10 Awesome Day Trips from Lisbon You Can’t Miss

If you’re hanging out in Lisbon and thinking about venturing beyond the city limits, I’ve got some treats for you! Here’s a list of our absolute favorite day trips from Lisbon that’ll make your Portuguese adventure unforgettable.

Lisbon’s great and all (I mean, those hills, right?), but there’s so much more to see just a hop, skip, and a jump away. Whether you’re into fairy-tale castles, surfing huge waves, or just chilling on a beautiful beach, I’ve got you covered. Grab your day bag, slap on some sunscreen, and let’s get this show on the road!

Additional Reads:
– Lisbon Bucket List – 10 Most Instagrammable Places in Lisbon
– 24 Hours in Lisbon: Complete Guide and Things To Do In Lisbon
– Comparing Lisbon vs Porto: Which is Better?
– Lisbon Airport Sim Card – How to Buy A Sim Card in Lisbon
– Securing a Travel Insurance for Lisbon (and the rest of Europe)

1. Sintra – Our Top Choice in Day Trips from Lisbon to Not Miss!

Picture this: misty forests, colorful palaces that look like they’re straight out of a Disney movie, and gardens that’ll make you feel like you’ve stumbled into wonderland. That’s Sintra for you!

Why You’ve Gotta Go

If you only do one day trip from Lisbon, make it this one. Sintra’s like stepping into another world – a world where kings and queens built the craziest, most beautiful palaces they could dream up. It’s no wonder Lord Byron was obsessed with this place!

Cool Stuff to Check Out

• Pena Palace: This place is WILD. It’s like someone took a bunch of different castles, mashed them together, and painted them in the brightest colors they could find. The views from up there? Absolutely insane.
• Quinta da Regaleira: Get ready for some Indiana Jones vibes. This estate has underground tunnels, hidden symbolism, and a crazy well that looks like it leads to the center of the earth. Bring your sense of adventure!
• Moorish Castle: Want to feel like a medieval warrior? Climb up to this old fortress and pretend you’re defending Portugal from invaders. The views aren’t too shabby either!

Pro Tips

• Wear comfy shoes! Your feet will thank me later. Sintra’s all hills and cobblestones.
• Get there early if you can. This place gets packed, especially in summer.
• If you’re not up for hiking between sights, hop on the 434 tourist bus. It’s a lifesaver.
• Hungry? Try a travesseiro at Piriquita bakery. It’s this heavenly almond pastry that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Getting There

Just hop on a train from Lisbon’s Rossio station. It’s about 40 minutes, and trains run all day. Easy peasy!

Sintra’s magical, folks. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a storybook, and who doesn’t want that?

2. Cascais

Ever wondered what happens when a cute fishing village gets a glamorous makeover? That’s Cascais for you! This charming coastal town is where the Portuguese royals used to vacation, and let me tell you, they had good taste.

Why It’s Worth Your Time

Cascais is like the perfect mix of laid-back beach town and ritzy resort. You can lounge on gorgeous beaches, explore winding streets filled with cute shops, and pretend you’re part of the jet set. Plus, it’s super easy to get to from Lisbon!

Don’t Miss This Stuff

• Boca do Inferno: It means “Hell’s Mouth” – dramatic much? It’s this crazy rock formation where the waves crash in. Great for those Instagram-worthy shots!
• Praia da Rainha: A cute little beach right in town. It was the queen’s favorite, hence the name. If it’s good enough for royalty, right?
• Castro Guimarães Museum: This place looks like a fancy castle by the sea. Peek inside for some serious interior design inspo.

Insider Tips

• Rent a bike and cruise along the coastline to Guincho Beach. The views are chef’s kiss.
• Try some fresh seafood at the Mercado da Vila. It’s a renovated market turned food heaven.
• If you’re feeling fancy, check out the swanky bars along Rua Frederico Arouca for some evening cocktails.

Getting There

Hop on a train from Lisbon’s Cais do Sodré station. It’s about 40 minutes of scenic coastal views. You might even forget you’re on public transport!

3. Óbidos

Imagine walking through a town that looks like it hasn’t changed since medieval times. That’s Óbidos for you – a place so cute it was literally given as a wedding present to a queen. Talk about raising the bar for gift-giving!

Why You’ll Love It

Óbidos is like stepping onto a movie set for a historical drama. Whitewashed houses, narrow cobblestone streets, and a castle wall you can actually walk on. Plus, they serve chocolate cups filled with cherry liqueur. Need I say more?

Must-See Spots

• Castle Walls: You can walk the entire perimeter of the town on these walls. Just don’t look down if you’re scared of heights!
• Igreja de Santa Maria: This church has seen some royal weddings in its day. Maybe it’ll bring you luck in love?
• Rua Direita: The main street that’s packed with shops, cafes, and more charm than should be legally allowed in one place.

