Best Day Trips from Lisbon – 15 Epic Lisbon Day Trip Destinations

If you’re planning a trip to Portugal but don’t fancy a moving itinerary, changing hotels and cities every night, worry not! You can easily base yourself in the Portuguese capital, and go on lots of epic day trips from Lisbon.

Geographically located about mid-way across the country, Lisbon is perfectly positioned to act as base for your day trips.

There are lots of beautiful places that are a 90-minute journey away from Lisbon at most, which you can visit during a day tour.

Whether you want to explore unique castles, surf at picture perfect beaches, wander around medieval towns or admire stunning monasteries, you can do all of that and more on a Lisbon day trip.

In this guide I put together all the best day trips you can do from Lisbon, and useful information about them like how to get there, the best things to see, journey times, what to expect and more.

So without further ado, let’s dive in and discover the best Lisbon day trips!

How to travel to these Lisbon day trip destinations

You can reach these Lisbon day trip destinations by car, train, bus or with an organised tour. Some destinations will be easier and more fun to visit by simply renting a car, getting there and exploring alone.

Others, for example Sintra or Evora, where there is either a lot of history to learn about, complicated logistics or a fairly long drive, then you are probably better off joining one of the many day tours from Lisbon.

That way all the travel will be taken care of, and you will have a local guide telling you about the places you are visiting.

One thing to take into account if you rent a car is that parking in central Lisbon can be quite complicated, so make sure to book your accommodation somewhere with easy access to parking and the highways.

Public transport in Portugal is pretty good, and you could also organise your day trips from Lisbon by train. Just make sure to book your Lisbon accommodation close to the train station, to limit travel within Lisbon.

However you choose to travel to these Lisbon day tour destinations, you will have a great time! For each destination I have outlined the best ways to get there, so that you can plan accordingly.

The best Lisbon day trips

Want to know where to go for your epic day trips from Lisbon? All the best locations to visit during a day out from the Portuguese capital are listed below.

I have listed them starting with those nearest to Lisbon first, and the furthest away last.

Lisbon to Belem

Since Belem is only 10km’s away from the coastal capital city, it’s one of the most popular destinations people visit from Lisbon. It’s so close that I included it also in my two day Lisbon itinerary.

The two places here that you absolutely can’t miss here are Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery.

Located near the harbour, these two sites stand as reminders of Portugal’s incredible maritime history and are protected as World Heritage sites.

The monastery has exuberant art typical of the Portuguese late Gothic period. With their intricate decorations, the cloisters of the monastery are one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen, and a must on any Europe bucket list.

Being so close to Lisbon it probably won’t be a full day trip. Uber is very cheap in Lisbon, the journey from central Lisbon to Belem would only take around 20 minutes and cost around 8 EUR.

You can then join a guided tour there to learn about the history of these beautiful sights. Or if you’re feeling sporty, you can join a bike tour that will take you from Lisbon to Belem, all while cycling along the river.

If you don’t join a tour, make sure to purchase entrance to Jeronimos Monastery online beforehand, as the queue at the ticket entrance to buy it on the spot can be huge.

On your return route to Lisbon, consider stopping to sample a popular Portuguese cherry-like liqueur in the tiny, yet historic, A Ginjinha bar.

The drink is typically served in a shot form in a tiny chocolate cup with a piece of the fruit inside. It has a mixture of a bitter and sweet taste with a twist of cinnamon.

Check out prices & availability for your Lisbon to Belem trip below!

 

Here are some of the best Belem guided tours from Lisbon that you can join.

Belem Hop-on / Hop-off Bus with Optional Boat Tour – If cycling isn’t your thing, you can join a classic hop-on / hop-off bus tour that will take you to all the famous sights in Belem.

Lisbon to Belem 3-Hour Bike Tour by the River – Starting in Lisbon, this bike tour will cycle all along the river and take you all the way to Belem, where a guide will show you these gorgeous sights.

Belem Guided Tour – The classic tour, seeing all the sights with a local guide telling you about their history.

Jeronimos Monastery Entrance Ticket – This one isn’t a tour, it’s just the entrance to Jeronimos for those who want to head there independently.

