I love Lisbon, but I also love to explore the surrounding cities. Based on my personal experience, I have listed my favorite day trips.
So, whether you want beachy vibes from Cascais and Costa da Caparica or a more fairytale story from Sintra, I have you covered.
I recommend getting up early in the morning and heading to the city you want to visit for your day trip to maximize your time there and avoid rush hour.
1. Cascais
Cascais is known for its beautiful beaches, and rightfully so. When I visit Cascais, I usually take an Uber, but today, it’s become a bit expensive, so I take the train. Trust me when I say it’s worth visiting Cascais.
Cascais has some incredible beaches, with beach volleyball, workout stations, and ice-cold water to bathe in. You can also view the noble mansions lining along the waterfront. Every summer, locals and tourists visit this town.
My favorite beach in Cascais is Praia de Carcavelos, where you can do all the activities I mentioned.
You can also make Cascais part of a 3-day trip to Lisbon. Remember sun protection. I caught my worst sunburn ever in Cascais.
2. Sintra
The first time I visited Sintra, I took the train to the station and walked from the station to the beautiful castles; I don’t recommend this, though, unless you’re up for a long walk.
Instead, take a bus to the city center; from there, you can walk. I do not recommend car travel, as the town has limited parking. Head to the old town to explore the 14th-century Palace of Sintra.
The town’s origins trace back to the Celts and Romans, but its significance grew under Moorish rule with the construction of the Castelo dos Mouros in the 8th or 9th century.
After the Christian reconquest in 1147, Sintra remained a favored royal retreat. It peaked in the 19th century when King Ferdinand II transformed a former monastery into the Palรกcio da Pena, a hallmark of Romantic architecture.
Sintraโs allure inspired figures like Lord Byron, who called it a “glorious Eden.”
Today, this UNESCO World Heritage site is celebrated for its blend of Moorish, medieval castle, Romantic architecture, lush gardens, and stunning palaces, making it one of Portugal’s most iconic and picturesque destinations.
If you’re staying five days in Lisbon, you might’ve experienced the cobbled streets of central Lisbon, and it’s time to make a day trip from Lisbon as part of your 5-day trip in Lisbon.
3. Costa da Caparica
Visit Costa da Caparica for one of the best Lisbon day trips. It is my favorite beach spot, and I’ve been there numerous times.
It’s just on the other side of the 25th Abril Bridge, and if you’re lucky, you can get there in 20 minutes with Uber. I’ve done this countless times; I love this area.
If you’re a beginner at surfing, the beaches here are incredible. The beach is also beautiful, with 26km of beach; it’s so crazy to see in real life.
A pro tip is to take an Uber early in the morning to avoid the traffic over the bridge. When you return to Lisbon, leave early in the afternoon or late evening to avoid the traffic.
4. รbidos
Catch a bus from Campo Grande for an unforgettable trip to รbidos.
รbidos is a charming medieval town in Portugal that’s like stepping back in time.
Surrounded by ancient walls, itโs famous for its beautiful old castle and winding cobblestone streets.
You can explore the castle and enjoy amazing views of the countryside.
Throughout the year, รbidos hosts fun events like the Medieval Market and Chocolate Festival, making it a lively spot to visit.
With its quaint shops and cozy cafes, รbidos is a perfect place to experience history, culture, and great food.
5. Nazarรฉ
The coastal town of Nazarรฉ is a surfer’s paradise with giant waves. You can get there by taking the bus from Sete Rios, which takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes.
The coastal town has made many headlines, with its waves reaching 85 feet tall. The best time to catch these giant waves is between October and February.
The town is also known for its charming traditional fishing culture and the iconic Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazarรฉ.
You can also check out this guide for some great surfing spots near Lisbon.
7. Azenhas do Mar
Azenhas do Mar is about an hour’s drive by car from Lisbon, or you can take a bus from Sintra, which takes around 40 minutes.
No matter what transport you choose, you can enjoy the road trip. Azenhos do Mar is perched on a cliff with rows of whitewashed houses.
The village gets its name from the azenhas (old millstones) that used to stand there and its seaside location. Still, few tourists make it this far, as it is not easy to reach.
Here, you can enjoy the views at the top of the cliff or find a tiny beach ๐ with a natural pool to cool down in the water.
8. Ericeira
Ericeira is a popular surfing spot, especially since it is on the same level as Nazarรฉ.
Lisbon to Ericeira takes 40 minutes by car, Uber, or bus. So it’s super fast to get there; a bus ticket only costs around โฌ6, and an Uber trip around โฌ30.
You find a mix of waves for surfers in Ericeira, but there are mighty reef breaks with plenty of surfing schools. You need not chase the waves; you can enjoy a swim at the beach.
