If you’ve ever been to Lisbon, you probably know that a “Lisbon travel” is not complete without making several day trips from Lisbon. The surrounding cities are part of the charm Lisbon offers. Those day trips from Lisbon mix history, culture, and beauty perfectly. They offer everything from fairytale castles to golden beaches. You can visit the magical Sintra or the sunny Cascais. Or, you can go to Obidos, where old walls tell stories of the past.
Sintra is just a 30-minute train ride away and takes about 7 hours to see (could be more, though!). Cascais is even closer, taking only 40 minutes by train. These trips can turn your Lisbon holiday into a two-week adventure full of different sights and experiences. However, most people just don’t have the time to make all these day trips from Lisbon. You have to choose only a few of them, which can be hard. I’ll try to show you all the possible options for a day trip from Lisbon and let you choose what’s best.
What I love most about these day trips from Lisbon is how easy they are to get to. Portugal’s public transport is efficient, so you can quickly get to a new place. It’s like having a magic carpet that takes you on new adventures every day. That’s one of the reasons why when people visit Lisbon, they take these day trips from Lisbon. It’s hassle-free, cheap, fast, and efficient. It opens up a whole new world for traveling in Portugal. Although, I have to say, their train system is a bit out-dated compared to the North or Central Europe.
A picture I made with the help of AI, Lisbon in the background.
Introduction to Lisbon’s Surrounding Region
Areas around Lisbon can sometimes even be better than Lisbon itself. I love exploring the areas around Lisbon because of that. The city’s surroundings have historic towns, beautiful beaches, and stunning natural scenery. That’s why day trips from Lisbon are a must if you are in Lisbon to understand its culture, history, lifestyle, people, and other things. I’ll explain the most accessible destinations and how to get there from Lisbon in a day.
Accessible Destinations
There are numerous destinations you can access from Lisbon for a day trip. Some of these are:
- Sintra is a fairytale town just 30 kilometers northwest of Lisbon. It’s a quick 40-minute train ride away.
- Cascais is made for beach lovers. This coastal resort is 25 kilometers west of Lisbon.
- If you’re into history, Évora, the capital of Alentejo, is about an hour’s drive and packed with ancient sites.
- Obidos,
- Ericeira, Europe’s First and Only World Surfing Reserve
- Peniche.
Of course, these are not the only ones; there are many others. However, these are the ones you have to pay a visit to if you are looking for a nice day trip from Lisbon.
Getting Around
The thing about doing these day trips from Lisbon is that getting to wherever you want is extremely easy. Trains are my go-to for places like Sintra and Cascais. They’re frequent, affordable, and offer scenic routes. The train takes less than an hour for close cities to Lisbon like Setúbal.
If you prefer driving, you can easily rent a car to explore at your own pace. The A8 highway connects Lisbon to spots like Peniche in about 1h15. However, because of the tolls and everything, it can get expensive really quickly, so be careful. In addition to the traditional methods, you can cycle, too. The Alcântara-Guincho loop offers a beautiful ride along the Tagus River to the Atlantic, passing through Belém and Cascais.
There are bus options for certain places, such as Ericeira. They are extremely cheap (I paid 4€ for one-way in 2023), are mostly reliable, and are very frequent.
Sintra: A Fairytale Escape
Sintra is one of the most popular cities around Lisbon for a day trip from Lisbon for many people. Among many things, Sintra is only a 40-minute train ride away. It also costs less than 5 euros for a round trip – similar to Ericeira’s bus. The town’s amazing greenery and vibrant architecture create an atmosphere that feels straight out of a storybook.
What attracts most people to Sintra is the Palácio Nacional da Pena. This UNESCO World Heritage site is on top of a hill and has breathtaking views. Adult tickets cost €14, with a €3 shuttle bus fee to reach the palace. The colorful exterior and intricate details are just stunning, and if you are a photographer, you will find it a dream come true.
Another must-visit is Quinta da Regaleira. This was a former private residence. Now, it’s open to the public for €8. This place feels like stepping into a secret world.
You can buy a combination ticket that’ll get you around 10% off if you visit multiple sites. Most people take a day trip to Sintra, but there’s just too much stuff to explore. From the Moorish Castle to Monserrate Palace, you can end up spending hours in one place. That’s why you can also consider staying overnight in Sintra.
Remember, though, Sintra is extremely popular. It’s extremely crowded in the peak season. Either go off-season or early during the day to have some space for yourself.
