The 7 Best Day Trips From Lisbon: Places to Visit (2024)

Lisbon, with its seven hills, is already a wonderful city in itself, and more than a couple of days is necessary to truly experience the city and all it has to offer.

And if you feel like getting away from the hustle and bustle of the capital, there are several day trips you can take from the Portuguese capital.

I've been living in Portugal most of my life and when I started thinking about the best Lisbon day trips, an endless list of names came to mind. Portugal is not a big country by any means, yet it's definitely easy to find great day trips close to Lisbon.

I was able to (painfully) reduce that list, and here I have seven best-of-the-best day trips from Lisbon that I really believe are worth the travel.

Best Lisbon Day Trip Options

1. Sintra

Best for: Most iconic day trip destination, romantic spots, couples and families.

Just 35 minutes away from Lisbon's hustle and bustle, the small town of Sintra is one of the best locations for a one-day trip. Sintra is a magical place that makes you feel like you have just stepped into a fairy tale. With its unique blend of natural beauty and architectural marvels, this enchanting town has rightfully earned its spot as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

If you've never been to Sintra, come prepared: pack your most comfortable shoes and charge your phone (you'll need it for the thousands of photos you'll snap of this charming town).

Begins with a visit to the Pena Palace, a stunning romanticist castle set high up on a hilltop. Imagine a palette of bold yellows, vibrant oranges, and fiery reds against lush green and clear blue!

Inside the palace, each room tells a tale of the 19th century and if you stay until nightfall, the palace illuminates, transforming into a magical ocean of lights.

Not far from Pena Palace, you will find the Moors Castle. Here, you can climb the battlements (be prepared as it's a mini workout) and get rewarded with panoramic views of the town that'll have you catching your breath, for more reasons than one.

Wander down to the heart of Sintra's charming Old Town, where you'll find Palacio da Vila with its iconic chimneys, cute artisan shops, and traditional pastry stores. Speaking of which, skipping the Travesseiros and Queijadas (which are sweet pastries) should be considered a sin in Sintra.

Quinta da Regaleira is a short walk away. These enchanting gardens and hidden underground tunnels are like a portal to another world.

It's a quiet and beautiful spot, which is why Sintra is one of my favorite day trips from Lisbon.

Lastly, let's not forget Cabo da Roca, the “edge of the World”, which is a 25-minute drive from Sintra to the coast.

Standing on the cliffs at the westernmost point of mainland Europe, you're confronted with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean's endlessness.

Book your Sintra Tour:

• Guided Private Tour of Sintra Palaces and Gardens

• Private Tuk-Tuk Tour around Sintra

• Guided Tour around Regaleira

• Day Trip in Sintra, including Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, and Cabo da Roca

2. Comporta and Tróia

Best for: Unspoiled beaches, relaxation, watersports, dolphin watching, horseback riding.

Imagine a place with pristine waters, sand as soft as powdered sugar, and unspoiled beaches. Welcome to Comporta and Tróia, tucked away in the Alentejo region south of Lisbon.

If you love the beach and need a day to unwind and relax, Comporta or Tróia is one of the best day trips for you. However, once you're there, you'll find that you could easily spend more than one day in this paradise, especially during Summer's peak season.

About one hour from Lisbon (if you take the ferry boat from Setúbal – otherwise it's 1.5 hours if driving around on the A2), you'll find these two “hidden gems” with beaches stretching for miles.

Believe me when I say that you'll wonder at some point if you haven't stepped into a portal and you are somewhere in the Caribbean.

Whether sunbathing, diving, water sports, or simply leaving footprints along the shoreline, every minute here feels like an hour at a spa. But there's more to this perfect place than just its beaches.

The rice paddies at Comporta look like they've been stitched out of a patchwork quilt, and they are great to visit if you want to get away from the beach during the hottest hours – be aware of the mosquitoes, though.

Another thing you can do is stroll through Comporta's picturesque town, where you'll find design shops and some incredible restaurants, perfect for a traditional Portuguese lunch. Make sure you try Dona Bia, a simple restaurant serving excellent traditional Portuguese food.

If you are a fan of nature, you can go on a boat tour to watch the bottlenose dolphins or ride a horse at the beach with a wine tasting afterward.

The Tróia Roman ruins of Cetóbriga or the Carrasqueira Palafitic Pier are also great places to visit near the town. If you're feeling lucky, you can always visit Tróia's casino.

