When it comes to day trips from Lisbon, Portugal, there is no shortage of amazing destinations to explore. From the picturesque vineyards of Mafra to the beautiful beaches of Comporta, there is truly something special for everyone. I’ve compiled a list of my favourite excursions easily reached from Lisbon. All of them can be reached by public transport, by car, or even visited on a tour if this sounds more like your type of holiday experience!
We regularly visit these different places on weekends and especially when friends visit since the beauty that Portugal has to offer is forever calling us back for another fix! I hope you enjoy these places as much as we do!
1. Sintra
Sintra is one of the most popular and magical day trips from Lisbon, perfect for tourists based in the city. It’s a small town just 45 minutes away by car or train from the capital, but it feels like you’re transported back in time to a different place altogether.
This charming town is home to some of Portugal’s stunning palaces and gardens since it was chosen by the royal family as a summer getaway. Sintra is green and lush, and many palaces and mansions grace the promenade here since the royal court would also vacation in the area. The old town is a charming place to wander around, and you can find many shops and restaurants along the cobblestone streets. It is not surprising Sintra is so often referred to as a fairytale town!
How to get to Sintra from Lisbon
Lovely Sintra can most easily be reached by train. Trains depart from Rossio and Oriente Train Stations in Baixa, Lisbon’s historic center. The journey is relatively short, lasting only 40 minutes, and a train departs roughly every 30 minutes during weekdays (more frequently during rush hours). If you’ve bought the Lisboa Card, you’ll be pleased to know that the train to Sintra is included and that many palaces and monuments in Sintra are also discounted, so it’s worth checking out!
If you prefer to travel by car, you can take an Uber/Bolt or go on a private tour that will pick you up from your hotel and drive you through the gorgeous countryside to visit the palaces of Sintra. I don’t recommend you take a rental to Sintra since parking is very difficult.
2. Óbidos
Obidos is a medieval town located about an hour from Lisbon. It is ideal for those wanting to explore Portugal’s past and looking for a fun day trip. The village is surrounded by castle walls built centuries ago, making it a unique and picturesque destination.
Within the walls lies a maze of cobblestone streets and whitewashed buildings that make up the charming old town. You can’t enter the castle tower, but you can walk the castle walls, which although daunting is a really great experience unless you’re afraid of heights!
The charming town is also known for its medieval festival, fabulous Christmas Village, and UNESCO Heritage literature events which happen yearly. There is often a market on just outside the castle walls which is quaint and fun to wander through.
You’ll also want to try the offerings of Ginginha de Obidos you’ll find dotting the main road. This sour cherry liqueur served in a chocolate cup is a perfect souvenir from Portugal!
How to get to Obidos from Lisbon
The easiest way to reach Óbidos from Lisbon is by car. You can rent a car or alternatively go on a tour with pick up from your hotel. The drive is about 1 hour and is a great day trip option. Organized tours often include other towns nearby such as Peniche, Nazare, Batalha, or Fatima.
3. Mafra and Ericeira
Mafra and Ericeira are two of the best day trips from Lisbon that make for a memorable experience, especially if you want to get away from crowds. Mafra is home to the magnificent National Palace, one of the most impressive Baroque monuments in Europe, built by the Franciscan monks as a convent and hospital before becoming a royal palace.
The palace includes a basilica, an extraordinary library, and a convent and is one of the most interesting palaces in central Portugal. The best part is that it’s only a half-hour drive from Lisbon’s center.
Ericeira is just a 10-minute drive from Mafra. It is a quaint whitewashed fishing village located on Portugal’s west coast and is very fashionable with Lisbonites. The town has become a surfing mecca in the past 10 years, and it is the only World Surf Reserve in Europe.
This brings a large influx of surfers, who come to enjoy some of the best surf camps in Portugal and creates a very chilled vibe in the pretty village. Its windswept beaches are also particularly stunning since the village is built up on a craggy cliff, creating very picturesque scenery. Not to be missed!
How to get to Mafra and Ericeira from Lisbon
The easiest way to reach both destinations from Lisbon is by car, although bus service is frequent and convenient. If you’re taking a bus, you can take the Mafrense bus from Campo Grande to Mafra in about 45 minutes, or stay on until Ericeira another 10 minutes.
4. Cascais & Estoril Coastline
Cascais and Estoril are the perfect day trip for those staying in Lisbon, located just a short train ride away. The stunningly beautiful beaches of Cascais offer breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and are ideal for sunbathing, surfing or simply enjoying the beach vibes. Estoril’s casino is a top tourist attraction, and the lovely palaces and gardens along the boardwalk are worth spending an afternoon admiring.
