphin Watching is another one of Setúbal’s main attractions.
The city’s main artery, Luisa Todi’s Avenue, is an excellent starting point for exploring its historical center. Apart from lots of restaurants, cafes, bars, and terraces, pay a visit to the centenary Livramento Market and go up to São Filipe Fortress to enjoy its breathtaking views of Setúbal’s bay, Arrabida’s mountains and Troia peninsula
Don’t miss Largo da Ribeira Velha’s terraces (sometimes with live music) and Baixa’s narrow streets up to Bocage’s square presided by the famous local poet. Contemplate the façade of Convento de Jesus, one of the city’s architectural pearls, built in 1491 by the same architect as the impressive Monastery of Jerónimos in Lisbon.
Setúbal gives you the opportunity to have a full cultural day or a relaxing day at the beach. Just get on the Fertagus train to Setúbal (there’s one every hour from Roma Areeiro, Entrecampos, or Campolide station) and experience crossing the 25 de Abril bridge on rails.
If you prefer a bus ride, the 562 bus goes from Lisbon Oriente (via the Vasco da Gama bridge) and the Rede Expressos bus runs the Sete Rios – Setúbal route (via the 25 de Abril bridge). There is a bus every hour and the journey takes 50 minutes, but consider the traffic at rush hour. No matter what, Setubal is one of the best day trips from Lisbon.
Cascais
By Tamara of My Elated Odyssey
Looking for one of the best day trips from Lisbon? Then Cascais is one of the best recommendations! This town is known for its beaches, delicious dining options, and charming atmosphere. Cascais is a very easy day trip option to do from Lisbon as it’s only around 19 miles (30 kilometers) away. Given this, you can reach Cascais from Lisbon in as little as 30-40 minutes!
Luckily, several different transportation options are also available to reach the town. The train is the most popular and least costly option. You will depart from the Cais do Sodre train station, costing 2.3€. Other ways to reach Cascais from Lisbon include rental cars, guided tours, Ubers, and taxis. These options will take about 30 minutes to reach the charming town.
Cascais is worth a day trip from Lisbon. Some of the best things to do there are explore its Old Town, visit the Condes de Castro Guimarães Museum, and relax on its picturesque beaches. The top activity by far is the Boca do Inferno. This site features a collapsed cave that has given way to a stunning arch. This is easily the best spot to catch the sunset in Cascais and is something you won’t want to miss in Portugal.
The Best Day Trips from Lisbon: 1-2 Hours
Mafra
By Sara of Big Adventures with Little Feet
Mafra is a city near the west coast of Portugal and it is one of the best best day trips from Lisbon. The main reason tourists head to Mafra is because it is home to the National Palace, which is one of the largest palaces in Portugal. The expansive Mafra Palace was originally intended by King John V to be a simple (and small) monastery. However, once Portugal became wealthy he quickly expanded it into the palace that we know today.
Once you are at the National Palace it’s well worth taking a guided tour of the interior of the palace. You will find that it’s still set up in all its royal splendor. If you have time afterward, make sure to take a relaxing walk in the palace gardens, especially if you have young kids with you.
The reason that Mafra is a great day trip from Lisbon, is because it is just 40 km away. The fastest way to get there is to drive, which will take you just 40 minutes. However, you can also take public transport out there using a combination of the metro and bus systems, and it is around 1.5 hours. Most travelers tend to visit it as part of a tour package that takes in other sites such as Nazare and Sintra.
Tomar
By Marga of Discover Portugal
Tomar is known as the Knights Templar City, and well worth it if you love history! It’s super easy to get to, making it one of the best day trips from Lisbon. By car, the journey takes around 1,5 hours, and it’s 87 miles from Lisbon.
You can also take a direct train from Santa Apolónia Station in Lisbon. The direct train takes between an hour and 45 minutes up to two hours. For a relaxing day trip, you can also book a guided tour. You can add a stop at Almourol Castle, and your knowledgeable tour guide can tell you a lot about Tomar and the Knights Templar!
You can start your time in Tomar by visiting the Convent of Christ. This is where the city originates and where the Knights Templar’s history is very prevalent. The Rotunda is the main attraction within its walls, and the structure rests on 8 pillars. You can also visit many rooms within the convent, and you’ll easily spend a couple of hours here. Next to the convent, you can also visit Tomar Castle for free.
Afterwards, you can go to the old town and discover the church Igreja de São João Baptista on the main square Praça da República. You’ll also see the town hall here, and the many side streets have many more beautiful buildings. Some highlights are the Tomar Synagogue and the museum Fundição Tomarense. Another unique museum is the matchbox museum Museu dos Fósforos, where you’ll see tens of thousands of matchboxes!
