Unforgettable Day Trips from Lisbon: 10 Must-See Spots

Lisbon is a city filled with monuments and museums to explore, fantastic food and wine, and friendly locals… the list goes on! You could easily spend 4-5 days exploring the main spots in the city, but if you can fit it in, we’d highly recommend going on a day trip or two to get a deeper sense of Portugal. Short journeys out of Lisbon on trains and buses will bring you to beautiful medieval towns, glorious beaches, and all of the greenery you could dream of.

Today at Civitatis, we’re running through some of our favorite day trips from Lisbon, from quaint villages to buzzy beach towns and nature parks—let’s get into it!

1. Sintra

How long does it take to get there?

Driving: Around 30–40 minutes via IC19 or A37.
Public transport: 40–50 minutes by train from Rossio Station.
Day trip: See below.

What’s the vibe?

The ever romantic Sintra is a must-visit from Lisbon. Tucked into a vast, mountainous forest, Sintra is adorned with colorful palaces, a majestic Moorish castle, and enchanting mansions, all of which form part of this UNESCO World Heritage town’s timeless charm.

A must in Sintra is this ticket to the Palacio da Pena & gardens, which gives you access to the town’s most iconic castle, built in the 18th century under King Ferdinand II. Today, the red, yellow, blue, and gray colors that paint the slender towers and domes are iconic across the country. Inside, you’ll find a rich collection of artworks, beautiful furniture, and majestic rooms.

Also, grab a ticket to the Castelo dos Mouros, a 12th-century Moorish castle, which harkens back to the Muslim occupation of the Iberian Peninsula. Alfonso Henriques eventually claimed this territory and built a medieval village on its grounds, which was abandoned in the 15th century, and later restored in the 19th century.

If you make your own way to Sintra and want to see all of the sights, check out this Sintra hop-on hop-off bus tour, or explore the town as part of this free walking tour, to learn more about it, accompanied by an expert guide. If you don’t want to have to think too much about logistics, why not just join a day trip with transport and tickets all included?

• Day trip to Sintra and Cascais + Palacio da Pena
• Day trip to Sintra, Cascais, Pena Palace & Quinta da Regaleira
• Day trip to Sintra+ Visit to the Quinta da Regaleira (by train)
• Day trip to Sintra, Nazaré, & Fátima
• Day trip to Sintra & Cascais + Winery tour

• Check out more tours & experiences in Sintra with Civitatis.

2. Cascais

How long does it take to get there?

Driving: About 35–40 minutes via A5.
Public transport: 40–50 minutes by train from Cais do Sodré Station.
Day trip: See below.

What’s the vibe?

Next up on our list is Cascais, Lisbon’s cool seaside neighbor, and the premier holiday destination in the Portuguese Riviera. This resort town was historically the summer getaway for Portuguese nobility, which has left its mark on the city, retaining its elegant charm and regal mansions on its vibrant cobblestone streets. We also love Cascais for its stunning views, particularly when they’re framed by the charming blue and white striped Santa Marta Lighthouse.

Aside from the gorgeous food and numerous brilliant museums (definitely check out the Santa Maria House, a beautifully preserved seaside villa now open to the public), Cascais is a fantastic place to explore nature. With Civitatis, you can go on this Sintra-Cascais Natural Park trek, during which dramatic cliffs, lush forests, and windswept beaches offer a wild contrast to the town’s more sophisticated vibe. Find out why Cascais is one of our favorite day trips from Lisbon:

• Day trip to Sintra and Cascais + Palacio da Pena
• Day trip to Sintra, Cascais, Pena Palace & Quinta da Regaleira
• Day trip to Sintra & Cascais + Winery tour

• Check out more tours & experiences in Cascais with Civitatis.

3. Fátima

How long does it take to get there?

Driving: About 1 hour 30 minutes via A1.
Public transport: Around 2 hours by bus (Rede Expressos).
Day trip: Day trip to Fátima from Lisbon or Night trip to Fátima + Candlelight Procession.

What’s the vibe?

