6 Best Day Trips From Lisbon: Easy Getaways From Portugal’s Capital
Exploring Beyond Lisbon: The Best Day Trips to Take
Lisbon is an incredible city, but if you’re craving a change of scenery, you’re in luck—Portugal’s capital is the perfect base for exploring nearby coastal towns, historic villages, and beautiful landscapes.
Whether you’re looking for golden beaches, medieval castles, or world-class wineries, there’s a day trip from Lisbon to suit every traveler’s taste.
Having lived in Faro, explored Portugal extensively, and visited Lisbon multiple times, I’ve curated this list using my firsthand experiences and additional expert recommendations to help you make the most of your adventures beyond Lisbon.
In this guide, you’ll find the 6 best day trips from Lisbon, complete with must-see highlights, how to get there, and pro tips to maximize your experience.
Let’s dive into the best Lisbon day trips—from iconic spots like Sintra to coastal escapes like Nazaré!
6 Best Day Trips from Lisbon: Quick Overview
From fairytale castles to stunning beaches, here are the best day trips from Lisbon at a glance:
✨ Sintra: Palaces, castles & gardens
✨ Cascais: Expansive beaches & seaside charm
✨ Óbidos: Medieval town with a walled fortress
✨ Évora: Historic city & ancient Roman ruins
✨ Nazaré: Legendary surf & coastal beauty
✨ Berlenga Islands: Remote island paradise
Day Trip #1: Sintra – Palaces & Fairytale Landscapes
A UNESCO-listed town known for its colorful palaces, expansive gardens, and fairytale charm, Sintra is one of the most popular day trips from Lisbon—and one of my personal favorites for its history, scenery, and beauty.
Walking through Sintra feels like stepping into a storybook!
How to Get to Sintra
The easiest way to get to Sintra is by train from Lisbon’s Rossio Station, which takes around 40 minutes.
Alternatively, a guided tour with hotel pickup is a stress-free option, especially if you want to visit multiple sites in one day. Either option is easy and affordable!
Morning: Explore Pena Palace & Moorish Castle
- Visit Pena Palace, Portugal’s most iconic palace with its bright colors and panoramic views
- Walk the ancient walls of the Moorish Castle, dating back to the 9th century
Afternoon: Quinta da Regaleira & Sintra Old Town
- Explore Quinta da Regaleira, famous for its Initiation Well
- Wander through Sintra’s Old Town, stopping for snacks along the way
➡️ Skip the Lines & Explore Sintra with a Guided Tour (includes pickup from Lisbon!)
Evening: Sunset at Cabo da Roca
- Visit Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of Europe, for an insane sunset
Day Trip #2: Cascais – Beaches & Seaside Charm
If you’re looking for a relaxing coastal escape, Cascais is one of the easiest day trips from Lisbon, offering beautiful beaches and a lively beach town.
How to Get to Cascais
Cascais is just 40 minutes by train from Cais do Sodré Station in Lisbon. You can also book a bike or walking tour to make the most of your visit.
Morning: Relax on the Beach
- Spend time at Praia da Rainha or Guincho Beach
- Stroll along the Cascais Marina
➡️ Try a Surf Lesson in Cascais (perfect for beginners!)
Afternoon: Boca do Inferno & Historic Center
- Visit Boca do Inferno, a dramatic cliffside rock formation
- Explore Cascais Old Town and have a seafood lunch at Mar do Inferno
➡️ Take a Walking Tour of Cascais’ Historic Center
Evening: Sunset Drinks by the Coast
- Enjoy a stunning sunset on the water before heading back to Lisbon
➡️ Book a Sunset Cruise in Cascais
Day Trip #3: Óbidos – A Step Back in Time
Óbidos is a picture-perfect medieval town, with cobbled streets, whitewashed houses, and a stunning castle.
How to Get to Óbidos
The easiest way to visit Óbidos is by bus from Lisbon’s Campo Grande Station, which takes about 1 hour. For a hassle-free experience, a guided day tour is the best option.
Morning: Explore the Medieval Walls
- Walk the Óbidos Castle walls for the best panoramic views
- Try a Ginja de Óbidos, a cherry liqueur served in a chocolate cup
➡️ Join an Óbidos Guided Walking Tour
Afternoon: Local Shops & Historic Sites
- Visit Santa Maria Church, decorated with traditional azulejos (blue and white tiles)
- Browse through charming bookshops
Evening: Sunset & Return to Lisbon
- Enjoy a quiet sunset in the walled city before heading back
➡️ Book a Full Day Trip to Óbidos and Nazaré (Includes transportation to + from Lisbon)
Day Trip #4: Nazaré – Legendary Surf & Coastal Beauty
Nazaré is one of the best coastal day trips from Lisbon, famous for its record-breaking waves and fishing village vibe.
