10 Best Day Trips from Lisbon, Portugal

If you’re planning a trip to Lisbon and not making time for a few day trips, you’re seriously missing out. Some of the best day trips from Lisbon take you to cliffside villages, fairytale palaces, and sleepy towns that feel a world away from the city. I visited at the end of September, which was the perfect time: warm days, fewer crowds, and just the right amount of shoulder-season chill. Lisbon itself is amazing, but getting out of the city added so much variety (and pastel de nata-fueled joy) to the trip.

I didn’t rent a car for this trip to hit up the best day trips from Lisbon, and honestly, I didn’t need to. I got around using public transportation and the occasional guided tour, and everything ran smoothly (or as smoothly as train schedules allow). Some spots were an easy train ride, others required a bus or a boat ride, but nothing was too complicated. I loved not having to worry about parking or navigating narrow roads, and still got to see some of the Lisbon day trips without the stress.

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Quick Guide: What are the Best Day Trips from Lisbon?

If you’re looking for the best day trips from Lisbon, Portugal, you’ve come to the right place! Here are 10 of my favorites and a map of the destinations to help you get your bearings. The blue numbers correspond to the day trip locations, and the yellow bed icons correspond to my Lisbon hotel recommendations.

1. Berlengas: Best hidden gem
2. Óbidos: Best slow-paced day trip
3. Arrábida National Reserve Park: Best beach escape
4. Cascais: Best laid-back beach town
5. Sintra: Best palace day trip
6. Cabo Da Roca: Best coastal views
7. Belém: Best food stop
8. Fátima: Best spiritual destination
9. Évora: Best history + wine combo
10. Azhenas do Mar: Best seaside village

1. Berlengas

If you love gorgeous green water, dramatic scenery, and some unique history, look no further than Berlengas. I met up with a small group tour, and we headed up to Peniche before catching the ferry over to the island of Berlengas. Be warned that the ocean on the ferry ride over can get pretty rough, but fortunately it just put me to sleep…turns out the ferry is an excellent spot for a nap. Ferry rides are usually about 30 minutes, but may take a bit longer depending on the weather.

Upon arrival, I took approximately a million photos because yes, it’s just that idyllic. Take a ride in a glass-bottom boat and get up close and personal with the caves. Next up, head over to the fort. The fort used to be a luxury guesthouse, but is now run by the Friends of Berlengas and is a hostel.

Yes, you can sleep in an ocean-front fort. The hostel is relatively bare-bones, but it books up quickly, so make sure to book ahead if you’re interested! It’s only open May through September, since being on a large rock in the middle of winter sounds pretty unappealing.

After exploring the fort, take a swim in the water, and get ready to hike over to the other side of the island. During peak season, a restaurant is open, but I was there on literally the last day of September, so nothing was open…in hindsight, this worked out really well because the island was basically deserted and I could enjoy the natural beauty without thousands of my closest friends.

2. Óbidos

Another of the best day trips from Lisbon is definitely Óbidos. This turned out to be one of the most picturesque little towns I’ve ever seen. At some points, I kind of felt like I was in a small town in Greece.

When you’re in Óbidos, climb the walls of the town, take way too many pictures of the houses, and go shopping on Rua Direita. Trust me when I say you won’t need to ask for directions…it’s very small. Make sure to try out Ginja (cherry liquor served in little chocolate cups); it’s one of the drinks Óbidos is best known for. I tried it, and am still unsure how I feel…the liquor was strong for 11:00AM, but you can never go wrong with chocolate.

Óbidos is a go-slow kind of village, so enjoy a quiet lunch while people watching. To get to Óbidos from Lisbon, hop on the “Rapida Verde” (Green Express) bus. It leaves from the Campo Grande station in Lisbon, and only takes an hour.

3. Arrábida National Reserve Park

Arrábida National Reserve Park is a magical place with breathtaking views. You’ll almost feel like you were transported with the Caribbean once you see the water! It’s nice to take a break from the sightseeing and the cities; go snorkeling on this tour in the crystal clear blue waters and discover the remarkable landscape of Arrábida.

To get to the National Park, the easiest way is to join a tour or rent a car and drive, which takes about 40 minutes from Lisbon, depending on traffic. One of the best things to do is to drive along the Estrada de Escarpa Road, which has some of the most postcard-perfect views. Make sure you stop at the main viewpoints: Convento da Arrábida, Miradouro do Norte, and Miradouro do Portinho da Arrábida.

One of the other highlights is obviously the beaches. You can opt to go beach hopping or just pick one and hang out for the afternoon. Praia dos Galapinhos is absolutely unreal and was previously named Europe’s top beach.

4. Cascais

Next up on the list of best day trips from Lisbon is the beach town of Cascais, which has a laid-back vibe. The downtown area is great to explore, but make sure to set aside plenty of time for the beach. Check out the (extremely photogenic) lighthouse, and rent a bike to explore some of the outlying areas. Cascais is the perfect escape from Lisbon on a steamy summer day!

Even when I went at the end of September, Lisbon hit 93 degrees, and believe me, it was hot. To get to Cascais, you can take the Comboios do Portugal (CP) urban commuter line, which leaves from several stations in Lisbon and ends in Cascais (cost is €2,55). Check out schedules here to plan your trip.