Pro Tips

• Visit during the Medieval Fair in July if you want to see the town really come to life with jousting, falconry, and people in period costumes.
• Try the Ginjinha in a chocolate cup. It’s a local cherry liqueur that packs a punch!
• Book a night at one of the small hotels in town. Once the day-trippers leave, Óbidos is magically all yours.

Getting There

Buses run regularly from Lisbon’s Campo Grande station. It’s about an hour ride, perfect for a quick nap or catching up on your travel journal.

4. Évora

If you’ve ever wanted to time travel, Évora is probably the closest you’ll get. This place has seen it all – Romans, Moors, Portuguese kings – and it’s got the cool ruins and architecture to prove it.

Why It’s a Must-Visit

Évora is like a living museum, but way more fun. You’ve got ancient Roman temples, medieval walls, and Renaissance palaces all mashed up together. Oh, and it’s in the middle of wine country. History and wine? Yes, please!

Cool Things to Check Out

• Roman Temple: Also called the Temple of Diana. It’s old. Like, really old. And pretty impressive for something built way back in the 1st century.
• Chapel of Bones: Sounds creepy? It is! But in a cool way. The walls are decorated with human bones and skulls. Metal, right?
• Évora Cathedral: Climb up to the roof for some amazing views. Just pretend you’re in “Assassin’s Creed” (but don’t actually jump off, okay?).

Insider Knowledge

• The local wine and olive oil are amazing. Do yourself a favor and try some.
• It gets hot in summer. Like, really hot. Plan for some indoor activities in the afternoon.
• Check out the university. It’s one of the oldest in Portugal and has some beautiful tiles (azulejos) decorating the walls.

Getting There

Trains run from Lisbon’s Oriente station and take about 1.5 hours. Bring a book or download that podcast you’ve been meaning to listen to.

5. Arrábida Natural Park and Sesimbra

Want to see a side of Portugal that’ll make your jaw drop? Arrábida Natural Park is where it’s at. Imagine lush green hills rolling down to meet crystal-clear turquoise waters. It’s like someone took the Mediterranean and plonked it right next to Lisbon!

Why You Need to Go

This place is a nature lover’s dream come true. You’ve got pristine beaches that look like they belong in a travel magazine, hiking trails with views that’ll blow your mind, and the cutest little towns nearby. Oh, and did I mention the wine?

Can’t-Miss Experiences

• Portinho da Arrábida: This beach is so pretty it hurts. Seriously, the water is so clear you’ll think you’re in the Caribbean.
• Convento da Arrábida: An old monastery hidden in the hills. The views from up here? chef’s kiss
• Sesimbra Castle: Climb up for some killer views and a history lesson rolled into one.

Insider Tips

• Rent a car if you can. It’ll give you the freedom to explore all the hidden corners of the park.
• Pack a picnic and find a secluded spot in the park. It’ll be the lunch view of your life.
• If you’re into wine, check out one of the local wineries. The Moscatel de Setúbal is famous around here.

Getting There

A car is your best bet to really explore the area. But if you’re not driving, there are buses from Lisbon to Sesimbra. From there, you can take local buses or taxis to explore the park.

6. Fátima: A Spiritual Journey (Even for Non-Believers)

Even if you’re not religious, Fátima is one of those places that’ll leave you feeling… something. It’s got an atmosphere that’s hard to describe – peaceful, powerful, and just a little bit mysterious.

Why It’s Worth a Visit

Fátima is famous as a pilgrimage site, but it’s fascinating for anyone interested in history, culture, or just witnessing the power of faith. Plus, the surrounding countryside is gorgeous!

What to See

• Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima: The heart of it all. The square is huge and the basilica is impressive.
• Valinhos: Where the Virgin Mary allegedly appeared to three shepherd children. It’s a peaceful spot for a walk.
• Homes of the Three Shepherds: These humble houses give you an idea of what life was like here in the early 20th century.

Pro Tips

• If you’re there on the 13th of May or October, prepare for crowds. It’s when the biggest pilgrimages happen.
• Check out the Capela das Aparições (Chapel of Apparitions) at night when it’s all lit up. It’s pretty magical.
• Try the traditional sweets in the town. The “Amélia” is a local favorite.

Getting There

Buses run regularly from Lisbon’s Sete Rios station. It’s about a 90-minute ride – perfect for a power nap or catching up on your travel journal.

7. Tomar

History buffs, this one’s for you! Tomar is like stepping into a Dan Brown novel, minus the whole running-for-your-life part. It’s packed with mysterious Templar history, stunning architecture, and enough atmosphere to fill a dozen medieval tales.

Why You Shouldn’t Miss It

Tomar is home to the incredible Convent of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage site that’ll make your jaw drop. But it’s not just about the big-ticket sights – the whole town feels like a journey through time.