How to Get to Nazaré
The easiest way to get to Nazaré is by bus from Lisbon’s Sete Rios Station, which takes about 1.5 hours.
And if you’ve been paying attention, yes—a small-group tour including transportation is (once again) a fantastic, stress-free way to explore.
Morning: Witness the Big Waves at Praia do Norte
- Visit Praia do Norte, where world-record waves are surfed. This is a must!
- Stop by the Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo, home to a surf museum
Afternoon: Explore Nazaré’s Old Town & Beachfront
- Take the Nazaré Funicular to the Sítio viewpoint
➡️ Explore Nazaré with a Local Tour
Evening: Sunset at Miradouro do Suberco
- Watch the sunset over the Atlantic before heading back to Lisbon
Day Trip #5: Évora – History & Roman Ruins
A UNESCO-listed city, Évora is a must-visit for history lovers and one of the most culturally rich day trips from Lisbon.
How to Get to Évora
Évora is about 1.5 hours by train or bus from Lisbon. If you want to visit multiple landmarks with ease, there are private tours with transportation included in this town as well.
Morning: Visit the Roman Temple & Chapel of Bones
- See the ancient Roman Temple of Évora
- Explore the eerie Chapel of Bones, where walls are lined with human skulls
➡️ Book a Full-Day Évora Tour (Includes transportation from Lisbon!)
Afternoon: Wander Through Évora’s Old Town
- Stroll through Giraldo Square and have lunch at a local restaurant
- Visit Évora Cathedral, one of Portugal’s most important Gothic monuments
Evening: Wine Tasting & Sunset
- Visit a local Alentejo winery for a tasting before heading back to Lisbon
Day Trip #6: Berlenga Islands – A Remote Paradise
For a truly unique adventure, the Berlenga Islands are one of the most unforgettable day trips from Lisbon.
How to Get to the Berlenga Islands
You’ll need to take a ferry from Peniche, about 1.5 hours from Lisbon by bus or car. Many boat tours include transportation from Lisbon.
Morning: Boat tour to the Islands & Explore the Nature Reserve
- Take a boat from Peniche to Berlenga Grande
- Hike through the Berlengas Nature Reserve
➡️ Book a Berlenga Island Boat Tour
➡️ Private Berlenga Tour with Lisbon Transfers
Afternoon: Visit Fort São João Baptista & Snorkeling
- Explore the 17th-century fort, perched dramatically on the rocks
- Go snorkeling or kayaking in crystal-clear waters
Evening: Sunset in Peniche
- Enjoy the sunset and a quick meal in Peniche before heading to Lisbon
Where To Stay in Lisbon
If you plan on using Lisbon as your base for these day trips, here are the best areas to stay:
📍Budget Option: The Central House Lisbon Baixa– Great social atmosphere & central location. I stayed here on my second trip to Lisbon!
Book The Central House Lisbon Baixa Here!
📍 Mid-Range Option: Hotel da Baixa– A stylish boutique hotel in the heart of Baixa, within walking distance of major landmarks. It combines modern comfort with historic charm.
Book Hotel da Baixa Here!
📍 Luxury Option: Bairro Alto Hotel – A five-star hotel with an unbeatable location, exceptional service, and stunning views over Lisbon’s rooftops. The perfect choice for a high-end stay.
Book Bairro Alto Hotel Here!
FAQs About Day Trips from Lisbon
What is the best day trip from Lisbon?
Sintra is the most famous Lisbon day trip, thanks to its fairytale castles and stunning landscapes.
How far is Sintra from Lisbon?
Sintra is just 40 minutes by train from Lisbon, making it an easy and popular day trip from Lisbon.
Can you visit Cascais and Sintra in one day?
Yes, but it will be a packed day! If you’re short on time, it’s possible to combine Sintra in the morning and Cascais in the afternoon.
If you’re up for long, adventurous days, you can combine many of these day trips!
Do I need to rent a car for day trips from Lisbon?
Not necessarily! Many of these destinations are easily accessible by train, bus, or organized tour.
Final Thoughts: The Best Day Trips from Lisbon
Lisbon is an incredible city, but its surroundings are just as captivating!
Whether you’re drawn to Sintra’s fairytale castles, the beaches of Cascais, or the medieval streets of Óbidos, these day trips from Lisbon are well worth your time.
There’s no shortage of amazing places to explore just a short trip from the city, so no matter how long you’re staying in Lisbon, make sure to set aside time to experience at least one of these destinations.
You’ll gain a deeper appreciation for Portugal’s landscapes, culture, and history, making your trip all the more special.
Enjoy your trip!
If you need more ideas on how to spend your time in and around Lisbon, check out these two posts: Lisbon vs Porto and 5 Day Lisbon Itinerary!
