6 Fantastic Day Trips from Lisbon

When you’re ready to take a break from wandering Lisbon’s hilly, cobbled streets, consider one of these six wonderful destinations for a perfect day trip.

From surfing adventures and charming hill towns to vibrant art locales and historic sites, discover beyond the Portuguese capital with these incredible day trips, all within two hours.

1. Sintra

Travel time: 40 minutes

Enchanting and picturesque, Sintra is among the most sought-after day trips from Lisbon. With numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites, this quaint town is nestled in verdant mountains, adorned with grand palaces, and features an estate steeped in mystique and hidden rituals.

Catch a bus or tackle the steep ascent to explore two of Sintra’s iconic landmarks: the medieval Castelo dos Mouros and the stunning 19th-century Palácio Nacional da Pena. Visits to the castle typically last between 60 and 90 minutes, followed by a leisurely walk down the main road to the historic center, winding through the unspoiled slopes of Serra de Sintra. Split your time between wandering the charming city on foot, visiting the Palácio Nacional de Sintra, and discovering Quinta da Regaleira and its mystical Initiation Well, which is the source of many legends and tales surrounding the estate.

Whatever your lunch plans, a visit to Sintra isn’t complete without indulging in the local pastries. Since 1862, Casa Piriquita has been crafting the renowned travesseiros (a delicate puff pastry filled with egg and almond, shaped like a pillow) and the delicious bite-sized tarts known as queijadas de Sintra.

Getting to Sintra from Lisbon: Take the suburban train (Sintra Line) from Rossio. If you prefer to drive, the quickest route is via the A37, but keep in mind that only residents’ vehicles, buses, and taxis are permitted in the historic center. Sintra is a 40-minute train ride or a 30-minute drive from Lisbon, with trains running every 15 to 20 minutes on weekdays and every half hour on weekends.

2. Peniche

Travel time: 1 hour and 30 minutes

Surfers have been flocking to Peniche long before the colossal waves of nearby Nazaré brought international attention to Portugal's Atlantic Coast. This small city, with its rugged coastline, is a fantastic beach destination in the summer and a year-round surfing haven. Whether you're chasing waves or just enjoying the shore, Peniche's beaches, particularly Baleal and Supertubos, are among the top attractions for wave riders.

The historic center of the city is easily navigable on foot, with the stunning Atlantic Ocean as your backdrop. During summer, consider taking a 45-minute boat ride to Berlenga Grande island, where you can explore its beaches and nature reserve. Don't miss the fortress, once a political prison during the Conservative Dictatorship (1930-1974), now a museum dedicated to the anti-regime resistance.

In this coastal city where fishing remains a key industry, seafood is abundant. Whether you're keen to sample caldeirada (fish stew) or prefer grilled sardines, you'll find plenty of restaurants featuring the catch of the day. Just look for a marisqueira (seafood restaurant) near the coast.

Getting to Peniche from Lisbon: Buses depart from Lisbon’s Sete Rios bus station, with tickets available through Rede Expressos. If driving, Peniche is located 100km (62 miles) north of Lisbon, roughly a 1¼-hour trip via the A8 or 1½ hours via the A1.

3. Évora

Travel time: 1 hour and 30 minutes

As the capital of the Alentejo region, Évora features charming whitewashed houses with yellow accents, embodying the typical image of southern Portugal. A perfect destination for a short road trip from Lisbon, sunny Évora is known for its delightful food, wine, and historical Roman landmarks.

Évora’s Roman temple is the first stop for every visitor. This well-preserved marble structure from the 1st century stands as one of Portugal’s most important remnants of the Roman Empire. For a more macabre experience, the 17th-century Bone Chapel is another must-see. Located within São Francisco church, it’s adorned from top to bottom with bones and skulls, serving as a reminder of life’s transience for Catholic parishioners. Afterward, take a moment to enjoy the fresh air at Praça do Giraldo.

Alentejo cuisine is known for its rich flavors rooted in humble traditions. Visit Café Alentejo for petiscos (tasty finger foods) such as scrambled eggs with farinheira (a flour-based sausage), or head to Taberna Típica Quarta-Feira for classic dishes like fried pork. If you’re in Évora for the wine, stop by Cafetaria Páteo de São Miguel for Cartuxa wine by the glass, or visit Ervideira Wine Shop for a wine tasting, with or without food pairings.

Getting to Évora from Lisbon: Buses are available from both Oriente and Sete Rios stations, and you can check schedules on the Rede Expressos website. If you prefer driving, Évora is located 135km (84 miles) south of Lisbon. Take the A2 to cross the Ponte 25 de Abril bridge, then continue along the A6. If approaching from the east side of the city, use the A12 to cross the Vasco da Gama bridge and proceed on the A6. The drive takes about 1½ hours either way. Parking within the city walls is restricted to residents, hotel guests, and those with reduced mobility. Outside the walls, the nearest parking lot to the historic center (a 10-minute walk) is located near Porta Velha da Lagoa.