 

Boca do Inferno

Boca do Inferno is a unique cliff formation with a sea arch. This natural wonder is close to the town of Cascais and is best viewed when the swell is large enough to produce a striking spray of water.

We viewed the ‘Mouth of Hell’ from above before following the short path down to watch it from sea level. When the ocean is particularly aggressive during winter, this attraction requires caution.

Stay on the dedicated paths to ensure your safety and the preservation of this exhilarating cliff face. The easiest way to reach this destination is by car and the drive takes less than an hour from Lisbon.

This unique natural formation is a 35-minute drive from Lisbon. While being a beautiful place to visit, there isn’t a huge amount to do here. You can visit Boca do Inferno in 30-45 minutes, including a bit of a walk along the coast.

If you want to make a full day trip out of it, you can pair it with a visit to the town of Cascais and Sintra, like this tour does.

See prices and availabilities for your tour to Boca do Inferno and Cascais on GetYourGuide and Viator, or in the calendar below!

 

Cascais

This is the most upmarket resort town along Portugal’s coastline. The grand mansions and attractive parks developed from years of noble families visiting Cascais’s shores in the summer.

You can relax on the fine sand beaches after seeing the town’s top attractions on a day trip from Lisbon. Visit the statue of King Pedro I in the main plaza outside of the town hall.

From here, head along the coast past the fishing harbour to reach the artisan centre in the Fortress Nossa Senhora da Luz de Cascais. Simply wandering along the cute streets of Cascais is an experience in itself.

While you can reach Cascais in less than an hour, I suggest driving along the coastline to include the sights of Belem. If you have time to spare after Cascais, you can also drive on further to Boca do Inferno.

If you want to explore the town and then relax at one of the beautiful city beaches of Cascais I recommend travelling here independently.

If you want a more action packed itinerary, you can also join an organised tour to Cascais, which usually includes also Sintra and Cabo da Roca.

See prices and availabilities for your Cascais tour on GetYourGuide and on Viator, or in the calendar below!

 

Costa da Caparica

Located within the Setubal district, Costa da Caparica is a small yet lively town. It is an easy place to visit near Lisbon, just a short drive over the Golden Gate style bridge.

It offers long sandy beaches suitable for swimming or, if you are feeling brave, surfing. The beachfront features some superb bars ideal for a cocktail at sunset.

After a scuba dive to see marine life, head to the Marisqueira So Tavento to enjoy a Portuguese seafood dish mere meters from the sea. This bright and airy restaurant offers delicious traditional shrimp from Espinho.

If you are staying for sunset and need a homely place to stay, consider the Fonte da Telha Beach House. It is less than one hundred meters from the beach, letting you fall asleep to the sound of the waves crashing.

The most direct route takes half an hour by car from Lisbon to Costa da Caparica. While there isn’t really any need for a Costa da Caparica tour, you can join one of these fun surfing experiences.

Surf Experience in Costa da Caparica – Take a surf lesson with a local surf instructor, perfect for any surf level!

Surf & yoga in Costa da Caparica – If you want to relax and stretch after your surf lesson, this surf and yoga experience is perfect to do just that!

Lisbon to Sintra Day Trip

This magical town is located on Serra de Sintra’s pine tree-covered hills. It has a charming number of castles and palaces that you simply have to see with your own eyes.

The 19th-century buildings, exotic gardens, and quaint streetside café’s make it one of the most romantic places in Portugal. Sintra is one of the destinations in this Lisbon day trips guide that you really have to plan for.

It’s one of the busiest places I have ever visited. The easiest way to visit is on a guided tour, so that they will manage all the transfers and you can skip the line.

If you don’t want to do a tour, you still have to make sure you purchase your castle entrances online, or you will find yourself wasting your precious day trip time queueing.

The places you absolutely have to visit in Sintra are Pena Palace, the Moorish Castle, Sintra town and Quinta da Regaleira.

Whether you visit Pena Palace and Park independently or hire a guide, you will feel like you have fallen into a fairy tale.

The romantic style of architecture is breathtaking, and azulejos tiles cover the church’s walls, cloister, and 16th-century monastery. The unique yellow and red facades of the palace stand out amongst the green surroundings.