Fátima is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the Catholic world. One of Europe’s most visited ‘apparition sites’, Fátima is a serene, and spiritual town, whether you’re a believer or just looking for a place to reflect. Fátima’s claim to fame dates back to 1917 during World War 1, when, it is said, the Virgin Mary first appeared in the sky to deliver a message of peace. She would go on to appear on a number of other occasions, and was eventually recognized as a legitimate apparition by the Catholic Church in 1930.

To learn more about Portugal’s most famous pilgrimage site, check out this guided tour of Fátima, and visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima, the Church of Fátima and the historic home of Francisco and Jacinta Marto, two of the three shepard children who reported the sighting of the Virgin Mary in 1917.

• Check out more tours & experiences in Fátima with Civitatis.

4. Nazaré

How long does it take to get there?

Driving: About 1 hour 30 minutes via A8.
Public transport: Around 2.5 hours by bus (Rede Expressos).
Day trip: See below. Often paired with Fátima or Óbidos.

What’s the vibe?

Nazaré is famous for its enormous waves that facilitate world-class surfing (and a great place to take a beginner’s surf class, or even a bodyboarding class). That said, for many Nazaré is a quaint fishing town with dramatic cliffside views, winding cobbled streets, and authentic Portuguese charm. Exploring places like the Nazaré Market, the Casal das Figuiras, and the Peixe Seco Fishing Museum are great places to learn about this town’s history and culture. You can visit each of them with an expert guide on this Nazaré guided walking tour.

• Day trip to Sintra, Nazaré, & Fátima.
• Day trip to Óbidos & Nazaré
• Day trip to Óbidos, Fátima and Nazaré

• More tours & experiences in Nazaré with Civitatis.

5. Óbidos

How long does it take to get there?

Driving: About 1 hour via A8.
Public transport: Around 1 hour 15 minutes by bus (Rede Expressos).
Day trip: Day trip to Óbidos, Fátima and Nazaré.

What’s the vibe?

Óbidos is another town that visitors describe as being somewhere that could be straight out of a fairytale, making it an easy pick for one of the best day trips from Lisbon. This perfectly preserved medieval town is an open-air museum, surrounded by stone walls, inside which are winding cobblestone streets, whitewashed houses, and a mind-blowing cherry liqueur (ginjinha) served in chocolate cups.

Check out the gorgeous Santa Maria Church, the main church of the town, which dates back to the Visigothic period, and later served as a mosque during the period of Muslim rule in the Iberian Peninsula. Also, explore the Jewish Quarter, which dates back to the 14th and 15th centuries, as well as the Saõ Tiago Church bookstore, a famous 12th-century church which was rebuilt in 1772, and converted into a bookstore. See it all for yourself on this Óbidos guided tour, with a Ginginha tasting included!

6. Évora

How long does it take to get there?

Driving: Around 1 hour and 30 minutes via A6.
Public transport: About 1.5–2 hours by train (Comboios de Portugal) or bus.
Day trip: Évora + Monsaraz day trip from Lisbon

What’s the vibe?

Évora, located in the heart of Alentejo, is right in between Lisbon and Extremadura in Spain. This UNESCO World Heritage city features Roman ruins, Gothic churches, and laid-back vibe that is irresistable. Perfect for someone who loves discovering a city’s history and architecture, or who simply wants to enjoy a fantastic glass of wine!

Highlights in the city include the stunning Roman Temple (or Temple of Diana), which dates back to the first century AD, and was a place of worship for emperor Augustus. Also check out the Cathedral of Santa Maria de Évora, and the Chapel of Bones, a 17th-century chapel built as a place to reflect on the transience of life. Explore the city for yourself on this free walking tour of Évora, or this Évora private tour.

If you’re not so interested in history, don’t worry—Évora is a short drive from various wineries. Visit the Casa das Talhas Winery, where you can discover the diverse wines of the Alentejo region, and gain an insight into the production process.

7. Tomar

How long does it take to get there?

Driving: About 1 hour 30–40 minutes via A1 and A13.
Public transport: Around 2 hours by train (Comboios de Portugal).
Day trip: Tomar, Batalha & Alcobaça day trip, Tomar and Almourol Castle Day Trip

What’s the vibe?