Evora
By Fernanda of Mauka Travels
Evora is a beautiful, historical city located 80 miles away from Lisbon. It’s one of the best day trips from Lisbon because you can get there in under 2 hours and spend the day discovering the Old Town or visiting one of the famous Alentejo wineries.
The easiest way to go from Lisbon to Evora is by car, the drive will take you around 1h 40m. It is also possible to go by train, the ride takes a bit less than 2h on the direct route. There are trains departing a few times a day so you can easily organize your schedule around them.
To make your day trip to Evora worthwhile, we highly recommend visiting some of the city’s historical spots which are the main reason why Evora is considered a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Start your day at the Bone Chapel, the most creepy but interesting attraction in town. This place is usually busy during high season so it is best to check it out first thing in the morning. Then, go to the Evora Cathedral and the Roman Temple. These attractions all revolve around the main square called Giraldo Square. You can easily explore the entire old town on foot because everything is quite close to each other.
Since Evora belongs to the Alentejo region which is famous for their wine, visiting one of the wine cellars around Evora is also a great option of things to do. They are located outside the walls from the Old Town, so they are not reachable on foot. However, this is an ideal activity if you will be traveling with a car.
Cape Roca
By Julia of Badenguide
Cape Roca is the westernmost point of Europe, where the Eurasian continent and the Atlantic Ocean meet together and create a unique natural landscape. It sounds like a quite remote area, but the thing is that Cape Roca is located just 1 hour driving from Lisbon, the capital of Portugal. It is a pretty popular tourist destination and everyone who travels to Portugal can enjoy these inspiring views! Thus, it makes for one of the best day trips from Lisbon.
Cape Roca is situated 40 km from Lisbon. Travelers can get there either by public transport, by car or on a guided tour. If you choose public transport, you will need to combine a train to Sintra and a bus from Sintra directly to Cape Roca.
Both trains and buses run every half an hour during the day. It takes about 2 hours to reach your desired travel destination from Lisbon by public transport. You can also rent a car and drive directly to Cape Roca from Lisbon. These two points are connected with motorway #A5 and the travel time is just 40 minutes. There is a parking area near the tourist office on Cape Roca.
The views are truly epic here that is why it is definitely worth visiting Cape Roca. Most attractions in Portugal are architectural, but Cape Roca is a real “pearl” among natural attractions. The coastline looks dramatic here. Severe rocks meet no less severe ocean and create powerful waves and mystic vibes. Shore landscapes are quite similar to landscapes in Liguria region in Italy when sheer cliffs meet raging sea.
Besides visiting the observation deck on Cape Roca, you can also observe a picturesque red lighthouse, which was built in 1772; you can also try to step down to the local beach and enjoy the peace and quiet of the place. Some tourists remain here until sunset to enjoy the romantic views.
Please, note that the local weather is unpredictable here. It is common to meet strong winds here so be prepared for it and take long-sleeved clothes with you when traveling to Cape Roca even if the weather in Lisbon is sunny and windless. It is also quite often to see dense fog here so check the weather forecast before going.
Peniche
By Milene of Surf and Unwind
If you want to have a break from the azulejo-clad buildings of the Portuguese capital to get soaked in nature, a day trip to Peniche is just what you need. Located on a peninsula along the Silver Coast, approximately 65 miles north of Lisbon, Peniche is one of Portugal’s top off-the-beaten path destinations and one of the best best day trips from Lisbon.
Traveling between the two places is easy, and the journey takes about an hour. You can either drive, hop on a day tour or take one of the regular-scheduled services departing Lisbon Oriente coach station.
Peniche’s unspoiled coastline, with long stretches of sandy beaches and a laid-back atmosphere, is perfect for watersports enthusiasts, especially for surfers. That’s why, for decades, Peniche has been attracting surfers from all over the world looking to ride on its famous tubular waves.
The two main beaches in Peniche are Baleal and Supertubos. On one side of the Old Town lies Baleal, the place to go if you want to have a surf lesson or stay at a surf camp. On the other side, there’s Supertubos, the host of WSL’s annual surf competition. Besides surfing, Peniche is home to Berlengas Islands, a UNESCO’s World Biosphere Reserve and snorkeling spot.
But there’s more to Peniche than the outdoors. For a bit of history, head to Peniche Fortress, an emblematic 16th-century building, with an in-house museum that displays archaeological, nautical and handicraft pieces. To learn more about the local traditions of bobbin lacework, you can visit the Museu de Renda de Bilros.
Sesimbra
By Sydney of Alone and Abroad
Picture it: you’ve spent the morning wandering through narrow cobbled streets, admiring the white-washed houses as you meander towards the beach. The rest of the day is a blur of golden sands and crashing aquamarine waves. That’s the average beach day in Sesimbra. Sesimbra is a small resort town 24 miles (38 kilometers) south of Lisbon. Getting there takes about an hour by car or 75 minutes by bus – the 3721 bus from Lisbon’s Sete Rios station takes you straight there.