Must-See Spots

• Convent of Christ: This place is mind-blowing. Part castle, part convent, all awesome. The Manueline window will have you reaching for your camera.
• Charola: The round church inside the convent. It’s like nothing you’ve ever seen before.
• Pegões Aqueduct: A bit out of town, but worth it. It’s like Portugal’s answer to ancient Rome.

Insider Knowledge

• Try the local pastry called “Fatias de Tomar”. It’s sweet, eggy, and delicious.
• Visit on a Friday to catch the local market. It’s great for people-watching and picking up some local treats.

8. Nazaré

Ever seen those crazy videos of surfers riding waves as tall as buildings? Yeah, that’s Nazaré. But don’t worry, you don’t need to be a pro surfer to enjoy this charming fishing town turned surf mecca.

Why It’ll Blow Your Mind

Nazaré is like two towns in one. You’ve got the laid-back beach town vibe down below, and then there’s the clifftop neighborhood with views that’ll make your heart skip a beat. Oh, and those waves? They’re insane.

What You Can’t Miss

• Praia do Norte: This is where the big wave action happens. In winter, waves can reach up to 100 feet!
• Sítio: Take the funicular up to this clifftop neighborhood for jaw-dropping views.
• Mercado Municipal: Check out the local fish market. The little old ladies in their traditional seven-layered skirts? Adorable.

Insider Tips

• Visit between October and March if you want to see the really big waves.
• Try the grilled sardines. They’re a local specialty and absolutely delicious.
• Take a surfing lesson if you’re feeling brave. Don’t worry, they won’t throw you into the giant waves!

Getting There

Buses run from Lisbon’s Sete Rios station. It’s about a two-hour ride, so maybe download a surf documentary to get you in the mood!

9. Berlengas Archipelago

Want to feel like you’ve discovered a secret paradise? The Berlengas Archipelago is your ticket to playing castaway, but with the comfort of knowing you can get back to civilization (and Wi-Fi) by dinnertime.

Why It’s Worth the Boat Ride

This tiny archipelago is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Translation? It’s gorgeous, unspoiled, and full of unique plants and birds. Plus, there’s a fort that looks like it’s straight out of a pirate movie.

Can’t-Miss Experiences

• Berlengas Lighthouse: Climb up for some epic views. On a clear day, you can see for miles.
• Forte de São João Baptista: An old fort connected to the island by a small bridge. It’s like walking into a fairy tale.
• Snorkeling or Glass-Bottom Boat Tours: The water’s so clear, you’ll feel like you’re swimming in a giant aquarium.

Pro Tips

• Bring water and snacks. There’s only one small restaurant on the island.
• Wear sturdy shoes. The terrain can be a bit rough.
• Book your boat ticket in advance, especially in summer. They limit the number of daily visitors to protect the environment.

Getting There

First, get to Peniche (about an hour’s drive from Lisbon). From there, it’s a 30-45 minute boat ride to Berlengas. Pro tip: take seasickness pills if you’re prone to motion sickness!

10. Mafra and Ericeira

Last but definitely not least, we’ve got a two-for-one special. Mafra brings the royal drama with its massive palace, while nearby Ericeira serves up some of the best surf in Europe. It’s like The Crown meets Point Break!

Why You Should Go

Mafra’s palace is so over-the-top, it’ll make Versailles look like a tiny house. And Ericeira? It’s a world surf reserve with a side of picturesque fishing village charm. What’s not to love?

Must-See Spots

In Mafra:

• Mafra National Palace: This place is huge. Like, could-fit-a-small-town-inside huge. The library alone is worth the trip.
• Jardim do Cerco: Beautiful gardens to stroll through after your palace visit.

In Ericeira:

• Praia dos Pescadores: Watch the local fishermen bring in the catch of the day.
• Praia do Sul: Great for surfing or just watching the pros do their thing.

Insider Knowledge

• Check if there’s a concert scheduled in the Mafra Palace basilica. The six organs playing together? Goosebump-inducing.
• In Ericeira, try the seafood rice. It’s a local specialty that’ll make your taste buds dance.
• If you’re into surfing, you can take lessons in Ericeira. They cater to all levels, from total newbie to almost-pro.

Getting There

Buses run from Lisbon to both Mafra and Ericeira. If you want to visit both (and you should!), consider renting a car for more flexibility.

And there you have it, folks! Ten amazing day trips from Lisbon that will take vacation to the next level. From surfing giant waves to exploring mysterious islands, from walking in the footsteps of knights to lounging on secret beaches, there’s a little something for everyone. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start exploring!

Remember, the best trips are the ones where you make awesome memories, try new things, and maybe get a little lost along the way (in a good way, of course). So pack your sense of adventure, bring your camera, and get ready for some unforgettable Portuguese experiences. Boa viagem!