Tomar is best known for the Convent of Christ—a 12th-century Templar stronghold and a masterpiece of medieval architecture. In fact, this town was the religious home of the Knights Templar (a Catholic military order which protected Christian pilgrims and the Holy Land during the Crusades) in the 12th, 13th and 14th centuries, and then the home of the Order of Christ between the 14th and 19th century. Tomar’s landmarks speak to its Templar past, with the 12th-century Charola (also known as the Round Church), and the Castelo de Tomar which was built in the same time period, and serves as an important line of defence in the city.

This city is also known fior the stunning 16th-century Pegões Aquaduct, which stands at nearly 100 feet (31 meters) in height, and features 180 arches. Also explore the Mara Nacional dos Sete Mones, a wonderfully manicured urban forest park, which feautres various hiking trails and gorgeous greenery.

Explore the city for yourself on this Tomar guided tour, or on this private tour.

8. Arrábida

How long does it take to get there?

Driving: About 45–60 minutes via A2 or N10.
Public transport: Around 1.5 hours by bus (from Setúbal or Lisbon).
Day trip: Arrabida and Sesimbra Day Trip, Arrábida National Park Tour + Dolphin Sighting

What’s the vibe?

For us, Arrábida is home to the very best beaches in Portugal. This natural paradise is home to endless beaches with white sand and crystal-clear water, limestone cliffs, and verdant hills. Get out onto the water on this kayaking tour of Arrábida, spot dolphins in the Sado Estuary, or enjoy the sunset on this boat ride in Setúbal Bay. If you want to explore the area’s stunning cliffs, check out this Arrábida coasteering activity, during which you’ll jump, swim and zipline along the epic coastline. Discover Arrábida’s greenery on this Arrábida Natural Park hike, during which you’ll also enjoy brilliant views of the Atlantic.

• Check out more tours & experiences in Arrábida with Civitatis.

9. Sesimbra

How long does it take to get there?

Driving: About 40–45 minutes via A2 and N378.
Public transport: Around 1.5–2 hours by bus.

What’s the vibe?

Both a charming fishing village and a laid-back beach town, Sesimbra is a fantastic destination to enjoy fresh seafood, chill out on peaceful beaches (or go snorkeling), and embark on coastal hikes. Located at the foot of the Arrábida Mountain Range, Sesimbra is a hugely popular tourist destination among Portuguese people, but hasn’t made a huge splash for international tourists.

Sesimbra is a wonderful place to just wander and soak up its rich history. A highlight is Sesimbra Castle, an 850-year-old castle at the seaside, which has been beautifully preserved. We’d also highly recommend exploring Sesimbra’s colorful and diverse seabed on this Sesimbra glass-bottom boat tour, or as part of this Sesimbra snorkel board experience.

• Check out more tours & activities in Sesimbra with Civitatis.

10. The Algarve

How long does it take to get there?

Driving: Around 2.5–3 hours via A2.
Public transport: 3–4 hours by train (Alfa Pendular) or bus.
Day trip: Algarve day trip from Lisbon.

What’s the vibe?

Did you know you can visit the Algarve from Lisbon? Portugal’s southern jewel is famous for golden beaches, delicious seafood, and charming villages, but the experience that you have will depend on which part you visit. Lagos, for example, is a favorite amongst surfers, general beach goers, and those looking to party. You also have Albuferia (primarily a ‘party’ destination), and Sagres, which is more isolated and wild, but also great for a ‘pure’ surfing vacation.

Because the Algarve is a little bit further away, we would recommend visiting as part of this Algarve day trip from Lisbon, which will bring you to explore Lagos, Praia do Comilo, the Benagil Caves, and Albufeira, seeing all of the main attractions along the way. Check it out!

• Check out more tours & experiences in the Algarve with Civitatis.

There you have it for our list of the best day trips from Lisbon! Where did we miss? If you’re looking for more ways to fill your itinerary in this Iberian gem, be sure to check out more tours & experiences in Portugal with Civitatis!