7 Best Day Trips from Lisbon

From romantic hill towns and surfing day trips from Lisbon to emerging art spots and heritage sites. Explore destinations outside of the Portuguese capital, like Sintra, Évora, Óbidos, Cascais, Porto, Lagos, and Peniche, all less than two or three hours away.

Although Lisbon is an incredible collection of experiences in and of itself, many different day trip options in the surrounding areas are sure to enhance your Portuguese experience.

Did you know that Lisbon’s location is one of its unique benefits? It’s close to some of the most stunning and intriguing getaway areas.

Choose one of these six locations for a fantastic day trip destinations if you’d like to take a break from meandering through Lisbon’s hilly, cobblestoned streets.

Explore beyond the Portuguese capital with any of these incredible day trips, which are all less than two hours away. They range from surfing adventures and charming hill towns to emerging art locations and historical sites.

Therefore, if at all possible, take a car, a bus, or a train, and make sure you get to these nearby locations as soon as possible. They’re just as breathtaking as the capital.

Searching for the best Lisbon day trips? So you’ve come to the right spot, the top 7-day trips from Lisbon are all listed here.

A Glimpse Of This Blog:

7 Amazing Day Trips From Lisbon

Sintra

Let’s begin with Sintra, a charming and romantic place that is a popular day trip destination from Lisbon.

The small town, surrounded by ostentatious palaces and situated in lush mountains, is home to several UNESCO World Heritage sites. It is also home to an estate with a long history of esotericism and secret rituals.

The most iconic feature of Sintra is its 19th-century Romanticist architecture, particularly the vibrant Pena Palace, which is above a hill and visible from all over the town. Both Quinta da Regaleira, with its magical gardens and maze-like network of hidden tunnels, and the Moorish Castle, with its stunning views of the surroundings, are must-sees. Additionally, there is the Pena National Palace, also known as the Palácio Nacional de Sintra or Sintra National Palace.

Just 25 km to the west of the Portuguese capital is the charming town of Sintra. You can travel there in about an hour by public transportation or in about 30 minutes by car.

Sandra, an enthusiastic traveler, advises – “No visit to Sintra is complete without stopping for the traditional pastries, regardless of where you eat lunch. Casa Piriquita has been baking queijadas de Sintra, or small sweets, and travesseiros, the famous pastry, since 1862.”

How to get to Sintra from Lisbon with public transportation:

Train: From Rossio Station in Lisbon, take the train to Sintra.

Bus: Buses also connect Lisbon to Sintra, providing a slightly longer but scenic route.

Recommended read The Perfect 10 Days in Portugal Itinerary

Évora

Évora, the capital of the Alentejo region, fits the typical image of the center-south due to its characteristic whitewashed houses with yellow baseboards.

However, sunny Évora is a great place to take a fun day trip from Lisbon. It offers great food, wine, and ancient Roman sites.

This city has plenty of history and charm to offer visitors, and it’s only a 90-minute drive or train ride from Lisbon.

Évora is home to numerous landmarks that have been preserved over more than 20 centuries and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Today’s ruins of Roman rule include the city walls, temples, and other structures.

The 15th century saw the city take off as monasteries, cathedrals, and royal residences appeared all over the place. One such structure is the long Aqueduct that is located right outside the city walls.

Just explore it, find all of its secret corners, and allow its allure to charm you.

How to get to Évora from Lisbon with public transportation:

Train: Head to Lisbon’s Oriente Station and take a train to Évora.

Óbidos

The medieval walled town of Óbidos is a fantastic day tour choice from the Portuguese capital.

Situated inside the town walls, it’s an ideal location to relish the allure of a bygone era.

You can find the small medieval town of Óbidos a short drive (about 85 km or 53 mi) north of Lisbon.

Although public transport options exist, depending on where in Lisbon you leave from, the trip could take two to three hours. Taking a tour from Lisbon is an additional choice.

Óbidos’s castle is yet another remarkable feature. Though it is now a hotel, you can still explore the exterior and take in the views of the castle.

Explore the narrow alleys filled with artisan shops, and don’t forget to taste the famous Ginja liqueur in a chocolate cup.

How to get to Óbidos from Lisbon with public transportation:

Bus: Bus run by Rodoviária do Oeste that leaves from Campo Grande bus station.

Cascais

Cascais is a seaside town that effortlessly combines the chic and the charming, and it’s only 30 km (or about 19 miles) from Lisbon. This formerly sleepy fishing village is now a bustling, sophisticated resort town, and it’s only a short 40-minute train ride from Lisbon along the coast.

