If you wonder where to visit near Lisbon, I’d say there’s a day trip for every kind of traveler. Whether you’re seeking history, natural beauty, or charming villages, this guide will help you decide which day trip suits you best. Here’s everything you need to know about the top 7 day trips from Lisbon, including how to get there and what to expect.
Table of Contents
- Sintra: A Fairytale Town
- Cascais & Estoril: Coastal Charm
- Óbidos: A Medieval Gem
- Nazaré: Surfer’s Paradise
- Fátima: A Spiritual Pilgrimage
- Évora: A UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Arrábida and Sesimbra: Natural Beauty
- Final Tips for Day Trips from Lisbon
1
Sintra: A Fairytale Town
Why should you visit Sintra?
Sintra is totally worth visiting and is in fact one of the most populars day trips from Lisbon. This enchanting town is known for its romantic palaces, lush gardens, and mystical atmosphere.
What not to miss in Sintra:
- Palácio da Pena: A whimsical palace with stunning views.
- Quinta da Regaleira: Known for its Initiation Well and secret tunnels.
- Moorish Castle: A historic fortress with panoramic views of the region.
How to get to Sintra from Lisbon:
- By Train: Take the train from Rossio Station in Lisbon to Sintra (40 minutes, around €5 round trip).
- Tour: Many guided tours combine Sintra with nearby destinations like Cascais.
Tips: Arrive early to avoid crowds and wear comfortable shoes for walking uphill.
For more detailed information about Sintra, don’t forget to check out my article Sintra Travel Guide: 6 Ultimate Attractions and Things to Know.
Our GetYourGuide Tours Recommendations
Booking a guided tour is often the best choice for many reasons. It can simplify trip planning, eliminate the stress of organizing logistics, and ensure you don’t miss any highlights. When it comes to booking tours, we trust GetYourGuide. We’ve taken numerous tours with them and have always had positive experiences. For this activity, here are a few options we believe are among the best.
2
Cascais & Estoril: Coastal Charm
Is it worth it to visit Casais & Estoril?
If you’re looking for a relaxed day by the sea, Cascais and Estoril are perfect. Cascais is a picturesque fishing village turned chic beach town, while Estoril offers beautiful beaches and a glamorous casino.
What not to miss in Cascais & Estoril:
- Praia da Rainha: A small, scenic beach in Cascais.
- Boca do Inferno: A dramatic coastal cliff formation.
- Estoril Casino: A landmark famous for its James Bond connections.
How to get to Cascais & Estoril from Lisbon:
- Train: Catch a train from Cais do Sodré station in Lisbon to Cascais (40 minutes, around €5 round trip).
Tip: Rent a bike to explore the coastal paths between Cascais and Estoril.
What is better, Estoril or Cascais?
My answer is why choose when they are so close to each other? Cascais and Estoril are just 3 kilometers apart, making travel between the two towns quick and easy.
The most convenient option is the Linha de Cascais train, which takes only 3 minutes and costs around €1–€2. Alternatively, you can drive along the scenic Avenida Marginal (5–10 minutes), take a local bus (10–15 minutes), or enjoy the seaside promenade on foot (30–40 minutes) or by bike (10 minutes).
Our GetYourGuide Tour Recommendation
3
Óbidos: A Medieval Gem
Is it worth going to Óbidos ?
Taking a day trip to Óbidos from Lisbon will bring you back in time. Wander its cobbled streets, admire the whitewashed houses, and sip on the famous cherry liqueur, ginjinha, served in a chocolate cup.
Óbidos’ highlights:
- Óbidos Castle: A well-preserved medieval fortress.
- Village streets: Perfect for strolling and photography.
- Ginjinha: A must-try local treat.
How to Óbidos from Lisbon
- Bus: Take a bus from Campo Grande bus station in Lisbon (1 hour, around €8 each way).
- Tour: Many tours combine Óbidos with other nearby destinations like Nazaré. Check out for recommendations in section 5 on Fátima.
4
Nazaré: Surfer’s Paradise
Is Nazaré worth seeing?
