Guide: Best Day Trips from Lisbon

When you think about European city breaks, Lisbon is a top pick for good reason. It boasts charming, colorful buildings, a lively nightlife, numerous dining options, and easy access to the coast. Using Lisbon as your home base is ideal for exploring the beauty and unique sites both within and around the city. If you’re looking to experience the best of Portugal, there are many excellent day trips you can take from Lisbon. To inspire your next visit to Portugal, this guide will help you find the perfect Lisbon day trip.

Sintra & Cabo da Roca

Sintra, a UNESCO-listed town, is a quick 30-minute drive from Lisbon, nestled near the Sintra Mountains and the ocean. It’s renowned for its unique palaces with rich royal history. The following are the top three places to visit on your day trip from Lisbon.

Pena Palace: Perched atop the Sintra Mountains, it offers panoramic views. Buy tickets online in advance and plan for a two-hour visit.

Castle of the Moors: A medieval fortress near Pena Palace, dating back to the 10th century, providing spectacular panoramic views.

Quinta da Regaleira: Explore enchanting gardens, underground wells, and moss-covered tunnels in just a 10-minute walk from Sintra’s center. Allow 1.5 hours for your visit.

Also, consider visiting Cabo da Roca, just 30 minutes from Sintra, which is the westernmost point of continental Europe, known for its rugged beauty and stunning sunset views.

Cascais & Estoril

These coastal gems are a short 35-minute drive from Lisbon.

Cascais offers vibrant beaches, charming old streets, and dramatic cliffs overlooking the Atlantic. Stay for the sunset at Boca do Inferno (“the devil’s mouth” in Portuguese), just a 15-minute walk away, for a breathtaking view. Don’t miss the Michelin-starred restaurant Fortaleza do Guincho.

Nearby Estoril boasts the famous Palacio Estoril Hotel from the James Bond film “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service,” and you can even order a 007 Martini at Bar Estoril.

Combine your visit with a day trip to Sintra and Cabo da Roca’s stunning cliffs for an unforgettable experience.

Óbidos, Nazaré, Batalha & Fatima

Óbidos (1 hour from Lisbon): Discover the enchanting medieval town of Óbidos, known for its charming houses and famous cherry liquor, Ginja de Óbidos. Explore the historic Óbidos Castle, a recognized wonder of Portugal, dating back to the 700s. Stroll along the ancient town walls for panoramic views, and don’t miss the 1700s Porta da Vila, the main gate.

Nazare & its cliffs (35 min. from Óbidos): Experience Nazare’s stunning beaches and world-renowned waves, particularly at Praia do Norte. Don’t miss the famous old lighthouse at the Fort of Sao Miguel Arcanjo. Explore the picturesque city center with its beautiful architecture and local dining spots. Visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazare church.

Batalha/Monastery of Batalha (30 min. from Nazare): Marvel at the unique Batalha Monastery, an impressive example of early Gothic architecture, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Admire its ornate detailing and explore the tombs of King João I and family members. To avoid standing in a long queue, consider purchasing skip-the-line tickets online in advance.

Fatima (25 min. from Batalha): Visit the small city of Fatima, known for its natural beauty and religious significance. Explore the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima, built on the site where three children claimed to have seen visions of the Virgin Mary in 1917. Just a short drive away are the Coin Caves, a geological wonder with stalactites and stalagmites.

Return to Lisbon (1 hour and 25 min. from Fatima).

Cristo Rei, Azeitão, Setubal & Arrábida

Explore Lisbon’s Wine Country and Arrábida Natural Park on this day trip and enjoy a day filled with wine, culture, and natural beauty.

Cristo Rei, Almada (20 min. from Lisbon): Visit the iconic Cristo Rei statue, offering stunning views of Lisbon.

Azeitão (30 min. from Cristo Rei): Known for producing Muscat wine and creamy cheese. Explore vineyards and wineries like Casa-Museu José Maria Da Fonseca and the stunning Palácio da Bacalhôa. Don’t miss the Wine Corner by José Maria da Fonseca, which is in the center of town.

Setubal (15 min. from Azeitão): Discover Setúbal’s gems, including the Monastery of Jesus built in 1491, Livramento Market with more than 300 stalls and the beautiful 19th-century tile panel with more than 5,000 handmade pieces, and São Filipe Fortress with panoramic views of Setúbal’s bay, Arrábida’s mountains, and the Troia peninsula.

It’s a short drive from Setúbal to the stunning Arrábida Natural Park. Head to this breathtaking park for hiking, e-bike rides, and scenic viewpoints. Don’t miss Galapinhos and Figueirinha beaches, Portinho da Arrábida village, and the Convent of Our Lady of Arrábida.

Return to Lisbon: Cross Europe’s longest bridge, Vasco da Gama, for your journey back.

Berlenga Island

Just a 1 hour 20 min. drive from Lisbon is Peniche, a charming fishing village from where you can cruise to Berlenga Island. A 30-minute boat ride takes you to Berlenga Grande, one of three Berlengas Islands with a marine reserve. It’s advisable to plan ahead as only 350 visitors are allowed daily due to its small size (1.5 km). Explore the island’s history, including St. John the Baptist Fort and UNESCO-listed paths of the Berlengas Nature Reserve. Enjoy boat cave tours or spend time swimming, snorkeling, or relaxing on the beach. Just keep in mind that the water here is cold. There’s only one restaurant near the main dock, so consider bringing your own food or catering on your private boat. Ideal for adventure and relaxation seekers.

From historic castles and stunning coastlines to vineyards and hidden island paradises, embrace the beauty, culture, and natural wonders of Portugal on these captivating journeys from the heart of Lisbon.

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