Cascais: The Portuguese Riviera
Another nearby city is Cascais, which takes 40 minutes by train. I am not sure about the buses, but there could be options for this one, too. This charming coastal town became famous after King Luís I picked it as his summer home in 1870. Cascais is not as popular as Sintra and, frankly, doesn’t offer as many historical views as some other cities. However, the attractions are still unlimited.
Beach attractions and activities
The beaches in Cascais are beautiful. I enjoy walking along the Paredão de Cascais, a scenic seaside promenade. It offers amazing views. You can see the main sights in about 3.2km for a quick visit.
Don’t miss the dramatic Boca do Inferno, a natural wonder. It’s a cliff formation that’s truly stunning. Cascais has a couple of beaches and some attractions around it. You may spend a day going through those beaches, walking on them, swimming in the ocean, and discovering the surrounding areas.
Cultural highlights and museums
I mentioned it doesn’t have as many cultural and historical sites as Sintra, but that doesn’t mean that it has nothing. Cascais has a rich cultural scene. The grand villas and parks are just magnificent. The town’s museums show its fishing heritage and 19th-century architecture.
Getting to Cascais is easy. A train from Cais do Sodré station in Lisbon costs €2.40 one-way. For the best views, sit on the left side of the carriage leaving Lisbon. If you’re short on time, consider joining an organized tour covering Cascais and Sintra.
Óbidos: Step Back in Time
This medieval town is just an hour away by express bus. This city is like a fairytale city, similar to Sintra. For some reason, the bus tickets are expensive, about €18 for a round trip. I’m not sure why because it’s also an hour to Sintra and Ericeira, but you pay less than half of this. I have to say, though, it’s worth it.
When you are walking on the popular cobblestone streets, you will see those cute little whitewashed houses and colorful flowers. The town’s charm is in its preserved medieval architecture and stunning castle walls. If you want to see some unwavering views, make sure to walk the full 1,560-meter loop.
Local Specialties and Souvenirs
The popular thing of Obidos is ginja, a sweet cherry liqueur. They often serve it in a chocolate cup. It makes for a great, delicious treat when you’ve been walking the whole morning. It generally costs about €1.50 a glass, and it’s a must-try local specialty. You can find ginjas in Lisbon, too, but I think they taste better in Obidos. For lunch, most of the restaurants you find in the center are super nice, and you can get something for €10-20.
The best time to explore is early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds. Within 2-3 hours, you can fully experience the town’s highlights. You can go early in the morning, and you’ll be done after lunch. Then, you can either head back to Lisbon or visit nearby Caldas da Rainha. That place is like a village, and it’s known for its ceramic traditions and fruit market.
Ericeira: Europe’s Only World Surfing Reserve
Ericeira was the first little town I visited from Lisbon when I first went to Portugal. I didn’t do an Ericeira day trip. It was for a surf camp, so I spent 7 days in this cute little town, and it was definitely worth it. But it is definitely a perfect town for a day trip from Lisbon.
I took a bus from Campo Grande, which was about 1 hour long and cost 4€, as I mentioned above. Ericeira is special in the sense that it became Europe’s first World Surfing Reserve in 2011.
It is the perfect spot for everyone if you want to surf as a beginner, intermediate, or advanced. Amazing beaches, cute town vibes, great food, and stunning waves.
But there’s more than surfing in Ericeira. I like checking out its old buildings, shopping in boutiques, and eating fresh seafood. Ericeira has stand-up paddleboarding, skateboarding, hiking, and cycling for those seeking adventure. Food lovers will enjoy local cakes and nearby wineries. Ericeira has something for everyone, making it a great day trip from Lisbon.
Surfing in Ericeira
Ericeira is a top spot for surfers of all levels. It has many surf schools along the coast. These schools help every level of surfers. The beaches have both easy waves and tough reef breaks.
Don’t miss the World Surfing Reserve Interpretation Center to learn about surfing history.
Peniche: Relax or Surf in the Sea
Peniche is a very popular surfing town, right next to Nazare and maybe even Ericeira. The city is a 90-minute drive by car or about one and a half hours by bus, which costs 2.99 Euros one-way. This place with great beaches offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. It’s again a little further away than Sintra or Ericeira, but a visit worth the time. The Peniche day trip is one of the best day trips, and maybe you should even stay overnight to actually get the vibe of the city.
