13 Incredible Day Trips From Lisbon, Portugal
When I think of Lisbon I think of the stunning views from the many hilltops, sunsets on the Tagus River, delectable Pastel de nata's, and beautiful artitecture. Lisbon is certainly a must visit city, but there is plenty to do and see outside the city as well. In this post we will go over the best day trips from Lisbon.
The rugged coastline, friendly locals, and beautiful cities made me fall in love with Portugal. There is so much to see outside of the capital, and you don't have to stray too far away from Lisbon to see more of this stunning country. So if you have a few extra days in the capital of Portugal, these 13 incredible day trips from Lisbon are a great way to see more of Portugal.
This post is all about 13 incredible day trips from Lisbon, Portugal.
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13 Incredible Day Trips From Lisbon, Portugal
1. Sintra
Sintra is a magical town just thirty minutes from Lisbon. There are five stunning castles in Sintra that are available to explore. If you can only do one day trip from Lisbon than I would go to Sintra because it is close to the city and absolutely gorgeous.
One thing you have to do before visiting Sintra is buy your tickets online. I did not are was not able to see all of the castels. You should do a tour because I ended up spending more money and seeing less, because of the uber and the sold out castle tickets. Tours are also just less stressful. This tour got excellent reviews and is affordable.
2. Nazare
Have you seen those videos of the massive waves on Instagram? Those unbelievably huge waves are in Nazare, Portugal. Nazare is about an hour north of Lisbon and is totally worth a visit. Nazare waves reach up to 80 feet in the winter months! You can learn all about why and how Nazare has these huge waves and more about the surfers who rode them at the Nazare Surf Museum.
The two best ways to get to Nazare are via a tour from Lisbon, bus, or taking a private transfer.
I have a detailed guide on Nazare here (what to do in Nazare, where to stay in Nazare, what to eat in Nazare, and more).
Read Next: A Quick Guide To Nazare, Portugal
3. Averio
Known as the Venice of Portugal, Averio is a lovely place to do a day trip if you have a spare day in Lisbon. Located about two hours north of Lisbon you will be able to experience magical gondola rides, cobblestone streets, delectable food, and beautiful views of the water during your Aveiro day trip from Lisbon.
The best way to get to Aveiro from Lisbon is by bus or tour. This tour is great for groups and offers flexible planning. This tour is more affordable!
⭐Read Next: A Quick Guide To Aveiro, Portugal
4. Porto
Believe it or not Porto is a doable day trip from Lisbon. If you are short on time and want to see more that the capital of Portugal this day trip is for you! I would do this tour because it will be a lot of travel for one day and doing a tour will make everything less stressful. If you decide not to do a tour there are plenty of affordable trains and buses to choose from.
⭐Read Next: The Ultimate Guide To Porto
5. Ericeira
If you are looking for Portuguese surf and sun, Ericeira is a great place to spend a day. Only about forty five minutes from Lisbon, Ericeira an adorable Portugese town that has plenty to do and see. Getting to Ericeira is easy - you have take an uber (they are inexpensive in Portugal) or you can take a bus (they are usually around five euros).
In Ericeira you can try surfing, have a beach day, explore the town, and try some of the amazing cafes.
6. Cascais
Another Beautiful seaside town near Lisbon is Cascais. Just about 30 minutes west of Lisbon is the stunning town of Cascais. Home to beautiful beaches, fabulous shopping, delicious food and great hiking, Cascais is a perfect place for a day trip from Lisbon.
While in Cascais don't miss the Mercado da Vila flea market, Santa Marta Lighthouse and Museum, Casa de Guia, Parque Marechal Carmona, and Boca Do Inferno.
7. Parque Natural da Arrábida
Looking for some hiking and nature outside of the bussing city of Lisbon, consider a day trip to Parque Natural da Arrabida for some hiking. Portugal is known for its dramatic coastline and Parque Natural da Arrabida is the perfect place to see it.
Some of the best hikes at Parque Natural da Arrábida include São Luís Mountain Watchtower Route, Ribeira do Cavalo Beach Route, Path to Cabo de Ares and Calhau da Cova, Cova de Sesimbra Route, Cliff Trail, Subida do Javali - São Luís - Subida da Vigia trail, and plenty more.
Checkout more trails at Parque Natural da Arrábida here.
8. Evora
Evora is as dreamy as it sounds. The UNESCO world heritage site is home to ancient artifacts, a roman temple, beautiful buildings, and more. If you are a fellow history lover, then you will love Evora.
Located just over an hour east of Lisbon, the historic city is an easy day trip. The best way to get to Evora is via bus, train, or tour.
While in Evora don't miss The Chapel of Bones, Templo Romano Évora, Cathedral of Évora, Igreja e Mosteiro de São Francisco, The University of Evora, and more.
9. Badajoz, Spain
Looking to add another country to your list? A day trip to Spain is totally possible from Lisbon. The perfect city, Badajoz, is right on Portuguese border and only 2 hours away from Lisbon. While in Badajoz make sure to visit the Alcazaba of Badajoz, the Archaeological Museum of Badajoz, Puerta de Palmas, MUBA - Museo de Bellas Artes de Badajoz, and more.
The best way to get to Badajoz from Lisbon is by train or bus.
Checkout this tour of Badajoz, Spain.
10. Caldas da Rainha
Just an hour north of Lisbon, Caldas da Rainha, is an attractive city known for its hot springs and ceramics. This gorgeous little city a lovely place for a day trip from Lisbon or quit stop on your Portugal Road Trip.
While visiting Caldas da Rainhas stop by the Bordallo Pinheiro Factory, Parque Dom Carlos I, the Museu da Cerâmica, and visit the open air market.
11. Óbidos
The picturesque town of Obidos is known for its well preserved medieval architecture, cobblestone streets, and crenellated wall. Only about an hour away, Obidos is one of the most popular day trips from Lisbon. You can easily get Obidos by train, bus, or tour.
While in Óbidos don't miss Castelo de Óbidos, Lagoa de Óbidos, and Bacalhôa Buddha Eden.
12. Fátima
Fátima is home to Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima, an important religious site. The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima drives catholics and religious travellers from all over the world to Fatima.
Long story short, the Virgin Mary is believed to have appeared in Fatima in 1917.
While in Fatima be sure to visit Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima, Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Fatima, and the Chapel of the Apparitions.
13. Batalha
Just north of Lisbon, Batalha, is home to gothic and Manueline architecture. The most popular attraction in Batalha is the Batalha Monastery because of its stunning gothic architecture.
If you are planning on visiting Nazare, Batalha is an easy add on to your Nazare day trip, as they are situated right next to each other. While in Batalha be sure to visit the Batalha Monastery, Coin Cave, Capelas Imperfeitas, and Fundação Batalha de Aljubarrota.
🚗Checkout this tour of Batalha
13 Day Trips From Lisbon Wrap Up
There are so many places around Lisbon that are worthy of a day trip! I hope that these 13 day trips from Lisbon help you plan the best trip to Portugal. If you have any places you have been around Portugal that you love please leave a comment below of any recommendations. If you liked this post I think you will love my Complete Guide To Lisbon, Portugal and my Ultimate Guide To Porto, Portugal.
Happy Travels,
Daisy
these are great ideas! well written article