Another option is to take a private tour with, which is what I opted for. My guide not only gave me some awesome photo tips, but took me to some picturesque spots tourists don’t usually get to see. We had the luxury of a car, so we could drive from town to town without having to rely on public transportation.

I also loved some of the views he showed me that I never would have seen if I tried to navigate on my own. In the course of a day, we explored Cascais, Sintra, Cabo da Rocsa, Azenhas do Mar, Praia Grande, and Praia de Meces. Honestly, each of these could be a day trip on their own, so it really depends on how much time you have in the area.

5. Sintra

Sintra is a town of palaces set in the picturesque hills of Portugal. Make sure to visit Sintra Village (it’s adorable), Monserrate Palace, Pena Palace, and the Moorish Castle. Fun fact: Madonna owns a house (more of a mansion/estate) in Sintra, so keep an eye out for it!

We drove past it on our way through the hills, but sadly couldn’t see any of it from the road. To get to Sintra, you can take the regional Comboios do Portugal (CP) train, which takes a bit over an hour.  If I were going to go back, I’d definitely plan to stay in Sintra for at least a night or two…there are so many beautiful places to see there.

6. Cabo Da Roca

If you’re in Lisbon, Cabo da Roca is a must-see. It’s the most western spot in mainland Europe and is absolutely striking. My visit happened to be on an extraordinarily windy and foggy day, but the cliffs were lovely nonetheless. I’d definitely recommend packing layers because it does get significantly colder than Lisbon.

Cabo da Roca is a popular stop on tour bus day trips from Lisbon as a stop between Sintra and Cascais. If you happen to arrive at the same time as a tour bus, just be patient. They typically leave pretty quickly due to the chilly breeze. If you have a bit of extra time, you can also escape the crowds by taking one of the hiking trails to enjoy a bit of peace and quiet.

7. Belém

Belém is probably the easiest day trip you can choose. Hop on the 15 tram or 728 bus from Lisbon to Belem. Must-do activities in Belém are visiting the spectacular Torre de Belém, snacking on a Pastéis de Nata, and taking in the extravagance of the Mosteiro dos Jeronimos.

Belém is a delightful little town to explore for a half day or full day, and with frequent trams and buses, it is extremely quick to get to from Lisbon. Another option is to take a guided tour of Belém, where you can learn a bit more about the history of the city and Portugal.  If you choose, you can even escape the hustle and bustle of Lisbon for a few nights, and take advantage of the beautiful Belém hotels.

8. Fátima

Fátima is one of the most important Catholic pilgrimage sites in the world. Pilgrims gather around the Sanctuary of Fátima carrying candles, praying, and taking in the massive square surrounding the basilica. Whether you’re religious or not, there’s something powerful about seeing thousands of people gathered in one place with such a strong sense of purpose.

The city is home to several important religious sites, including the Capelinha das Aparições (where the Virgin Mary appeared), the Basílica de Nossa Senhora do Rosário, and the Igreja da Santíssima Trindade.

9. Évora

Évora is one of the best day trips from Lisbon if you love history, wine, and slower-paced towns with tons of character. This UNESCO World Heritage city is packed with whitewashed buildings and impressive landmarks around each corner. One of the biggest highlights is the Roman Temple of Évora, which is truly remarkable.

You’ll also find picturesque churches, lively squares, and the Chapel of Bones, which is equal parts fascinating and unsettling. And honestly, one of the best parts of visiting Évora is slowing down for a long lunch with local wine.

10. Azenhas do Mar

You can find Azenhas do Mar on a cliff only 30 kilometers from Lisbon. It’s definitely one of the best day trips from Lisbon and is known for its panoramic views. If it’s not too cold, take a dip in the ocean, or simply sunbathe on the beach. Or do as I did and go hunt out the best view of the town…the shot below was my fave!

After wandering around the viewpoints, grab a seafood lunch overlooking the ocean. Azenhas do Mar is known for its fresh seafood restaurants perched along the cliffs, and it’s hard to beat a long lunch with fresh fish and a glass of vinho verde.

After exploring the best day trips from Lisbon, continue north to Porto. Porto has a completely different vibe from Lisbon, with riverside wine caves, colorful streets, and some of the best food and wine in Portugal. I absolutely loved my time there (even more than Lisbon), and it paired perfectly with the slower coastal and countryside escapes around Lisbon.

Where to Stay in Lisbon, Portugal

Here are my recommendations for where to stay in Lisbon, Portugal:

1. The Lumiares Hotel & Spa: A stylish boutique stay in Bairro Alto with rooftop views.
2. Memmo Alfama Hotel: Perfect for first-timers who want charm, views, and easy access to Alfama’s narrow streets.
3. Hotel Avenida Palace: Old-world elegance right by Rossio Square, great for an affordable stay.
4. Corpo Santo Lisbon Historical Hotel: Best luxury hotel with thoughtful details and great service, close to the riverfront.

Whether you’re in Lisbon for four days or two weeks, getting out of the city is 100% worth it. These are the kinds of day trips that give you a real feel for Portugal. No matter which destinations you choose, the best day trips from Lisbon add so much depth to a Portugal itinerary and show just how diverse this country really is.

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