Cascais provides an enjoyable mix of beaches, viewpoints, museums, shopping, and restaurants, and it’s easy to get to and explore.

In addition, make sure you take a look at the breathtaking Boca do Inferno, a striking chasm situated in the seaside cliffs near Cascais.

This picturesque town offers a perfect escape for those seeking a blend of seaside relaxation and cultural exploration.

Kate, an enthusiastic traveler, recommends – “See the Old Town, go to a few beaches (Praia da Rainha is small but very picturesque), and visit one of Cascais’ museums (the Castro Guimarães Museum is my personal favorite).”

How to get to Cascais from Lisbon with public transportation:

Train: Enjoy a picturesque train ride from Cais do Sodré station to Cascais.

Porto

Portugal’s second-biggest city, Porto is a wonderful day tour destination from Lisbon.

So how far is Porto from Lisbon? The distance between the two cities is less than 320 km (200 miles), and it takes slightly less time by train or just over 3 hours by car to get there.

In addition, the city’s architecture and bridges rank it among the most beautiful in all of Europe. The city also provides a large selection of activities.

The exterior blue murals of the Igreja do Carmo make it an interesting church in addition to its interior.

Getting a view of the city is just another fantastic thing to do in Porto. The Torre dos Clerigos is a suitable location for that. You can take in a breathtaking view of everything Porto has to offer from there.

To fully enjoy this lovely city’s charm and attractions, it is recommended to spend at least 2 to 3 days exploring it. However, one of Lisbon’s best weekend trips is to Porto.

How to get to Porto from Lisbon with public transportation:

Bus: Buses traveling from Lisbon to Porto typically depart from Lisbon’s Sete Rios or Oriente bus terminals.

Lagos

Lagos is a small town on Portugal’s famous Algarve coast. The little port town has a lengthy history, which makes it well known.

From everywhere in Lagos, you can see the old town walls. As you stroll around the town, you’ll also come across little statues, the Lagos Castle, and other small historic structures.

Visitors can relax on beautiful sandy beaches, explore sea caves by boat, and enjoy the lively nightlife in the bustling town center.

Less than three hours separate Lisbon and Lagos by car, and the trip is well worth the time.

Further, if you want to see more of the Algarve, like the breathtaking Benagil caves, Lagos is a great place to start your exploration!

How to get to Lagos from Lisbon with public transportation:

Bus: Buses to Lagos usually depart from Lisbon’s Sete Rios or Oriente bus terminals.

Peniche

The lovely town of Peniche, which protrudes into the Atlantic Ocean, is located about 100 kilometers (62 miles) north of Lisbon. The trip from Lisbon takes about one and a half hours.

Peniche, which is located on a peninsula along the Silver Coast, can be reached by car, by bus, or by joining an organized tour.

The beautiful city is an attractive day trip from Lisbon and is known for its gorgeous coastline, beaches ideal for surfing, and delicious seafood.

With its unique blend of maritime history, surf culture, and seaside charm, Peniche offers a distinctive and dynamic experience for travelers seeking a coastal escape in Portugal.

Travelers looking for a beach getaway in Portugal will find Peniche to be a distinctive and dynamic experience with its unique blend of maritime history, surf culture, and seaside charm.

How to get to Peniche from Lisbon with public transportation:

Bus: Buses from Lisbon to Peniche typically depart from Lisbon’s Sete Rios bus terminal.

Recommended read 7 Best Destinations For Surfing In Europe

FAQ

How many days in you need to spend in Lisbon with day trips?

The ideal duration for a visit to the capital of Portugal-Lisbon, including day trips from Lisbon, is around 5 to 7 days.

Is Faro a day trip from Lisbon?

Sure, it is. Faro offers picturesque coastlines, quaint old towns, lovely beaches, and a taste of the relaxed lifestyle of the Algarve.

What country travels to Lisbon the most?

Spain is one of the countries that frequently visits Lisbon the most, given its proximity.

What is the prettiest part of Lisbon?

One of Lisbon’s most charming districts is without a doubt Alfama. Additionally, areas like Baixa and Chiado showcase elegant squares and historic buildings, adding to the city’s overall beauty.

Browse. Book. Stay.

CuddlyNest provides all accommodations to all travelers at the best price. Find unlimited travel inspiration on our blogs and social media channels Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.

You May Also Like:

The Ultimate Europe Travel Guide
17 Best UNESCO World Heritage Sites In Portugal: A Complete Guide
Best Yoga Retreats And Destinations Around the World