Best Day Trips from Lisbon

Portugal’s capital city is a very popular European destination. This colorful city by the sea has everything a traveler could want in a destination: culture, cuisine, scenery and affordable options for all budgets.

However, you can’t come to Portugal and only see Lisbon. Fortunately, the country is rather small and you can easily reach several amazing day trip destinations from Lisbon. Here are just a few suggestions for day trips from Lisbon.

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Table of Contents

Sintra

Sintra is a resort town just 30 km from Lisbon, making it one of the most popular day trips from Lisbon. There are two train routes from Lisbon to Sintra, taking about 40 minutes for the journey.

The highlight of Sintra is Pena Palace and Park, a beautiful golden palace seated on a hill overlooking Sintra. The Palacio Nacional is a medieval palace built for Portuguese royalty in the mid-19th century.

The Castelo de Moros is a Moorish castle built by the North African Moors who ruled Portugal until the 11th century. And don’t miss Old Town Sintra, the historic area lined with cobblestone streets, cafes and shops.

Day trips to Sintra

Aerial panorama of colorful Palacio da pena castle,Pena National Palace,Sintra, Lisbon, Portugal, Europe.Royal castle.UNESCO World Heritage Site and Wonder of Portugal.Travel Europe,European places

Cascais

Just west of Lisbon is Cascais, another resort town that is a very popular day trip from Lisbon. Cascais is a beach and boating town, but has historical attractions as well.

If you choose to travel with a tour operator, you can combine Sintra and Cascais in a day trip from Lisbon. Otherwise, you can choose the train which takes 40 minutes from Lisbon.

You’ll want to visit Cape Roca, or Cabo da Roca, where tall cliffs tumble into the sea. There’s also a lighthouse and walking paths. Other Cascais attractions include Carcavelos Beach, a medieval fortress at Nossa Senhora da Luz and the Citadel Palace.

Day trips to Cascais

Cascais, Portugal - : yacht and motor boats at Cascais marina. The Marina is located under the Cascais Cidadela, on the southern tip of Cascais. Summer holidays in a sunny day.

Fatima

Fatima is home of the Sanctuary of Fatima, a pilgrimage destination for Catholics. It’s one of the most important Virgin Mary shrines in the world, as this is where three shepherd children claimed they were visited by an angel in 1917, in six individual incidents.

The site became an important pilgrimage destination almost immediately, with 2 million visitors in the first year.

The Sanctuary of Fatima celebrated a 100-year anniversary in 2017, and two of the children were canonized by Pope Francis.

To reach Fatima from Lisbon, you can take a bus, which takes 90 minutes. You can also take the train to Caxarias and then a shuttle bus to Fatima, which takes around 2 hours total.

Day trips to Fatima

Tourists, faithful and pilgrims in the square of the Sanctuary of Fatima in Portugal for the 100th anniversary of the apparitions of the Virgin Mary.

Obidos

Less than 100 km north of Lisbon is Obidos, a classic fortified village best seen on a day trip from Lisbon.

The Porta de Vila, or the City Gates, contain beautiful 18th century blue and white porcelain tiles depicting the passion of the Christ.

The walls of the city have been maintained, and you can walk along the top of them for a unique view of Obidos.

It’s a small town, so you can easily walk around, enjoying the quaint atmosphere before heading back to Lisbon. The train from Lisbon to Obidos takes nearly two hours, while the Express Bus takes much less time.

Day trips to Obidos

Town Obidos - Portugal - architecture background

Porto

Portugal’s second largest city is Porto, about three hours north along the coast. Porto is a postcard-perfect city with colorful buildings lined along the waterfront.

Porto is large enough to warrant a few days of your Portugal itinerary, but if you simply don’t have time, still make the day trip from Lisbon.

The train, or driving by car, will take about 3 hours each way. Of course, flying is also an option. This area is famous for Port wines, which are best experienced on a visit to a wine cellar.

Porto also has cable cars, reminiscent of those in San Francisco, which you can ride around town on.

Day trips to Porto

Evora

Evora is best known for Roman history, and the Temple of Diana, and the entire village has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Only two hours by car from Lisbon, Evora has an amazing assortment of Roman, Gothic and Baroque architecture throughout town.

The walled village is quite small and easy to get around. Evora also sits in a region well known for wine and food, so foodies will love a day trip to Evora.

Evora is best reached by car, so you can explore neighboring villages and vineyards. However, you can also reach Evora by bus or train from Lisbon.

Day trips to Evora

Evora, Portugal -: architectural detail of the Roman temple of Evora in Portugal or Temple of Diana in front of which people are walking on a spring day. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Setubal

Setubal is a port town and commercial fishing center that has become an unlikely destination for outdoor adventurers and nature lovers.

While less polished and touristic than other popular Lisbon day trips, Setubal is a great destination, especially if you are looking for the best seafood in Portugal.

In nearby Sado Estuary, a pod of bottlenose dolphins draws tour boats and paddle enthusiasts. You can also take a ferry to explore the nearby beaches of the Troia Peninsula. The trip from Lisbon to Setubal takes about one hour by bus or train.

Day trips to Setubal

Setubal Portugal - Street scene in city of Setubal. Situbal is the important center of Portugal's fishing industry

Arrabida Nature Park

Not far from Setubal is the protected area of Arrabida Nature Park. Established in 1976, the park is most easily explored on a guided tour from Lisbon.

There are three secluded beaches, caves to explore, climbing routes to ascend, and hiking trails to meander.

If you have your own car, you can park at the visitor center and there is a shuttle bus to drive you around the park. The nearest town is Sesimbra, also a great

day trip destination from Portugal.

Day trips to Arrabida Nature Park

Summer sea coastal landscape of Nature Park Arrabida in Setubal, Portugal. Two shots stitch panorama.

Wine Region

A trip to Portugal would not be complete without a visit to the wine regions of Cheleiros and Bucelas. Less than an hour from Lisbon, this region has achieved Portugal’s highest wine classification.

The most efficient, and safest, way to explore this wine region is to book one of many private tours available. Leave the driving to someone else so you can enjoy the spirits of Portugal!

Day trips to Portugal Wine Region

Terraced vineyards in Douro Valley Alto Douro Wine Region in northern Portugal officially designated by UNESCO as World Heritage Site.

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Author

Samantha King

Sam, a seasoned traveler across four continents and 49 countries, is a leading authority in travel planning. Her website, Travelling King, offers tailored itineraries and expert guides for seamless trips. Sam's expertise in luxury travel, fast travel, and destination guides keeps her at the forefront of the travel community.

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