Day Trips from Lisbon: Options for Everyone
Top Beaches for a Day Trip from Lisbon
Nazare
Distance from Lisbon: 2 hours by train or 1 hour 30 minutes by car.
What to Bring: Beach essentials and comfortable shoes for exploring.
Expert Tip: For those interested in Nazare’s impressive waves, consider the 2-hour lessons available at Nazare Surf School.
Nazare is renowned for its big-wave surfing, but if you’re not into surfing, you can relax on the warm, golden sands of Praia do Norte. Make sure to visit the Miradouro da Pederneira either by foot or via the Nazare Funicular for stunning views of the town and ocean. The Funicular also allows you to explore the upper town. For a more serene beach experience, check out Sao Martinho do Porto Beach, where you can enjoy a quieter day by the sea.
Peniche
Distance from Lisbon: 2 hours 10 minutes by bus or 1 hour 20 minutes by car.
What to Bring: Beach essentials and a jacket if you plan to visit Berlengas.
Expert Tip: Make a stop at the charming Cafe do Mercado for coffee, snacks, or a hearty meal.
Adjacent to Nazare, Peniche boasts beaches that rival those of its historic old town. Peniche also serves as a gateway to the breathtaking Berlengas Islands archipelago, a natural reserve teeming with unique ecosystems. The islands can be reached in about an hour by ferry or roughly 30 minutes by speedboat.
Cascais
The Ultimate Day Trip from Lisbon to Sintra
The Best Walking Routes Around Lisbon
Arrabida Natural Park
Santuário da Peninha Trail
Distance from Lisbon: 1 hour by train or 35 minutes by car.
What to Bring: Comfortable hiking footwear.
Expert Tip: It’s advisable to drive to this trail, as walking from Sintra to the starting point can take several hours.
The Santuário da Peninha Trail in the Sintra mountains leads you to the ruins of the St. Saturnine hermitage. This picturesque and atmospheric hike is relatively straightforward and takes about four hours, rewarding you with breathtaking views at the summit.
Cultural Day Trips from Lisbon
Obidos
Distance from Lisbon: 2 hours by train or 1 hour 10 minutes by car.
What to Bring: A reusable shopping bag for your souvenirs.
Expert Tip: Enjoy lunch at Tasca Torta, a charming eatery with a welcoming vibe just a few minutes from Sao Tiago.
Obidos, a UNESCO city of literature, is a must-visit for book enthusiasts. Check out the Livraria de Santiago bookshop located within a 12th-century church. Wander along Rua Direita and explore shops selling handcrafted goods and Ginja de Obidos liquor. Don’t miss the Municipal Museum, which showcases the town’s artistic heritage inside an 18th-century manor.
Barreiro
Distance from Lisbon: 1 hour by train or 36 minutes by car.
What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes.
Expert Tip: Savor classic Portuguese dishes at the Casa Velha pub.
Once an industrial center, Barreiro is now celebrated for its vibrant street art, lovely beaches, and delectable cuisine. Explore various museums to dive into the town’s history, such as the Casa Museu Alfredo da Silva and the Reservas Museológicas Visitáveis. Don't miss a stop at the ADAO cultural center, known for its striking architecture.
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Portuguese Cities Easily Accessible from Lisbon
Evora
Distance from Lisbon: 1h 45 min by train or 1h 30 min by car.
What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes.
Expert Tip: Indulge in wild boar at the Vinho e Noz restaurant.
Evora, located in the heart of the Alentejo region, is steeped in history. Spend your day exploring the impressive 1st-century Roman temple, then head to the 17th-century Chapel of Bones, where the walls are adorned with skulls and bones.
Porto
Distance from Lisbon: 2h 50 min by train or 3h 10 min by car.
What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes and clothes.
Expert Tip: Enjoy delicious seafood at eLeBe Baixa for a relaxing lunch.
Porto boasts stunning churches; be sure to visit the exquisite Chapel of Souls, known for its blue and white tiles and neoclassical style. Don't miss the exteriors of Sao Francisco and Igreja de Santo Ildefonso. For breathtaking views of the city, check out the Miradouro da Vitoria or climb the Clerigos Tower.
Santarém
Distance from Lisbon: 1 hour by train or car.
What to Bring: Walking shoes, a hat, and a charged camera for plenty of photos.
Expert Tip: Dine at the Taberna do Quinzena.
This charming, historic city is definitely worth a quick trip from Lisbon. Explore its past at the Museu Municipal de Santarém, featuring fascinating archaeological exhibits. Walk along the walls of the Portas do Sol for stunning views, and don’t forget to visit the city’s lovely churches, including an 18th-century Franciscan monastery.
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The Ideal Day Trip from Lisbon, by Katherine
■ Catch the train from Central Lisbon at 8:30 am.
- Enjoy a 1-hour train ride.
■ Arrive in Sintra and make your way to Pena Palace.
- Spend 1 hour and 30 minutes exploring the palace.
■ Savor a delightful lunch at Tascantiga.
- Take the 1253 bus, which takes about 10 minutes.
■ Visit Monserrate Palace next.
■ Dine at Romaria de Baco in town.
- Catch the hour-long train back to Lisbon.
■ Arrive back in Lisbon by 10 pm.
Final Thoughts
If you're planning to stay in Lisbon for a while, these day trips are an excellent way to diversify your experience. For more ideas on how to enjoy your time in the city, check out our 10-day guide to Lisbon for a complete itinerary, and our list of the top 20 things to do in Lisbon to help fill your schedule.
Is a day trip to Porto from Lisbon worth it?
Porto stands out as one of the best day trips from Lisbon accessible by train. Opt for the high-speed train for an approximate 2-hour and 30-minute journey to this historic city. Discover the shops and cafés in the charming Ribeira district before visiting the stunning Chapel of Souls.
Can you visit Lagos as a day trip from Lisbon?
Lagos is just under a 3-hour drive from Lisbon, making it feasible for a day trip if you’re willing to start early. Explore the charming walled Old Town or unwind on the beach. It's also a fantastic weekend destination, particularly known for its vibrant nightlife.
Is Evora suitable for a day trip from Lisbon?
Evora is indeed a viable day trip from Lisbon, located about 1 hour and 30 minutes away by car. You can easily visit key attractions like the Templo Romano in one day. Taking the train is only about 15 minutes longer on average, and the station is conveniently located just outside the city center.
Is it possible to do a day trip to the Algarve from Lisbon?
A day trip to the Algarve from Lisbon is definitely possible. You may spend up to 6 hours traveling round trip, but if you have just one day to explore this beautiful region, it’s definitely worthwhile. Begin your journey in Faro and rent a car to discover various beaches and charming towns.
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