Best Day Trips from Lisbon (2025 Guide)
Best Day Trips from Lisbon (2025 Guide)
Top 10 Places to Visit Near Lisbon in a Day
Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in Europe drawing millions of visitors each year with its historic streets, easy pace, great views, and fresh seafood. But once you’ve seen the main sights and explored the city’s neighbourhoods, you might be wondering what are the best day trips from Lisbon to add to your itinerary.
The good news? There are plenty of easy Lisbon day trips that let you explore more of Portugal without going far. From scenic coastal towns to medieval villages, here are the best day trips from Lisbon, complete with travel tips, highlights and the best ways to get there by public transport, car or guided tour.
SINTRA
Sintra is probably the most popular of all Lisbon day trips, and a town you can’t miss when visiting Portugal. With colourful palaces and misty forests, it looks straight out of a fairytale. Once a summer retreat for Portuguese royal family, Sintra is now known for landmarks like the bright yellow and red Pena Palace, and the famous spiral staircase at Quinta da Regaleira. If you have a bit more time, you can even visit the Moorish Castle for astonishing views or head a bit further to the romantic Monserrate Palace.
A day trip to Sintra from Lisbon gives you plenty to see, whether you’re into palaces, forest walks, or just soaking up the atmosphere of this unique hillside town. Getting from Lisbon to Sintra is quick and straightforward, by both train and car.
If you’re planning your visit, check out our full guide to planning a Sintra day trip, with detailed information on what to do and see in Sintra.
How to get to Sintra from Lisbon
| Transport | Travel Time | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Train | ~40 min | Trains to Sintra leave regularly from Rossio Station in central Lisbon. It’s the easiest and most popular option. The station is a short walk from the town centre. |
| Car | ~40–50 min | Driving to Sintra takes about 40 minutes, but parking is very limited near the historic centre. |
| Tour | Half or full day | Many guided tours include Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, and sometimes Cabo da Roca or Cascais. |
CASCAIS
Just a few kilometres outside Lisbon you can find Cascais, a coastal town known for its beaches and picturesque old streets. It became a popular summer retreat for the Portuguese royal family in the 19th century and it still attracts both locals and travellers looking for sea and sun.
Getting from Lisbon to Cascais is one of the easiest and most scenic Lisbon day trips you can do, and it’s no surprise that a Cascais day trip is one of the most popular getaways from the capital.
You can explore the charming old town streets and check out the art galleries inside the historic Cidadela Art District. You can also visit Boca do Inferno, a dramatic cliff formation that’s especially impressive when the sea is rough. Not far from there is the Santa Marta Lighthouse, where you can climb to the top for great views of the ocean and surrounding coast. If you’re in the mood for some beach time, head to Guincho Beach, a favourite with surfers.
How to get to Cascais from Lisbon
| Transport | Travel Time | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Train | ~40 min | Trains to Cascais leave regularly from Lisbon’s Cais do Sodré station. It’s a scenic coastal route, and the train drops you right in the centre of town. |
| Car | ~35–45 min | It’s about 30 km west of Lisbon via the A5 or coastal road. Driving offers flexibility, but parking in summer can be tricky. |
| Tour | Half or full day | Guided tours often include Cascais along with Sintra or Cabo da Roca. A good option if you want to see more in one day without managing transport. |
ÉVORA
Located in the Alentejo region, Évora is a beautiful historic town known for its Roman ruins and well-preserved medieval centre. It’s one of the best-kept old towns in Portugal and has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Highlights include the Roman Temple of Évora, right in the middle of the city, and the Chapel of Bones, a small church lined with human skulls and bones.
You can also visit the Cathedral of Évora, walk the quiet cobblestone streets and enjoy some hearty Alentejo food in one of the many local restaurants.
Évora is small enough to explore on foot, and a day trip to Évora from Lisbon is perfect for anyone interested in history, architecture or a slower pace outside the capital. Getting from Lisbon to Évora is easy, making this one of the most rewarding cultural getaways you can take in a single day.
How to get to Évora from Lisbon
| Transport | Travel Time | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Train | ~1 hr 30 min | Direct trains leave from Lisbon’s Entrecampos or Oriente stations to Évora. The station is about a 10-minute walk from the centre. |
| Car | ~1 hr 30 min | Évora is around 135 km east of Lisbon via the A6 motorway. |
| Tour | Full day | Many full-day tours from Lisbon include Évora and nearby wine tastings or megalithic sites. |
ÓBIDOS
Óbidos is one of the most charming small towns in Portugal, known for its medieval walls, cobblestone streets and white houses. It feels like stepping back in time. The main street has plenty of small shops, cafés, and bookshops, and there’s even a 12th-century castle that now works as a hotel. You can also enjoy amazing views of the surrounding countryside from the rooftops.