4. Óbidos

Travel time: 1 hour and 15 minutes

Though the walled city of Óbidos attracts many visitors, it’s easy to see why this charming town captivates so many. With its cobblestone streets lined with whitewashed houses, the town is encircled by medieval walls that visitors can stroll along (if they dare). Walking these walls offers stunning views of the town below and the Castelo de Óbidos, a 13th-century fortress that now operates as the Pousada do Castelo. Rua Direita, the town's main thoroughfare, is filled with shops selling chocolate and the local sour cherry liqueur (ginjinha), but don't forget to meander through the winding side streets for a more rewarding exploration.

For book lovers, Óbidos may be the ultimate destination. This historic town, recognized as a UNESCO City of Literature, is home to an impressive number of remarkable bookstores. Visit Livraria de Santiago, a charming bookshop located within the 18th-century São Tiago church, originally built in 1186 and rebuilt in 1772 after being destroyed in the 1755 Lisbon earthquake.

While Óbidos is a popular spot for day trips, many visitors are tempted to extend their stay at The Literary Man. This unique hotel, filled with books, also features the Literary Gin Bar, where even casual visitors can enjoy cocktails inspired by literary themes.

Getting to Óbidos from Lisbon: Óbidos is approximately 1¼ hours from Lisbon via the A8. Take exit 15 and follow the signs to Óbidos. You can also use this expressway to continue west toward Peniche. For those preferring public transport, a bus departs from the Campo Grande bus station, operated by Rodoviária do Oeste. Departure times are available online, but tickets are purchased on the bus.

5. Barreiro

Travel time: 25 minutes

Once an industrial city on the southern banks of the Tagus River, Barreiro is shedding its factory-laden past and transforming into one of the country's top art destinations. Recognized as the finest of the river towns, Barreiro is an emerging choice for day trips, with attractions and tours that honor its industrial legacy. Notably, renowned street artist Vhils has established his workshop in Baía do Tejo, a former factory now revitalized as a business center.

Upon disembarking from the ferry, head left toward the historic train station. Just past the station, you'll find the white-sand Alburrica beach, known for its windmills and the occasional river surfers. Surfing the river waves, especially during ferry rush hours, is a trend initiated by the local sports group Gasoline. Don't miss the street art along Av Bento Gonçalves, particularly the stunning mural on the back wall of the creative center Escola Conde Ferreira. Consider booking a tour with a local company to delve into Barreiro’s industrial history or learn about Vhils’ largest artwork at Baía do Tejo. On your return to the ferry station, check out ADAO, a local arts organization that transformed the old firefighters’ headquarters.

Barreiro’s cuisine reflects the Algarve and Alentejo heritage of its former factory workers. Along 'Beach Avenue' (officially Av Bento Gonçalves), many restaurants serve traditional Portuguese fare, with a focus on seafood. For a lighter option, visit àPortuguesa Brr, a café-bar that offers only Portuguese products and occasionally hosts live music.

Getting to Barreiro from Lisbon: Take the ferry from Terreiro do Paço, with one-way tickets priced around €2.65. Ferries run every 30 to 60 minutes on weekends and every 10 to 20 minutes during weekdays, taking about 20 to 25 minutes to cross.

6. Cacilhas

Travel time: 10 minutes

Though many pass through Cacilhas on their way to the Cristo Rei viewpoint, this vibrant riverside neighborhood in Almada deserves more than just a quick visit. Follow the enticing aroma of freshly grilled fish from the riverside eateries, take in the charming small-town houses, watch local fishermen at work, and immerse yourself in the thriving cultural scene.

Walk along the Tagus River on the street adjacent to the ferry station, enjoying views of Lisbon across the water. For a different perspective, take the free panoramic lift to avoid the uphill trek. Visit the cultural center, Casa da Cerca, just a five-minute stroll from the lift, where you can explore contemporary art exhibits or enjoy coffee with a view from the outdoor terrace (weather permitting). As you make your way back, stroll down Rua Cândido dos Reis, Cacilhas’ renowned street filled with bars, shops, cafes, and restaurants specializing in fish dishes. Don’t miss the opportunity to browse old art at bookshop Meia Volta de Urano, where you might even catch a spontaneous jam session.

Traditional eateries near the ferry station, such as the well-known Ponto Final, focus on serving fresh seafood. Along Rua Cândido dos Reis, you'll find a diverse selection of restaurants, ranging from pizza and artisanal burger spots to ice cream parlors and those offering classic Portuguese dishes.

How to reach Cacilhas from Lisbon: Take the ferry from Cais do Sodré. A one-way ticket costs about €1.30, and the journey takes 10 minutes. Ferries run every 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the time of day and day of the week.