Pena Palace is surrounded by an exotic park consisting of thousands of plant species from all around the world.

Click here to book your skip the line entrance to Pena Palace!

The Castelo do Mouros is is probably my favourite castle in Sintra and is definitely worth visiting.

This Moorish castle sits proudly on the hilltop and provides you with unrivalled coastal views from its defensive towers. On a clear day, you can see the coastline to Peniche.

Click here to book your fast track entrance to Castle of the Moors!

Sintra is not only a pretty place. A handful of incredible restaurants can be found here too. Sample the octopus with spinach and sweet potato at Incomum, a contemporary restaurant with a seasonal tasting menu.

If you are vegan, consider a delicious yet affordable dish from Bosque de Sintra in the town’s centre.

Quinta da Regaleira is composed by a Romantic palace and chapel, as well as a beautiful park dotted with grottoes, lakes and fountains.

It was designed by the Italian architect Luigi Manini. It’s home also to the famous Initiation Well.

If you join a guided tour they all tend to start very early in the morning. If you’re travelling there independently, I recommend going with public transport, not by car.

This because the roads are open only to local residents and you won’t be able to drive to the individual castles, you’ll have to pay for the tourist bus anyway, plus parking is a nightmare.

The train can take up to one hour, so make sure to take the earliest train from Lisbon. If you’d like to know more, I have a post covering everything you need to know for a perfect day trip from Lisbon to Sintra.

Click here to book your day trip from Lisbon to Sintra, or check out prices & availability in the calendar below!

 

Cabo da Roca

Cabo da Roca is a rugged headland and is the westernmost point of the European continent. It provides an impressive viewpoint from where you can watch the ocean crash into rocky cliffs.

I suggest doing the forty-minute drive from Lisbon to visit Cabo Da Roca followed by a swim at the nearby Guincho beach if the weather is pleasant.

It remains an undeveloped area, offering a coffee shop, gift shop, and lighthouse. We loved visiting for the dramatic landscapes and raw natural beauty.

If you are in search of an adventure, I suggest tackling the hiking trails along the ancient paths that lead to Praia da Ursa. While it takes less than an hour to reach, it is worth bringing a picnic and water with you.

It’s the perfect place to come for a day out in nature from Lisbon. However if you’re tight on your Portugal itinerary, you can also combine it with a visit to Sintra or Cascais as they’re along the way, as many of the guided tours do.

See prices and availabilities for your tour to Cabo da Roca on GetYourGuide and on Viator!

Mafra

Mafra is a lovely day trip destination, best paired with other sights. The city is famous for the extravagant Mafra National Palace. A magnificent 18th-century Baroque Palace with the most exquisite library.

The palace’s monastery features thousands of windows and countless grand staircases. Mafra is a forty-five-minute drive from Lisbon and a car is the easiest way to get there.

Visit the Fort of Zambujal on a Sunday, and you’ll hear the Mafra National Palace’s two bell towers ringing in the distance. The collection of 114 bells can be heard from more than 10 kilometres away.

This well-preserved fort is part of the defence system built to protect Lisbon from the 3rd Napoleonic invasion during the 19th-century Peninsula War.

While Mafra National Palace is without a doubt stunning, there isn’t much else to Mafra. That’s why most tours pair a visit to Mafra with more sightseeing, either in Ericeira, Obidos or other coastal towns.

Whether you decide to join one of these tours or drive and do it yourself, adding more stops to your itinerary is always a good idea!

Click here to book your Mafra and coastal villages tour on GetYourGuide or Viator!

 

Lisbon Trip to Ericeira

This cute coastal town is full of surfers, surf shops, and quaint bars and cafés. It has a small yet trendy town centre with cobbled stone streets and a handful of swimming beaches.

Wander through the town’s narrow streets before savouring a seafood lunch at the tiny and delicious Mar d’Areia. While the locals tend to fish, the area’s great surf breaks attract salty-haired travellers from around the world.

Enjoy a coffee on the viewing deck at Ribeira D’ilhas while watching the world’s best surfers compete in October each year.