Book your Comporta and Tróia Tour:

• From Lisbon: Comporta and Setúbal Trip with Horseback Riding

• Guided tour to the Herdade da Comporta Winery

• Taste incredible wines in this private selection of wine-tasting

• Learn about the history of Comporta in the Rice Museum

3. Cascais

Best for: Beach lovers, nature, biking, surfing, walking.

Cascais wasn't always the polished jewel it is today. Once a humble fishing town, it caught the eye of European royalty in the 19th and 20th centuries and became the sophisticated beach summer retreat village it is still today.

Getting to the heart of Cascais is relatively easy from Lisbon – take the train from Cais do Sodré to Cascais.

Travel Tip: Make sure you sit on the left side of the train to admire the spectacular views of the Tagus River and the Atlantic Ocean.

As you arrive in Cascais, you'll be greeted by the cobblestone streets, lovely architecture, and the scent of sea salt of the Old Town. From here, start walking to Cascais' main attraction: Boca do Inferno.

Along the way, you can stop at the marina or marvel at Museu Condes de Castro Guimarães, a fairy-tale castle.

Interestingly, if you find yourself on the tiny cobblestone bridge overlooking the museum, you'll be on the only bridge in the world crossing the Atlantic! Once an opulent home, the museum also has a small private beach bathed by the ocean.

Continue walking, and you'll soon reach your destination: the famed Boca do Inferno, a dramatic cliff formation whose name translates to “Mouth of Hell.” The breathtaking beauty of this natural wonder, where the sea's power is on full display as waves crash into the cavernous rock, creates an unmissable spectacle.

Legend has it that this formation owes its existence to a tale of unrequited love, jealousy, and magic.

Long story short, the most beautiful girl in the village rejected marrying a powerful sorcerer; he then imprisoned her in a tower and hired a horseman as her guardian.

Curiosity, however, got the better of the horseman, and upon opening the tower's door, the inevitable happened – they fell in love and decided to flee the castle. The sorcerer found out and, consumed with rage, summoned his magic to create a chasm under the escaping lovers – the Boca do Inferno.

Cascais is also one of the best day trips if you are looking for a day at the beach.

Whether you want to soak up the sun, dive into the waves, or enjoy a stroll on the Paredão, a promenade along the water's edge, Cascais offers options for every kind of beach lover.

Among these is Guincho's Beach, a haven for surfers and nature lovers known for its wild beauty and massive waves.

At Guincho, you can rent a bike and pedal along cliffside paths, where each turn reveals breathtaking vistas of rugged coastline and the untamed ocean.

Book your Cascais Tour:

• Sail along the Cascais coast at sunset

• Learn how to surf with this 2hr class

• Explore Cascais with a private walking guide

4. Óbidos & Nazaré

Best for: History lovers, surf enthusiasts, families, festivals & Christmas markets.

Located 1 hour north of Lisbon, Óbidos is close to Peniche. From here it's another 35-minute drive to the famous Nazaré, which is internationally famous for the biggest wave at Praia do Norte.

Nestled within ancient city walls, the town of Óbidos invites you back in time. Start your day trip adventure by strolling along the medieval town walls, where you'll have breathtaking views of cobbled streets, whitewashed houses with terracotta roofs, and the verdant countryside beyond.

And as you wander through Óbidos, you must try Ginjinha, the town's famed cherry liqueur.

This sweet, potent drink is traditionally served in an edible chocolate cup, offering a unique taste experience deeply rooted in local tradition (yes, you should eat the cup at the end).

Once a year, Óbidos comes alive with the medieval festival, where knights and jesters roam the town's narrow streets. The Christmas Village transforms Óbidos into a winter wonderland, making it an unmissable destination, especially for families.

The International Chocolate Festival, usually held in March, is a testament to Óbidos' creative spirit, drawing chocolate lovers to indulge in various sweet treats and inventive chocolate creations.

Book your Óbidos & Nazaré Tour:

• Tour of Templar's Castle, Nazaré and Obidos

• Discover the amazing natural landscapes of the Lagoa de Óbidos on this Jeep tour

• Explore the medieval village of Óbidos in this short walking tour

5. Arrábida

Best for: Nature, wine tastings, kayaking, snorkeling, dophin watching.

Perfectly located between the Atlantic and pine-covered hills, the Arrábida Natural Park is a haven of natural beauty in its most pristine form. It is also one of the best day trips from Lisbon.

Drive through the park's winding trails and find, hidden among the hills, the Convent of Arrábida. Visiting the convent is a journey through space and time, offering insights into the lives of the monks who once sought refuge in nature's embrace.