The seaside town also has a slow-paced atmosphere, making it ideal for a day away from the city bustle.
White houses with blue trimmings are everywhere, making it a popular destination. It’s one of many beauties in the area.
From there, you can head to Mafra, which has a vast forest and an 18th-century royal palace (Mafra National Palace). Renting a car makes it easier, as public transport between these places isn’t straightforward.
9. Peniche
Peniche is known for stunning cliffs, vibrant fishing culture, and excellent surfing spots, particularly at the beach Praia do Baleal.
You can take a 30-minute ferry to the magical Berlengas Islands in Peniche. Once you arrive, you’re met with the most magical sights you can imagine. The ferry only operates during May and September.
The Berlengas Islands is a military fort built on a former monastery site. It’s open to the public today and is worth a visit.
Beyond the glorious beaches, the Cabo Carvoeira Lighthouse and the 16th-century fortress, both on the cliff’s edge, are worth visiting.
You can also scuba dive in the surroundings, but to get the most out of it, it is best to book a diving boat trip.
In Lisbon, ferries are a common form of public transportation. Here is a detailed guide to using the ferry around Lisbon.
10. Setรบbal
Setรบbal is a charming fishing town and the best place to enjoy seafood. A top dish here is chocolate frito, a fried cuttlefish, but plenty of other options are available.
Setรบbal is also well-known for its sweet, fortified wine, Muscat of Setรบbal, a local specialty that pairs perfectly with its cuisine. Additionally, the town boasts a lively port area and charming streets filled with historic architecture and vibrant markets.
To reach Setรบbal, you can take a bus, the Carris Metropolitana, Rede Expressos departing from Sete Rios, or a train. It takes around 30 min by bus and 50 min by train.
You can also visit the bustling food market Mercado do Livramento, which supplies the historic town with fresh produce. You can also go dolphin-watching or take boat tours.
11. รvora
รvora is known for its rich history and well-preserved Roman and medieval architecture, including the impressive Temple of Diana and the charming รvora Cathedral.
The city is also famous for its unique Chapel of Bones, a monument made from human bones. It is pretty scary but fascinating.
Additionally, รvora is celebrated for its beautiful historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its narrow streets and traditional buildings offer visitors a glimpse into Portugal’s past.
To get to รvora, I recommend taking the bus or train from Sete Rios train station. The train and the bus take 1 hour and 20 minutes from Lisbon.
If you’re into wine, รvora is perfect, and you can visit the region’s wine farms. My favorite Portuguese wine valley is Douro, and it’s right here in รvora.
12. Sesimbra
Sesimbra is a seaside town surrounded by the Arrรกbida Natural Park.
Sesimbra is known for its beautiful coastline, with stunning beaches like Praia de Sesimbra and Praia do Ouro, which are perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
I once drove with a friend to the beach in Sesimbra, and it’s difficult to explain how beautiful it is. We ended up paddleboarding, and it was incredible. It’s quite difficult to park, though, so take an Uber or use public transportation.
The town is known for its vibrant fishing culture and excellent seafood, with many restaurants serving fresh catches from the local waters.
Sesimbra also boasts a historic castle, Castelo de Sesimbra, which offers panoramic views of the town and the surrounding coastline.
To get to Sesimbra, take the 3721 bus from Sete Rios or travel by car.
You can enjoy mountain climbing, diving, and coasteering in the surroundings. Visit the beaches with crystal-clear waters.
If you’re in Sesimbra around February, you have to experience the Sesimbra festival.
Here are the best things to do in Lisbon In September 2024
I’ll send you a list of the best things to do in September and every month moving forward from today.
It’ll be based on my personal experience of living and traveling around Lisbon for years. I’m sharing a lot of hidden gems. ๐ต๐น
Wrap-Up
Lisbon has so much to offer, but if you want to experience even more history, sandy beaches, and a different vibe, go on one of these popular day trips.
Often, you can visit a whole other city by taking the train for less than 30 min, so it’s not like you have to book a hotel and stay overnight.
That’s what I really like about Lisbon: It’s close to everything, and you can go from the city center to a beautiful sandy beach in less than 30 minutes.
I recommend exploring Lisbon’s city center first. Once you feel you’ve covered that, go on a day trip to Sintra, Cascais, or maybe even Sesimbra.
These destinations truly complement any visit to Lisbon and provide a diverse range of activities and sights for every traveler.
Frequently Asked Questions
Planning On Going To Lisbon?
I’ve created a trip planner where you enter the number of days you’re going and what activities you want to do.
Based on your input, you then get an entire vacation planned with ideas.