You can get here either with an affordable bus or drive to Ericeira. However, a car is significantly quicker and takes only forty-five minutes.

If you love beaches and surfing, Ericeira can be a day trip in and of itself, without needing to pair it to other sights.

It’s the perfect place to go to escape the Lisbon city life for a bit, soak in some sun, catch some waves and enjoy delicious local cuisine.

Click here to book your surf lesson in Ericeira!

Lisbon to Obidos

​​Obidos is a town positioned on a hilltop and surrounded by a fortified wall. This medieval village has an undeniable romance about it. You’ll love the small town’s winding streets, taverns, and bookstores.

Walking down the streets of Obidos will feel like stepping back in time.

Make sure to visit Igreja de Santa Maria, a unique church with the interior entirely covered by azulejos, and to go for a walk on the castle walls. From here you will get an epic view over Obidos and the surrounding countryside.

If you visit in July, the Óbidos castle hosts a traditional market to celebrate the spirit of medieval Europe with handcrafts, jousting, and heraldic flags.

Drinking from a pewter beer jug and eating from a wooden plate at the market is a memorable medieval experience you will not soon forget.

You can save yourself from driving the hour-long route by taking a bus tour to Óbidos. These often pair Obidos with other sights like Fatima, Nazare and some monasteries.

It’s a good idea to do so even if you drive there yourself, as exploring Obidos won’t take up the full day.

Click here to book your tour of Obidos, Fatima and Nazare on GetYourGuide or Viator! (Or maybe book a private tour to Obidos?)

Lisbon Tour to Peniche

Peniche is a popular fishing town with a rustic atmosphere. Getting there takes about an hour and a half and is best travelled in a car. It has a fort to guard the harbour and a world-class surf break called Supertubos.

While you may not want to learn to surf in the strong barreling waves, the nearby Baleal Beach is suitable for beginners. Peniche is the perfect destination for a beach day trip from Lisbon.

Click here to book your surf lesson in Peniche on GetYourGuide or Viator!

I visited Peniche as a quick stop during my Portugal road trip and sadly didn’t make it to the Berlengas. The Berlengas are a group of small rocky islands off the coast of Peniche, notorious for shipwrecks. You can visit them on a fun boat tour.

Here you can see the iconic Fort of Sao Joao Baptista, as well as fascinating animal and plant life such as the Bocage lizard and Lobularia maritima. Look out for common bottlenose dolphins during your boat trip from Peniche Marina.

See prices and availability for your Berlenga Island boat trip with GetYourGuide and Viator!

Évora Day Trip from Lisbon

Évora is an ancient city in Portugal you simply don’t want to miss. It has historical buildings around every corner and the impressive Temple of Diana in its centre.

This Roman ruin helps to tell the story of a city that has been shaped over more than twenty centuries of occupation.

I suggest doing the ninety-minute trip to Évora by train so you can relax along the way, or with a guided tour so you don’t have to worry about anything.

Walking through the streets, you’ll notice houses with whitewashed walls and wrought-iron balconies. Head to the top of the towers of the Cathedral of Évora to experience expansive views of the city and the neighbouring wine farms.

Taste the local wines and sample the delicious olive oil grown in Évora. The St Francis Church is world renown for the carefully arranged skulls and bones of about 5000 people.

Due to overcrowding, the 17th-century monks exhumed skeletons from the city’s graveyard and assembled them in the Chapel of Bones.

While it may be morbid, the building features painted death motifs and is one of Évora’s most-visited attractions.

Evora is a truly unique place and one that I loved visiting. I loved walking through the narrow cobbled streets lined with white houses, as it made me feel like I was stepping back in time.

Click here to book your day trip to Evora on GetYourGuide or Viator, or check out prices & availability in the calendar below!

 

Lisbon Tour to Cabo Espichel

Cabo Espichel is a wind-swept headland on the southwestern tip of Portugal. Its coastline consists of breathtaking cliffs, barren landscapes, and isolated beaches.

Visit the 18th-century church, Santuário de Nossa Senhora, which attracts visitors and religious pilgrims to the area. It is flanked by two long rows of derelict accommodation initially constructed to house pilgrims.

