Just as there are countless things to see and do in Lisbon, the surrounding areas are also filled with charming towns and bustling resorts begging to be explored. The best part? You don’t have to travel far to see lush rolling hills, sample the best seafood in the region, relax on stunning beaches or explore medieval castles – they’re all just minutes away from the city. So, if you’re short on time (or if you simply want to see as much of Portugal as possible), then you’re going to love this list of the best day trips from Lisbon, Portugal.
Explore beautiful Sintra – 30 minutes away
There’s a reason why day trips to Sintra from Lisbon are on every visitor’s list: this enchanting UNESCO World Heritage town is just 45 minutes by train (30 by car) and feels like stepping into a real-life fairytale. Start your morning exploring the whimsical rainbow-colored Pena Palace or the mysterious underground tunnels of Quinta da Regaleira. When you need a break from palace-hopping, head to the coast where some of Portugal’s most stunning beaches await. Praia da Ursa, with its towering rock formations and golden sand, is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the region, while nearby Praia da Adraga offers a more accessible spot for beach lounging with incredible sunset views.
Feel like a noble in Cascais – 35 minutes away
This famous fishing port was once a popular summer retreat for Portuguese nobility, but has since become one of the most sought-after resort towns for both tourists and locals in the area. A perfect blend of historic architecture, grand mansions, and ultramodern resorts, Cascais has its own unique charm. Although Cascais is known for its two gloriously picturesque beaches, there’s so much more to do in this fishing town. A collection of fascinating museums like the Casa das Histórias Paula Rego, wonderfully pristine parks, a trendy promenade filled with cafes and bars, and a vibrant nightlife are just a few of the attractions that bring people to this beachside town. Thanks to its infectious atmosphere and beautiful coastline, Cascais is undoubtedly one of the best day trips from Lisbon.
40 minutes to stunning Mafra and Ericeira
These two neighboring towns create one of the most rewarding day trips from Lisbon, combining Portugal’s most extravagant royal palace with world-class surfing culture. Head to Mafra first to visit the most exquisite and exuberant palace in Portugal, built in 1755. This monumental building almost bankrupted the Portuguese economy during its construction as 45,000 workers were hired to complete its vast 1,200 rooms, creating what many consider Portugal’s answer to Versailles. After walking through the breathtaking halls of the Palace of Mafra, you can head over to the sleepy surfing town of Ericeira, just a 15-minute drive away. This somewhat traditional fishing village has transformed into a surfer’s paradise thanks to its radical surf breaks and beautiful beaches that have earned it UNESCO World Surfing Reserve status. Here, you can enjoy a cocktail in one of the trendy surfer bars while gazing out onto traditional 18th-century mansions. Ericeira also boasts winding cobbled streets and whitewashed houses that rival those of Mykonos. Of all the Lisbon day trips, the Mafra-Ericeira combination offers an unbeatable mix of history and coastal charm that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Foodies, rejoice! Sesimbra is 50 minutes from Lisbon
Sesimbra stands out as the ultimate Portuguese destination for seafood lovers, offering some of the very best fresh catches in the country. Each day, the town’s fishermen bring in droves and droves of fresh fish, and the local restaurants cook up an incredible feast, establishing this trip as one of the best day trips Lisbon has to offer for culinary aficionados. But seafood isn’t all that’s on the menu in Sesimbra. This beautiful coastal town is surrounded by lush forests to the east and dramatic cliffs to the west, so you can fill up on some of the region’s most stunning scenery between incredible meals. For history buffs, Sesimbra is also home to an impressive Moorish castle perched high above the town and a dominating beachfront fort that dates all the way back to the 12th century. Located just 40 kilometers south of the capital and easily accessible by bus, if you’re looking to sample some of the most delicious food while soaking up Portuguese history and coastal beauty, Sesimbra is one of the very top day trips from Lisbon, Portugal you can take.
Heading to Porto? Here’s where to stop
There are a few fun little day trips from Lisbon to Porto you can experience if you’d like to split up the 7 hour car ride. Our favourites are Caldas de Rainha and Nazaré. The first is an underrated small city to the north of Lisbon known for its hot springs and ceramics. Its charming, artsy vibe is bolstered by the stunning hand-painted pottery decorating the streets. And who wouldn’t want to split up a car ride with a dip in a thermal bath? Next up, a slight detour to the coast will land you in Nazaré. You’ve probably already seen videos of its famous sky-high waves on social media! If not, it’s the perfect opportunity to spot them in the flesh while enjoying some super fresh seafood. If you want to stop in both places, you’re in for a pretty long day, so most visitors opt for one or the other. Enjoy.
Still curious?
Frequently asked questions
What is the best day trip from Lisbon? 
Sintra is widely considered the best day trip from Lisbon, offering fairytale palaces like Pena Palace and mystical sites like Quinta da Regaleira. It’s just 45 minutes by train from Rossio Station and packs incredible UNESCO World Heritage sites into one magical mountain town. The combination of royal palaces, ancient castles, and stunning coastal beaches makes it unbeatable.
What is the most beautiful town near Lisbon?
Sintra takes the crown as the most beautiful town near Lisbon with its rainbow-colored Pena Palace, mystical forests, and dramatic clifftop castle. We’ve included some more info about the town above. Óbidos comes in as a close second with its perfectly preserved medieval walls and colorful cobblestone streets.
Where else to visit near Lisbon?
Beyond Sintra, you can explore the glamorous beach town of Cascais, the medieval walled city of Óbidos, or the UNESCO World Heritage city of Évora with its Roman temple and incredible wines. Coastal destinations like Sesimbra offer incredible seafood and dramatic cliffs, while Cabo da Roca provides breathtaking views from Europe’s westernmost point. Each destination offers something unique – from beaches to history to culinary experiences.
Where to go on train from Lisbon?
Sintra is the most popular train destination from Rossio Station (45 minutes), while Cascais offers beautiful beaches via Cais do Sodré station (30 minutes). You can also take trains to Évora for history and wine country, or catch regional trains to explore smaller towns along the coast. The train network makes it incredibly easy to explore Portugal’s diverse landscapes and historic towns.
Is there a train from Lisbon to Algarve?
Yes, there are 7 direct trains daily from Lisbon to Faro in the Algarve with services like Intercidades and Alfa Pendular. The journey takes about 3 hours and covers 140 miles, with single fares costing €22 to €30 depending on your destination. The train is comfortable and scenic, though some Algarve resort towns require additional taxi connections.
What is the underrated Portuguese city near Lisbon?
Setúbal is a wildly underrated Portuguese city near Lisbon with gorgeous golden sand beaches and excellent wines located just 45 minutes south of the capital. This working port city offers authentic Portuguese culture, incredible seafood, and access to the stunning Arrábida Nature Park with its pristine beaches and hiking trails. Unlike touristy coastal towns, Setúbal maintains its authentic Portuguese character while offering world-class natural beauty and gastronomy.