A day trip to Óbidos from Lisbon is easy and well worth it. You can visit the beautiful Igreja de Santa Maria, see the old aqueduct, and try a shot of the local cherry liqueur called ginjinha, served in a little chocolate cup.
Óbidos also hosts fun events throughout the year like a chocolate festival, a medieval fair, and a popular Christmas market. It’s a small place and easy to explore in half a day, which makes it a perfect Lisbon day trip.
How to Get to Óbidos from Lisbon
| Transport | Travel Time | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Car | ~1 hr | Óbidos is about 85 km north of Lisbon. The drive is straightforward via the A8 highway. There’s a car park just outside the town walls. |
| Bus | ~1 hr | Rodoviária do Oeste buses leave from Campo Grande in Lisbon and drop you near the main gate. Tickets cost around €8 each way. |
| Tour | Full day | Many day tours combine Óbidos with places like Nazaré, Batalha or Fátima. It’s a good option if you want to visit multiple towns in one trip. |
AVEIRO AND ÍLHAVO
Aveiro is a small city known for its canals, colourful boats, and Art Nouveau buildings, often called the ‘Venice of Portugal’. It’s a fun place to spend a few hours: take a boat ride on a traditional moliceiro, stroll along the waterfront, and try ovos moles, the city’s famous sweet made with egg yolk and sugar. Lisbon to Aveiro is an easy journey by train or car, ideal for a relaxing coastal day trip.
Just a short drive or taxi from Aveiro is Ílhavo, a quiet town with strong fishing roots. You can visit the Maritime Museum to learn about Portugal’s cod fishing history or stop by the Vista Alegre porcelain factory to see how Portugal’s most iconic ceramics are made. If there’s time, swing by Costa Nova or Barra beach nearby, both known for their striped houses and relaxed vibe.
A day trip to Aveiro from Lisbon is one of the most relaxed Lisbon day trips, with a great mix of culture, food, and coastal charm.
How to Get to Aveiro and Ílhavo from Lisbon
| Transport | Travel Time | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Car | ~2 hr 30 min | Aveiro is about 255 km north of Lisbon. From there, it’s just a 10–15 min drive to Ílhavo. |
| Train + Taxi | ~2 hr 45 min | Take a direct train from Lisbon (Santa Apolónia or Oriente) to Aveiro (around 2 hrs). Then take a local taxi or Uber to Ílhavo (10–15 min). Return trains run into the evening. |
| Tour | Full day | Some small-group tours include both Aveiro and Ílhavo, often with a stop in Costa Nova. |
FÁTIMA
Fátima is one of the most well-known religious sites in Portugal and a major pilgrimage destination for Catholics from around the world.
In 1917, three local children claimed they saw the Virgin Mary appear in a field outside the town, the spot where the Chapel of the Apparitions stands today. Nearby, you’ll find the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, where the children are buried, and the more modern Basilica of the Holy Trinity.
A day trip to Fátima from Lisbon is easy by bus or car, and even if you’re not religious, it’s a peaceful and meaningful place to visit. Lisbon to Fátima takes around 90 minutes, and the sanctuary area is compact enough to explore in just a couple of hours. It’s a unique stop that adds a different perspective to your Lisbon day trips.
How to Get to Fátima from Lisbon
| Transport | Travel Time | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Bus | ~1 hr 30 min | Buses leave from Sete Rios station. Tickets cost around €13. The bus stops near the sanctuary and runs frequently. |
| Car | ~1 hr 15 min | About 130 km north of Lisbon via the A1 highway. Straightforward drive with plenty of parking near the sanctuary. |
| Train | ~2 hrs (incl. taxi) | No direct train. Take a train to Chão de Maçãs, then a 20–30 min taxi to Fátima. Less convenient than bus or car. |
MAFRA
Mafra is a small town located in the north of Lisbon, famous for the Palácio Nacional de Mafra, one of the largest buildings in Portugal. This 18th-century complex includes a palace, a monastery, a basilica and one of the most beautiful libraries in Europe.