Walk the coastal paths to the tiny chapel on the cliffside and the Farol do Cabo Espichel lighthouse to appreciate the barren nature. The Pedra da Mua and Lagosteiros sites are easy to miss and offer visitors a chance to see dinosaur footprints.

If you want to experience wide-open spaces on a day trip, a Lisbon bus tour to Cabo Espichel may be for you.

Nazare to Lisbon in a Day

Marvel at the giant waves and savour a meal of freshly caught seafood in this coastal town.

Nazare has historical monuments, glorious beaches, and a social holiday atmosphere. I suggest driving from Lisbon to the Sitio headland (90 minutes).

Here, you can visit the Forte de Sao Miguel, where the lighthouse and a museum display the history of big wave surfers in Nazare.

Due to a vast undersea canyon leading out to sea, the waves arriving at Praia do Norte can reach an impressive size. So large that the beach is famed for repeatedly having the largest wave ridden by the world’s best big wave surfers.

When standing on the headland, you’ll feel when a 60-foot wave crashes below (if you visit in winter, if you’re in Portugal in summer like me, then the sea will very likely be flat).

Soak in the view of the colourful fishing boats before setting foot in the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazare.

This shrine was founded in the 17th-century to memorialise the intercession of the Virgin Mary. The church is decorated in Dutch azulejos and is home to the much loved Virgin Mary statue made by Saint Joseph.

You can easily spend the whole day in Nazare, wandering the old town, admiring the surf museum at Nazare Lighthouse and then relaxing at the beach.

However if you don’t have long in Portugal or join a guided tour, these will often take you to see other iconic sights like Obidos, Fatima and the monasteries.

These guided tours are a great way to squeeze as much as possible in only one day trip from Lisbon, and avoid driving back and forth along the same roads.

Click here to see prices and availability for your day trip from Lisbon to Nazare, Fatima, Obidos and Batalha on GetYourGuide and Viator!

 

Batalha & Alcobaça Monasteries

I’m not usually much of a church person, but I found the monasteries of Alcobaca and Batalha genuinely jaw-dropping.

The town of Alcobaça lies in central Portugal, it’s home to the magnificent Alcobaça Monastery and is an attractive day-trip destination. Batalha is a bit further away, almost a 2-hour drive if you include a stop in Alcobaça, but it’s well worth it.

Alcobaça monastery is the oldest Gothic building in Portugal, established in 1153 by the first King of Portugal to commemorate a victory against the Moors in Santarém.

It has the decorative tombs of King Pedro I, King Afonso II, Queen Urraca, and King Afonso III.

The monastery in Batalha is equally exquisite and functions as a museum. It commemorates the Battle of Aljubarrota and remains one of Portugal’s finest examples of Flamboyant Gothic architecture.

The architectural style is visible in the portals, windows, columns and intricately carved stonework.

Of the two, Batalha is the one I personally found more intruguing and interesting. The cloisters are a work of art and a must-see on any Lisbon day trip bucket list.

Most guided tours will include stops in Obidos, Fatima or Nazare to break up the drive. If you don’t join a tour and just drive there yourself, make sure to purchase entrance to the monasteries online beforehand to avoid the queues.

Batalha Monastery Entrance Ticket – This one isn’t a guided tour, just the ticket entrance to Batalha so that you can skip the queues and crowds.

From Lisbon: Fatima, Batalha, Alcobaca and Obidos Tour – This tour will take you to see both monasteries, as well as some other iconic sights along the way.

Fatima

Fatima is a central Portuguese town with a must-see pilgrimage site and a museum containing impressive religious artefacts. Follow in the footsteps of religious pilgrims during a visit to the Sanctuary of Fatima.

The route from Lisbon takes 90 minutes to drive and is most relaxing when experienced during a guided full-day tour.

This Catholic pilgrimage complex includes a chapel, shrine and two basilicas. You may attend Mass at the Chapel of Apparitions if you are so inclined.

Opposite the shrine stands the more modern Basilica of the Holy Trinity, a Roman Catholic church. Construction began with laying a cornerstone donated by Pope John Paul II.

The marble stone is significant as it was brought from the Apostle Peter’s tomb in the Vatican city.