The stunning coastline of Cascais and Estoril offers a great opportunity to explore some of Portugal’s best beaches, and it can be a bit overwhelming with all the activities available. Spend your day swimming in the ocean, exploring cobblestoned streets in the old town, or even visiting Cabo da Roca’s impressive cliffs, the most occidental point in Europe. The beaches here are some of the closest to Lisbon so most tourists do include it in their itinerary. You can also get a sunset cruise from Lisbon along the coast towards Estoril which is a great way to get another viewpoint on
How to get to Cascais from Lisbon
The easiest and fastest way to reach Cascais from Lisbon is by train. You can take the train from Cais do Sodre station in downtown Lisbon and you’ll be in Cascais within 30 minutes.
It’s a great way to experience Portugal’s beautiful coastline, as the journey is especially scenic.
5. Comporta
Comporta is a beautiful destination located in Portugal perfect for tourists staying in Lisbon who would like to explore the countryside in style. Just one hour south of the capital, Comporta is a chic village with a laid-back atmosphere and stunning natural beauty.
From vast sand dunes, posh golf courses, and endless wild beaches to serene landscapes of rice fields, Comporta feels very different from many other Portuguese villages. It has one of the most stylish vibes in Portugal and has recently become a secret hideaway for the up-and-coming. Comporta is also a great place to go if you’re looking for the perfect shopping experience. The village has several chic boutiques that stock luxury items, from designer clothing to homeware and accessories.
The village is a popular destination in summer, and it’s easy to understand why. Enjoy the beautiful beaches, go horseback riding on the beach, or take an ATV tour of the surrounding area. There are also plenty of seafood restaurants and bars around where you can enjoy delicious Portuguese cuisine and great nightlife. I feel this is a place definitely worth more than just a few hours on a day trip, but I’m biased!
How to get to Comporta from Lisbon
The best way to reach Comporta from Lisbon is by car, as it only takes an hour and the journey is very scenic. You can drive around to the peninsula, or cross the water on the ferry. This is fun since the ferry is so scenic and well-priced. You can also take a train from Lisbon to Setubal, then the ferry from Setubal to Troia and a bus or Uber on to Comporta.
6. Batalha and Alcobaca, Nazaré, Fatima
These 4 villages are all located about an hour north of Lisbon, and 25 minutes one from the other. Ideally, a great day trip would be a combination of 2, one before lunch, and another after lunch.
Fatima is a special place for Catholics, as it’s the site of a Marian apparition in 1917. It attracts many pilgrims every year and features a stunning basilica and chapel. But even if you aren’t religious, this site holds its own awe, due to the incredibly calming energy which comes off the main square. It is truly a sight to behold.
Batalha is home to a magnificent monastery built in the 14th century and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. Batalha Monastery is the largest gothic building in Portugal and is truly impressive.
The square is a lovely place to have lunch and definitely worth a 2 to 3 hour stop to enjoy the Monastery and some delicious Portuguese food. Since it is only 20 minutes from Fatima, it’s a great spot to visit before or afterward.
Nazare is an old fishing village that has been made popular by its impressive views of the Atlantic Ocean and giant waves. This fishing town has a long history in traditional Portuguese culture which can still be seen to this day, and a great selection of restaurants and shops to explore.
Alcobaça, an hour north of Lisbon is home to yet another stunning UNESCO site: the Monastery of Santa Maria de Alcobaca. This incredible monastery dates back to 1153 and is a must-see for visitors in this part of Portugal. Its large cloister and beautiful church are truly remarkable. Since Alcobaça is closer to Nazare, these two are best combined as a day trip.
How to get here from Lisbon
From Lisbon, visitors looking to spend a day exploring Batalha Alcobaca, Nazaré, or Fatima can reach the area by car in just one hour. I recommend you drive a rental or go on a small organized or even private tour which includes a few of these villages. Having a tour guide in these towns will make all the difference and will make your experience much richer.
7. Peniche and the Berlengas
Peniche is a seaside town situated on a stunning peninsula about an hour and a half north of Lisbon. It’s a popular spot for beachgoers and outdoor adventures alike, who come to enjoy the sandy beaches, picturesque fishing village, and one of Portugal’s best surfing spots.
The town itself offers many attractions, including a historic fort, beautiful churches, quaint cobblestone streets, and plenty of restaurants serving traditional Portuguese cuisine.
