Day trips from Lisbon: explore beyond the city

Beyond Lisbon’s vibrant funiculars, cafés and culture lie many other villages, towns and cities all waiting to be discovered. To help you venture beyond the capital, we’ve covered seven of the best day trips from Lisbon. It’s time to explore what the rest of Portugal has to offer.

Cascais is a coastal town that’s worth a visit if you’re looking for day trips that are easily reachable by public transport. Whether you want to sunbathe at Praia do Tamariz, swim the day away at Praia da Conceição or stroll across the sandy landscapes of Praia das Moitas, each beach in Cascais has its own charm. The town attracts many different types of travellers –  from family getaways to romantic, secluded retreats – its coast offers something for everyone.

There are many activities you can enjoy in and around the coast too, perfect if you’re looking for an active holiday. To explore the vast oceans of Cascais, why not try out a Private Sea Kayaking lesson, where you’ll be able to kayak for two hours with a local guide? If you’d rather explore under the water, the Double Dive in Cascais experience is sure to suit you. Adventure with local underwater divers and explore the hidden landscapes of the town. 

Getting there:

• Approximately 40 minutes by train
• Around 30 kilometres by car

Sintra is a popular day trip from Lisbon, and for good reason too. The town is full to the brim with attractions, character and greenery. Some of Sintra’s most popular attractions are its fairytale castles, with highlights including the Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira and Monserrate Palace. Witness the intriguing 19th-century Romantic architecture that reflected the fantastical whimsy of the Romantic ideals. Together with other landmarks found in the area, these castles make up the UNESCO-listed Cultural Landscape of Sintra.

Another castle that’s part of the UNESCO title includes Castelo dos Mouros. This particular site is slightly less touristy than the fairytale castles, but still has just as rich a history and expansive views. Finish your exploration with a stroll across its ancient walls and turrets.

Getting there:

• Approximately 45 minutes by train
• Around 30 kilometres by car

Another coastal day trip from Lisbon includes Ericeira – the perfect backdrop for a relaxing day out. Wander down the cobblestone streets and catch glimpses of its past as a fishing town. The beaches offer soft golden sands, rugged landscapes and dramatic waves that are particularly popular with surfers. The town even earned the World Surfing Reserve (WSR) back in 2011, so whether you’re a beginner or a pro, there’s sure to be a few waves to catch on the coast.

If you’re more interested in Portugal’s cuisine, Ericeira also has some outstanding, local dishes – great for getting an authentic taste of the area. For those who have a sweet tooth, Ouriço cakes are sure to hit the spot. The almond sponge is a sweet, nutty and utterly delicious treat. For savoury lovers, Ericeira’s seafood is outstanding. Try out local catches such as sea bream, sea bass and sole. 

Getting there:

• Approximately one hour by bus
• Around 55 kilometres by car

If you love nothing more than local cuisine on holiday, consider adding Setúbal to your list of day trips from Lisbon. A popular dish from the area includes choco frito (fried cuttlefish) and tuna muxama (cured tuna). In terms of its drinks, Moscatel de Setúbal is a locally-loved dessert wine with sweet, nutty notes.

Beyond its kitchen, Setúbal has heaps of culture to offer, with a highlight including the Praça do Bocage. This historic town square is the perfect place to people-watch and soak in the local life unfolding around you. There are plenty of cafés in the area too, so if you enjoy reading on holiday, this is just the place to turn a few pages. 

If nature is more your thing, consider visiting Arrábida Natural Park. Here, you’ll find stretching coasts, limestone cliffs and Mediterranean landscapes. And, if you enjoy active holidays, you can take part in a variety of activities including hiking, kayaking and caving. 

Getting there:

• Approximately 45 minutes by bus
• Around 50 kilometres by car

Óbidos looks like it’s been plucked straight from a postcard with its medieval city walls, cobblestones and castles. Take a stroll around the city and discover the whitewashed houses, adorned with bougainvillea. If you’re interested in architecture, Óbidos Castle is certainly worth a visit. The castle-turned-pousada (a type of Portuguese hotel) has many interesting features, including its Moorish, Manueline, Gothic and Romanesque influences. Venture to the castle walls and soak in the surrounding vistas, and afterward, browse the souvenir shop if you like to pick up mementos on holiday.

If you enjoy a tipple or two, Óbidos is known for its beverages. Wander down the shopfront stores and small wall openings and sample Ginjinha: a local cherry liqueur that’s often served in an edible chocolate cup, with a cherry at the bottom. The sweet yet tart concoction offers a uniquely moreish taste. 

Getting there:

• Approximately one hour by bus
• Around 80 kilometres by car

Nazaré is a surfers’ paradise. Known for its big waves, surfers from around the world flock to the coast to get in on the action. In fact, the largest wave in the entire world was surfed here, with Sebastian Steudtner breaking the Guinness World Record for riding an 86-foot wave!

If you prefer to stay on land, Nazaré’s bustling atmosphere has plenty to offer. Explore the beachfront’s lively cafes, restaurants and markets that all give a unique character to the town. In terms of its food, Nazaré promises fresh seafood. Local delicacies include Arroz de Tamboril (monkfish rice), percebes (barnacles) and Cataplana (a flavourful shellfish stew). 

End your day with a ride on the funicular that takes you to the Sítio district. Soak in the impressive views on the way, and stop by São Miguel Arcanjo Fort to get surrounding vistas of Nazaré’s coasts.

Getting there:

• Approximately two hours by bus
• Around 130 kilometres by car

For those in search of a spiritual retreat, consider a stop by Fátima. This popular Catholic pilgrimage site is most known for the 1917 apparitions of the Virgin Mary by three children. The site isn’t only visited by religious travellers, as its architecture and history appeal to a variety of visitors. Standouts of the pilgrimage site include the Sanctuary of Our Lady and the Chapel of the Apparitions, the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary and the modern Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity.

Beyond its religious sites, Fátima has many natural landscapes to explore. A popular spot includes Serra de Aire e Candeeiros Natural Park, which is known for its underground caves, dinosaur footprints and bats. After exploring the caves, why not end your Portuguese adventure with a spot of stargazing in the park? Watch the stars light up the inky night sky.

Getting there:

• Approximately one-and-a-half hours by bus
• Around 140 kilometres by car

There are so many destinations on the doorstep to Lisbon that show a different side to Portugal's culture and landscapes. From the palaces of Sintra to the surfy beaches of Cascais, these day trips are sure to suit your travel style. So, whether you’re after coasts, culture or cuisine – it’s time to adventure.