Sesimbra’s main draw is the access to nature and wildlife. The former fishing village is smack dab in the middle of the Arrábida Natural Park, making it perfect for snorkeling, dolphin watching, scuba diving, and sailing.
The nearest and most family-friendly beach to Sesimbra is Praia da Califórnia. However, if you’re willing to embark on a scenic hike, check out Praia do Ribeiro do Cavalo. This hidden gem isn’t just the most stunning beach in Sesimbra; it’s the prettiest in the whole Lisbon area. When it’s too cold for swimming, there are dozens of wineries around Sesimbra to explore. The area is known for Moscatel de Setubal, a golden-colored dessert wine that tastes a bit similar to Port wine.
Lastly, like most ancient European towns, there is a castle to explore in Sesimbra. This 850-year-old fortress, declared a national monument, showcases art exhibitions in two of its towers. It’s free to visit, but first, you have to hike up a very steep hill. Sesimbra makes for one of the best day trips from Lisbon.
Nazaré
By Leah of Officer Travels
If you’re looking for one of the best day trips from Lisbon, consider visiting the relaxed coastal town of Nazaré. Best known for its world-record-breaking waves, it has so much more to offer than many people realize! Getting to Nazaré from Lisbon is straightforward. We prefer to drive, which takes about 1.5 hours via the A8 motorway. Alternatively, there are frequent buses from Lisbon’s Sete Rios station, which takes around 2 hours.
Once you arrive, start your day by making your way up to the Praia do Norte, via the funicular which will give you incredible views over the town. If the season is right, this is where you’ll be able to see some of the biggest waves in the world. Don’t forget to check out the surfing museum on the lower levels of the lighthouse while you’re there.
Afterward, some other things to do in Nazare include visiting the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazaré, enjoying panoramic views from the viewpoint at Miradouro do Suberco and strolling along the main beach to the traditional boats and open air fish museum. If you want to walk further, you can follow the coast around through the harbor to the second green lighthouse, which has a more secluded and private beach located next to it.
Don’t forget to try some of the best fresh seafood in Portugal at any of the seafront restaurants before traveling back to Lisbon.
Alcobaça
By Ana of We Travel Portugal
Alcobaça is a lively small town approximately 60 miles north of Lisbon. It is one of the best day trips from Lisbon that combines history, culture, and some of Portugal’s traditional food and wine. Easily accessible by car or bus, the journey from Lisbon typically takes around one and a half hours. Driving takes around an hour and a half, while the buses will be about 2 hours each way. Bus services operate daily from Lisbon’s Sete Rios bus station by the domestic operator Renex.
Alcobaça’s main attraction is the incredible Monastery of Alcobaça, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a masterpiece of Cistercian Gothic architecture. The monastery was founded in 1153 by King Afonso I. The monastery is not only an architectural site but also a significant historical site. It houses the tombs of King Pedro I and his beloved Inês de Castro, whose tragic love story is one of Portugal’s most famous legends. Nearby to the monastery, you’ll find Jardim do Amor (The Garden of Lovers), which gives more details to the love story and its ties to Alcobaça.
Beyond the monastery, Alcobaça offers a charming small-town atmosphere with its cobbled streets, local shops, and delightful cafes. In some of those cafes, you’ll find traditional conventual sweets, such as the famous ‘trouxas de ovos’ and ‘toucinho do céu’ which are local specialties. There’s also the nearby Alcobaça Wine Museum to learn about the region’s rich wine heritage, and even sample wine from a local cooperative.
Alcobaça is a great day trip for anyone looking to explore a slower paced, more traditional side to Portugal.
Comporta
By Daniela from Olá Daniela
Over the past few years the small fishing village of Comporta has transformed into Portugal’s hottest beach destination. Located around 75 minutes or 75 miles south of Lisbon, the region’s long stretches of wild beach, golden sands, and sense of seclusion have made Comporta a magnet for the rich and famous.
Those with money chase a special kind of barefoot luxury with slow, relaxed stays at exclusive hotels, retreats and guesthouses in the area. But if you only have a day, Comporta is still worth taking a day trip from Lisbon.
The main drawcard is the beaches of Comporta. Drive through the rice fields and whitewashed, blue-trimmed villages of the area to find wild beaches backed by dunes, and chic beachfront restaurants where you can lose the afternoon over a bottle or two of crisp white wine. Praia da Comporta, Praia do Carvalhal, and Praia do Pego all have great restaurants for a long seafood lunch with views of the ocean.