A day trip to Mafra from Lisbon is ideal if you’re into history, architecture or just want a quieter experience away from the tourist crowds. You can spend a couple of hours exploring the palace’s long corridors, beautiful rooms and the impressive collection of books in the Rococo-style library. Lisbon to Mafra is an easy journey by car or bus, making it one of the more peaceful and underrated Lisbon day trips.
If you have extra time, visit the nearby Tapada Nacional de Mafra, a nature reserve with hiking trails that was once the royal hunting grounds.
How to Get to Mafra from Lisbon
| Transport | Travel Time | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Bus | ~45–60 min | Scotturb and Mafrense buses run from Lisbon (Campo Grande terminal) to Mafra. It’s the easiest public transport option. Buses stop near the palace. |
| Car | ~40 min | Mafra is about 40 km northwest of Lisbon via the A8 and A21. |
| Tour | Half or full day | Some guided tours include Mafra along with destinations like Ericeira or Sintra. |
NAZARÉ
Nazaré is a small coastal town well known for its giant waves, which attract surfers from all over the world. It’s one of the most unique Lisbon day trips, especially during the winter months when the waves at Praia do Norte can reach record-breaking heights. The best place to watch them is from the Fort of São Miguel Arcanjo.
Even outside surf season, a day trip to Nazaré from Lisbon is a great way to experience a traditional fishing town with colourful boats, long sandy beaches and excellent seafood. You can take the funicular up to the Sítio district for panoramic views of the coast or stop by the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazaré, a local pilgrimage site with lots of history.
Lisbon to Nazaré by bus or car is straightforward, making this a great option for a coastal escape year-round.
How to Get to Nazaré from Lisbon
| Transport | Travel Time | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Bus | ~1 hr 45 min | Rede Expressos buses leave from Lisbon Sete Rios to Nazaré. It’s the easiest public option. The station is a short walk from the beach. |
| Car | ~1 hr 30 min | Nazaré is about 120 km north of Lisbon via the A8 motorway. |
| Tour | Full day | Nazaré is often included in day tours with Óbidos, Batalha or Fátima. |
SETÚBAL
Setúbal is a lively port city about 50 km south of Lisbon, and it has become one of the most popular Lisbon day trips thanks to its beautiful beaches. The town’s main highlight is the Mercado do Livramento, one of Portugal’s best food markets, filled with fresh fish and colourful tiled walls.
You can also visit the hilltop Fort of São Filipe for panoramic views over the coast or take a short taxi ride to Praia da Figueirinha, a calm beach with clear waters. Setúbal is part of the Arrábida Natural Park, so if you’re driving, don’t miss the nearby cliffs, beaches and scenic coastal roads.
Lisbon to Setúbal is an easy trip by train or car, making it a great option for both nature lovers and foodies.
How to Get to Setúbal from Lisbon
| Transport | Travel Time | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Train | ~1 hr | Take the Fertagus train from Lisbon (Roma-Areeiro, Entrecampos, or Campolide) to Setúbal. It’s affordable, direct, and scenic as you cross the 25 de Abril Bridge. |
| Car | ~50 min | Setúbal is about 50 km south of Lisbon via the A2 motorway. Driving is the best option if you also want to explore nearby beaches or Arrábida Natural Park. |
| Tour | Full day | Some guided tours combine Setúbal with wine tastings or Arrábida. It’s a good option if you want to explore the area without planning transport. |
SESIMBRA
Sesimbra is a small fishing town on the Setúbal Peninsula, and one of the easiest Lisbon day trips if you’re looking for beaches close to the city. The main beach is just steps from the town centre, with several cafés and restaurants nearby. If you’re up for a short walk uphill, visit the Castle of Sesimbra, a medieval fortress with panoramic views of the coastline.
A day trip to Sesimbra from Lisbon is ideal if you want a mix of sea and scenery. If you’re driving, it’s worth combining Sesimbra with a quick stop at Arrábida Natural Park or Cabo Espichel, a scenic clifftop viewpoint just a short drive away.
How to Get to Sesimbra from Lisbon
| Transport | Travel Time | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Bus | ~1 hr 15 min | Direct TST buses (route 207 or 260) run from Lisbon (Praça de Espanha or Sete Rios) to Sesimbra. It’s affordable and drops you close to the beach. |
| Car | ~50 min | Sesimbra is about 40 km south of Lisbon via the A2 and N378. Driving gives you flexibility to visit nearby viewpoints like Cabo Espichel. |
| Tour | Half or full day | Some tours include Sesimbra as part of a coastal or Arrábida itinerary. A good option if you want to combine nature and beach stops without planning transport. |
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