The nearby Berlengas Archipelago is made up of three islands located just off the coast of Peniche and can be reached by boat from the mainland. This stunning archipelago is home to some incredible landscapes – from the rugged cliffs to secluded beaches and lagoons – all of which can be explored on a day trip.
If you do plan on visiting the islands make sure to arrive in Peniche early so you can take the boat out and return just after lunch to see the rest of the village.
How to get here from Lisbon
Getting to Peniche from Lisbon is easy, as there are plenty of buses that run regularly between the two locations. You can also rent a car and drive up in about an hour and a half. Whichever option you choose, make sure to plan enough time for the journey so that you can explore this beautiful coastal town.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for a stress-free experience, there are many guided tours available from Lisbon which will take you on a day trip to Peniche and the Berlengas Archipelago. These tours are a great way to discover the area and its attractions in comfort and style.
Lisbon Day Trips FAQ
How many days is ideal for Lisbon?
Ideal for Lisbon depends on what you want to do and see, but 3 or 4 days is usually enough time to explore the city and see about 2 to 3 monuments or museums per day. This also allows time to walk the center and enjoy the pretty streets. With more days, you can plan day trips outside of Lisbon.
Should I do a day trip to Porto from Lisbon?
Although a day trip to Porto from Lisbon is possible, I don’t recommend it since Porto deserves at least a few days. I suggest spending at least two or three days there to get a good feel of the city and its attractions and to visit the neighbouring Douro Valley. If you only have time for a day trip, it’s best to go by train since the traveling time is around 2.5 hours, and you won’t need to worry about driving there and back.
Can you do an Algarve day trip from Lisbon?
Most people don’t choose to visit Algarve as a day trip since it is between 2.5 and 3 hours drive from Lisbon. However, it is doable if you are short on time and want to see the region’s beaches and attractions. I recommend staying overnight in Algarve though, so that you can get a better sense of the area. Note that things happen rather slowly in the Algarve, and it’s wonderful to be able to soak that in and relax while there.
Can you do Cascais and Sintra the same day?
Yes, you can do Cascais and Sintra in the same day. The two towns are about 20-30 minutes away from each other by car and are a nice complement to each other if you are short on time.
If you can allow yourself more time, spending a day in Sintra visiting a few palaces, and another day in Cascais meandering through the village centre and/or lounging on one of its lovely beaches, this is the way to go! Allow yourself plenty of time to explore both places as they are some of the loveliest places to visit near Lisbon.
What is the cutest town in Portugal?
The cutest town in Portugal is arguably Ericeira. It is a charming fishing village on the Atlantic coast, less than an hour drive from Lisbon, that has managed to maintain its authenticity as a quaint Portuguese fishing village.
With cobbled streets and whitewashed houses, it’s easy to wander around and explore the delightful nooks and crannies. It is also the only World Surf Reserve in Europe, so you may want to catch some waves while you’re here!
What Day Trips in Lisbon are good for avoiding crowds?
There are several great day trips in Lisbon that will help you avoid crowds. If you want to explore the region without feeling overwhelmed, consider taking a trip to Mafra, Comporta or Arrabida. All three are places the Portuguese regularly visit on weekends, but aren’t the most popular when it comes to international tourism.
Mafra is a small town near Ericeira and boasts the striking Mafra National Palace and the nearby Tapada de Mafra nature reserve. Comporta is great for beach lovers, with some of Lisbon’s best beaches and a chic village to boot, while Arrabida offers stunning natural landscapes and hiking trails. All three places can be reached from Lisbon in less than an hour and are a great choice for anyone wanting to escape the crowds.
Best Day Trips from Lisbon Portugal: The Wrap Up
Exploring Lisbon and the surrounding areas by day trips is an amazing way to experience all that Portugal has to offer. From breathtaking landscapes in Ericeira to stunning beaches in Comporta or Fatima’s incredible energy, there are plenty of experiences waiting for you just a short drive away from Lisbon.
Whether you want to take it slow and relax at one of Europe’s best surf spots or immerse yourself in Portuguese culture with some local cuisine, Lisbon is definitely the place to be! With so much beauty right at your fingertips, visiting Portugal can truly be an unforgettable journey!
Continue Reading:
This post was written by Michelle from Ericeira Family Adventures
A beachcomber, an avid bookworm, and a teacher. Michelle is a Canadian travel blogger who writes about Ericeira and Portugal. She is the founder and creator of Ericeira Family Adventures and fell in love with the charming Portuguese village when she was enticed to move there in 2014.
She now lives in Lisbon, with her little boy Luca and Leo the cat.
Follow her adventures on Ericeirafamilyadventures.com