Alternatively, you can eat in the town of Comporta, a small village set back from the beach between rice fields. There’s only a handful of streets here lined with traditional white-washed houses that have been turned into luxe boutiques with high-end clothing, homewares, and more. Grab a pastry from Padaria Gomes, then stop for lunch at Cavalariça or Almo.
One of the coolest things to do in Comporta is to ride horses on the beach, which you can organize through Cavalos na Areia. In a small group you’ll ride through the rice fields, over the wild dunes, and then along the golden shoreline of a quiet beach. Thus, you can see why Comporta is one of the best day trips from Lisbon.
Coimbra
By Audra of The Nerd Traveler
The hilly town of Coimbra Portugal along the Mondego River is rich in history and culture and is one of the best day trips from Lisbon. Located about 130 miles north of Lisbon, or halfway between Lisbon and Porto, the city can easily be reached from Lisbon by taking a direct train (1 hour 45 minutes with 2 stops) from the Santa Apolónia train station.
The main attraction in the city is the University of Coimbra, which dates back to 1290, and is one of the oldest universities in continuous operations in Europe. The University was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its architecture and historical role in the European university system. On the campus are several notable attractions, including the ornate organ designed in 1737 with over 2000 tubes located in St. Michael’s Chapel, the elaborate Joanine Library built in 1717, the bell tower with its excellent views of the city, and botanical gardens.
Tickets for tours of the University of Coimbra can be purchased online and with different tour options.
The history and architecture of Coimbra extends beyond the university. In the area known as “Old Town” and to the north of the university (opposite the river) is a cathedral, Sé Velha built in the 12th century. Further to the north and west of the university is the Monastery de Santa Cruz, which serves as the final resting place of the first Portuguese monarch, Alfonso Henriques.
Dinner should be at a restaurant that performs fado music, a melancholy type of singing with one or two guitars. There are many restaurants in the “Old Town” area, including the Taberna d’ Almedina, located next to the outdoor sculpture called “Homage to Fado of Coimbra”. Coimbra is a charming and picturesque town worth a day trip from Lisbon.
Fatima
By Stephanie from BeyofTravel
If you’re planning one of the best day trips from Lisbon, visiting Fatima should be on your list. It is about 1 hour and 30 minutes from the Portuguese capital city, covering 80 miles. It is also possible to visit Fatima from Porto (but the duration will be over 2.50 hours).
The best way to arrive in Fatima is by car, but you can also take a guided half-day tour to get a more immersive experience of the spiritual place and check off many nearby places. If you are driving, start your day early to ensure you have plenty of time to soak up all Fatima offers. Consider leaving by 7 a.m. to maximize your time.
Upon arrival, head straight to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima, the main spiritual attraction. It is one of the most important Catholic pilgrimage sites globally, holds significant spiritual value, and attracts millions of visitors annually.
Located on site is the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary – an exquisite church that holds the tombs of the three shepherd children to whom the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared. The Chapel of the Apparitions is also hard to miss. This is the exact spot where these apparitions occurred in 1917.
After spending time at the pilgrimage site, indulge in some traditional Portuguese cuisine. Later, add a side trip to the town of Aljustrel. This charming village is home to the shepherd children who witnessed the apparitions. You can visit their homes and walk through the paths they took, making the experience truly immersive.
Tips: To make the most of your trip, plan to leave Lisbon by 7 AM. You will arrive by 08:30 – 9 and be ready to enter the holy site. Wear comfortable shoes and bring sunscreen, a hat, and an umbrella or raincoat. Wear modest dress and maintain a respectful demeanor.
Óbidos
By Samantha of Find Love and Travel
An incredible Lisbon day trip you won’t want to miss is to the charming medieval town of Óbidos. This town has an enchanting castle wall that wraps around it, cobblestoned alleys, blue and yellow-washed buildings, and great shopping; what more can you ask for? From Lisbon, you can reach Óbidos by car in as little as one hour and just under two hours with public transportation. You can even find some tours out of Lisbon that can take you as well. The town is located a little over 52 miles North.
Once you arrive, start your day by climbing the castle walls, which are completely free and one of the top attractions in Óbidos. You should also consider tasting Ginjinha, a famous cherry liqueur that is generally served in a chocolate cup. Additionally, walking through the charming town is a part of the excitement because it really is so beautiful. Grab a bite to eat, see the castle up close, and find some really great souvenirs at a great price.
A tip for driving to Obidos that you should keep in mind is parking. The roads are very narrow, so if you’re not a comfortable driver, it is suggested to park more towards the edge of the town to avoid any issues.
Final Thoughts on the Best Day Trips from Lisbon
As you can see there are many amazing and best day trips from Lisbon to take during your visit. Other options include Cascais, Ericeira, and Óbidos. If you have more time, make sure to explore other areas of Portugal such as Porto or head to Spain and explore areas such as Madrid or Barcelona.