Most guided tours pair a visit to Fatima with the Alcobaca and Batalha monasteries, Obidos, Nazare and / or other coastal towns.

Click here to see prices and availability for your day trip from Lisbon to Fatima, Nazare, Obidos and Batalha on GetYourGuide and Viator!

Where to stay for your Lisbon day trips

I stayed in a couple of different places in Lisbon, both with their pros and cons in terms of being used as bases for day trips.

Lisbon Destination Hostel – Located inside Rossio train station, this hostel is the perfect place to stay if you plan to travel by train to your various day trip destinations. They have a cool communal area with lots of plants, and offer both dorms and private rooms. It’s also in a very central position in Lisbon, so that you can easily explore also the city.

Click here to book your stay at Lisbon Destination Hostel!

This is Lisbon Hostel – Located in Alfama, this hostel has an incredible rooftop with views over Lisbon. It’s also an easier place to stay if you plan to drive for your day trips, as there are more parking areas closeby.

Click here to see prices and availability at This Is Lisbon!

If you’re not a hostel person, here are some accommodation options for higher budgets.

Mid-range: Alegria A Lisbon Boutique Hotel – This boutique hotel is perfect for those who want something nice, centrally located and cosy, without breaking the bank.

Click here to book your stay at Alegria A Lisbon Boutique Hotel!

Luxury: Lisboa Pessoa Hotel – If you want to treat yourself, this is the perfect place to do so. With their spacious rooms and gorgeous rooftop terrace, it’s the perfect place to relax after a Sintra day tour.

Book your stay at Lisboa Pessoa Hotel here!

What to pack for your day trips from Lisbon

Besides the usual travel essentials there are a few things you won’t want to forget.

Camera – Given how beautiful these Portuguese destinations are, you want to make sure you capture them in all their beauty!

Reusable water bottle – I always suggest bringing one of these. You save money and use less plastic, it’s a win all round!

Walking shoes – You will probably do a lot of walking in all of these day trip destinations, so make sure you have comfortable shoes on hand!

Power bank – Especially if you’re driving to these places yourself, you’ll need your phone to map your way around, and probably to take photos. You don’t want it running out of battery half way through the day!

Do you need travel insurance for these Lisbon day trips?

After my personal experience spending two nights in a private hospital in Tenerife, and having to pay for it out of pocket (it wasn’t cheap), I always recommend getting travel insurance.

You might not end up needing it, but for a small fee you can travel without worries. Personally, I suggest getting your travel insurance with  Heymondo.

Heymondo offers tailor made travel insurance, providing the best value for money for your specific trip. You can also buy it once you’re already abroad and have forgotten about it before flying (which, if you’re anything like me, is quite likely).

Besides the usual cancellation, medical expenses, luggage coverage and general travel insurance services, Heymondo also has a 24/7 doctor chat and instant assistance through their app.

Plus, as a Greta’s Travels reader, you get 5% off your Heymondo travel insurance!

Click here to get your 5% off Heymondo travel insurance!

Final thoughts on the best Lisbon day tours

There you have it, the ultimate guide to all the best day trips from Lisbon! Have you been on any Lisbon day trips before? How did you find them? Let me know in the comments below!

In this guide I included all the places you can realistically visit on a day trip from Lisbon, without spending hours and hours travelling there and back.

Some travellers like visiting Porto or the beaches of the Algarve on a day trip from Lisbon, but I wouldn’t personally recommend it.

While beautiful, they’re quite far from Lisbon, and you would end up spending all your time driving there and back, without enjoying the beautiful places as much.

You should plan a proper Algarve itinerary and stay in the Algarve for that part of your trip, so you can properly explore all the beautiful places around Lagos.

The same goes with Porto, stay in Porto and take your time exploring this epic city and its surroundings (like the Douro Valley!) with fun day trips from Porto.

Besides where to actually go on a Lisbon day trip, I included everything you need to know about the destinations. For example the best way to get there, how long it takes, what to do once there and the best tours you can join.

I hope you will find this Lisbon day tours guide useful in planning your own day trips from Lisbon! If you have any questions just let me know in the comments below.

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