Nazaré is a coastal town famous for its giant waves, attracting surfers from around the world. Even if you’re not into surfing, the views from the cliffs and the relaxed vibe of the town are worth the trip.
Nazaré Highlights:
- Praia do Norte: The beach with world-record-breaking waves.
- Sítio: A clifftop village with stunning ocean views.
- Nazaré Lighthouse: A great spot to watch surfers tackle the waves.
How to get to Nazaré from Lisbon:
- Bus: Take a bus from Sete Rios bus station in Lisbon (1.5 hours, around €12 each way).
- Tour: Combine Nazaré with Óbidos or Fátima for a full-day tour. Check out for recommendations in section 5 on Fátima.
Tip: Visit between October and March for the biggest waves.
Stay connected! Follow us on social media for exclusive content & updates on our travels.
On our website, you’ll find all the essential information and tips, while on our social media, you’ll get even more – including personal experiences, funny moments, stunning videos, and much more!
5
Fátima: A Spiritual Pilgrimage
Why should you visit Fátima?
Fátima is one of the world’s most important Catholic pilgrimage sites. The Sanctuary of Fátima attracts millions of visitors every year, drawn by its serene atmosphere and fascinating history.
Fátima Highlights:
- Sanctuary of Fátima: The main pilgrimage site.
- Chapel of the Apparitions: Built on the spot where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared.
- Basilica of the Holy Trinity: A modern architectural masterpiece.
How to get to Fátima from Lisbon:
- Bus: Take a bus from Sete Rios bus station in Lisbon (1.5 hours, around €10 each way).
- Tour: Guided tours often combine Fátima with other destinations like Batalha or Nazaré.
Our GetYourGuide Tours Recommendations
6
Évora: A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Why should you visit Évora?
You should visit Évora for its well-preserved Roman ruins, stunning medieval architecture, and rich cultural heritage, all set within a charming UNESCO-listed old town.
Évora is best known for:
- Roman Temple: A stunning reminder of Évora’s ancient past.
- Chapel of Bones: A fascinating and eerie site lined with human bones.
- Évora Cathedral: A magnificent Gothic structure.
For more recommendation, check out my article Ultimate 9 Best Things to Do in Évora, Portugal.
How to Évora from Lisbon:
- Train: Take the train from Lisbon’s Oriente station (1.5 hours, around €12 each way).
Our GetYourGuide Tours Recommendations
7
Arrábida and Sesimbra: Natural Beauty
Are Arrábida and Sesimbra worth visiting ?
Arrábida and Sesimbra are definitely worth visiting for their stunning natural landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and charming coastal atmosphere.
Some of their highlights:
- Portinho da Arrábida: A serene beach with crystal-clear water.
- Sesimbra Castle: Offers panoramic views of the village and coastline.
- Local seafood: Sesimbra is known for its fresh fish and seafood dishes.
How to Arrábida and Sesimbra:
- Car: Renting a car is the easiest way to explore this area (about 40 minutes from Lisbon).
- Tour: Many guided tours include stops at multiple spots in the park.
Tip: Don’t miss trying the local choco frito (fried cuttlefish).
Our GetYourGuide Tours Recommendations
8
Final Tips for Day Trips from Lisbon
- Plan Ahead: Some destinations, like Sintra, get crowded, so book tickets in advance.
- Tours vs. DIY: Decide if you prefer the flexibility of solo travel or the convenience of a guided tour.
- Seasonal Considerations: Beaches like Cascais are best enjoyed in summer, while historical sites like Évora or Tomar are great year-round.
Final Thoughts
With so many incredible options, Lisbon is the perfect base for exploring the diverse wonders of Portugal. Whether you’re into history, nature, or coastal escapes, there’s a day trip waiting to add even more magic to your adventure.
Which one will you choose?
Like this post? Pin it for later!
What’s Next?
Now that you know the best day trips from Lisbon, it’s time to plan your trip! Here are some articles that could be helpful :
Don’t want to miss out on our latest articles? Be sure to subscribe to our website, and you’ll receive a notification every time we publish something new!