Also in Arrábida, you'll find Praia dos Galapinhos. Voted one of the most beautiful European beaches, this idyllic spot is a slice of paradise where crystal-clear waters kiss secluded sands, an excellent place for a day tour where you can immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Portugal's coastline.

To perfectly end this fun day trip, enjoy a wine-tasting experience. The local vineyards, cradled by the sun and nourished by the sea air, produce unique wines as rich and complex as the landscape.

Book your Arrábida Tour:

• Take a boat tour to discover the secret beaches and caves of Arrábida

• Go on a coasteering adventure

• Watch bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat

• Discover the wonders of Sesimbra and Arrábida National Park

• Kayak and snorkel around the Arrábida coast

6. Fátima

Best for: Spiritual tourism, historical significance, pilgrimage destination.

Fátima is another great day trip from Lisbon. At the heart of Fátima's town, you'll find the Sanctuary, a sprawling complex that serves as a testament to the profound events of May 13, 1917 (precisely 71 years before I was born), when three shepherd children reported visions of the Virgin Mary.

This site has since blossomed into one of the world's most venerated Catholic shrines, inviting millions to reflect, pray, and find solace within its serene embrace.

Walking through the Sanctuary, with the sun casting soft shadows across the white stones, one cannot help but feel a deep connection to something greater than oneself. Fátima's significance extends beyond its religious heritage, embodying a message of peace transcending borders and beliefs. So, even if you are not spiritual and find yourself in this beautiful and peaceful place, take the time to light up a candle for your loved ones.

For those seeking a more profound spiritual experience, attending a Mass at the Sanctuary or participating in the Candlelight Procession is a journey into the heart of Fátima's mystical heritage.

Book your Fátima Tour:

• Guided tour around Fátima, including a visit to the Sanctuary and the wax museum

• 2-hour guided visit to the Sanctuary

7. Évora

Best for: History lovers, ancient Roman temples, cultural events, Alentejo cuisine.

Évora, another delightful town in the heart of Portugal, is a living museum. At the heart of Évora is the Roman Temple – a relic of ancient times and one of the best-preserved Roman structures in Portugal.

It is a must-see if you are visiting Évora for the first time.

Just a stone's throw from here, the Chapel of Bones awaits, a more somber but equally captivating testament to the city's history. This eerie chapel, adorned with the bones of over 5,000 individuals (you read correctly), serves as a memento mori, reminding visitors of the transient nature of life.

It's a place that fascinates and humbles and will likely haunt your dreams for a couple of nights. Still, it is an indispensable part of this day trip.

With their picturesque charm, the streets of the city's historic center lead you through a maze of rich history. While here, you can also visit the Cathedral of Évora, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, or spend some time exploring the Évora University, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a cornerstone of the city's rich academic and cultural life.

Book your Évora Tour:

• Explore the Bones Chapel and the Evora Cathedral in this wine tour from Lisbon

• Walk the Historical Évora streets and learn about its tales and legends

• Day trip to try the local wine and explore Évora's history

Best Day Trips from Lisbon – Frequently Asked Questions

✨ What is the most popular day trip from Lisbon?

Sintra is definitely the most popular and best day trip from Lisbon's city center, thanks to its proximity to the city (you can get there by train or with a guided tour) and its wealth of cultural, natural, and historical treasures. It's super romantic too!

🌞 Can you go on a day trip to the Algarve from Lisbon?

While an Algarve day trip from the capital is technically possible, it's a stretch that might leave you more exhausted than exhilarated. The Algarve, known for its stunning coastline, golden beaches, and charming towns, is about a 2.5 to 3-hour drive from Lisbon. This means a one-day trip could take up to 6 hours of travel, leaving little time to explore the region.

❓ Is Porto worth a day trip from Lisbon?

If you are coming to Portugal, you must visit Porto. However, considering it a one-day trip from Lisbon might not do it justice. The journey from Lisbon to Porto takes about 3 hours by car, making for a long day of travel. While catching a glimpse of Porto's charm on a one-day trip is possible, I recommend you save a little more time and stay in this beautiful town for 2 or 3 nights.

Best Day Trips from Lisbon – Final Words

I hope I made your choice easier (and not more difficult) with all these ideas for the perfect day trip from Lisbon. They are, in fact, all fantastic places, and each has its unique wonders.

I guess, at the end of the day, your choice will depend on what you are looking for from staying in Lisbon. Just know there is no wrong choice and you can always return to complete the list of best day trips from Lisbon.