Surf’s Up in Peniche
Peniche is Portugal’s top surfing destination, with a dozen surf spots along the coast. If you like surfing, surfing in Peniche is a must-try experience, no matter your level. You can find surf lessons in Peniche for all levels, from total beginners to seasoned pros.
If you want a more surfing vibe and want to stay longer, a surf camp can be a great way. I did it in Ericeira, and it was amazing. A typical surf camp offers two daily lessons, each lasting up to two hours, for six days straight. If you are just starting your surfing journey, Peniche is a great spot. It’s open to everyone.
Old Town Charm
Once you finish your surf
lessons or
need a break from the waves, Peniche has a cute old town center. Its narrow streets lead to hidden treasures like the 16th-century fortress. That fortress once was a political prison, and now it has a fascinating museum.
There is also a lace-making heritage museum, which has English captions as well. For a change of pace, you may also visit Baleal Beach. It’s perfect for swimming, surfing, or simply snapping photos. To top your visit off, visit Cabo Carvoeiro. It’s a stunning cliff just 3 kilometers west of town. Its unique rock formations and lighthouse make for a great place to snap pictures. Go there during sunset, and you will make the best of it.
Évora: Portugal’s History
Another great day trip from Lisbon is going to Evora for a day trip. Although, it takes about 1h40 minutes by train. So if you want to experience the full Evora day trip feeling, you should take an earlier train. The city is full of Portuguese history, with many national monuments.
The first stop is the Roman temple. It dates back to the 1st century AD. The temple’s columns stand tall and have great stories that tell you a lot about Evora and its history. The Bone Chapel is another great historical monument to visit. This place costs €5 to enter. Inside, human skulls and bones decorate the walls.
Évora Cathedral is another highlight. It’s the largest in Portugal and took nearly 600 years to build. From its roof, you can see the whole city. What I love about Évora is that it’s not a surf town or a tourist town. It’s a world on its own with its history and heritage sites. Compared to Sintra or Cascais, train fares are slightly more expensive, costing €22.50 in return.
Conclusion
Finding the right day trips from Lisbon is not an easy task, especially if you don’t have time to try all of it. However, I think when creating a Lisbon itinerary, including a few of these day trips from Lisbon is a must. Otherwise, you miss out on a lot.
Most of the time, they are a train ride away – not longer than a normal trip would take in bigger cities like Paris or London. For example, Sintra is only 40 minutes away by train, and Ericeira is 1 hour by bus.
From magical historical castles to the World Surfing Reserve Spot, there is something for everyone around Lisbon. You can visit the Portuguese Riviera, Cascais or Peniche to go surfing. Just with a couple of euros, you can get to all these places with only one ride, either train, bus, or car.
FAQ
What are the top day trip destinations from Lisbon?
Top day trips from Lisbon include Sintra, Cascais, Obidos, Setubal, Evora, Sesimbra, Arrabida, and Ericeira. These spots offer a mix of history, nature, and culture. You’ll find everything from historic towns to beautiful beaches.
How can I get to these day trip destinations from Lisbon?
Getting to these places is easy with Lisbon’s good public transport. You can take trains, buses, or rent a car. For example, Sintra and Cascais are just a direct train ride away.
What are the must-see attractions in Sintra?
Don’t miss the Palácio Nacional da Pena, Quinta da Regaleira, and Palácio Nacional de Sintra in Sintra. The area is great for hiking and has beaches you can reach by historic tram in summer.
What can I do in Cascais?
Cascais is known for its beautiful beaches, grand villas, and parks. It also has museums and the famous Boca do Inferno cliff. Nearby, Cabo da Roca is the westernmost point in mainland Europe. The town buzzes with nightlife, bars, and restaurants.
What is the specialty of Obidos?
Obidos is famous for its Ginja, a sweet drink served in chocolate cups. The town is also known for its colorful houses, cobbled streets, and a medieval castle.
Why is Ericeira famous?
Ericeira is known as Europe’s first World Surfing Reserve. It has waves for all surfers, from beginners to experts. There are surf schools and places to rent boards.
What makes Peniche unique?
Peniche is special for its surfing and historic old town. You can learn to surf or wander through the quiet streets and see the 16th-century fortress. It’s a place of action and relaxation.
What are the main attractions in Evora?
Evora is full of history and landmarks like a Roman temple, an aqueduct, and a bone chapel. It has many national monuments, making it a top spot for history lovers.